Free Game of Scones by Samantha Tonge Page A

the name of his employer.’
    ‘So? Look, how long’s this going to–’
    ‘He also said… ’ Niko fiddled with his leather bracelet, ‘“Pippa must not find out.” Something about you loving marine life…’ His eyes widened. ‘I’m convinced ThinkBig has bribed the mayor into helping them get permission to develop on the nature reserve, on the east side of the island – it is one of the few places in Kos where the endangered Caretta turtles still nest every twelve months. Experts think they are considering nesting here in Taxos again, in the cove – but that may not be for another year or two. Until then, every nesting site needs protection.’
    My jaw fell open. ‘There’s no way Henrik would push for the decimation of a reserve. And corrupt or not, surely even the mayor wouldn’t ever get permission?’
    ‘You don’t understand, Pippa – things have changed since the recession. New laws have been brought in that allow rich foreigners to invest in and develop protected land, as long as they replace it by building a reserve elsewhere. It happened three years ago on the southern tip of the island, near Kefalos. The beaches are perfect for surfing, so a holiday firm was allowed to take over that part of the beach and nearby land, at the expense of the turtles and peacocks. The nesting season was ruined and no turtles have been reported since, anywhere along that part of the coast.’
    My chest tightened at the way Niko’s eyes glistened – he loved sea life as much as me. But Henrik knew my views on protecting the natural world. I couldn’t believe he’d be part of such a damaging programme. Yet an uneasy sensation rippled down my body, from head to toe. Henrik was ambitious, even ruthless when it came to business… Like the time one deal meant a forced purchase of several houses in a town up north. One elderly couple had appealed the decision but lost. Henrik seemed to have no qualms that ThinkBig had stolen many of their family’s memories, by knocking down their home – all he’d focussed on was that they’d been given a more than generous payment for their small bungalow
    I stared at Niko… On the other hand, why would my childhood friend make this up? Nausea briefly hit the back of my throat at the thought of builders tearing apart the safe haven of those magnificent turtles. But I owed my loyalty to Henrik who, above all else, was always honest.
    I tutted. ‘This is what happens when people eavesdrop – you don’t get the full story. I’m sure there’s an explanation for all this that isn’t sinister.’
    ‘You should accompany him to Kos Town tomorrow, Pippa. Pretend to go shopping but really spy on him. This project needs to be stopped before it gets underway.’
    I scraped back my chair and stood up. ‘Are you completely mad? You may disrespect and deceive Leila behind her back, but my relationship with Henrik is based on openness and trust – you ought to try it sometime.’
    ‘So, you told him about our butterfly kisses?’
    ‘No… you see… they were your idea and… took me by surprise. What’s more, I’m not engaged, whereas you… ’ Urgh! How dare he smile? At least I’d already been having doubts about Henrik, whereas he’d committed to a future with his girlfriend. Although a wave of discomfort washed over me, as if I’d been caught out.
    ‘Pippa…’
    I shook my head. ‘You have insulted my boyfriend – and tried to lower my standards to yours, by saying I should spy. I don’t understand all this trouble-stirring between me and Henrik.’
    ‘But–’
    ‘I don’t know who you are any more. From now on, leave me alone!’

Chapter Seven
    Long arms snaked around my body as I stood in front of the kitchen sink. Gentle kisses trailed a path, up and down my neck. Hands covered in bubbles, I turned around to look up at those familiar slate eyes, crinkling at the corners. Henrik leant down but jerked away, laughing, when I put a dollop of soap suds on his