“What is?” asked Aethelu, mopping up some of her peppercorn sauce with a piece of steak.
“What is Jago doing? He seems to be all over the place.”
“What do you mean?”
“I was thinking about it on the way here. I can understand why he felt the need to kill my father.”
“To warn us that he was dangerous and as a precursor to asking for the Elixir, which is what he ultimately wants? Everlasting life?”
“Exactly! Him wanting it, now that we know he is just an ordinary human and not James, also makes more sense. He tried to kill us because we were not doing what he wanted.”
“And Mike was just in the way at the wrong time.” Aethelu poured herself a glass of wine and then moved on to filling Anais’ glass.
“Thank you,” Anais said and took a sip. It felt cool against the heat of the air. “All of those things he did were crazy, but in his warped mind, made sense. However, why go for Rafe and Alex? Aldrich is already working on the Elixir. If anything, hurting the twins would only set him back in his ultimate goal.”
“He’s probably just got a screw loose.”
“Yes, that’s what I thought. Why try and get inside the head of a crazy person? But the more I thought about it, the more I discounted it as an act of craziness. We know he is intelligent. Andrew is the most intelligent person I’ve ever met, but Jago gets past his defences every time. We’ve been searching for him for months and still don’t know where he is or who he is for that matter. I think he is a truly warped individual, but I don’t think hurting Rafe and Alex were just an act of craziness. That’s underestimating him which is dangerous.”
“Mmm, I agree. So why, then?”
“I’m not sure. I wonder if they’ve seen something, maybe a clue to his identity.”
“Surely, if they knew something they would have told us.”
“Maybe they don’t know it’s a clue yet.”
“So why not just kill them? Sticking a knife in them would have been easier than figuring out how to put them in a coma without leaving a mark on them.”
“I’ve been wondering the same thing. How does this sound? He knows that he can’t just stick a knife in them. They would heal very quickly and be able to fight back. Jago would have no chance fighting against a Guardian. You are strong, lightning fast and almost indestructible. The best chance he would have would be to sneak up on them and somehow poison them with something potent enough to put a Guardian in a coma. It must have been something pretty powerful as Guardians’ bodies heal at a much quicker rate than normal humans. He’s a clever scientist, though, we already know that.”
“How could he poison them without them noticing?” Aethelu finished her meal and poured another drink.
“I’ve been thinking about that, too. Needle? If he sneaked up behind them and the poison was fast acting enough, he could just about get away with it.”
“Why go to all the trouble though? Alex has only been in a coma for a couple of days. Any secrets he knows, he can tell us all now.”
“Hmm. I don’t know. I think the first course of action would be to speak to both Rafe and Alex as soon as possible and quiz them both on the days leading up to them being put in a coma.”
“You mean go home?” Aethelu looked crestfallen.
“I think we have to. Believe me, I’d rather spend my time here with you, but I think they may need us.”
“Can’t we just quiz them by phone?” asked Aethelu, only half-jokingly.
Anais smiled.
Aethelu carried on “I guess we should make the most of tonight then.”
The air was still hot but a slight breeze was beginning to blow in. Anais picked up the shawl and put it round her shoulders. Aethelu grabbed her hand and led her to a huge outdoor sunbed.
“Lie down and look up.”
Anais did as she was told and gasped. The stars were out in the millions. Tiny sparkles dotted the sky. The effect, added to the yacht’s own twinkling lights, was mesmerising. Aethelu joined her and held her hand. Because of their time apart, The Lights effects were strong and tingles began to spread up Anais’ arm. They lay together for hours, watching the stars, not saying a word. At one point, Aethelu took the shawl from Anais’ shoulders and draped it over both of them. Eventually, the effects of the wine and the gentle lulling motion of the yacht on water made Anais feel drowsy. She fell asleep in Aethelu’s arms.
