“Amsterdam,” said Alex.
Sabine looked shocked. “How did you know?”
“It’s a long story,” he answered, “How did you get home?”
“I caught a train to Florence. I was too scared to call the police or go home. I did go to the Galleria David to see if my father had been there, but the owner hadn’t seen him. I walked the streets for hours not knowing what to do when my coat pocket started to ring. I found a phone in there. It was Jago. He asked where I was. I told him the truth that I was back in Florence. He was unhappy about that, but told me to book into a hotel room under the name on the passport and not to answer the door to anyone. He’s called me a few times since then. The last time was about three weeks ago when he told me to destroy the phone.”
“He told you to destroy it? Why?”
“I guess he was worried that I would be found out and that the phone would somehow trace back to him.”
“Please tell me you didn’t destroy it,” said Alex urgently.
“I’m afraid I did. I was glad to. I smashed it into little bits. I hoped never to hear his voice again, but not long after, I got a phone call on the hotel’s landline. He kept in contact with me through that.”
“Did he give you any indication who or where he was?”
“No, I think he was just keeping tabs on me. He called at random times to check that I was still in the room. He told me that if I left, my father would be killed. He even called in the middle of the night. I was never free of him. He paid for food to be delivered to my room, so I would never have to leave.”
“If he paid for room service, surely there would be his credit card details on file at the hotel?” said Aethelu. “He would have had to pay the bill once her money ran out, too.”
“No, it was all done by cash. He sent me a huge amount of cash in an envelope and told me it was to pay for the hotel and the food. I was too scared to go down to the reception to pay in case he rang whilst I was out, so I had to call the receptionist to come to me to settle the bill.”
“Why didn’t you use the hotel phone to call someone for help?” asked Aethelu.
“I told you, I was too scared. I called the reception one time when he was trying to get through on the phone and he screamed at me. He didn’t believe I wasn’t phoning for help. He told me my father was as good as dead. I was devastated, but what could I do. He phoned back, a few minutes later and told me he had given me another chance to save my father, but he wouldn’t give me any more.”
The tears were now flowing freely down her face.
“That’s enough,” said James, putting a fatherly arm around her. “Come on, it is time for you to sleep. You have been through enough. You need rest.”
He guided her up to her room, and as he didn’t return, they assumed he must have retired to his own room for the evening.
“What do you make of all that?” asked Aethelu.
“He’s scared.”
“Who? James?”
“Jago. There was no need to keep her in the hotel room. Why would he? That is, unless he was scared.”
“But she doesn’t remember much about him. He was wearing the same mask that he was wearing the night he attacked you.”
“He wasn’t. We found that one in the grounds, remember? He must have had more than one identical mask. He must have thought she had seen something, though, otherwise his actions make no sense.”
“Nothing he does makes any sense to me, but you are probably right,” admitted Aethelu. “The question is what? What did she see?”
“Or what did he think she saw?”
Alex joined in the conversation. “He was probably worried that she saw the place she was being held and was able to identify it.”
“She was kept near to us, that much, we know because she was left at our local airport.”
“That makes sense. Jago must be keeping an eye on us. Checking that we are making the Elixir. He would have to keep Sabine with him. He’s got a base in Baildon, or at least nearby.”
“You are right. We’ve been travelling the world looking for him and he’s been under our nose the whole time.”
“What about all those letters sent from around the world? He would have had to leave her alone to be able to travel.”
“Unless we go back to our original theory of him working with a partner.”
Anais thought her head may explode with it all. She was beginning to get a headache, which was not just due to the glass of wine. Once again, it felt that they were back at square one. She wearily made her way to bed and fell into a deep sleep.
Chapter Twenty Seven
The next morning found Anais, once again, awake at 5am. It was becoming a habit. As she had before, she crept downstairs with the same aim of taking a short morning stroll to the bakery. She really needed something for the headache that was still pounding through her brain. Heading to the kitchen to grab a glass of water and headache tablets, she was surprised to see Sabine seated at the kitchen table.
“Morning!” she said, as cheerfully as she could manage through the pain.
Sabine, with her back to her, had not heard her come in. She jumped a mile and almost screamed before seeing who it was.
“Oh, good morning. You scared me!”
“I’m sorry. I was just looking for something for a headache.”
“I just thought…” she paused “Sit down. I have something that is good for headaches.” She rummaged through a handbag and brought out a pack of tablets and filled a glass with water, both of which she placed in front of Anais.
“Thank you,” said Anais weakly “You thought I was Jago?”
“I did. I’m sorry. I’ve spent the last few weeks looking over my shoulder for him to appear. The main thing he held over me was the fact that he held my father, or at least, I thought he did. Now I’m worried that he’ll call the hotel and find out I’ve left. Will he come back for me or my father?”
“I don’t know,” admitted Anais.
“I don’t mean to be rude. I understand that you helped my father find me, and I will be eternally grateful for that, but who exactly are you? What do you have to do with all this and why did this Jago kidnap me? Was a ransom asked for?”
