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Conscious Revenge Page 12


  “I’m starving,” Paul said. “I feel ribs and chicken coming on.”

  “Me too,” I laughed, “have you got any money?” I quipped.

  It’s your turn to pay,” he laughed.

  “Oh what it is to be rich” we both said at the same time.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Lorna

  It’s the night of the company party and I am more nervous than I remember being since I was in High School. Mom came to help look after the children while I got ready. I tried several times to fix my hair up on the top in a sweep that left some of my long hair falling down my back. Mom was very enthusiastic which I suspected was partly to encourage me to go, even now at the last moment I was unsure what to do, I had to admit that the dress looked really good. Mom as usual used the word ‘stunning ‘as I twirled around like a girl at her first dance. I was used to William being honest with me, not that Mom would lie but there was no incentive for William to exaggerate he would just say you look nice my love and kiss my cheek, I so miss the closeness we used to share on these occasions.

  The taxi arrived carrying the three girls from the office that had suggested we share ‘to keep an eye on each other’. I suspect like Mom, they are trying to look after me. I am very grateful to them, they are all kind to me and I feel safe in their company. On arrival, a uniformed man helped us out onto the pavement, as we climbed the steps up to the entrance the girls were laughing but I just wanted to run back to the taxi. I suspected they realised, as Florence from Technical Imaging grabbed my arm and said, “Come on, slow coach, let’s get this party started.”

  We were ushered into what can only be described as one of the most elegant stately rooms I have ever seen. It looked wonderful. Whoever had organised the décor must be professional. Everywhere flowers and ribbons adorned each table, fireplace and over each doorway The silk drapes with large pale blue bows holding them in place were perfectly matched with the table cloths and chair decorations, this was every inch like a film set, maybe this was the idea as we all had films in common no matter what our position was with the firm.

  I looked around for any more friendly faces when suddenly I recognised one of the men standing near the fireplace, he looked so handsome almost a film star ready to open an award ceremony, well the surroundings would certainly complement any film set even in Hollywood. As he turned round he smiled, he recognised me also, I know, he was someone I had met at the G&F plc.’s Banqueting evenings when I attended with William.

  He made his way over, excusing himself from the company he was with and making a beeline for me. I felt a bit nervous as before when I had spoken to him it was sort of business for William and therefore seemed different somehow. I shouldn’t have worried as he put me instantly at my ease with his confident manner and sympathetic words, “I was so sorry to hear of William’s disappearance it must be extremely painful for you and the children, if there is anything I can do to help please ring me anytime.”

  With that, he presented me with a card Westline Finance Corporation plc. “Mr Brandon West at your service,” he said. “I hope you don’t think it forward of me but would you care to join me for the opening dance of the evening it is a custom and I try hard to keep it up.” I felt my colour rise, but couldn’t find a way to say no without hurting his feelings, so I took his hand and thanked him graciously.

  He was a very good dancer. I felt swept away by the moment, in fact. I was actually having a really good time. I’ll change that, a really great time. I hoped it wouldn’t end too soon, he was interesting not like most men you meet that are moneyed, they normally only talk about themselves but this was not the case with Brandon.

  As we danced, I could feel the eyes watching us and he said, “Relax we will soon be yesterday’s news,” and we began to laugh. I was so taken.

  With the music and feeling alive for the first time since William had disappeared, we must have been dancing for what seemed like hours, Brandon realised and apologised for not asking me if I would like a drink.

  “No apology needed,” I said. I was enjoying myself so much I forgot I was thirsty.”

  He guided me through the crowds smiling and acknowledging almost everyone in the room. “I hope I’m not taking up all of your time,” I said politely.

  “Not at all. I’m pleased to be able to sidestep most of them as they only want to talk shop, with you on my arm I can easily pass by without offending anyone,” I laughed. “You’re using me for a distraction, then,” I said, with a cheeky look in my eye. I can’t believe it I think I’m flirting with him.

  “Certainly not,” he said trying to sound indignant. “I can’t think of anyone I would rather be with even if it means spending the whole evening with you.”

  “Thank you, kind sir,” I replied. This night was certainly not what I was expecting.

  As the evening drew on he explained to anyone who would listen, “Well someone has to look after her, she’s on her own you know.” I knew he was making excuses as we had spent every dance together and were now eating at the table next to each other. He had moved the other quests along to place me at his side, he was making me feel very special and the wine wasn’t helping to keep my feet on the ground. I was having more fun than I’d had in a very long time and I didn’t want it to end.

  Periodically, the girls would pass by one at a time to find out if I was alright, Julie remarked, “You look like you are having a little more than a good time to me,” and laughed out loud.

  “Don’t worry, I’m in control,” I said. “I’m just being looked after because I’m on my own,” I was using Brandon’s line now. Following the many speeches about how well the company was doing and the encouraging market that was making steady progress. It was time for Brandon to speak. I was mortified when the spotlight fell on him and in turn onto me I felt like a rabbit in the head lights, wait until I tell Mom, she will never believe this. I couldn’t believe it myself.