Chapter Twenty
The next morning, Anais awoke to the smell of breakfast being cooked. She opened her eyes after the deepest night’s sleep she’d ever had. The fresh air and the rocking of the boat must have done her a world of good. Sitting up, she yawned. Aethelu appeared with a couple of plates of breakfast and laid them on the table. She must have been up a while, because all of the dinner things from the night before had been cleared.
“Morning,” Aethelu grinned before giving Anais a peck on the cheek.
“Morning,” echoed Anais back lazily before yawning. She sat at the table and poured some fresh orange juice into a glass.
“I spoke to Mama this morning. She’s expecting us back tonight. I’ve booked the flights for this evening. There was an earlier flight, but I wanted just one day alone with you before we had to go back. I have a plan for our day together. You are going to love it.”
Intrigue and excitement filled her. After breakfast, she packed up her bag ready for the flight home and changed into jeans and a t-shirt. Whilst rummaging around, she discovered the camera she had bought at the airport and mentally kicked herself. Last night would have been perfect for taking photos. Still, it was too late now. She slipped it into her back pocket ready for what lay ahead.
Aethelu was already on the dock waiting for her when she emerged on deck. She climbed down the ladder and joined her, ready for the day ahead. She was only slightly surprised when Aethelu stopped at the Vespa’s that Ava and she had been driving the day before.
“Ava called this morning and told me that you had already had a go on these.”
Anais’ heart sank. She’d loved riding them, but she had only gone on quiet back streets for a very short journey. She didn’t feel anywhere near ready to drive any distance on one, especially on main roads. Aethelu must have read her worried expression.
“Don’t worry. You’ll be riding on the back with me.” Of course, she picked the red Vespa and hopped on.
Anais swung her leg over the Vespa and put her helmet on. Aethelu kicked off and they were off. She drove a lot faster than Ava which made Anais glad that she wasn’t following behind on a Vespa of her own. She’d never have kept up. They drove along busy roads and backstreets, and it wasn’t too long until they were out in the open countryside. It was countryside like nothing Anais had ever seen before. Away from the coast, a barren and black landscape, not unlike what Anais would expect the surface of the moon to look like stretched before them at either side of the road. It took a while for Anais to realise that it must be made up of volcanic ash which meant the mountain they were currently climbing had to have been an active volcano at some point. Judging by the traffic, it was probably safe to assume it was dormant. Once up high enough, she could again see the ocean sparkling in the distance. Aethelu finally slowed down and brought the bike to a stop. She fished around in a bag and brought out a couple of sandwiches and a bottle of lemonade.
“Not quite up to the standard of the meal you made me, but it’s all I could fit in,” she grinned at Anais.
“The view makes up for it,” said Anais, indicating the sweeping vista of the ocean laid out beneath them. “Besides, Ava cooked the meal.”
“Ah, I could have guessed!”
Anais gave her a playful swipe and sat down on a nearby bench. Aethelu joined her and put her arm around her. Aethelu’s bare arm rested on Anais shoulder. The tingles started immediately.
“That’s the one thing I like about being apart from you. You forget how to control The Light and make me all tingly.”
“You think so? You
’ve seen nothing yet.”
She moved around and kissed Anais on the lips. Anais didn’t know if it was because she’d not seen her for a while or that Aethelu was somehow increasing it, but the light started coursing through her with such power that she could barely breathe.
Her whole body shook with the effect of The Light, but she didn’t move back. Aethelu put her arms around her, which only served to intensify the sensation. Electrical impulses shot through her and still she didn’t move. She had waited so long for this moment that nothing was going to tear her away. It was Aethelu who eventually pulled away. She rested her head against Anais’ shoulder, who casually draped her arm around her. She had never felt so at peace with the world. All the stress of the last few months drifted away. The light breeze softly blew her hair, cancelling out some of the heat of the midday sun. Apart from an occasional car passing, they were completely alone. Anais looked out into the distance, noting a boat bobbling about on the horizon of the ocean. Everything was perfect. It had been a long time since she had thought that. She breathed in heavily and smiled. She wished she could capture the moment forever. It was then that she remembered her camera. Feeling behind her to her back pocket, she pulled out the compact camera. Pointing it towards herself and Aethelu, she shot a picture. Turning it back around, she located the preview button and pressed it. She’d just about managed to get half of her head and Aethelu’s eye in the shot. She would need a bit of practice.
