'Company?'
'We're being tailed. Don't panic this is what I'm trained for!' 'Why would anyone tail us?'
'Your husband's a wealthy man and he adores you. With me so far?'
'Yes.'
'Okay. Now, what better way to get some money than by taking this much loved wife and holding her to ransom?'
'You really mean I could be in danger?' She felt sick with shock. 'I really mean it. Hold on, there's a tight bend here. I'm going to drive through it and off to the right. With any luck they'll go straight on without realising they've lost us. Even if they twig what's happened, we'll have gained enough time to get free. Of course, if the driver's perfectly innocent he'll think I'm a total madman who shouldn't be allowed on the road! Here we go.'
The next few seconds were a complete blur to Lisa. The car picked up speed, tyres screeched, trees and fields spun crazily round and she was flung against the car door until the belt locked tightly. Then she held her breath in terror as a tree loomed in front of them.
Mike swore, spun the wheel again and this time they made it round the sharp right turn and were off along the winding lane, making short work of a stray chicken.
'No time to go back and collect it,' he said with a smile. 'Let's hope your London cupboard's not bare.' Lisa's teeth were chattering too much for her to reply and she kept glancing back over her shoulder to see who was behind them. Only when they reached the motorway did she begin to feel safe.
'Were you wrong?' she asked hopefully .
He considered lying and decided against it. 'No, I was right. Their reactions were too quick. I caught a glimpse of them when we nearly embraced that damned tree. They were attempting to turn as well. I don't think your average rep is going to try and imitate a rally driver, do you?'
She thought of her children. Of little Alexi, still a helpless baby, and Jessica. Jessica who, if Lisa had died, would have been banished once again to a home, all hope gone. 'I could have died,' she murmured in disbelief.
'Not likely; you wouldn't be much use as a hostage if you were dead.'
'But after they'd been paid… '
'You could drop dead of a brain haemorrhage tomorrow. No use looking on the black side. Anyway, nothing happened did it?'
'I still don't understand why they'd want me. I know Neal's wealthy but so are plenty of other people. It can't only be because of his money. Has he got enemies? I don't understand commodity broking but I suppose you do make enemies in big business.'
Mike began whistling, hoping she'd stop turning the problem over in her mind because if she didn't let it go she might eventually stumble across the truth.
'Other brokers wouldn't resort to kidnapping,' she continued, her fear receding as she grappled with the problem. 'I thought it was only criminals who did that kind of thing to each other. It's more like an American Mafia-type crime!'
Suddenly she thought of Simon. He'd been crooked. She didn't know how crooked or in what way but he'd worked outside the law. And he'd known Neal. Neal had known him well enough to extend help to Lisa when Simon died. Had it really been because of friendship? Or was it because there were things he didn't want her to find out? Things that Stephanie might have told her.
Then there was Bishop. Bishop, who'd called on Simon and Stephanie just before Simon died. Coincidence? Her mind was in total confusion, memories flashing through her brain. Bishop had known Toby as well; had turned up just in time to save Lisa's life. Coincidence again?
As they arrived at the flat, Lisa was remembering the fortunate way in which Kay and Naomi had died just as she came on the scene. Remembering too the antagonism of Kay's friends. Had they suspected something? Even worse, had they thought that she'd known Kay hadn't died by accident?
By this time she was picturing Neal with a violin case in one hand and a fat cigar in the other, and when he came beaming down the steps to help her from the car she was so relieved at how normal he looked that she fell into his arms and promptly burst into tears.
'What on earth's the matter?' he asked, throwing a questioning glance at Mike over her head.
'Bit of trouble on the way here, sir. We were followed and had to shake them off. Your wife's upset.'
'That's terrible! Did you get the number of the car?' Mike nodded. 'Come along, darling,' continued Neal tenderly. 'Come upstairs and you can have a rest. I'll talk to you tomorrow,' he added in a quiet aside. Mike, aware that the incident had set the new Mrs Gueras thinking along dangerous lines, only hoped she'd have the sense to keep her fears to herself.
