Nothing to Fear

by Claire Boston

  Ryan grinned and forgot his concerns. “Any of that cake left over?”

  “Yeah. We saved you a piece. Come inside.”

  He let his son drag him inside the farmhouse and into the kitchen, where Mrs Z was pouring boiling water into a teapot.

  “I thought it would be you.” She smiled. “Would you like a cuppa?”

  “If you’re having one.” The Zanettis were doing so much for him and he didn’t want to take advantage of them. Mrs Z had refused any payment for taking care of Felix.

  “Always. Felix, why don’t you get out the mugs?”

  The boy hurried to the cupboard and fetched three mugs.

  “Better get four,” Mrs Z said to Felix. “I’m sure Nonno will be along shortly.” She turned to Ryan. “How was your day?”

  “Good.” He told her about Lynette’s offer. “I met Kit and Fleur today as well. Lincoln tells me they used to play with Jamie.”

  Mrs Z smiled. “Yeah. Where there’s one musketeer, there’s usually another not far behind. Those girls are the best of friends. You should stop by On the Way bakery and meet Mai. She makes the best vanilla slice in the world.”

  “I might do that.”

  There was a scuffle at the back door as Mr Z took off his boots and walked in. “G’day.”

  “Nonno, we’re having cake and tea,” Felix called.

  “Sounds great.” Mr Z shook Ryan’s hand.

  Ryan loved how comfortable Felix was in the Zanettis’ house. This is what he wanted for his son – warmth, love, comfort and people who wanted to be with him. Felix deserved to be spoilt a little. He barely saw either of his grandparents – Paula’s parents lived in Perth and he wasn’t exactly sure which state his parents were in at the moment, but they had never paid their grandchild much attention. The last time he’d heard from his sister, over six months ago, she was in Tasmania and going off grid, whatever that meant.

  “How’s work?” Mr Z asked.

  “Good. Adam and Sue are nice and the boss isn’t too much of an ogre,” he joked. “I’ve already met Fairy Floss and Shirley Jameson.”

  Mr Z smirked and Mrs Z lightly smacked his arm. “Shirley’s a lovely woman. She’s just lonely. Has she got her eye on you?”

  “She seemed keen on Adam when we took the dog back.”

  “Poor dear. That boy is so green. I don’t know why he became a cop. He’s far too nice.”

  “Hey!” Ryan protested.

  Mrs Z smiled. “You know what I mean. He’s naive and optimistic. You, on the other hand, left your naivety behind a long time ago.”

  That was true, though he’d been far too optimistic in his life, always hoping for the best in people and being constantly let down. “So, is there anyone in town I need to keep an eye on?”

  “You’ll find out soon enough,” Mrs Z said. “I don’t want to put ideas in your head.”

  “What’s Hannah’s place like?” Mr Z asked. “She’s only shown a few people what she’s up to in there.”

  “Really nice. The cabin is small, but for a short getaway it’s perfect. She’s working on another place, but that’s all I know.”

  “She told Lincoln there were going to be conference facilities there eventually. Kind of like a corporate getaway or something,” Mrs Z said.

  Sounded expensive. “Has she got any investors?”

  “She’s doing a lot herself. She inherited the land from her mother, but I don’t know where she got the money for the buildings.”

  Running a caravan park wouldn’t bring in much money.

  “Dad, can we go to the beach later?” Felix asked. “I want to see the ocean.”

  “Sure. We’ll drive by on the way home.”

  Ryan smiled as Felix did a happy dance. He pushed work and Hannah aside. This was Felix’s time. He deserved Ryan’s absolute attention.

  He glanced at Mrs Z. “Which is the best beach from here?”

  There was another gift waiting at the office door on Wednesday morning. The card with it read, On the second day of Christmas …

  Hannah’s lungs squeezed, making it hard to breathe. Images of her mother flashed through her mind, slightly faded by time. She’d loved the “Twelve Days of Christmas” song, and each day in the lead-up to Christmas she had given her husband and Hannah some small token. Hannah had forgotten about it until now.

  Slowly, her hands trembling, she unwrapped two china turtledove ornaments.

