Classic Bestsellers from Josephine Cox: Bumper Collection. Josephine Cox
doubt if he’s after this house.’ Tom had told her all about his work, and the fact that while he had more money than he knew what to do with, he would give it all away in exchange for peace of mind. ‘I think I can safely say that Tom and I have something very special. And, in spite of what you might think, he isn’t looking for a “cushy” number, as you so colourfully put it, because he’s already a wealthy man.’
At that, Samantha’s eyebrows went up and her mouth fell open. ‘Well, I never! My little sister’s hooked herself a big fish, eh? Good for you.’
Kathy’s anger was evident as she retaliated. ‘It’s not like that! I love Tom, and he loves me. I know you might find it hard to believe, but money doesn’t even come into it!’
Smiling maliciously, Samantha tutted. ‘Really? But you’re right. I do find it hard to believe.’
Kathy needed no reminding of her sister’s opinion of her. ‘Whether you believe it or not, I haven’t had an easy ride these past few years. But I’ve got my life together now, and I’m more content than I’ve been in ages. I won’t let you spoil that, Samantha,’ she told her quietly. ‘So, if you intend staying with me for a few days, you had better get used to the idea that this is not the Ritz or the Savoy. This is my home.’
Stunned into silence by her sister’s quiet self-confidence, Samantha wondered if her task was going to be as easy as she had first thought. She realised she was dealing with a woman who had thrown a protective barrier round herself and what was hers, and it was a sobering thing to see. On the face of it, she could not envisage how she might get Kathy to sell this house and give her half the proceeds.
The solicitor was right after all. It would not be easy, she could see that now. But it didn’t put her off, not for one minute. In fact, if a fight was what Kathy wanted, then a fight she would get!
For what seemed like an age, the two sisters stood facing each other: one with hatred in her heart; the other with a deep-down need for the company of family, and peace of mind.
For the moment, though, the atmosphere in that room was electrifying. In the background the clock ticked, and somewhere outside a dog could be heard barking.
A sudden knock on the door broke the brooding silence. ‘Seems you’ve got another visitor.’ Samantha soon recovered her arrogance. ‘You’d better go and see who it is.’
It was Tom.
‘I just thought, if you weren’t doing anything, that we could go into Weymouth. Maybe have a meal on the sea-front; sit and watch the sun go down. What do you say?’
Before Kathy could answer, Samantha appeared. ‘It sounds good to me,’ she told Tom, astonishing him with her boldness. ‘I haven’t strolled on the sea-front in ages.’
When Tom looked questioningly at Kathy, she introduced one to the other. ‘This is my sister, Samantha.’ Kathy felt a surge of anger that she was in this position. ‘And this is Tom Arnold.’
She felt no obligation to explain Tom’s very special role in her life. Instead she was quietly seething. How dare Samantha interfere like that? But then, she reminded herself, it was Samantha’s way. Unfortunately, she knew no other.
Tom held out his hand in greeting. ‘What a lovely surprise. Glad to meet you, Samantha.’
Samantha positively glowed. ‘Glad to meet you too,’ she purred. ‘I don’t suppose Kathy even told you about me?’
Sensing Samantha was out for trouble, Kathy intervened. ‘Look, Tom. Samantha’s only just arrived, so if it’s all right with you I think I’ll have to forget about Weymouth.’ More’s the pity, she thought angrily. ‘But we’re having fish and chips later.’ Her face brightened. ‘Why don’t you join us?’
She hoped he would, yet she was worried about him being too close to Samantha, who had an unenviable reputation for stealing other women’s men.
‘Well, thank you, darling. I’d love to!’ he said, though he would have preferred to take Kathy to Weymouth, where they could be alone. The truth was, they had so much to talk about, and in a few days he would be gone from here, for who knows how long. But he understood how Kathy could not desert her sister who, judging by the look of her suit and attire, had only recently arrived. ‘What time do you want me?’
‘Why don’t you come in now?’ Samantha had a soft spot for a good-looking man, and this one was all the more desirable because he was her sister’s. ‘I’m sure we could while away the time until the fish shop opens,’ she suggested blatantly.
‘Samantha!’ Kathy addressed her sharply. ‘I think it might be a good idea if you used the time to unpack and change.’ She tried hard to keep the annoyance out of her voice, but Samantha had a way of riling her that sent all common sense out of the window.
‘Fine,’ Tom said quickly. Realising there was some sort of deep-rooted friction here, and not particularly having taken to Samantha, Tom addressed himself to Kathy. ‘What say I come down about ten past six? I could call in to the chip shop on the way and pick up the order.’
Samantha hid her disappointment. ‘What a good idea!’
Wanting to slap her, but restraining herself, Kathy told her, ‘You can take your case upstairs if you like, Samantha.’ She gave her directions to the guest room. ‘You’ll find everything you need in there.’
‘Okay, sis.’ Smiling at Tom, Samantha sighed. ‘Kathy was always the bully.’ She gave him one of her loveliest smiles. ‘I’d best go, before she loses her temper with me.’ Rolling her eyes like a frightened little girl, she hurried away.
When she had gone upstairs, Tom looked at Kathy with raised eyebrows. ‘She’s nothing like you!’
Already upset and disillusioned, Kathy retorted, ‘You mean she’s sophisticated and well groomed, while I’m more suited to plimsolls and a sloppy top?’
Seeing he had innocently touched a raw spot, Tom slid his arm round her shoulders; drawing her forward, he kissed her full on the mouth. ‘I love you in your plimsolls and sloppy top,’ he said mischievously. ‘Besides, you’re “suited” to me,’ he told her softly, ‘and I’m “suited” to you.’
When he looked down she was smiling up at him. ‘That’s better,’ he chuckled. ‘Now then … walk me to the gate, and I’ll tell you how much I love you.’
When he put it like that, Kathy thought, how could she refuse? – and anyway, in spite of Samantha, he had put back the heart in her. ‘You’re an old charmer,’ she said, laughing.
‘Hey! Not so much of the “old”!’
From Kathy’s bedroom window, Samantha watched the two of them. She saw how wonderful they were together. She heard their laughter; she cringed when Tom kissed Kathy, and her hatred grew tenfold. ‘I’m not finished yet!’ she hissed. ‘This house and everything in it should have been given to me. I came here to get what’s rightfully mine, and I’m not leaving without it.’
She thought Tom was a real man: handsome, rich, and attentive. ‘You’re a great catch,’ she said, ogling him from afar. ‘She doesn’t know how to handle a man like you. But I do. By the time I’ve finished, I’ll have you and the house.’ The idea of marrying a man with money was too appealing to brush aside.
KEEPING A CAREFUL watch for anyone who might recognise her, Lilian got off the bus and quickly made her way to the churchyard. The gift of flowers was cradled in her arms, as a child might be.
She knew exactly where to find Tom’s family. After all, she had attended the service after the tragedy, and since then had been many times to visit alone.
Coming