The Collectors Book Five (The Collectors Series 5)
Page 27
“Thank God we survived,” said Maria.
Petros lifted Alysa and grabbed Lucy’s hand. “How about singing a song, girls?”
They looked at him, dazed and bewildered.
In a line, they climbed, slipped, and slid across the muddy slope until they reached the road.
He pulled his mobile from his trouser pocket. The crack along its centre told him it was useless.
The rain continued as they shivered and walked towards the village. On rounding a curve in the road, Maria spotted a large house, which might offer shelter and warmth. Almost running they headed up the drive and knocked on the door.
It opened on a security chain and a man peered through the gap.
Maria spoke softly. “Sorry to bother you but our car’s been in an accident. Can we use your telephone?”
Before the man could answer, the door slammed shut and opened wide. A short, overweight, dark-haired woman wearing a floral print dress, roared, “Come in. Girls upstairs and get those clothes off, or you’ll die of pneumonia. Albert, sort this young man out. Your new dressing gown will fit him.” She gazed at the girls. “My grand-daughters’ clothes might fit you young ladies.”
Albert smiled at Petros and motioned for him to follow. “Don’t worry about Gertrude, she used to be a headmistress at a girls school in Zimbabwe.” They entered a large warm country kitchen filled with every modern accessory.
“If I can use your phone for a taxi, we’ll be on our way.”
Albert smiled. “You’re in my house and my wife’s the boss. She wants you warm and dry.” He filled the kettle and turned the power on. “A nice hot drink will work wonders.” From behind a door, he removed a maroon bathrobe. He pointed. “Cloakroom’s over there. Have a shower to warm up and your coffee will be ready when you come out.”
Petros showered and entered the kitchen wearing the robe.
Albert poured boiling water onto instant coffee and handed him the mug and milk carton.
Maria and the two girls arrived followed by Gertrude.
“Sit at the table. Albert, tea for the ladies and I’ll have a cup of mint tea.”
For a while they talked of the weather and other mundane matters, until Gertrude stood and said. “You’ve stopped shaking, your colour has returned. Albert can take you home. You mentioned you live in Pangbourne by the river.” She peered through the window. “Use the Range Rover, Albert. No problem if you drive carefully.”
Petros held back a smile as Albert simply said, “Yes dear,” put on his coat and went outside. “We’ll take our own clothes and have yours cleaned and returned in a couple of days.”
“It would be an insult to offer you money,” said Maria, “but next weekend I'd be happy if you came to our house for dinner.”
“Love to,” said Gertrude,” and you are correct. Offering money for human kindness is insulting. Albert’s outside with the car. I’ll get your clothes.”
Maria and the girls stood and stretched bruised arms.
Gertrude returned with a bulging laundry bag. “Your wet shoes are by the front door. Make sure Albert drives slowly; he can be a bit of a tearaway at times.”
Petros gave Gertrude a hug. “Thank you. You saved our lives.”
She shoved him away. “You men can be so silly.”
Alysa and Lucy waved. Maria gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Don’t forget dinner next Saturday.”
With the door open the four of them dressed in their strange attire ran and jumped into the waiting Range Rover and slammed the doors.
“Bet you a pound to a penny my wife told you to make sure I drove slowly.”
Petros, in the passenger seat nodded.
After a few miles of crawling along flooded roads, they entered Pangbourne and in minutes drove into the drive of Petros’ house.
Rain pounded on the vehicle’s roof.
“Wait in the car until I open the door,” said Petros. “Albert, fancy a hot drink or something stronger.”
“Better get back or she’ll worry. What time next Saturday?”
”Sevenish,” said Maria.
The moment Petros opened the house door Alysa and Lucy leapt out and ran. Maria grabbed the wash bag. “Thank you, Albert.”
Petros and Maria stood by the front door and waved as he drove away. Inside Charlie welcomed Alysa and Lucy.
Charlie sniffed, barked, and lay in front of Lucy with his head between his front paws.
“See Yarlie love you,” said Alysa.
“I’d better contact the police and tell them we’re okay. You never know some bright eyed bobby may have spotted my car.”
“You loved that car, didn’t you?”
“I did, we’ve been together a long time. If it’s fixable, I’ll have it repaired but it didn’t look too good on its roof. I’m going to change.”
“Alysa, get into your pyjamas. Lucy, you can wear one of my night dresses and it’s an early night for both of you.” She watched as the two girls ran up the stairs passing Petros coming down.
“I feel a whole lot better wearing my own clothes.”
Tears flooded from Maria’s eyes as she wrapped her arms around him.
“Mama why are you crying?” asked Alysa standing in her pyjamas at the bottom of the stairs.
Through watery eyes, she smiled at her daughter. “Because we’re together and safe.” She nodded, grabbed Alysa’s hand and they went upstairs.
“It’s an early night, Dog.” Petros turned out the lights as he reached the top of the stairs.
Charlie barked and settled in his basket.
The dusk is here down by the sea
A summer’s day, a nice cool breeze
And as the sun be sinking lower
A silence with its awesome power
The hour, the day is ended
Peter Duggan