Haven, the endless gorgeous artefacts, the warmth, the odd sense of belonging that engulfed me throughout the rest of my day, has made me determined to make it work. I was totally engrossed in the catalogues that Mrs Potts showed me in one of the offices, all from various exhibits across the globe, some going back decades. Page after page of antiques with pictures, histories, facts, and figures. I recognised many of the items, got excited when I could predict what certain passages of information would say. She’d been most impressed. I was like an enchanted child. The desire to fill my mind with the information in front me was almost too much to cope with, especially the unfamiliar stuff. I was hungry for it, reading and storing it in every corner of my mind. I was in heaven.
After showering and falling into bed, I do something utterly stupid. I google Becker Hunt. And I hate what I see. Becker. Everywhere. With a different woman on his arm in each picture. Some casual photographs, like him getting out of a car or walking into a restaurant, and some posed, like at private VIP galas or auction houses. He looks handsome in the snaps, yes, but in the flesh he’s really something to behold. My face screws up in disgust at my wayward thoughts, and I snap my laptop shut, depriving my eyes of the gorgeous man who graces the screen. I need to keep my head down and learn the job.
After calling Mum and sharing my good news, I snuggle down with a contented smile. I’m not only keen to get to sleep because I’m knackered, but I also want tomorrow to come sooner so I can immerse myself in the tranquillity and enthralling dealings of The Haven again.
Chapter 6
The next day, after signing my employment contract with the biggest smile, I’m given the grand tour of The Haven by a very proud Mrs Potts. I swear, the place is a never-ending labyrinth of priceless, gorgeous works of art.
‘This is the showing room, dear,’ she says, ushering me through an old stable door that leads off the courtyard. ‘It’s where we display pieces for viewings.’
I breach the threshold and smile at the stark space that’s free from any furniture or wall hangings. All that’s contained within the room is an easel to hold paintings and a tall glass cabinet, where I’m guessing pots, vases, or other similar artefacts would be placed within. It’s the most naked space I’ve seen so far in The Haven. It’s easy to know why – it’s so when pieces are showcased, that’s all there is to focus on in the room.
‘And now I’ll show you the library.’ Mrs Potts is off across the cobbles, heading to the doorway that leads into the Grand Hall. I follow eagerly, and when we enter the hall that’s cluttered with treasures from every era you could imagine, I’m instantly warmed through again – the smell, the sight, the feeling that can only be achieved in a room full of Old Masters and valuable pieces.
Something comes to me as we’re weaving through the priceless art and antiques. ‘Mrs Potts, there must be millions of pounds’ worth of treasure in here,’ I say, keeping up with her shuffling body. ‘Isn’t security an issue?’ Yes, I’ve seen the security keypads, but the doors and walls protecting this space are hardly Fort Knox.
Mrs Potts chuckles under her breath, like I’ve told a joke. It makes me feel silly, though I don’t know why. It’s a perfectly sensible question. ‘Trust me, dear. No one is getting into The Haven, let alone the Grand Hall.’
I frown, thinking the Hunt Corporation might be being a little blasé about security, but I don’t press, because the huge glass wall that keeps watch over the Grand Hall grips my attention. I look up to complete darkness, my imagination running wild. Now I know it was him lurking in the shadows yesterday, watching me. The prickles that crept across my skin as I stared up at the glass match the same kind of tingling that I’ve experienced each and every time I’ve encountered Becker Hunt. And, on cue, a shudder glides down my spine. Is he there now, watching me?
My mind is off on a tangent as I vaguely note Mrs Potts swiping her card. I shake my mind clear as I follow her, and we’re swiftly heading down the corridor, passing the collection of beautiful framed pictures –