Italian Tycoon, Secret Son. Lucy Gordon

to be done I’ll do it, at close quarters.’

      But the day moved on without any sight of their quarry. Mandy hoped fervently that he was safe, but only for Renzo’s sake. If one of his party came to harm he would get the blame, however wrongly. She felt a powerful surge of anger towards Henry.

      It grew colder and bleaker as they climbed. Now there was no sun and the world was grey. Peter, whose courage was fast deserting him, was the first to express doubts.

      ‘I wouldn’t mind finding a hut right now.’

      ‘What about that one over there?’ Joan said, pointing in the distance.

      ‘It’s deserted,’ Renzo said. ‘Can you see that it’s on the edge of a precipice? It wasn’t on the edge when it was built, but the ground has fallen away ever since, until it’s no longer safe.’

      They moved on up, anxiety growing on them, until suddenly Renzo said, ‘I can see him.’

      Henry was up ahead on a ridge, turning to watch them, waving like a victor.

      ‘Damned fool!’ Renzo snapped. ‘He’s actually pleased with himself.’