Page 44 of The Christmas Catch

“Can I help you?” The receptionist wore a top the colour of processed cheese, along with a smile that could power the whole estate. Her long red hair appeared freshly ironed. Ali immediately warmed to her.

“I hope so. Our car’s broken down, and we need to get a cab to my cousin’s place. I can’t remember the address, but she lives in Lower Greeton, I think? Do you know how far away that is?”

When the woman nodded, relief washed through Ali. If they couldn’t get there, at least they could have a warm bed for the night.

“It’s about a 15-minute car ride.” Her accent was so thickly northern, you could spread it on toast.

“Fabulous!” Ali said. “Is it walkable?”

The woman shook her head. “I wouldn’t advise it on these roads. The locals speed down them. They’re not used to walkers.”

“Could you call us a cab?”

The woman winced. “We only have two cab companies in the area, and they’re all fully booked today because of the snow.” She pointed at Morgan. “Which I can see from your hat has started again.”

Ali’s heart sank to her size-six boots. “Could you try them at least?” It had to be worth a shot.

Morgan stepped forward and offered the woman a box of Celebrations.

Ali did a double-take. Was Morgan a chocolate sorcerer? She never seemed to run out.

Morgan caught her stare, but studiously ignored her. “We’d really appreciate any help you can give us. I didn’t catch your name?”

The woman smiled. “Liesl.”

“LikeThe Sound of Music?”

The woman nodded, then blushed. “My mum’s a huge fan. My brother’s named Kurt.”

“Better than Rolf,” Ali said.

Liesl laughed. “That’s what we always tell him.” She put the chocolates on her desk. “It’s very kind of you to give me these, but it doesn’t change the fact there aren’t any taxis.” She looked from Ali to Morgan. “Although I might have another alternative. But I’d have to check with my manager first.”

Ali’s ears perked up. “An alternative?”

Liesl nodded. “How are you with cycling?”

“You’ve got bikes?” Ali wasn’t mad-keen, but she’d done her cycling proficiency when she was 11, and she knew how to pedal. “Two bikes would work.”

“What about one bike?”

“But there’s two of us,” Ali replied.

“I know. But this bike has two saddles. It’s a tandem. We have them so people can ride around the grounds. They’re very popular for romantic weekend dates.”

Ali wasn’t sure it was exactly what was needed here, but now was not the time to be picky.

Liesl clicked some keys on her keyboard. “Let me just see.” A few moments later, she nodded. “It’s currently being rented, but it’s due back in three hours. If you can amuse yourself here—there’s plenty to do and the restaurant has space—I can hold the bike for you. It wouldn’t need to be back until the morning, but I assume you’re coming back for your car, anyway?”

Ali looked at her phone, then at Morgan. “I’m still waiting on a message from my mum with my cousin’s number. For now, I think it’s the best option. You up for a tandem bike ride?”

Morgan blinked. “Just when I think this trip can’t get any weirder.”

* * *

They walked awayfrom the desk, then sat on a pair of uncomfortable wooden chairs. Ali logged into the Wi-Fi, then typed Lower Greeton into Google Maps. The route appeared. She clicked on the bicycle option: it took 25 minutes. Would it be quicker on a bicycle made for two? She’d find out soon enough.

“What does Google say?” Morgan shivered as she spoke.