The Beth Papadakis Thriller Box Set

by Cara Alexander

  ‘Sounds great, I'm looking forward to seeing your hotel.’

  ‘It's lovely, well I like it anyway, it’s not a huge hotel, there are a hundred rooms, and it's very modern. The rooms have sea views and the beach is just a ten-minute walk from the hotel, I think you're going to like it.

  I smile to myself and gaze out of the window. ‘This is just what I need, David, swimming in the sea, laying in the sun.’

  It’s such a lovely day, the weather’s good just like it was in Athens. We drive along the beach road towards the fishing village where his hotel is.

  David smiles and laughs. ‘Yes, it’s the ideal place to rest and relax. Many of our guests enjoy taking day trips to Granada, have you been there?’

  ‘No, but I’ve heard a lot about it.’

  The car squeals to a halt outside a stunning looking hotel. I sit gazing at it. ‘Wow, David, it’s really lovely.’

  He goes to collect my luggage from the boot of his car. ‘I'm glad you like it, every room has a sea-view, my parents know how important this is. Of course, some people like mountain views which we have at the back if anyone wants one.

  ‘Which room are we having?’

  ‘I thought you'd like a sea-view, your rooms are on the top with stunning views of the sea.’

  Ten minutes later I’m in the shower, David's gone to the restaurant to check what's on the menu for today.

  Now what shall I wear? Beach dress or shorts?

  I eventually decide on a blue pair of shorts and thin white cotton top, my denim bikini’s underneath, I’m sure I won’t be able to resist taking a dip in the pool. We’re on the top floor so I take the elevator down to the pool area.

  David's at the bar with the restaurant manager, he gives me a wave, I wave back then take a seat by the pool. A waiter comes over and takes my order. A few minutes later he returns with a huge tropical fruit juice.

  I sit sipping my drink surveying the beautiful view of the nearby bay. It’s shaped like a horseshoe and surrounded by restaurants, bars, quaint little houses and stunning Andalusian style apartments.

  Suddenly, David’s hovering over me, ‘Do you like it?’ he asks, following my gaze.

  ‘Yes, it’s such a wonderful view.’

  ‘Yeah, it's great isn't it.’

  ‘So, have you sorted out the menu?’

  ‘Yes, but there’s a lot to get ready, hope you don't mind if I leave you for an hour.’

  ‘Of course not, I have my kindle loaded with books to read so please don’t worry, I’m fine.’

  ‘I think we're going to be busy tonight, Helen. I've arranged for most of the staff to be on duty so hopefully they won't need me. I'll see you in the bar at 7:00.’

  ‘Great! See you later.’

  David disappears back over to the bar, I take my kindle from my bag, I’ve plenty here to keep me occupied for a couple of hours.

  9

  HELEN

  Hotel Costa Tropical

  Tuesday Evening

  As I make my way down to the bar I feel strangely excited. The hotel’s a hive of activity, there’s a good mix of Spanish, northern European tourists and a great buzz to it.

  The scent of food wafting over to me from the restaurant reminds me just how hungry I am. I can see David over at the bar looking a little flustered.

  He suddenly sees me and comes over. ‘I’m sorry Helen, do you mind eating alone? It's so busy and lots of the staff haven't shown up.’

  ‘Please don't worry, David. I’ll eat something then I can give you a hand.’

  At this David looks horrified. ‘No way!’

  He walks with me to the bar. ‘Just order what you like it’s on the house, and when you decide what you’d like to eat come to the restaurant or have it at the bar, whichever you prefer. One of the receptionists hasn't arrived so the manager’s filling in for her.’ He hands me a menu and calls a waiter over. ‘What would you like to drink?’

  ‘White wine spritzer, please.’

  The waiter disappears behind the bar, David goes back inside the hotel and I walk over to a table overlooking the sea. It's getting dark but it's still lovely and warm. I sit sipping my spritzer deciding what to eat when I suddenly get the feeling someone’s watching me.

  ‘Helen, I just received a call from Beth,’ David says, rushing over to my table. ‘She said she can’t get through to you.’

  Shit, I turned my phone off when I was on the plane and forgot to switch it on.

