Sorry it's a bit late – it's been a busy week. Thanks as always for all the support with this story – hope you like this chapter too. Bee

Chapter Four

Lady Penelope smiled approvingly at the handsome young man on the reception desk as she slipped past him and made her way to Connie's office. Yes, she thought, Connie certainly knows how to pick her staff. As she approached the office she heard raised voices – Connie's and an unknown man's. Coming to a halt, she listened with interest as an argument developed.

"Honestly, Connie, you can't just hire staff without my say-so."

"I think you'll find I can do what I like in MY hotel," came the sharp retort. "Don't worry, Richard, they're perfectly qualified."

"That's not the point, is it? It's my job to hire the staff. I don't appreciate being ignored."

"I'm not ignoring you. We needed people to fill in quickly and these two were available. They come highly recommended by a friend of mine."

"Ever since you took over this place you've been taking over my job. What's wrong? Don't you think I'm good enough to run things? I did alright when Max was alive."

"Yes, I know you did. And Max was satisfied. But I'm not Max. I'm sorry, Richard, but I like to take a more hands-on approach. We can't stand still, you know. I've got plenty of ideas to develop Bailey's."

"I've run this hotel for years." Richard Bridges' voice was angry now. "You never took any interest until you inherited it. Now all of a sudden you want to be the one in control. Well you know nothing about running a hotel."

I'll run my hotel any way I like!" Connie snapped. "That includes hiring and firing the staff – ALL of them. Richard, I'm tired of having these conversations with you. I'd like you on board, but if you're not happy then perhaps you should look elsewhere for employment."

"What? Are you firing me?"

"No, Richard, just giving you a friendly warning. It's not a good idea to shout at your employer. My ways are different to Max's. I'm afraid you'll just have to get used to them. Now, if you don't mind, I'm expecting someone."

Bridges came charging through the door, almost knocking Penny over. She caught a glimpse of the furious look on his face as she regained her balance and made her way into Connie's office. Interesting, she thought. If we're looking for someone with a grudge against Connie it seems we've found just the person.

It wasn't until later that evening that Scott and Virgil got the chance to talk properly.

"So, how are you getting along with Amy?" Scott asked. Never mind the mystery of the blackmailer, there were more important things on his mind right now – like annoying his brother.

"Fine. She's been really helpful. I don't think there will be any problems tomorrow night."

Scott couldn't help the smirk that crept over his face. "Well, if you need any tips..."

"No offence, Scott, but I don't think you could give me much help with the piano – oh..." He realised what his brother had really meant. "Actually, I don't need any help there either. I already know her name, unlike some people I could mention."

"Once!" Scott protested, annoyed at the way his brother had turned the tables on him so neatly. "Once, I get drunk and can't remember a girl's name and you never let me forget it."

Virgil laughed, relieved at having moved the subject away from Amy. It was a momentary respite, however, as he looked at his watch and fought back yet another wave of terror at the thought of playing the piano in public.

Scott watched in amusement as Virgil began to pace up and down their room glancing at his watch every few seconds. Finally taking pity on his brother he took him out for a walk in order to distract him before escorting him to the bar. Making sure that Virgil was safely in position at the piano, he set off to find Penny. He found her sitting out on the terrace and he took a moment to get back into the role of Scott Tanner, opportunistic lifeguard, turning on what he hoped was a charming yet slightly predatory smile as he approached the blonde aristocrat. They'd decided to take things slowly, waiting a couple more days before trying to trap the blackmailers, but it made sense to build up to things and give any watchers the heads-up that there might be something worth their while.

Their plans were almost ruined right at the start though as Scott prepared to escort Lady Penelope into the bar. A frowning figure stepped in front of him.

"Staff aren't allowed in the public areas when they're off-duty." It was Bridges, looking cheerfully officious as he blocked Scott's way into the bar. Scott was about to say something about needing to support his brother when Penny spoke up.

"Oh, Mr Bridges, Scott is with me," she said, fixing him with a charming smile. "After all, one must have an escort for the evening."

Bridges stepped back, with an, "Of course, Lady Penelope, anything to keep our guests happy," which Penny accurately translated as: Just because you've got a title you think you can do what you like. Got a thing for lifeguards have you? Who'd have thought it?

"Well, there goes your reputation, Penny," Scott laughed as he led her to a quiet table tucked away in the corner of the room.

"As we intended," Penny replied calmly.

"I'll get you a drink." Scott turned to the bar.

"Actually, Scott, I believe I should be the one providing the refreshments. After all, I'm the Lady, you, on the other hand, are the poorly paid lifeguard out for a good time."