  She closed her eyes as the pain of the past washed over her, leaving goosebumps on her skin. Whoever was sending her the gifts couldn’t possibly know about her personal connection to the song. Her father was still in jail, still had two more years of his sentence to serve. So who the hell was it? No one had shown the slightest bit of interest in her lately; she’d had no invitations to coffee or the outdoor cinema, no one interested at all – except Justin. She shivered.

  Fleur took the card from her. “Do you recognise the writing?”

  “No.” She placed the box on the desk. One gift was OK, but two was definitely unsettling. The rest of the line of the song went my true love sent to me and the words true love sounded kind of obsessive to her. How could someone be her true love if she didn’t know who they were? They couldn’t know her. Or was she reading far too much into this?

  “Shall I put them on the filing cabinet?” Fleur said.

  Hannah nodded. It would do for now. She didn’t want to fixate on it and Lincoln would question why she was making such a fuss if she mentioned it to him. For all she knew, it was one of her guests doing something nice for her. Though she doubted it.

  Unease clung to her skin as she got to work. When Lynette arrived, Hannah was relieved to get out of the office. She needed space to breathe and the office had lost its sense of security.

  Together with Fleur, she did the necessary rounds of the park. They worked in a nice rhythm and it reminded her of when they’d shared a house in Perth. They’d dedicated Saturday afternoon to cleaning and spent the time talking about classes or friends. Today the topic of conversation was unfortunately Ryan. Fleur was scrubbing shower tiles while Hannah cleaned the toilets.

  Fleur broke the silence. “Why do you think he left his wife?”

  Hannah frowned. “Who?”

  “Ryan. He must have left her. No sane woman would let someone that gorgeous go.”

  “Just because he’s attractive, doesn’t mean he’s a nice person.” Justin had showed her that.

  “He’s gotta be nice,” Fleur said. “He’s Lincoln’s best friend. Slinky doesn’t put up with dickheads.”

  She was right. Lincoln didn’t suffer fools. So, it was likely that Ryan was a decent guy. He’d probably be a real gentleman on a date. You should ask Ryan out. Hannah blocked the voice. It was ridiculous to even contemplate. Not only would it be impossible for Ryan to live up to her teenage fantasies, but she struggled to be alone with any man. She could hardly take Joe on a date with her. Besides, the idea of going on a date again made all her warning signals flash and scream. It wasn’t safe.

  So what if when Ryan had interrupted Justin yesterday, she’d been so relieved she’d wanted to hug him. That was instinctive. It didn’t mean she liked or trusted him.

  She changed the subject and scrubbed harder.

  Later that afternoon, Hannah worked in the office with Lynette, reviewing the marketing plan and serving customers. Lynette was chatting to a couple when a delivery woman arrived. Hannah hesitated. She could hardly interrupt Lynette and make her go outside. It wouldn’t be good customer service. Plus, there was nothing to be afraid of. Justin wasn’t here and she could sign for the goods.

  She called Joe and went outside. The delivery driver had already started unloading the large boxes. When she was done, Hannah got the electric cart to move the goods into the storeroom. It took her three trips and Joe moved over to the lawn, where Jacob and Felix were playing. She kept an eye on him for a minute to make sure he wasn’t being rough, and then scanned the park.

  She would
be fine in the storeroom. Joe was close by. Still, her heart beat a little faster as she unpacked the first box full of toilet paper. She started on the next box when a voice behind her said, “Don’t you have someone to do the grunt work for you?”

  Her skin crawled and she whipped around fast. Justin leaned against the doorframe, the only exit to the room. Her heart thumped hard in her chest and her mouth went dry. She had to get out of here, had to move, to speak, to do something. She swallowed. Don’t show him your fear. She had a plan. She had to work through it.

  But that had involved having a counter between them.

  “What are you doing here?” she croaked.

  “I wanted to see you.” He stepped forward.

  She stepped back, bumping into the box on the ground. “What about?”

  He smiled. “I’ve missed you, Hannah. You disappeared without a trace and I’ve always wondered where you went.” He wrapped his hand around one of the struts holding up the shelves.

