Joseph did not answer immediately. He was busy processing possible explanations for what she had said. Finally he spoke.
‘Did you go and see Kia this morning?
‘Of course. It was visiting day. You know the routine.’
He had forgotten about it. His own health matters had distracted him.
‘I’ve never had any problems with the girls before but she refused to cooperate. She pushed me over. Look.’
She insistently showed Joseph her injured forehead.
‘So you didn’t get to screw her then?’
‘Oh in the end she was persuaded.’
She looked at the chief and thought better of detailing her method.
‘That doesn’t make her a liar and a thief,’ he retorted, concealing his annoyance with an effort.
‘She had a diamond pendant and some silly rag doll. She said you gave them to her. What a nerve.’
The chief took a deep breath. He was displeased to have his gifts discovered. Never in the history of the island had he given away a diamond and the doll looked like a ridiculous gesture. He had only to agree with what she said to save face.
‘I did give them to her.’
For once the truth seemed to matter. He saw the stunned expression on her face and could not deny himself an inner pleasure at confounding her with his words. He went on to surprise her even more.
‘I know my girls have been happy to accommodate you in the past and with my blessing. I have never objected to your lesbianism or to helping you indulge it: but not on this occasion. The episode must be the last between you. There are plenty of other girls. And I don’t want any of my men having free rein with her either.’
He knew they would help themselves to a fuck from time to time with his girls. He usually turned a blind eye, perks of the job, but not this time.
‘What’s going on?’ Her anger got the better of her. Kia was exceptional and she saw no reason to exclude herself or the men from the benefits of her body.
‘She’s for me alone,’ he said simply. ‘That’s an order. Now go and fetch her. It’s getting late.’
25
The diamond pendant hung down towards her breasts. Kia fingered it gently and sadly. She had been told to wear it that evening but she no longer viewed it with joy. She felt a betrayal that no amount of jewellery could allay. Though she had showered long and hard, the experiences of the day could not be sloughed off with water. She was sore too and dreaded any intimacy.
‘Kia.’ He smiled as he spoke her name with a warmth that she had not expected and did not trust.
‘You look lovely.’
The light from the candles in the room played soft shadows across her face, adding to the elegance of her upswept hair and long evening dress. She did not acknowledge the compliment but stood waiting and hesitant. He looked puzzled and walked to her taking her hand in his.
‘Come and talk to me, Kia. Dinner can wait.’
He led her away from the table and he chose to seat her next to him on a low divan. His proximity was difficult to bear.
‘I couldn’t see you today. You understand why. There was business to attend to. I know today has not been as you expected. You had not been told.’
He paused. He was sorry that she had taken Juditta’s advances badly but he was still the chief. It was not for him to apologise.
‘My sister has her needs and desires as we all do.’ He looked at Kia but she showed nothing in her expression. ‘She will not approach you again.’
Kia sat motionless and silent trying to block out the images of the day that rushed back to her.
‘Kia,’ he said again gently. ‘Why won’t you speak to me? I’ve made sure it won’t happen again.’
She turned to look at him. How could she trust him? She knew the cruelty that he bore within him. She could not believe it to be extinguished so readily.
‘Have you?’ she replied quietly. ‘And what about the men? Will they leave me alone too?’
The chief sat upright and stiff. ‘What men?’
‘The ones that were with your sister.’
‘When was this?’
‘After I refused her advances.’
‘What did they do?’
‘You mean you don’t know?’
Kia looked away, her self-control failing. Tears pooled above both eyelids and she blinked spilling them down her cheeks.
‘Stop that. It doesn’t become you. Just answer my question.’ His voice commanded.
