Beautiful Strangers

by Ellen Dean

  ‘Morning Janet,’ he acknowledged Beth’s secretary, ‘and good morning to you, Beth. Glad to have you back,’ his bright, merry eyes beamed at her. ‘We’ve a busy schedule this morning.’

  ‘Hello, George. Glad to be back.’

  ‘Theatre B in thirty minutes, see you there.’

  ‘On my way.’ Beth jumped out of her seat, and picked up her patients notes.

  George whistled happily as he went on his way.

  ‘He’s actually whistling in tune!’ Beth said.

  ‘He’s been like that since the news broke about their divorce.’

  ‘I’m off to scrub up. Don’t want to keep the boss waiting.’

  ‘Before you go Beth I must tell you. I’ve been inundated by phone calls from a Lou Scott. She’s very keen to get in touch with you.’

  A shadow passed briefly over Beth’s heart, ‘It’s okay, Janet. She won’t be ringing anymore.’ She forced a smile and dashed off to the operating theatre.

  Later in the day, the theatre list finished, Beth caught up with her friend Val Taylor who was just about to go on a meal break.

  Val took one look at Beth and said, ‘What’s going on? Come on, come with me. I’m going to the restaurant.’ She grabbed Beth’s arm giving her no choice.

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I’ve been hearing things. Gossip, if you like.’

  ‘What sort of gossip?’ Beth was mortified at what might have been said.

  ‘I think you know. Hyacinth Dickinson ring a bell?’

  ‘We’re friends, Val. We’ve made a connection,’ Beth paused, ‘on a spiritual level.’

  ‘You’re blushing, Beth.’

  Relieved they’d reached the food counter Beth picked up a tray only to be forestalled by Val.

  ‘Tell me what you want. I’ll fetch it. You go and find a table. I want to talk to you.’

  ‘Tea, and a toasted teacake please.’

  Beth’s eyes scanned the restaurant for a suitable table away from other diners.

  Val seated herself opposite Beth and busily set out their food. ‘Are you sleeping with Hyacinth?’ She was never one to mince her words.

  ‘Val!’

  ‘The hospital grapevine says Mrs. D has kicked George out in favour of you,’ Val sprinkled copious amounts of salt onto her food, ‘and didn’t I warn you about her and her women friends? The goings on they have?’ she cut into her chicken breast. ‘Seems to me I didn’t make myself clear.’

  ‘You’ve put far too much salt on there.’

  ‘Never mind about the salt. I want an answer.’

  ‘I can’t give you one. Take no notice of hospital gossip.’

  ‘Beth, I’m concerned. Who you sleep with, man or woman, is no business of mine, but Hyacinth Dickinson is a mighty powerful woman, and your comment just now about having a spiritual connection with her, makes my blood run cold.’

  ‘You’ve no need to worry, Val. I’m fine.’

  ‘The last woman she took to ended up on medication,’ she hissed. ‘She’s a witch, you know, and not a nice one.’

  Beep, beep, Beth’s pager sounded, ‘Sorry, gotta go.’

  * * * * * * * *

  Despite being the current topic of hospital gossip, noticing how conversations stopped when she entered the staff rest room, and how all eyes automatically turned to look at her when she walked through the hospital, Beth held her head high and continued to do her job with the utmost professionalism.

  Every night for two weeks she returned to the flat to practice telepathy with Hyacinth. Her success was phenomenal. She never failed to access H’s mind, and began to relish their mind games. Nor did she feel alone. It was as if H was physically with her. She would be back soon.

  Tonight was different. She’d tried for hours to make contact, without success. She was weary, but tried again. Nothing. You told me you wouldn’t block me. What is going on that you don’t want me to know about?

  Several times the following day Beth tried to catch H out by attempting to scan her mind, but she couldn’t get on to H’s frequency. Now she was worried. Was H in trouble? Surely not. She’s invincible. It’ll be this Penny business; or is this my second lesson?

  Beth had a great urge to enjoy some family time. She rang her sister, Catherine, and arranged to drive over for the weekend.

  The weekend was successful. It was exactly what Beth needed, but she was ready to return to Newcastle early on Sunday evening. Catherine tried several times to talk about the situation with Lou. Beth refused to be drawn into a discussion, closing her ears to Catherine’s words.

