Saving Willowbrook by Anna Jacobs Page B

someone like him do with a child for a whole afternoon?
    Ella didn’t want to give him any access at all. He’d hurt the child enough by not coming near her for three years. She remembered in the early days Amy asking where her daddy was. And one day, the child had suddenly asked if her daddy didn’t like her because she couldn’t walk properly.
    A child shouldn’t think that way. She hoped she’d convinced Amy that it wasn’t because of the SMA. Whether she had succeeded or not, the subject hadn’t been raised again.
    Why this sudden interest from Miles?
    It wasn’t because he loved his daughter, Ella was quite sure of that. He could say the words of love, said them often and easily when he wanted something, but she’d found the hard way that he didn’t really care about anyone but himself.
    How was she to protect Amy from being hurt by him now?
    Tears came into her eyes. She didn’t think she had any choice about allowing access, was sure she remembered Ian Hannow saying her ex would still have the right to see his child, whatever they’d arranged.
    Still holding the handpiece, Ella sat down on the ancient oak settle at one side of the kitchen. Miles would have some reason for doing this. She didn’t know what, but she was quite sure there would be one.
    She checked the other message and noted a booking for a few weeks’ time, a couple who’d been here before.
    Just as she was about to set the handpiece down, the phone rang. She stared at it, wondering whether to answer it or not. ‘Don’t be such a coward!’ she told herself and said crisply, ‘Willowbrook.’
    â€˜Ella? Ella, is that you?’
    Cameron’s voice. Joy flooded through her and suddenly the world felt brighter. ‘Yes, of course it’s me.’
    â€˜You sound strained. Are you all right?’
    â€˜I’m fine. I was just – um, lost in thought.’
    â€˜You’ve not had any other problems?’
    She hesitated, not knowing whether to tell him or not. She hardly knew him, after all, however comfortable she felt with him.
    â€˜There is something. What’s happened? Can I help?’
    â€˜The security lights kept going on and off last night. I’m sure it wasn’t an animal. Whoever it was would wait ten minutes, then trip the lights again. This morning I found footprints near the house.’
    â€˜Hell! And I can’t get back till late tomorrow at the earliest. Are those four people still staying there? Thank goodness. Look, you’ll call me if anything else happens? Got something to write with? Good. Here’s my mobile number. I forgot to give it you before I left.’
    She scribbled it down, smiling. She’d been worrying about nothing.
    â€˜I’m missing you, Ella.’
    â€˜Are you?’
    â€˜I wouldn’t say so otherwise. Aren’t you missing me?’
    â€˜I’ve been busy with my new guests.’
    He laughed softly. ‘You’re right to tread cautiously. You don’t know me yet. But you will.’ There was the sound of voices in the background. ‘Oh, damn. I have to go now. I’ll call again tonight. And Ella – be careful.’
    The four guests came back mid-afternoon, teasing one another about their need for a rest.
    Later Ella watched them walk round the lake, one couple holding hands and the other two looking as if they belonged together, even though they weren’t touching. It renewed her faith in marriage just to see them.
    And it made her feel good that Cameron had called. She couldn’t help hoping . . . just a little . . . that something might come of their . . . friendship.
    But she would definitely tread carefully. There wasn’t only herself to be hurt this time, there was Amy.
    Later that afternoon two men turned up in a large four-wheel drive. They were wearing business suits and didn’t look at all like tourists.