“You brought a camera?” Aethelu said lazily.
“I bought it at the airport. I realised we didn’t have any photos together.”
“Pass it here.” Aethelu took the camera from Anais hands and turned it towards them both. “Smile!”
Aethelu’s efforts were much better, capturing both of them perfectly on the little screen.
They took it in turns to pull silly faces and poses in front of the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Anais laughed as Aethelu ran around with the camera trying to catch her unawares.
“You know what would be a better use of this camera?” asked Aethelu, as Anais stuck her tongue out.
“Better than this, you mean?” she laughed and crossed her eyes.
“Come on. Get back on the scooter.” Aethelu held out her hand which Anais took and led her back to where they had parked the bike.
Once back on the Vespa, they continued on the almost deserted road, climbing higher and higher.
Onward they drove through the barren landscape, increasing in altitude as they went. Anais began to wonder if they could drive all the way to the top of the Volcano and if that was where they were headed. Her thoughts were answered when they stopped at a little station. Anais could see a little cable car slowly making its descent down a long metal cable.
Aethelu bought them both tickets and once the cable car had docked, they took their seat amongst other tourists.
“We could have walked but I thought this would be more fun,” Aethelu whispered over to her. “Keep hold of that camera.”
Anais snapped quite a few photos on the journey up, watching the scenery and the few brave people who had decided to make the four hour ascent, dotted beneath them. Once at the top station, Anais was surprised to see that there was still a way to go to get to the summit.
“Want to walk it?”
“Of course,” Anais held Aethelu’s hand the whole 600ft climb to the peak of Mount Teide.
Once there, she looked around. The view took her breath away. She had thought the view from their picnic spot was good, but this was amazing. The air was thinner up here due to the high altitude, so she had to breathe more deeply than usual. Her heart pounded in her chest although she wasn’t sure if it was due to the lack of oxygen or just the vista before her. Aethelu asked a nearby couple if they would take a photo of them, which they obliged. Anais put her arm around Aethelu’s waist and smiled. It was a smile of pure contentment. When they got the camera back and looked at the preview, she could see that Aethelu’s smile had echoed her own. It was the perfect shot. She made a mental note to get it printed and framed when she got home.
“We should really head off soon if we want to make the flight,” said Aethelu, spoiling the moment a little.
“Oh, let’s miss the flight. I could stay forever.” Anais stretched out her arms and spun around like a child.
“And suffer the wrath of Mama?” Aethelu laughed.
“Good point,” she grinned back.
The girls made their descent of the mountain via the cable car and once down, travelled the rest of the journey to the coast on the Vespa.
Ava was waiting for them when they got back to the boat.
“Did you have fun? Isn’t Teide beautiful? Oh I’m so excited. Freddie and I have just bought our own little cottage on the north of the island. Anais I do hope you’ll come see it. Aethelu, I know you saw it yesterday. What did you think? Isn’t it just divine?”
“Little cottage? It’s got five bedrooms and two swimming pools,” Aethelu said to Anais.
“Oh, silly. Don’t exaggerate. It’s only got one pool and a Jacuzzi,” Ava blushed.
“A Jacuzzi for ten people!”
“We might want to have guests around,” said Ava with mock indignation. “Anyway, please tell me you will come see it tomorrow.”
“I’m afraid we have to go home,” said Anais. “I promise we will come back and visit another time. It’s just that we are needed back at The Manor.”
“I understand,” Ava replied, with a hint of disappointment. “Never mind. You are always welcome.”
