“So guys we are free all day from now. I know there is a protest march in Trafalgar Square to ban smoke from the park. I want to join it as Phil Morris, a brand of cigarettes. But at the end of the day you have to decide what to do. Mensa games are our bread and butter. Let’s go now,” said Phil.
Among the crowd of people in the famous London square the four felt acquainted to the environment. Actually, Araon had never joined a strike before in his life. He was surprised by the animosity of the demonstrators. Phil, smiling and joking made signs of gratitude to God because of the way the situation was going on. “So you are Catholic now,” he repeated on and on to Jill and Araon. He looked emblazoning a ceremony instead of the priest. “Don’t forget to attend Mass every Sunday, as the priest must have told you. But you know God’s ways are endless. I had envisioned you as Catholic much before you decided to go this further step. And if you have a look at the bedside table of your room you’ll notice a Bible I left it open at my favourite passage which reads: And for people who are rich in this world there is a command — to be generous and willing to share. So who shall we give our next million to Araon?” said Phil while enjoying the smell of his brand-new fragrance.
“My favourite charity work is the one which involves aid to the poor of the Third World,” said Araon.
“It sounds a good idea. What do you think of it my ladies?” said Phil.
The two women nodded. Phil was shocked by the icy glance of Samantha to his golden wristwatch. But his perplexity vanished immediately. Next to them there was a man elbowing his way. “Hey guy: don’t you see the lady is pregnant?” shouted Phil.
“Sorry sir. I was suffocating in the middle of the crowd. I would suggest that you should leave the place. It must be dangerous for the lady,” the man said.
“ You are excused. But next time try to be more careful,” said Phil and the man disappeared among the multitude of the anti-smoke demonstrators.
“Jill, Araon do you want to go somewhere else?” asked Phil all frightened by the circumstances.
“If you don’t mind,” said Jill with a placatory tone of voice while observing hundreds of poppies distributed over the place surrounding. They reminded her of Holland and its famous flowers. Actually her mind crossed indefinite points of thoughts. And her imagination was embellished by the vision of the most famous Dutch flowers she had ever heard of: Van Gogh’s Sunflowers which could be admired in the Van Gogh Museum. This was one of the Dutch symbols she would have ever changed with something purely British. That outrageous experience made Jill dig back into her past. There was not a specific reason for all those ghosts of the mind. She was overwhelmed and blurred with fatigue. Strangely, none of her companions noticed a change in the colours of her face and that she was going to be sick. Hopefully her menace turned into a prosperous fantasy that made her naive and lively again. They were all chasing Phil who was determined to go to the St. Martin in the Field church far from the madding crowd. “The last time I came to this church was when Linda Mc Cartney’s funeral took place. I was ashamed to hide myself from the remaining Beatles present at the ceremony. I was in the church though I was not a personal friend of Paul McCartney. As plump as a bull it was that time that I first realized to be a celebrity and gossip about me could be read in the appropriate magazines. Hopefully I don’t blame notoriety for any reason. I try to be tough as it’s the natural laying of one who is famous. Can you see people surrounding us just now? No is our answer, so let it be. We surely will find pictures of us four in the magazine and I believe my dear Jill and Araon that, after a first trial, you’ll get used to the fact of being famous. Do not worry about the rest: we are protected by my muscular bodyguards all the time,” said Phil.
“There is a secondary aspect we should underline. You told me, Phil, that our heavies constantly make pictures of us in the format of slides. Where do all those pictures finish?” asked Jill.
“There is a lot of room in my house. Actually there are the perfect shelves where those slides rest waiting for something to happen so that they could be examined properly. If a theft or something else bad happens our bodyguards have the tools to go to the origin of the fact. Hopefully nothing negative ever happened. You are with me Jill: do you get the point? We are rich and famous and there might be annoying downsides of the celebrity status. But when you get entirely used to it you will feel a queen. I hope you feel like a queen even now. But let’s go to other issues. We are quite far from Holland Park House and you haven’t told me where you want to go yet. Dreaming of the sunshine is the consequence of my closeness to you. You are a wonderful couple that have filled the void into my life. I am not a Hamlet any more and this thanks to Samantha and you. It’s my duty to do the best to make you enjoy the day. With Samantha no moments of boredom will condemn us to take things seriously. And I know that you have got some benefit because of this. You even don’t miss Amsterdam. London is your second home now,” said Phil.