"Whatever you say," Scott laughed, calling for a waitress. When the champagne bucket and two glasses were set down in front of them he took her hand and smiled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "So, just how far do we go?"

Penny allowed him to keep hold of her hand for a moment then pulled it away,

"For now, not too far – after all, I'm meant to be a respectable woman enjoying a short break before settling down. In a couple of days, however..." They both grew quiet as they reflected on their plan.

They settled down to enjoy Virgil's playing. Scott had deliberately kept away from Virgil's line of sight, knowing how nervous his brother was feeling and not wanting to put him off. He also didn't want his brother to notice him activate his watch and open a link to John in Thunderbird Five. John would transmit the performance to those back on Tracy Island, first clearing out any background chatter. Because of this, Penny and Scott said little beyond some appreciative comments about Virgil, though occasionally their eyes would meet and they would smile longingly at each other, aware of the need to make their own performance convincing.

Virgil played well, soon becoming so engrossed in his music that he grew oblivious to his surroundings. The applause at the end of each piece reminded him, though, and he smiled in shy acknowledgement before moving onto the next one. Connie came in halfway through, giving an approving nod before leaving. Finally the evening drew to a close. Virgil finished his last piece and Scott and Penny stood up, intending to go over to congratulate him. But before they could do so, Amy appeared, sitting herself down beside Virgil on the piano stool.

"Looks like Virgil's a bit busy at the moment," Scott said, not wanting to interrupt.

"Yes, it seems he's enjoying his holiday," Penny commented. "I'm sorry that I'm preventing you from taking the same opportunity. Perhaps when all this is over you'll be able to enjoy yourself a little more. The waitress seemed quite interested..."

Scott had to admit to feeling a little jealous of his brother at that moment. Still, as Penny had pointed out, there were plenty of pretty girls around and he still had time.

"Not to worry. I've still got a couple of weeks."

Penny smiled. "Well, perhaps you had better escort me back to my room."

They walked quietly through the corridors to Penny's room. When they reached her door, for the benefit of any cameras which might be watching them Scott moved in for a kiss, only for a seemingly bashful Penny to move away. They talked for a moment before Penny retreated into her room with an apologetic smile, closing the door with apparent reluctance. Scott hovered outside the room for a moment, apparently hoping she'd reconsider and open the door, before walking away. Not a bad start, he thought.

In her room, mindful of the cameras, Penny had changed into her nightclothes in the bathroom, the one area mercifully free of bugs. Returning to her bedroom she sat down on the bed, picking up her phone and dialling a number. She then spent several minutes telling her own answering machine at Foxley-Heath about the lovely young lifeguard who was kind enough to keep her company as she'd listened to the new pianist. Finally informing her 'friend' of her doubts over her engagement she hung up, hoping her staff would obey her instructions and ignore any messages they saw waiting for her. She could only imagine their confusion if they thought their mistress had not only acquired a fiancé but was also apparently falling for a lifeguard. She just hoped the blackmailers would take the bait.

Turning out the light she made plans for the following day. Her first task would be a visit to the hospital to talk to Vince Ferdinand. She hoped Parker had brought all the things she'd need in order for her to be able to get in to see him. She'd been informed he was under police guard, just in case his attackers returned, but she was guessing the police knew nothing of any blackmail plot. She'd have to tread carefully to get the lifeguard to give up anything he knew. But then she'd always enjoyed a challenge.

"Good job, Virg," said Scott when his brother returned to the room they shared. "I would have come over to tell you but I didn't want to interrupt you and Amy. You two seem to be getting along well."

"Yeah, she's been really helpful."

"Did you find out any more about Rob Hall?" Scott asked, hoping his brother's mind had been at least partially focused on their mission.

"Amy doesn't know much about him really. She said he was always a bit reluctant to talk about himself. She does know he worked in a hotel in Vegas before he came here. I've given John the details."

"Well, you meet the rest of the band tomorrow, don't you? Maybe they'll have some more information."

Virgil went pale. "Don't remind me. I'm dreading it. I'm nowhere near ready for Saturday and then there's the accompaniment for Amy tomorrow. I thought Dad wanted me to rest – I've never been this stressed before, not even on a rescue."

Scott laughed. He'd normally be worried if Virgil – or any of his brothers – admitted to being stressed, but he'd seen his brother like this too many times to be anything other than amused.

"How did things go with Penny, anyway?" Virgil asked, desperate to change the subject.

