by Jane Corrie
The officer coughed delicately.
Sonia was jerked out of her bemused state. Her lovely eyes opened wide and she stared incredulously at Rory. When she found her voice, she only got a far as, 'Well, of all...'
`I'm afraid it's turned out a rather delicate matter, Harvey,' Rory broke in smoothly. 'I
think the young lady rather over-anticipated the limit of my generosity. You can drop the charges. I shall deal with this myself.'
Seeing the officer hesitate, he added gently, `In a way I can only blame myself. I'm sure Miss Wells had no criminal intent.'
The officer saluted. 'Very well, sir.'
Rory pocketed the jewellery and picked up Sonia's case. 'Shall we go ?' he said blandly.
Sonia glared at him. It was just as she had thought. Was he now going to drag her off to his lair? Well, he wouldn't get away with it. People didn't just disappear. The way news travelled on the island, Chloe and George would hear about it by this evening.
In the car, she sat as far away from Rory as possible. She was a little puzzled by his behaviour. He had not said a word, and looked exceedingly grim. As they swept past the turning to George's house, she sat up. 'I want to see my brother,' she said haughtily.
He glanced at her coldly. 'I don't think you're in a position to make any demands, do you, Miss Wells?' He was silent for a second or so, then said, 'I suppose you will eventually thank me for my intervention on your behalf,' harshly.
Sonia gasped. Now they were coming to it ! `I suppose it would be naive of me to ask what kind of a thank-you you have in mind,' she answered cuttingly.
He braked suddenly, and she had to grasp her seat hard to prevent herself being thrown against the windscreen.
Rory sat and looked at her, his eyes slits of ice. 'Let's get one thing clear, shall we ?' he said softly. 'I don't like thieves, Miss Wells, particularly those who trade on others' trust. If you are George's sister, then I feel infinitely sorry for him. And understand this, it's for his sake and Chloe's that I'm not charging you. As for the payment you seem to think I want, aren't you rather overrating your charms?' he said bitingly, adding softly, 'Yesterday was yesterday, Miss Wells. I may be odd, but I do like to wake up in the morning with the surety of my valuables still being intact.'
Sonia sat shocked. She hadn't been mistaken about his intentions, then. Why hadn't he gone the whole way and baldly said, If you were my mistress? He wasn't sparing her in any other way. She was also confused. He wasn't acting. He really believed she had taken the jewellery. She swallowed. 'How,' she demanded, trying desperately to stop herself from screaming her innocence at him, 'did I steal them? I was in full view of everyone last night. You saw us to the car. Have you stopped to work that out ?'
He shrugged casually as if it was of no importance, then started the engine up. Dilson,' he said harshly, then glanced quickly at her. 'He
was meeting you in Nassau, wasn't he ?'
Sonia gasped. 'But it's ridiculous ! Kirk wouldn't take them any more than I would. You have absolutely no proof. Someone put those things in my coat pocket. What's more,' she went on recklessly, 'I thought it was you '
His swift glance of surprise was not lost on her. When he spoke, his voice was silky. 'As I've already pointed out, you appear to be labouring under a delusion. I was interested, yes, I'm not denying it. But not that interested. You know,' he mused, 'apart from the pendant you could have done very well for yourself.' He negotiated a bend in the road. Sonia went white, but said nothing.
`I've placed you now,' he went on smoothly. `You're one big fake, aren't you ? Terrified of getting involved. It would account for your pure panic when you came up against someone you couldn't handle. How many poor devils have you had on a string?' He accelerated. 'And this fiancé of yours. He doesn't exist either, does he? Just a useful invention to keep the wolves at bay. Well, here's one wolf you can cross off your list. After kissing you yesterday I realised you were nothing but a lovely china doll. No, Miss Wells, I did not plant that jewellery on you. I prefer real women.'
Sonia stared straight ahead. Her cheeks were flushed and to her horror she felt the tears prick.
