the long hot summer - excerpt

7/30/2019 The Long Hot Summer - Excerpt

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Chapter 7

Helen couldnt sleep; tired and exhausted from the sun, the draining heat and thestinging encounter with the wasp, she tossed and turned in the stifling bedroom, herback sticking to the sheet.

Finally she got up out of bed, went to the open window and breathed deeply. Highabove the half moon shone its silvery light amid the star pricked sky as the darklandscape slept silently beneath it.

She looked towards the Shippon, staring balefully at the dark, granite walls as if shecould strip them away with just her force of will. The reason she couldnt sleep waslying there oblivious to her plight and despite her better judgement, her body ached

for him.

Restless and twitchy, she had forced herself to ignore her primal needs for weeksbut since Dans arrival and the incident in the garden, something; an indefinablecharge had ignited deep inside. Anxious and irritable, it was keeping her awake likea tap drip, drip, dripping in the dark. Annoyed beyond reason with herself, shepaced restlessly up and down the carpet trying to keep cool and failing miserably.

Ever since the eviscerating day in London when she had been hollowed out bydiscovering Marcus real desire, she had kept herself to herself determined not torepeat history and yet....yet despite her best intentions, here she was, her most basicinstincts starting to rouse and all because of a bloody insect. Her arm throbbedpainfully as if she needed reminding of its part in her present state.

She ran her fractious fingers through her heavy damp hair and just wished it wasntso hot. Upstairs in the old house with its heavy oak beams and thick granite wallsthe house baked especially at night. Designed to keep the worst of Dartmoorswinters at bay with their howling storms, freezing temperatures and horizontal rains,it struggled just like the human occupants, to keep cool.

She stood erect, hands clasped behind her head, as the beads of sweat gatheredaround her neck and rolled together down between her heavy breasts and towardsher navel. It was no good; standing here wasnt helping; she needed some air, to

walk around the garden and cool down and perhaps then she would sleep.

She quietly descended the stairs, into the lounge where she put a CD and pouredherself a glass of wine and then out through the French doors into the garden.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dan lay on his back and stared at the ceiling, its cream undulations mirroring the

lathe and plaster framework of the ancient building. Hands behind his head, sleep


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eluded him and try as he might, no amount of mind games he had used inAfghanistan would help him relax.

The object of his frustration was no more than fifty metres away tucked up in her bedserenely unaware of his thwarted desires and until and unless he could sort his

marriage out, he proposed that it stay that way but oh god, he wanted her. Everylast bit of him needed to feel her skin against him, her perfectly sculpted breastspressed against his chest and the rest of her yielding to his touch.

He recalled the last time he had sex with his wife although it could hardly be calledmaking love; rutting yes, but with hindsight, love, never. Since then he had batteneddown the hatches and called on all of his will power to keep any such thoughts out ofhis mind but Helen.....she had, despite their inauspicious start, wormed her way intohis soul until the point came where he couldnt ignore her or the effect she washaving on him, any longer. Her beauty, her flawless skin, her sumptuous bodyenticed him more with every passing hour. Up until today he had resisted but the

incident with the wasp when she stood in front of him naked except for her tan andbikini bottoms, had changed all that. In the face of her attractions, resistance wasgone and he was lost.

He kicked off the covers and sat on the edge of the bed, his yearning body rudelyawake. Oh for fucks sake!

Hot and sweaty and in desperate need of either getting drunk or getting laid, herather assumed it would be the latter.

He stood up and pulled on his shorts and tee shirt. Like all good connoisseurs,Henry had a large and varied collection of alcohol and wouldnt miss a bottle or two

so with sandals on, he made his way down the creaking wooden stairs and out intothe yard.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Helen ambled around the fragrant night garden as the jasmine and honeysucklegrowing over the archway between the flower beds released their scent into the hotdark night.

Silent wings of bats swooped around the buildings chasing their prey, theirquicksilver manoeuvres almost too fast to follow. She picked a yellow bloom from anevening primrose and held it to her nose as her bare feet scuffed the dry brownedgrass. Everything was so desiccated and dusty and getting drier by the day as thesun sucked the life out of the landscape.

Dressed in only in a thin cotton nightdress that came to her knees, the merestbreeze cooled her as she walked along, relaxed and calm.

Hi.

She turned around and there was Dan with a bottle of wine and a glass.


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Oh hi, she smiled. I didnt hear you coming. You walk very quietly.

Training.

Of course....Couldnt sleep eh? she indicated towards the wine.

Er...no. I just thought.... and he held up the bottle and glass. Want to join me?

Beat you to it, she said holding up her glass.

Shall we sit then? he suggested.

They sat either end of the swing lounger rocking slowly back and forward and neitherknew what to say as the yawning chasm between them, no more than a metre,radiated with unspoken yearning.

Hows your arm.

Hurting.

It will go, he assured her.

I know, and she rubbed her fingers over the swollen lump under her skin.

Thats lovely music.

One of Henrys. He loves the old standards. He and mum were always dancingaround the kitchen.

I gather she ran off with a Kiwi sheep shearer?

Mmm, quite the talk of the village at the time but shes happy now and hes a niceman. She paused chewing the corner of her bottom lip, hesitant. Henry told meyour parents died in a car crash?

Yes...it was bloody awful to be honest but .... he shrugged. You get... used to it.He fell silent, listening. Whos this?

Frank Sinantra of course.

.....strangers in the night exchanging glances, wondering in the night, what were thechances....

Its beautiful.

Isnt it? she answered as the melody floated on the warm night air towards them.

It wont wake Henry will it?

No way, she scoffed. When I walked past his room he was snoring his head offand after all that whiskey he drank tonight, nothing would wake him.

Yeah, I noticed that. His idea of a double is way more than anyone elses I think.

Double? Whats a double? she chortled. He has his own way of pouring drinks. Idont know why he just doesnt put a straw in the bottle to save time.


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Yeah, after watching him tonight I see what you mean.

They fell silent the air between them tremulous and expectant.

Its a beautiful night isnt it? he murmured looking up at the sky. Just look at thosestars...

She followed his gaze skywards. I know; its so lovely here. I couldnt see that frommy window box in London.

He glanced at her and smiled. Her garment left little to the imagination as thematerial caressed her full breasts. With one foot trailing on the grass as the otherleg folded under her, she looked like a wistful gazelle as she stared upwards.

Why did you leave London? he asked quietly.

She shrugged. Truth?

Okay

Well, I got the sack.....among other things.

Oh... why?

She glanced down at her feet. Its a bit embarrassing actually.

Go on, he smiled at her. Something about her wayward expression warmed hiscynical soul as her mischievous eyes glinted in the dark.

We all went on a Barbie Doll weekend....the girls from work that is.

A what?

You know; all of us dress up as a particular Barbie and I was Beach Barbie.

Like you do....

Of course..long blond wig, very short pink skirt and round-them-up bra...that sort ofthing...anyway, it was celebrate a colleagues wedding, you know, girls night out, Lplates, too many cocktails and what have you.

I see. He couldnt but he could imagine the mayhem she and her friends would

have caused if they were as attractive as her.

Well, we all had way too much to drink and then it got a bit ....unpleasant and myidiotic boss had a snipe at me and I told her stuff I shouldnt like she was uselessand guess what, she didnt take too kindly to that, and she chuckled as she recalledthe incident. Oh god, you should have seen her face....a more spoilt brat it wouldhave been harder to find and as her fifth assistant in three years, I just had enoughso I left, and then she looked down at her glass and swilled the wine about, hersmile fading. Marcus of course, was the final straw.

Marcus? Your Army man?

