Jill felt a cold shiver in her backbone. It took a while before she could start talking again. “Sylvanus you surprise me with your objects of interest. Araon and myself are used to watch the breaking news and documentaries. Sometimes Araon tells me that I’m right for the job. He wants me to be a TV presenter. Never mind. I let him talk. You talk the talk and walk the walk he used to say. You have no idea of the meaning of our discussions, but these are ordinary life things. I am pregnant and I am not supposed to burst out in anger for candies. We are talking too much and we are neglecting our duties. This flat is so tiny but full of surprises. Let me de-cob a bit. Look at these: it seems that some rats have come to eat the last piece of cheese left on the floor. Don’t you think I’m a bit silly? Please, smile Sylvanus.”
“You are a wonder woman, no doubt. And what is fabulous is the fact that you hide very well the dark side of your face when discussions arise. As far as concerned about Albert and me, you never know when the argument will finish. We argue a lot and this helps our friendship be healthy. We have the same attitudes towards love matters. I guess you and Araon never argue. Yes, you are a rare example of good couple nowadays. You are my best friends, don’t forget it. I need to see you more often. When I’m busy with my dirty apron during the day I often think of you. You lead such a different lifestyle. But we can match the differences. And there is nothing better to fulfil my desire than organizing a dinner with all together in the foreseeable future. Yes, this Saturday with you. Araon, Albert, Ravina and myself. After all Albert and Ravina have to do something to be forgiven by us. The ignored us all day long last week at our countryside house. Ravina seems quieter now. The wedding bells will ring sooner than expected. Oh, the famous ring on the left hand. You must be proud of yours. But now let’s stop being silly. I will make you feel soother by massaging your feet. I am not Araon but it will do,” said Sylvanus who stumbled and fell.
“Sylvanus, Sylvanus,” shrieked Jill. “Are you OK?”
“Yes my sweet queen. Err… I’m wearing Araon’s clothes. Anyway, apart from the pain nothing has been broken. It often happens to me to lose balance. Don’t say this to anybody, Araon included. There is the childish side of me that makes me feel wrong and let these small accidents happen. I see you are really tired. Why don’t we postpone the cleaning to another day.?”
“I have to say yes, I’m afraid. Araon will be at home at twelve am as usual and I have to be there waiting for him. I apologize for everything.”
“You are welcome Jill. I will accompany you to the door. See you soon and reflect upon my idea of the dinner this Saturday. Bye for now.”
“Bye Sylvanus. See you soon.”
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
Mingled in the hustle and bustle of the city Araon hardly could hear the telephone ring. “Hi Araon. It’s Van der Baast. I trust you are well. You might enjoy some update right now. Do you remember the name of Olga Itch, twin sister of the woman who died last March? I barely wrote her name on a piece of paper just to be in tune with the tradition of every good investigator.”
“I remember she was called Ida Itch but this is not important,” said Araon.
“You know when I entered the hospital this morning, I found a surprise. The handkerchief full of blood was not into the cupboard any more. The cupboard was locked and I am the only one to have the key. I went to the dustbin and I found the handkerchief in it all covered with dust. You cannot imagine the form the blood has taken. Nevertheless, I plead not guilty concerning that turnover. Surely, I must have taken the handkerchief from the furniture and dropped it into the dustbin without realizing it. I have to memorize any single clue to reach a point of success in our search of the truth. Only you and me hold this secret. Anyway, this is not the point. I’m sure that Ida (grr… this is her name) has spent the last day of life in a brothel. This is the main reason for which nobody reported her disappearance to the police. All them would have got in serious trouble. Yesterday I did something unusual. I asked a journalist to report news of the dead woman who has not be found in her parents’ lodgings but in a well. I embraced that sad decision in order to arise awareness on the phenomena among the population. You know me well Araon I’m skilled and determined. I have a badge from the police which I keep to investigate on the details of the families who give the organs of their dead relatives. I will use this badge to go to the brothel and investigate this matter. It won’t take me long. I will keep you informed about the proceedings later on. Now I have to go and visit all the patients. This is my life. Are you with me Araon?”
