Leeward

by D. Edward Bradley

  Wednesday, December 5, St. Barbe’s

  Judge Winchester found Meg on a garden seat which looked out over the sand to Witch’s Bay and the gray buildings of Jamestown. He sat beside her. “Penny for your thoughts, Meg.”

  “Sooner or later I must decide about Leeward,” she replied. “And of course there’s Bobbie to consider. She seems to have bottled up everything, and I can’t get through to her.”

  “It was almost inevitable, I guess.”

  “I suppose so. Anyway, I thought we might go back to Leeward this afternoon. Maybe a second visit will clear things up for both of us.” She paused for a moment, then looked out over the water, shimmering in the mid-afternoon sun. “If we could only find some help with The Organization, it would make things a lot easier. We seem to be running round in circles and getting nowhere.”

  “I know it looks that way, Meg. But it’s not as bad as you think. With Dougal talking to the Germans, and things improving here, I feel very optimistic. And let’s not forget Anna’s success in getting Larsen out of the way. She’s going to try and screen the other Thibald and Sörnsen directors, and if there aren’t any more in The Organization she’ll get them on side. That would bring the UN into the picture.”

  “And maybe we could all relax. Let’s go to Leeward now. I’ll get Bobbie out of the pool and we’ll warn Jon. He wants to have another look around as well.”

  Judge Winchester stood and faced Meg. He held her hand for a moment. It felt cool.

  On arrival at Leeward, they wandered around the grounds for a considerable time inspecting the hurricane damage, then went through the house. Meanwhile, a more cheerful Jon produced a notepad and prowled round the building making a list of what had to be done. Bobbie visited Neil and the Barkers.

  Eventually, Jon met Meg and the Judge at the main door for the drive back to the Holiday Inn.

  “I’d like to stay, Meg,” he said. “There’s so much to do, even if you decide to sell the place. Actually, if you agree I’ve been thinking about taking on the management side of things—on a temporary basis, of course.”

  “I think it’s a wonderful idea, Jon, and it would solve a lot of problems.” By now, Meg was certain she could never live at Leeward again, and if Jon wanted to take over so they could sell it as a going concern, that would be a big load off her mind.

  “I’ll come back to the Holiday Inn with you now, and pick up my things,” Jon continued. “It won’t be too late get another rental car and drive back here.”

  “What about meals?” Meg asked. “Will you be able to manage?”

  “Muriel insists that I eat with them. I went to see the Barkers a few minutes ago, and they were really enthusiastic about me staying on.”

  Meg glanced at her watch. “I’ll go and find Bobbie and we can be on our way.”

  Thursday, December 6, St. Barbe’s

  Judge Winchester, Meg, and Bobbie were just finishing their lunch at the restaurant, when a waiter appeared with a phone. The call was from Anna. She said she was satisfied that none of the Thibald and Sörnsen directors were Organization members. She wouldn’t say how she had reached this conclusion, merely referring to “certain details” in the company’s records. Soon after that, she had called a meeting of senior directors at which it was decided to send the UN Secretary General a full report on The Organization’s activities. This would be treated as urgent. In it, he would be strongly advised to meet with the President of the United States and ask him to initiate enquiries into the top echelons of his own government.

  A few minutes later, Jon arrived unexpectedly. He had a small, but very excited dog on a leash. It was Tonto, and as soon as Bobbie saw her long lost friend she screeched with delight. It transpired that Tonto had turned up at Mrs. Robinson’s house a week or so earlier. He was very ill, but had been nursed back to health after some initial difficulties with the Doberman. Tonto had rushed up to Jon with his tail wagging when he visited Mrs. Robinson to let her know that he and the Barkers were back. For now, Tonto would have to remain at Leeward, since pets weren’t allowed at the Holiday Inn, but not before Jon took him on an outing to Coral Bay with his delighted mistress. After seeing them on their way, the Judge went to his room for an afternoon nap.

