by Ellen Dean
Lindsay watched Constance intently, her mind wandering back to the days when she used to lovingly massage those feet. She felt a spark rekindle.
‘Do you think it was just a coincidence that Penny happened to be at the hotel where Beth and Lou were staying? No. Penny was sent by H to keep an eye on Beth, and report back. She seems to know her every move. I’ll bet a-pound-to-a-penny — pardon the pun — that Penny’s blackmail plot has faded away.’
Lindsay nodded her head. ‘Very witty.’
‘Trust me. H doesn’t want any reason for the police to come sniffing around, and unwittingly that’s what almost happened because of Penny’s blackmail story. It was a stupid thing to do. Whatever you do, don’t underestimate Hyacinth Dickinson. She’s tough, and she has more contacts than Vision Express.’
Suddenly they both burst out laughing relieving the tension that crackled in the air.
‘Seriously though, she can call in more favours than some Mafia bosses. Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? But it’s true. She’s a professional and runs a hellish slick operation, and has done for years. Individually her little group are millionaires. If she’d been wise she would have stopped the smuggling long ago. Do you know she’s never needed the money?’
‘Constance! Have you been injected with a gramophone needle? You’ve never stopped for breath.’
‘Shut up and listen. You wanted to know, didn’t you? And this is important.’ Constance didn’t give Lindsay time to answer before she continued. ‘Hyacinth Dickinson is absolutely bloody minted. Her whole family are. It was the buzz she craved and, apart from seducing young girls, her biggest buzz is cheating the system. Now look where it’s got her. She’s in really deep shit, but she’s putting on a good façade of pretending everything is normal. Of course I’m the only one who can see through it. That brings me back to The Syndicate. You know that old saying: if you can’t beat them, join them? That is just what she is going to do, but what that really means is that she stops her diamond runs and simply hands it all over to Don Roberto.’
‘Bloody hell.’ Lindsay shook her head in disbelief.
‘She hasn’t told the girls yet. But she hasn’t been doing any business for the past few months.’
‘Why not?’
‘Because if she does The Syndicate will kill her. She will have disrespected them. And the rest of the girls will be in terrible danger. They would pick them off one-by-one, no doubt in a series of clever accidents.’
‘Oh God!’ Lindsay put her hand up to her mouth. ‘Penny’s boating accident.’
‘Exactly.’
‘H is keeping a low profile, hoping they will forget about her. Then she can start again. Bloody fool. That’s not going to happen. She’s a marked woman.’
‘Pass the wine. I need a drink—and a cigarette.’ Lindsay got up and went to look out of the window. She lit her cigarette. ‘Have you got an ashtray, Constance?’
‘There’s one beside you, on top of the bureau.’ Constance said on her way to collect a bottle of red and two glasses from the wall cabinet. She went over to where Lindsay was looking out of the window at the flashing Christmas lights along the quayside.
‘Beautiful view of the river from up here.’
‘Yes, especially when it’s all lit up, like now. Here. You pour.’ Constance handed her the bottle of Rioja. ‘This is cosy, isn’t it? It’s been a long time. Shame you’re down in Brighton.’
‘We were good together.’ Lindsay poured the wine then passed a glass to Constance. She rested the bottle on the window sill.
‘Yes, weren’t we?’ Constance agreed. ‘She needs to be careful, does Beth. I’ll keep an eye on her the best I can, of course, but H is truly obsessed by her, and it’s only the pressure from The Syndicate that’s prevented her from reeling Beth in. I know about the Christmas present. I went with H to collect it. She’s already got Beth’s special pendant ready and waiting. Look . . .’ Constance opened a drawer in the bureau and took out a pendant, ‘this is mine. Just don’t ask me how I earned it.’
‘Honey, sometimes, this job sucks. Do you ever wish you’d stuck with theatrical makeup rather than joining the police force?’ She placed a hand on Constance’s cheek, brushing it softly.
