Read Online The Turncoats (The Thirteenth Series #2) by G.L. Twynham - Free Book Online Page A

had a guest. I can come back later.” He smiled awkwardly at Val and turned to leave.
    “No, Mike. Please come and meet my friend. She was just admiring your work. No, let me rephrase that; she was telling me it was almost perfect.” Sam glanced across at Val who was starting to feel faint. Mike crossed the room towards her. If she had been a little braver she would have thrown herself through the glass wall in an attempt to escape.
    “Thank you. That’s a big compliment from such a young lady. What exactly is it that you like?” Mike wiped his dusty hand down his shirt and offered it to Val. She could feel the pain of tears burning behind her eyes. This was too much. She reached out and their hands joined. An overwhelming feeling of safety and love flushed through Val’s body. She just wanted him to wrap her in his arms and tell her it would all be ok, like he had when she was a little girl. But that would never happen again and this was not a good position for her to be in.
    “Hello?” Sam said waving his hand in her face, snapping her out of the trance she was in.
    “I’m sorry,” she said releasing his hand. “I thought the Cherry wood front door was breathtaking and this glass wall,” Val turned, almost like a robot, towards the wall, “is a touch of genius.” She could smell his aftershave; it was his favourite Hugo Boss ; she had bought him a bottle for Christmas.
    “That’s impressive. You obviously have a good knowledge of buildings and thank you for the compliments.”
    Val nodded her acknowledgement as Mike turned to Sam. “Sam, I just came to tell you that the garage is nearly finished. On that note I will leave you to admire my work.” He turned back to Val. “Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
    “It’s Valerie.” She was still unable to move. He was going to leave and that would be it. She was no better off than Delta: forgotten.
    “What a coincidence. My grandmother was called Valerie; it’s not a very common name. Well, it’s been a pleasure meeting you and I hope you like everything you see,” Mike chirped, pleased with his new fan. As he walked away with Sam, Val leaned on the cool marble counter concentrating on taking one breath after another. It felt like her whole chest was about to collapse with the pain. How could this have happened? What were the chances of Sam getting her dad to build his house? Then she remembered her mum telling her about some important cash job her dad had won. Sam had been the one all along. Her dad had known Sam for months. She realised she had to calm down or Sam would know something was wrong. She took a few deep breaths and stood up straight Just as Sam came bounding back in.
    “He’s such a nice guy; seemed impressed with your knowledge,” he said as he made his way over to a black double fridge and pulled it open. “OK, what do you want to drink? I have Pepsi, juice, tea, coffee or just about anything else you can think of.”
    “Pepsi sounds great,” Val replied pushing up the corners of her mouth to create the impression that everything was ok. She would have to see the good in this situation. She had just come face to face with her dad and he definitely hadn’t remembered her. Sam also obviously didn’t have a clue who Mike was, so the spell had definitely worked.
    “I have prepared us some food in the dining room. Follow me.” Sam handed Val a large glass and she did as she was told.
    Another room and yet another stunning design. She now felt guilty that she hadn’t realised it was her dad’s work. It had his signature written all over it. Along the length of the room was a sturdy oak table, leading to French doors that opened out onto an elevated patio. She had always felt that her dad’s greatest creation was Delta’s house, but this definitely topped it. Then she saw the spread on the table. This guy could cook! She was starting to think that he was too good to be true, but she must remember that this was the Sam of the