Anais kissed her on both cheeks and went to fetch her bag.
Alfred had offered to drive them back to the airport. Anais was very grateful that it was by car and not by scooter. She wasn’t sure if her backside would thank her for yet another ride on a bike.
He gave them both a huge hug before leaving them at the airport.
Aethelu got out her phone and called The Manor to let them know they were heading home and to organise being picked up at the other end.
Their flight took off on time, and as they left, Anais looked out of the window and said a silent goodbye to the island, knowing that they would both return at some point.
Chapter Twenty One
Back at The Manor, things had picked up remarkably. Nothing bad had happened since Anais had left, and Alex was out of the surgery. Rafe and Alex had called a truce, and mostly things had returned to normal. Andrew, however, had not forgiven Rafe, and according to Winnie, had been dividing his time between his bedroom and the cellar where he was putting a concerted effort into finding Amber and Abel. Now that they no longer had a patient, Aldrich and James had gone back to working on the Elixir. There was not much they could do without breaking open the pendants, so they were doing their best to reinvent it. The biggest change, though, was in Winnie. She no longer looked worried and the stress lines that were beginning to show on her face had completely disappeared.
On the day they got back, she made Anais and Aethelu a hot chocolate in the kitchen. Arcadia also joined them for a gossip.
“I’m so glad you are both back. It’s been absolutely dreadful with everyone moping around. It’s nice to see someone smiling for a change.” She flashed her pearly whites and sipped her hot chocolate.
“I’m just glad everyone is safe. Honestly, I’ve been so worried about everyone. It’s really nice to see that you two have made up.” Winnie gave Aethelu a hug and smiled at Anais.
“Talking of making up,” added Arcadia. “Have either of you spoken to Alex yet?”
Anais and Aethelu looked at each other. It was Aethelu that answered.
“Not yet. I suppose I should go and see him.”
“We should both make an effort to clear the air.” It was not something that Anais was looking forward to, but she knew it had to be done. It was something she would worry about later. For now, she wanted to know what had been going on since she left. “How is Andrew doing in the search for Amber and Abel?”
&n
bsp; “We haven’t seen much of him to be honest. He’s not even been coming out at meal times. Mama has been taking him meals on a tray to the cellar.”
“Has he said anything to you, Winnie?” asked Anais.
“I know he’s been doing everything to find Abel and Amber. I told him about Egypt, so he’s been concentrating on that country. I think he has a couple of leads in Cairo but nothing concrete. He’s certain they’ve changed their names, which is obviously hindering any progress, as he doesn’t know what they’ve changed them to.”
“What about Sabine? Any progress there?”
“I don’t think Andrew classes Sabine a priority. Alex has said he’d look into it, but he only got out of the surgery yesterday, so I’ve forbidden him from doing anything for the next few days.”
“And Jago?” Anais added.
“Nothing. Aldrich has stopped asking Andrew to increase security. There is no point. This place is more secure than Fort Knox but Jago still comes and goes as he pleases. We are just having to be on our guard all the time. Keep a lookout. Try not to go anywhere alone. Rafe was attacked in the grounds; Alex, in his bed, whilst he was asleep. Neither time was Jago caught on camera, and neither time did the boys see anything. He got Rafe from behind and Alex when he was asleep. I’m beginning to think he’s a ghost. I’ve taken matters into my own hands and asked August to put bolts on the inside of everyone’s bedroom doors. Please use them. I’m sick of worrying about everyone.”
“We will, Mama,” answered Aethelu. “Has Rafe said anything about Judith yet?”
Winnie rolled her eyes. “No, although, I haven’t asked him. Silly boy, I do love him, but I’m so disappointed in him. How he can betray Andrew like that, it’s beyond me.”
“I’ve asked him,” said Arcadia, always to be relied on for the best gossip. “He said that Judith had broken it off with Andrew when she went back to Kenya, but she kept in contact with Rafe.”
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