  During the drive back to Newcastle, Beth made another attempt to scan H’s mind. This time she was successful. ‘Where have you been?’ If everyone was telepathic we could do away with telephones.

  ‘Hello darling. I wanted you to experience psychic isolation. Congratulations on passing your second lesson. Come straight to Jesmond, and stay over,’ H said, ‘I’ll be waiting.

  H had prepared supper for them beside the indoor swimming pool. She planned to keep things easy and relaxed.

  When Beth arrived H’s eyes lit with pleasure. Embracing her, and holding her tight, she kissed her fiercely.

  Welcoming the passionate embrace Beth raked her hands through Hyacinth’s long blonde hair, returning her kiss with a kiss that was just as hungry.

  They swam first, then relaxed eating fresh Beluga caviar, and drinking chilled Cristal champagne. Beth wore the tiniest silver bikini. A gift from Hyacinth.

  ‘It’s time we had you back in circulation, darling.’ H poured topped up Beth’s drink. ‘I was thinking that Julie’s birthday party at the Manor would be the perfect opportunity to show everyone we are a couple now.’

  ‘Sounds perfect,’ Beth helped herself to more caviar.

  H stood up. She stepped behind Beth’s chair and started to massage her shoulders. ‘Feel good?’

  ‘Mmmm, absolutely.’

  Beth felt her body relaxing under H’s expert fingers. The

  poolroom was a haven of tranquillity. Candles burned between the colourful tropical plants, casting flickering shadows. The reflection from the pool danced on the ceiling.

  ‘Shall I rub harder, darling?’

  ‘A little.’ I love the feel of your fingers on my skin. I want more.

  Picking up on Beth’s thoughts Hyacinth kept up her constant stroking, and massaging. She brushed her hands over the rise of Beth’s breasts; she planted gentle kisses on her shoulders. She whispered intimately, ‘I’ve missed you.’ The potion has worked.

  Beth’s body responded. She moaned with pleasure. ‘I’ve missed you, too.’ She was swept along in a tidal current of sexual emotion.

  H loosened Beth’s bikini top and began to caress her bare breasts. ‘Are you ready, darling?’

  ‘Yes.’

  She took Beth’s hand and led the way to her bedroom. At last Beth was to be truly hers. From now on she could draw her deeper and deeper into her world.

  * * * * * * * *

  H’s mobile phone vibrated under her pillow.

  ‘What is it, Enzo?’ she spoke quietly, not wanting to disturb Beth. She listened to what Enzo had to say, while sliding out of bed.

  ‘I’ll deal with it. Thanks for telling me.’

  Checking Beth was still sleeping, she pulled on a pair of dark jeans and a black zip-up jacket. She crept downstairs to the poolside bar and picked up a hip flask containing brandy, then stopped off at the kitchen fridge to add a little potion to the flask, before leaving by a side door.

  She started up her Mercedes and headed for the docks.

  The car glided stealthily between rows of containers until H found who she was looking for. She killed the engine, took a black balaclava from the glove compartment and pulled it on before stepping out into inky darkness.

  The courier was waiting exactly where Enzo had said he would be.

  She climbed into his car.

  ‘What have you had for supper?’ he said.

/>   ‘Spaghetti.’ What a stupid password.

  He handed her the diamonds.

  Quickly, she checked the stones, pulled off the balaclava and shook out her blonde mane, ‘Are you in a hurry — got another delivery to make?’ She pulled down the zip of her tight jacket exposing her deep cleavage.

  ‘No,’ he spoke into her cleavage, ‘you are my only drop.’

  ‘Good. Maybe you’ll have a drink with me?’ She took the hip flask from her jacket pocket and offered it to him. ‘My husband’s away. I’m in no rush to get home,’ H sighed, easing the jacket zip lower, ‘I get lonely.’

  The courier took several gulps from the flask. ‘Lady, your husband is a fool,’ he said, ‘perhaps I can help you relieve some tension.’

  ‘Could you?’ H noticed his eyes were starting to close. ‘Have another drink while I climb into the back seat and get ready for you.’

  H had mixed Rohypnol with the brandy; a tasteless sedative that she used as a pre-op anaesthetic. Because of its quick acting effect the courier was soon unconscious, and H quickly set about removing all trace of his being there.

