‘How did you find all this out?’ interrupted the countess.
‘The Bone Scraper told me. I had several meetings with him, and the reason he told me, was you.’
‘Me? How come?’ asked the countess, surprised.
‘Because of Tristan. He’s now in your care.’
‘I don’t understand.’
‘You will in a moment,’ said Jack quietly. ‘When Cassandra gave birth after Merlin died, everyone naturally assumed that he was the father ...’
‘Oh, no!’ interrupted the countess, covering her mouth with her hand.
‘As it turned out, destiny had something quite different in mind ...’
Jack paused again, giving his words time to sink in. ‘Tristan has a different father ...’ he said quietly.
‘The Wizard?’ whispered the countess, barely able to speak.
‘Yes.’
‘Oh my God!’ exclaimed Rebecca. ‘Are you sure?’
‘Absolutely. And I can tell you why. Cassandra only confronted the Wizard with all this after Tristan had been run over by the bikie and fell into a coma. At first, the Wizard didn’t believe her and insisted on a DNA test. The test was positive. He had almost killed his own son! That’s the reason he took Cassandra in, and looked after the boy’s treatment. That too, had worried me right from the beginning – remember?’
Rebecca nodded. Suddenly it all made sense.
‘Now we know why Cassandra joined the Wizards, and why the Wizard admitted her – the only female – into his inner circle. I’m sure it had all to do with ego and power, nothing else. The man was incapable of feeling remorse or regret. He was blinded by arrogance and thought he was winning; the jilted lover had prevailed. However, what he didn’t realise was that by bringing Cassandra back into his life, he had sealed his fate. She was out to destroy him, and that’s exactly what she did. Retribution by stealth. Now we also know why, and how.’
‘This has more twists and turns than a Greek tragedy,’ said Popov shaking his head.
‘You have an important decision to make, Katerina,’ said Jack, turning to the countess. ‘The Bone Scraper is leaving it up to you to decide whether or not Tristan should be told about this. That’s why the book isn’t complete...’
At first, Jack thought that the countess was staring at him, but he soon realised that she was staring at something behind him. Popov and Rebecca were looking in the same direction. Sensing a presence, Jack turned around.
Tristan stood motionless by the piano in the other room, barefoot, and dressed only in pyjamas. He was watching them through the open door. Because it was dark in the music room, it was impossible to see his face. The question on everyone’s mind was obvious: how long had he been standing there, listening? Then slowly, Tristan came towards them out of the shadows.
‘Don’t worry, Mama, I have known for some time,’ he said, speaking softly.
He called me mama, thought the countess, unable to hold back the tears.
‘How did you know?’ asked Jack.
‘Mum told me. She spoke to me every time she visited me at the home. She used to pour her heart out, not realising that I could hear her. I heard every word, but couldn’t reply. I was in a coma. It was torture and bliss, exquisitely wrapped in love. Please put it all into the book. A coat with large holes in it isn’t a coat you can wear.’
Astonishing, thought Jack. He speaks like an erudite adult, not like a 13 year old boy.
The countess got out of her chair and rushed over to Tristan. She put her arms around him and kissed him on the forehead. ‘Hush, now. That’s enough,’ she said, hugging him tightly. ‘Love heals all.’
‘I know it does, Mama.’
Jack realised it was time to diffuse the tension in the room. The right moment had arrived.
‘I’ve made an important decision about the book that concerns us all,’ he said.
‘What decision?’ demanded Rebecca frowning.
Popov was the only person in the room who had an inkling of what was about to happen. Leaning forward, he watched Jack intently.
‘I thought very long and hard about how to tell you this. I think the best way to explain my decision, is to tell you a little about myself first. Writing a book is a lonely business. It gives you plenty of time to think and to reflect. I wrote most of it alone, in Will’s house, surrounded by all the memories that place holds for me. As you know, he was my closest friend, and his family was my family.
‘It would be an understatement to say that Anna’s story is as extraordinary as it is unique. It is unique because it isn’t fiction. It’s based on real events and deals with the lives of real people. This alone would guarantee the success of the book. When we add to this the unprecedented publicity and media interest surrounding Anna’s return, the sky’s the limit. But at what price?’ Jack paused, and then looked first at Tristan, and then at the countess and Popov.
‘Often, life throws you in at the deep end and it’s up to you, and you alone, to reach the safety of the shore. Some succeed, others don’t. I believe, I’ve just made it to the shore. It wasn’t easy; I almost drowned.
‘This book belongs to you; to us. To Anna and her baby, to you, Tristan, to you Katerina, and you, Nicolai. It also belongs to you, Rebecca, to Will, Cassandra, to Andrew and to me. It is our story. It is part of our lives.
‘It will not be published. It will not be handed to a sensation hungry world to be picked over until only the bare bones are left for all to see. I couldn’t live with that.’
‘But Jack, think! You can’t just ...’ Rebecca interrupted. Jack held up his hand, and Rebecca fell silent.
‘It is a piece of history that is ours,’ continued Jack. I may have lost a friend, but I believe I’ve found a family. I’m not going to risk losing it. I only hope that all of this makes some sense to you.’
