by Mandy Baggot
‘So is that a yes?’ Nicholas enquired.
‘It’s a yes as long as you promise to keep the sharp cutlery away from me if Fred and Ginger make any large comments,’ Freya responded, referring to Bob and Gene.
‘It’s a deal,’ Nicholas agreed.
‘What is Martha going to say?’ Freya asked him.
‘She is going to freak but hey, I like living dangerously,’ Nicholas told her and he leant forward to kiss her again.
Twenty Three
It was almost 5.00pm when Nicholas and Freya arrived back in Kassiopi.
They returned the motorbike to the hire shop and tried to make their way through the village as discreetly as possible.
‘Shall we get a cup of tea? Do you want to come back to the Calypso?’ Freya asked as they walked along, hand in hand.
‘Yeah sure, coffee would be good and…’ Nicholas spoke.
He broke off as his mobile phone began to ring.
‘I’m sorry, I’d better get that,’ he apologised and opened the phone up to answer.
They stopped walking and Freya immediately began to feel that everyone was looking at them. People were definitely slowing down in pace as they passed them, pointing and whispering. Freya could only assume they were quietly debating what they should do in the light of being yards away from a celebrity.
‘Does it have to be tonight? No I know - I guess so - yes I realise that. OK - yeah OK, I’ll be ready - I’ll see you,’ Nicholas spoke into the phone.
He ended the call.
‘You’re working tonight,’ Freya stated when he turned back to her.
‘Yes, plans have changed and they want to shoot some stuff tonight. I’m sorry,’ Nicholas spoke.
‘That’s OK,’ Freya replied.
‘I wish I didn’t have to film. I wanted to take you out to dinner. I wanted to talk some more and hopefully make out some more,’ Nicholas told her with a smile.
‘Well hold that thought. Maybe we can do it tomorrow night. I mean you are here to film, not be distracted by the likes of me. I’ll find some way to amuse myself. I’m sure I won’t be invited to waitress again, but there are nightly quizzes and karaoke competitions to enter around here,’ Freya reminded him.
‘Why don’t you come with me to filming?’ Nicholas suggested, holding both her hands.
‘Oh I don’t know. Where is it? What would I do? You weren’t thinking of making me a runner or a grip were you? By the way, what is a grip?’ Freya questioned.
‘The only gripping I had in mind didn’t involve cameras or lights. It’s up at the fort. There’ll be about a million people running around after the director and Martha will be there running around after me and Bill and Ted will be there,’ Nicholas said, referring to Bob and Gene.
‘Are you trying to make this an attractive scenario?’ Freya asked him.
‘You’ll get to see me probably forgetting my lines, definitely forgetting my actions but when it’s over we can do whatever you like. We could have something to eat or go for a drink or…’ Nicholas began.
‘Bit of Greek Dancing at Zorba’s?’ Freya suggested.
‘If that’s really what you want to do I’m happy to watch you,’ Nicholas answered with a smile.
‘And if I come to filming am I going to have to watch you and Barbie fawning all over each other?’ Freya asked, speaking of Hilary.
‘If I remember rightly there isn’t any fawning at the fort but what’s with the feeling insecure? I thought I made my intentions clear earlier,’ Nicholas spoke, slipping his arms around her.
‘Yes, you’re right. Why should I feel insecure? I mean look at Hilary and I, both identical, practically separated at birth with our svelte figures and supermodel looks,’ Freya spoke sarcastically.
‘She spends over an hour in make up before we shoot anything. She has to have three hair stylists and you’ve seen her eat - I’ve taken more food home in a brown bag,’ Nicholas told her.
‘And I guess the little she does eat probably ends up down the toilet,’ Freya answered.
‘Exactly. There would be no playing food games with her,’ Nicholas added.
‘You would definitely get bored of tasting lettuce. “Now Nick, I can’t make up my mind, is this Kos or Iceberg?”’ Freya joked.
‘So are you going to come?’ Nicholas asked Freya.
‘Can I see if Emma can make it? It would be so up her street,’ Freya said.