  Her attention was captured by his hand. She knew the strength of it, knew how rough and hard it was, knew what it could do to her. Her heart rate increased. Focus. “Shouldn’t you be surfing?”

  “Nah.” He took another step forward. “The surf’s been crap.”

  He was close, way too close. All he had to do was reach out and he would touch her. He could trap her against the wall and do whatever he wanted with her. Her breath came in short pants. She needed Joe. She glanced over Justin’s shoulder, where her dog was still playing with the kids. “I-I have work to do,” she stuttered.

  “Looks like you’re about finished to me.” He brushed his hand along her arm.

  She froze, watching him like a mouse face to face with a snake.

  “I always had a fantasy about doing the maid in the storeroom,” he murmured.

  Her stomach heaved. No. She wouldn’t go through this again. She tried to whistle, but her mouth was too dry. She licked her lips and his gaze dropped to her mouth. Sweat broke out on her skin. Losing all pretence of not being scared, she yelled as loudly as she could.

  Ryan walked around the corner of the holiday park office and spotted Felix playing with a young boy and Hannah’s dog. Where was Hannah?

  “Joe!” Hannah’s yell was high-pitched and terrified. Joe whirled around, hackles raised, and ran towards the storeroom. Ryan raced after him, heart pounding.

  Hannah was cowered in a corner, her eyes wide, skin pale and Justin standing over her.

  Son of a bitch.

  Justin spun around as Joe barrelled past him to Hannah, barking wildly. Her hand shook as she placed it on Joe’s head.

  Ryan stepped into the room. “Is everything all right in here?”

  Hannah scrambled to her feet and put a hand on her chest as her eyes met his. “Ryan.” Her relief was evident.

  “Absolutely,” Justin said. “We were catching up.” He took a step towards Hannah, but Joe’s growl had him moving back.

  “Hannah?” Ryan asked. Some of the colour was seeping back into her face.

  “I was just finishing.” She closed the box. Her eyes darted between Justin and Ryan, as if measuring the distance between each one.

  Justin smiled. “If you’re finished, why don’t we go for a drink? My shout.”

  “No!” Hannah cleared her throat. “I already have plans.”

  “Change them,” Justin said.

  Ryan didn’t like Justin’s tone, or his arrogance. Hannah’s gaze flittered towards the doorway, and he moved further into the room, clearing the way so she could exit. She met his gaze and her smile was tremulous. It ripped right into his heart. He wanted to offer her words of comfort, but she was already responding to Justin.

  “I can’t.”

  “Why not?” Justin asked.

  Her eyes widened and she glanced around the room, as if looking for an excuse. “Because I’m having dinner with Ryan.” Her expression begged him to play along.

  He fought to hide his surprise and slowly moved forward, placing himself between Justin and Hannah. He smiled at Justin. “That’s right.”

  Justin frowned. “Didn’t you just arrive in town?”

  How did he know that? It made Ryan distinctly uneasy. “Yeah, but Hannah and I go way back.” He gently drew her to his side, closer to the door. “Why don’t you lock up and we can discuss where we’re going?” He nudged her out of the room.

  Her breath whooshed out as she stepped into the open area.

  Justin still stood inside.

  “Coming?” Ryan asked.

  “Yeah.” Justin ran a hand through his hair, a scowl on his face. “I was looking forward to catching up with you. I might see you out tonight.”

  As he walked off, Hannah sagged against Ryan.

  “It’s all right,” Ryan murmured. “I’ve got you.” He put an arm around her shaking body.

  “Dad?” Felix called, his face concerned.

  “Everything’s fine.” He waved at the boys. “Keep playing and I’ll be back in a minute.” He took her keys and locked the door, then with Joe by Hannah’s side, he walked her back into the office, where she collapsed onto a chair in the kitchen, buried her head in her hands and started crying. Joe shoved his head into her lap.

  Ryan’s throat tightened. Whatever Justin had done to her, it had been bad – not a simple breakup. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and comfort her, but he didn’t want to scare her further.

  “Hannah, is that you?” Lynette called. She came into the room and her mouth dropped open. “What’s wrong? What happened?” She glared at Ryan as she hurried over and put her arms around Hannah.

  “A run-in with her ex,” Ryan said.

