Free RACE AMAZON: False Dawn (James Pace novels Book 1) by Andy Lucas

of the country and give him a positive focus, he finally decided.  Finishing up, he dried off and put the now damp towel around his waist, using a smaller one to vigorously dry his hair while the bath water drained away. A quick rinse and the second bath was underway, this time profusely bubbled with an apple and peach concoction he spotted on a glass shelf above the sink. Steam filled the bathroom again and he had to constantly wipe the mirror clear with one hand as he smoothed his hair into some semblance of order with the other. Then came the slightly damp jeans and socks.  He had left his boots by the front door earlier.
    A laundry basket in the bathroom swallowed his two used towels and Sarah’s wardrobe soon produced a dark green sweatshirt.  It fitted him comfortably, so he assumed it had once belonged to one of her lovers.  Her bedroom was as plain as the rest of the cottage although Pace made a conscious effort not to snoop.  He took in the king-size bed, the treble wardrobe and the single bedside table, before returning to the lounge completely refreshed.  Sarah was still on the telephone and gave him a thumbs up sign to tell him things were progressing well.
    Anxious to make himself useful, he wandered into her kitchen and made some fresh tea. Sarah joined him a few moments later and beckoned him back into the lounge, where both settled onto the large sofa.  
    ‘First things first,’ she began. ‘I spoke to Hammond. I told him about the fire. He knows a lot of people through the company and he told me to tell you not to worry. You just have to arrive, as planned, at the airport tomorrow morning.  He will have a new passport and visa ready for you.  You can pick up some new clothing and luggage in the airport shops before you leave.  Are you okay for money?’
    ‘Money’s not a problem.  I still have nearly four thousand pounds on me. I was going to exchange most of it into travellers cheques at Heathrow but I can use some of that for now.  Besides, I always keep my wallet on me, so my credit and bank cards are still quite safe.’
    ‘Good.’ Her own enthusiasm had returned. She was used to solving problems at short notice and basked in a job well done.  ‘I’m going to drive you to the airport in the morning myself.  I’ll even help you shop, so long as you treat me to coffee and a croissant for my trouble.’
    ‘You don’t have to do that, even though it would be great.’ Pace said quickly. ‘I can grab a taxi from here. I’m sure you’ve got better things to do than play nursemaid.’
    She laughed. ‘Not really.’
    ‘Not really?’ he parroted.
    ‘My father wants me in Brazil to handle a few reported niggles with the local administration, just until he flies in himself. It was always on the cards but he never decides until the last minute. Hammond knows his habits like I do.  I managed to book myself a seat on your flight out.  I had a feeling this would happen; it’s a good job too.’
    ‘So you’ll be coming with us, to Brazil?’
    ‘Yes.’
    ‘How long?’
    ‘I don’t know.  Not long I shouldn’t think.  Just a few days then I’ll be flying back here.’
    ‘That’s good news,’ Pace said.  He could now look forward to enjoying her company for a good deal longer. The atmosphere in the room seemed to thicken and he had the urge to loosen a non-existent tie and collar. The earlier electricity of her hand in his own was still a fresh memory and he was painfully aware of how close together they were sitting. 
    Finally, Sarah stood up and walked down the hall to the bathroom, taking her tea with her.  She shouted back that he should make himself at home. 
    A beautiful burnished walnut corner unit held a television, video and DVD, disguised behind a near seamless false front. Switching on the late film; a classic Gary Cooper western, Pace settled back to watch. 
    The film was drawing to a climax of exchanged gunshots when Sarah returned. She looked fresh and