In fact part of Lisa's distress was reaction to her hour with Jessica. The incident in the car coming straight on top of that, when she was already feeling jagged with nerves, had proved too much but it was a relief to be able to cry for Jessica without Neal knowing. Now that she was with him again her thoughts in the car seemed the product of an over-active imagination. He was so obviously the perfect businessman, with the constant sound of the ticker-tape coming from his machine in the corner of the tiny study, that her stereotyped image of a crook would not allow her to imagine him involved in anything underhand.
He was kind, reassuring and supportive, all the things she most needed, and by the time they left for the premiere she had almost succeeded in dismissing her fears from her mind. The tiny niggling doubt that remained she pushed to the background. She couldn't really afford to be right, and her sense of self-preservation was strong. Now she understood why Jessica closed her eyes to shut out the world. If you couldn't see it then it didn't exist. All the same, the first doubt had been sown.
'I've arranged for you to see Sanders,' said Neal as Lisa sank thankfully into bed at two a.m. after one of the longest historical films she'd ever sat through.
'Who's he?'
'Only one of the top gynaecologists in London!'
'I haven't had my post-natal check up yet. Why have I got to see a new man?'
'Because,' he said patiently, sliding naked into bed beside her and pulling her against him, 'I'm tired of having a non-responsive wife.'
'I'm exhausted,' she murmured.
'You've been in bed in Berkshire nearly all day!' 'I think it was the fright traveling here.'
'I'll soon take your mind off that.'
'Please don't. I honestly can't keep my eyes open.'
He suddenly snapped on the overhead light and sat up. 'Did you wear yourself out trying to communicate with that daughter of yours today?'
'No!'
'Because if you did, I'll be bloody annoyed. The whole idea of leaving you behind was so that you could rest.'
'I did,' she lied, hoping against hope that none of the staff would give her away.
'Good. At least let me hold you. If you don't want me to make love to you I won't but… '
'For God's sake, leave me alone!' she shouted and then—horrified by the expression on his face—burst into tears again.
'I think I'll come with you to see Sanders,' he said coldly. Lisa didn't reply; there was nothing she could say.
'Well, Mrs Gueras, everything seems all right,' said Dr Sanders, helping her down from the couch. 'There is the suggestion of an erosion but it's early days yet.'
'Try telling that to my husband,' she muttered, still seething over Neal's presence in the doctor's office.
'I most certainly will. Please join us when you're dressed.'
Behind his desk again, Dr Sanders looked at Neal Gueras and wondered why it was that men who professed devotion to their wives were frequently the most sexually selfish ones. 'Did you find anything?' asked Neal, already checking his watch because he was late for a meeting.
'A slight erosion which probably makes her sore. In addition, she's far from fully fit. She's at least twenty pounds underweight and probably anemic. Your own doctor should be able to help there. Also, she's very tense. Any sort of pressure is bad for her right now. Childbirth isn't the easy matter many people like to make out. She needs a little more time and then you should take things gradually. Some women take
months to regain their normal sexual drive after having a baby.'
'I'm expected to pay you for telling me that?'
'There isn't any magic pill. Your wife needs time and affection non-sexual affection.'
'Send the bill to my office. Lisa, the doctor was just telling me that all's well but you need to put on some weight. You must have a word with Cook.'
Glancing contemptuously at the doctor, she followed Neal out of the room. So much for men, she thought wryly. A fat lot of explaining he'd done!
'Are you going shopping, darling,' he asked glancing again at his watch.
'I thought I'd have Mike drive me back to Berkshire to see Alexi.' 'Not Jessica?'
'Her too, of course, but Alexi's only tiny. After missing all the normal baby stages with Jessica this time with Alexi is all the more precious.'
He couldn't really argue with her sentiments, but being unable to get to Berkshire himself that night didn't want her absent from his bed. She had to learn that as her husband he had certain basic rights, mainly sexual. Unfortunately in his mind sex was rapidly becoming a battleground. 'I want you here tonight. Tomorrow you're at that N.S.P.C.C. lunch at the Mayfair. If you sleep here overnight you can lie-in tomorrow morning.'
