Page 54 of The Summer Island Swap
‘Rick, it’s just… I know about hotels and—’
‘Let’s not argue,’ he said, voice tight. ‘Bring Jonas and Benedikt up to the house at around six. I must Skype my gran, after finding Jackie to confirm that everything is in place for the sports day tomorrow. I’ll see how that injured parrot is doing that your sister found and brought back.’ His tone softened. ‘Jackie’s already said she’ll be sorry to see her leave – she’s become a real asset handling the animals if they need any medication.’
‘Didn’t she hold an iguana a couple of days ago?’ I asked, going along with the game of forgetting we’d just had a disagreement.
‘Yes. Jackie managed to get a syringe full of antibiotics into its mouth whilst your sister held it firmly, whispering to calm it and stroking the sides of its throat. They can get quite frantic under such situations but Jackie said Amy took it all in her stride. Right. See you later. And thanks again for your idea. I just don’t think it would work.’
We both managed a smile, though I could tell we both forced them.
Dragging my feet, I headed back to the shacks. I told Amy what Jackie and Rick had said about her and the animals. Mum would have been so proud. She, too, had adored animals and plants. I imagined the chats they would have had and the trips to parks and zoos – whereas Mum and I would have gone shopping.
At five to six I found Benedikt and Jonas and we headed up to the house. Jonas teased me about being quiet for once. I muttered an excuse about feeling tired. When we got there, Rick rushed out, phone in his hand.
‘Bit of an emergency. The ill iguana has taken a turn for the worse. I’m on my way there and am just dialling the vets… Could you do me a favour, Sarah? I’ve left my laptop in the beach hut nearest to the house, on the right. I thought my chat with Gran might overrun past six, so set myself up in there. Would you mind bringing it in? That way I’ll remember to charge it overnight. Oh, and by the way, lads,’ he called as he disappeared down the path. Us three went into the house. ‘As a thanks for you looking at the instruments I’ve left out some beer and crisps. Take as long as you like. I’ve a feeling I’ll be out most of the evening.’
He came back whilst Jonas and Benedikt eagerly went over to the drinks. I went outside again to meet him. His fingers brushed against my arm.
‘Thanks again, Sarah… for all your help.’
‘You really don’t like the hotel idea?’
He pursed his lips.
‘Okay. I know when I’m beaten,’ I said.
‘I… I’m really glad Amy swapped your holiday at the last minute. Your other thoughts, about the website, have been brilliant. It’s ironic that, for someone not overly interested in conservation, your input might make a real difference.
I held his hand, feeling like a teenager, despite a note of wariness that had crept in, at the way he’d so quickly dismissed my hotel idea.
‘Your boss is lucky to have you,’ he said.
I cleared my throat, nodded and thanked Rick for the compliment, wishing I could tell him the truth. Instead I let him go, went into the house and crossed the living room.
‘Have fun,’ I said to Jonas and Benedikt and headed out the back. A noise attracted me to the beach hut on the right. I went over, walked onto its decking surround and climbed the wide staircase, swatting a fly out of my face. I pushed the door open after admiring a rust-coloured lizard clinging to the wood, above the door, as if it were a splat toy that had been thrown. A gust of cool air blew through the room. A door to my left was ajar and revealed the bathroom. I went to the right. The noise was a sharp voice coming from Rick’s laptop, on top of a glass coffee table, in front of a wicker armchair.
‘Rick? I can’t hang on forever and we need to sort this out. I agree with Lee, it’s now or never to make some big decisions and I won’t be put off any longer.’
This didn’t sound good. Perhaps I should let her know Rick had gone. I sat down, not sure what to do.
25
Tentatively I pulled up the screen. A tanned face stared back, distinct with its wrinkles and bright lipstick, and topped with a colourful turban. She looked rather like a fortune teller you might see at a fair. Large glasses with a leopard print frame jumped out at the screen. I envied her flamboyant dress sense.
‘Um… hello… I’m a friend of Rick’s… he’s had to dash off.’
‘Hello there, dear.’ The voice lost its edge. ‘I didn’t catch everything he said.’ She sighed. ‘Oh, how very like Rick. And how annoying. Is he coming back soon?’
‘I’m afraid not. One of the iguanas is ill. He must have thought you’d heard him say that.’
‘I could recognise the style of a shoe by the sound of its heel on the pavement when I was younger.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘But whilst old age supposedly brings wisdom, it takes away your hearing and sight.’ She fanned herself. ‘What’s the heat like, dear? It’s been over thirty degrees here in London and great for topping up my tan.’
‘Your climate is similar to here, then,’ I said. ‘Just without the mosquitoes and tarantulas.’
Her smile revealed perfect dentures. ‘I’m Margot.’ She shuffled back comfortably into her seat, wearing a voluminous purple and green kaftan. ‘Are you one of Rick’s volunteers?’
His? That made it sound as if the conservation work wasn’t a family project.
‘I’m Sarah,’ I said, still perched on the end of my seat, the tinkling of piano keys wafted towards me by the breeze. ‘Yes. I’ve been here just over a week.’