  He spoke with eloquence as you would expect, probably rehearsed or maybe not, just used to public speaking as part of the job, never-the-less everyone was impressed and clapped loudly. I did too, I hoped my red face didn’t look too glowing in the spotlight.

  We said our goodbyes and I thanked him for the wonderful time I’d had. “Most unexpected,” I said. “I can’t thank you enough for making me feel part of the whole evening.”

  He graciously kissed my hand and we both laughed. “I hope this isn’t going to be the last time we have a good time together,” he said. “I wonder? Would it be too presumptuous of me to ask if you will join my family and friends next weekend? I have a riding party and would be honoured if you would join us. I take it you can ride? If not, I will personally point you in the right direction.”

  I was a bit overwhelmed, but then it wasn’t as if we were complete strangers, what with our past meetings at G&F. We had also danced before at William’s suggestion. I said I would have to organise something with the children, but would get back to him as soon as something could be arranged.

  Then he surprised me, “Bring them along if you wish. I’m sure there will be many children there and we have qualified nannies looking after their every need. I’m sure they would have a great time, as we all will.”

  I found myself agreeing, “I’m sure they would.” I said ‘thank you’ and accepted his invitation.

  “I will have my driver pick you up, say, 9.30am on Saturday. Will that be okay for you?”

  “Just fine,” I replied, “and thank you again for this evening.” There was a quiet moment and I had to take my eyes away from the look that followed between us.

  He smiled and said, “I will look forward to it,” and stepped back.

  My breath was taken. What are you doing, my sensible self said. I had no idea, I was just relieved when the girls caught up with me, or I was before the inquisition started. Only to be expected, I would have been the same in their position. I just casually said, “Brandon and I go back awhile. I knew him through William.” I was ho
ping that would satisfy them but somehow I had a feeling it was not the end of this particular saga, not only from their point of view, but from mine also.

  I was glad Mom and the children had gone to stay with Dad over in the ‘big house’ as the kids called it, with its obvious English feel which was just as comfortable as the one they had in Oxford where I was bought up, a wonderful place, but the call from America was far too great after I met William on one of his sabbaticals.

  I could now kick off my shoes, drink lots of water, far too much wine was drunk tonight/ I wondered if that had been part of the reason I had let myself get into this situation, one which I had a feeling would lead me out of my depth. No more speculation about what might be. I had Mom and Dad to deal with tomorrow. I wonder how they will take it, my taking the children out with someone I hardly know, I would have to explain that also tomorrow, dealing with my conscious was the biggest challenge, as I was still in love with William, but I was greatly attracted to Mr. West!

  When the car arrived to collect us, I warned the children to be on their best behaviour although I didn’t really need to as they are great kids and I love them more than anything in the world, I hope they will have a great day as it is just what they need after the trauma they had been through with their Dad still missing. I am unable to feel William is dead, the very thought is my greatest fear, I must try to put these feelings to one side today and enjoy whatever the day may bring, It will certainly be different, so maybe we’ll all enjoy the experience. I was pleased that Mom and Dad had been positive about the invite, Mom as always is eager to see me smile again, I felt so lucky having them.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  We had a great meal, it may only be a small place but the food always exceeds expectations, it’s one of the things I love about living here.

  “I have work tomorrow,” I informed Paul, “if you haven’t forgotten.” It’s easy to lose yourself in everything else around here as time and dates mean very little, but going to work was still on my priority list for the time being anyway.

  Paul said he remembered, that was why he hadn’t suggested the pub, which would have been our next stop should it have been the weekend.”

  “Talking about the weekend,” I said, “how about we take that trip to see Walter and Rose? I promised not to leave it too long. I’m sure you will enjoy it.” My intention was to introduce Paul not only to Walter and Rose but also to the next part of my theory regarding the West’s physical intervention into my life. I knew it was a long shot, but my feeling that more than a coincidence was involved, with the things Walter had told me and what I had seen for myself, it may possibly be confirmed one way or another by consulting Paul.

  “I’m happy to go along for the ride,” he said. “If everything you tell me about the food is right, I will be more than happy to join you.”

  “You and your stomach, there was I thinking you were looking after your figure for the next good-looking girl that passes by.”

  He quickly came back with, “It’s you, old boy, that needs to look after your figure, too much rich food is playing havoc with your waistline.” I threw a duster from the glove shelf, he ducked and it flew into the air, we both enjoyed the banter.

  I promised to ring Walter when we got back and book a couple of rooms. “I may keep the Audi until the weekend,” I told Paul. “You could use it in the week if you like as I must stick to the routine of bus and run.” At least I will enjoy the exercise and if Paul is right, lose a pound or two at the same time.

  “That would suit me fine,” he said. “I need to check out the local banks to see how it works setting myself up as an investor.”

  “Tail wagging the dog,” I said. “Just as long as you steer clear of the bank I’m involved with. I wouldn’t like the locals to associate us. Rumours start very easily around here.” We both laughed and he put his hand on his heart in a gesture of “I promise I’ll be good.”

