Read Online Carnations in January by Clare Revell - Free Book Online Page A

stopped.
    He gently pried open the drawer and was relieved to see the box marked ‘important papers’ still there. He tucked it into the rucksack and glanced around. His gaze fell on the picture of the Last Supper. He knew Tilja had loved that one. He reached above the fireplace and grabbed it.
    As he did, the fireplace began to buckle.
    Bricks began to fall towards him.
    Elliott moved as fast as he could to the door, tossing the picture and rucksack over the tree before diving after it. Brick dust rose behind him, the house moved. Prayers fell from his lips as he pushed up, grabbed the things, and staggered his way to the front door.
    The ceiling came down around him as he moved, hitting his arms and bouncing off the hat. His heart pounded. Would he get out in time or would this be the last stupid thing he ever did? Coughing hard, he made it to the fresh air.
    Someone grabbed his arm, yanking him up the path, away from the danger zone.
    “Idiot!” Joel’s angry voice filled his ears. “In fact, you’re the most idiotic idiot on the face of the planet whom I have the misfortune to know.”
    “Probably.” He coughed hard, brick dust irritating the back of his throat.
    “Elliott!”
    Running footsteps made him glance up.
    Grace appeared next to him. “What are you doing?”
    “Exactly what I just asked him,” Joel growled.
    “I’m fine.” Elliott held out the rucksack and painting. “For you.”
    Grace looked at him. “Me?”
    “You said you had nothing. It’s not much, just a few bits. Your laptop, Tilja’s papers and what I could grab before the ceiling came down.”
    “Thank you, but as you said, it’s not worth risking your life for.”
    “You tell him, because he sure ain’t listening to me,” Joel muttered. He turned away and stomped down the path to their house. The only consolation to Elliott was that he wouldn’t stay mad for long, he never did.
    Elliott looked at Grace. “You need to call the insurance company. Unless you’d like me to do it.”
    The wrecker arrived, vibrations from the loud engine causing more crashing and piles of dust to issue from the ruins.
    “I wouldn’t know where to start,” Grace whispered.
    Joel came out with his laptop. “I’m going to the library. They want everyone out of the neighboring houses whilst they do the demolition.”
    “You can sit in my flat,” Grace said quietly. “And Elliott can use the phone there.”
    Joel smiled. “Thank you.”
    “Thanks.” Elliott gently took her arm. “Come on.” He gave the hard hat to one of the workmen and drew Grace across the road to safety.
    Grace followed him upstairs and stood by the window, riveted to the wreckers as they moved in to demolish her house. Joel settled on the couch behind her, his tapping fingers soon setting into a regular rhythm.
    Elliott opened the box of papers and pulled out the one he needed. Then he reached for the phone. It was answered on the second ring. “Could I speak to Jason Derbyshire, please? It’s Elliott Wallac.”
    After a brief pause, his friend’s voice echoed down the line. “Elliott, long time no see, buddy. How are you?”
    “I’m good. How are you?”
    “Tired…the baby is keeping us up most of the night.”
    Elliott chuckled. “That’s what babies do.”
    “Very true. So, what can I do you for?”
    “I’m calling about an insurance policy on forty-three Carnation Street, Headley Cross.” He explained quickly.
    “Problem with that is the title deeds along with all the policies are still in Miss Chadwick’s name.”
    “And it’s still owned by a Miss Chadwick. She inherited the house at the end of December and the change of ownership is in progress. Her lawyer is handling it.” At least he assumed the lawyer was doing his job there. “But my point is, yes the storm damaged the house, however the surveyors report said the foundations were crumbling. The building’s insurance policy is paid in full until October. As is the home contents