  Meg found herself on her own, so she selected a secluded spot under a palm tree, where she could relax on the sand with a book. She made herself comfortable, but was quite unable to concentrate on reading, with thoughts of the future dominating her mind. It looked as though things were beginning to wind down, and she started thinking about her immediate plans, and about Marvin. She and the Judge had lost so much, and she realized that they were becoming dependent upon one another in many ways. It was also obvious that he was beginning to fall in love. She knew he wanted her, and it seemed to be the right kind of want, and it had a special kind of warmth about it. For herself, Meg knew that life without Marvin would become empty and aimless, and that she was much more than just fond of him. As for making love, she was uncertain. When Marvin mentioned he had made special arrangements with the restaurant so they could have dinner in comparative privacy, Meg’s instinct told her why. She lay back looking up at the palm fronds and wondered what to do, and got nowhere. She needed more time.

  When Bobbie and Jon got back, Bobbie asked Meg if she could stay the night with the Barkers, which was very convenient. Jon would take her to Leeward with Tonto.

  That evening, Meg and the Judge were shown to a secluded table in the outside restaurant under the stars. They decided what to order, and the Judge asked for a bottle of wine. Once their glasses had been filled and they were waiting for their meal, he leaned forward across the table.

  “I was going to leave this until later,” he began. “But I can’t.”

  Meg knew her thoughts that afternoon had been right.

  “We have to decide about our lives,” continued the Judge. “And as for myself, I can’t bear the thought of being away from you. I know it’s only a short time since Peter died, but—”

  “I think I know what you’re going to ask,” Meg interrupted, looking into his eyes.

  “My dearest Meg, is it that obvious?”

  “Only to me, Marvin. I’m sure of it.”

  “Then you must know I’ve fallen deeply in love with you. I just wanted to tell you, and to ask if you would remember me when you decide on your future.”

  Meg looked away and tears filled her eyes. After a few moments, she turned back to him with a smile. “I’ve decided, more or less. Why don’t we eat first, then we’ll find a private spot in the gardens and make some plans.” Meg was a romantic at heart, and the dinner table was unsuitable for the conversation she had in mind.

  “Here’s to whatever the future may hold,” he said, raising his glass. “But don’t keep me in suspense for too long.”

  “I didn’t mean to do that, Marvin. It’s just that a restaurant isn’t very private, is it? I was going to suggest that we stay on here for a while, and perhaps go back to the villa when things have settled down a bit. I honestly don’t want to live at Leeward again.”

  “I’d already guessed that. Meg, my dear, you’ve made me very happy simply by saying we shouldn’t part company. And you’re right, we can talk after dinner.”

  It was almost an hour before they left the restaurant and found a seat near the beach with an uninterrupted view across Witch’s Bay. The Judge put his arm around Meg’s shoulders. “You know I want to marry you, but you don’t have to give me an answer yet, so soon after Peter. Perhaps just a hint, an idea . . .”

  Meg extricated herself from him and took his hands in hers. “It’s not just a hint Marvin, it’s much more than that. I do love you very much. You must surely know that. But we can’t risk a mistake, and like you said, it’s so soon after Peter.”

  “I don’t want to take his place, Meg. In any case, I know I couldn’t.”

  “I suppose you’re right about that. He’ll always be in my heart, but that won’t affect how I feel about you. I
meant to say I don’t think we should get married right away. Let’s look ahead, and plan it in the future if things work out. How about we sort of live together, and yet not live together?”

  “Meg, you’re talking in riddles.”

  “I know. I’m afraid I’m not as good with words as you are. I was thinking of Bobbie. Not so long ago she asked me if I was in love with you, which means it wouldn’t surprise her if we did get married. Even so, she needs time to adjust.”

  “Do you really feel like going back to the villa?” asked the Judge. “All I was hoping to hear was that we could stay together.”

  “I’m very fond of the place. But we don’t have to stay there if you’d rather not.”

  “On the contrary, I think it would be perfect. You see, I’ve been thinking about resigning from the bench, and something tells me that this is the right time to do it.”

  “It’s a big step, Marvin. Are you sure?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “That’s wonderful. I honestly do want to go back to Jamaica. Bobbie loves it, and she can have Tonto there. We can stay as long as we want.”