She'd forgotten the lunch, but Princess Michael was going and she couldn't miss it. Neal was more delighted than she when the invitation came. With an inward sigh she realised she must go to Berkshire now, returning to London after Jessica's treatment, attempt a rest in the morning then go back to Berkshire later the following afternoon for further therapy.
'I'll be back by seven, ' she promised.
'Wait in my car while we call up Mike,' suggested Neal, all good humour now he'd got his own way. 'Incidentally, weren't you going to arrange some therapy for Jessica? Wasn't that part of our pre-nuptial agreement!'
'I've started making the right contacts,' she said vaguely. Her husband smiled to himself. If everything went as he intended she'd never have time to spend long with her daughter. He genuinely considered that what little spare time she did have should be devoted to Alexi.
Lisa kissed him on the cheek before hurrying off to where Mike had just stopped the Mercedes. 'Where to today, princess? New Bond Street? Harrods?'
'Berkshire and Jessica, then back to London by seven. We'll both be worn out before very long!' She certainly would, he thought, noting her pallor and the dark circles beneath her eyes.
Today she didn't approach her time with Jessica with any expectations. But for Mrs Honeywood's presence she'd probably have let Jessica free the moment she began to scream because it was obvious that memories of the day before were increasing her distress. After an hour she was released and again retreated to her favourite corner still sobbing quietly with her hands clapped over her ears in case Lisa continued talking to her.
'Well done!' said the therapist brightly as they left the room.
Lisa's hair clung limply to her forehead and the nape of her neck while the palms of her hands were damp with sweat. Shivering, she sat down on the bottom stair as they left Jessica's attic floor. 'Is it always like this?'
'Usually.'
'For how long?'
'For as long as it takes to break through to your daughter.'
'I'm totally exhausted. I didn't realise how draining it was going to be.'
'Is it the same time tomorrow?'
'I'm afraid not. It will have to be late afternoon. I'm tied up in London until about three. Could you possibly come around six? '
'That's too late for me but it doesn't matter. You know what you're doing. The nurse can keep you company. You do have to begin on your own one day.'
'I'm not ready yet. This isn't a good time for me.'
'There's never a good time. I think you are ready. You have my phone number. If there are any problems, ring me. I'll call in next week to watch another session. You'd better let me know later which day would be convenient.'
Lisa nodded. At that moment she couldn't think of a single thing she'd gained from this marriage except Alexi, and he would always have been hers.
After a shower she pulled on a cream and navy wool dress from Alistair Blair, ran the heated brush through her hair and peeped into the nursery. Alexi was sound asleep in his crib, the nanny sitting quietly by the open fire knitting a matinee jacket. 'Here's Mummy, how nice!' She smiled as she stood up.
'I only wanted to check everything was all right. I'm off to London again now and my husband will want to know.'
'He's gained three pounds this week, and he's sleeping through from ten to six.'
'I didn't imagine he was going to be placid!'
'Not placid, Mummy. Quite vocal when he's awake but a lovely baby. Shall I pick him up?'
'No, I'll come and see him tomorrow. He might be awake then.' 'The little girl upstairs sounded rather upset.' The nanny's expression was curious.
'I'm afraid she was. She doesn't like her therapy. Does she wake Alexi?'
'No, madam.'
'Then I'd rather you didn't mention it to my husband.' 'Certainly, madam. We wouldn't want Mummy to get into trouble.'
Wondering when she'd become mother to the nanny as well, Lisa went down the stairs and into the kitchen where she'd told Mike to have a cup of tea while waiting for her. 'Sorry I'm late, I… '
'That's all right,' said Bishop, moving forward from the corner of the room. 'We're here to fit in with you. Who was the visitor?'
'Where's Mike?'
'Called away urgently. Don't worry, I've passed my driving test.' 'We'd better set off,' she said curtly .
'Spend a few hours with the baby did you?'