"It all went to plan. Felt pretty strange though, I can tell you. I hope we did enough to get our blackmailer's interest. Bridges saw us together, so if he is involved he's got something to work with. Say, Virg, Penny overheard him having a shouting match with Connie Hyatt this afternoon. I told her what Amy said about him expecting to inherit the hotel. She agrees he's a likely candidate for the problems Connie's been having. He must be pretty resentful. See what people have to say about him tomorrow."

"If he's got a grudge against Connie he'd be perfectly placed to do something about it. He's got a master key to all the rooms, not to mention having access to all the guests' contact details," Virgil pointed out.

"He's definitely our first line of enquiry. Meet me at lunchtime tomorrow. Connie's going to get him out of the way for us. We need to bug his office."

"Okay, if I can get away from practice."

"Virg, even musicians have to eat. Come to think of it, what have you had today? I know what you're like when you're nervous about a performance."

"I'm okay. Amy took me to dinner." No need to tell Scott that he'd been too worked up to actually eat anything.

"Oh well, as long as she's looking after you." Scott hesitated for a moment. "You know, she's got quite a reputation. You'd better be careful."

"Don't worry, Scott. I'm capable of looking after myself. Anyway, Rob's only been gone two days."

"From what Dave was saying that's a day longer than she usually needs."

"Jealous?" Virgil teased. "Just because I'm in with a chance with Amy whilst you can only pretend with Penny."

"In with more than a chance I'd have thought. Though what her boyfriend will say if he turns up again is anyone's guess."

"He's not her boyfriend anymore, so as far as that goes..."

"Oh, you go as far as you like," Scott smiled. "Dad told us to have some fun as well as helping Penny. Looks like you've got a head start."

"You are jealous," Virgil had to laugh.

"Just be careful. You know what you're like." Scott was generally happy to flit from one girl to the next. Virgil tended to form more serious attachments.

Virgil sighed. "We're only here for two weeks, Scott."

"I know," Scott was serious for a moment. "But it's not easy, is it, being stuck on the island... If you get the chance to have a good time you take it. I certainly intend to."

"With Penny?" Virgil asked, enjoying the chance to tease Scott for a change.

"No!" Scott was aghast at the suggestion. "That's going to be weird. In fact, if you'd like to take over there I won't stop you."

"No thanks," Virgil laughed. "She's all yours."

It was the sound of the fire alarm which woke them a few hours later. Stumbling out of bed, half-asleep and totally disorientated, thinking he'd been called out for a rescue then realising he wasn't in his room on the island, it took Virgil a moment to remember where he was. Reaching clumsily for the light switch, he collided with Scott who had typically snapped into full wakefulness the moment the alarm went off and was already dressed and ready to go.

"Come on, Virg – wake up! We need to get outside."

Virgil hurriedly dressed before following Scott out to the fire assembly point. They spotted Penny, immaculate in pink silk, with Parker hovering nearby, less than immaculate in rumpled paisley pyjamas and a spotted dressing gown. Heading over to them they couldn't help overhearing the grumbles of the guests, unhappy at a second night's rest interrupted by a fire alarm.

"Lady Penelope, good to see you," Scott said loudly, mindful of the need to keep in character. He smiled lecherously at her much to Virgil's amusement and Parker's disgust. Dropping his voice he whispered, "What's going on? Anyone in trouble?"

"I'm not sure, Scott," she replied. "There was no sign of a fire that I could detect."

"Nothing in the staff quarters either," Virgil told her.

"Let's hope no one's hurt this time," Scott said, gazing over at the hotel to look for smoke or flames, relieved when he spotted neither.

At that moment the alarms cut out and Connie appeared, apologising for what had turned out to be a false alarm. Staff and guests began to disperse, relieved to be able to return to their beds. Scott, Virgil, Penny and Parker stayed where they were for a moment, hoping for a word with Connie, who at that moment was interrogating Bridges about the alarm system. His replies were non-committal, infuriating Connie who launched into a blistering rant about his inadequacies as a manager. Bridges said little, though the fury and resentment in his eyes was obvious. When Connie had finished and turned away, all four watchers noticed a sly, satisfied smile appear on his face as he watched her leave.

"He had something to do with this alright," Virgil said.

"We're going to need more than a smile to prove it though," Scott pointed out. "Let's hope we get some real evidence tomorrow."

"Today," Penny pointed out with a yawn. "It's nearly 4am."

Scott groaned. "I've got an early shift. Some rest this is turning out to be. Come on, let's get back to bed."

Scott and Virgil muttered a 'goodnight' to Bridges as they set off back to their room. The manager barely acknowledged them, grunting something unintelligible in response. Someone else was taking more of an interest however. Neither brother noticed a figure lurking in the shadows, watching them suspiciously as they passed.