Page 108 of Love like the (Real) Reel Thing
“Not yet.” He checked his watch. “We still have time.”
Jess sent Afric’s number to Adam’s phone. “Go and make sure she’s all right. And stay in touch – I’ll think of something.”
After Adam left, Jess cleaned herself up in the ensuite bathroom, before checking there was nobody outside the suite. She slipped out into the corridor, closed the door firmly behind her and called the lift, relieved when it went straight down without stopping off on the middle floor.
As she crossed the foyer, Emily came hurrying over from the direction of the Great Hall, wearing her housekeeper’s costume and screen makeup.
“I’m so sorry!” she began. “I didn’t mean to … oh, hi, Robert!”
Jess turned, battling a mess of emotions as Robert approached. It was crazy to suspect him of anything. But unless Emily had told anyone else, he was the only other person who’d known about the plan to get Afric back into the castle.
“Hello, Emily.” He stared at her for a moment before turning to Jess. “Where have you been? I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
“We had to get Afric back in, remember?”
Robert frowned. “I’d forgotten about that.” He flicked Emily another look. “How did it go?”
Emily shrugged. “I was needed on set so Jess had to do it.”
A brief look of horror crossed his face, and Jess remembered she’d told him that she was claustrophobic.
“So, it went okay? Afric got in safely? You’re both okay?”
Jess managed a smile. “No problems.”
“Good, I’m glad. Anyway, must go.” His eyes slid away. “See you later, Jess.”
Jess felt a bit sick as she watched him leave.
“Everything cool between you two?” Emily asked, looking closely at her.
“Probably. I’m not sure.” Jess wet her lips. “Don’t say anything else to Robert, will you?”
“Crap, should I not have –”
“It’s fine. Just, the less people who know what’s happening the better.”
“But Idon’tknowwhat’s happening.”
“No, fair enough.”Focus, Jess.“Where are you supposed to be now?”
“I’m due back on set, but I can –”
“No, go do whatever you’re supposed to do. I don’t want people looking for you too.”
“Got it.” Still looking uncertain, Emily left.
What now? Jess jumped when her phone buzzed, taking a breath before she answered. “Adam, have you got Afric?”
“We’re around the far side of the wood, coming towards the back gates.” Adam’s voice was low and she strained to hear. “But there’s a handful of photographers at the gates. We’d need a major distraction to slip in.”
“She definitely won’t try the tunnel again?”
“Not a chance.”
“Okay.”
They were probably better off staying away from the tunnels anyway, now that she knew someone was trying to sabotage her efforts. Robert? No, it couldn’t be. Although her nana had always said there was no smoke without fire. No smoke without fire … unless there was … it was a possibility … the only one she could think of. Would it be enough? Maybe not. The paparazzi wouldbe on high alert – they’d be bound to see Afric slipping through the gates – unless there was more than one distraction …
