by Leanne Banks
“Hey.”
Pippa turned at the sound of Nic’s voice as he walked from the guest quarters closer to the driveway. “Hello,” she said. “I was afraid to interrupt. It’s so quiet.”
“I heard your car in the driveway,” he said. “Last I checked both my parents are napping again, although I think my mom is getting restless. She’ll need a field trip soon. Nice flowers. Come on inside,” he said and opened the door to the cottage. He paused, cocking his head to one side. “I’ll check to see if the bedroom door is still closed. Just a minute.”
She watched him walk down the hallway. Seconds later, he returned, his face creased with concern. “She’s gone.”
Pippa bit her lip, feeling a quick spurt of apprehension. She couldn’t help remembering how Amelie had fainted the last time she’d gone out on her own. “Are you sure she’s not somewhere else in the house? Taking a nice long bath. Maybe she’s in the kitchen.”
He shook his head as he walked toward the kitchen. “I could see the open door of the bathroom.” He glanced in the kitchen. “Not there. This isn’t good.”
“Maybe she went for a little walk in the neighborhood,” Pippa suggested hopefully.
“The problem with my mother is that she doesn’t take little walks. She probably escaped when I was working and the new house staff went to the market. I thought she was sleeping,” he said and swore under his breath. “I have to go look for her.”
“But where?” Pippa asked, watching his muscles bunched with tension even as he rolled his shoulders.
“I don’t know, but I can’t sit here waiting. I’ll leave a note for Dad and Goldie. He’ll be helping out here at the cottage for the time being.”
Wanting to help, she impulsively offered, “I’ll go with you.” She suspected she surprised herself as much as she’d surprised him.
He gave the offer a flicker of consideration, then shook his head. “There’s nothing you can do. I’ll call or text you when I find out anything.”
His easy dismissal of her irritated her. “I do know Chantaine better than you do.”
“What’s to know? The island isn’t that big,” he said.
“Did you know about Bebe’s Crepes?” she asked.
“No, but—” He broke off and raked his hand through his dark hair. “Okay. But my first priority is finding my mother. If you’re afraid someone may be able to identify you, you’ll just have to duck behind the seat.”
“Yes. Just let me put the flowers in water and grab my baseball cap,” she said.
“I’ll go ahead and call Goldie and ask him to come back now. I don’t want my dad freaking out here by himself.”
Pippa quickly placed the flowers in a pitcher she filled with water because she couldn’t find a vase. Hearing Nic’s low voice in the background gave her a sense of urgency. She raced to her car to grab the baseball cap. She’d put her hair in a topknot again, refusing to fight with it this morning. Pulling it down, she looked for an elastic band so she could put it in a ponytail and slip it through the back of the cap.
Hearing Nic’s feet on the gravel of the driveway, she glanced up and pushed her fingers through her hair self-consciously.
“You should wear it down more often,” he said.
“Oh, so I can look like I put my finger in an electrical socket?” No one had ever pretended to like her hair. She’d heard of a treatment that might tame it, but the idea of the hours it would take to accomplish it put her off.
“I like it,” he said with a slow grin. “It’s kinda wild. Makes me wonder if you have a wild streak underneath.”
“I don’t,” she assured him and stuffed the unruly mass through the back of the ball cap as best as she could. “Shall we go?”
“I’m ready,” he said and tucked her into the passenger side of his Mercedes.
“Has your mother mentioned any particular places in Chantaine that she wanted to visit?” she asked as soon as Nic pulled out of the driveway.
“Since she moved into the cottage, she’s just talked about how happy she is to be here, how beautiful it is.”
“Hmm. Where are we headed first?” she asked.
“The beach,” he said.
“That’s a bit to cover. I don’t supposed you’ve heard her talk about any specific beaches,” she said.
“I’ve heard her talk about Chantaine a lot,” he said, narrowing his eyes in deep thought. “She used to tell us bedtime stories about Chantaine before we went to sleep at night when my father was gone.”
“Gone?” she asked.
“In prison,” he said. “His conviction was overturned on a technicality. For a while there, she wouldn’t let him come back.”
Shocked by his revelation, she blinked. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know. That must have been difficult.”
“It was the gift that keeps on giving. My older brothers never forgave him. My younger brother just withdrew.”
“But they’ve been in touch with your mother since she’s been ill,” she said.
“They won’t talk to her if there’s any chance they have to speak to my father,” he said.
“Oh, my goodness, they’re as bad as my family,” she blurted. “If not worse.”
He shot her a sideways glance, but kept his focus on the road. “Yeah.”
“I’m sorry, but I’m just shocked. You never told me about all of this. Of course, I’d heard things about your father from my family, but you just said his conviction was overturned.”
“Yeah, well, everyone’s got a few skeletons in their closet. Even Stefan with his surprise daughter,” he said.
Pippa bit her lip. It had been both scandalous and traumatic for the entire family and country for Stefan to learn he’d fathered a child fifteen months after the fact. “As soon as he’d learned about her, he’d done his fatherly duty. He’s been a wonderful improvement over the example he had, let me tell you.”