  The Judge grabbed her and kissed her. “Then let’s do it.”

  Meg turned round and leaned back against his chest, her head on his shoulder. She took his hand and held it against her breast. The Judge could feel its softness through the thin material of her blouse. The invitation was too much for him to resist, and his other hand slid inside to her warm bare flesh.

  Meg closed her eyes and felt the first beginnings of excitement within her. “Don’t stop, it’s lovely. It’s been so long.”

  “I know, it’s the same for me too.”

  When they returned to Meg’s room, she kissed him goodnight. “Let’s be slow, but not too slow.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  Saturday, December 8, Leeward Estate Hotel, St. Barbe’s

  Jon felt lethargic for most of the day. There was so much involved in fixing up Leeward, that he was unable to decide where to start. He had prepared a rudimentary list, but a more detailed one was obviously required. There were broken windows, trees across the car park, and a host of other things to deal with. He finished his inspection late in the afternoon, and took a beer to a shaded table on the kitchen patio.

  A few minutes later he was surprised to hear a vehicle drive up, but it was out of sight behind the corner of the hotel. The sound of its engine was unfamiliar, and Jon supposed it was the Judge and Meg in their rented car. For this reason he took his time draining his glass of beer, and sauntered down the hundred feet or so of pathway between the patio and the car park. He thought it strange that the engine continued to idle, and even stranger when the vehicle drove off. He wondered if someone was lost, but this was obviously not the case when he saw a taxi heading down the driveway toward the main road. He rounded the corner of the house, and stopped dead in amazement. There was a girl standing looking at the main entrance, a small satchel on the ground beside her. Jon could hardly believe his eyes. It was Cindy Taylor.

  His sneakers made no noise as he walked toward her, but Cindy turned instinctively. She smiled at the disbelief on Jon’s face.

  “Cindy! My God! What the hell are you doing here?” Jon had no intention of appearing angry, but somehow it came out that way.

  Cindy’s face fell.

  “I’m sorry,” he added. “I didn’t mean to sound like that. You really surprised me. I thought that—”

  “I know, but everything’s changed Jon. That’s why I had to see you again.”

  “But how did you find me?”

  The setting sun was rapidly approaching the horizon as they stood in the car park. It would soon be dark.

  Cindy didn’t answer the question, but glanced down at her bag. “Can I stay here, Jon? The cab driver said this was a hotel.”

  “So it is, but it’s been closed for quite a while.” Jon looked into Cindy’s blue eyes, now slightly moist. He sensed she wanted him back, otherwise why travel so far? Then he remembered everything that had happened at the cottage colony in Bermuda. It was like a time-flash, and it felt fantastic. “But as for staying, you’re just what the place needs.”

  Cindy put her arms round his neck and held him close. “I was so scared. I thought you’d hate me for doing what I did. It was inexcusable, and I’ve got a lot of explaining to do. I’ve been miserable ever since Bermuda, and had to find you somehow.”

  Jon felt her body against him and her cool arms against his face. It was almost a familiar feeling, and the twinge of animosity he had experienced a few minutes ago disappeared. What replaced it was a desire that was mostly physical, but with other undefined emotions. “Cindy, I loved you and it hurt, and now you’re here, I know I still love you. I tried to drive you out of my mind, but you never really went away.” He kissed her and was amazed how good she tasted. “And as for explanations, you don’t owe me anything of the sort. The fact that you’ve come four thousand miles is enough. I’m the one who has a lot of explaining to do.”

  Cindy drew back a little, looking perplexed.

  Jon continued. “Terrible things have happened on this island, and all over the world, come to that. Things that only a few of us know about.”

  “What sort of things, Jon? And who do you mean by us?”

  Jon avoided the question for the moment. “It’s a long story, and we’re still standing in the parking lot. Come round to the patio and have a cool drink while I’ll give you a rough outline. After that we’ll find you a room.”

  “By the sound of your voice, whatever it is must be serious.”

  “It is—very serious. And you have to know exactly what you’re getting into as soon as possible.”

  Jon picked up Cindy’s bag, took her hand and led her to the table where he’d been sitting. He found two more beers, then switched on the patio lights before moving his chair close beside her.

