Page 75 of Love like the (Real) Reel Thing
Jess nodded. “I never thought I’d say this,” she managed, “but the name actually suits him.”
Jess was still replaying the incident with Snuggles as she walked down the driveway to the main gates after work. An achingly familiar laugh brought her back to the present, and she stoppedand scanned the grounds. It was Adam, she realised. He was some distance away in the far west field, where the outside set had been built. And he wasn’t on his own – he was with a woman. Jess couldn’t see her features, but she was tall, with dark hair, dressed simply in jeans and a blue top. And she was linking him as they walked.
She tried to ignore the sudden, sharp pain behind her eyes. So, Adam had moved on. It shouldn’t upset her. In fact, she had no right to be upset – not when she’d moved on too.
Part of her wished she didn’t know. But maybe that was why Adam had brought this woman to Linford. Hewantedher to know that he’d moved on – that there was nothing left between them. He might even see it as the perfect opportunity to prove that theycouldwork together. Briefly, she closed her eyes as a wave of sadness washed over her.
Maybe Robert was the sort of guy she needed in her life. Until now, she hadn’t taken the prospect of a new relationship very seriously. But, apart from consulting on the building of the sets, he had nothing to do with the group. A relationship with Robert could never muddy the waters in work.
As she reached the gate, she turned and risked another look back. It was a bit difficult to see exactly what Adam and his girlfriend were doing, but their body language was clear.
As Jess let herself out, she barely registered the press outside. Seeing Adam with someone new was a wakeup call. And a timely reminder to give her relationship with Robert a proper chance.
CHAPTER 38
LINFORD CASTLE SUED FOR RIVER POLLUTION
A local residents association in County Mayo is suing a five-star hotel for polluting the river that runs through its village, causing damage to the wildlife in and around the river.
Linford Residents Association has accused the historic Linford Castle of ‘extreme negligence’ after a sizeable paint spill was discovered in the River Rathon downstream of the hotel grounds.
Linford Castle is currently hired out to Hollywood’s Blue Star Studios, who are shooting the romantic comedyAn Irish Inheritancewith Afric Brooks and Spencer Torres. The paint seems to have been used in the outdoor set, built on part of the hotel’s grounds.
Jess Bradley, spokesperson for the Charleston Group which owns Linford Castle, told theDaily Journalthat ‘as Blue Star Studios had organised the building and painting of their sets before filming began some weeks ago’ they couldn’t comment on the paintspill. She said that ‘Linford Castle and all the hotels in the Charleston Group work tirelessly to achieve a low carbon footprint’, and added there would be ‘a full investigation of the unfortunate incident’.
A clean-up of the polluted section is already underway.
“Isn’t Ted Nolan head of the residents’ association?” Jess asked Anthony as they caught up over a quick coffee on Tuesday.
Anthony sighed. “The owner of the village grocery store? Oh, indeed. But I was talking to Frank earlier, and he’s happy we’re doing everything we should be doing. The river has been cleaned and we’re working with the council to decide further action. I still don’t know how it happened, though. None of our staff would do anything like that, which leaves us with our guests.” He raised an eyebrow. “And why would any of them do such a thing?”
Jess helped herself to a second miniature artisan chocolate. She wondered if they stored them in the massive pantry beside the kitchen. Probably best she didn’t know.
“This is such a small community, it makes no sense to have a residents’ association suing us over this.” She wiped her fingers discreetly on a napkin.
“Especially when we’ve kept them updated on everything,” Anthony said. “Ted’s the real problem. I’ve only been in that shop of his once. To be honest, I’m surprised the man has any customers at all, he’s so rude.” He finished his coffee and rang the bell for someone to clear the table. “I’ll see you later, Jess.”
The idea that Linford Castle could be sued niggled at Jess for the rest of the morning. She could understand why the residents were upset. The Rathon wound through some of the mostpicturesque parts of Mayo, and she’d been struck by its beauty the first time she’d seen it in Ballygobbin. She forced herself to view it practically. If Ted and the rest of the residents decided to go ahead, she knew the group would probably be advised to settle rather than let it go to court. Either way, that sort of publicity was extremely damaging.
At lunchtime she walked down to Linford Village. Ted’s Store was busy, and after Jess selected a sandwich and a bottle of juice, she hung back, waiting for the place to empty. As soon as the last customer left, she went straight to the till.
“Hi, Ted.”
“There’s the girleen!” He scanned the items and gave her a pointed look. “Cash or card?”
Jess forced a polite smile as she tapped her card. “Ted, could I have a quick word with you about the river?”
He squinted at her as if she’d suddenly started speaking a different language. “The river?”
“Well, more specifically, the letter from the residents’ association threatening legal action against the hotel.”
Ted puffed out his chest. “And what’s that to you? You don’t live here, you’re not even staff up at the castle.”
“I’m not, no.” Jess managed to maintain a smile. “But Iampart of the Charleston Group. I’d like to see if we can come to an understanding with the residents’ association so that –”
“Anunderstanding?” Ted’s voice was louder now. “What I understand is that our beautiful river is full of paint –”
“We’ve cleaned up the paint.”
