‘He’s the opposite of Simon, which is probably why I find him so attractive, but I don’t think what happened between Luke and I meant anything to him. I think it was a spur of the moment impulse, nothing more.’
‘We’ll see.’ Shani’s voice interrupted her thoughts. She picked up her jacket. ‘Never mind biscuits, I’m taking you to the Bunker for a cup of tea and some of their delicious carrot cake.’
‘OK, but I need to go to St Brelade’s beach afterwards.’
‘To the polo? I’d have thought you’d want to stay well away. Memories and all that.’
Bea had to agree, it was the last place she’d choose to be today. ‘I’m not going by choice, but I received a phone call from one of the committee members reminding me that Aunt Annabel is one of the sponsors of the event. She donated a trophy and now she’s not able to do so, someone else has to present it on the day.’
‘Ah, I did wonder why you were wearing a dress and those gorgeous sandals.’ Shani walked over and gave her a hug. ‘I’m sorry, I don’t suppose you can refuse to do this?’
‘Not really.’
As they walked up to the large WW2 bunker built during the Occupation on St Aubin’s beach front, Bea couldn’t’ help thinking how pleased she was to get out of the house. She’d been dreading going to the polo, but now at least she could keep her mind off it a little until it was time to be at the match. Shani went to the counter to give their order and Bea sat down at a table near the window that had, sixty-five years before, been the space where a large gun faced out towards the Channel, guarding the island from attack.
‘You all right?’ Shani asked, sitting down opposite Bea. ‘I’ll come with you this afternoon.’
‘Thanks, I didn’t think you’d miss an opportunity of staring at tight bums in jodhpurs.’
Shani laughed. ‘Cheeky cow. You’re right though, it’ll perk up my mood no end.’ She smiled at Bea. ‘It’s still very soon, you know. You mustn’t expect too much of yourself. Losing Annabel is like losing a parent for you.’
‘It is. I was remembering how she used to bring me here after school sometimes.’
Shani placed a hand on Bea’s arm. ‘I know it’s hard for you, losing her, but I’m sure once you sort out this problem with Simon, you’ll feel a little more settled.’
‘You’re right. When I can talk to Mel without wanting to row with her, I need to find out more about her suggestion about taking out an injunction against him. And as far as Luke is concerned, I’m not even going to let myself think about how gorgeous he is. I’d rather be alone than with someone who’s going to end up breaking my heart. I might only be thirty, but I’ve got more responsibility than I’d expected, and I can’t afford to go out to clubs with the rest of you all the time.’
‘Well, whatever you say,’ Shani added, as the waitress placed their plates of food down in front of them, ‘I think it’s going to be very interesting having him coming to your house each day. I can’t wait to see how it all turns out after that kiss.’
‘Just eat your cake.’ Bea pushed a fork towards her friend and shook her head.
Shani dug her fork into her cake and took a mouthful. Bea did the same, surprised when Shani grimaced and pushed her plate away. ‘What’s wrong with it? You love this cake.’
‘Nothing.’ She forced a laugh. ‘I just don’t feel like it for some reason.’
‘Is everything OK with you and Harry?’
Shani nodded. ‘Yes, he’s great. I adore him.’
‘So why do you look so miserable whenever you think no one’s watching?’
Shani narrowed her eyes at Bea. ‘You don’t miss much, do you?’
‘Well?’
‘Nothing. Eat yours and then we’d better get to the polo match. You can’t be late if you’re presenting a trophy, then you’ve got your date with Tom to look forward to later on.’
Bea popped a forkful of cake into her mouth and studied her friend. ‘You’re sure everything’s OK?’
‘Yes, too much sex has probably just turned my brain a little, that’s all.’
Five
Sprinkling of Sand
Bea was glad she’d worn a sleeveless cotton dress and gladiator sandals; the heat was tremendous. She re-tied her ponytail, slid her sunglasses back over her eyes, and waited for the teams to come out. Grateful to be one of the VIPs for the day, she took a sip of her champagne cocktail and smiled at Shani. ‘You glad you came?’