“Yes, I am. I was concerned. Are you sure that at the brothel they will say you the truth? It’s a fishy place and they are not frightened even by the police.”
“I am aware of it but it costs me nothing to have a try. It wouldn’t cost us our life, I’m sure. I’ll ring you later on. Bye for now.” Van der Baast finished his chat as a demolishing man. He left Araon as a more trustful person. But now he had to think only of the patients he had to visit. He started with a lady who had been operated for a gastric ulcer. She was in pain and complaining about it. For Van der Baast it was a big burden. He didn’t want to see the patients suffering for any reason. But that was the reality he had to face every day. And that was a paltry reality that accompanied him as well, the encounter with death. Death: what a strong word. The famous light doctor had learnt to remove it from his dictionary recently. And he left the hospital with a sense of relief and with the warning that he would be back there within three hours.
He slammed the door in face of a stranger who was enquiring about an employee of the hospital’s financial situation and ran straight to the brothel. He was welcomed with awfully nice manners and he was caught by surprise at the attitude of the coquettes who reigned there. He needed to speak to the director of the place. “Police,” he said showing the badge.
“How can we be useful to you, sir?” said the tall bearded man in front of him.
“I’m investigating a case of a lady who disappeared last March. At least, this is what the family told me. They think she has finished her life in a brothel. They are so desperate. They don’t know what to do to see her dead or alive soon. Do you know somebody called Ida Itch?” said Van der Baast.
“I’m afraid I cannot help you. Not because I am bound by an oath of secrecy but because I don’t know where these girls go when they abandon this place. I can tell you that the oldest one who lives here is twenty-five years old. But… oh yes, there is something else I can do to help you: right in the corner of the street there is an old church. There is a priest called Chris the Confessor. He deals with these cases and he might be able to tell you more about that woman. Sorry if I cannot help you further,” said the brothel’s protector.
“You have been extremely kind. Thank you for everything,” answered Van der Baast a bit forlorn. But he never lost faith.
At the exit of the brothel he could see the church straight away. He entered it without forgetting the solemnity of the place. Wandering around attracted by all the works of art present in that holy place, he nearly forgot his intentions for entering there. But he went back to reality at the appearance of a friar who was wearing a frock and sandals. He approached him kindly: “May I help you?”
“Yes brother. Somebody addressed me to you by saying you deal with cases like the one which is puzzling me now. I am investigating the disappearance of a woman called Ida Itch. I am loyal and faithful to my doctrine but my sense of duty pushes me further. To be brief: I have a lot of facts to disclose to you. I am not talking in confession but I trust your sense of secrecy. Can you tell me if that lady left Amsterdam or who knows where she can be? I beg you, help me,” said Van der Baast without drawing breath.
“Her name is not new to me But right now, I cannot remember any particulars of her story. I’m sorry, I cannot be more useful than this,” said the friar.”
“Never mind. I will leave you alone,” said Van der Baast leaving the church with a bit of anger.
He
phoned Araon again. “Hi Araon. Where are you now?”
“I am in Jordan Is there any news?” “
Well, at the brothel they were very vague. They sent me to a friar called Chris the Confessor who deals with cases like that. But the only thing he has been able to tell me is that the name Ida Itch is not new to him. But I have a certainty that our lady has spent the last days of her life in a brothel. We have to work hard to find the truth. I’ll leave you alone now. Keep in touch.”
“Certainly, Van der Baast,” said Araon who realized it was already time to go back home. He straightened his suspender and waived his hands to a bus driver of his home route.
He was out of breath when he arrived to his tiny flat. It was twelve am sharp. To his surprise he found Jill lying in bed “Hi Jill is there anything wrong?”
“I am a bit drowsy. I went to bed when the housekeeper left the house. I know I must overcome my laziness. The problem is that I want to cuddle myself a lot during my pregnancy. Sorry I even forgot to prepare the lunch for you.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll do it by myself.” A kiss in the lips and he was already in the kitchen to replace Jill in the house chores. whistling gaily.
