Cheesman, helicopter pilot extraordinaire at your service.” He gave a slight bow and a broad grin. Despite her position and her predicament, Libby couldn’t help smiling back at him. He really did have a nice face, and when he smiled, the skin at the corner of his eyes crinkled into laughter lines.
“You know my name, of course,” she said, burying her face in the flowers. “These smell heavenly.”
“Sister Libby Hunter, and I’m pleased you like them. But actually, I have a confession to make.”
Tongue-tied, she gazed at him. It was unlike her not to know what to say.
“We have met before. It was at a charity party in the city library a month or so ago.”
“Really?” Libby frowned while she tried to remember. “I’m sorry. I don’t remember it at all.”
“Don’t be sorry. It was a brief meeting anyway. I was introduced to you, and I was whisked away on an emergency before we could get talking properly. I was off-duty, but this was a high-priority call, and they needed everyone they could muster. I couldn’t believe it was you when we picked you up off the boat, what with wet hair and everything. When I saw you last, you had longer hair and were all dressed up.” Before she could answer or ask him a question, he continued. “So, how long do they think you’ll have to stay in here?”
“I have no idea. I’ve seen an occupational therapist, and she’ll come to see me every day. I’ve remembered quite a lot now. Every hour things come back to me which is gratifying. You can’t imagine how scared I felt when I woke up in your helicopter.”
“I can actually. My father suffered from clinical amnesia just before he died. It was so frustrating for him not being able to remember from one day to the next.” Robert’s voice was soft.
“That’s sad. Poor man. I can remember where I live. I know I work here, but that’s still a bit hazy, and I can’t go back to work yet.”
“What about at home? Do you have someone to look after you?”
“No. I live alone.” Libby thought about what Nigel had told her. Moving in with him seemed the most obvious thing to do, but was it what she wanted? She considered it was too soon to make such a commitment, especially as she couldn’t even remember agreeing to it.
“What about relatives, parents? Any brothers or sisters who’d have you stay with them for a spell?”
Libby shook her head. She felt a wave of misery wash over her. “No, I haven’t any – which I do remember. My parents were both killed in a car crash, and I have no brothers or sisters.” Libby thought for a moment before continuing. “I do have a cousin who lives in Cyprus. But she’s got a full-time job on one of the Army bases there, and I’m sure she wouldn’t want to be saddled with me.”
“What a coincidence. So have I! My cousin Diana is a writer and lives half way up a mountain. I wonder if they know each other, as it’s not a very large island. She’s coming over in a few days’ time to stay. Anyway, getting back to you, we’ll just have to make sure you have enough friends to keep an eye on you. I know you may think I’m being presumptuous, but in a funny way, I feel responsible for you.”
Libby felt her face grow hot as she flushed in embarrassment. “There’s really no need—”
He gave her another warm smile. “I know, but all the same I do. Please consider me a friend. I realise you don’t know me from Adam, but I am quite sincere. Look, here is my card and telephone number.” Robert dug around in his jeans pocket and withdrew a wallet. “Please keep this. I would be honoured if you let me help you in any way.”
“You really are kind, but I couldn’t possibly.”
“Couldn’t possibly what?” asked a voice from the doorway.
“Nigel! You made me jump.”
“Couldn’t possibly what?” he repeated, coming into Libby’s room and giving her a possessive kiss on
Richard Ellis Preston Jr.