CHILDHUNT: A Mystery & Suspense Thriller in the Bestselling Diana Rivers Series (The Diana Rivers Mysteries Book 5) Read Online Free
better proposition.
Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at the foot of the short drive leading to the house across the valley from theirs. Years ago, somebody must have loved trees because they had planted the surrounding fields with dozens of olive, almond and soft-fruit trees. Diana looked around.
“I never realised there were so many trees all together. They’re actually thickly planted in places. You can’t appreciate it now, as some have lost their leaves, but there must be lots of shade in the summer.”
Steve nodded. “You’re right. From us, you can see their house and garden but not all these trees in the dip.”
Diana shivered and blew on her fingertips. The cold had brought colour to her face, and her cheeks looked pink and fresh. “It’s actually a bit creepy down here. Perhaps it’s because it’s so dark and dismal today. Okay, let’s scoot up there and ask them. I promise we won’t stay out any longer than necessary. Your idea of a film on the telly is sounding better every minute.”
The house they approached was a modern villa typical of the island. Diana thought back to when Debbie and William had first arrived and realised she had never seen anyone else visit the house apart from another neighbour, Roger, who left a newspaper in their mailbox on most Saturdays and some eggs from the chickens he kept. She found the whole set-up mystifying.
Steve reached up and pressed the button for the bell on the front door. They heard it echoing throughout the house followed by a child’s call. Diana stared at the holly wreath pinned to the wooden door; it was made with artificial holly, real pine cones and a brightly coloured tartan bow and ribbon which fluttered in the breeze.
She could hear footsteps approaching and smiled as the door was flung open.
Chapter 4
Debbie leaned against the door frame, watching her children playing. Charlie enjoyed painting and told his mother the current masterpiece was a picture of Santa with all his reindeer. He had certainly captured a likeness of the rotund white-bearded old fellow with a large sack on his shoulder, but the reindeer resembled a cross between long-legged elk hounds and cattle. She smiled fondly at her older child. With his mid-brown hair and hazelnut eyes, he was almost a replica of his father, William. Just then Hannah looked up from her Lego and gave her a dazzling smile.
“I’m building a houth wiv a chimney, tho Farver Cwithmuth can vithit it. Do you like it, Mummy? Look, thee it?” she lisped.
Debbie leaned forward, her short blonde hair shining as it caught the light above her. “It’s lovely, darling. I’m sure Father Christmas will definitely visit the children in that house.” She caught Charlie’s eye with a conspiring wink before taking a sip from her cup of coffee.
William had already kissed his family goodbye before leaving for work that morning. Dragging a woollen jacket on over his shirt and tie, he said he would much rather have stayed at home in the warm. He worked in Limassol for a finance company named De Vere and dealt mainly with their large contingent of ex-pat customers. He tousled Charlie’s hair and promised to play football with him on his return that evening, if he got home early enough, and gave Hannah her customary toss up in the air making her squeal with delight.
“Be good for Mummy, you two,” he said as he made for the kitchen door. Debbie followed him, giving him her usual slightly hesitant smile. William paused and draped an arm around her shoulders. “You look a bit peaky this morning, darling. Take it easy and don’t do too much.”
“I’m fine,” she replied. “Try and make it home early if you can. Charlie looks forward to you playing with him.”
William hugged her close and kissed her cool cheek. “I’m trying to wind everything up before the Christmas holiday, so it’ll be tight, but I’ll see. Debbie, will you please have another think about Diana and Steve’s invitation?
Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at the foot of the short drive leading to the house across the valley from theirs. Years ago, somebody must have loved trees because they had planted the surrounding fields with dozens of olive, almond and soft-fruit trees. Diana looked around.
“I never realised there were so many trees all together. They’re actually thickly planted in places. You can’t appreciate it now, as some have lost their leaves, but there must be lots of shade in the summer.”
Steve nodded. “You’re right. From us, you can see their house and garden but not all these trees in the dip.”
Diana shivered and blew on her fingertips. The cold had brought colour to her face, and her cheeks looked pink and fresh. “It’s actually a bit creepy down here. Perhaps it’s because it’s so dark and dismal today. Okay, let’s scoot up there and ask them. I promise we won’t stay out any longer than necessary. Your idea of a film on the telly is sounding better every minute.”
The house they approached was a modern villa typical of the island. Diana thought back to when Debbie and William had first arrived and realised she had never seen anyone else visit the house apart from another neighbour, Roger, who left a newspaper in their mailbox on most Saturdays and some eggs from the chickens he kept. She found the whole set-up mystifying.
Steve reached up and pressed the button for the bell on the front door. They heard it echoing throughout the house followed by a child’s call. Diana stared at the holly wreath pinned to the wooden door; it was made with artificial holly, real pine cones and a brightly coloured tartan bow and ribbon which fluttered in the breeze.
She could hear footsteps approaching and smiled as the door was flung open.
Chapter 4
Debbie leaned against the door frame, watching her children playing. Charlie enjoyed painting and told his mother the current masterpiece was a picture of Santa with all his reindeer. He had certainly captured a likeness of the rotund white-bearded old fellow with a large sack on his shoulder, but the reindeer resembled a cross between long-legged elk hounds and cattle. She smiled fondly at her older child. With his mid-brown hair and hazelnut eyes, he was almost a replica of his father, William. Just then Hannah looked up from her Lego and gave her a dazzling smile.
“I’m building a houth wiv a chimney, tho Farver Cwithmuth can vithit it. Do you like it, Mummy? Look, thee it?” she lisped.
Debbie leaned forward, her short blonde hair shining as it caught the light above her. “It’s lovely, darling. I’m sure Father Christmas will definitely visit the children in that house.” She caught Charlie’s eye with a conspiring wink before taking a sip from her cup of coffee.
William had already kissed his family goodbye before leaving for work that morning. Dragging a woollen jacket on over his shirt and tie, he said he would much rather have stayed at home in the warm. He worked in Limassol for a finance company named De Vere and dealt mainly with their large contingent of ex-pat customers. He tousled Charlie’s hair and promised to play football with him on his return that evening, if he got home early enough, and gave Hannah her customary toss up in the air making her squeal with delight.
“Be good for Mummy, you two,” he said as he made for the kitchen door. Debbie followed him, giving him her usual slightly hesitant smile. William paused and draped an arm around her shoulders. “You look a bit peaky this morning, darling. Take it easy and don’t do too much.”
“I’m fine,” she replied. “Try and make it home early if you can. Charlie looks forward to you playing with him.”
William hugged her close and kissed her cool cheek. “I’m trying to wind everything up before the Christmas holiday, so it’ll be tight, but I’ll see. Debbie, will you please have another think about Diana and Steve’s invitation?
Readers choose
Stephen Kelman
Hazel Woods
Sierra Rose
Marty Steere
Kim Edwards
Chrissy Fanslau
Rex Miller
Lisa Lennox
Margot Leitman