In fear of him now she told the tale simply and without emotion. He listened, his face fixed like a wax mask. When she had finished, he stood up and paced the room. His footfalls only served to increase his anger. What was Juditta thinking of, letting his men loose on Kia like that? She had no orders to do so. Didn’t she know they were animals at heart. They had to be controlled. There were programmed opportunities to indulge them. He had ensured that. He stopped at the table gripping a dining chair, his anger now taking a different turn. It was not just the ad hoc nature of the matter that riled him; it was that it had been directed at Kia. But why the hell should he be concerned? Many girls on the island experienced far worse than she had suffered. She was tough. She could take it. So why was she crying? He couldn’t bear it when women cried. None of this helped. He picked up the chair and threw it across the room. Damn it. He did not want her touched.
Footsteps sounded outside and the door burst open. Joseph stared angrily at the men who had entered with guns at the ready. They took up combat positions, puzzled to find only the girl.
‘Get out,’ screamed the chief. ‘I’m perfectly safe.’
They retreated swiftly.
‘Bring my sister,’ ordered the chief as they left.
Kia stood up and made as if to leave.
‘Sit down,’ he said.
She did as she was told. Juditta entered. The chief and his sister stood in front of each other. The chief stepped forward. Their faces were almost touching. In one single fluid movement he seized her right arm and twisted it behind her, holding her fast.
‘Stop it. You’re hurting me.’
‘Don’t ever do that again,’ he hissed.
He jerked her arm upwards. She let out a cry.
‘Kia told me everything. I will not have such an abuse of my authority.’
He yanked her arm again and then pushed her away as she let out a final scream of pain.
‘Dear Joseph,’ she sneered. ‘Getting soft are you. Since when has it mattered what happened to these girls? All you’ve ever cared about is getting your pick for your own bed and having clients that pay well for them.’
‘Enough,’ he ordered.
She began to laugh but stopped abruptly as she saw Kia sitting watching the scene.
‘What’s she doing here?’
‘She belongs here. Now leave.’
‘Little whore.’ Juditta’s parting words were not returned.
An eerie silence engulfed the room. Joseph took his place again beside Kia.
‘I should have left,’ she said. ‘She must have felt humiliated.’
‘She will do what I say. I am the chief. She has no choice. There is nowhere else for her to go. Now let’s eat. ‘
They sat opposite each other, grateful for the wine which unloaded its warmth within them. They let it work its effect for a while without speaking. The waiter came and went with discretion. Joseph looked at her, mesmerised by her presence. Thoughts dented his reverie, none pleasant. Some he could lay to rest, others not.
‘Kia. Did you leave your room after Juditta’s visit?’
She started at his question. It was a detail she had not included in her account. How suddenly he could elicit fear in those around him. Only his sister seemed to have no temerity, despite what he said. She lowered her head as in confession.
‘Juditta dropped the key. I couldn’t help myself. I needed to get away from the room.’
He gave no hint of a reaction.
‘Did you see anyo
ne unfamiliar? A young man for example?’
She nodded. There was no point in concealment.
‘Did you speak to him?’
‘No. I only saw him at a distance for a few seconds.’
It was the chief’s turn to nod now, satisfied with her response. The other vexing issue of the day would not so easily be dealt with. He stifled a cough and pushed thoughts of his health to one side.
‘Now then, tell me why you resisted Juditta. Haven’t you had any dealings with women before?’
Kia shook her head. It had not been a part of her work back home.
‘Why couldn’t you simply go with her for once? After all, you’ve experienced more painful things than that. Here on the island we have to prepare you for all types of sexual favours.’
She nodded.
‘Well? Does she repulse you?’
‘It’s not that….. I couldn’t bear the men touching me either.’
‘But you’re used to that.’
‘I know. It’s just that …..’ She didn’t dare speak what she felt.
He stood and went around the table to stand behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders.
‘Come now, Kia. You must tell me.’
He squeezed her shoulders forcefully. She felt the compulsion of the gesture.
‘It was the thought of you. I didn’t want anyone else touching me.’
His grip tightened even more and with it her fear.
‘That’s not the way of a professional. You should be above such thoughts.’
‘Please you’re hurting me.’
