A Conundrum

by P. J. Peacock

  She covertly watched their reflections in the mirror as they moved to a table close to the band and sat down. They ordered drinks from the waitress and seemed to be waiting for someone.

  ‘They’re probably here on holidays. They did go to Charles University for a year, so they’re probably catching up with old friends.’

  ‘No, I tell you, Jakub, there’s something behind this. Gabriel was never interested in any of the political demonstrations, never attended any meetings. But Lucien thought him dangerous although he spent most of his time with his books and tapes.’

  ‘When he wasn’t screwing you, you mean,’ Jakub snarled.

  ‘It was nearly eight years ago. Pull yourself together, this is a ridiculous time to become jealous of someone I knew before I even met you, idiot.’ Kamila smiled into his eyes, and kissed him gently. ‘Go get some more beers,’ she said.

  He stood, and turning, looked straight into Justin’s eyes. ‘Ah, Justin, well met.’

  ‘My young friends, life is a constant challenge, my two favourite people,’ he said and they exchanged glances, as he hung his coat on the rack. ‘I’m looking for my nephews.’ He turned and looked around the room. ‘Ahh, I see them at the back. Did you introduce Jakub to Gabriel, Kamila?’ he chuckled. ‘Or are you here on Lucien’s orders?’

  Kamila was stunned, ‘Your nephews? Gabriel and his brother?’

  ‘Yes, I thought you knew. It was my suggestion they study in Prague for that year. Lucien didn’t like it when he realised who he was. I suppose it was Lucien’s suggestion to end your relationship? I have always wondered.’

  Jakub scowled up at the older man. ‘You’re playing a dangerous game with Lucien.’

  ‘I suggest you ring him’, Justin interrupted, ‘and tell him I’ve arrived, he’ll be beside himself with joy.’ He strolled calmly away, raising his hands, palms outward, and called a greeting to his elder brother’s sons.

  Kamila watched Jakub’s face as he made the call. He scowled for a moment then his face broke into a grin, and he cut the connection. ‘That’s it, my pet, we get to go home now and we’re free.’ He kissed her swiftly on the cheek. ‘Lucien was furious that Justin had arrived, and was cursing beautifully when I hung up. Let’s leave now before he wants anything else. We are done.’

  Chapter Nine

  Meredith … Still

  After the girls left for some R&R, Meredith sat staring out of the window. She saw nothing of the beauty, nothing of the clear sky, the wonderful vista of colours before her eyes. She was looking backwards in time to another era when she was just 16 and James 19 years old. They had always been very close, and when their parents died in that dreadful train disaster, James had taken on the mantle of protector and head of their small family. They were devastated by the death of their parents, and finally agreed, after discussions with various distant family members, to move to Europe. The only near relatives were there, and there were plenty of them, including grandparents on both sides, uncles, aunts, and cousins. It had seemed a sensible thing to do.

  They moved to France, and she had loved it. She loved being close to Paris, to the Louvre, and to the other galleries, museums, and historic sites. James started university, and she had finished her secondary education.

  The family had been welcoming and supportive. She and James lived for a time with their paternal grandparents, but when James had decided on the Sorbonne, they had relocated to Paris. There were never any problems about money. They had been left extremely wealthy in their own right. She enrolled at École Massillon in the Marais, but found the structure tiresome. The French education system was quite arduous compared to her private school in Sydney, but she had coped.

  It was only after George had started to take notice of her that the trouble had started. James was very intuitive and had recognised very quickly what George was up too. He told her he had recognised George for what he was as soon as they met. Their father had discussed various members of their extended family with James just months before his death. James knew about George’s propensities even then, which was why he didn’t wait, but tackled him immediately.

  George arrogantly told him to his face that he would seduce his sister within a few months, and there was nothing he, ‘the little shit from Australia’, could do about it. George hadn’t been prepared for James’s flash of temper and incredible strength, or for the fact that James had recorded the entire episode including the beating he had inflicted. George, begging for mercy, came through crystal clear on the tape, and James had sent a copy to the hospital with his compliments.