Very ex Army man if you dont mind...anyway, what with him and the bloody awfuljob for which my successor has my deepest sympathies, and her smile was tinged


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with relief. Im well out of both. So, what about you and why are you not fightingsome leftovers from the tenth century instead of hiding out here?

Well, put like that I was fighting I suppose given what went on between me and myex...

As.....? she watched him carefully as his brow furrowed.

He took a sip of wine and thought before answering. Im away too much; the Armyasks an awful lot of our wives and families.....and, sometimes enough is enough,and he smiled ruefully.

They fell silent, each lost in their own world as they ruminated on the past.

Nice wine he commented pouring them some more.

Henry never skimps on drink.

Yes, Ive noticed.

She shrugged. And why not? At his age who cares? He occasionally tries to makesloe gin only the last lot exploded in the airing cupboard...

It what?

Exploded...just before you arrived...hell of a mess so I dont suppose hell be doingthat again and as for beer......he knows he shouldnt and the doctor is always tellinghim to cut down, but....youve seen his attitude; he doesnt give a damn about theconsequences and will die happy so long as he can have a big drink first, preferably

a very good Chablis or claret followed up by a large glass or three of single malt.

Again they fell silent as they sipped their drinks.

God its so damn hot.... She ran a slender hand down her throat and under the thincotton nightie over her cleavage. He averted his eyes because the last thing heneeded was reminding of just how tempting she was. He sighed.

You okay?

Yeah fine....the heat: reminds me of Helmand. Sometimes the temperature wasunbearable, maybe forty or forty-five degrees even. There were times when it felt

like you were going to melt what with all the equipment we have to carry.

Must be good to be on leave then?

He thoughtfully twisted the stem of his glass in his hand. It has its....upside.

Oh?

Well as nice as it is being here and relaxing, I still have stuff I have to sort out andignoring it is not going to make it go away.

Hmm, I shouldnt ask as its none of my business, she replied softly glancing

sideways at him and watching the sadness cloud his face, but... was it someoneelse?


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He looked up. Yes; her someone else and... not the first time either I gather.

Ouch.

And you....what about Marcus?

The same.. only his someone else.

Ouch, he echoed softly.

Doesnt matter now.

No, time heals and all that.

Well thats a load of bollocks.

I know but......its what people say isnt it?

So youre going to get divorced?

Yes....

And ...children?

He shook his head slowly. No.

I guess thats something then.

Yeah, for the better. And you? London and.... Marcus?

Huh, no bloody way! He can go to hell so far as Im concerned. I couldnt care lessif he fell off the face of the earth after what he did to me.

Fighting talk.

Well, she smiled in the starlight, lets put it this way; its a good thing he wasnt borna sheep because he would never make it as a ram thats for sure

Ha! he chuckled. Remind me to stay on the right side of you then.

No need to worry, I left all my fight back in London...

You sure about that? You were damn feisty the day I arrived.

The heat....sorry.

Thats okay, and he smiled warmly.

She lowered her eyes, suddenly alert to him and his gentle scrutiny. Well, now, sheadded, Im here, I just want some peace and quiet, and she rested her head backagainst the lounger.

He hurt you that much?

She nodded and then quite inexplicable, a tear slowly ran down her cheek. She

sniffed and wiped it away.


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Sorry, I didnt mean to upset you.

You didnt, but you know....sometimes, and her voice croaked.

He moved towards her and using a fingertip, tenderly brushed away another tear thatrolled down his finger. You feel like a failure, dont you because I know I did...do.

Yes she waivered. Im twenty-six and just keep getting it wrong and .....I reallywonder sometimes if Ill ever get it right, and with a sob, she held her face in onehand and cried softly.

Come here, and putting an arm around her, he hugged her, his face resting on herwarm fragrant hair. He was almost in tears himself it being the first time he hadreally spoken about Christie.

After a couple of minutes, she straightened up and smiled weakly. Sorry.....didntmean to do that....Ill have some more wine if you dont mind, she said finishing her

drink and holding out her glass. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

Of course,

Sat so close, she could smell his lingering aftershave, a heady mixture of cedar andspice with an overriding tincture of man, and he could still feel the heat of herperfumed body. He glanced up, the wine forgotten as his eyes met hers.

Youre very beautiful you know, he whispered. I can only think that Marcus mustbe blind or stupid or maybe both.

She laughed softly. Thank you but I might just as well be living on the Moon for all

the effect it has.

Why do you say that?

Look around you...just where exactly am I going to find a decent man here, I mean,if theyre even half-way good looking, theyre already married and the rest of themare either gay or religious or god forbid, living with their mummies. If I were a sheepor a heifer, Id have more luck I can tell you.

What from the men or other animals?

Hard to tell sometimes... and they both smiled.

Mmm, put like that..... he mused, sometimes we dont have to look that far youknow.

Well, you dont. At least you will have plenty of choice what with all those ladysoldiers at camp.

Dad used to call them WRACs as in Weekly Ration of Army Crumpet...or words tothat effect, he smiled with a raise of his eyebrows. But no thanks. Been there,done that and dont want to repeat it if you dont mind. Way too much grief and ifyoull excuse the language, shitting on your own doorstep is never a good idea.

Oh... right.


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I mean to make a clean break of things and then take stock of where I want to gonext

Right...

I dont love Christie you know; not anymore. He paused and sighed. Too much hashappened and gone wrong. Theres no turning back now, and he looked at her.Ever, he emphasised, its over; its done with; its finished.

Oh...

So I guess that makes us both in much the same position.

I guess so.

An owl hooted somewhere to their left from a copse of trees bent over in theprevailing wind.

Tawny owl, she said, smiling briefly, unsure of where or what was going to happennext. Well, this is nice isnt it? and she sipped her wine.

Delightful, he agreed. To us.

To us?

Thrown to the fates and destined for whichever way the wind blows, and theirglasses clinked in the warm purple night, eyes shining in the dark.

Lets finish our drinks and go to bed....I mean, she flustered, the wine and go to ourown....beds.

He picked up the bottle and grinned. Okay.

She was so glad it was dark he couldnt see her as waves of hot embarrassmentswept over her and he was glad she had so delightfully given herself away.

Ah...my favourite.... and saved by the music, she got to her feet and began to swayaround the garden, singing soto voice to the love song. .....the very thought ofyou...and I forget to do......

Whether it was the wine, the music, the night sky or just the ambiance, she didnt

know and didnt care; she just felt so relaxed and taking hold of his hand, pulled himto his feet. Dance with me.... please...dance...... she cajoled, smiling at him.

Okay, but its been a long time since Ive done anything like this, and putting hisglass down, he did as requested and stood up. Holding her hands, he allowedhimself to be pulled out onto the dusty lawn.

Come on, she smiled, dance.... and she put her hands around his neck andgrinned up at him. Dont tell me; youre a typical Englishman with two left feet?

Er no....not exactly, he replied, trying to ignore her deep cleavage as she stood soclose to him, its just that theres not much call for this in the Marines when you out

on patrol.


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I enjoyed our dance. Goodnight Dan, and she walked slowly back to the house, heralcohol infused imagination reeling with possibilities.

He watched her go every last sinew in him straining at the leash. Picking up hisglass, he finished the wine not tasting any of it and stared into the distance. There

was no point going to bed because now he was very, very awake.


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Chapter 8

The following morning, they met on the upstairs landing, sleep having barely leftthem and only half awake. She stood by the bathroom door in her virtuallytransparent nightdress her chestnut hair tossed and tousled by the heat of the nightand yawned as she stretched; he stood in his pyjama bottoms and sandals, his facecrumpled, stubbled and just as sleepy, towel over one arm, wash-bag in the otherhand.

Hi, why are you here? she asked curiously, smiling.