“Does that say more about your father or Stefan?” he challenged.
“My father wasn’t involved with us. He procreated so that there would be children to carry on the work of the Devereauxs. The more he procreated, the more he could stay on his yacht and the less he would have to do.” Her heart was slamming against her rib cage. She’d thought she’d settled all this as a child. Heaven knew, it was old news. “Stefan reads to his daughter most nights.”
“Okay, okay,” he said. “No need to yell.”
“I wasn’t yelling,” she said, then reviewed her words and felt a slap of embarrassment. “Was I?”
“Just a little, but I probably deserved it,” he said and pulled the car alongside the beach. “Let’s check here.” He opened the door for her and they scanned the beach from each direction.
“Did she mention this as one of her favorite beaches?” she asked, staring past rows of hot bodies.
“No. It’s just the closest to the cottage. Why do you ask?”
“Well, Chantaine’s beaches may share sand and water, but they each have their own personalities,” she said.
“Such as?”
“This is more of a singles scene, a pickup beach. As you can see from the demographics, a younger crowd frequents this beach. Farther north near the resorts, you’ll find the celebrities and international visitors. Even farther north, there’s a family beach where you’ll see more children.”
His hair whipping in the wind, he narrowed his eyes. “What’s the name of the family beach?”
“St. Cristophe,” she said.
“It was on the tip of my tongue,” he said. “Let’s go there. She went there often as a child before her parents died. She talked about eating fruit, cheese and crackers at the beach. I just hope she didn’t decide to go into the water.”
They both got into the car, traveling in silence up the coast. Pippa could s
ense Nic’s tension. “If you could just persuade her to leave a message before she leaves…”
“Tell me something new. Maybe she’ll listen to you if you say something to her,” he said.
“Me? Why would she listen to me?” she asked, surprised at the suggestion. Amelie had only just met her.
“She’s grateful to you for the use of the cottage and you’re female. She thinks I’m just being overbearing and protective,” he said.
“I’ll give it a try,” she said, full of doubt. “Maybe we could get a list of things she wants to do.”
“Like a bucket list?”
She cringed. “That’s morbid.”
“But part of the program at this point,” he said, clenching his jaw.
Pippa’s heart twisted. She hated it for all of them, but Nic was only speaking the truth. “St. Cristophe Beach is just a few more kilometers north. We should be there soon.”
As soon as the sign for the beach greeted them, Nic again pulled onto the side of the road and helped her from the car. Pippa scanned the beach. “Do you see her?”
He shook his head. “Let’s split up. I’ll go south. You go north. Call my cell if you find her and I’ll do the same. Okay?”
She nodded in agreement and walked northward. The breeze was picking up and the clouds were rolling in, bringing the air temperature down. With Amelie’s slight frame, Pippa feared the woman could become easily chilled even though it was summer.
Walking along the beach, she looked from one side to the other. Chantaine’s beaches had their share of rocks and trees. Going barefoot could lead to serious discomfort. One more thing to worry about if Amelie had impulsively removed her shoes.
“Look! Isn’t that Princess Phillipa?” a woman’s voice called.
Pippa froze. Bloody hell, now what could she do.
A woman and several children raced toward her. Oh great, her security detail was going to kill her.
“Your Highness,” the woman said, making an awkward curtsy. “Boys, take a bow. Girls, curtsy.”
Pippa couldn’t help smiling at the woman’s delight and friendliness. “It’s not necessary. I was here just taking a little walk. St. Cristophe is such a lovely beach. Are you enjoying your day?”
“Very much,” the woman said.
The children echoed, “Yes, ma’am.”
“Even more so seeing you here,” the woman said. “Is there any chance you would give me an autograph? It would be a dream come true.”
Seeing a small crowd forming, Pippa knew she’d better make the best of it. “Now, I didn’t want to make a big production of this, so you’re going to keep my little escape to the beach a secret. Won’t you?” Fat chance with Facebook and Twitter alive and well.
She began to shake hands, sign autographs and make pleasant conversation. It really wasn’t that difficult. The people were so lovely and kind. Her cell phone rang in the small purse she carried. “Excuse me for just a moment,” she said and drew back slightly from the crowd.
“I found her,” Nic said. “She was sitting beside a tree sleeping.”
“I’m so relieved for you,” she said. “But I’ve been discovered. Go ahead and take her home.”
“How will you get back?” he asked.
“I’ll figure out something. Or someone will alert security and it won’t be necessary. I just wish my car wasn’t in your driveway.”
“I’ll have Goldie take care of it. Where do you want it?”
“Close by, but he doesn’t have the key.”
“Goldie won’t need it,” he said. “I’ll text you when he’s close. He’ll grab a cab ride back. Ciao.”
Pippa opened her mouth to protest, but she knew Nic had hung up, so she turned back to the crowd and continued to chat, sign autographs and even pose for a few photographs. Yes, there was going to be an inquisition in her very near future. Several moments later, her cell signaled a text. Certain it was from Nic, she didn’t bother to look and began to say her goodbyes.
“It was lovely meeting all of you,” she said. “But I really must go. Ciao.”