“It’s true we don’t miss Amsterdam so much though there are some close friends of ours over there. They won’t complain for our prolonged absence. Sylvanus is in touch with me on the phone. Poor guy, since Albert has married Ravina he lives in a small flat on his own and he needs to talk to me occasionally. I feel so sorry for this. But you know me and Araon have planned to spend further time over here,” said Jill.
“That’s good news. You are like a torch that hides our shade of the existing loneliness. We were honestly hoping that you would stay with us for some extra time and here you are. Sometimes I feel selfish for desiring your presence next to me and Samantha. You missed Albert and Ravina’s wedding and Mark and Rose’s wedding for being here to join us while on the altar of the two of us. Tears wash my cheeks at the thought that one day you will be back in Amsterdam and who knows how long will it take to come here again. As a matter of fact, there are all your other tears you have to cope with,” said Phil.
“Actually, we have purchased some little presents for all our privileged ones. To stay here is something heavenly. But Albert and Ravina and Mark and Rose are always in our minds. We have planned to stay here until the end of September when the summer term ends,” said Jill a bit nervous.
Phil had touched a bad subject of discussion and she tried to be self-assured anyway. “So one, two, three, four: here is the limousine,” noticed Araon and the four jumped into it.
Phil decided to stay silent for a while to give his companions the occasion to express themselves as they liked. The established routine started again. Jill with slippers and her head over Araon knees; Samantha endowed with confidence half-attached to her Phil. They were going around London with no goal to reach and this was not unusual. The driver started to lose confidence at the wheel: Please can you slow down? from Phil.
A small accident that was barred from the vibe like a scare which was taken care of was Phil’s main subject of concern. Jill had Jane in mind. She was glad to be sure to find the house as shining as a jewel when they got back. Apart from that frame of thought, there was nothing peculiar that forced Jill to feel weak at the habit of being alone among the others. Hopefully the day didn’t finish there.
“It’s lunch time guys. There is a surprise from Jane I’m glad to tell you. I’m talking to you Jill, Araon. What’s the matter?” said Phil.
“I feel all soaked and this doesn’t allow me to be at ease in a feeble piece of conversation. Anyway, I’m looking forward to seeing Jane’s surprise,” said Jill.
Eventually her mood changed when they arrived at Holland Park House. Phil as frenzied as ever, never stopped celebrating the importance of Jane for the house. He invited his mates to sit at the table and enjoy their meal. “So Jane, how was your holiday?” said Phil.
“Magnificent, sir; em, Mr.”
“Just call me Phil.”
“I have the strength to work vigorously now. I hope the ladies will enjoy their meal,” said Jane.
“They will. What’s better than lasagna and strawberry cake. For Jill there is
sparkling or still water. There is also some Prosecco from the lovely country of Italy. If you feel it’s too strong for you, leave it Jill. But, please, eat even a small portion of the meal. What’s wrong with you? You seem upset,” said Philip.
“Actually, I am a bit overwhelmed. All those tulips and poppies reminded me of Amsterdam and my rides on the train. I was daydreaming. Out of a blue moon, the name of Van der Baast came into my mind. Do you remember the coincidence that made us meet in the train from L’Aia to Amsterdam? And then the stop in front of the hospital. This provokes grievance on me since I haven’t a mum and nobody will stand by me during my childbirth. I wish that Samantha will be with me during those moments,” said Jill.
“Sure, she will. Is it true Samantha?” said Phil.
“Of course I will. I will share with you the joy of seeing your little creature coming to life. There is no greater joy than this. When my time arrives you will stand by me. So don’t think of Van der Baast with that pale face. Everything will go well, I’m sure. Now make a little effort to eat. It’s a few days that we haven’t a proper lunch,” said Samantha.
“Yes, Samantha. I adore you,” said Jill.
“So what we toast now? I would suggest for a humanitarian cause. The Third World, things like these. And to keep you informed, Samantha from today is a new ambassadress for UNICEF,” said Phil.
“Cheers,” they said all together.
“This lasagna tastes wonderful,” said Jill.
“And who can manage to eat something other than lasagna,” she carried on.
“And you are so lovely, so vulnerable, so meek,” said Araon.
