Martin, Bianca's physiotherapist, was running late.

Marissa checked her watch. She and Bianca were waiting in the parlour for his arrival. She had arranged to start work later than normal this week so she could be trained up in her girlfriend's new exercises before the wedding. Quite whether Chandler would be so flexible with her hours when she returned to start her new job, she would have to wait and see.

Marissa was just at the point of giving him a call when the doorbell rang.

Martin was standing on the doorstep looking a little worse for wear.

"What happened?" Marissa asked.

"I had a little accident at the gym." said Martin, wincing as he lifted his bag from his shoulder. "But I'm fine to see Bianca."

"Great." said Marissa, leading him through to the parlour. "We're both ready."

…

"You're getting the hang of it." said Martin, as he watched Marissa take the lead in helping Bianca with her new stretches. "But remember to be encouraging."

"Bianca, you are doing amazingly!" said Marissa playfully.

"Thank you." said Bianca with a light laugh.

"Are there other exercises that Bianca can be doing while we are away," Marissa asked, "Or anything that should be avoided."

"More exercise?" gasped Bianca. "What are you trying to do to me?"

Marissa grinned and gave her a brief kiss on the cheek.

"I'm looking after you."

"Moderate exercise shouldn't present any problems." said Martin. "Your right knee is healing well. Swimming is something I would recommend. Will there be a pool where you are going?"

"I'm not sure about a pool. But it's a tropical island so there's plenty of sea."

"A tropical island… the Bahamas?"

"Somewhere in the South Pacific. Erica has hired a whole island for her wedding and keeping it very hush-hush."

"Very nice…"

"…Very expensive." muttered Bianca, but Marissa swatted her leg to shush her.

Martin nodded in interest.

"You're flying out ..?"

"…Two days' time." finished Marissa. "So we have our work cut out getting this routine sorted by then."

"Nonsense." said Martin. "You are doing very well."

Bianca, who was currently doing all the work, gave a pointed cough.

"You both are." said Martin. He noticed Bianca's pink cheeks. "Do you need a break?"

Bianca nodded.

"I could do with a drink."

Martin winced as he got to his feet.

"I'll get you some water from the kitchen. You keep going."

"You haven't got any bottles of your super-water this week?" Bianca asked in surprise. "You said they were the best way of hydrating."

Martin shook his head.

"My supplier has temporarily withdrawn the product… It'll be just plain old water today I'm afraid."

…

Bianca sighed happily when Martin returned with a glass of water and she had a chance to rest.

As Bianca thirstily took a long cooling drink Marissa turned to Martin.

"Bianca mentioned something about vitamin supplements." said Marissa. "I know she's is reluctant to take any more pills but is it something that we need to look into?"

Bianca turned to listen.

"I think, because of Bianca's recent illness, that we will have another look at supplements when you get back from your holiday."

"Okay." said Marissa.

Bianca nodded too.

"So are you looking forward to getting away?" Martin asked.

"The kids can't wait." said Bianca as an answer.

"It'll be fun." said Marissa; although something in her tone made it clear she was trying to persuade Bianca of that fact as well.

"We shall see." said Bianca. "We shall see…"

…

…

Ben drove to the park and stopped in his usual place. He was only there a few minutes when there was a tap on his car window.

The passenger door opened and Mr Salt folded his huge frame into the car.

"Well…" he said menacingly.

"She's recovered from nausea." said Ben.

"And…"

Ben's whole body tensed as he waited for the violence that would surely follow if next words were a disappointment.

"Marissa was there today." he said nervously. "They weren't suspicious about the formula. Bianca asked about the water, I told her it was temporary out of stock. Was that right..? And… um… they asked about the vitamins so there is still chance that she'll be useful to you… But they will be flying out for her mother's wedding in two days' time and will be gone for a week. So you'll have to wait."

Mr Salt didn't even turn his head.

"Understood."

Mr Salt put a file on the dashboard.

"Our employers have devised a new plan. Read it and follow your instructions to the letter."

Without another word Mr Salt opened the door and climbed out of the car.

Ben winced as the door was then slammed shut behind him.

The folder on the dash seemed to taunt him. He didn't want to even touch it. How had he gotten in so deep so quickly? And how was he ever going to get away?

…