by Bev Robitai
‘Screw you then, I’ll take myself somewhere else!’
She stormed out and slammed the front door behind her, bursting onto the street like a small tornado and scattering pedestrians in her path.
Her feet took her as far as a small park before her boiling rage had cooled to a simmer. She wandered towards a tree and flung herself down in the shade, muttering angrily.
‘Bloody idiot. He could have shoved the wires back under the dashboard but he didn’t, did he? He left them sticking out for the thieves to see.’
She knew perfectly well that Mike was in the right, but guilt fuelled her anger and fogged her thinking. She forgot that he’d been out half the night on a twelve-hour wild goose chase anxiously looking for her, instead she sulked about being yelled at.
‘Well stuff you, mister. I’ll just spend the day doing whatever the hell I want and staying right out of your grumpy nit-picking anal-retentive little space.’
A woman walking her dog looked round, startled by Robyn’s outburst, and hurried past.
Robyn got up from under the tree, dusted herself off and headed downtown to fill in her suddenly empty Sunday by exploring more of the city.
She didn’t get too far before realising that she’d left in such a rush that she didn’t have her purse, so her options were somewhat limited.
She spent a couple of hours in the museum, wandered through the University of Toronto campus, and located the art gallery, but after spending all afternoon on her feet she ran out of steam, subsiding onto a seat in front of City Hall with a sigh.
Behind her, the two curved towers rose towards a clear blue sky, while in front of her dozens of people enjoyed the sun and dabbled in the fountain in Nathan Phillips Square.
Her stomach, prompted by the savoury smell drifting from a nearby hot-dog stall, reminded her that it was a long time since it had seen food.
Robyn frowned. She was still too angry with Mike to go back to his place, but unless she had some money, she was going to stay hungry. And her money was at his place. She didn’t know a soul in the city to drop in on, unlike home where most neighbours were as good as family. Here she was alone, relying on her own resources, and a long way from any friends. The city that had seemed bright and exciting now felt alien and threatening. Nobody here cared if she starved or slept on a bench like a wino.
Her usual bubbly good spirits fizzed out and sank without trace.
When she’d been sitting on the bench for half an hour or more, staring into space, a small black squirrel bounded towards her with graceful fluid movements. Robyn smiled.
‘Hello, little squirrel. Aren’t you sweet? Have you come to cheer me up?’ The squirrel picked up a piece of cast-away food and nibbled on it, watching her with a bright eye. ‘Well you can piss off back to Disneyland, you furry-arsed rat!’ She shied a small stone at it. ‘I am not in the mood!’ It shot up the nearest tree and chittered at her reproachfully as she smacked herself on the hand.
‘BAD nature-lover! What would Geoff have said if he saw you treating an animal like that? It wasn’t doing you any harm, only searching for food in the big city. And it’s smarter than you – it found some!’
The outburst cleared the last of her bad temper.
It was time to go back and make peace with Mike. After all, he was her only friend for several thousand miles, and they had a project to get on with. She got to her feet and trudged wearily back to his apartment.
As she opened the door, she thrust through a bunch of flowers she’d pinched from the park and waggled them about.
‘Truce?’ she called hopefully.
‘I’ll think about it.’
She went in.
‘Hi,’ she said cautiously. ‘How are things?’
Steel-grey eyes flashed briefly.
‘They’ve been better. Where have you been all day?’
‘Oh, just around. Looking at the city, you know. Did the museum, the art gallery, that sort of thing.’
‘Spare me the travelogue, please. You flounced out of here in such a rage this morning I’ve been worried about you all day. Would it have killed you to call and say where you were?’
‘Good God, listen to yourself Mike, you sound like a disgruntled husband!’
He paused, startled. ‘I did, didn’t I?’
‘Yes, and you can cut it out! I know I shot off in a huff, but my temper always cools down fast, there was no need to worry. Mum always used to say I blew up like a rocket but came down like the stick, and just about as quickly. But I guess you weren’t to know that. Sorry if I worried you.’