‘Sure, she can keep you company and cover your eyes when we do the cliff top sex scene,’ Nicholas replied.
‘And she can help me heckle. It is OK to heckle isn’t it?’ Freya queried with a grin.
‘I think you know the answer to that one,’ Nicholas answered, smiling.
It was already 7.30pm when Freya and Emma made their way through the village towards the path which led up to the ruined fort. Emma had been ecstatic when Freya said they had been invited to filming, for a prompt start at seven o’ clock. But she had managed to get herself involved in serving at the restaurant and had to be practically dragged away.
‘Will you stop running? We’re not that late and they aren’t going to refuse us entry if we aren’t bang on time. I am dating the star of this movie,’ Freya called, trying to tug Emma back and slow her down.
‘I’m sorry I made us late. The restaurant’s so busy lately it’s all hands on deck,’ Emma spoke as she tried to catch her breath.
‘But it can’t go on Em, not with you in a delicate condition. It’s too much working night and day. You have to tell Yiannis,’ Freya said seriously.
‘I know, I know, but it just never seems to be the right time,’ Emma complained.
‘There never is a right time believe me,’ Freya stated with a sigh.
‘I take it you didn’t tell Nick about you then,’ Emma said.
‘I couldn’t. I’m pathetic. I mean he was so honest with me, telling me things he said he hadn’t told anyone before and I thought about it and I just couldn’t bring myself to do it,’ Freya explained with another sigh.
‘Oh Freya,’ Emma spoke.
‘We kissed Em and it was amazing and I just couldn’t spoil it. I just knew it would if I did, so I didn’t,’ Freya told her.
‘Do you think it’s going to be serious between you?’ Emma enquired.
‘I don’t know. I mean we’ve only just started but I know I do feel at ease with him, you know, like I can be me,’ Freya admitted.
‘Then you have to tell him and I think he’d prefer to hear it from you than someone else,’ Emma spoke.
‘I know, it’s just difficult. It’s been so long since I left it behind, I just want it all to stay in the past,’ Freya answered.
‘I bet you do,’ a voice suddenly spoke.
The sound of Russell startled Freya as she had been completely unaware of anyone walking behind them. Both she and Emma stopped where they were and turned around to face him.
‘Don’t mind if I join you do you? Apparently the fort is the place to be tonight. There’s some sort of movie being filmed and the word in the village is that it’s free hotdogs for everyone. You know I can’t resist a freebie,’ Russell spoke, beginning to walk alongside the two women.
‘Look, what are you doing here? I said I would talk to you and I will, but not tonight and not here,’ Freya said.
‘Well perhaps time’s starting to become an issue for me,’ Russell responded.
‘Now you listen to me. I never thought you were good enough for Freya and you’re really showing your true colours now. Don’t you dare pressurise her,’ Emma ordered him.
‘Oh Emma, do I take it that you’ve been privy to Freya’s deception?’
‘Freya hasn’t deceived anyone. The reason she was economical with the truth with regards to you, is because she obviously didn’t feel she could trust you and isn’t that proving to be a spot on judgement?’ Emma spoke, angered by Russell.
‘You’ve changed Emma. You’re not so shy any more. I can only assume you’ve spent too much
time in the company of Miss Opinionated here,’ Russell responded.
‘Just stop it Russell. This has nothing to do with Emma. Just get it over with - how much do you want?’ Freya wanted to know.
‘You think I want money? Whatever gave you that idea?’ Russell questioned.
‘Well I realise I haven’t seen my mother for a year or so and I’m sure she’s been surgically and cosmetically enhanced into looking half her age, but I am relatively sure that the only reason she turned your head was because she has a Swiss bank account. And as you’ve been servicing her in the bedroom and my mother is generous with cash when it comes to getting what she wants, I’m also assuming she tipped you well, probably well enough to enable you to reacquaint yourself with your bookmaker,’ Freya began, watching Russell’s expression.
‘Your mother is a very accommodating woman,’ Russell responded.
‘But she also gets bored very easily and, believe me, you are not the first younger man she’s entertained in this marriage or her previous marriage. She can’t help herself you see, she likes pretty things and everything has its price. How do you feel about being one of her pretty things Russell?’ Freya enquired.