Something wrong with the plumbing in the Shippon, he replied, keeping his eyesaverted as he tried in vain to ignore her physical presence and the promise of what

might come. She smelt of woman and a faint scent of flowers, lots of banging but nowater.

Ah...thats happened before. Low water pressure I think.....its the drought. Wereon a bore hole and sometimes the water gets too low.

Oh. Hows your head?

Her laugh was playful. It would take far more than that to knock me off my feet I cantell you.

Wasnt particularly strong anyway.

They hesitated, facing each other but each reluctant to make the first move.

After you, he gestured.

No, you first.

I insist.

They looked at each other. Neither moved.

Please, ladies first, he grinned, trying his level best not to notice her full breastsamply half exposed or the fact that he could imagine everything else as well.

Helen could feel his warm eyes on her like pinpricks of fire as they lasered their wayacross her body drinking her in and stripping her down to her soul, which wasawkward enough but she was far from oblivious to his assets. Last night in the darkmoonlight of the garden, she could ignore his physical presence; but not now. In thebright morning sun of the upstairs corridor, his bare chest and muscular body andthe dusting of black hair that spread out across his chiselled torso and down towardshis navel, drew her eyes like a magnet. There was a jagged scar about an inch longcut across his left shoulder. He saw her looking and put his hand on it.

Locals, he explained. Theyre not too friendly in Helmand.


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Oh, and feeling hot and flustered she quickly looked down which was even worseas his pyjamas only further emphasised his powerful physique and exactly howmuch of a man he was. She tore he eyes away but not soon enough for a smile tospread slowly over his lips which just compounded her discomfort.

Well are we both just going to stand here? he asked, his dark blue eyes watchingher closely.

Um, okay....

Then before she could move, coming through! cried Henry rushing down thecorridor and pushing past them both.

They both looked after him as he shut the door.

Oh well, she sighed, I guess Ill use the loo downstairs and theres always the watertrough in the yard if you need a shower...... she muttered before turning away back

to her bedroom.

Dan watched her go and relished the view of her hips as they swished against thethin cotton material of her nightie. She was so much more than just a woman andevery nerve in his body wanted to reach out and hold her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She shut the door of her bedroom and leant against the old oak door, heartpounding. Closing her eyes and trying to calm her breathing, the image of himbombarded her senses, his scent filling her nostrils. Musky, spiced, male and in thepeak of his manhood, he radiated masculinity and had an allure that she foundalmost impossible to resist but resist she would. There was no place in her life foranother man who would trample all over her heart and life; not after Marcus and allthe damage he had done and anyway, he was still married and the last thing shewanted was to get caught up in all of that.

She had to protect herself, be careful, take no risks but every time she closed hereyes all she could see was Dan Fuller standing there daring her to touch him, to

reach out and envelop him with her yielding body; and didnt he know it. Her eyessnapped open and she frowned. Bloody man, she muttered to herself, smirking likethat. He knew exactly what effect he was having on her.

What she needed she told herself sternly, was to get a grip. It was a few monthssince Marcus had forensically sliced her into pieces and day by day it was gettingeasier so why mess it all up again, she asked herself knowing full well she wasntlistening.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


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Dan went back to his bedroom in the Shippon, the early morning sun warming hisbare back as he walked thoughtfully across the yard. He mounted the creakingwooden steps two at a time, tiny moats of dust floating in the warm, hay-scented air.Once in his bedroom, he walked to the other side of the room each floorboardcreaking beneath his feet to the small leaded window set deep into the white painted

granite walls. He needed to think.

The view was unparalleled. Undisturbed by any buildings he looked out on apatchwork of dark green gorse and sunburnt grass stretching out towards thehorizon as far as he could see. The granite Tors loomed high in the shimmeringdistance their foothills sprinkled with sheep, ponies and black and white belted cattle.Over to his right he could just about make out the shore of the large reservoir, themorning sun sparkling off its surface.

It was a wonderful place, deep and mysterious that had stood the test of time; aplace where he could almost feel he was the only man on earth, when instead of

being on permanent edge waiting for the next shouted orders or a whistling bullet orroadside bomb, he could just breathe and listen to his own heartbeat.

As he leant against his arm and rested his forehead against the cool of theplasterwork, he realised that since his return from Helmand this was the first time hefelt truly as peace. With no Christie, no Army, no aggravation, he was finally relaxingbut not quite because now he had another splinter under his nail; a beautiful,irritating, sexual creature that oozed the promise of luscious surrender if only hecould get past her defences. But he couldnt and shouldnt. He was still, howeverreluctantly, married and he wasnt going to get entangled with another womanhowever enticing before he had unravelled himself from Christie. He just had to put

Helen out of his mind and forget about her he told himself....forget her.....forget her..but that was so much easier said than done.

He turned away disconsolately and sat on the bed. Christie; since his arrival she hadmelted away into the background then irritated with himself, his early morningenjoyment gone, he picked his mobile up from the bedside table and then just asquickly threw it down again. No good switching it on without a signal; perhaps a visitinto town to see if there were any more messages or more likely, threats from her.However much he wanted to hide away, he just couldnt. At some point before hisnext tour of duty, he would have to speak to her about a divorce. She had nothinghe wanted as her parents had paid for most of their belongings and the house, so it

should be straightforward, but then he replayed the image of his wife smashing herfists against the car window and the way her face screwed up with fierce anger andhis soul retreated. Where once he had loved her so much, her disinterest andbetrayal coupled with his prolonged absences, had eaten it all away until it simplycollapsed. As much to blame for it all as her, he now realised his life was going tohave to change profoundly if he wanted a long term future with a woman but first hehad to sort out the mess.

Then he thought of Helen and his mood lightened once more. Standing in thecorridor just a few minutes ago, distracted and in disarray, she had bought a hint offuture happiness that had eluded him for months. She just seemed to have no idea

of her beauty or how effective it was. Just a tilt of her small chin or sideways glance


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from those guileless green eyes, and a stab of delight would tremble through hisbody.

Hearing a noise, he stood up again and looked out of the window overlooking theyard where he could see her as she tramped about in denim shorts, vest and flip-

flops, an old faded cotton sunhat on her head. She seemed perfectly at one with hersurroundings; it was beautiful and so was she.

Henry appeared at the kitchen door and yelled over to him, were off to town shortlyas were running low on provisions. Fancy coming? Helen looked up. She hadntbeen aware that she was being observed.

Dan pushed the window wide open. Yes, well take my car if you like?

Excellent. Well stop staring at Helen and get moving eh? he chuckled.


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Chapter 9

Dan glanced up at the rear view mirror but Helen was staring out of the window. Thememory of the previous evening was still vivid in his mind; her warm body as he heldher in his arms as they danced around the garden in the moonlight and the scent ofher silken skin as he held her close. Above all though, it was her smiling eyes andfull inviting lips as she laughed and sang to the music. She was everything Christiewas not and the tug of her body enticed him with its relentless power.

He looked in the mirror again but she seemed entirely distracted as she gazed intothe distance, her dark red hair pulled back into a ponytail with escaped tendrils eitherside of her face. With her eyes hidden behind her sunglasses, it made herseemingly out of reach.

Helen was thinking; brooding even. Last night as she danced across the lawn withDan and their exchange this morning outside the bathroom, had ruffled hercomposure in the nicest way imaginable. It wasnt just his physical presence; he hada way of looking at her with his perceptive blue eyes, and smiling with only themerest kink of his lips that hinted of pleasures to come. He was a man slow to openup but starting to relax now and the more she saw of him, the more she liked. It washard for her not to keep smiling to herself as in her mind she traversed the pristine,chiselled torso of her tormentor. If only you knew she thought to herself; if only....

