Free An Honorable Surprise by Sally Graham

about in the guidebook last night.”

    “Then I’m absolutely certain I don’t want to come if you’re going to bombard me with information,” Simon laughed. “Have fun and enjoy yourself!”

    Tamara shielded her eyes against the bright sunshine as the launch pulled away from the yacht’s shadow and headed towards Positano harbour. Small sailing boats and fishing boats bobbed lazily in the low swell, and the tiered ranks of houses each painted in different soft pastel colors - lemon, white and cream - with their ancient terracotta roofs clinging to the town’s rocky slopes.

    “It’s beautiful,” she breathed to herself, gripping the glittering chrome handrail which ran from the cabin to the stern. It didn’t take long to cross the few hundred metres from where they were moored and dock alongside the wooden pontoon that stretched out from the quayside. The coloured awnings from different ristorantes stretched on either side of them, and the small tables arranged outside were already filling up with tourists sipping Prosecco and seeking shade from the sun.  

    After a few minutes Tamara decided to window shop along the Via Christoforo Columbo. She enjoyed sauntering along the seafront, walking between dark shadow and dazzling sunlight as she wandered under the striped awnings that hung over the sidewalk. She picked out a silk scarf to take back to Donna, and wondered where to find a joke present to give to Simon. There were enough vulgar souvenirs to choose from but she was keen to find an artisan piece of craftsmanship.  

    Even though it wasn’t noon it was getting hot, so she shifted her bag onto her shoulder and she turned into a narrow street to find somewhere where she could relax and have a coffee.

    The Cafe Savoie was not too crowded, and Tamara was grateful for the shady cool veranda and the chance to people watch. She was still puzzled. She could tell that Simon was attracted to her, and she had to admit that the trip was turning out far differently to that she’d expected.  

    Questions whirled through her head: What would Simon do if he found out who she really was? How would she justify lying to him? If she told him the truth she was certain he would end their relationship then and there. Could she be honest, yet risk losing the relationship[ that she felt blossoming between them?

    But she couldn’t face the explanations she would have to do to bring him up to speed about her past if they got to know each other better.

    As she finished her espresso she decided to track back towards the market she had glimpsed when she came ashore. Judging by the crowds of local people and tourists it was popular, and she might well find something to buy for Simon.

    “Ciao, Signorina, grazie.” The muscular waiter in his white apron and black jacket eyed her appreciatively as he scooped up her euros and accepted the tip. I like it here. The men aren’t embarrassed about showing they fancy you!

    Tamara retraced her steps, walking on the edge of the sidewalk to avoid the crowds that were jostling each other nearer the shop entrances and looked uncertainly for the narrow alley through which she had seen the market earlier.  

    Just at that moment there was a squeal of brakes. Tamara spun round to see what was happening, and found herself suddenly flung forward as someone tried to grab her shoulder bag and wrench it from her.  

    “Hey, what the hell?” A black leather clad biker wearing a crash helmet with his visor down had grabbed her shoulder strap and was yanking it loose as it slid off her arm. Tamara tried to struggle but at that moment he pulled out a flick knife. Tamara froze as she saw the blade. “Okay - take the bag” she shouted.

    But at that moment her attacker yelped with pain and dropped the knife. His arm was twisted behind his back and pushed hard upwards which made him he yell out again as he was lifted off his feet. His assailant gave him another yank for good measure and then let