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

“I won’t keep you long,” he promised, and was rewarded with a smile.

“It’s better now I’m home. I’ll be alright.” Upstairs, in the small bedroom at the end of the hallway Ubix gave a great yawn and stretched languidly having just woken up. The cat sensed that it was almost time to go down and pester his mistress about being fed.

“I don’t know, Kyle,” Bella began. “It may be just my imagination but I can’t escape the feeling that people are being less than honest with me. I don’t like to use the word conspiracy but that’s what it seems like to me.”

“And they’ve given you plausible explanations for the circumstances you’ve queried?”

“Depends on how you qualify the word plausible and who the explanation suits most. Perhaps I’m just getting more cynical as I get older!” Kyle sat back, letting go of her hand, and picked up his cup of tea.

“The Knapthorne Conspiracy, eh? As good a title as any for a tv drama!”

“You’re not serious?” she asked, wide-eyed with surprise.

“You never know!” he answered, enigmatically, taking a sip from his cup. “Stranger things have happened. It’s got some great characters, good dramatic elements and a very attractive leading lady.”

“Now I know you’re kidding!” she laughed, feeling a little brighter now. They both took the opportunity to finish their drinks then Kyle looked at her thoughtfully.

 “Is there any one thing, out of all you’ve told me, that you feel is at the crux of the matter?” Bella considered the question carefully, before answering.

“Not really. It’s more the combination of everything but obviously Alfie and the Flint family would appear to be involved if I’m correct in my assumption.” Kyle felt it would be wise to leave with things on a fairly positive note and not to outstay his welcome, so he got up and took his cup and saucer over to the sink.

“Ok,” he said, turning back to her. “I’m going to do a bit of research if that’s alright with you?” He paused, waiting for her reply.

“Fine! What sort of research, exactly?”

“Go back through the papers around the time of his accident, that sort of thing. A few questions in the right places.” Bella looked horrified.

“Don’t you go implicating me in any of this, Kyle Lucas!” she warned him. “I’ve got to live in this village, remember!”

“Trust me. It’s in both our interests not to give anything away.” Could she trust him, that was the question? Nothing showed in his face to put her mind at rest and he struck her as the sort of person who would look after his own interests, full stop. Why did life always have to get complicated? Perhaps, to safeguard her future in the village, she’d better make sure that he remained interested in her for the time being anyway until she got to know him better. It wasn’t as though she wouldn’t enjoy it, after all. Kyle looked at his watch.

“I must be getting back anyway. I’d better be off.” It was the cue for Bella to move and she rose from her seat and went over to him.

“Thanks for coming today, I really mean it. Sorry I had to go and spoil things.” He put a finger to her lips, to silence her.

“You didn’t spoil anything. I had a great time, really. And now I’m going to sort out your little mystery for you.” Bella kissed his finger, softly, then he took it away and bent towards her putting his lips to hers. There was no urgency at first as they were consumed by the intimacy of the moment, that first electric contact of mouth upon mouth that sends sensual shockwaves through the body. Bella parted her lips and he responded, probing, exploring, as he slipped his arms around her pulling her roughly to him. Excited by the feel of the firm, supple contours of her body pressing against him he quickly became aroused and Bella couldn’t help but be aware of it. After so long without a man she was overcome by a surging tide of desire and thrust herself against him, their embrace suddenly becoming more urgent. Then, in her vulnerable state, all self-control deserted her. Now he was running his hand down her side, fingertips playing her ribs, his palm brushing the fullness of her breast, and she moaned softly at his touch, feeling the heat of him, wanting him, knowing it was too late to stop.

The cat was so close that the piercing sound of its high-pitched screech nearly gave both of them a heart attack and they parted instantly, gasping for breath, the heat of their passion immediately cooled by the devastating intrusion. Bella was both grateful and relieved as she fought to calm herself down and all she wanted to do was burst into laughter but the look on Kyle’s face stopped her. A smouldering expression of suppressed anger and violence contorted his handsome features and sent a shiver down Bella’s spine as he glared at the cat. It stood on the table, less than two yards away, a sculpture in bristling hatred, back arched, fangs bared and screeching still. Without a word Kyle turned on his heel and walked to the back door which led to the garden. Gripping the handle he pulled it, viciously, only to find the door locked, adding to his frustration. A swift turn of the key, the door was open and he was gone, leaving Bella in a state of shock. Quickly she went to the open door and found him just outside, taking in deep breaths of fresh air.

“Kyle, what on earth’s the matter?” He seemed to be having trouble getting air into his lungs and didn’t answer immediately. The truth was he was fighting to harness his anger and prevent a violent outburst that would dash any hopes of a relationship between them. A mixture of anxiety and confusion showed on her face as she watched him, uncertain of what to