Reaching into his briefcase, Jack pulled out the photo of Anna the countess had given him from the chapel. ‘I’m returning this to you, Katerina, because I don’t need it anymore,’ he said as he placed the photo on top of the manuscript.
For a while no one spoke, the silence in the room deafening. Then the countess stood up and slowly walked over to Jack. Without saying a word, she put her arms around him and kissed him on both cheeks.
‘Thank you, Jack,’ she said. ‘When I gave you Anna’s photo from our chapel here, I entrusted you with a dream. You brought her back, and made that dream come true. You’ve earned your place in this family.’
Jack looked across to Rebecca. ‘Is this the end of my career?’ he asked.
Having had a little time to think, Rebecca managed a hint of a smile. ‘No, Jack,’ she said, ‘it’s just the beginning.’
‘What are you going to tell my publishers?’
‘Life is what happens, while they fret about sales, of course. What else? I’m proud of you, Jack.’
Then Popov, too, walked over to Jack, and without saying anything, shook his hand. It was a gesture of deep-felt gratitude from a lonely man who blamed himself for having lost faith.
The countess let go of Jack and looked anxiously at Tristan.
‘I knew this would happen, Mama,’ said Tristan calmly. ‘If you open my diary, you’ll see that I’ve written it down ...’
‘Come, I’ll take you back to bed. School tomorrow ...’ said the countess, ignoring the extraordinary remark.
‘Please, Mama, not yet. Anna’s coming.’ Before the countess could question him about this, Anna walked into the room with a painting under her arm.
‘I got the browns right – look,’ she said excitedly, holding up the painting. ‘It’s finished.’ She walked over to Jack and put the painting on the table in front of him. ‘This is for you.’
‘It’s brilliant,’ said Jack, admiring the painting. He noticed that it was signed Lucrezia. ‘Thank you, Anna. Now it’s my turn. I have something that belongs to you.’ Jack reached into his jacket and pulled the bracelet that had started it all, out of his pocket. ‘Recognise this
?’ Jack held up the bracelet. ‘May I put it on?’ Anna presented her right wrist, tears welling up in her blue eyes.
The countess held her breath, her heart skipping a beat. Oh, Zolli, if only you could see this, she thought.
Amazing, thought Rebecca, watching the countess, it’s about to finish where it all began.
Biting his lip, Popov looked away.
‘Örökke,’ said Jack, clicking the little lock into place. ‘There, it’s done. Some things are forever.’
For a while, Anna just stared at the bracelet on her wrist. ‘Forever?’ she whispered. ‘Oh, yes. Lucrezia will be forever in your debt.’ Then, without saying another word, she turned around and walked out of the room.
‘Amazing girl,’ said Jack walking up the stairs with Rebecca. The countess had taken Tristan back to his room, and Popov had excused himself. Everyone needed some space. ‘The painting’s surprisingly good; Anna’s very talented.’
Rebecca nodded.
‘She lives in her own world as artists often do.’
‘And isn’t Tristan something else?’ she said.
‘Yes, but there’s something chilling about that boy. He can hear the whisper of angels, yet he’s been sired by a monster.’
‘The Wizard lives on, you think?’ said Rebecca. ‘Let’s hope not, for Tristan’s sake.’
‘The gift and the curse?’
‘Something like that. It could overwhelm him.’
‘I don’t think it will. He has a powerful weapon.’
‘What?’
‘Love.’
‘I don’t know about you, but my head’s spinning,’ said Jack, suddenly looking very tired. ‘There’s so much to think about ...’
‘Not tonight, Jack, please.’ Rebecca stopped on the landing and put a finger on his lips. ‘Katerina has given us the same suite as last time: three bedrooms,’ she said, opening the door. ‘We have a choice.’
‘Why don’t we take the one with the fireplace?’ said Jack.
‘If you’ve brought those dreadful pyjamas with you, you’re sleeping in your own room, buster – alone.’
‘I haven’t brought any.’
‘Good. You’re safe then.’
‘I’m sorry, Becky ...’ said Jack, putting his arms around her waist, ‘for not telling you earlier ... I just ...’
‘Hush ...’ interrupted Rebecca. ‘There’s no need to apologise. You’re not afraid of doing the right thing, Jack, regardless of the consequences. You’ve shown us that tonight. And you know what’s right because of who you are. Never change that.’
‘I’m an open book, you reckon?’
‘To me, yes.’
‘That’s a bit of a worry.’
‘Your secrets are safe with me. Shall I tell you what I really love about you?’
‘What?’
‘You’re special, but you don’t seem to know it. Look at you! You’re blushing,’ said Rebecca, kissing Jack on the cheek. ‘Let’s go inside.’
Rebecca stood in front of the dressing table and looked over Jack’s shoulder. ‘What’s that?’ she asked, taking off her ear rings.
‘My Bucket List. I’m just checking the next item.’
‘Oh? What does it say?’
‘Living in New York with someone exciting.’
‘You’re moving to New York?’
‘Only if I find someone exciting.’
‘Still looking then, are you?’
Jack nodded, trying to appear serious.
‘Any contenders?’
‘Only one; so far.’
‘What’s the problem?’