‘No.’ Constance grabbed Lindsay’s hand and pulled it away from her face. ‘It’s not just Beth we should be concerned about, you know. It’s Lou as well.’
Lindsay put her wine glass down beside the bottle of Rioja. She reached out and gently took Constance’s glass from her and placed it beside hers in the window. She pulled Constance to her, wrapping her tight in her arms. ‘And what about you, Constance? I’m concerned about you too. Do you know you are as beautiful as ever?’
‘Flatterer.’ Constance laughed.
‘Can you make sure Beth gets on the plane? I have to be in London tomorrow.’
‘I know you do. Don’t worry. I’ll take a ride out to the airport.’
‘Thanks. Come to bed.’ Lindsay nuzzled Constance’s neck.
‘I thought you’d never ask.’
Chapter 32
Hyacinth drove to the airport in silence. Her son and daughter, oblivious to her troubled mood, talked incessantly to one another in the back seat of the car, their excited chatter mixing with the music from the radio. A popular Christmas track started to play, and instantly H was back to the previous night.
It had been a nightmare. She hated George’s festive drinks parties for his friends with a passion because he insisted she played the dutiful wife-and-hostess to his chosen guests. It infuriated her.
She’d almost fainted when she greeted Miss Italy who turned up with a good friend of George’s, as his plus one. She was all sweetness and light, the perfect guest who mingled comfortably with the other guests moving easily from one group to another. She was a hit. She asked all the right questions, and said all the right things . . . until it was time to say goodnight.
H could still feel her sweet warm breath on her cheek, still smell her Valentino perfume as she leant in to her to say good night. It was all an act. They were standing in the front porch, all four of them, with George and his friend talking shop, as usual.
‘The Don wants his answer. Now,’ she whispered.
Hyacinth had a sudden urge to bite her ear off, instead she hissed. ‘Why has he waited so long before sending you again?’ She took a step backward and smiled impersonally.
‘Why do you think?’ Miss Italy smiled back.
‘How should I know? He could be just trying to make me squirm. He’s got nothing on me.’
‘Really Hyacinth, and there was I thinking how clever you are.’
H didn’t reply, but shifted nervously from one foot to the other. Her eyes darted to George. He was paying them no attention.
‘The Don has been watching you. You’ve done well to stop trading.’
‘Like I had a choice?’ H spat out venomously.
‘Now don’t spoil your lovely face with worry lines, darling. You’ve passed the test. The Don believes he can trust you. So what is it to be?’
‘You already know that my operation has stopped.’
‘Yes. And that is good. But one false move, pretty lady, one slight slip and you will be first in the line of fire. Do I make myself clear?’ her beautiful smile belied the threat of her words.
‘Crystal.’ Hyacinth stepped forward until they were almost nose to nose. ‘Now let me give you a piece of friendly advice.’ Her eyes glittered with suppressed fury. ‘Don’t ever darken my doorstep again — you lower my property value.’
‘Touché,’ she kissed Hyacinth lightly on the mouth. ‘I will see you again.’
‘In your dreams, bitch!’ H hissed.
‘Yes, you have been, for a while now.’
The blast of a car horn brought H back to the present. A queuing motorist was becoming impatient, the traffic lights had changed to green.
After seeing both of the children safely onto the plane, H gave a huge sigh of relief. Leaving the termin
al building, she was surprised to bump into Beth.
‘Darling, how wonderful to see you. Where are you jetting off to? Somewhere warm, I hope.’
‘Hello, Hyacinth. I’m off to Tenerife for a few days. Thank you for the Christmas gift. You really shouldn’t have.’ Beth recoiled from Hyacinth’s hug as she felt a fearful dark energy envelope them. She tried to move away, but Hyacinth caught hold of her hand, holding it tightly.
‘You’re welcome darling. Think nothing of it. How is Lou?’
‘Errr, she’s fine. Thank you for asking.’ Beth pulled her hand away, not wanting to resurrect that deathly feeling.
Beth’s flight was announced.