Ravina and Albert decided to spend another day at Albert and Sylvanus’ countryside house They were waiting for Jill, Araon and Sylvanus to arrive. It was their Sunday break. “Is it too early, love?” said Albert.
“Yes, and the wedding bells are ringing,” answered Ravina acidly.
“Sorry sweetheart. A promise is a promise We will soon tie the knot. I know my duty. I love you deeply and this should be enough to let me trust you,” said Albert.
“That’s fine. I trust you. The truth is that I am already exhausted. This affects my mood,” said Ravina.
“What are these scribbles? Do you enjoy yourself like this?”
“Funny chap. They are my pupils’ homework. I have to correct them. One of my kids is very lazy and it seems he doesn’t learn at all the language of grammar. So I punished him by letting him write as if he was Chinese. Apart from these trifles teaching is a wonderful job. I love it. One of my pupils is an ace at grammar. He will become a great linguist. But now let me concentrate on my house cleaning. Jill, Araon and Sylvanus will arrive very soon. I want them to find the place as clean as ever. I will prepare the best bedroom for Jill and Araon’s after lunch nap. Now I have just stripped the bed. And then I hope that the minestrone and turkey is a good lunch for them. We just need the cake. Oh… I’m fainting.”
“Ravina, Ravina: what’s wrong with you?”
“I think is the effect of air conditioning in the car. You have not to worry about anything else. I am in my menstrual periods.”
“How silly. I didn’t mean this. I was just concerned. Now I will go to my neigbhour for the cake. They have a pastry and they will be very happy to present me with one of their wonders. I will take them some eggs. This is what I have. Nice, isn’t it?” said Albert.
“Crazy boy. Go and don’t be late. Our friends will arrive very soon. Meanwhile I’ll keep myself busy with my household chores,” said Ravina.
Albert rushed to his next of kin’s house. A smart lady welcomed him gently, “You are Albert, if I am not wrong. Don’t worry about the dog. I had to use a muzzle to stop him barking at the cats. What can I do for you?”
“I’m coming to say hello and to bring some fresh eggs to you. Are you staying long here?”
“Oh yes. We will sleep here for one week. We haven’t got any other place where to enjoy our holidays My husband is still sleeping. But let me do something respectful I have a cake for you. Cream and chocolate. There are portions for six people Be careful, you are putting your feet in the glue. I was fixing a horrible accident. The map of the globe was broken by the dog and I had to fix it. Now take your cake and say hello to all your guests on my behalf.”
“You are very kind. A cake is what I needed really. Now I go. I left Ravina alone.”
“Ravina? Oh yes, your girlfriend. When is your wedding?”
“She always asks me the same question. It will be very soon indeed. I am very attached to her and I don’t want to disappoint her for any reason. Now I go. See you soon.”
“Come whenever you need something. See you soon.”
Albert was a bit heartbroken. He didn’t expect the lady to ask such a personal question. Never mind. His commitment to Ravina was a serious one. And he knew he had not to take her for granted.
When he arrived home Jill, Araon and Sylvanus were already there. “You are late, darling,” said Ravina.
“Yes, but I have not to go to somebody else just to ask for a favour. I had to entertain the lady a little bit,” he said. He saw Sylvanus with a longed-for-something face. “Sylvanus, my friend. You look lost today. Am I wrong?”
“The problem is that I am not used to staying on my own all the time and I brought with me here the wrong face. I don’t want to disappoint you with my matter. Jill has been very kind to help me tidy up the flat. Decobwebbing, mopping and washing the floor, dusting the furniture… I have a huge list of what we have done together. Now I have to manage to be self-sufficient.”
“Funny guy. It’s a question of one week and you will be used to it. Jill why don’t you go and sit in the rocking chair under the porch. Over there you can read, knit, do whatever you want under the dangerous rays of the sun,” said Albert.