  That had been the end of it, or so they thought, but George bided his time. It was almost ten years later that George had become embroiled in the Turner fiasco, and there was no doubt in her mind that it had been deliberate on George’s part to implicate James. By that time, both she and James were aware of George’s penchant for inflicting revenge on anyone who crossed him.

  James and Penelope were wed, and Bede was just a few months old. Meredith still had the tape, now on CD, but still as clear as the day it had been recorded. Perhaps it was time to use it. James had always been reluctant to go that far. It would devastate the former patriarch who loved his youngest son and would tolerate no criticism of him. Their parents had early rebelled against the restrictions imposed by the Family, and left to raise their children in an environment more conducive to the true meaning of ‘liberté, égalité, fraternité’.

  She and James were strong, very independent persons, imbued with the strength and clear-sighted determination of the land that had reared them. She was certain in her own mind that James had been murdered and that George was behind it. She felt that George was behind the current troubles heading their way, and that it originated with that time James had stepped in to protect her.

  George was a sod, had always been a sod, a lecherous, and sadistic bastard, but mostly, he kept his ‘pursuits’ away from family. He had always managed to stay outside his father’s radar, his charm and manipulative tendencies had never diminished; and even now, most of the family still believed him to be ‘whiter than snow’.

  James had been arrogant in those days, as they all were if she was honest, and had refused to take George seriously. It was only years later when George had set him up to take the fall for the Turner substitution that he acknowledged George would not stop until he had avenged himself. As soon as James realised what George had been about and the narrow escape he had had, he had moved his wife, his daughter, and herself back to Australia.

  James hoped following in their parent’s footsteps would be far enough away from George’s machinations for them to remain safe. It had taken George almost twenty-five years to finally wreak his vengeance. She would have to tell the girls the whole story, and as soon as possible. After dinner tonight would be best, or perhaps as soon as they returned from their swim, they would be cool and relaxed. She continued to think long and hard for another thirty minutes. She had two phone calls to make. Then getting to her feet, she picked up the phone and dialled.

  Chapter Ten

  The Intruder

  Gabriel woke suddenly with his inner defences alert and adrenalin coursing through his bloodstream. He didn’t know what had wakened him. He was a light sleeper, so any disturbance would register. He listened to Martin’s even breathing beside him and took a moment to reorientate himself. They were in Justin’s new apartment, on the floor, in sleeping bags amongst the cardboard boxes in what would eventually be the dining room. It was the farthest room from the street, away from the traffic noise, and close to the study.

  Quietly, he slipped out of the sleeping bag and stood calmly for another moment then moved catlike across the room. His night vision was excellent; he needed no light to guide him. He eased open the door into the hall, and moved quietly toward the slight sounds he now heard more distinctly coming from the study. Justin would not be there at four in the morning without the
lights blazing. His eyesight needed a little help these days.

  He eased the door of the study, opened a crack, listened, and then peered in. The moon was full, the light illuminating the room with a soft white glow. He could see clearly, and there was someone bending over the desk standing in the middle of the room. The intruder had his back to the door and was easing open the top drawer. Not too bright was his first thought, and definitely arrogant was the second. The intruder, tallish and very slim, was dressed entirely in black with a black hat pulled low over the ears. There was something familiar about the figure, and he paused with the memory of himself and Martin taking off their coats at Tretters. And turning with a shiver shooting across his shoulders, the girl with the spiky red hair!

  He moved silently across the room on bare feet, being careful to keep his breathing shallow. He knew this intruder well. Moving with the speed and grace, for which he was renowned, he swept her legs out from under her with a strange sweeping movement of his right leg, causing her to fall forward, hitting her forehead on the desk with a crash. She was immediately up twisting around and coming at him with a knife. But he had already leaped back away from the swing that would have sliced across his chest. He held both hands out in a dampening gesture, ‘Cool it, Kamila, what are you looking for?’