After a short drive along the track down to the road that criss-crossed the edge of the

high Moor, they eventually arrived at Okehampton and found a place to park up aside road. It was market day and the place was heaving with locals and visitors fromnearby villages, the numbers boosted by the influx of summer tourists. Largecolourful banners across the main high street announced the Farmers Market wason and crowds of people were making their way there to shop in the sunshine.

Ill see you two later, said Helen grabbing her bag and Lucys lead. Meet you at thepub as usual?

Fine, fine darling, said her father. Well see you later.

The two men watched her go as she negotiated her way through the throngs of

locals and tourists, expertly weaving in and out of the crowds of shoppers.

You two enjoy your dance around the garden last night? asked Henry as they setoff towards the market.

You were awake?

Dont sound so surprised dear boy. At my age youre lucky if you can get an hourssleep without your damn bladder playing up.

Right.

Good dancer isnt she?


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Very, and the old man smiled to himself.

Dan took the opportunity when Henry was examining a cheese stall to check hismobile. Thankfully there were no messages. With a bit of luck Christie had given upbothering him although he knew the respite would only be temporary. He turned itoff and put it in his pocket smiling briefly at Henry who was watching him.

Everything all right? he asked his pipe firmly clenched between his stained teeth.

Yep.

Good.

They ambled around the square admiring the goods on offer and with Henry chattingto various ladies whom he knew and stopped at different stalls to buy food.

The sun shone down on the crowds as they milled and jostled about the old townsquare. Laughter and chat, children scampering about, young mums withpushchairs, old Devonians bent with age and rheumatism catching up on gossip.Female eyes followed the newcomer with more interest noting Dans handsomegood looks and striking figure. Compared to the lumpen and scruffy appearance ofmost of the natives, he stood out.

He was standing close to a butchers stall, mouth starting to water as he inhaled thearoma of cooked sausages when a stranger introduced himself.

Hello, my names Charles Clinton. I farm next door to Helen.

Dan turned around having just put a piece of sausage into his mouth. He hurriedlywiped his fingers on a tissue shook Charless hand. Dan Fuller, he smiled.

Good sausages arent they?

Yes. Very.

Hello! boomed Henry coming up behind them both and patting Charles on the back.Lovely to see you. Hows your father?

Fine thanks. Still a bit sore after his hip op but coming along fine.

Charles farms next door at Merton Manor and a large swathe on the other side ofOkehampton among other things, explained Henry to Dan smiling, our families haveknown each other for what.....

Twenty years at least, replied Charles.

At least

Dan smiled. Charles had the air of someone well polished, well schooled and wellheeled and instinctively he regarded him with suspicion, despite the mans warmsmile. He had come across quite a few men in his time who simply thought the

world as theirs with their overweening sense of entitlement and Charles struck himas being no different. Appraising him quickly, he noted the thick dark blond hair with


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hints of grey around the temples, broad shoulders and powerful physique. Under theshort sleeves of his Polo shirt were defined muscles of someone who spent all hishours outside and on his thick sinewy wrist, a large expensive watch glittered in thesunshine as did the engraved signet ring on his little finger.

About the same age, Charless fleshly face with its pronounced tanned nose, thicklips and narrowed blue eyes seemed friendly enough but he had all the demeanourof a Moorland bull; placid for now but not quite trustworthy. He exuded a quiet,confident menace and Dan immediately found himself on his guard.

Well youll have to excuse me, said Henry looking past the two men. I see SusieWilkins over there and I must just have a word with her. Wont be long, he said,airily waving a hand as he walked away seemingly oblivious to the tension he leftbehind.

The two men watched him go.

You staying long? enquired Charles still watching Henrys retreating back.

Dont know.

Oh.

Is that a problem? asked Dan wondering why he got the impression the other manwas anxious to know more of his plans.

No reason, Charles answered breezily. Just wondered thats all. They fell silent.Its just...well, Helen if you must know...

What about her?

Now Charles turned to face him, all pretence at friendliness gone. In fact he wasaltogether hostile, his piercing blue reptile eyes regarded Dan with undisguiseddislike.

I ....like Helen, he explained tersely, a lot; always have since we grew up together.I...we were a couple when she was at college. In fact ....anyway, thats none of yourbusiness however, if you stay around here, then you will become my business andyou wont like that.

I wont like that? Dan echoed with quiet disbelief. Are you threatening me? Hisvoice maintained its neutral tone as he didnt want to draw attention to himself amidthe jostling crowds.

No, not threatening; just stating a fact as in stay out of my way because I dont wanther to get hurt again and if she does, that man will have to answer to me.

Perhaps I ought to let you know a few things about myself Clinton, answered Danslowly. Im a professional soldier. In my line of work I regularly come up against ill-mannered, ill-bred, semi-illiterate pieces of shit that are trying to blow me up or shootme and that being the case, you dont frighten me one little bit understand?


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Charles smiled and Dan noticed he had very white teeth. And I dont frighten easilyeither Fuller so lets pretend we didnt have this little....disagreement and be civil forHelens sake if no-one elses?

Dan shrugged and frowned behind his glasses. Suits me. Im back at camp soon,

he said carefully, so whatever youre worried about, you have no reason to be Iassure you.

I dont need your assurance, came the frosty reply. I just want you to keep yourhands to yourself and to stay out of our way.

Our way?

Yeah, thats right. I intend to marry her one day and no-one, least of all some hot-shot military man is going to prevent me and if you do get in my way....god help you,you understand because I generally get what I want, when I want it and no-one isgoing to stop me, and with each of the last three words, he jabbed his finger at

Dans chest.

Dan grabbed Charles finger and slowly bent it backwards until he could see theother man flinch, sweat gathering at his temples and his lips bloodless. Tiny beadsof sweat were breaking out along his upper lip.

Dont pick a fight with me you arsehole because it might be the last thing you do, gotit?

The two men glared at each other as the rest of the shoppers in the busy marketentirely ignored them.

Charles finally got his finger back. This isnt over, he snarled with a dark look.

Dan struggled to keep his incredulity under control. A man he had never met beforeand had only known for five minutes was making a threat against him over someimprobable relationship with a woman who so far, was friendly but nothing else.

I rather think, he finally said trying to keep his voice even, you have said just a littletoo much on this occasion but Ill overlook your jealous hissy fit. Must be too muchsun or something, he added quietly with a tight smile.

At this point Henry reappeared, sweating profusely, his forehead red under his

Panama hat which he took off and used as a fan. You two getting on well? Good,he smiled, its so hot. What about a cool drink? he suggested to them both.

Actually Henry, said Charles, I need to get back to Dad but nice seeing you andmeeting you Dan.

Likewise, said Dan.

Nice man, said Henry as they made their way to a pub on the corner of the square.Very successful in London and when he came back here took Merton Manor by thescruff of the neck and really made it something. Its a lovely old house; full ofcharacter and worth a bloody fortune after all the improvements he made. Its even

got a swimming pool now I hear and hes very fond of Helen you know. Used to bean item some years back but nothing came of it. Talking of which, he said stopping


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in his tracks and looking at his watch, she should be here by now. I dont supposeyou could go and find her while I get the drinks in. She should be somewhere nearLuxtons Equine Store. If you take the short-cut down by the river....

No problem. Mines a pint by the way.


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Chapter 10

Helen was ambling along the weed strewn path minding her own business and lost ina day-dream as the slow running river lazily curled its way on towards the coast.Overhung with willows trees which stood hot, heavy and sap-filled dangling theirleaves into eddies of green water, she was oblivious of everything.

It was so hot and with sweat running down between her breasts and around hertemples, she took off her sun hat and waved it in front of her face to try and cooldown.

Squinting in the light she noticed squadrons of small insects which buzzed and flewin the still air, rising and falling as if on invisible elevators as a couple of Moorhens

and some ducks swam quietly by, their feathers iridescent emerald green andamethyst purple in the bright light.

