Chapter 1

 

'Are you Annabel's mother?' the tall man in an elegant, pristine suit enquired.

'Yes, I'm Annabel's mother - why do you ask? And why are you speaking so seriously? Is everything ok?' Annabel's mother began to panic.

'It's just that your daughter . . . Annabel was in a little accident. I was just bringing her back home and wanted to know that someone was here to take care of her,' he said calmly.

'Annabel was in an accident? Where is she? I need to see her!' she cried out.

'Mother, please do not panic. I am very well.' Annabel spoke directly to her mother as she got out of Gavin's Porsche Carrera that was parked in the driveway. 'There is no need for any drama. It's just that Gavin would not leave it alone and insisted that he drive me home!'

Her mother stared at her daughter, looking her up and down carefully until she was convinced she was fine, and let out a sigh of relief. 'But what of this accident that . . .'

'Gavin,' the man said, repeating his name.

'Yes, the accident that Gavin mentioned to me,' her mother enquired.

'Mum, could we go in? We can't talk here - we don't want to give the neighbours more to gossip about!'

'Yes, come in both of you. Gavin, would you like some coffee or a tea?' Annabel's mum looked at the man, noting how handsome he appeared and that his age seemed appropriate for her daughter - he also did not wear a wedding ring on his finger. After her panic of just moments before, she now smiled as Gavin followed her into the house along with her daughter.

'I'll have a black coffee, if you please, and no sugar,' he asked politely.

'So, Gavin almost knocked me over while I was crossing the road,' Annabel said bluntly while they were all seated in the cosy living room with drinks in each of their hands.