  She started his car, placed his heavy foot on the accelerator, released the handbrake and stood back to watch the car roll forward towards the edge of the dockside and then tip over, sinking into the deep murky water.

  Murder had never been on H’s agenda before, but it had to be done. This is not something I can include in m curriculum vitae. Driving home, she assessed the events of the night, and their far reaching effects. It will be interesting to see how Penny reacts when she doesn’t get her diamonds.

  * * * * * * * *

  Beth was still sleeping when H returned. Had anyone needed to ask her, she would have sworn Hyacinth had been with her all night.

  Chapter 47

  Julie’s party night arrived. The dress code on the invitation had been specific: evening dress and diamonds. Beth had found the perfect dress, a slender pale lilac creation in shimmering silk, with a deep plunging halter neck. She had decided to wear her hair down and was the perfect match for Hyacinth, who wore a rich purple Valentino dress and her hair, like Beth’s, was flowing free around her shoulders. Entering the ballroom at Melton Manor, Hyacinth bore Beth on her arm like a trophy, and Beth’s choice of dress made them look very much together. The knowing glances exchanged between some of the women were lost on Beth as the crowd parted allowing them clear access across the ballroom floor to where Julie and Davinia were seated.

  ‘Happy birthday, darling,’ H handed a small gold box to Julie. ‘This is from Beth and I. We hope you like it.’

  ‘Thank you, both of you,’ Julie looked from one to the other then opened the box. ‘How exquisite. Thank you so much,’ she gazed at the exotic dragonfly diamond pin. ‘Wherever did you find it?’

  ‘My friend at Ambleside made it. Do you remember?’ H turned to look at Beth as she spoke, ‘I mentioned her to you the day we went walking in Langdale.’

  Beth looked puzzled, concentrating, then it clicked, ‘Yes, I remember. Her work is divine.’

  ‘I’ll second that,’ said Julie.

  They moved on to mix with the other guests.

  Hyacinth never left Beth’s side, sticking to her like glue, plying her with vodka cocktails. A number of the women recognized Beth and waved to her in acknowledgment. Beth was enchanted at the attention. This was briefly dampened somewhat when Daphne, whom Beth had not seen since she left St. Gregory’s, totally ignored her. Petra was kept busy supervising the hired-in staff and didn’t have any time to mix with the guests. Beth thought this was probably a good thing, being kept fully occupied, Petra wouldn’t have the opportunity to cause mischief.

  When Beth slipped away to the bathroom, she saw Penny and Felicity disappear into one of the bedrooms.

  Should she be a spoilsport and go in? No. She couldn’t spoil their fun. Or could she? Feeling wicked, Beth went to open the door. As she reached for the handle, the floorboards creaked. Damn! Turning the handle she pushed the door open laughing at the scene she expected to see, already apologizing, ‘Whoops! Sorry — thought this was the bathroom.’

  The room was empty, but how could that be? How had they got out? There was only one door. Where the hell were they?

  Mystified, Beth rejoined the party in the ballroom. Penny and Felicity were nowhere to be seen; they seemed to have evaporated into thin air. And where was Hyacinth?

  Standing by the far window gave Beth the perfect vantage point for surveying the entire room. Suddenly her attention was drawn to the mirrored walls opposite as light reflected in response to movement. She watched Felicity appear as though emerging from the mirror itself. After grabbing two bottles of wine from the nearest table she slipped back out of sight.

  Intrigued, Beth made her way towards the mirror from where Felicity had emerged. She stopped to pick up a drink then carried it with her as she went to check out the mirror. Glancing over her shoulder to make sure no-one was watching her, she pushed at the mirrored wall until it moved, revealing a cleverly concealed door and a dark passageway beyond.

  She paused allowing her eyes time to adjust to the darkness. There was a dim light in the distance. She crept forward carefully, holding her glass and lifting her long skirt with one hand, she stumbled a little on the uneven flags as she felt her way along the wall with her other hand.

  The unpleasant damp and musty smell repelled Beth. She shuddered at the thought of huge spiders dropping onto her bare shoulders when cobwebs brushed across her face, but carried on, driven by her insatiable curiosity.