'Mind your own business,' she retorted, and didn't speak to him again for the entire journey. It was six minutes past seven when she walked into the flat, Bishop close behind her.
Neal looked up from his book and smiled. 'You're late!' 'Blame the traffic. Are we eating out?'
'I've booked a table at Le Meridien, and then I thought an early night. Yes, Bishop?'
'What are the arrangements for tomorrow?'
'I'll let you know in the morning,' said Neal irritably.
'Your wife had a visitor at Beckett Lodge,' Bishop put in casually, and only stayed long enough to see Lisa's colour change.
'Who was that?' A slight frown creased Neal's forehead. She hesitated, knowing that Bishop had intended to get her into trouble but also suspecting that Neal had sent him to Berkshire to check up on her movements. She decided to be honest.
'Jessica's therapist. I told you I'd got in touch with the right people and they sent Mrs Honeywood round.'
'Was today her first visit?'
She remembered that Bishop had been waiting in the kitchen and the cook didn't like her. 'No, she's been before, twice to be exact.'
'So you lied to me this morning?' 'Yes.'
'Why was that?'
'I thought you'd object.'
'Indeed I do. I'm the one who has to put up with the headaches and the doctor telling me that my wife is over-stressed and misunderstood.'
'I thought he told you I was fine?' 'Obviously we both tell lies!'
Sitting down she accepted a glass of chilled La Ina from her husband. 'Neal, before we got married you agreed Jessica could have this treatment. You knew that I'd be involved, and since I'm making quite sure that my time with her doesn't intrude on our life together… '
'Except in bed.'
'She isn't the reason I'm not what you want in bed. I've never been any different, but suddenly you seem to expect something more of me—and at a time when I'm still getting over Alexi's birth.'
'To return to Jessica!' he said smoothly. 'I don't want you running round in circles pretending she isn't monopolising your time when she is. I think we should go through our diaries, mark down her treatment times and re-organise other areas of our life where necessary. I assume this course of treatment does have a measured time-span? You won't still be hot-footing it to Berkshire this time next year?'
'I hope not but… '
'You can have six months. If there’s no improvement by then you'll obviously admit defeat. Hopefully we'll be having other children and there is a physical limit to what you can do in a day.'
'Did you send Bishop to spy on me?' she asked angrily.
'Not exactly, darling, but you see I was beginning to wonder if there was another man.'
'God , one's quite enough for me, thank you.'
'This sexual antagonism wasn't evident before our marriage, Lisa. I agree you were a little shy and not as totally abandoned as I'd have liked but I understood that. What hurts is that now we're married with a perfectly healthy child and you're free to buy anything you like or go anywhere in the world, you suddenly seem to find my touch positively repellent. Is it surprising I'm not content.'
He was right. She did feel repelled by him and she didn't know why. Perhaps it had begun the day Alexi was born, when he demonstrated a totally ruthless and unloving streak that had shaken her self-confidence. Or perhaps it was because she kept thinking about Renato Bellini, mentally comparing the two men and retreating behind some schoolgirl crush when Neal tried to arouse her.
'I'm sorry, I'll try harder. It's all so new right now. Not the sex but the way of life. Also, there are things that get me confused.'
'What things?'
'Like that car following us yesterday, and for some reason I keep thinking about Naomi. I feel guilty about Ruth and Louise, and guilty because I'm not spending time with Rebekah. I just can't get everything done.'
'All you have to do is to be a good wife to me both in public and private. I don 't hold you responsible for my daughters' happiness. Louise and Ruth are probably having the time of their lives. As for Rebekah, you've already shown her more affection than her real mother did in eight years! You aren't a child psychologist you know. Why not learn to enjoy yourself more. Most women would.'
'You don't want me too involved with the children, do you?' 'I want you involved with me!'
'What about Alexi?'
'We'll both see plenty of him as soon as he's half-human. Right now anyone will do provided they keep him fed and dry. Now, let's start the good life. Dress up and go out for dinner.'
Betrayal Page 33