‘That’s all right, I can live with it. It’s easier than dealing with a woman who sulked for days on end whenever something didn’t meet with her approval.’
‘Your ex?’
‘You got it.’
‘Well I’ll try to be different, OK?’
His eyes creased in a smile.
‘Oh you are different, don’t worry about that! I’ve never met anyone quite like you before.’
‘I’ll take that as a compliment. My Dad always said I was a one-off. Hey, you got anything to drink around here? I’m as dry as a nun’s tits.’
He closed his eyes briefly.
‘There’s a case of lemon vodka mixers in the kitchen closet that one of my grateful clients gave me, will that do?’
‘We-ell, if you haven’t got a beer, I guess it’ll have to, eh? Want one yourself?’
‘Sure, why not.’
She fetched a couple of bottles, handed him one, and took a swig from her own.
‘Mmm, not bad. Bit like lolly water, but drinkable.’
She flopped down on the floor, leaning casually against an armchair. ‘So, what did you get up to today then?’
‘More number-crunching, trying to figure out where Colwyn’s money is coming from and how he is keeping ahead of his creditors. He’s skating on some pretty thin ice at the moment.’
‘So he needs cash fast, is that what you’re saying? He’ll probably put more pressure on Kate and Alan then, to get his hands on theirs. Hell, I wish I could get hold of them to warn them.’
‘Could you suggest another meeting maybe? Colwyn would probably be all in favour of getting you guys together again, especially if it would speed up their decision.’ He frowned. ‘It would come down to you then, to prevent them doing it while still sounding keen to do it yourself. I don’t see how you could manage it.’
She sighed. ‘Neither do I, to tell the truth.’ She drained her bottle. ‘Want another one?’
‘Not really.’
‘Aw go on, don’t be such a bloody piker! Let yourself go a little bit, for God’s sake. Loosen up.’
He got up without speaking and walked out of the room.
Robyn was just kicking herself for offending him when he came back and set two bottles in front of her, and another two by his seat. He twisted the cap off one, and threw it across the room.
‘Your health,’ he toasted her, and took a drink.
‘Good on ya, mate! You’re a real bloke after all.’
He raised his eyebrows. ‘Was there some doubt?’
‘What? A guy who dresses up and wears make-up? Wigs and fake hair? Oh no doubt at all, mate. Very secure in your masculinity. Course you are. Butch as they come, you.’
His eyes glinted. ‘Robyn, you might want to be careful what you say next. I still owe you one for pushing me in the bath, remember. And another for hot-wiring my van. I haven’t forgotten. Don’t try my patience too far.’
‘Oooh, scary! All right, I’ll be good.’ She looked up at him with a cheeky grin. ‘Wouldn’t want you to break a nail trying to spank me or anything.’
There was a moment’s silence while they both contemplated the possibility.
Finally he cleared his throat. ‘I think we’re getting off track here. We should be focusing on Colwyn and how to…’
‘Oh bugger Colwyn!’ she burst out. ‘Up his nose with a rubber hose. And twice as far with a chocolate bar!’ S
he slid lower on the floor and giggled.
Mike regarded her solemnly. ‘Young lady, have you been drinking?’
‘Yep, guilty your Honour. Have another one.’
‘Sure, why not.’ He uncapped the other bottle and joined her at floor level. ‘You realise, don’t you, that you’re upsetting my nice quiet existence.’
‘Huh?’
‘I live an ordered life. You are causing disruption in my tidy, organised world. You sweep in here like a tornado, whirling all the pieces of my life into chaos - I don’t know where you are, when you’ll show up, what you’re doing - it’s all a - a turmoil.’
‘I’m sorry,’ she said in a small voice. ‘Should I move out?’
‘No! I like it!’ He looked away. ‘That’s the trouble. You’re only here for a short while, and when you’re gone I may not be able to go back to my quiet ordered life. Even if I pick up all the scattered pieces and put it back just the way it was, I won’t be satisfied.’ He ran his hands through his hair. ‘You’re a distraction Robyn, but I don’t want you to go away.’