In the distance were the hum of traffic from the town centre and the hubbub ofcrowds as they milled around the market stalls. She could hear laughter and gossip,childrens high voices among the adults rumble as the morning melted into theafternoon. She looked up as the church bells rung out 12.45 and realised she wassupposed to be meeting Henry and Dan at the pub for lunch.

Then out of nowhere came running footsteps. At first she took no notice continuingwith her stroll but as they got closer, something, a primeval instinct almost, made herturn around just in time for a teenager to slam into her sending her flying.

The water fowl flew off squawking and protesting loudly as the thief grabbed Helensbag trying to snatch it off her. She clung on to it valiantly yelling and screaming asthe pair of them struggled on the tow path.

LET GO YOU......LET GO!

The scrawny, spotty teen pulled and yanked, far stronger than her, his thin face andtattooed arms surprisingly tough.

FUCKING LET GO WILL YOU ......! he snarled as he tried to twist it out of her

hands.He had just about got it when out of the corner of her eye, she saw Dan running uptowards them, HEY YOU.......!

In less than a minute all hell broke loose as the youth realised Dan was way morethan a match for him. With one final desperate pull, his face creased with effort andfear and Helen equally determined he wouldnt have it as Lucy barked dementedly atthem both, Dan raced up, grabbed the skinny lad by the arm and threw him to oneside with force where he smashed into a small bush and some nettles, crumpling inpain on the ground.

STAY THERE! he yelled as the adolescent winced, one skinny arm defendinghimself against his attacker.


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Helen suddenly relieved of her aggressor, stumbled backwards and fell onto theground hurting her elbow and back. Wincing and moaning, Dan helped her up andhanded her the bag. He gently brushed her down.

You okay? he asked anxiously, breathing hard with beads of sweat running down

the side of his face.

She nodded silently, too shocked to say anything. He looked her over. She hadsome blood on her elbow where it had grazed on the tarmac and her dress was dirtybut apart from that, she appeared all right.

He then turned to the teenager who was rubbing his shoulder. You smashed myiPod mister..... he started pulling a broken piece of plastic out of his back pocket.

Ill smash more than that you little bastard! and leaning over the cowering teen, Danyanked him to his feet and held him by his scruffy tee shirt. What the fuck do youthink you were doing you little piece of garbage? he demanded into the boys acned

face.

Nothing......nothing.....just.....

Dan threw him back down in disgust. SIT DOWN AND STAY PUT!

The teenager ran the back of his hand over his face. He was shaking and keptglancing up in fear.

Dan turned to Helen who stood trembling, and rubbing a hand over her bloodiedelbow. She breathed hard, her eyes nervously glancing at the boy as she tried togain control of herself.

Are you sure youre okay? He didnt hurt you did he?

Yes Im fine and no he didnt. He just tried to grab my bag thats all, she sniffed ashe brushed some more dust off her dress and straightened her hair.

You sure, he asked softly, because you dont look it to me

She nodded. She looked so fragile that he just wanted to scoop her up in his armsand hold her close. I was just....walking and this ......he grabbed me..... she choked.I didnt ......know what to do! she gasped as she started to cry. Lucy whined, her tailbetween her legs; she was scared as well. Helen bent down to her dog andcomforted her. There, there girl. Youre okay arent you? as Lucy rolled over andwagged her tail.

Dan knelt down and examined Lucy closely while she tried to lick his face. Nothingmuch wrong with you is there? He stood up as Helen started to cry again and thatwas it so far as he was concerned. He pulled her close and hugged her as she weptnoisily against his shoulder. Hang on in there. Youll be all right, he soothed herbefore turning round and facing her assailant who had got unsteadily to his feet. Asmall crowd of onlookers were watching from the bridge and a Police siren could beheard getting closer.

I didnt mean it mister...... The boy could barely meet his eyes. There was a streakof blood dropping onto his spotted chin. I just .............


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Dont even think it you lowlife, Dan hissed, anger raging, the Police are coming andI will personally make sure you will pay for this, he added jabbing a finger into theboys face. Now, say sorry to the lady or Ill make you wish you hadnt got out ofbed this morning!

The boy lowered his head. He looked as if he was about to cry, his bottom lipwobbling.

Well? Im waiting, demanded Dan, fury emanating from every pore.

Okay, okay! The boy eyed him cautiously alarmed at the bigger mans threats.Sorry miss, I....I didnt....

Say it like you mean it

Dont hit me! the boy cried flinching. Sorry miss. Im really sorry, he muttered, notdaring to look up, his frightened eyes flickering around as he tried to find a way out of

his mess but it was too late. A Police Constable came jogging red-faced andbreathless along the path, his belly straining against his too tight shirt. He finallyarrived and stopped, sweat pouring down his pink forehead.

You again..... Martin! he puffed at the youth. Just wait... till your mother hears ofthis. He grabbed the teenager and held him by the arm. You all right Miss?

Shes fine, answered Dan as Helen cast a nervous glance at her attacker.

Well have to go to the Station Im afraid.... paperwork, explained the Policemanbreathlessly. Well go in my car. Come on Martin, and he pushed the boy ahead ofhim, and this time, you are going to be in so much trouble. Your mother will go

ballistic.

Oh no....please dont tell her!

Move it! and the Constable shoved him on.

The four of them and Lucy trooped along the pathway towards the crowds ofonlookers who had stopped to watch what was going on. Word was rapidlyspreading about Dans heroics in saving Helen. The crowd clapped spontaneouslyas they approached the bridge and made their way to the Police car.

Henry appeared pink, flustered and hot pushing his way through the crowd with thehelp of his stick. Someone told me at the pub....oh Helen... oh my dear, what onearth happened?

She threw her hands around her fathers neck more shocked than anything else.

Dan talked over her head. She got mugged but its okay now, he assured him. Noharm done. Just a bit shaken thats all. He pointed to the youth in the back of thecar. He did it; tried to pinch her bag.

Henry looked in the car. You.....you! How dare you? he quavered, shaking his stickat the teen who recoiled in horror, lowering his head in shame. The crowd now

surrounded them with much excitement at the event as the whole thing was relayedamongst them.


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Is this true my dear? Henry asked his daughter gently.

Helen nodded tearfully. Dan stopped him.

Seems this man saved her bag and more, explained the Constable to Henry. If ithadnt been for him arriving when he did, god knows what would have happenedgiven Martins previous run-ins with me.

Oh my word!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After some hours in the Police Station with questions answered, stories re-told andboxes ticked, the three of them finally left the mugger having to deal with his

mothers outrage. They drove home in silence each lost in their own thoughts. Danglanced at Helen in the rear view mirror but she kept her eyes averted as she staredout at the landscape. She had said very little since the event on the tow path.

When they arrived at the farm, she immediately disappeared upstairs while Henryand Dan made their way to the lounge. The old man flung open the French doorsand breathed deeply.

This is Mid-Devon for Christs sake! he exploded at last. Mid-Devon! Stuff like thisshouldnt happen here! In a big city maybe, but not here!

Sit down, ordered Dan kindly. Ill make some tea for us all. Do you think Helen willwant one?

Id leave her if I were you. She usually hides away when shes upset. Shell bedown in her own time.

All right.

I worry you know, he said when Dan came back with a mugs of tea for them both.What on earth is happening to us? How is Helen going to cope if Im not here? Hegot unsteadily to his feet, walked to the sideboard and helped himself to a large shotof brandy which he poured into his tea. He held the bottle out for Dan who declined

with a slight shake of the head. What am I going to do? he repeated returning to hisseat.