‘Hell, yes.’ She leant closer and lowered her voice. ‘You didn’t tell me we’d be getting free drinks and mixing with the nobs though, did you?’
‘I didn’t realise. I only checked the invitation they sent me on our way here to make sure we had the correct time.’ Bea walked out onto the balcony reserved for the invited guests. ‘Bloody hell.’
‘What?’ Shani looked out to the beach below. ‘Luke Thornton. You never mentioned he played polo.’
Bea felt the familiar contraction in her stomach muscles. Aunt Annabel would have approved, she thought, smiling and feeling more cheerful than she had all day. ‘I didn’t know.’
She watched as the horses and riders moved into their teams and halted in front of the balcony to be introduced. Luke patted his horse’s sleek neck. He looked up and his gaze immediately met Bea’s. He smiled and gave her a nod.
‘He’s gorgeous,’ Shani whispered, sounding as if she was in pain. ‘I thought he had money worries, though? How can he afford polo ponies?’
‘I was thinking the same thing,’ Bea admitted, raising her glass to him slightly.
Watching the chukkas brought Bea back to when she’d been taken to England by her aunt a couple of times. This time though, with the waves lapping the beach behind the marked-off arena and the sand being thrown up by the horses’ hooves as the players played one chukka after another, it was different.
Luke came on with a different pony for his third chukka and she watched him stroke the grey neck, slowly calming the agitated animal as best he could. The ball was rolled in and the players went after it. She stifled a cry when one of Luke’s opponents bumped into his pony’s shoulder a little harder than she thought acceptable, but watched as Luke chased after the ball, unfazed by the force. They swung their mallets and Luke’s connected with the ball first. He scored. A horn sounded terminating the chukka.
‘Yay, he’s done it,’ screamed Shani, jumping up and down with Bea, both forgetting where they were in their excitement.
Bea shook her hand to get rid of most of the drink she’d spilled on her arm.
‘Wow, I didn’t know it was such fun to watch. We’ll have to come again next year.’
‘You’re not kidding.’ Bea laughed. Maybe it had been the best thing to do, coming here, she mused. At least now she could think of polo without feeling miserable. ‘Aunt Annabel would have been in her element here.’
‘She’s not the only one.’
An official came up behind Bea and cleared his throat. ‘Mrs Porter, it’s time for you to come and present the trophy to the winning team.’
Bea handed her drink to Shani and followed him down the steps to the beach. She waited as they announced the winners and was handed the heavy trophy just before the team captain’s name was called out.
Luke stepped forward and Bea couldn’t help smiling up at him. She held the trophy out and congratulated him. Luke lifted it up in the air and the crowds cheered for the local winning team.
‘Please step this way for photos.’ The photographer from the Gazette arranged them in position, and Bea and Luke smiled and shook hands once more for the camera.
Luke bent down and kissed her on the cheek. ‘I didn’t expect you to be here, but it was great to see you and your friend up on the balcony.’
Bea couldn’t hide her happiness. ‘I haven’t been to a polo match for a few years and never one on a beach. I didn’t know you played.’
‘Shall we get a drink?’ Luke turned to hand the trophy over to his teammates and accompanied her back in
to the hotel. ‘They’re not my ponies,’ he said pulling a sad face. ‘I wish they still were. I had to sell mine when my financial situation with my business became untenable. I couldn’t owe people money and keep such a luxury for myself.’
‘So, who do they belong to?’
‘A friend of my father’s. He’d seen me play on them and so knew they were good. He made me an offer and I wasn’t in a position to refuse.’
‘So, why didn’t he ride them today then?’
Luke took two glasses of champagne from a tray held out by a waiter as they walked out onto the balcony. ‘His son was supposed to, but he broke his wrist falling from one of them a week ago and when they asked me to step in, I was only too pleased to do so.’
‘You were great,’ Shani said, smiling widely. ‘Where did you learn to ride like that?’
Luke laughed. ‘When I was a kid at my dad’s farm in South Africa. It’s very popular over there and not such an elite sport as it seems to be in the UK. Would you ladies like to join me tonight? The team are going out for something to eat first and then on to a club.’