She climbed the sandy hill to the road and after walking south a short distance, she spotted her vehicle. Unfortunately she also spotted the vehicle belonging to her security man Giles. Dread tightening her stomach, she walked toward the man. She really didn’t want to lose Giles as her personal security guard. He was, after all, the oldest security member on the force. With the exception of her secret meetings with Nic nearly a year ago, he regarded her as a sweet but boring student who posed very little security threat. Plus he was given to taking nice long naps in the afternoon.
“Your Highness,” he said wearing an extremely displeased expression. “You didn’t inform me of your plans to visit the beach today.”
“I know,” she said. “I’m terribly sorry. It was an impulse after lunch. I mentioned my plans to pop into a café for lunch, didn’t I?”
Giles shook his head. “No, ma’am, you didn’t.”
“Oh, it must have slipped my mind. You know I usually pack a lunch, but I forgot this morning. My recent studies have been a bit depressing, detailing the causes of deaths of all our ancestors. I just felt a walk on a family beach would clear my head,” she said, hoping she was boring the bloody stuffing out of him.
“But you usually prefer the more isolated Previn Beach,” he said.
“I know. I guess I just wanted to see happy families playing on the beach. I do apologize. I would never want to trouble you.”
“I know you wouldn’t,” he said. “But you must apprise someone of your whereabouts. If something happened to you, I would never forgive myself.”
“You are absolutely correct and I’ll never do it again,” she lied and felt guilty, but she couldn’t change the course she’d started and she wouldn’t if she could.
* * *
“But you should have informed your Giles or someone,” Frank, the head of security said to her. Because one interrogation wasn’t enough.
“I know,” Pippa said. “But I also know that Stefan has said that he wants us to make more impromptu public appearances.”
“Impromptu to the public, not to security.”
“So sorry,” she said, and tried to conceal her insincerity. It seemed to be growing easier. She hoped she wasn’t becoming a lying wench.
Frank sighed and began to pace across her public den. “Your Highness, except for your lapse with Mr. Lafitte, you have been an easy royal to protect. Since then, your studies and family have dominated your life. We don’t wish to intrude, but if you continue to be unpredictable, then we will need to provide further security.”
“I apologize again for not giving you more information today. I will do my best to be as predictable as possible in the future,” she said.
Frank gave a sideways tilt of his head. “Perhaps I wasn’t clear. We need you to be transparent.”
Pippa gave a slow nod. The last thing she wanted to be was transparent. “Of course. And that’s exactly what I shall be. Transparent. Predictable,” she quickly added.
“Thank you very much, Your Highness,” Frank said. “It is only our desire to protect you.”
“I know,” Pippa said. “And I’m very grateful,” she added, exaggerating.
Frank smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Your Highness. I knew we could count on you.”
Pippa lifted her lips in a smile as he left her suite. She’d just bought herself a couple more days of freedom. She hoped.
* * *
The following day, Pippa skipped visiting the Lafittes and even texting Nic. She felt as if she needed to stick to being predictable and transparent for at least one full day. That next night, however, she tossed and turned as she tried to sleep. She couldn’t be what she needed to be for her family. She couldn’t be what she wan
ted to be for the Lafittes.
She finally fell into a fitful sleep full of images of Nic and Amelie. Strong, strong Nic who would never admit pain or vulnerability, yet his dark eyes said something far different. Unable to sleep, she paced her bedroom and tried to work. She finally gave in and sent a text to Nic. I’m going to need a different disguise.
When a civilized time of day finally arrived, Pippa took a shower and got ready to go to the library. She sat down to work, and even though she had the concentration of a water newt, she forced herself to focus. Some time later, a package was placed beside her.
Glancing up, Pippa caught sight of a big bald man walking away from her. She lifted her hand. “Sir?”
The man didn’t turn around. Pippa frowned, staring at the package. She glanced around her, then turned it over. The package bore the initials PD. Curious, she eyed the package with a sideways glance and slid it onto the chair beside her. Nic Lafitte was crazy. Who knew what scheme he had in his wicked mind?
She glanced back at her own laptop and with her heart racing, she tried to stare at the screen. Forget concentration. She would just like to be able to read the words on her screen. After seven tries, she gave up, grabbed the package and walked to the ladies’ room. She went into a stall, ripped open the package and pulled out a gray-haired wig. Pippa couldn’t help snickering. Her curiosity shooting upward, she pulled out the rest of the contents of the package. A hat, an ugly gray dress, tennis shoes and a key to a car.
She fished out a scrawled note at the bottom of the package. “The car is old, gray and rusty. In America, we call it a POS mobile. More later.”
POS mobile? She couldn’t wait to hear his explanation, she thought as she changed into the ugly gray dress. After she finished dressing, she carefully folded her other clothing and placed it into the package. Walking out of the restroom, she looked into the mirror and gaped. She looked at least thirty years older if not more. Pippa snickered again. Well done, Nic.
Following her instincts, she walked out the back door of the library and looked around for an old gray, rusty car. She immediately spotted it. The car was the most hideous vehicle she’d ever seen. Pippa walked to it, unlocked the door and got inside.