He had spoken the truth and it had hurt. She had hurt men—unknowingly, unthinkingly, but she had hurt them. She thought of Arnold. She had never fallen in love as other girls had. He had been right too about her being terrified of him, and the reason for her panic. She swallowed, and blinked the tears back. She would not let Rory see he had upset her. In a way it was comforting that she would not be subjected to further amorous advances from him. On the other hand, she was still in a mess. Just who had planted the wretched jewellery on her?
The car -drew up outside Soya Sands. Rory motioned that she should alight, and she did so, standing uncertainly in the drive, staring wearily at him. What now? Was he going to let her go back to George and Chloe? He indicated that she should precede him up the steps to the house. For a moment she hesitated, as an unwelcome thought entered her head. He looked back at her. 'Rest easy,' he drawled. 'You're not residing here. Only guests and acquaintances I can trust stay under this roof.'
Her green eyes glittered back at him, their message clear. He laughed. 'You don't like being found out, do you? No one does, of course, but it must be more galling in your case, you're so used to adoration, aren't you?'
He waited until she passed him, then led her into the vast hall. He then opened the door
of a room just off the hall and with a curt nod indicated that she should enter. Then he shut her in, locking the door before he left.
Sonia stood in the middle of the room, staring in dislike at the rich tapestry of the chairs and curtains. She so disliked the place and its owner, she wouldn't even sit on one of his chairs.
About fifteen minutes later Rory came back. Sonia still stood in the same position. He flicked a quick glance at her. 'You may sit down,' he said authoritatively.
She ignored this order. 'I want to see George,' she said quietly.
He walked over to a desk, pulled out a drawer and placed a sheet of paper on the desk, then sat down. 'All in good time,' he answered. 'First I require a few facts from you.' He glanced irritably at her still standing in front of him. `Sit down,' he said harshly, 'and stop acting the outraged innocent. You've been caught red-handed, as the saying goes. You might as well accept the fact and thank your lucky stars I didn't send you over to the mainland to be dealt with.'
I would have preferred that,' she declared through clenched teeth.
His eyes narrowed as he looked her over, and she felt a touch of panic; she didn't like the way he looked at her one bit.
`Don't try me too far,' he said softly. 'Women
have been whipped for less than what you've done. Now, are you going to sit down, or do I have to slap you into a chair?'
Still she stood there defiantly staring at him. He got up and jerked her into a chair opposite the desk. 'Just move,' he said grimly, 'and you'll find out I meant what I said about whipping.'
Sonia was past moving—or indeed anything. She gave up the fight. She was on a losing hand anyway. George would help her. Her eyes dwelt on the rich carpet at her feet, her hair fell in soft folds around her face, half hiding it from his gaze.
`Your name is Sonia Wells?' he asked flatly, in a voice devoid of any emotion. 'Just say yes or no,' then harshly, 'I would prefer you to look at me when you answer.'
`My name is Sonia Wells,' she repeated in a voice equally devoid of emotion. As soon as she had spoken, her gaze returned to the study of the carpet.
`I require your age and occupation,' he said.
Sonia was even past caring about this. She gave her age, and that she was at university, studying for a physics degree. She spoke as if she were attending an examination board, no emotion whatsoever.
If the information surprised him, or indeed if he believed a word of it, she had no way of knowing, or caring. She looked dully at him
filling in the answers. He wore a dark suit with a light blue silk shir
t and navy and blue striped tie—correctly dressed, she thought bitterly, for the judging and condemning of one Sonia Wells.
`And you are here on a visit to your brother, George Denby?'
`I am visiting my brother,' she repeated after him.
He was silent for a second or so afterwards and Sonia, wondering what the hold-up was, glanced up to find him watching her steadily, obviously waiting for her to look at him.
`You are charged with... Well, we can skip the details, I suppose. Accused pleads not guilty.' He wrote this down, and glancing suddenly up at her asked, 'Or would you like to change your plea to guilty and save my office staff a lot of wasted time?'
Sonia's look was eloquent. 'In trying to prove my innocence, you mean?' she said scathingly. `I don't blame you for not attempting to clear my name, it's so neat and tidy this way, isn't it?'