‘It was a mutual admiration and we both got what we wanted,’ Russell replied.
‘Until she moved on to the next one. I take it that’s what happened. Or did you just get greedy and she thought it was time to move on to someone with less financial ambition? Either way, she ended it didn’t she? That meant goodbye to your betting fund,’ Freya carried on.
‘There was a little more to our relationship than just a shared love of the good life. She’s actually good fun, uninhibited and carefree. It was a shock in more ways than one to find out that you were her daughter. I can only presume you take after the old man,’ Russell responded.
‘How dare you!’ Emma exclaimed immediately, her voice full of emotion.
‘It’s OK Emma. Let Russell have his say. It will be the final conversation he ever has with me. How much do you want to keep your mouth shut and to keep the bookies from your door?’ Freya wanted to know, maintaining her calm.
‘I want twenty five thousand, that’s all. Give me that and your identity stays in the past,’ Russell informed coolly.
‘What?! You are joking!’ Emma exclaimed in horror.
‘Do I sound like I’m joking? Do you really think I would have travelled over here if I didn’t have to?’ he retorted.
‘And if I don’t get you the money?’ Freya asked.
‘If you don’t get me the money, I’ll sell your story and the truth about who you are to the highest bidder. And there will be bidders Freya, particularly now you’re moving in celebrity circles,’ Russell spoke with a smirk.
‘You evil shit!’ Emma stated, before she could stop herself.
‘I’ll take that as a compliment. So, Freya, what’s it to be? A quiet settlement? Or you, me, mummy and daddy sharing the front cover of Hello?’ Russell wanted to know.
‘I don’t have twenty five grand, you know that,’ Freya managed to speak.
‘But you have at least two men in your life who could easily provide that sort of money and I’m not fussy how you get it. Ask Mr Kaden, ask Daddy, but if you don’t get it, your world is going to come crashing down,’ Russell warned.
Freya took a deep breath and then she nodded at Russell. A smile of satisfaction appeared on his face until she spoke.
‘No.’
‘I’m sorry? Did you say “no”?’ Russell asked, his expression darkening.
‘Do you want me to say it again for you? I said no. You are not getting a penny out of me. If you think I’m going to pay you anything after I have wasted eighteen months of my life with you, then you really are a mug,’ Freya informed him.
Russell pursed his lips, considering what to do and say next. Along with anger and almost contempt in his face, Freya saw utter fear and anguish in his eyes. She could only assume that he really was desperately in debt to someone.
‘Now you’ve heard what Freya’s said why don’t you piss off back to where you came from,’ Emma ordered bravely.
Russell turned, as if to leave, and then, overcome with rage he turned back and pushed Emma hard, making her stumble over and land on the ground.
‘You bloody idiot! What have you done?’ Freya shrieked and hurriedly bent down over Emma who was sitting on the ground looking shocked.
‘You should keep the bitch on her leash,’ Russell spat angrily.
‘She’s pregnant for Christ’s sake! Go and get some help!’ Freya screamed, overcome with fright for her friend.
Russell’s expression changed and his pallor paled as he realised what he’d done and the seriousness of the situation. He put his hands to his head and just stood still like a frozen statue.
‘The baby,’ Emma said in nothing more than a whisper, looking up at Freya with panic in her eyes.
‘I know, I know. Does it hurt anywhere?’ Freya asked her hurriedly.
‘I don’t know. I’m not sure, but I think I’m bleeding,’ Emma stated as the tears began to fall and she started to breathe heavily.
‘No, no you’re not. Everything’s going to be fine. For God’s sake Russell either go and get some help or piss off!’ Freya exclaimed as she began to rifle through her handbag to find her mobile phone.
Shocked back into the situation Russell turned on his heel and hurried down the pathway back towards the village.
Freya opened her phone and called Nicholas.
‘Hello is Nick there? Yes I know he’s filming but this is an emergency. It’s Freya Martha and I need to speak to Nick. Please, for Christ’s sake, just get him – oh forget it!’