“Yes,” she answered. “And my Araon will play table-tennis with Sylvanus. I have a book with me. It’s not the usual romantic novel. It’s about Henry 8th’s life. I must be gifted with a good sense of humour to enjoy myself with this sort of reading. But now Araon, Sylvanus go to your match. I will stay under the porch for a while and, maybe, later on myself and Araon will go for a walk outside before lunch.”
Araon and Sylvanus went for their match on the perfectly trimmed lawn Sylvanus was the stronger of the two, to the joy of the little public. It was a question of half an hour and they stopped. Araon and Jill went for a stroll in the country out of the gate of the mansion. They walked silently until something caught their attention. A stark-naked woman was the object of a man’s photographs in the grass. She was frightened by the sight of Jill and Araon. and she covered herself with a towel.
“Are we still romantic Jill?” said Araon embarrassed
“Let’s forget it. We are going on our own way. Look at the flowers: do they look like lilies?”
“It’s true. They are the sign of our mutual love I think now we have to go back. It’s nearly lunch time. Ravina is waiting for us with her gorgeous apron.”
“I am your slave Araon.” And they walked slowly step by step to their way home. They would soon enjoy the result of Ravina’s common sense which resulted to hide a cuisine masterpiece.
Samantha and Phil were still drowsy in the sitting room at eight am. Apparently, they had a sleepless night due to the alcoholic drinks they abused of the previous night. Jane did her best to made them leave the sofa and accommodate then in their respective rooms without success. Now there was nothing else she could do. Phil opened accidentally one eye but he fell asleep again immediately. “Good morning little princess,” he said as if he was arising from the dead.
“Good morning Phil. What happened during the night? I remember nothing.”
“Just a cup of rum darling. It was enough for us to stay here fast asleep. Jane must have been embarrassed by seeing us here until late. I will call her to bring us our breakfast.”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Jane two cups of coffee and two croissants, please. And, please, don’t forget the sweetener for Samantha.”
“Sure Phil. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
“No. We will come into the kitchen. I want to show Samantha all the house.”
“Phil,” said Jane.
“Samantha.”
“Yes Phil?”
“Just come in. The coffee must be ready now.”
Samantha followed her fiancé without uttering a single word. She s
ipped the coffee very slowly admiring the fitted kitchen. Jane was in awe in front of Samantha. She secretly dreamt of seeing the two of them married with a lot of children. She had coveted this fruitful wish since the first time she saw her entering the house as a purring cat. She even wasted time in her washing of the cups and saucers. She was a bit bewitched by the presence of the spouses ahead.
“I have to check the traffic situation in London,” he said to break the ice. “We have another free day today. I’m not in for anybody. Jane make sure that nobody looks for me,” he said solemnly.
“Sure Phil,” answered Jane with her usual fond manners and shyness. She had never accustomed to the lack of hierarchy in the house even if she had been working there since she was a teen.
“Samantha.”
“Yes, Phil?”
“Go and have a quick shower and we will be out soon. Samantha was the sort of obedient girlfriend. She never objected to what Phil said. She entered her room with a single thought in mind: whether to use or not the hydro massage. She liked to sooth herself in the candour of those waters and to pamper herself with beauty treatments afterwards. She had no time for all of that today. She picked the most casual dress and she was ready for Phil. A last touch of class with the red envy lipstick and she was in the hall where Phil was waiting for her. “Are you ready sweetheart?” Phil said.
“Yes, we are ready. She was struck dumb.
“Bye Jane and don’t forget what I said.”
“Tranquil Phil.” And she waved them goodbye.
The limousine was carefully placed next to the main gate of the house. “Please, get in,” said Phil kindly.” We are going on a trip around London,” he told the driver.
Samantha hid her sweet side of herself when she got in the car and learnt with joy there was well regulated air-conditioning “Let me close the curtains. We have to watch outside but nobody has to see us,” said Phil. Then he addressed the driver. “To Piccadilly, please.”
The Red Box Page 54