‘OK.’
‘What?’
‘I’ll stay here then. But I think I should go to bed now.’ Her face was flushed. ‘You might have to give me a hand to find it, that’s all.’
He struggled to his feet and hauled her up, staggering slightly as she moved forward. Her breasts were soft against his chest, her lips parted as she looked up at him.
Leaning on each other, they meandered across to the door of the study and pushed it open. The sofa bed was just a few steps away.
‘Goodnight Robyn. I think you can make it from here.’
‘Huh? But Mike…’
He gave her a gentle push and closed the door.
She sat down on the bed with a thump and swore quietly.
CHAPTER 9
Next day was sultry, with a heavy humidity that weighed down Robyn’s movements. The journey to work seemed to take twice as long, and it was an effort to lift the hammer to complete the set she was building.
As the afternoon dragged on, the temperature continued to rise, until around 4pm she heard a roll of thunder and a heavy burst of rain on the studio roof.
‘Summer storm,’ Tony told her laconically in answer to her startled query. ‘Land heats up, water rises, builds up to a thunder storm. It’ll all be over in half an hour.’
After the rain the temperature dropped noticeably along with the stifling humidity, and Robyn felt her energy returning.
She went back to creating her games room with enthusiasm, plastering the walls and smoothing out all the rough corners to ensure a photogenic finish. It wasn’t the sort of job that would last, but it would give the illusion of solidity for as long as it was needed. There was no ceiling as it was out of shot, but a window behind the pool table had to be fitted with a sill, pelmet and blinds before the end of the afternoon. After that was done, all it needed was a quick coat of paint, and the room would be ready to furnish the next day.
As the roller spread swathes of pale apricot up the wall, Robyn’s thoughts wandered. She and Mike had discussed the option of getting Colwyn out of his apartment so that Mike could get in there and access his computer. If she invited him out for dinner and kept him safely under observation at a restaurant on the far side of town, Mike could get at least an hour of uninterrupted search time.
She decided that a simple phone invitation was the best strategy, giving no particular reason for it. Colwyn wouldn’t be suspicious because as far as he was concerned, she was still a willing investor. She decided to call him in her lunch-break and make the arrangements. A fine rain of apricot paint landed on her hair as she rolled with extra vigour at the thought.
To her surprise, Colwyn declined her invitation, pleading a prior engagement. She was so taken aback that no alternative suggestion came to mind and she simply hung up, lost for words. Next time perhaps a Plan B would be in order.
Colwyn took extra care as he dressed for the evening, wearing a soft blue shirt in a shade that Kate had expressed a liking for, saying it brought out the colour of his eyes. His hair was styled boyishly to appeal to the older woman, and he was sparing with his cologne. He selected a pair of well-cut dress pants, and polished shoes rather than casual ones to win Alan’s approval. He added a jacket for formality, as the evening was quite cool after the storm.
As he approached the bar where they were to meet, he used his breath spray and ran a comb through his hair before putting on a smile and opening the door.
Kate and Alan were sitting close together in a secluded booth, and he sensed immediately that they were worried. He greeted them warmly, and set about putting them at their ease before seeking out the cause of their disquiet. He kept the conversation light, telling them amusing tales of his latest disastrous boat trip when he’d been lost at sea with no engine, and only champagne and crackers for sustenance. Slowly, they began to unbend, finally laughing aloud when he described his rescuer’s astonished face upon being offered a glass of champagne as a reward for ending the ordeal.
‘Oh Colwyn, you poor lamb. You really should carry more sensible emergency supplies with you,’ exclaimed Kate. ‘What if the wind had blown you out halfway across the lake and you’d been gone for days? You need to look after yourself better, you silly boy.’
‘I should have had you with me,’ he said, putting his hand over hers. ‘You’d have made sure that I didn’t get into any trouble, wouldn’t you?’
‘I’d have stocked your cupboards properly before you left at least.’ Kate turned to Alan. ‘What is it you always say, hon? “Any problem seems smaller on a full stomach,” eh?’