Anais realised that in all the talking that Sabine did last night, she still knew nothing about their situation. She thought she had been kidnapped for money.
Her headache was beginning to clear, but her brain still felt foggy.
“Come with me. Let’s go for a walk.” She stood up and headed for the door, still intent on visiting the little bakery. She would use the walking time to fill Sabine in. She looked around and saw fear in Sabine’s eyes. She’d still not left the table and it was clear that she was weighing whether to trust Anais or not.
“I promise to tell you everything,” Anais told her, “I think you need to know about your past, and how you are linked to all this.”
Sabine thought for a second, but her curiosity got the better of her, and she stood and followed Anais into the morning air.
They walked slowly into the village and by the time they had reached the bakery, Anais had told Sabine everything, from her father inventing the Elixir (which she already knew) right up to Jago threatening the family and the whole world because he wanted the Elixir. Sabine, for her part listened intently and kept quiet.
When Anais finished, Sabine still didn’t say a word. The shock was apparent on her face, however, and when she finally did speak, it was not to ask questions or clarify a point, but to guide Anais down a little street in the picturesque village that Anais had not been on before.
They had not walked far before they came upon a pretty little stone church. Sabine pushed open a side door and slipped inside beckoning Anais to follow. Once inside, Sabine silently lit a candle and knelt in front of a statue of Mary. Anais had never had much time for religion and felt a little out of place and awkward. Instead of following Sabine’s lead, she took a seat in the front pew near to where Sabine was kneeling.<
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Eyes closed and head bowed, Sabine said a quiet prayer in Italian. Anais didn’t understand most of what she was saying, but got the gist of it. She was thanking God for the safe return of her father. Sabine finished her prayer and then pulled a rosary necklace from under her blouse and kissed it. She said one last Amen and then stood. She turned to Anais and asked if she wanted to pray, which Anais declined. She wouldn’t know what to say.
Once back outside the church, the day was beginning to brighten, and the dawn was coloured pink.
“Thank you for letting me pray. It was quite a story you told me. I needed a few minutes contemplation and to pray for the soul of Jago.”
“I thought you were thanking God that James was safe.”
“That, too. I am so happy he is home and unharmed. I have spent the past few weeks terrified. I am still scared. After all that you have told me, it seems that I still need to be worried. This isn’t the end. I feel it. It’s going to get worse before it gets better--much worse.”
Anais didn’t know what to make of Sabine’s prophesy, but it chilled her to the bone. She could well believe it, although she wasn’t sure how it could get much worse. It didn’t bear thinking about, so she was glad when she saw that the bakery was now open for the day.
They didn’t stop for coffee this time, but bought another fresh loaf and round of croissants. Sabine had realised that she’d forgotten to write a note telling James where they were and was eager to get back to the farmhouse so that he wouldn’t worry.
As it was, everyone else was still asleep when they got back. Anais made them both a coffee and munched on a croissant. Sabine ate hers much more daintily, not spilling a single flake.
“How is your head?” asked Sabine between mouthfuls.
“Head?” asked Anais, before remembering the headache she’d had earlier. “Oh, fine, thank you. Those tablets you gave me worked wonders. That and the fresh air. My headache is gone.”
“Good!” Sabine smiled. “So where do we go from here?”
“I guess that we keep trying to find Jago and the other necklaces to make the Elixir. You and your father can come back to the Manor and stay with us until we do.”
“From all that you’ve told me, the manor is the last place to go to for safety.”
Anais contemplated this and had to admit that Sabine was probably correct. “So what will you do?”
“I think we will stay here. Buy some bolts for the doors and look after each other. Then we will pray.” Anais eyes fell on the rosary that hung round Sabine’s neck as she said this. A few of the brown beads had at one point fallen off and it was beginning to look somewhat threadbare. The ones that were left were beautiful, a little like the marbles Anais had played with as a child. They looked to be made of glass and had a thread of red running through each one.
“Of course, it depends on my father,” Sabine said.
“What depends on me?” James asked, as he walked through the door with a huge smile on his face. He kissed his daughter on the head and sat down at the table. Alex and Aethelu followed and took the remaining seats around the table. Alex immediately grabbed for a croissant and bit into it greedily, showering the table with pastry flakes.
“I was just saying that we should stay here at the farmhouse. Anais has told me the whole story and it seems that we are not safe wherever we are, so I see no reason to go anywhere else.”
“I had been thinking that myself. Aldrich does need my help back at the manor making the Elixir, though. I’m not sure what to do for the best.”
“No point making hasty decisions,” said Alex, with a mouthful of croissant. He caught Sabine looking at him and turned beetroot red. He quickly wiped his mouth with a napkin and grinned. “I mean, there is no rush to get back to the manor in the next few days. We could all discuss it and see what is best for everyone.”