Bea chewed her lower lip, wishing she could accept his offer, but unable to let Tom down. ‘I’d love to, but I’m already doing something, sorry.’
‘I’m meeting Harry, so I won’t be able to either,’ Shani replied.
He shrugged. ‘Never mind, maybe next time. I’d better go and catch up with the others.’ He kissed Bea on the cheek once more and smiled at Shani. ‘Have a lovely evening.’
Bea couldn’t shake off the image of Luke playing polo and wished she was looking forward to an evening with him rather than Tom., though she was pleased that Tom didn’t still hold her decision to leave him for Simon against her.
‘You look very glamorous.’ Tom said, dabbing at his mouth with his napkin. ‘I thought you’d enjoy the view here.’
Bea looked out of the large picture window across to Gorey Castle and the long stretch of Grouville beach beyond. ‘It’s fabulous. I haven’t eaten here for a couple of years. It’s good to be back.’ Bea sighed heavily. ‘I don’t think I’ve eaten so much in years.’ She took a sip of her wine. ‘I can see now why they have such a good reputation here.’
‘I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it. I used to bring my son and daughter here for the children’s lunches on a Sunday when things were friendlier between me and Vanessa,’ he said. ‘Now, though, I seem to see them less and less.’
‘That’s so sad, Tom.’ Bea reached out to touch his hand. ‘I do hope things get sorted out with your ex-wife soon.’
Tom nodded. ‘Me, too.’ He sat quietly for a moment, only seeming to come back to the present when the waitress asked them if they wanted coffees or liqueurs. Bea nodded. ‘Coffee for me, please.’
‘Make that two,’ he said before looking across at Bea. ‘So, who have you got to do the work on your house?’
‘He’s someone Mel’s fiancé suggested, Luke Thornton, Do you know him?’
‘A friend of yours, is he?’
She was a little taken aback by the sudden change in the tone of his voice. ‘An acquaintance rather than a friend,’ Bea explained, aware she was doing her best to keep her voice light. She watched the waitress place her cup of coffee in front of her and stirred the muddy coloured liquid unnecessarily. ‘He gave me a good price, which is a relief because I don’t really have much money available for the work.’
Tom stared into the cup for several seconds.
‘What is it?’ Bea asked. ‘Tell me.’
Tom looked around the room and then moved a little closer to her. ‘I shouldn’t really confide in you about this, but you’re a trust officer, so you’ll understand how these things work.’ Bea nodded. It niggled a little that Tom was a director already even though their qualifications were the same and they had been in the business almost the same length of time.
‘I look after a couple of companies for Luke’s partner.’
Bea tried to steady her breathing. She could sense she wasn’t going to like what was coming next. ‘Go on,’ she whispered.
‘They’re both under investigation.’
‘For money laundering?’ she whispered. It changed everything. Damn Tom for telling her this confidential information. Now she was aware Luke was under investigation she would have to watch every word she said to him.
‘Sorry, Bea, but I couldn’t let you, in your professional capacity, get close to someone who was being investigated. You obviously realise that if you let it slip that this is going on, you could get a maximum sentence of five years in prison. In fact any criminal record will make a difference to your career.’
‘I’m well aware of my duties, thank you, Tom. Tipping off is one of the worst offences I could be caught doing.’ She sighed, ‘And if you hadn’t told me, then I wouldn’t have known, or been in the position where I could do so.’
Tom sat back in his chair and folded his arms. ‘Ahh, yes, I see what you mean.’
‘You shouldn’t be discussing your clients with me. This matter is confidential, you know that.’
‘Yes,’ he took her hands in his, ‘but what would you prefer; I kept this to myself and saw you in a position where if he were to discover he was being investigated, then you as an employee of the trust company would be an obvious suspect to have tipped him off, and we both know how difficult, if not impossible it would be to prove you didn’t say anything.’
‘True.’
‘At the very least you’d probably stand to lose your job.’
