The Indian Summer was continuing just as Jet had said it would, that night of the firework display on the beach and, as neither Ella nor Gill had returned after an hour, Mia decided she'd take a break from the diaries and go for a morning swim. She didn't know why it was taking Ella so long to end things with Justin. Perhaps they were having 'Goodbye sex' after all.

A small part of her hoped she might see Jet but the only other person on the beach was Tom, and he hurried towards her the minute he caught sight of her. Where Gill had disappeared to, she had no idea. Perhaps he'd walked along the beach and up towards Frog Hill. He might return to the cottage via the village and she realised he didn't have a key. Ella might be back soon, so she could let him in. If not, he would simply have to wait.

'Hello, Mia,' Tom called out, seconds before he reached her. 'How are you, and how is Ella? I've been meaning to call but I've been so busy. You didn't come to choir practice on Tuesday night.'

'Hi Tom. We're fine, thanks. Ella didn't go because she knew everyone would be looking at her and Justin, and I didn't go because we've found Mattie's diaries and I've been so engrossed in them that I've hardly thought of anything else.'

'Mattie's diaries?' His tanned face paled a fraction. 'Mattie kept diaries?'

'Yes. From the age of twelve. And you'll never guess what. Like everything else, they were hidden away where no one could find them. But she left a clue for us, and with Gill's help, we found them. Oh. I suppose you've heard that Gill is staying with us and that his grandad was a friend of Mattie's?'

Tom nodded. 'Yes. I heard. So you've got her diaries?'

Mia smiled. 'I knew the village gossips wouldn't let us down. This place could teach big business a thing or two about speedy delivery. Anyway, yes. We also found a note from Mattie to me. Isn't that amazing?'

'Amazing,' he repeated, stony-faced. 'What did it say?'

Mia smiled. 'She asked me to read her diaries in order and not to merely jump right to the one she wrote this year. So that's what I'm doing. But you wouldn't believe how tempted I am every single day to just take a little peek at this year's.'

'Oh I think I would.' He gave a small cough. 'So you haven't? Not at all?'

She shook her head and grinned. 'Nope. I've been really good. You might almost say, angelic.'

He grinned back but it looked as if it took effort. 'Has anyone else? Read this year's diary, I mean.'

'No. I've made it clear that no one, not even Mum or Ella can read them before me. You know what Ella's like. If it said something interesting or important she wouldn't be able to keep it to herself. And nor would Mum. Which reminds me. What did you think when you heard about Franklin's so-called accident and Jet's car?'

'Think?'

'Yes. About the fact that it wasn't an accident after all. That someone had tampered with the brakes, which meant they expected Jet to be the one who got hurt. Are you okay, Tom? You look as if your mind is miles away.'

'Sorry. Yes. I'm fine. Just got a lot on my mind at the moment. Is that what you believe? That someone wanted to cause Jet harm?' He shook his head. 'I expect that would give the police a long list of suspects.'

'I don't think they have any suspects. I'm not even sure they're taking it very seriously. According to Mum, the police officer who came said that while it may appear to be foul play, there are a number of other possibilities. No one knows what that means because it's clear to everyone except him that there's only one possibility. Anyway, he assured them that the police will continue to look into it and that any further incidents should be reported. Which basically means nothing will be done. Why did you say there will be a long list of suspects?'

Tom shrugged. 'There's a long list of broken-hearted women, many of whom have brothers and most of whom have fathers. Some no doubt, had husbands.'

'Tom! You really must stop saying horrible things about Jet. You're supposed to be his friend.'

Although to be fair, Ella had said almost the same thing.

Tom looked surprised. 'I am his friend. Friends should be honest about one another and to each other. Jet knows very well that I have never approved of his behaviour towards women and that I never shall. I lecture him about it, take my word for that. Not that it does any good, of course. Falls on deaf ears. Jet will do want Jet wants to do, regardless of what anyone may think.'

'Well, I think you're being unkind. And to be honest, Tom, I don't like it. I'd be grateful if you'd stop saying things about him behind his back. At least to me.'

He reached out and took her hand. 'Oh, Mia, I am so, so sorry. I have only ever had your best interests at heart. You know how I feel about you and I would do anything I can to save you from further heartbreak. I've known Jet for years and years. You've only known him for a few months. Surely you can see that I may know him a little better than you do. That I know – and have seen – the real Jet Cross. The one he keeps under wraps as much as possible.'

Mia snatched her hand away. 'You're doing it again, Tom. Saying horrid things. I mean it. I don't want to hear them. I like you, Tom, I really do, but if this continues, I'm not sure we can be friends.'

'Mia! Please don't say that. Your friendship means the world to me. You mean the world to me. Forgive me. Please, please forgive me. I promise I shan't say another word. Unless your life depends on it.'

'Unless my life depends on it? What does that mean?'

His expression was a mixture of anxiety and apology. 'I can't say. I promised not to say another unpleasant word against Jet, and I'll keep that promise. Until the time comes when I have to speak. Now let's change the subject and be friends again. Franklin is up and about, I hear and Ella is still seeing Justin in spite of the way he's treated her. That was a surprise to all of us. Justin has always been such a thoughtful man. But the promise of fame can turn a man's head. Just as can, the promise of money.'

Mia had a feeling there was more to that comment than met the eye, but she didn't pursue it.

'Ella may not be dating Justin for very much longer.' She glanced at her watch. 'In fact, I'd say by now she's not.'

'Oh? Does that mean she has ended things with him? Good for her if she has. No one likes to see a woman throwing herself at a man. Especially when the man clearly isn't interested.'

There was definitely more to that comment. Tom was beginning to get on her nerves. And to think. Just a few days ago, after the firework display, she had actually considered dating Tom. If she believed the things he kept saying, she probably would be dating him right now. But she didn't believe him. Something inside her kept telling her Jet Cross was not the man Tom wanted her to believe he was. Although of course, she could be making a big mistake. Tom was right about one thing. He had known Jet a lot, lot longer than she had.