The Collectors Book Two: Full Circle (The Collectors Series 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

at the airport hours ago. Of course the company would apologise and I’d sue for damages. In a hundred years, I might receive compensation. Yes, a few well placed coins are essential.”
     
    *  *  *
     
    “We’re nearly there,” said Jacob as the car smoothly dealt with a tight bend and a splendid example of an old colonial house came into view. “Wonderful, isn’t it? When I bought it, a million rats lived here. It took an army of men three years to complete the work.”
    The white paintwork glistened in the sun as icing sugar on a cake. Gardens of lush green lawns with beds full of roses met the edge of the gravel drive that led to the house.
    “Grab your own bags, guys. I don’t squander money on servants. Everyone who works for me gets paid not to lick my arse. There’s one woman I favour, my house manager, and when you’ve tasted her cooking you’ll know why. Your rooms are upstairs, on the left. Take your pick, there’re ten. My room’s the last one. If you want something to eat, ask Mary. Otherwise, my house is yours. I’ve a couple of things to take care of – see you at dinner.”
    They waited until the car left the driveway.
    “Big,” said Bear, staring at the house. “I wonder where his family is.”
    “Gentlemen, I can help. I am Mary.”
    In front of them stood a striking long-limbed, dark-skinned woman in her early forties. Her black hair glistened in the sunlight. Secure in the knowledge of her position, a simple confidence radiated from her.
    “Our rooms, please,” said Petros.
    Mary beckoned and they followed up the gently winding staircase to the upper floor.
    “You, please.” She opened the door and pointed to Bear, before walking on to the next door. “You, please.”
    Right away Petros picked up the phone to contact Maria. He got through on the fourth attempt. Conversation became difficult as the line had an echo.
    “I’d better go,” said Maria. “Your daughter’s testing out her lungs. She needs feeding. Love you. See you tomorrow.”
    He replaced the receiver and lay on the bed. It seemed so large after the bunks on the ship. A knock on the door distracted his thoughts.
    Jacob stuck his head around the door. “Dinner’s at eight on the veranda. Samuel has a problem with a container ship.” He laughed. “Half a dozen containers fell into the harbour and are causing him problems.”
    After a shave and a shower, Petros joined Jacob and Bear. Sunset approached, and in a few minutes the night tumbled its dark curtain across the sky.
    “White or red?”
    “Red,” said Petros.
    Jacob filled a large crystal glass almost to the brim.
    “Get that down – you’ll enjoy it.”
    “All he wants to do is get home and see his new baby,” said Bear.
    “And so he should,” said Jacob. “My wife’s visiting the grandchildren in England so for a few months I’m on my own. Anyhow, a few glasses of this lovely red won’t go amiss. Your flight’s at five tomorrow afternoon and Mary will cook you breakfast when you want it. So you can lie in bed or lounge round the pool to your heart’s content.”
    Mary served the oversized T-bone steaks on individual platters. The roast potatoes and other fresh vegetables were arranged in red painted bowls in the centre of the round oak table.
    “Is there enough, Bear?” asked Jacob. “I can always order another steak.”
    “One more would satisfy my hunger pangs, Jacob. Thanks.”
    Jacob smiled and shook his head in amusement. “I’ll go and tell Mary you love her cooking so much you’ll eat another steak.”
    “I’ve known you for years, Bear,” said Petros, “and I still don’t know how you can eat so much.”
    Bear beamed and carved a hunk of meat from the bone. “Practice.”
    The meal over, the three men chatted and drank until the moon cast dark shadows over the veranda.
    Jacob checked the time and stood. “I’ve work tomorrow. I need my sleep. You two can finish the bottle. See you in the morning. By the way, trunks