He looked as if he could murder her. 'Believe me, Miss Wells, it's a good thing there happens to be a desk between us,' he said between his teeth. 'Enquiries will go on until your guilt or innocence is ascertained, in spite of the evidence of our eyes. In the meantime you will be kept under surveillance.'
Sonia felt relief flow through her. She would
go back to George and Chloe.
`I shall send you to Mainsprings,' he said. Sonia stared at him. `Where?' she asked. He returned her look coolly. 'It's a holiday
camp the other side of the island,' he said coldly.
`Work will be found for you.'
Her green eyes widened in disbelief. 'You did say holiday camp, didn't you, not a concentration camp ?'
He got up quickly and Sonia's hands clenched. This time he would throttle her ! But he took a deep breath and sat down again. 'Should your innocence be proved,' he went on unperturbedly, `you will receive full compensation.' He leaned forward and she did not like his smile. 'Also, you might very well receive the emerald eagle.'
He was baiting her, but she refused to rise. It showed her conclusively he was absolutely positive she was guilty.
He got to his feet again. 'Are you ready ?' he enquired coldly.
`When am I going to see George ?'
`When I say so,' he snapped. 'If you behave yourself at Mainsprings, perhaps in a day or so.'
Sonia could have spat at him. Instead, she got up and haughtily accompanied him back to the car..
CHAPTER EIGHT
THE island, she realised, was larger than she had thought. The journey took about half an hour. Her first sight of the holiday camp took her by surprise. It was a de luxe affair. She might have known it would be, she thought sourly. Rory Maragal would have no second-class affairs on his property.
Passing terraced slopes to the main buildings, she noted a plush swimming pool, gay striped umbrellas and lilos scattered around it, most of them occupied by the sun-worshippers. On the tiered terraces were ornate tables and chairs, covered by the same bright umbrellas as at the pool. Waitresses could be seen weaving in and out of the occupied tables. The car passed on. The higher they got, the more expansive the view. Forests of trees were seen here and there, and as always, the splashes of glorious colours from the island's blossoms.
Before they turned the final bend that appeared to lead them straight to the main buildings, more in the nature of an exclusive hotel than a holiday camp, Sonia glimpsed a beach below them, and wondered if there were
more caves there, and very nearly forgot herself to ask the silent man beside her if this was so, and only caught herself up in time. She wondered if this was where Rory got all his staff. Did all who displeased his lordship land up slaving away here? He had mentioned silver mines once; he really meant Mainsprings.
He led her to the reception office, amidst many respectful salutes from staff. He strode through to the manager's office, keeping a light hand on her arm. Sonia knew she had only to hold back and the light hold would become a firm grip.
Once in the office, he left her with a curt, `Wait here until someone collects you.' This time he did not lock the door. He was back a short while later accompanied by a middle-aged, short tubby man.
`This is Miss Wells, Gerald,' he said. 'Find out what she can do. If she proves unco-operative let me know.'
With that abrupt introduction, he slammed out of the room leaving Sonia staring at the closed door.
Any past experience?' asked the manager cheerfully.
`None,' replied Sonia, wondering if he knew what she was there for. His next words proved he did.
`Well, can you keep an eye on the kids in the
swimming pool? It would be useful if you could swim, of course, in case someone gets into difficulty, doesn't matter if you can't. As long as there's someone there to give the alarm. We're a bit short in the sports section at the present time.'
Sonia thought about it. She did swim. She was not brilliant, but knew enough to be able to keep children out of trouble. She nodded.
He stared at her fixedly. 'There are a few rules we shall expect you to abide by,' he said slowly. 'No mixing with the guests apart from the call of duty, understand? Lights out at eleven, and mealtimes must be strictly adhered to. When you're off duty, there's a recreation room for your use. You're to stay within the camp. Visitors are allowed once a week for half an hour. Any questions?'
Sonia blinked. It really was a concentration camp ! But what a plush one ! She slowly shook her head, then remembered George and Chloe. `When can I have a visitor?' she asked.
`We'll have to wait until Mr Maragal says so,' he said, then pressed a bell at the side of the door.