He lifted his hands from her shoulders only to place them around her neck. She felt the pressure of his fingers and she began to struggle for breath.
‘You must make amends,’ he said.
A darkness passed across her eyes and she waited for the unconsciousness from which she would never return. Instead he spun her round and hungrily engulfed her lips with his mouth, pushing and twisting his tongue against hers. Barely breathing she responded, emptying into him all her desire. They remained locked together for several minutes. At length it ended and they stood in a wordless embrace until he released her.
‘Well, Kia. It seems you have conquered an old warrior.’
26
Those friends of David who had declined the invitation to dinner had got it really wrong. That was Trish’s considered opinion. She felt completely relaxed. The décor was tasteful and minimalist, the service attentive and there was not even a whisper of Indian music to be heard. Above all the food was unusual and exquisite; a far cry from the standard chicken tikka masala establishment where Saturday night curry and beer was a post-football must. She also quite enjoyed the intimacy of just a few friends; easier to chat and less likelihood of arguments. And David was right. It showed who your friends really were. She had made apologies for Dick but there had been no need. She was pleased to see that Fi had come along. For all her expensive habits she usually came up with the goods when it mattered. At present Trish was finding out about another way that Fi had found to burn a hole in her credit card. ‘I’ve been thinking about it for some time,’ she said, ‘I’ve found a fantastic surgeon in Harley Street.’
‘Okay, Fi, so what exactly are you having done? Come clean.’
‘Well I was going to surprise you all but ….’
‘But you’re dying to tell us.’ Trish finished Fi’s sentence. Fi laughed.
‘Actually it’s a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty as they call it.’
‘Whatever made you decide on that?’
‘You can take a look if you like.’ Trish shook her head.
‘Self evident I should say. I’ve been working long hours with no chance to exercise and my diet has gone to pot too. This is my way of getting myself back on track and into those super designer dresses again.’
‘How long does the effect last?’
‘That depends on me to some extent. I know I’ll have to take myself in hand and start exercising and eating properly. After spending all that money, though, it should be the incentive I need.’
‘Did you ever think of going abroad for it?’ asked Trish.
‘I’m saving that for my face lift.’
‘You’re not going to have that too?’
‘No. Well, not yet. When I’m a bit older maybe. Might have a botox job meantime.’
‘Do you know there are women who have very intimate cosmetic surgery?’ Trish was curious to see Fi’s reaction.
‘What, you mean…..’
‘Uh, uh. You can get all sorts of things done. How about getting your vagina refashioned?’
‘Don’t fancy that, I must say.’
‘You might want to think again when you’ve had kids.’
‘Well I did hear a rather vulgar story once. Actually it ended rather sadly. One of the guys at work was complaining after his wife’s third child. According to him sex was, “like throwing a sausage down the Mersey tunnel,” so he went off and had an affair. They ended up in the divorce courts. Perhaps a bit of vaginal refashioning would have stopped the rot.’
‘Did I hear someone mention vaginal refashioning?’ asked David. ‘Just as well Geraldine’s not here. You’re not considering it are you?’ David was looking at both Fi and Trish.
‘No, of course not,’ said Trish. ‘We were talking about cosmetic surgery and I just happened to mention it.’
‘How come? It’s not the most common intervention in the UK.’
‘Umm I know. I’ve been learning a bit about it lately, though. I’ve got a potential client who specialises in female genital cosmetic surgery.’
‘Is that the cosmetic surgeon you mentioned before?’
‘Yes. Looks like it’s going to be a bit of a challenge. As a PR job it’s quite complex, what with all the regulations to consider; and he practises abroad, so there’s the added complication of that too.’
David was frowning.
‘I can hear your comments already, David,’ continued Trish. ‘Don’t worry, I’ve done my research and it’s all under control. In fact I’m going abroad to see his clinic and check out his documentation personally.’
‘What it is to work in the private sector. You’d never get the NHS to cough up for a medic to go on a fact finding trip like that.’