“I agree,” said Anais who had fallen in love with Florence and didn’t want to go back to the reality of life at the manor. She did miss Winnie, though. “We should call them a bit later and tell them the good news.”
“Why wait? They are only an hour behind us, time wise. Mama will be up and about preparing breakfast.” Aethelu pulled out her phone and dialled the manor’s landline. As she had predicted, it was Winnie that answered. Aethelu pressed the speaker button so they could all hear.
“Hi, Mama.”
“Aethelu! Oh, I was just about to call you. Is everything ok?” She sounded flustered.
“Yes, Mama. We are calling with some great news, actually. We’ve found Sabine. She’s safe and well and home.”
“Oh, that’s fantastic news.” She spoke as if she wasn’t really listening. The tone of her voice certainly didn’t seem like she was particularly enthused by the news, despite the sentiment.
Anais gave Aethelu a curious look.
“Is everything ok over there, Mama? You don’t sound particularly happy.”
“Oh, Aethelu,” she started to cry, “Andrew’s been attacked now. Just like the others. He’s in the surgery in a coma.”
Alex picked up the phone and spoke to his mother, “He’ll be fine. Look at Rafe and me. Whatever Jago injected him with will wear off in a few days and he’ll be back to normal. Jago is playing with us.”
“You don’t understand,” she sniffed, “It’s not the same this time. Whatever Jago gave to him was much worse than what he gave you. I came down to the kitchen this morning as usual, but could smell something burning. I followed the smell to the larder. When I opened the door, smoke billowed out. The lift wasn’t working, so I had to get Rafe to help me get down there. We found that everything had been destroyed. All the screens were smashed, there was glass everywhere. All our security is down. Not that it ever stopped that monster getting in, anyway. There was smoke everywhere. I could barely see through the blackness of it. It was acrid. We finally found Andrew and managed to pull him up to the kitchen. He was covered in blood. Jago has really done it this time. I’m not sure Andrew will survive. Your father has him on a respirator, because he’s not breathing on his own. Whatever poison he’s been given is stopping his blood from clotting. It’s like he’s been turned into a normal human. The Light has just gone from him.” With that, she began to sob uncontrollably.
Anais looked around the table and could see the shock that she felt echoed in the other’s faces.
She took the phone from Alex, “We are coming home. We’ll get the first flight.”
“What’s he playing at? We are doing what he wants.” Alex slammed his fist down on the table making them all jump.
“Alex, book us five tickets home on the earliest flight. I’ll start to pack up.”
“Three tickets.” Sabine spoke for the first time. I already told you. I’m not going with you to your house. My father and I are staying here. I appreciate your help in finding me more than you could ever know, but it isn’t safe for us to go with you.”
“I have to go, Sabine, my love,” James said “They need my help to make the Elixir and Aldrich will need all the help he can get with Andrew. I cannot leave them like this after everything they have done for us. Without them, you would not be here with us.”
“I know, Father, but I can’t go through that again. I am scared. I do not want to go to England.”
“It won’t be the same. You will be safe this time.”
“How can you possibly know that? You heard her, the house has no security.”
“I can’t leave you here alone, but I must go,” he pleaded with her.
“I’ll stay.” Alex looked at James. “You go back with the girls. You are far more important than me. I’ll stay here and take care of Sabine as long as you need me to.”
“Well, I…” James trailed off whilst he thought about it. “I hate to leave you, Sabine, but it does seem like the best solution. What do you think?”
She looked at Alex and smiled. “I think it’s perfect.”
Anais caught a small look pass between Alex and Sabine and realised
she’d not have to worry about Alex being in love with her anymore.
“That’s sorted, then. Book three tickets home.” She stood up. “Let’s get packing.”
Two hours later, they had said their goodbyes to Alex and Sabine and were taxiing down the runway on the flight to Leeds/Bradford. As they took off, Anais looked out of the window over the Italian countryside. She was sad to leave. Being in Florence had been almost like a holiday. In her time here, she had almost forgotten the predicament they were all still in. The joy at finding Sabine had made her briefly forget that Sabine was only a small part of the puzzle, and they still had a long way to go. She sighed loudly.
“You ok?” Aethelu gripped her hand and smiled.
The tingles had diminished so much after all the contact they had had over the past few weeks that Anais barely felt them anymore. She laid her head on Aethelu’s shoulder and closed her eyes. She was in the same position when they came in to land hours later.
Chapter Twenty Eight
Back at the house, the full extent of the damage was apparent before they even got onto the grounds. They had ordered a taxi back to the house, rather than bother the house’s occupants, who were all either helping with Andrew or cleaning the cellar. The taxi drew up to the gates and let them out. Their key fobs, which usually made the big gates open did not appear to work as they remained steadfastly shut, despite both Anais and Aethelu trying them with both their fobs.
“How are we going to get in?”
“We could call August to open the gates for us.”
James answered the question by throwing his suitcase over the wall and jumping over after it.
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