Dan thoughtfully sipped his tea. The mugging had shocked him just as much asHelen and her father and it had taken him by surprise just how angry he had got withthe boy. No doubt the earlier conversation with Charles had riled him up. He hadcalmed down now but seeing her in the Police Station pale-faced under her freckles,looking anxious and afraid had profoundly disturbed him. It was obvious that for allher bravado, there was a side to her, a vulnerability that resonated deep within him.He might have only known her for a short while but she affected him; she made himwant to care for her in a way that Christie never did and it bothered him. Perhaps

Charles had a point in getting so possessive about her; perhaps that is what she didto a man but he sipped his tea and preferred not to dwell on that.


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A few hours later, Helen appeared, withdrawn and subdued. Bare footed anddressed in a light blue cotton shift dress with her newly washed hair loose down herback, she found Dan sitting in the garden under the sun umbrella. She sat down on

the other chair her long legs folded neatly together and picked at a bit of loose skinon her hand she hurt in the tussle with her attacker. Dan thought she looked aboutfifteen with her scrubbed face and smooth skin and freckles.

You all right now? he asked gently. How are the bruises?

She rubbed her elbow and nodded. Fine. Wheres Henry?

Gone for a snooze; you sure youre okay?

Yeah, shock I suppose. She paused. The.....he just came out of nowhere.

I dont think he would have really hurt you. He looked so damn scared when thePoliceman told him his mother was coming and I can see why when she turned up.Even Id be frightened of her.

Her smile was faint, just flitting over her pale face. I owe you ......she beganhesitantly. .......... I want to thank you for what you did today.

No problem. Im sure anyone would have done the same.

Yes, she paused, but it was you, wasnt it? and for the first time since he arrivedthere was something inexplicable in her large green eyes when she looked at him.


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Chapter 11

It was two days later. Helen was riding across the Moor towards Tanglewood. Thesun blazing down across the parched browned landscape and although it was late inthe afternoon, it was still blisteringly hot.

Sweat gathered under the rim of her riding hat and trickled down her back. Herhands were clammy against the worn leather of her reins and her jodhpurs stuck tothe inside of her thighs.

Above her swifts darted and dived in the hot still air as they chased insects, theirincessant screeching a constant backdrop to each day. Somewhere a Skylark sang,endlessly trilling out his high-pitched melody across the baking land. Fat, panting

sheep thankfully shorn of their heavy winter coats, lay spread out under gorsebushes seeking what shade they could. Occasionally a well grown lamb bleatedplaintively in the heat.

There was no galloping in this weather; the ground was too hard, the heat too muchand poor Lady was being plagued by flies despite Helens best efforts. The chestnutmare plodded on along the well worn path down towards the river. She knew shewas going to cool down in what was left of the standing pools and her ears prickedup as she could hear the trickle of water. She shook her head and snorted, abattalion of small flies launching themselves from her face and neck as her tailflicked her hind quarters.

Still shocked by the violent events that occurred in town two days previously, Helenfound herself repeated reliving the events leading up to and including the mugging.She also found herself eternally thankful for Dans prompt actions and how he hadpossibly saved her from a much worse fate. Without his timely and forcefulintervention, she dreaded to think what might have happened. Time and again theimage of her attacker being yanked off her and thrown to the ground, Dans bellowedcommand that he sit still while he then gently pulled her to her feet, whirled in thevortex of her mind. What would she have done without his help; it didnt bearthinking about and although she tried to stop herself, she couldnt. He had saved herand after she had been so rude to him as well. She curled her toes with

embarrassment every time she thought about it and had made a big effort to bemore considerate towards him since.

In the distance she could hear the thump, thump, thump, of hammer on nails asDan worked at Tanglewood, the noise of metal on wood ringing out like ametronome.

She looked up and could see the river or rather, what was left of it. The rivulets ofwater flowed from one small pool to another but barely more than would come out ofa fast dripping tap. Dead brown grasses and bits of leaves floated lifelessly in thelast remaining still green pools which were sprinkled with dust from the drying banks.Insects darted and flew about and occasionally the surface water was broken byjumping fish looking for a mouthful of fresh air as the water stagnated. A large green


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and black jewelled Dragonfly flew past quartering for prey on humming wings as itskirted the horse and rider.

Sparkling in the sunlight, she screwed up her eyes behind her sunglasses. Thetrees hung limp in the still air throwing welcome shadows and walking under their

boughs and thankful for the cooler air, Lady swished her tail and shuddered. A largehorse fly was trying to make a meal of her by biting her withers. Helen swiped it off.Bloody thing!

I hope thats not me youre referring to. Horse and rider walked out into the gladewhere the old stone hut stood, its walls as ancient as the very granite Torsthemselves.

Sorry? She glanced up and pulled Lady to a halt. Dan was perched on top of thebare rafters of Tanglewood, tanned and muscular in the heat with a hammer in onehand and nails in the other. Shirtless and wearing denim cut-down shorts and abaseball cap to keep the sun out of his eyes, she could see the sheen of sweatbathing his chest. He smiled at her, the light reflecting off his sunglasses and ashard as she tried, it was difficult to ignore his taut muscles and toned body.

She glanced up into the suns rays her face bathed in its golden light and returnedhis smile. No, not you; horseflies. Poor Lady gets bitten dont you girl? and shepatted the horses neck.

You come to help? he asked, athletically jumping down and throwing the hammer toone side. He picked up a bottle of water and drank thirstily. Sweat ran down historso in rivulets each droplet skimming his tanned muscled body. He then pouredsome water over his sweat drenched hair and wiped it over his face and down his

chest.

She shrugged. What could I do? she said watching him closely.

Distract me? he suggested wiping his face with a towel that was hanging from anearby branch.

Now her smile was deliciously awkward and she noted yet again how theirconversations had become simultaneously friendlier, even flirtatious but still guarded.It was if a huge imaginary wall stood between them; a gulf of anxiety and warinessderived she realised, from her reluctance to get anywhere close to him as temptationwould be quite beyond her crumbling resolve.

I just thought.............well, she stumbled. I thought Id take Lady into the water.She likes it; it keeps her cool in this weather.

The horse nuzzled Dans outstretched but realising he didnt have any titbits, turnedher attention to what was left of the sweet grass. Down here by the river where thevalley protected the vegetation from the fierce drying winds and scorching sun, therewas still some greenery around.

Ill be going back soon, he remarked wiping his hands together and taking anotherswig of water. I cant do anymore here until the window is made, and they both

studied the small building.


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How long do you think it will take to finish the repairs? she asked.

He shrugged. Depends, he smiled grimacing in the dappled sunlight. She didntanswer as somewhere deep inside a tincture of disappointment needled her. Shesuddenly realised she didnt want him to go.

What was this place originally used for? he asked, indicating with a nod of his headtowards the hut.

I dont know really. Shepherds shelter I suppose, she added quietly, but I knowone thing; when the storms blow and the rain is horizontal, you would really needsomewhere safe like that.

I bet. He paused then, Isnt this where we came all those years ago? he askedlooking around. Wasnt it over there, and he pointed Helen following his gaze, thatwe argued about my lack of fishing ability?

I think so, well, at least Henry says we did.

Mmm, I remember it now; you and your pigtails and utter contempt at my uselessfishing attempts and general cack-handedness.

Oh dear, and she could feel her face redden. I didnt, did I?

He nodded. Yep, you were very forthright in your opinions, and he chuckled. So,he said turning to her, Im sweltering; wheres the best place for a dip?

She pointed. Over there. Theres always a deep pool whatever the weather.

Shove up then.

Oh....okay, and she moved forward in the saddle. He jumped up and swung his legover Lady so he sat behind her. He put his arms around her middle and took thereins from her hands.

Ill steer shall I?

Sat so close, her discomfort grew as his bare chest pressed against her back.