‘The excitement needs a little more work, before I can make such an important decision,’ he said.
‘How come?’
‘Long-distance-excitement isn’t much fun ...’
‘Are you doing something about it?’
‘I’ve tried, but it’s difficult over the phone ...’
‘I see.’ Rebecca turned around and kissed Jack passionately on the mouth. ‘How’s this for a start?’ she said.
‘Wow! I thought a kiss like that was strictly the province of the writer’s imagination.’
‘Now, where have I heard this before, I wonder?’ said Rebecca, giving Jack a gentle push. Losing his balance, he fell backwards against the edge of the huge bed and landed on the bedspread. Kicking off her shoes, Rebecca climbed on top of him and sat astride his chest. ‘When are you going to decide?’ she said, unbuttoning his shirt.
‘Tomorrow morning.’
‘Will it take that long, do you think?’
‘That depends ...’
‘On what?’
‘The excitement, of course.’
‘I hope you’re up to this.’
‘Try me.’
‘I will, you can bet on it. I’ll show you excitement you never thought possible.’
‘Is that a threat or a promise?’
‘Both.’
‘I like living dangerously.’
‘Tell me about it.’
***
More Books by the Author
The Empress Holds the Key
The Hidden Genes of Professor K
Professor K: The Final Quest (Coming soon)
In 2013, I released my first adventure thriller–The Empress Holds the Key.
The Empress Holds the Key
A disturbing, edge-of-your-seat historical mystery thriller
Jack Rogan Mysteries Book 1
Journalist Jack Rogan knows a great story when he finds one. A charred old photograph found in the ruins of a burnt-out Blue Mountains cottage hints at dark secrets, and he unwittingly reignites an ancient and deadly quest for a holy relic mysteriously erased from the pages of history.
In pursuit of a suspected Nazi war criminal, Federal Police officer Jana Gonski joins forces with Rogan, barrister and amateur archaeologist Marcus Carrington QC, and celebrated composer Benjamin Krakowski. Together they uncover a murky web of intrigue and greed, hoards of Nazi gold, and hidden Swiss bank accounts. All of these implicate wealthy banker Sir Eric Newman. When Newman goes on trial, unexpected clues are discovered that point the way to a mystery that has haunted the Catholic Church for centuries.
On a dangerous journey to find the relic, Rogan and his companions trace links back as far as the reign of Akhenaten, the heretic pharaoh of ancient Egypt, and King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. What is this dark secret guarded by the Knights Templar, and so feared by the Vatican? Will religious fanatics foil the quest, which could destroy the very foundations of their Church and challenge Christianity itself?
Download Free Chapters Here
The Empress Holds the Key is now available on Amazon at this link
Amazon US, UK, AUS, CA
My next book, The Hidden Genes of Professor K, was released in 2016. Here’s a short sample to pique your interest:
The Hidden Genes of Professor K
A nail-biting medical mystery thriller
Jack Rogan Mysteries Book 3
World-renowned scientist, Professor K knows he’s close to a groundbreaking discovery. He also knows he’s dying. With his last breath he anoints Dr Alexandra Delacroix as his successor and pleads with her to carry on his work. Delacroix unwittingly enters a dangerous world of unbridled ambition and greed that threatens to destroy her. Desperate and alone, she turns to celebrated author and journalist, Jack Rogan.
Alistair Macbeth, self-made billionaire and enigmatic founder of Blackburn Pharmaceuticals, has a murky past. He knows he must secure Professor K’s discovery for his empire, or perish. Powerful and ruthless, he will stop at nothing to achieve his black and deep desires.
Meanwhile, when the parents of a famous rock star, Isis, are brutally murdered, Jack Rogan is asked to investigate.
On a perilous journey of discovery that takes them around the globe, Jack and Lola Rodriguez—Isis’ resourceful PA—join forces with Jana Gonski, a former police officer; Dr Bettany Rosen, a tireless campaigner for the destitute and forgott
en; and Tristan, a gifted boy with psychic powers. Together, they expose a complex web of fiercely guarded secrets and heinous crimes of the past that can ruin them all, and change history.
Will Rogan succeed? Will the dreams of a visionary scientist with the power to change the future of medicine fall into the wrong hands, or will his genius benefit mankind and prevent untold misery and suffering for generations to come?
Download Free Chapters Here
The Hidden Genes of Professor K is now available on Amazon at this link:
Amazon US, UK, AUS, CA
The Jack Rogan Mysteries Box Set is now available on Amazon at this link:
Amazon US, UK, AUS, CA
Coming soon:
Professor K: The Final Quest
An action-packed historical medical mystery
Jack Rogan Mysteries Book 4
Author’s Note
Istanbul. Sparkling gem on the Bosporus, where East and West collide and Europe meets Asia. I can think of no other metropolis where diverse cultures, religions, and thousands of years of history intersect in such a dramatic way. The name alone conjures up images of bloody conquests, fallen empires, armies marching into battle and stupendous buildings reaching to the heavens, where the muezzin’s haunting call echoes through ancient squares, calling the faithful to prayer.
The Disappearance of Anna Popov: A supernatural suspense thriller (Jack Rogan Mysteries Book 2) Page 38