  “That bastard. What did he do?”

  “I’m not sure,” he said, but he wanted to know. Hannah was a complete mess. “Where’s Fleur?”

  “She had to pick up her dad from the hospital. He had a fall.” Lynette rubbed Hannah’s back. Slowly Hannah’s sobs lessened.

  The bell in the front office rang. Lynette looked towards the door and then at Ryan.

  “Why don’t you get that?” Ryan said. “I’ll stay with her.” He pulled out a chair and sat down, careful to keep his distance and his body language open and non-threatening.

  “You going to be OK, Hannah?” Lynette asked.

  Hannah lifted her head and nodded, wiping the tears from her face.

  Ryan waited until Lynette was gone before saying, “Want to tell me what happened?”

  She glanced at him and then away. “He didn’t do anything.”

  “Not this time, maybe,” Ryan agreed. “But at some stage he did.”

  Hannah stared at him and then gave a tiny nod.

  “I can’t help if I don’t know what I’m up against,” he said.

  “It’s not your problem.”

  The words annoyed him, but he didn’t let it show. “Sure it is.” He smiled. “You’re my date tonight, aren’t you?”

  “Oh, no. Of course not.” She looked horrified. “I said that to get rid of him.”

  “Yes, but if he doesn’t see us tonight, he might get suspicious.” It was a small town and there weren’t too many places to go. “If I were Justin and didn’t see you on a date, I’d ask you out again tomorrow.” He hated the scared expression on her face. Perhaps it was wrong of him to push, but he wanted to help her.

  “You have Felix to worry about.”

  He’d have a couple of hours to spend with Felix before he went out and Lincoln would babysit, especially when Ryan told him what had happened. “I’ll find someone to look after him.”

  Hannah appeared almost as panicked about the idea of a date with him as she had in the storeroom. At least he didn’t have to worry about her reading more into the offer. He wasn’t looking for a woman in his life.

  “It’s just for show,” Ryan promised her. “We’ll have a nice meal, you can tell me about your retreat and fill me in on the Blackbridge gossip and then I’ll drop you at home.”

  “I’m stayin
g with Fleur.”

  “Even better,” Ryan said. “How about I pick you up at six-thirty?”

  “What’s this?” Lynette asked as she walked in.

  “Hannah told her ex we were going on a date tonight to get rid of him. I think it’s worth going out in case he’s looking for us.”

  “Great idea,” Lynette said. “Going out with a sexy man on your arm will cheer you up.” She winked at Ryan.

  Ryan chuckled.

  Hannah took a deep, shuddery breath. “All right.” She gave him a small smile. “Thank you.”

  Her quiet thanks hit him right in the chest. She looked thoroughly defenceless and exhausted. This was his good deed for the day – he wasn’t getting more involved than this. He got to his feet. “I’d better go and get Felix. Should I pick you up from here?”

  “No. I’ll get ready at Fleur’s.” She gave him the address.

  He smiled. “I’ll see you in a couple of hours.”

  Excitement at the idea of going out with Hannah shimmered over him as he walked out. That wasn’t good. He was just doing something nice.

  He wasn’t interested in Hannah Novak in that way.

  Not at all.

  Chapter 5

  “Justin did what?” Fleur shrieked.

  Fleur’s father glanced at them through the kitchen door, so Hannah dragged Fleur further into the living room.

  “He caught me in the storeroom.” Hannah was able to speak calmly now that it was over. After Ryan had left, Lynette had insisted she’d close the office, and Hannah had been more than happy to agree. She’d dashed back to her shed to get something suitable to wear on tonight’s date and was now at Fleur’s place, trying to ignore the nerves storming her stomach.

  “Are you all right? Where was Joe?”

  “Joe was playing with Lynette’s kids.” She should have kept him by her side, shouldn’t have been so trusting. “He came as soon as I called.”

  “You’re not hurt?”

  “No.” Not physically. She sighed. “I froze, Fleur. There was no fight-or-flight response from me, it was like I was solid ice.” That was probably the scariest thing. Why couldn’t she fight back, or at least run? She’d had a plan and it had vanished the moment Justin had appeared.