The Big Bad Boss. Susan Stephens

aye, Captain.’

      The girls delivered a mock-salute as Bronte warmed to her theme. ‘There should be life and warmth and music—and there will be again.’

      The girls whooped and cheered. ‘How about we help you after work and at weekends?’ Colleen suggested when they’d all calmed down.

      Bronte was moved by the offer. ‘I couldn’t ask you to do that.’

      ‘Why not?’ Maisie demanded. ‘It could be fun.’

      ‘Spiders are fun?’ Bronte seemed doubtful.

      ‘Well, we can’t leave you here on your own, can we?’ Colleen pointed out. ‘If you’re going to be battling ghosts and spiders, we want to be part of it, don’t we, Maisie?’

      ‘I’ll trade you my most excellent work with a broom and a ghost-busters kit, for a drink at the pub,’ Maisie suggested. ‘How about that?’

      ‘Deal,’ Bronte agreed. ‘Let’s get to it,’ she announced, leading the way to the storeroom where the cleaning equipment was kept.

      ‘Working party present and correct,’ Colleen confirmed once they were armed with brushes and bin liners. ‘Where would you like us to start?’

      ‘Not with mouse droppings or spiders’ webs,’ Maisie protested, wielding her dustpan. ‘The only thing I’m prepared to scream for is a man.’

      I wish, Bronte thought, imagining she was in a clinch with Heath. ‘The best I can offer you is a good scrumping in the apple orchard.’

      ‘I think Maisie had something more hands on in mind than that,’ Colleen suggested dryly.

      ‘You do surprise me. Why don’t we clear up as much as we can in here and then reward ourselves with a swim in the lake?’

      ‘Skinny-dipping?’ Her friends shrieked, hugging themselves in anticipation.