  The working week passed very much as expected, other than Andy asking why I was no longer joining his nightly drinking sessions. These were now very much part of the daily routine. I had to think quick on my feet as I didn’t want him to think I had stopped going out altogether. “Just a temporary blip,” I said, “I need to shed a few pounds, must keep the figure in shape. You never know when I may need to attract the opposite sex.”

  “You wish,” he retorted and we both laughed. The last thing I wanted at this stage was to raise suspicions about the real reason I had was having Paul with me. I knew sooner or later I would have to explain, but later rather than sooner would be better, as my brain was in overdrive with the question and answer sessions I was having right now with Paul.

  The time I spent working and drinking with Andy & Co. made me happier than I ever had been at G&F plc. The very name made me shrink inside, hell would freeze over before I would go back there, or even take that type of job again now I know what the real world is like, so under no circumstances was I going back. The only move I want to make is the one that will reunite me with Lorna and the children.

  Paul packed the picnic hamper. “Beer and wine,” he said, “we can eat on the way.”

  “Typical,” I said. “Don’t forget that I’m driving.”

  “I didn’t,” he laughed, “they are for me.” I threw an apple at him. “What a catch,” he said, holding the apple steady in his cricketer’s hand. “Well, maybe just the one,” he retorted and put just one more can in the hamper. This was going to be one hell of a weekend.

  The top of the Audi was down and we were on our way, the yachts sailing around the island took me back to our college days. “Do you remember that afternoon,” I said, “when we took the two girls from college out on the lake? You moved in a little too close to yours and capsized the boat. Your ego never did recover as I remember,” he laughed.

  “Sure, I remember. How could I forget, I had to swim to the side holding onto yours leaving you to laugh with mine from the boat.”

  “I really liked her, you know,” Paul said.

  “You always said that about every girl you pulled. It was great fun watching you haul her onto the bank, covered in weeds and gasping for breath, no wonder we never set eyes on them again they must have run a mile when they saw you coming.”

  “Enough reminiscing if your only aim is to ridicule me,” he laughed.

  The place I had eaten before when I travelled to see Walter was next on the agenda, a plate of the sea food of the day washed down with a large glass of white would set us up for the rest of the journey, not that it was all that far but by the time I had stopped to show Paul the scenery every few minutes.

  “Mustn’t miss anything,” I said, “as this part of the coastline is a rare site, even for a seasoned traveller like you.”

  Paul had no option but to agree as we sat on the top of the most spectacular headland looking over the Caribbean Sea in all of its glory. “I could defiantly get used to this,” he said, “and if all goes well with my 40%, maybe just maybe I can.” We set off again feeling very satisfied holding that thought.

  Our arrival was much as I had expected, Introductions all round and as much hugging as Rose could muster considering she was covered in flour, with a pinafore covered in palm trees pulled tight around her ample waist, her arms seemed too small for the task. I was so pleased to be back to what now seemed more like a second home rather than a weekend getaway, that was down to the welcome that awaited every time I came. Paul could sense the affection I had for them both and joined in the hugging and air kissing with ease.

  “Let me show you to your rooms and you can wash before dinner. Rose has put on something special for you and your friend,” Walter said, I didn’t need to know what it was as I was sure it would be delicious.

  After a while Paul knocked on my door .“You decent old boy!” he quipped, not that it mattered as when we were in Yale, sharing showers was the order of the day, but perhaps we were older now and more polite.

  “Come on in,” I said, “how do you
like it?”

  “It’s everything you said it would be. Have you got that view from your window?” he asked.

  “Oh yes,” I said, “the B&B is double-fronted and I asked if we could have the two front rooms.”

  “Good call.” I could lie on the bed and watch the sky all day, and the seat by the window looks over the sea. I can understand now why you come here often,” Paul said.

  “You need to trust the new me now. I have much better taste since I left G&F.”

  “I have a plan for tomorrow,” I said to Paul. “I would like to take you up to the holiday cottage I found. It’s to the left of the cliff overlooking the sea.

  “We can go exploring from there. Rose will pack a lunch for us so we don’t have to hurry back,” Paul quipped. “I will take the knapsack with the drinks in,”

  “I never doubted it,” I laughed, “so that’s a plan.” Little did Paul know what was really on the agenda for tomorrow. I would be giving him a tour with a difference, one that would take in the shaft at the top of the hill which led down to the sea beneath. The more I thought about it the more I became convinced that this visit would clinch my theory of the West’s involvement in my disappearance.

  After dinner, I took Paul down the wooden walkway and onto the beach. We began to walk and as we did so I suggested we take the walk alongside the cliff, as the sea was out I could see no problem with the tide turning to trap us on the rocks, we happily made our way across the sand, ‘shoes off and smile on’ having a great time was easy, that was until the real goal came into my head. “Just over here,” I shouted to Paul, “let’s explore the caves.”

  As would be expected, Paul wanted to know if this was where the pirates would unload their loot? “Gold Ruby’s diamonds,” he said, followed quickly by “rum.”

  “You’re obsessed,” I said.

  “Maybe, but I have a great imagination when it comes to this sort of thing.”