He ran into the room, his heart pounding, and his clothes soaking wet. The pool house was quiet, Jessica had left an hour ago to explore the local town with Daniel in tow, and Mother was still outside cackling as his brother danced his best victory dance.
Where to hide? He knew that he couldn't get the furniture wet, his Mother was volatile at the best of time and damp upholstery was a sure fire way to ruin everyone's afternoon.
He walked through into the small conservatory he had helped his father build round back the summer before last, it was muggy, the misty air made the plants droop heavily and his shirt clung to him closer than ever. Maybe behind the divider? Beneath the table. Over by the-
He bit his lip, they'd taken this holiday to retain normality. To carry on, to keep tradition, because Father, Dad - he mouthed the word to himself - had loved it here. They had left everything as it was, the pictures stared down at him happy, he heard the noise in the next room.
Over by the pictures.