“I also should be on a diet. I wish I could have your slim shape at nearly the end of pregnancy as you Jill. I am happy you are enjoying your meal. There are a couple of things going on in my mind. One is that I have to become mum as soon as possible, this is my priority. But there is also my love for you and Araon. My friendship for you is a truth that hits me as a salty peanut if you forgive me my expression,” said Samantha.
“That’s awfully good. You know when I will be with Araon in the room for the after-lunch snooze you will be the one in my thoughts. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d appreciate a slice of cake. You have convinced me to eat it,” said Jill.”
“Wonderful. Jane, would you please bring a piece of cake for Jill? Don’t worry about your fatigue: it will be over very soon,” said Samantha.
Jane arrived with a submissive way. “This is for you madam. I hope you’ll enjoy it. It took me quite a while to make it this morning,” said Jane.
“Lovely,” exclaimed Jill with no further words
“Finally, the weather is slightly getting colder. All that blistering hot was such a nuisance for me,” said Araon.
“Hey man don’t talk badly of the English weather. This is a golden rule. You should know that British people consider the weather like a member of their family and they want everybody to be always positive towards it,” said Phil. “Don’t take me seriously; I didn’t want to be too rude Araon,” he carried on.
“Don’t worry, Phil. Every day there is a lesson we have to learn. By the way: this food is delicious. It’s better I stop eating if I don’t want to become as big as an elephant. The prosecco was a delight to my senses. I think it’s the first time in my life that I have the chance to drink it,” said Araon.
“As I told you, prosecco is a quality wine from Italy,” replied Phil.
“Samantha.”
“Yes, Phil?”
“Today you haven’t shared a single word with us. Was the food so horrible?”
“Don’t be funny. The fact is that I prefer listening to others rather than talking. I don’t know if this is a flaw or whatever. This is my nature. I struggle with my sins every day. But I have promised not to disappoint you further,” said Samantha.
“So we need a touch of glamour to fulfil our whims after lunch. What about singing the national anthem?” said Phil.
“Good idea. After all we are all British,” was the immediate reaction of Araon.
“I am stubborn and selfish mind when I want to be. When I mentioned the national anthem was to introduce songs of praise while playing our favourite game: Mensa. Just forget the after lunch relaxing nap. Mensa is a friend of our minds. Do you want to start first Samantha?” said Phil.
“Actually, I don’t remember what was our latest subject of discussion,” said Samantha.
“So I find out something new about you Samantha: you lie sometimes. You know it very well: we were talking of the red box. The winner is the one who says exactly what the red box is.” said Phil.
“I have no idea. Sorry darling,” said Samantha.
“But I’m sure there is somebody in this room who knows exactly what the red box is but she doesn’t want to tell it. I am a wizard without the wand. But I’m clearly in people’s minds. Is it true, Jill?” said Phil.
“Yes, it’s true. I know what the red box is. It’s the mystery which has been haunting Araon during the latest months. A murder without a corpse struck his attention. Actually, he was the first person to arrive at the Van Gogh Museum room with the famous Sunflowers when he saw a dirty with blood handkerchief on the floor over there. He couldn’t solve the mystery. Actually, it was Sylvanus who left inadvertently the handkerchief in the room the previous day when he went to examine the painting. The blood belongs to a woman who had a brief relationship with Albert who left her when he came to know she was a prostitute. Ida Itch is her name. As a consequence of Albert’s decision, the woman chased the two friends to their countryside house where she covered herself with mud and cut her wrists with a knife. The handkerchief had been used by Albert to try to stop the woman bleeding. There was nothing left to do. The woman died, Albert put the handkerchief in Sylvanus’ suitcase and then hid the body of the woman next to the house well. I shared this little secret with nobody since the day when a witness of the fact had come to tell me about it. I knew very well that Araon was investigating the matter on his own. There are quite a few people guilty of not blowing the whistle. I know Phil that you wanted our friendship to rescue us,” said Jill.
“Don’t worry, Jill. Now the game is over. Nobody will know about it,” said Phil.
“And you Araon, have you got something to say about this matter?” said Jill.
“I do not know love. It’s incredible I believed to have a secret and you knew everything better than me. Now we have to bless our life with better issues. I feel so unsecured, so unconfident. I thank God for the friendship with Phil. Without him I wouldn’t be a free man any more. Now cover yourself with hilarious thoughts. I’m concerned with your mood. Just tell me…”
“We are three of us.” answered Jill.
The Red Box Page 78