  ‘Was it anything important?’

  ‘She said to tell you she found an earlier flight, she’s arriving tomorrow not Friday, why don’t you give her a ring.’ He turns and disappears back into the hotel.

  I grab my phone and switch it on, I must call Beth. Then for some reason I look up, someone is watching me, I wasn’t imagining it. He quickly turns away. He looks Spanish, tanned, dark hair. Shit. He turns back and stares at me and catches me looking at him. Then to my amazement he gets up and slowly walks over to me. His dark eyes are so intense they seem to bore right into me.

  ‘Do you mind,’ he asks, smiling slightly, pulling out the chair next to me.

  I’m so surprised, I don’t say anything.

  Who is this guy?

  I look around, for some reason I’m hoping David’s not watching.

  ‘Do you live here or are you on holiday?’ he asks.

  ‘I'm here for Easter, I’m visiting a friend at this hotel...’ I stop, why the hell am I telling him, I don't even know the guy, what’s wrong with me!

  As if reading my mind, he quickly adds. ‘That's nice, so you are a friend of David's?’

  I laugh, have I totally lost it, why am I talking to this guy. ‘Yes, I’m a friend of David’s.’

  ‘Do you live in Spain?’

  ‘No, Greece.’

  ‘Greece!’ His eyes nearly pop out of his head as he stares at me. ‘I've always wanted to go there…’

  I laugh, happy that for a change he’s the one looking surprised. ‘Yes, it is, I love living there. I'm going to celebrate Easter twice this year, Easter in Spain this week and then the following week it's Easter in Greece.’

  He laughs. ‘I didn't know about that I suppose it's because it's different religions.’

  ‘Well, they’re not different religions, they're both Christian but the Greeks have Orthodox Easter and sometimes it works out the same time as the Catholic and Protestant Easter, sometimes it doesn’t, it’s all to do with the Julian calendar.’ I stop and look at him, he's sitting watching me so seriously, taking in every word I say.

  He suddenly snaps out of it and smiles. ‘Before your friend arrives, if you have time, I'd like to take you to the Alhambra or somewhere, that is if your friend David doesn't mind.’ He looks around. ‘Where is he?’

  ‘He's very busy, some of the staff haven’t turned up, you know what it's like.’ Suddenly I realize I haven’t asked him what he does for a living or where he lives.

  He gives me a serious look. ‘I hope you enjoy your evening and if you are free tomorrow…’ He takes a card from his jacket, writes down a telephone number and hands it to me. ‘Give me a ring.’ He stands up and smiles, then walks away.

  I sit for a few minutes digesting what has just happened. Then the scent of fried fish wafts over to me from the restaurant – I’m hungry!

  After demolishing a plate of the most delicious fried fish, salad and chips, David comes over, he looks at my empty plate, then at me.

  ‘I’m so sorry Helen, you had to eat alone.’

  ‘Yes, and it was delicious,’ I laugh, wiping my mouth with a thick linen napkin.

  ‘Let’s go to the bar, you can have dessert and I’ll order something to eat.’ He stops and looks around then back at me. ‘Go to the bar, I’ll join you in a minute.’

  Five minutes later he joins me in the bar followed by a waiter with his dinner and a fresh fruit salad for me. With a forkful of calamari, he turns to me. ‘Working in a hotel is hard work, but I really enjoy it.’

&nb
sp; ‘I think it’s a lovely way to make a living, I would love to work in a hotel. You’re never alone, there’s always something happening, and you meet so many exciting people.’

  He nods. ‘Yes, we have a good mix of people coming here, there are lots of Spanish people, but we also have many tourists which seems to work well.’

  The more I think about it the more I like the idea of having a hotel here, it would be lovely to live in Spain. I would also be far away from my ex. For the first time I realize I haven’t thought about him or James, which makes a change. When I’m in Athens, that’s all I seem to think about. Theo my ex and James my friend who is no longer with us.

  ‘So, what time is Beth arriving, Helen?’

  Shit! I completely forgot about Beth. I was so wrapped up in thinking about that guy. ‘I’m not sure, I must give her a ring.’ How I’d love to stay here for a couple of months or even longer, who knows maybe this is where I should live.