  She stopped dead in her tracks when she heard voices echoing along the passageway. Straining her ears she listened, not daring to move. She couldn’t tell what they were saying. It sounded like gibberish, some kind of chant. Then it stopped and an eerie silence hung in the air. Beth held her breath, audibly gasping when she heard the words, ‘To the diamonds!’

  It’s as if she’s giving a toast. How bizarre! Why would anybody want to toast diamonds? Grief! I must have drunk too much, my head’s swimming. Better go back.

  As she turned, her foot slipped and she fell heavily, dropping the glass she had been clutching. The crystal shattered loudly as it hit the flagstones. ‘Shit,’ she cursed. Oh shit, now I’ve blown it, they’ll have heard that.

  Hopelessly she tried to scramble back onto her feet without cutting herself. She couldn’t get up. The alcohol was really taking effect now and there were crystal shards everywhere threatening to cut her fingers. Sitting still in an attempt to get her head back into gear, Beth tried to focus on an approaching figure.

  Felicity hurried towards the noise, her purple silk cloak billowing around her. ‘Beth! What the hell are you doing here?’ she demanded while carefully helping Beth to her feet.

  Beth tried to answer, unable to take her eyes off the diamond pendant hanging around Felicity’s neck. ‘Shorry, Flissh! Made a mishtake, opened the wrong door,’ she slurred, ‘nishe pendant.’

  ‘Oh Beth, you opened the wrong door all right. And you’re drunk. What has H given you to drink? You had better come with me. Be careful of that broken glass.’

  Felicity led the way into a circular room that Beth, even in her confused state, recognized as some kind of grotto. The room glowed in candlelight yet Beth was not able to see everything clearly. She imagined other cloaked figures were standing in the shadows.

  Lavish purple and gilt regency style sofas were arranged in a circle. Fliss led Beth into the middle and Beth was surprised to be standing on a rug. Funny place to have such lovely furniture. The grotto was silent. Beth looked towards an altar draped in purple and silver silk where exotically scented candles were arranged to represent the eight compass points. Their heady fragrance filled the air wafting on unseen thermals. In the centre of the candles glasses of red wine were arranged in a figure of eight representing eternal infinity. Beth wobbled, she was having difficulty standing up and her eyes blurred into double vision. Even though she couldn’t focus properly she thou
ght the altar looked beautiful, especially when the biggest wine glass began to sparkle.

  Penny spoke. ‘Sit down, Beth.’

  ‘Err, I think I’d better get back to the party, if you don’t mind.’ Beth nervously bit her lip.

  ‘That is not possible. You have seen too much. Sit down.’ It was a command, not a request.

  Beth sat. What a weird place. What’s going on?

  Penny spoke again, gentler this time, ‘Beth dear. Now that you are here, we can play a little game together, can’t we?’ She was in front of Beth now bending forward to touch Beth’s cheek, her silk cloak brushed Beth’s shoulders.

  ‘What sort of game do you want to play?’

  ‘A game of truth.’ Penny said triumphantly.

  This should be easy. They’re just messing about. All she need do was humour them then they would leave her alone. She was rapidly sobering up.

  Felicity stepped forward with a blindfold as Penny pulled Beth’s hands behind her back, tying them with a silk scarf just tight enough to make Beth wince, and panic. Good grief, maybe this is not a silly game after all.

  ‘Hyacinth!’ she shouted. ‘Hyacinth, where are you? I know you are here. What are they doing to me? What’s going on?’ Beth’s voice echoed along the myriad of passageways.

  Hands pushed Beth forward off the seat until she was kneeling on a cushion. Someone smeared a sticky substance onto her lips, it was tangy, and tasted like bitter orange. She tried to keep her lips together, failing as a segment of orange was forced into her mouth. This is too bitter to be just fruit. They’ve dipped it in alcohol or poison. She was forced to eat it, otherwise she would have choked.

  She was feeling woozy when Penny spoke again, ‘Beth you must tell me all you know about the diamonds.’

  ‘What diamonds? Oh I know,‘ Beth was intentionally vague, ‘you mean the diamonds you were toasting just now. How silly. I’ve never heard anyone toast diamonds before.’

  ‘Tell me what you know about the diamonds, Beth. Who have you told about them?’ Penny insisted.