  Then the lights of the room snapped on, Martin and Justin stood in the doorway, Justin holding a revolver loosely in his right hand. They were both alert and ready for action, and Martin as naked as himself.

  Justin calmly walked into the room, smiling slightly. ‘I should make a habit of having you boys over. You do have your uses, but I think we’d be more comfortable if you both put some clothes on.’ He looked across at Gabriel. ‘Tie him up and we’ll see what he’s after.’ He peered at the figure now crouching in front of Gabriel and then amended, ‘Or rather, tie her up.’

  Gabriel reached across, and taking the knife from her, swung her roughly around to face Martin still standing in the doorway. He pulled her arms viciously behind her back and held them together with one hand, while looking around for something to tie her with.

  Martin, lounging just inside the door, straightened quickly and swore, ‘Jesus, you bitch, what are you after now?’

  Kamila snarled at him, and twisting her head back toward Gabriel, hissed, ‘Let go of me, you bully, and put some clothes on. I don’t talk to naked men.’ He released her arms and shoved her away, as if he had been burned. ‘I don’t think you can make any demands in this circumstance. Just explain yourself as Martin suggested. What exactly are you after?’

  Martin threw Gabriel’s trousers across the room. ‘Well, this is old home week isn’t it, Justin? I take it you too know the not so lovely Kamila?’ He turned to Gabriel. ‘I think I will have to do the interrogation. By the look on your face, you would probably strangle the lady.’

  Gabriel felt unaccustomed rage surge through his body. He wasn’t sure where the emotion came from. He thought he had dealt with the pain, hurt, and betrayal years ago. Taking a deep breath, he turned away, pulled on his trousers, and zipped them with a quick jerk. ‘No, I’m fine, Martin. Just a bit surprised, really.’ He turned to Justin. ‘Perhaps it would be best if we all sit down. Kamila, you first.’ He indicated the straight-backed chair at the side of the desk.

  Justin, still keeping his gun levelled on Kamila, said, ‘I do know our intruder. She’s tricky, so don’t take your eyes off her. We need to secure her, and then we’ll talk. From past experience, she moves very quickly.’

  Martin raised his eyebrows. ‘This seems to be a slightly different Kamila from the one you knew, Gabe. I’ll get something to tie her with.’

  Kamila hissed, ‘You three great big strong men, do you think I will tell you anything?’

  ‘That’s okay.’ Gabriel said calmly. He looked her over with loathing. ‘We’ll just call the police and explain that I caught you breaking in and you attacked me with a knife. That should keep you locked up for some time.’ He watched her face carefully and saw her eyes flicker and lips tighten slightly. Smiling now, he asked, ‘Is there someone we should call on your behalf? Or should we leave that to the police?’ He raised his eyebrows and smiled coldly. His emotions were now under control. He was his usual icy self.

  Martin walked back in with some packing tape he had found in the kitchen and indicated the chair for her to sit. He proceeded to bind first her hands behind her back, and then her ankles to the legs of the chair. ‘Now, who is to do the interrogating? Justin, you first I think, as it’s your home.’ He grinned at the furious, struggling girl. ‘Or should we be making that phone call?’ He raised his eyebrows and looked across at Gabriel.

  Justin pulled an armchair across the floor, placed his gun carefully on the desk, then sat facing Kamila. ‘I will assume that Lucien is behind this invasion, my dear. I suggest you tell me what you were looking for. I will find out sooner or later, and it may be in your interest to deal with me now.’

  ‘Call the police, I will tell you nothing,’ she said coldly. She was watching Gabriel through slitted eyes her body tense.

  Gabriel picked up the phone and started dialling. ‘Police, I wish to report a break in.’ He waited, looked briefly at Kamila, then shrugged and continued, ‘We’ve caught the intruder and have her here tied to a chair.’ He laughed into the receiver. ‘Yes, I said her … of course, delighted … take your time, she’s not going anywhere…’ He hung up.

