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wanted was to read them herself without appearing too foolish. Hopefully they would spark a memory.
    “Of course. I know you may be a bit overwhelmed by it all. We will understand if you don’t wish to accept the prize. Take your time.” Moon handed Jane the sheet of paper, which she snatched out of his hand.
      “I think we’ll just go outside to discuss the matter.” Chase headed for the door, dragging Jane after her. She felt too embarrassed to ask Moon for more details about the competition, afraid if she did, they might realise she wasn’t the winner after all.
    She felt the small group watch her walk out; when the door shut, the voices started up again.
    “What’s the story?” Jane asked. “You can’t seriously want to live here?”
    “Let me see that sheet of paper.” Begrudgingly, Jane handed it over and they both read it together.
    “Well, it seems Moon’s right. It does say I have to move into the house, or forfeit it. Well, twelve months isn’t that long. It’ll just be like a long holiday.”
    “Well that’s it then, sugar, we’ll get our bags and quit the sticks. You aren’t staying here on your own for twelve months.”
    “Hold on a minute. Perhaps I don’t want to leave.”
    Jane frowned. “You can’t be serious.”
    “Think about it Jane. What have I got to go back for? No job, no man, and you know where I live. This could be just what I’m after, a fresh start.”
    “I think this fresh air’s fuzzed your brain. This is no place for you.”
    “No, I think this is just the place for me. I need something like this to sort myself out.”
    “What you need are your friends. No, I can’t let you do it.”
    “You can’t let me do it!” Chase felt her anger rising. “Just who do you think you are?”
    “I’m your friend.”
    “If that’s true, then you’ll see it’s what I want. Didn’t you see that house? It’s lovely. More than lovely, it’s beautiful. I could never afford something like that, not in a place like this, but now it’s mine.”
    Jane closed her eyes and looked away. “You’re my home girl. What would I do without you?” She quickly wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.
    Chase hugged her. “I’ll still be your home girl, just in a different home.”
    “You can’t be serious.”
    “Sorry, I am.”
    Jane sighed and shook her head, conceding defeat.
    Chase smiled. “That’s why I love you.”
    “I know, now let’s do the deed before I say something else.”
    They walked back into the hall and the chattering stopped once more. Chase could see Moon and Drake stood apart from everyone else, deep in heated conversation. They stopped talking when they realised Chase and Jane had re-entered the hall.
    “Mr Moon,” Chase said, walking toward him, “when do I get the keys to my new house?”
    Moon’s smile returned. “I take it you will be accepting the prize then. Congratulations, Miss Black. Everyone,” Moon clapped his hands together, “if I could have your attention, I would like to introduce you to Chase Black, the newest resident of Paradise . I hope you all make her feel at home.” Two people clapped; one of them was the man with the knife. “Now if you would like to sign a few documents accepting the conditions of the prize, then the house is yours. We can also arrange the sale of your own property, which would give you some capital while you resettle yourself. Of course, we can also arrange to have your belongings collected and delivered to your new house.”
    Chase didn’t really like the thought of strangers going through her property. “I would like to do my own packing,” she said, too caught up in the whirlwind of events to think clearly. As far as selling her house went, she doubted they could even give it away. Then there was the problem of work. What could she do out here? Perhaps Jane was right; perhaps she hadn’t thought this through properly. She bit her fingernail, deliberating.
    “Now if you can just sign this for