Total pages in book: 147
Estimated words: 142801 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142801 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
While I’ve more or less danced around the future of the safari park with Mandy, the old duffer seems certain that Eve will be the making of the place.
“It’s not on you,” I’ve reassured her. “I’ve promised him nothing, and neither have you. It’s not your fault he plays on deaf ears.”
She sees it. She knows it. Yet still she spends her evenings on her laptop (curled on the sofa or next to me in bed) investigating rehoming possibilities at other zoos and wildlife parks. It’s not an uncommon practice, thanks to facilities expanding to include new species or provide genetic diversity to existing ones. I think she finds comfort in that.
“They’re just preliminary investigations,” she’ll insist. “Nothing concrete. I know it really has nothing to do with me.”
But I see it troubles her. So I’m quietly conducting my own analysis for my eventual ownership.
My phone begins to ring, pulling me from my contemplation.
“It’s yours,” a gravelly tone barks down the line.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Dammit, Deubel. You know what I’m talking about.”
“Mandy, what a pleasure.” Satisfaction expands beneath my ribs as I process his unhappy declaration.
“Yes, yes.” His exhale whistles down the line. “Let’s just get to it. It’s time, I’m afraid. I can no longer hang on to Northaby. So, assuming you still want the old place, it’s yours for the asking price.”
“That’s such wonderful news.” My lips tip, and I find Atherton to be the last person on my mind. “Eve will be delighted.” At least, I hope she will be. Eventually.
“I’m disappointed you haven’t fully committed to the safari park, but I’m going to trust your young lady in the application of her thumbscrews. I am assured you will be cognizant of their welfare, in the meantime.”
“Of course, my lord. May I ask why the change of heart?”
He huffs, then sighs. “The roof is about to fall in on the Norfolk house. Do you know how much a new roof costs these days, Deubel?”
“I have a fair idea.”
“It’s bloody annoying that I can’t just off-load the place.” But his Norfolk estate is attached to his title. It can legally only be passed down to the next in line.
“I’m sure you understand safeguards will be set as a condition of the sale.”
As much as he can control them. What happens following the sale will be none of his business. Not that I intend to release tigers on the inhabitants of Surrey.
“Of course.” But I find my own pleasure suddenly short lived, a cold dread settling in my stomach. I’d foreseen Eve remaining by my side, at least for the animals’ welfare, but when she finds I have Northaby, will she insist on moving out? Her visa application is moving along. Ariana tells me she expects it to be complete within a couple of weeks.
“I have my back against the wall.” Mandy Mortimer’s voice pulls me back from my dread. “There’s nothing else for me but hope.”
But hope is not something I trade in.
The call ends, and I slump back in my chair. This is what I wanted—my ultimate goal. Why don’t I feel like I’ve won?
“I must be fucking crazy,” I mutter, dropping my head into my hands.
“Crazy in love?”
I sit up to find Fin leaning against the doorframe. “I’m certain that door was closed.”
“I heard you talking to yourself. Thought I should come in and check.”
I stare at him without answering. Maybe if I do it long enough, he’ll get the hint and piss off.
“I was speaking to Lord Bellsand,” I say when it becomes apparent I’m not that lucky.
Fin smiles like he doesn’t believe me, and, crossing the room, he drops into a chair on the far side of my desk.
“I thought only babies smile from wind.”
“Cute. You have babies on your mind.”
“What?”
“I can’t say I’ve ever imagined any of us as dads. I like playing daddy in the bedroom, but that’s kinda my limit.”
“You astound me,” I say. “And that’s not a compliment.”
“Don’t try to make out like I’m the only deviant here.”
“As usual, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“No?” He plucks his phone from his pocket. Bringing his fist to mouth, he theatrically clears his throat.
“A Little Bird Told Us . . .” He looks up, not bothering to hide a shit-eating grin.
“Fucking hell,” I groan. “What now?” I may have created a monster in helping that woman get her name on the column.
“Already cursing.” Fin tuts playfully.
“Just get on with it. The quicker you read it, the quicker you leave.”
He clears his throat again, making me want to punch it. “Our London lovers were recently spotted coming out of a property in Chelsea looking a little worse for wear—”
I sit up straight. “Drunk? When? That is absolute rubbish and borderline libelous.”
“—coming out of the exclusive club, Century.”
“Oh. That.” Eve was a little tipsy. Delightfully so. “And this is what constitutes news these days?” I mutter, pulling my laptop closer, feeling suddenly a hundred years old. “They ought to be careful with their language usage.”