‘For sure,’ nodded Alan. ‘Hunger magnifies your fears, no matter what the situation. Best thing for emergencies is a good meal, gives you strength to deal with them.’
‘Alan, your wisdom is an inspiration to us all. Have you ever thought of writing a guide to life?’
‘Oh now you’re joshing me, young man. Quit it right now and let me get you another drink.’
Colwyn relaxed slightly, knowing he’d turned the tide in his favour. A little more chat and they might be ready to talk of money matters, and to sign the papers that had been burning a hole in his briefcase since the previous week. He was so near to closing the deal that he could almost feel the sweet-scented tropical breeze on his skin, caressing him on the long vacation he planned to take with the proceeds of his latest round of deals.
He turned to Kate and looked deep into her eyes.
‘Have you thought about our investment deal, Kate? Are the signs favourable for you to sign today? You know how much it means to me to be able to offer you and Alan financial security in the years to come.’
He saw Kate hesitate and glance towards her husband. ‘Well, I do have a couple of reservations.’
‘Of course you do, that’s only to be expected. What are they? I can ease your worry right here and now if you let me.’
She took a deep breath. ‘There’s no other way to put this, Colwyn, so I’m going to be blunt and ask you direct. You’re not trying to cheat us, are you? We’ve come to know you pretty well over the last few weeks, and I feel I can trust my instincts, but I have to be sure. You see, I heard some things that worried me, and I need to know if they’re true.’
Colwyn looked suitably concerned.
‘Kate, of course you should ask. You have to be absolutely certain you’re doing the right thing. What did you hear that has worried you so badly?’
‘That some advisors have taken people’s money before, and not put it into the investments they’d said they would. I can’t imagine how anybody could do that, and I just don’t know who to believe any more.’ Her faded blue eyes looked searchingly into his. ‘Colwyn, one of the things that’s bothering us is that you don’t belong to any of the local professional financial organisations, do you?’
‘You’ve been checking! That’s very sensible of you Kate. No you’re quite right, I haven’t joined up with the Investors Ass
ociation because, to be frank, I don’t like their ethics. Each time I’ve spoken with them, I felt that they were more concerned with their own welfare than that of their clients, and that’s just not good enough. I would rather be an independent operator, able to give my full attention to my clients without fear or favour.’
‘They do provide a safeguard though, don’t they? Like lawyers - if they mess up a case you can get a payout from the Law Association?’
‘That’s not quite accurate Alan, but I understand what you’re getting at.’ He turned back to Kate. ‘I can give no guarantees except one – I promise to you, hand on heart, that I will put every effort into making the best use of your money that I possibly can. If that’s OK with you, then let’s do a deal.’
‘Alan honey, what do you think?’ Alan looked grave and stroked his chin thoughtfully.
‘I think Colwyn is a man we can trust. He’s given his word that he’ll look after our money, and that’s good enough for me. Let’s go ahead and sign those papers.’
Kate’s face cleared like sunshine after rain.
‘Why sure, hon. I’d like that. I’m sure those rumours we heard were just a mistake, I really never believed them for a minute anyway.’
‘That’s good, Kate. It’s true that there are a few bad eggs in the basket, but fortunately the vast majority of people in the money business are completely honest. It’s only the occasional fool who makes the news trying to get away with something he shouldn’t that gives the rest of us a bad name that we truly don’t deserve.’
Kate and Allan looked reassured.
‘Let’s drink a toast,’ cried Kate. ‘To health, wealth and happiness!’
She raised her glass and they all clinked against it.
The pen was uncapped.
The papers were signed.
Robyn paced around Mike’s living room where wall lamps cast a warm glow onto his collection of masks.
‘So do you think I should try again to invite him out for dinner? You want to get into his apartment, don’t you, to get at his computer? Shall I try and take him out tomorrow evening while you sneak in and do what you have to do? I was hoping we could do it tonight but he was busy, apparently.’