ended the call.
Deira still felt regret for her niece’s choice. But the regret was for herself and the fictional future she’d dreamed of for Bex’s baby. A future that wouldn’t have happened.
No, she murmured aloud as she put her phone back into her bag, my future is something I have to work on myself.
Later that evening, she and Grace unlocked the final document. This time the message was short.
And so you’ve finished the treasure hunt. I never doubted you, Hippo. Well, maybe I did a bit, but I’m glad you made it all the way through. Your reward letter is C. And now here’s a link to a video that will explain the last steps to you.
‘Another video?’ Grace released a slow breath and turned to Deira. ‘Why does he think . . .’ She tailed off.
‘You don’t have to look at it,’ said Deira, who was scribbling on a piece of paper. ‘You can forget it if you want.’
‘No, I can’t,’ said Grace. ‘But I’ll wait and watch it at the apartment.’
Deira gave her a sympathetic smile, then tapped her pen on the table.
‘I-R-P-A-T-E-C,’ she read from her scribbles. ‘Which is C-E-T-A-P-I-R backwards. Does that mean anything to you?’
‘Not a thing,’ said Grace. ‘Maybe the answer is in Cartagena.’
‘Do you want me to come with you?’ asked Deira.
Grace looked at her in surprise. ‘I assumed you would,’ she said. ‘Were you planning to stay here instead?’
‘I want to find out what this is all about,’ admitted Deira. ‘But I don’t want to be in the way if . . . well, who knows what the professor has got in mind for you.’
‘You’ve been with me every step of the way,’ said Grace. ‘I’d like you to come. And to stay in the apartment too,’ she added, ‘in case you were thinking of booking into a hotel or something.’
‘I can’t impose on you,’ said Deira.
‘It’s not an imposition, and you can stay as long as you like.’
‘If you’re sure.’
‘Of course I’m sure,’ said Grace. She closed the laptop. ‘Come on,’ she said. ‘Let’s go.’
Chapter 32
Granada to Cartagena: 294 km
The Lexus made short work of the climb through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada as they left Granada behind. Ahead of them the mountains reflected multiple shades of green against the brightness of the clear blue sky. There were few cars on the road and the drive was easy and relaxed.
Exactly three and a half hours after setting out, Grace pulled the car to a halt outside a low-rise apartment block with a panoramic view towards the sea. The narrow residential street was lined with orange trees, while the traditionally whitewashed apartments all had large balconies brightened by hanging baskets of colourful flowers.
‘Home, sweet home,’ said Grace as she switched off the engine.
‘It’s lovely.’ Deira got out of the car and looked around her. ‘Very peaceful.’
‘That’s why Ken picked it,’ said Grace. ‘He wanted it to be a kind of retreat. We were very happy here.’
She opened the boot and took out both her overnight bag and her suitcase. Deira took her own bags and followed her into the building.
‘We’re on the second floor,’ said Grace. ‘Which is nice, because there’s a sea view from our balcony.’
When Deira stepped into the apartment, she saw that it was more spacious than she’d expected, with a long galley kitchen that led to a square living area, and patio doors opening onto the balcony. The bright blue of the Mediterranean was visible beyond the tops of the gently waving palm trees.
‘Two bedrooms,’ Grace said. ‘This is the guest one – it doesn’t have an en suite, but the master bedroom does, so you’ll have the main one to yourself.’
‘It’s perfect. Thanks.’
‘It’s entirely my pleasure,’ said Grace. ‘I’ve really enjoyed having you along on this trip, Deira. I know I shouldn’t be pleased that you had a disaster with your car, but it worked out well for me.’
‘It’s been fun,’ said Deira.
When they’d finished unpacking, Grace asked Deira if she’d like a cup of tea before looking at Ken’s video.
‘I’m fine,’ Deira replied. ‘I’ll go out while you watch it.’
‘There’s not going to be anything important in it,’ said Grace. ‘You’ve been here for everything else. You should be here for this.’
‘Seriously, Grace. This is probably his last message to you. You need time and space. I’ll go for a stroll and have a coffee or a juice at one of the beach bars. When you’re ready, you can text me and I’ll come back.’
‘If