  10

  HELEN

  Hotel Costa Tropical

  Wednesday morning

  I’m still thinking about the guy I saw last night, I don't even know his name, then I remember he gave me his card, it’s in my purse.

  ‘Miguel…’

  ‘Helen, did you have a good sleep?’

  It’s David, he looks tired but happy.

  ‘Yeah, I had a wonderful night’s sleep, the bed is so comfortable. It was so lovely to open the window and have that wonderful view of the sea, I think I could get used to this.’

  ‘Well, you know there's always a room here for you, don't you?’ He pulls out a chair and sits down. ‘Have you had breakfast?’

  ‘No not yet, what time did you sleep?’

  ‘I didn't get to bed until three and was up at six, I only had three hours sleep, but I feel great.’

  I look at him and frown. ‘Yes, but you don't want to work too hard.’

  ‘It's not usually like this. When Dad's here I don’t work such long hours, it's because it’s Easter, it’s always manic during holiday times. The hot summer months are the worse, it’s so busy we have to get extra staff in otherwise we would never cope.’ He sighs and looks at me. ‘It’s such a shame I can’t take you out somewhere tonight…’

  He's about to say something when the waiter arrives.

  ‘There’s a problem Mister David, at reception, it’s about a booking.’

  David frowns. ‘Sorry Helen, I have to go.’

  I nod. ‘Don’t worry, I'll have breakfast then I'll be out on the terrace, I must call Beth.’

  ‘You can take my car; I would love to meet her with you but I’ll probably be busy.’ He gives me a worried look. ‘Are you sure you’ll be okay by yourself this morning?’

  ‘Of course!’

  He looks at me and smiles. ‘If the pool’s too busy it’s only a ten-minute walk to the beach, I’ll see you later for lunch.’

  He rushes off to reception followed by the waiter, I make my way to the restaurant terrace. It’s a buffet breakfast and there’s everything I love. Watermelon and all kinds of fresh fruits and so many cheeses, bacon and sausages, various types of eggs. I don’t really feel like anything hot so fill a plate with melon, olives, cheese and a fresh crunchy bread roll.

  After breakfast I call Beth, it goes to voicemail. Now I feel bad, I should have called her last night, but I was so tired. I had a few brandies with David then crashed out, it must have been all the traveling and the sea air, I don’t usually feel so tired.

  I head up to my room, change from my shorts into jeans and a top then try Beth again – still goes to voicemail.

  The hotel phone suddenly rings, it’s the receptionist. ‘Mister David left a message saying if you need the car the keys are here in reception.’

  ‘That's very kind of you but I don't think I'll need them yet, maybe later, I’m going to the beach.’

  I walk out of the hotel and stand looking around, David was right, the pool’s already busy. I’ll see what it’s like by the beach, have a coffee and try calling Beth again. It’s such a beautiful day, the sparkling blue turquoise blue sea beckons invitingly making me wish I’d put on my bikini, shall I go back? I decide against it and start walking down the small road towards the beach.

  ‘Good morning!’

  I turn round, there’s a guy wearing sunglasses in a red Chevrolet sports car, it’s Miguel.

  ‘Where are you off too, I'll give you a lift.’

  ‘I was going for a walk to the beach.’

  He opens the door. ‘Jump in, I'll show you some of the most fantastic views in all of Spain.’

  I hesitate not sure if I can trust him or not.

  ‘Don’t worry, you can trust me.’

  Oh, what the hell, we only live once. I slide into the front seat beside him, he puts his foot down and we’re off. ‘Where are we going?’

  He laughs. ‘Granada.’

  The car is like a rocket. Within minutes, we’re up in the hills speeding towards Granada. Such sheer drops and hairpin bends, I love going fast but have to hang on tight, the views are totally stunning. Miguel puts on some flamenco music, it's fast and furious, I can tell he loves it.

  ‘You are a very beautiful woman,’ Miguel suddenly remarks, glancing at me. ‘But I think you know that don't you?’