  By the time Jon finished, Cindy knew most of what had happened. He didn’t mention his relationship with Josie. That could wait.

  “There’s one other thing, Cindy,” Jon added. “Neither my family nor anyone else in the group even knows you exist. Our time in Bermuda is a secret.”

  Cindy was looking slightly worried. “I hope all these people won’t mind me barging in out of the blue.”

  Jon took her hand. “It’ll be just the opposite, I promise you.” He noticed her engagement ring had gone, but made no comment.

  Later in the evening after dinner with the Barkers, Jon and Cindy walked back to the patio.

  “I never asked when you left the UK,” said Jon as he picked up Cindy’s bag.

  “This morning.”

  “You must be completely exhausted what with the jet lag and everything. I’m sorry, I just assumed you had a stopover somewhere.”

  “Once my mind was made up I just wanted to get here quickly. But you’re right, I’m dropping on my feet.”

  Jon thought for a moment about where she should sleep. None of the hotel rooms was fit to use, and while Bobbie’s bed was a full-sized one, it had no sheets. Using Peter and Meg’s old room seemed out of the question. But of course what he really wanted was to sleep in the same bed with her, and do all the things he remembered. They were still standing on the patio, Jon holding the satchel.

  Cindy looked up at him and smiled. “I may be tired, but not that tired. I’ll sleep in your room if you’d like me to.”

  For an answer Jon pulled her close, and they kissed. Cindy pressed herself against him and knew they both wanted the same thing.

  Jon led her upstairs and put the bag on the floor. Almost incongruously, he was relieved to see he’d made up his bed that morning.

  “I need a shower,” said Cindy.

  Jon was unbuttoning her dress. “Afterwards,” he said quietly.

  In a moment she was naked. Jon thought she was even more beautiful than before. He started kissing various parts of her body, then after a minute or so he straightened up and quickly stripped, Cindy feeling and stroking
his flesh all the while. They held each other again, and the touch of her smooth skin made Jon’s need almost too much for him. He pushed her gently onto the bed, wanting to tell her he couldn’t wait and was sorry, but she knew, and it didn’t matter.

  Next morning, when the first shaft of sunlight brightened the bedroom, Jon awoke to find Cindy lying on her back beside him, the sheet thrown to one side. Her eyes flickered open, and Jon ran his hands across her breasts.

  Cindy smiled. “Then it wasn’t a dream?”

  “Definitely not.”

  “Now I do need a shower. We could have one together.”

  “Then I’ll fix us something to eat and show you around outside.”

  After breakfast by the pool, Cindy turned to Jon. “Can I tell you what happened in London? It’s bothering me that you don’t know.”

  Jon was sitting beside her, and he caressed the back of her neck. “You don’t have to tell me, not if you don’t want to.” He turned her round so that they faced each other. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and what’s past is done with.”

  Cindy wrapped her arms around his neck again; she seemed to like doing that. “I’m going to tell you, Jon. It’s nothing terrible. I just want you to know.” She drew back a little, and tossed her long blonde hair to one side. “You see, before we met I was engaged to this man at the office. Mother liked him, perhaps because he was a bit upper-crust.” She told Jon how their encounter in Bermuda had changed her. Back in London she found her fiancé quite boring, and knew she wasn’t in love with him. He was nice, but that was it.

  “After about a month, it was obvious that the only thing to do was find you,” she said. “I called Bermuda, but the receptionist at the cottage colony told me you hadn’t left a proper forwarding address, only St. Barbe’s. Then I tried the St. Barbe’s directory enquiries, and there you were. They gave me a new listing at the Leeward Estate Hotel. So I just flew out and got a taxi.”

  Jon looked at her and kissed her gently. “How lucky can a guy get?”

  Cindy was bubbling over with plans. She wanted to help Jon with the hotel, no strings attached, no commitments. That would give them a chance to get to know each other better, and see how things went. For Jon it seemed an ideal solution. He realized he was very vulnerable after Josie, but there was something very special about Cindy apart from her body, but he wasn’t sure exactly what it was.