‘Oh it’s not costing us anything.’
‘Really. Is he paying?’
‘Yes.’
‘Be careful Trish. There are some foreign surgeons who are unscrupulous and engage in illegal practices.’
‘We wouldn’t take on anyone if there were the slightest suggestion of that.’
‘Just be careful, Trish.’
‘Don’t worry, David. Now let’s just get on with enjoying your birthday. Have some more wine.’
She helped herself and they all raised their glasses to toast David. Trish smiled. She had to admit she was quite looking forward to the trip abroad.
27
Well, he wouldn’t be sorry to leave the hotel: one positive amongst all the negatives. Perhaps another one too: at least he would no longer be tempted by the girl. Otherwise all was a mass of irritations. He had seen enough to have suspicions about the integrity of the island but he had had to answer the questionnaire positively, such was the way it was worded. There was evidence that the priest was linked with, or at least knew something about, the island but he was not saying. And to cap it all he had had to go out and buy another bag to accommodate all the stuff Trish had brought with her for him. He also had to confess he had grown fond of the place and a return to London meant a return to Trish, whatever that might entail. Oh he was impatient for a good fuck, but Richard had a feeling that things weren’t going to be that simple anymore.
It was not yet time to leave. A walk would do him good. He made his way to the port and retraced the steps that had led to his first encounter with the priest. In daylight the sea looked benign and welcoming. It took the darkness of night to unveil its hidden dangers. A final coffee beckoned and he stro
de quickly to the bar, quite empty at that post-prandial time of day. Soon there would be people heading out for aperitifs, but for now, he could enjoy the place alone. The bitterness of the coffee sharpened his nerves and he registered a regret that he would not find it back home.
The day was quickly fading but the clarity of the light allowed a view of the island in the distance. Richard paid for the coffee and strolled along to have a final look at the fishing boats. Old men and young were intent on mending nets and organising themselves for the evening fishing trips. A fine speedboat was docked amongst the moorings. It caught his gaze. He had travelled on it himself to the island. Now it bobbed gently with the rise and fall of the waves. Richard had a great desire to hijack the boat and take off across the water, alone with the excitement of the speed and the spray of the sea as his only companions. He sat on the harbour wall at a distance from the boat watching it enviously. Time was moving on and he could indulge his fantasies no longer. He stood up to leave and saw two men, familiar to him from the island trip. They were approaching the boat with a determined step. Between them he saw the girl from Father Piontius’ house. She did not appear to be in any way coerced to go with them. Rather she looked purposeful and serene. She wore a dress that hugged her figure seductively, but Richard was no longer interested in her that way. He knew where she was heading. He knew he had a story now. He had to come back.
PART TWO
1
The morning light that day bore no welcome for Joseph. It only brought him one step nearer his fate. He was watching Kia bathe. She sank slowly beneath the bubbles in the large marble bath, feeding his pleasure with her smile. When she surfaced her face was gleaming and speckled with foam. He sat on the edge of the bath and handed her a glass of champagne. He stroked her wet hair and she smiled again. He fetched a bath towel and held it out for her. He dried her with long, firm strokes, lingering over her breasts and thighs. Enveloping her body in the towel he took her face in his hands and kissed her. The emotions of a kiss had long held no place in his life and he was surprised to have them restored to him. He had not kissed a woman since death had taken away his wife, so long ago. He never kissed the island girls: a kiss was an irrelevance. He did not know for certain if Kia had ever tasted such pleasure. The touch of her mouth against his told him that she had. When their lips came together their tongues spoke silently to each other: a prelude to the moment when he would enter her. Today, when it was over, they lay quietly together until a sudden violent cough forced him to sit upright in an effort to control the pain. With an effort of will he stifled the paroxysm that threatened to engulf him but then a weakness invaded his body as he lay still again beside her, breathing heavily.
From Nemesis Island Page 10