A few minutes later there was a tap at the door, and a small elderly lady entered the room. She looked like someone's maiden aunt. Her grey curly fringe and tightly permed hair was enclosed under a net. She wore a green uniform
with long sleeves, the only relief being in the
white piping at the peter pan collar and cuffs.
`Maisie, take Miss Wells to—' he glanced towards a house map on the wall of the office, `number twenty-five. Show her the ropes. She's assigned to the children's pool supervision.'
Maisie's small black eyes darted from the manager to Sonia. She said, 'Yes, sir,' and held the door open for Sonia to follow her.
When they were out of earshot, she turned to Sonia. 'What are you in for, ducks?' she asked.
Sonia couldn't help grinning. 'Are you on parole too?' she queried.
Maisie grinned back. 'We all are,' she said. `All except Mr Parks, and he's the manager.' She shrugged expressively. 'Course, there has to be someone honest running the show, doesn't there?'
`What,' asked Sonia curiously, 'are you in for?'
Another toothsome grin from Maisie appeared. 'Shoplifting,' she said. 'Can't seem to keep my hands off those lovely things in shops.' She sighed, then looked at Sonia. 'Now you.'
Sonia didn't see any reason for beating about the bush. 'Oh, I tried to pinch the Crown Jewels,' she answered airily.
Maisie stopped dead in her tracks and stared at her. There was a dawning respect in her eyes. `You didn't, did you?' she pleaded.
Sonia nodded. 'Got caught at the ferry,' she said.
Maisie's mouth fell open. 'Even Joshua didn't reach those heights,' she said reverently. `Just wait till I pass the word around ! You'll be well looked after.'
Sonia wasn't too sure what that meant, but hoped it was a good omen.
She saw many green uniforms around as they made their way to the back quarters of the building. 'Are they all on parole ?' she asked.
Maisie nodded, then amended her earlier remark. 'Well,' she said, opening a screen door and holding it open for Sonia, 'most of them come on parole, then stay. Take Joshua, for instance. He's spent more time here than anywhere else on the island. When his time was up, he was lost and begged to come back again. When it was no go, he goes and burgles someone. He was lucky really not to get sent over to the mainland, but he explains how it was to Mr Maragal and gets sent back here. Same with most of us, me included. I've been here seven years. Well, all my frien
ds are here. I daren't risk leaving. I know I'll fall back into the old ways again. Mr Maragal warned me if I get caught again I get sent over to the mainland. I'm taking no chances, if you see what I mean. The pay's good, and we more or less eat the same as the guests, and there's the tips from the
generous ones.'
Sonia stared at her. 'But aren't they worried that the guests' valuables will disappear?' she asked.
Vigorously shaking her head, Maisie replied, `None of us would touch anything of theirs,' and looked at Sonia. 'And don't you be tempted. It would let Mr Maragal down. It's the mainland for sure then. He always finds out the truth. One chap tried it on, but didn't get away with it. He got three years in the mainland gaol. No, if you play fair with Mr Maragal, he plays fair with you. It don't pay to cross him.'
Sonia's lips straightened. She wished she had the same faith in Rory Maragal. He hadn't exactly played fair with her. But then he had a score to settle with her, hadn't he?
Her room was bright and though not luxurious, was amply furnished. She unpacked her case with Maisie an interested onlooker. 'You've got some nice things, Sonia,' Maisie remarked. `Speak well too, had a good education, I'll bet. How come you took to crime?'
Sonia's lips twisted wryly. 'It just sort of happened,' she said.
Maisie sighed. 'I know what you mean. I came here with a family from New Zealand. Couldn't have asked for a better job, and what do I do? Let 'em down, that's what. I'd never seen supermarkets before, seemed to me they
were just asking to be picked up, them nice things, I mean. Scent and soaps, they were my downfall.' After a moment's thought, she brightened up. 'Mind you, I'm better off here now. My employer died, so I'd have been out of a job, might not have been so lucky with the next one.'
When Sonia had finished unpacking, Maisie told her they would now go and fit her out with a uniform. 'It will suit you,' she said, 'with those green eyes of yours. I've never seen anyone before with green eyes. Can you see in the dark ?' she asked curiously.