Hot isnt it? he remarked his voice close to her ear. Walk on Lady.

The horse plodded down the dusty river bank, tail swishing against the onslaught offlies until they came to a small shingle cove where her shoes clanged against thesmooth stones. She splashed into the river until the water was up to her belly andstood still in the cool green pool, small eddies curling around the riders feet.

The dipping sunlight sparkled all around them bathing the scene in amber light.Lady shook her mane and rumbled her appreciation.

Shes hot, explained Helen, scratching the mares mane, and she hates all theflies. The mare shook her head and snorted against the water, pulling against herbridle so Dan let her reins go.


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Oh well, no time like the present, he said, sliding off and vanishing under thewaters surface. He surfaced, spluttering. Shit.......its cold! and he wiped his handsover his face as the water ran off him in streams, dripping off his elbows and chin.

Helen chuckled. Ha! and you a fully trained Marine? I thought you were all iron

men....you should see your face! and before she could say anything more, hegrabbed her leg and arm, pulled her out of the saddle and into the water. With analmighty splash of flying limbs, she screeched as she too disappeared under thesurface, Lady jinking to one side as she jumped away onto the bank. Helensurfaced, gasping and laughing, coughing and grinning as she removed her hat andpushed her wet hair out of her face, blinking hard.

Thats for taking the piss! he laughed, removing a bit of weed stuck to the side ofher face.

She coughed as she finally found her feet. Oh god, this is so cold!

Told you so! and they both laughed.

Taking hold of her hand the pair of them walked back to the bank where Lady startedto graze while the humans sat on the grass sunning themselves dry.

Ahh, thats better...... he murmured as he lay back on the hot dry ground and closedhis eyes.

Helen smiled and lay next to him, the chill of the water soon wilting in the hot air.She closed her eyes and relaxed.

A blackbird could be heard screeching its alarm call in the dark green trees on the

opposite bank and somewhere a woodpecker was battering a tree trunk as it prisedout tasty insects from beneath the bark. All around nature buzzed and sweltered,sang and wilted as the sun beat relentlessly down.

A black and white dipper, its ticking body lifting and falling as if operated by someunseen switch, stood on a large rock downstream and watched them curiously withits bright beady eyes. It then took flight when Lady kicked an insect away from herleg and flew off down the river low over the water like a small dark missile.

This is so lovely, he murmured.

Helen sat up, dust and bits of dry grass stuck to her wet shirt. Uh huh, it is. Theyfell silent with only the sounds of the valley keeping them company.

Youre so lucky to live here, he said, sitting up and chewing a stalk of dry grass.

I know. I never realised it before when I was away but I do now and nothing willmake me leave this place. Its my home, my heritage, my ancestry. I could no moregive this up than give up eating. Its in my DNA if you like, she shrugged, I mean,just look at it; some people would pay thousands for a view like this and I have it allon my front doorstep.

Well its a damn sight better than the view from the Sergeants Mess thats for sure.

Is that where youre staying back at camp?


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For now, yes, and just then a lone cloud obscured the sun and the air cooled. Howmuch land do you have? he asked, changing the subject.

Oh, I dont really know but we rent most of it out. We own the local quarry as well assome gold mining rights.

Gold? Are you kidding?

Oh yes, theres gold in them thar hills believe it or not. Not much but if the pricekeeps rising.... she shrugged, who knows what might happen? Henry knows all thedetails, she continued brightly. It was his father that really expanded the farmbuying up land here, there and everywhere. Charles our neighbour....

Ah yes, I met him in Okehampton....

You did? He nodded ...his father tried to buy us out once but it came to nothing.Henry fought him off and they had a bit of a falling out over it. It all got a bit

unpleasant by all accounts; bad blood so to speak and they still try to get pockets ofland now and again, especially the gold mining bit. I dont know why becauseMerton Manor is one hell of an estate but Charles is always making offers. Hesalways had his eye on Moorlake.

Maybe its not just Moorlake? Dan suggested. She glanced at him as she brushedaway bits of grass from her arms. Perhaps its you?

As if Id give him the time of day..... she trailed off, her smile fading. Dan watchedand could see something grieved her. Her expression told him much more than shewas prepared to say. Anyway, she continued, the gold seam has been looked atenough times by various geologists and unless he knows something I dont, Ive noidea why he keeps pestering us.

You dont?

She turned to face him, frowning. No, I dont.

Does he have any money problems?

No, well maybe....I dont know and anyway, what makes you ask? Believe me, if hedid, Im sure wed all know about it. Thats the downside of living somewhere likethis; we all know everything about everybody. Theres no secrets here

Something was going on thought Dan; something had to be behind Charles outrighthostility when they had met. He undoubtedly wanted Helen but perhaps it was thefarm he was really after what with its quarry and other assets. For a man like himpossession was power and that was everything.

I wish I had somewhere to love as much as this, he mused.

But surely there must be somewhere for you, a home; a base thats not an Armycamp?

He looked away the reflections of the river highlighted in his sunglasses. Yeah,

Christie and I lived off the base however, the Army is the nearest thing I have to asecure home especially now but its nothing like this.


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Now that you and she...?

He nodded chewing grass stem. Even talking about Christie made the magic of theirsurroundings diminish. I dont know whats going to happen. I do know though, Ihave to think before making any drastic moves.

Think about what?

Where my future is going to be. You just cant walk away; theres all the legal stuffand anyway, I promised, you know, all that till death us do part and the one thing Idont like doing, is breaking promises. He fell silent as he looked out across theriver. I thought it would be easy but.....

You being a man of your word....?

I like to think so. Thats one thing the Army does give you; a sense of loyalty andwhatever problems Christie and I might have, I will do the right thing.

They fell silent again and then she asked, why did you come to see Henry before;he said something about it being a legal thing. What was it about?

He smiled. You must ask him if you want to know

I did, he wouldnt tell me.

And then neither will I; I promised.

And a promise is a promise isnt it?

Yep.

She sighed, of course, she agreed, you must keep your promises, and inside herheart was quietly retreating. He promised his wife to love and to hold and hepromised Henry which was admirable, but the fact was she felt strangely depressedand unsettled. She gazed down the river and wondered why its beauty suddenly lefther unmoved.

I better get on, he said as if her disquiet was infectious. He stood up and themoment was lost. Got to tidy up and clear up the mess, he added quietly indicatingwith a nod towards the hut. He helped her to her feet and together they stood faceto face. He glanced down at her hand in his and reluctantly let it go. Enjoy your ride

and Ill see you back at the farm okay? and then he walked away leaving her aloneon the bank.

Right, and she watched his retreating back strangely puzzled. She brushed herselfdown, her clothes still damp and felt oddly stranded. She thought they were gettingalong fine and yet sometimes she wondered as he turned his back on her. Shewatched as he picked up his hammer without so much as a backward glance andsighed; it seemed that fate really had it in for her when it came to men.

She got hold of Lady, mounted up and the pair of them trotted back up towards thepath and onto the Moor.


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Dan finally turned to watch her go when he thought she was far enough away not tosee his expression. His whole body longed for her with a visceral yearning that hehad never felt for a woman before. Riding behind her on Lady, inhaling her scent,her sweet sweat, feeling her heartbeat through his skin had left him consumed withneed. Crippled with lust, he yearned for her and was desperate with desire. Yet as

he gazed after her, wracked with thwarted hormones, he knew he had to leave herebefore she weaved any more of her magic over him and left him unable to deal withhis wife.

He reluctantly turned away and started to pick up the tools. He must, must getthings under control and then in nothing more than pure sexual rage, he threw ahammer with all his strength where it bounced off a tree and buried itself in the driedcracked mud by the river.

