The Knapthorne Conspiracy by Malcolm Ballard (best english novels for beginners txt) 📕

“What sort of a writer?” he said, slowly.

“Good, apparently, by the sales of my last book,” she replied, straight-faced, putting the bread on the table and inviting him to sit.

“Oh, that sort of a writer. And what was the title of the book?”

“Lingering Doubts. It’s about a …….” His face lit up, at the mention of the title.

“I thought there was something familiar about your name! Of course! Bella Foxton. The book about euthanasia.” Kyle began to see her in a totally different light. Not a week ago, he’d had lunch with Phil Travis, from Belmont Productions, who’d mentioned that they were looking at adapting it for television. In Phil’s opinion, the book was outstanding.

“What an amazing coincidence! Do you know Phil Travis?” The blank expression on Bella’s face indicated that she didn’t.

“Never heard of him, sorry. Should I have done?”

“No, it’s not important…”

“Help yourself,” she told him, indicating the food. “Time’s getting on if you’ve got to be away.” Silently, he cursed the fact that he had to go but there was no way he could change the time of his meeting, at this late stage. Bella Foxton, eh? Talented and a knock-out. He had to see her again. He had to think of something, even though his schedule was full to bursting over the next three months.

“Shouldn’t we be exchanging insurance company details, or something?” She asked, dipping her bread into the taramosalata. Knowing he was about to leave soon, there was no way she was going to let him disappear for good.

“Yes, you’re right. We must do it before I go.” Kyle knew he had to say something now or he might not get another chance. “I might be back down this way, in the next couple of weeks, and I’d like to look in, see how you’re going.” Bella’s heart skipped a beat but she wasn’t going to show it.

“Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to put you to any trouble?”

“Honestly, it’s no trouble. I’ll keep tabs on the car for you, in the meantime, and find out when it will be ready.” She laid the fingers of a soft, well-manicured hand over his.

“Kyle, I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done and I’m truly sorry for the damage I’ve caused to your car.”

“Huh! Don’t worry! The main thing is you’re alright!” Hunger got the better of them both and they tucked into the light meal in front of them. When Kyle had finished, he pushed his chair back and stood up.

“I’ll go and get my insurance details for you, then I’d best be off. I just hope that damned cat of yours is nowhere around!” Watching him as he left the kitchen, Bella allowed herself a smile. She would give him her phone number so that he could ring about the car and leave the rest to fate. It was just amazing how many unexpected turns her life had taken recently. Somewhere, deep down, she knew it had all started with the cottage and that old Uncle Foxy was responsible, watching over her and calling the shots. The urge to write was now stronger than ever and she sensed that it was all part of some larger plan. His plan? It warmed her heart to think so but she knew she was being fanciful but, if it inspired her, so what?

“You just keep on doing what you’re doing,” she whispered softly, looking up at the ceiling.

“What was that?” Kyle Lucas enquired, as he walked back into the room, thumbing through the contents of a slim briefcase.

“Nothing. Just talking to my uncle,” she replied, brightly. His look of uncertainty questioned the comment and, perhaps, more besides but, due to the fact he had to get away, he chose not to pursue the matter.

It wasn’t until he had gone that Bella found herself able to relax and having to admit that she was quite shaken by what had happened. Now that she didn’t have to keep up appearances for anyone she found that the discomfort she was experiencing from the injury to her neck and lower back was quite acute. It hadn’t escaped her, either, that if it hadn’t have been for the quick thinking of Kyle Lucas, her injuries might have been far worse. The whole episode had taken a lot out of her and she suddenly began to feel extraordinarily tired. She ran a bath, to help ease the aches and pains, lay back in its warm embrace and gave herself up to its efficacious properties. With her eyes closed, in her mind she revisited the events of the day after the accident. Revisited the sights and the sounds, the words and the actions, immersing herself in the memory of Kyle Lucas, until she almost succumbed to the seductive temptation of sleep. Only a concerted effort roused her and she knew there was no alternative but to go to bed and it wasn’t too long before she had done exactly that, falling asleep almost immediately. Much later, as evening became night, Bella once again found herself running, breathless, through thick undergrowth. Battling her way through tangled grass and bushes, fending off twigs and branches as the sound of her pursuers got closer. Her legs felt weak and on the point of giving way when she tripped over an exposed tree root, stumbled and fell. The ground opened up and a darkness consumed her as she continued to fall, faster and faster…

Bella awoke with a cry of alarm, the room in total darkness, unable to determine where she was, her heart pumping wildly. Awareness slowly kicked in and she fumbled for the switch of the bedside lamp, perspiration moistening her finger tips. Her skin was cold, clammy and she began to shiver, needing the dressing gown which was on the back of the door and she got out of bed to get it. Slipping it over her shoulders, she heard the plaintiff miaowing of the