  I have to smile, I can’t help it, he's flirting outrageously with me, but I don't mind, it's so refreshing to be with someone so full of life. Stunning scenery, exciting music, what more could anyone want. In no time at all we’re in Granada, the old Moorish capital of Spain. We drive along the most beautiful treelined avenue until he screeches to a stop outside a pretty hotel, close to the Alhambra Palace.

  ‘Come, this is one of my favourite places in all of Spain.’ I slide out of the car, he takes my hand. We walk into the hotel then take the elevator to the top of the hotel where there’s a bar overlooking Alhambra.

  ‘You would like a drink, maybe some wine or something stronger? Of course, I can't drink because I'm driving.’

  ‘Just a glass of lemonade, please!’

  He orders two fresh lemon drinks and we sit chatting like old friends. He tells me about himself. He was born in Granada, his father’s dead, he lives with his mother who’s a teacher and his sister who goes to university. I can't believe how nice he is. I wonder how old he is, he looks quite young, but he could be older.

  ‘It’s so lovely here, is this where you live?’

  He nods. ‘Come, I’ll drive you back, your friend must be wondering where you are.’

  The drive down to the hotel is so beautiful, I pull out my phone and start taking lots of photos and videos. ‘I'll send them to Beth and show her what’s in store for her.’

  ‘If your friend is anything like you, I'm sure she's going to love it here.’

  Although the drive down takes fifty minutes it goes very quickly. Soon we’re back at the hotel, Miguel drops me off and I walk over to the bar.

  David’s sitting talking to the restaurant manager, he looks up and sees me.

  ‘Hey Helen, where have you been? The receptionist said you were going to the beach.’

  ‘I went for a drive, one of your guests took me.’

  I’m just about to tell him about Granada but stop when I see the look on his face.

  ‘You went for a drive,’ he splutters, staring at me. ‘Who with?’

  ‘I met him here last night when you were working, he came over and sat with me.’

  For a second David's face clouds over, there’s a look of concern on his face and also a touch of anger.

  Shit! How stupid that sounds, now he probably wonders how I can go for a drive with someone I’ve only just met. ‘He seems a really nice guy, I don't know if you know him, he seems to know you.’

  David forces himself to smile and looks at me sheepishly. ‘I suppose I should be happy you’re having a good time; I just wish I could have taken you. Come on, let's have lunch.’

  11

  BETH

  Bayswater, Lon
don

  Wednesday early afternoon

  I’m worried, I haven’t heard from Dev, he said he’d take me out for dinner, something must have happened!

  Jamie comes running into the living room. ‘We’re going to Spain,’ he shouts, happily. ‘I’m going to swim, play football…’

  I never made it to Palma when he was there with Mum, I wanted to go but … it’s something I often think about, I guess I always will. I’d just arrived in Oxford from Athens, I was coming back from an interview in London. There was a man, a nasty man…

  I get up and start walking around the room. I must stop thinking about it, forget it ever happened, but it won’t go away.

  ‘What’s wrong, Mum?’

  ‘Nothing! I was just thinking about what to take with us for the holiday.’ I laugh and give him a hug. ‘Now let’s get you sorted. Put all the clothes you want to take with you into the washing machine while I decide what to take. We don’t have long, we’re leaving tomorrow.’

  He gapes at me.

  ‘But I thought we were going on Good Friday.’

  ‘We were, but I was able to get a cancellation for Thursday afternoon with my friend in Queensway, so we must get a move on.’

  I tried calling Helen last night, but couldn’t get through, she probably had her phone switched off. Luckily, I had David’s number so called him to let him know we’re coming on Thursday not Friday.

  He suddenly frowns. ‘But the dryer stopped working, don’t you remember, you said you were going to get someone to fix it.’

  Shit, I’d forgotten about that!

  ‘Well, put everything you need into the washing machine and I’ll give them a ring, see if they can fix it today, otherwise we’ll just have to dry them on the radiators.’

  Jamie’s busy throwing the things he’s taking to Spain onto his bed, he spots me going into my bedroom and yells. ‘Don’t forget I’m going round to Sam’s this afternoon.’

  It’s the Easter holidays, and it’s also the first time he’s been invited to one of his friend’s houses, I can tell he’s excited.