‘Sorry, must dash. That’s my flight they’re calling.’ She picked up her bag, noting how tired and drawn H looked under her make-up. Despite wanting to keep things short and sweet, her compassionate nature prompted her to ask, ‘Are you okay?’
‘Me? Why yes, darling, couldn’t be better. I just worry about the children even though they insist they’re all grown up.’ Hyacinth laughed artificially. ‘They’re off skiing with their friends.’ Beth’s flight was called again.
‘Call me when you get back, Beth. We’ll catch up. I miss you.’
Beth was touched, ‘Take care. Happy New Year.’
* * * * * * * *
Driving home through the gloom, H wished the dark winter days were over and spring was blossoming. The street lights shone as if trying to cheer up the dreariness. The once white snow had turned to a dirty brown slush that splashed up onto the Mercedes windscreen from under the tyres of the car in front. Hyacinth pulled the window-wiper lever towards her and clean water squirted before the wipers started swishing. She was furious with herself. How could she have let things get so far between Beth and that blasted Lou woman? She should have done something about it when Penny e-mailed her the photo of them together at Lou’s farm.
It was The Syndicate’s fault. She should have carried on with her plans for Beth regardless. She should have tried harder; got her initiated into the coven. Beth had abilities that she could use. She was getting soft, wanting to keep her safe. Now Beth was safe in someone else’s arms. Suddenly, H felt drained, and she had a screaming headache. Shaking, she lit a cigarette. The horror of her situation hitting her like two trains. She pulled over to use her mobile phone. It was time to take action.
* * * * * * * *
Constance relaxed once she saw Beth was safely through to the departure lounge. Then she left to meet Hyacinth. She had been summoned.
‘Lindsay?’
‘Constance! At last. What the hell took you so long?’
‘Sorry I couldn’t call you earlier. Stuff’s been happening. Beth is safely on her way to Tenerife, so don’t worry, but you’ll never guess what.’
‘Thanks for making sure about Beth. What’s happened?’ Lindsay braced herself.
‘We were all called to H’s a couple of hours ago and she announced that there will be no more diamonds brought in for the foreseeable future. But, I know she was really saying the diamond smuggling days of the Amethyst Group are over. She fears for her women’s safety, and will keep them safe at all costs.‘
‘Has she got wind that we’re on to her?’
‘It’s not us. It’s The Syndicate. She had another visit from Miss Italy.’
‘No way!’ Lindsay paced the floor.
‘Yep. Would you believe she turned up as a guest at their drinks party last night. Well, George’s drinks party to be exact.’
‘Wish I’d seen Hyacinth’s face.’ Lindsay laughed mercilessly.
‘Me, too. But get this. H reckons if The Syndicate sees that she’s stopped shipments then they’ll leave her alone and move on to someone else. I told you she was worried.’
‘So is this why she hasn’t moved any diamonds for the past six months?’
‘You got it. But I reckon she must have a stas somewhere.’
‘She could be right, you know.’ Lindsay took a long pull on her cigarette and flicked the ash carelessly in the general direction of an ashtray. ‘The Syndicate might decide to move on to another set-up. We’ll just have to wait and see. What have you got to do now?’
’I’ve been instructed by the guv to stick with her, just in case she changes her plans.’ Constance sounded dejected.
‘Oh Constance, that’s a bitch. Why don’t you come and spend a couple of days in Brighton? I’ll cheer you up.’
‘Sorry, love,’ Constance sighed, ‘it’s too risky. I can’t risk blowing my cover. You know that.’
‘Keep in touch. I need to know you’re all right . . . and Beth.’
‘Okay. Bye.’ Constance put the phone down.
* * * * * * * *
Initially rattled by H asking after Lou, Beth wondered just how much she knew about them, but she was determined not to let thoughts of H spoil the holiday.
Lou had time off from filming so they swam, sunbathed and made love.
After enjoying a glorious week in Tenerife, Beth returned home tanned and happy.
Back at the hospital, she had a spring in her step. Beth was in love, and it showed. Despite the expensive Christmas gift and a chance meeting with Hyacinth in the airport, Beth had no intention of making contact with her.
