Kidnapped: BookShots (A Jon Roscoe Thriller) by James Patterson

Author:James Patterson [Patterson, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781473538917
Publisher: Random House
Published: 2016-11-30T18:30:00+00:00

CHAPTER 19

SANTA CLAUS SAT resplendent in his red-and-gold sleigh, beneath the magnificent Christmas tree in the marbled foyer of London’s Tribeca Luxury Hotel. Excitement buzzed through the hotel as Tribeca brought its very own special magic to the day. Watching Saint Nick arrive with gifts for every guest and member of staff, Anna Conquest remembered why she loved Christmas Day at the hotel chain.

The first visitors of the day to be greeted by Santa Claus were Harper Ginevra and her big sister, Cal. Anna watched them walk hand in hand across the foyer before Cal, her blonde hair strikingly swept back, crouched beside her sister as they were wished a happy Christmas. Both girls collected parcels that they gratefully accepted before walking away to find themselves a quiet corner of the foyer, where they sat alone.

Thinking of the conversation she had had with Jon on Christmas Eve, Anna couldn’t help but walk across and speak to the two girls. ‘Merry Christmas,’ she said to them.

Harper, her hair tied back in pigtails and already wearing her Christmas party dress, curled into her sister.

‘Hi,’ Cal said. ‘We’re okay sitting here?’

‘Absolutely,’ said Anna. ‘I only wanted to come over to see what Santa Claus had brought you.’

Harper lifted her head and showed Anna a beautiful hand-stitched white teddy bear, personalised with her name.

‘Wow,’ said Anna, crouching down to talk to Harper. ‘He’s a very smart bear, isn’t he?’

Harper nodded and smiled.

‘What are you going to call him?’

‘Frosty,’ said Harper.

‘That’s a great name,’ said Anna. ‘And I love your red dress. It’s very beautiful.’

‘Thank you,’ said Harper quietly.

‘And the ribbons in your hair match your dress. Did your mummy help you with those?’

‘No, Cal did them,’ said Harper.

‘I think they look wonderful,’ said Anna to both girls.

‘Shall we see what he brought me?’ said Cal to her sister, starting to open her parcel. ‘What do you think it might be?’

‘Jewels,’ said Harper.

‘I don’t think it’ll be jewels,’ said Cal, ‘but it is something in a nice box.’

‘A watch!’ said Harper as Cal opened an Orla Kiely gift box. ‘I can tell the time,’ she added proudly, quickly turning her attention back to Anna.

‘Can you?’ said Anna. ‘You are a very clever girl. How old are you?’

‘I’m four but I will be five in March.’

‘Can you remember what date in March?’

‘March ninth,’ confirmed Harper. ‘And then I’ll get more presents.’

‘Hopefully,’ added Cal, smiling at her.

‘And have you got lots of presents today?’ asked Anna.

‘Lots,’ said Harper, her eyes wide open.

‘But we’re not opening them until after lunch, are we?’ said Cal.

Harper shook her head.

‘I hope you get everything you wished for,’ said Anna. ‘Have a wonderful day.’

She stood up and was about to walk away when Cal called her back. ‘Do you work with Jon Roscoe?’ she asked.

‘Yes, I do,’ said Anna.

‘And he’s a good guy?’

‘Why do you ask?’ Anna was intrigued by Cal’s interest.

‘I met him in Chicago and he seemed like a pretty nice guy.’

‘He is,’ said Anna. ‘He’s one of the best.’

‘Is he around today?’

‘He’ll be in later,’ she replied.

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