FUCK IT!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Up in the woods they had been watched and listened to. Charles was out checkinghis sheep when he had heard the two voices long before he saw them. The valleyhad a peculiar way of amplifying sound and as the conversation drifted up in thebreeze, he dismounted his horse and approached carefully not wanting to givehimself away.

He found somewhere to sit yet still remain hidden and using his binoculars watchedclosely. He saw the way they interacted, the way she smiled at the soldier, the waythe man walked about showing off his fit torso to her and it made his stomach tighteninto knots of fierce anger. Heart pounding, head sweating and teeth clenched, hegripped the eye piece tightly.

Bloody man!

He then saw Helen leaving. If he hurried up, he would be able to catch up with her.He made his way back to his horse and quickly mounted. Digging in his heels, heurged his horse onwards with a slap across its rump. Cantering over the crest of thehill, he saw her in the distance. He galloped over, his black horse a mass of dripping

sweat and foam between its legs.

Helen! he called.

Hello. She waited for him to catch up with her, his black stallion skidding to a haltall wide eyes, sweat pouring off its belly and nostrils flaring. She didnt like the horseand neither did Lady who snorted at the stallions approach eyeing him with upturnedhead, laid back ears and staring eyes.

How are you? he asked.

Fine, she lied.

Hows your guest?


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Okay. I gather you two met at the Farmers Market.

Yeah; did he tell you about it, our meeting that is?

No, just that youd met.

Interesting man isnt he?

I suppose.

It was just before you were mugged for which I was very sorry to hear about. Nodoubt the Police are dealing with the little scroat?

Yes, they rang yesterday to say he was going to be charged with assault.

Hmm, and he shouldnt be the only one

She frowned. Meaning?

Oh nothing, he smiled brightly. Only if I had my way, Id put that underclassgarbage in with my prize stock bull. That should teach him a lesson he wouldntforget.

You would.

Nothing more than he deserves I think.

Forget it Charles.

Just saying thats all.

Well dont.

So when is your houseguest leaving?

Whats it to you?

He shrugged. Nothing; just asking.

I dont know.

Realising he wasnt going to get very far he tried another tack. Theres a dinnerdance at the golf club next week. The Blue Boys are playing. Theyre supposed tobe very good. Do you want to come?

What, with your dancing? Do I look like I want a broken foot and twisted ankle?She shook her head chuckling quietly as she recalled the dance in the garden withDan. A sharp pang of unrequited lust roared up out of nowhere and she had toclamp her torrid imagination shut. I dont think so. Im not in the mood.

I bought.....I thought.....

Then you thought wrong didnt you? she snapped and with that she kicked Lady onand left him behind. He watched her go and knew with a ice-cold certainty exactly

who was behind her reluctance; Dan Fuller.


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Chapter 12

It was the nightmare again. Dan was out on patrol in the merciless baking dust ofAfghanistan, his uniform sticking to him in the piteous heat. He and a long line of hismen were strung out in the noonday sun as it beat down sucking the life out ofeveryone.

Look left, look right, crackling voices in his earpiece and then the hot, whiteexplosion crashed into him. Voices yelling, someone screaming; an eviscerating,nails-on-the-blackboard scream that stabbed right through him, children running,their feet throwing up dust in the melee. And then he couldnt hear anymore, hecouldnt see his corporal lying in the sandy dirt, bloody stumps where his legs oughtto be; couldnt hear the incessant shouting for Medics and the ear splitting, heart

wrenching screaming for this, for that and he was gasping for breath, dying tobreathe, couldnt........breathe.......

He woke up with a start, dripping with sweat, panting hard and sat bolt upright.Reaching for the side table, he switched on the lamp and saw Helen standing in theshadows by the door.

Heart still pounding he gasped, I was making a noise wasnt I?

She nodded silently and stepped forward into the light. I thought it was the fox.Damn thing keeps trying to get the chickens. She paused. He looked so drawn. Ihad my window open. The heat.....I....couldnt sleep.....too hot.

Sorry. He wiped his brow. I woke you up?

She walked closer towards him and sat on the side of the double bed near his feet.Yes, she whispered her voice anxious, you did actually. You sounded terrible. Areyou okay?

Sorry... dreaming.....or nightmare I suppose. Things.....stuff catches up with you justwhen you think its gone. He smiled feebly. Ill try not to make so much noise if ithappens again.

She nodded slightly, her large eyes haunted in the lamp light.I didnt wake Henry as well did I? he whispered.

No, too much Merlot for that, she grinned. He would sleep through Armageddonafter that lot, she added. What were you dreaming about?

Helmand. He rested his head back against the white-washed wall. A big IED wentoff just before I came home and badly injured my Corporal.

Is he going to be all right?

I dont know. Last time I visited him in hospital, he was still unconscious; lots oftubes and stuff; both his legs gone just under the knees.


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Im sorry.

So am I. Hes a good man and married too. God knows what his wife is goingthrough. She spends all her time with him you know, unlike some.

Christie? Helen ventured cautiously.

She wouldnt know the meaning of the word loyalty if it smacked her in the mouth.

Neither did Marcus. It seems I was just...well, nothing.

Hurts doesnt it?

Not so much. It did before but then.... and she shrugged. She stood up. Id bettergo, but before she could, he reached out for her arm and clasped it.

Dont.....

She looked at him. To stay would mean only one thing and against all her betterjudgement, that was exactly what she wanted. She paused; to feel his skin againsthers, to smell his scent, to hold him in her arms; she wanted it so much she couldfeel her legs buckling. His eyes were on her, watching, waiting, hoping and she hadto decide. She looked down at his hand on her arm and saw the strength in hisfingers, the way he held her so gently and somehow just his touch told hereverything she wanted to know. Here was a man who wanted her as much as shewanted him and for all the right reasons.

Helen......stay....

He threw back the sheet and moved over. She hesitated and then nervouslyclimbed in, lay down and switched off the light. Immediately the room was floodedby the silver radiance of the moon that hung in the black, cloudless sky surroundedby the endless diamond-studded heavens. It bathed them in its ageless light as itshone through the old hayloft window.

He lay on his side and supported himself on his elbow tracing the outline of her nosewith one finger. I wanted you the first time I saw you, he whispered.

I was six.

He smiled. I meant the car park silly. It should be a crime to look as beautiful as

you....wars have been fought for less you know.

How so?

Your namesake; Helen of Troy...you know what we men are like....all through theages we have always wanted the most beautiful and with your lips, he smiled tracinghis fingers slowly over her mouth, ....your eyes.....your smile.....and your hair.....,and picking up a lock he let it slip through his fingers. Rivers of dark copper, andthen their eyes met and they knew that nothing would hold them back.

He kissed her, light butterfly kisses around her face, along her hairline and down toher mouth and she closed her eyes, lost in the tenderness of it all, her heartpounding as their warm lips met and then....


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These last couple of weeks..... she whispered.

Its been a nightmare trying to ignore you....

No better for me....down at Tanglewood today....you looked so...I didnt know whatto say.....

Their eyes met and in the silence of the night, all defences were breached and theysmiled. Then he kissed her properly and instantly she could feel the power of him;hard taut muscles yet so inviting as he stretched himself along her soft, welcomingbody.

She lay flat on her back her face profiled with the light of the moon. What are wedoing...we really shouldnt.......mustnt... she began, kissing him back.

He put a finger to her lips. Youre beautiful and ....I want you as much as you wantme, he told her stroking her hair away from her temple and ignoring her small

protests.

She held his hand and kissed it. Surrender was all she was capable of as naturetook hold and forced her to abandon her defences sweeping them away withouthesitation.

I....

Shh..... he whispered.

And then they kissed again, wrapping their arms around each other as their embracegot tighter and stronger.

the long hot summer - excerpt

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