At the end of January, Lou returned from Tenerife, arriving back to the worst snow for years. The dangerous driving conditions caused the usual spate of winter road accidents so the hospital was full to bursting. Beth was convinced everyone on Tyneside must have been through its doors with some kind of emergency.
February was no better. Lou’s farm was isolated. They kept in touch by phone, e-mail and text messages, but Beth spent so much time at the hospital she almost forgot what her flat looked like, let alone Lou’s homely farmhouse. She hadn’t got around to putting her flat-share plan into action so when she did return home it was to a cold and empty welcome.
* * * * * * * *
Hyacinth was hibernating in Carlisle. She had hated having to refuse a tempting diamond consignment from Enzo, her Italian contact. Only Penny knew about it and she was furious at Hyacinth’s decision, throwing a hysterical temper tantrum that H regarded as completely out of character. Now, Penny had frozen Hyacinth out. There was something serious bugging Penny. And Hyacinth needed to get to the bottom of it.
Chapter 33
The first days of spring brought welcome sunshine and Mother Nature started to emerge from her winter sleep. At last Beth and Lou were able to enjoy some quality time together at Lou’s farm.
* * * * * * * *
Hyacinth and Penny were friends again despite Hyacinth insisting on keeping Constance close. H called her chosen coven members together to celebrate the Spring Equinox at her Jesmond home, deliberately including Constance. It was the first time in months she had felt safe and secure.
She decided on a small gathering. Along with Penny and Constance she invited the women she trusted most. Montanna, visiting from America, Felicity, and Alison, who lived close-by. Montanna was not her first choice. She wanted Angela to come down from Scotland to join them, but bad weather made it impossible for Angela to travel. The snow gates were closed along the A9.
The shutters were drawn around the poolroom and the only light came from the elaborate bank of gold and yellow candles. They flickered continuously, casting moving shadows across the women’s faces. The candlelight bounced off the diamond pendants that rested against the women’s purple robes creating a rich, shimmering rainbow around them.
H had set her circle with great care. In the east of the room she had arranged the altar table and placed high backed gilt chairs around it. From early morning she had burned elemi resin to invoke the spirit of hope and new beginnings. She picked fresh flowers and catkins from the garden and placed them in a crystal vase on one side of the altar. Beside them she placed a large circular gold metal dish left empty to represent the air element of the occasion. Yellow parchment paper and black pens were laid out ready for use.
; Her coven assembled, she stepped into the centre of the circle and took her position of High Priestess. Standing beside the altar she greeted her women warmly.
‘Welcome. You bring me joy with your presence.’
The coven stood. Each woman bowed to Hyacinth in turn, the action resembled a mini Mexican wave curling around the circle, then they waited silently for her to continue.
‘This is a time of new beginnings . . . for us all. I want you to take time to reflect on the privileged lives you all lead — but there are even better times ahead.’
‘Priestess.’ The coven spoke in unison.
‘Think carefully before you cast your spells tonight. Make the most of this new beginning — this given opportunity.’
‘Priestess.’
‘Remember . . . thoughts become things. Now is the time to set your goals, to bring into your lives that which you most desire. Concentrate your thoughts.’
‘Priestess.’
‘Tonight we will cast our spells together. Tomorrow morning, and for the next fourteen mornings, you will each meditate on your personal wishes.’
‘Priestess. Yes, Priestess. We will do your bidding.’
Her spell, cast at midnight, was to bring Beth to her. As she held the paper to the flame she almost burned her fingers, so great was her desire.
After the ritualistic spell casting their celebration feast began.
‘Food’s good H.’ Penny remarked biting into a mushroom vol-au-vent. ‘Is Davinia out of favour? No catering, and no invitation.’
‘Yes, it is.’ Hyacinth inclined her head to the buffet table. ‘And for your information, Mrs. Nosy, Davinia and Julie have gone away to celebrate together. They wanted some time alone.’