Page 18 of A Taste of Paradise

Molly offered her the piece of paper. ‘Then maybe I can trust you,’ she said, biting her lip. ‘And I think I definitely need help from someone. Read it.’

‘What is it?’ Erin asked distractedly, turning her attention to the handwritten words, her eyes widening at the latter paragraphs in particular.

The Palms Hotel, which as you know has always been my beloved happy place, is under threat

… I fear that with so many of us fading away, including myself now too, time is running out. And given the recent loss of one of our staunchest supporters on the island, resistance will surely crumble even further.

… And since I can no longer travel there myself to help, or more importantly, alert our beloved friends and staff at The Palms to stay vigilant for potential interlopers, it’s up to you to do so in my stead.

To this end, I’ve ensured a reservation for you in my usual suite during the week leading up to the party …

Erin looked up, shocked. She couldn’t even begin to get her head around the old woman’s belief that someone was actively plotting against the resort to secure it for redevelopment, though that was troubling for sure. What really stood out to her was the line she’d just read, though at least now she understood why the room was in such a state.

To be safe, I won’t tell you where the deposit box key is hidden; though once you’ve checked into the room, I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to it figure out …

But Molly finding her mother’s secret hiding place would, of course, be impossible.

Because this wasn’t Eugenie Cooke’s usual suite.

Chapter 15

The dream holiday was having a rocky start so far. Naomi’s sisters didn’t seem to be getting along any better, Greg still seemed cranky about the hotel not living up to expectations, and her parents were currently both going over the breakfast menu with a fine-tooth comb, trying to find something they would eat.

Her best friend was about the only one trying. And while Naomi knew she was missing her son and feeling guilty for leaving him behind (plus taking time off from work), she was at least trying to appear enthusiastic.

Naomi hoped that this morning’s island sightseeing tour would help cheer everyone up and get them into holiday mode. Their tour guide was waiting at reception, ready to collect them all. She was a tiny thing, barely five feet tall, but her infectious personality made her seem like a giant. The way she greeted them was so warm and friendly that Naomi found herself relaxing immediately, confident that they were in good hands.

Their group got on the waiting bus out front, but they weren’t alone. This particular tour was a popular one; several fellow hotel guests had already boarded, and they’d evidently picked up others previously from nearby resorts.

The vehicle was packed, but thankfully fully air-conditioned. The outside heat was like a sauna and even in the few minutes they’d been outside, it hadn’t been long before strands of Naomi’s dark hair were sticking to the nape of her neck.

‘Daddy, I wanna sit up front – I can’t see anything from back here,’ a young girl cried out emphatically from somewhere ahead as they boarded. Her dad was standing in the aisle, swinging a large backpack off his shoulder.

‘Holly, this bus was made for everyone to be able to see properly. I promise you’ll be able to see fine back here,’ Naomi heard him utter in an accent that immediately identified him as a fellow compatriot, as he stood back to let her and Greg take the pair of vacant seats behind.

‘No, it won’t. You don’t like the front, it makes you sick,’ she argued.

‘That’s true, so better that you sit back here with me, isn’t it? I need you to make sure I don’t get sick,’ her father countered and Naomi suppressed a laugh.

She didn’t mean to keep listening in, but she couldn’t help it. The little girl sounded so adorable.

‘I always take care of you when you’re sick, Daddy,’ she prattled. ‘Well, I suppose if you really need me to stay with you, I’ll have to, but you need to get some medicine for your movie sickness.’

‘It’s motion sickness, darling, and I’ll be sure to do that.’

As she and Greg got settled alongside one another, Naomi nudged him. ‘Did you hear that?’ she whispered.

‘Who didn’t?’ he replied, rolling his eyes.

‘Aw, she sounds so sweet, though.’

‘Sweet? The girl needs some discipline. Talking back to her father like that. Any child of mine certainly wouldn’t get away with it.’

Naomi’s heart fluttered a little. Greg rarely spoke at all about children, let alone ‘his’. Albeit in a scolding way. He could be such an old curmudgeon sometimes, she thought fondly, guessing that when they did have some of their own he’d be a complete pushover.

Keisha, their cheerful guide, gave information about every street they passed along the way, offering dining tips and insight into where to find the best beaches and beauty spots along the coast.

‘She’s so knowledgeable and engaging, isn’t she?’ Naomi commented as they disembarked at the first stop at a nearby sugar plantation and popular tourist landmark.