  Kamila snarled cursed, swore, then softening her face, looked directly at Gabriel with tears pouring down her cheeks. ‘Please, you can’t do this to me. I will go to prison,’ she moaned softly. ‘Please.’

  He looked at her coldly, ‘Kamila, I remember how easily you weep. You told me once it was your one skill, so you have about ten, maybe twenty minutes, I think, then I’m afraid it will be too late.’

  Scowling again, she thought for a few moments then looked across at Justin, ‘Okay, I will tell you what I know, but you have to let me go before the police get here.’ She drew in a long breath. ‘You’re right of course, you know I work mostly for Lucien. He’s heard rumours that you’re looking for an antique book relating to your family’s past. He’s not sure whether to believe the rumours. You know he and George have had a lot of dealings, but there has been a falling out, quite dramatic I think. Lucien believes George is planning something, and is really behind all the rumours about the book as a sort of diversion. He asked me look for any documents indicating what the book is, and why it’s important. Obviously, I’ve failed miserably, and you know Lucien doesn’t like failure. That’s really all I know, now let me go.’ She looked angrily around at the three of them.

  Just as Justin was about to speak, there was a loud banging on the front door of the apartment. She became desperate, twisting and turning against the bonds. ‘You have to let me go. I have told you all I know.’ She looked pleadingly around at them all.

  Justin considered her, and then turning to Gabriel, ‘What do you think?’

  Gabriel listened to the noise coming from the front door, then looked back quickly to catch a fleeting half smile on her lips. ‘Nah, I think she knows a lot more than she’s telling, I suggest we keep her for a while longer.’

  Kamila snarled at him, but he ignored her and turned to Martin, ‘Go and invite our friends in, see if you can keep them entertained for a few moments. We might still need them.’

  He smiled at Kamila, ‘Okay, the rest of the story, my pet, or I turn you over to our comrades in the next room.’

  She scowled again, ‘I may be better off with the police.’

  Justin cut in, ‘Of course, my dear, by all means, but I suggest you tell us a little more about this feud between Lucien and George. Also, I would like to know where to contact Lucien. We may be able to come to some sort of arrangement.’ He looked at her very thoughtfully for a moment, and then smiled coldly. An unpleasant smile that very few people ever saw. Kamila’s eyes nar
rowed in rage.

  Chapter Eleven

  Lunch

  The table was set for lunch with Bede and Hera sitting quietly, neither of them making any attempt to consume any of the delicious dishes set before them. Meredith had left them moments before having been called to the telephone. Both had been stunned by Meredith’s confessions, and both were shockingly aware there was obviously more to come.

  Bede was the first to speak, ‘I don’t know about you, but I’m still dazed. The idea of Dad beating someone and putting him in hospital is something of a shock.’ She drew in a deep breath and looked across at her sister. ‘We have to believe it all, just retelling the story caused Meredith pain, that was obvious, so I will say it again. I have to believe it.’ She got up from the table and wandered to the window, lifted the curtain, and looked across to the hills in the distance. ‘It sounds so far-fetched, but when you add the dreams we have both been having, James’s death and the memories I have of the family celebrations when we were young, it does fit together rather nicely.’ She turned back to Hera, still sitting quietly at the table.

  ‘Yes, but what, if anything, can we do about it?’ Hera ever practical asked. She was leaning back in her chair and staring unseeing at the plaster ceiling rose.

  ‘Nothing at the moment,’ Meredith interrupted them, coming back into the room. ‘I am waiting to hear back from Justin. I sent him a message yesterday and tried to ring him. He seems to have switched his phone off. Very suspicious for Justin.’ She sat calmly at the table. ‘Come on girls, we all need to eat, and Mrs Robinson has prepared a beautiful lunch with home-made bread, which must not go to waste.’