And then how would I afford a mortgage for my house, Bea thought. ‘What about him working at the house, though?’
‘Just try to get him to finish what he’s doing as soon as you can. It would be even more suspicious if you suddenly cancelled everything.’
‘Do they really think he’s capable of money laundering?’
‘You know as well as I do that the first thing we’re taught in anti-money laundering training is that money launderers don’t look a certain way. They can be anyone, from any walk of life. So, who knows?’ Tom shrugged. ‘He and his partner have made huge amounts of money through real estate and development over the past few years. They made a lot of money very quickly.’
The waitress placed a silver tray on their table with their bill and a couple of dark chocolates. Tom picked up the bill thoughtfully. ‘They were school friends and although Luke is probably less likely to be involved in this, the fact that they are partners means he’s connected in some way.’ He frowned and looked across at her. ‘I’m sorry, Bea, but I thought you should know.’
Bea nodded. ‘You’re right, thanks. It just makes things a little awkward, that’s all.’ She still wished she hadn’t been told. It changed everything.
‘Don’t just sit there, pedal. Faster.’
‘Shut up, Paul, I’m only here because you wouldn’t stop nagging.’
‘You haven’t been to the gym for over a year now and you can’t keep making excuses.’
‘I think you’ll find I can,’ Bea grumbled, deciding that as soon as she was out of Paul’s studio she would not be returning.
‘So how was the date?’ asked Paul, running on a treadmill that looked to Bea as if it should be on a Star Trek set.
‘It wasn’t really a date, more like two old friends catching up on their news.’
‘Sounds a bit more like a date to me.’ He pressed a few buttons and the treadmill speeded up. ‘Come on you, keep going.’
‘Bloody hell, Paul, I’m going to die here.’
‘You’re not. Now pedal.’ She sat up for a moment and wiped her sweaty forehead with her T-shirt. ‘Do you think there’s something odd going on with Shani?’
Paul frowned, but carried on running. ‘No, what do you mean?’
Bea thought for a moment, then leaning down picked up her bottle of water and took a sip. ‘I don’t know, I thought she was acting a little odd the other day when we met for lunch.’
‘Nah, she’s fine, I’d have noticed if she wasn�
�t.’ He shook his head at Bea. ‘Stop trying to distract me. You’re going to do at least three miles. Get on with it.’
Bea groaned; this was so boring, no wonder she hadn’t been to the gym in so long. ‘I didn’t tell you about my visit to Mr Peters at the bank, did I?’ she puffed and rested forward on the handlebars.
‘No, but you can tell me without stopping for yet another breather.’ Paul winked at her. ‘I suppose this is because you received another letter from Simon?’ He waved at her to keep pedalling. ‘Go on, what did he say?’
‘I couldn’t really put it off any longer. I explained everything to him and he asked to see my credit card statements and gave me an application form to complete. He was lovely,’ Bea said thinking back to the sweaty little man she’d met the day before. ‘He probably looked much like I do now.’
‘What did he say, Bea?’
She shrugged. ‘He’s going to check out my figures, but doesn’t think it’ll be good news for the entire amount Simon wants.’
‘Why not? You earn a decent wage surely?’
‘Not that good, obviously.’ Bea stopped pedalling again. ‘He’s sending out an estate agent to value the house and they’ll be able to make a more informed decision after that. I should know later this week, hopefully. At least then I’ll have a better idea about what I’m dealing with.’
‘Good for you. I’m sure it’ll be good news. And if it isn’t you’ll just have to try at another bank.’
‘I have,’ admitted Bea. ‘This is the third bank I’ve contacted. I did the other two online and spoke to someone, but they weren’t positive either. I tried this one as Mr Peters knew my aunt and I’ve banked with them since I was a teenager when Aunt Annabel opened an account with them for me. I only looked at the online sites to see what I could expect. I didn’t think it was going to be so difficult. It’s not as if I owe money all over the place.’
Paul stopped his running machine and went over to sit at a torturous looking contraption in the corner. ‘Did he remember you?’
A Jersey Kiss Page 5