Page 56 of The House Swap

‘You’ve had a stressful couple of weeks,’ Tom reminded her, his voice rational and soothing. ‘It’s not unusual for memory to blur at the edges when you’re exhausted.’

‘Yes, but…’ She stopped. ‘It just feels… deliberate.’

Tom was silent for a moment and she knew he was considering her words.

‘Has Martin been in with the cleaners?’ he asked.

‘Yes, they were here the day after we arrived. And he came back yesterday and the day before.’ Poppy couldn’t help rolling her eyes, though she tried to keep the irritation out of her tone.

‘Martin did? For what?’

‘Some ventilation thing. Then yesterday to fix the light timer. He said it’s been glitching and he was waiting for a part.’

‘Ah. He did mention something about the timer before I left. Sorry, I should have warned you the outdoor lights were playing up.’

‘It’s okay. When I came back from Analipsi, the pool lights were on. It freaked me out at the time, but at least it’s one thing I know I’m not going mad over.’ Poppy made an effort to laugh for Tom’s sake.

‘You’re not going mad, Pops,’ he said softly.

She hesitated.

‘What do you think of him?’ she asked.

‘Him? You mean Martin?’ Tom sounded a little surprised. ‘He’s solid. A bit quiet and not overly sociable, but he’s reliable and looks after a lot of people’s homes out here. Why?’

‘He just… he made me feel a bit foolish.’

‘Really? How so?’

‘I told him about everything and he looked like I was crazy. Like I imagined it all.’

Tom was silent for a moment before responding. His words when he spoke were reassuring, though it did sound as though he was choosing them carefully.

‘You’re no fool, Poppy. But isolation can play tricks on you. As I’ve said before, it’s a big place, and quiet too. You’ve had a shock with Keira leaving. It’s bound to make you hyperaware of your surroundings.’

Hyperaware. Was that simply what it was?

She pressed her forehead against the cool glass, staring out at the pool. ‘I suppose you’re right.’

‘I always am,’ Tom joked.

‘Arrogant too,’ Poppy teased back, smiling, despite herself.

His voice turned serious. ‘If anything else happens, you’re to tell me, okay? I don’t want you feeling unsafe.’

The word hung there between them for a moment. This was his home and she wouldn’t have him worrying about her.

‘I don’t feel unsafe,’ she assured him.

‘Good.’ He paused. ‘So, what are your plans for the rest of the day? Please tell me you’re not going to work on a Sunday?’

Poppy laughed. ‘No, I’ll have the day off. I’m off out to dinner tonight.’

‘Manoli’s?’ Tom asked.

‘No, it’s at someone’s house. A couple I’ve met. Sue and Ian. They invited me over.’

She had almost said ‘me and Jem’ but caught herself in time.