Freya ended the call and contemplated what to do for a few seconds. It was useless to call an ambulance, they were miles away from the nearest facility and the nearest hospital was in Corfu Town. She needed transport immediately.
‘I’m going to lose the baby aren’t I?’ Emma stated, going very pale.
‘No! Emma don’t be silly, it’s going to be fine. Look, don’t move, just stay there, I’ll be back,’ Freya spoke as positively as she could.
She set off up the hill towards the fort as fast as she could. She hadn’t wanted to leave Emma on her own but she needed to get hold of a car. The nearest person who had a car was Nicholas and if anyone could rustle a car up in a few seconds it was him.
By the time she reached the area where they were filming she was sweating, out of breath and in absolute panic.
The crowd around the security cordon was ten deep and she couldn’t see anyone she knew. It was pointless calling Nicholas’ phone again and she didn’t know what to do. She had to do something, but what?
Just as fear was rising in her stomach, threatening to actually make her vomit she saw Roger, Nicholas’ bodyguard, at the edge of the cordon. She had never been so pleased to see someone in her whole life but she still had to attract his attention.
‘ROGER! ROGER!’ Freya yelled at the top of her voice, waving both her hands in the air as wildly as she could.
‘Get out of the way! I was here first, you can’t just push in you know,’ a woman who Freya had ended up standing next to yelled at her.
‘Piss off will you, this is an emergency. ROGER!! ROGER!!’ Freya shouted hysterically.
She put her fingers to her lips and whistled as loudly as she could. The high pitched noise was enough to make Roger look up from what he was doing and see her waving and shouting.
‘ROGER I NEED HELP!’ Freya screamed.
Without hesitation, he ducked under the cordon and hurried through the crowd towards her, pushing people aside as he did so.
‘Move aside please, move aside Sir, move aside - Freya, what’s going on?’ Roger greeted when he eventually reached her.
‘Roger I need the car. It’s an emergency. My friend Emma, we need to get to the hospital now,’ Freya babbled hurriedly, emotion rising rapidly.
‘Fine, where is she? Let’s go, I’ll call Mike,’
Roger said and he followed Freya towards the way back down from the fort.
‘She’s just down here,’ Freya said, leading the way.
‘Hi Mike, look can you get to the path at the entrance to the fort right now, we’re going to Corfu Town,’ Roger spoke into his mobile phone as he hurried behind Freya.
Emma was sat in the same spot but was being comforted by two passers by who Freya could only assume Russell had called for assistance.
‘Emma it’s going to be fine. Roger’s getting the car and we’ll be in the hospital in no time. Mike is a fantastic driver, no one could get you there quicker or safer,’ Freya assured her and she put an arm around her shoulders as she sat down on the floor next to her.
‘I think it’s going to be too late,’ Emma spoke, wiping her nose with the back of her hand.
‘No it’s not, don’t say that. It’s going to be fine. I promise you,’ Freya said, trying to hide her fears.
‘Don’t make promises you can’t keep Freya,’ Emma told her.
‘I don’t make promises I can’t keep. It’s going to be fine, it has to be fine - where is Mike?’ Freya asked, looking up at Roger.
‘He was just at the harbour, he won’t be long - here he is,’ Roger announced as the black Mercedes arrived and pulled up next to them.
‘We need to make a stop at Petroholis Restaurant,’ Freya told Mike as Roger picked Emma up from the ground and put her gently down in the back of the car.
‘You’re going to get Yiannis? But he doesn’t know,’ Emma reminded Freya.
‘Well I think it’s time he did because you need him right now. Roger, can you tell Nick what’s going on?’ Freya asked him.
‘Sure,’ Roger agreed.
‘Step on it Mikey,’ Freya ordered as she got into the front of the car and made the dividing screen fall so she could keep an eye on Emma.
‘I’m scared. I don’t want to lose this baby, no matter where it was supposed to come on my list,’ Emma announced.
‘I know,’ Freya replied and she bit her lip.
A little life was hanging in the balance because of her and her secrets and her stupid past. It suddenly put everything into perspective.