Weapon of Desire

by Brook, L M

  “So have you experienced any problems with them, would they have a motive to harm any of us?” His casual take is starting to infuriate me.

  “No Darcey, they supply us with good quality parts for a number of military bases and they’ve always been paid on time.” Joe is tired of my line of questioning.

  “So do they know Anthony?” I am determined to get more information.

  “Yes we introduced them over dinner back in May. Anthony came along with his girlfriend Joanna.” He starts to interpret my agitation “Look Darcey they met just once and never did business. Joanna was murdered two days later, Anthony disappeared off the face of the earth and therefore the company dealt directly with Hornchurch.” Joe sighs as though bored of the questions.

  “So there is no reason why they would want to harm Anthony and his family?” I need to satisfy myself.

  “Darcey, it is a coincidence that Joanna was murdered after they met. The company is always in the UK delivering goods to various bases. They reported the car as stolen two weeks ago. Instead of worrying about them you should be asking Daniel about the dangerous crooks he’s been interviewing in Spain. How do you know that he’s not upset someone?” Joe is silent as I digest what he has said.

  “Ok sorry Joe, I know I’m pestering you.” I feel silly as I’d been convinced that Anthony was right that all three crimes were connected.

  “Mum says you are staying with Anthony, would you both like to meet up with Mum, Sam and me for dinner on Sunday?” His invite is most welcome especially as I’m starting to feel like I am living in a bubble.

  “Joe that would be lovely” I wonder how Anthony will feel about having dinner.

  “Darcey, listen to Anthony. I know how stubborn you are; after all he is only trying to protect you.” He pauses and there is an awkward pause “I will contact you about Sunday. Take care of yourself.”

  I sit on the edge of the bed staring out at the lake reconstructing all of the information I have just received. So if the recent incidents have nothing to do with the German company who would want to shoot me? Is it just a coincidence that somebody broke into Sebel House and Joanna being murdered 6 months ago? Could the shooting be related to Daniel’s acquaintances?

  I remember the tablets in my hand and Dr Roberts stating one to be taken each afternoon. Perhaps the pill would calm my overactive mind. I slip the tiny tablet onto my tongue and swallow with a slurp of water.

  “Are you ok Darcey, what are you doing sitting up here on your own?” Tom peers through the doorway.

  “I was checking my phone for missed calls.” I place the phone on the bedside table.

  “Darcey, are you any good at Chess?” Tom reminds me of a young boy in an old man’s body. He always has to be doing something, shooting, walking, dancing or playing chess.

  “Not bad, is this a challenge?” I smile at his effort to engage me in a game.

  Tom wanders downstairs as I curiously follow him to the den. We sit on opposite sofas with our army pieces waiting for our direction. Tom moves forward a pawn and then slumps back with a grin. I select my pawn to initiate battle has begun. He stands and steps towards the stereo, pressing a button classical music pipes through the speakers.

  “I like to listen to music as I plan my attack!” Tom winks and sits staring at the glass chess pieces.

  This is going to be a long game. I curl my legs up behind me noticing the rain falling against the window and the dark grey sky. The fire crackles in the grate with both Bonnie and Clyde snoozing on the rug.

  We are fighting to win as though our lives depended on this game of chess. Tom is immersed, concentrating on strategy as a knock at the door startles us.

  “Darcey, Colonel Garner is here to see you.” This afternoon is turning out to be busy with visitors. I straighten with a stretch and then inquisitively make my way to the drawing room. Tom trails behind me.

  “Good Afternoon Darcey.” A tall officer in uniform with short grey hair shakes my hand as he stands with Freya in front of the fireplace.

  “Good Afternoon.” I’m panicky as to why he is here to see me.

  “Mr and Mrs Hunt it is lovely to see you again. I’m here to have a quick chat with Darcey.” He smiles charmingly at both.

  “Oh of course, we’ll be in the kitchen.” Tom looks uneasy about the visit as they leave the room.

  “How are you Darcey?” He projects smugness with obvious pressing reasons to be here but delays with polite conversation.

  “Could be better.” I’m wary of his so called concern for my welfare.

  “Darcey, I manage all high profile personnel issues throughout the UK army bases. I arranged Anthony’s relocation to Dorton. I’m here to discuss your current issue and how we can help you.” He turns to look out of the window breaking eye contact. I’m still not persuaded of his good intent.

  “I talked to Detective Stevens today. I understand that Anthony suspects a connection between the incident on Monday and the murder of his girlfriend?” Colonel Garner does not smile but remains focused in his approach.

  “Yes he does.” I’m determined to give him as little as possible until I’m sure of his reasons to be here.

  “Detective Stevens also informs me that Anthony regularly engaged in business with your brothers while at Hornchurch.” He scans my face for clues to the extent of my knowledge. “Your brothers are well respected as suppliers for a number of the army bases. Their main contact however being the German company that owned the car involved in the incident on Monday.” He slowly unfolds his concerns which did not primarily involve my wellbeing.

  “I also appreciate that your boyfriend, or should I say ex-boyfriend Mr Frances is a journalist and is speaking to local newspapers about the incident.” His glare is threatening as I remain silent.

  “Darcey, before I go on I want to emphasise the Army’s employee contractual terms of reference. We expect complete confidentiality to be upheld and the protection of information surrounding sensitive military operations. Do you follow where I’m going?” He stops stands directly in front of me and holds my stare.

  “Yes I understand.” He is patronizing and condescending.

  “Also Darcey you can now identify that due to the sensitivity of the information you handle that the army does not approve of families or spouses working together. This is seen as a clear conflict of interest and a possible threat that senior officers like you, may abuse their position.”

  Standing with his hands clasped behind his back he reminds me of a School Principal with clear expectations that I clearly haven’t met. I choose to remain tight lipped.

  “Let me give you a scenario, say you and Anthony are in a relationship and an unsavoury character is party to this information, they may use this knowledge to secure confidential information from Anthony. He would find himself in a very difficult position and perhaps Anthony’s professional judgment may become distorted; a clear case of conflicting interests.” He walks up and down menacingly.

  “Darcey I’m not going to ask you whether you are in a relationship with Anthony but I’m going to tell you how the Army will help you make the right decision to protect all parties and your career.” He stands holding out an envelope.

  “If your relationship is professional then I can go back to my office and turn my attentions to other personnel issues however if this isn’t the case, we can offer you relocation to Dubai as Director of Operations.” He breathes out slowly still holding out the envelope to me. I’m aware that by accepting the package I’d be admitting our affair.

  “And what if I don’t want to leave my family and relocate to Dubai?” My fury is bubbling ready to explode into a torrent.

  “Darcey, the position is a fantastic career opportunity which may never arise again. It’s double your current salary. You’d be a fool not to accept it!”

  I curiously take the envelope and maintain my stern external demeanour. He clutches the envelope asserting his power over me.

  “When do you e
xpect to return to work?” He smiles knowing he has my full attention and compliance.

  “I was hoping to come back Friday.” I still can’t muster a genial smile.

  “Good, I’ll arrange for Detective Stevens to deliver your car here tomorrow and prepare an onsite officer’s apartment for you. Call me when you are ready and I will send an escort.” He’s full of his own smugness knowing he has me exactly where he wants as he holds out his business card.

  “Darcey, Dubai is on offer for the next two weeks only, give me call when you’re ready to talk.”

  Colonel Garner walks towards the drawing room door and opens it sharply. Feet can be heard scurrying down the hallway towards us.

  “Everything ok Colonel Garner?” Tom questions nervously.

  “Yes all in order. Tell me, how is Anthony settling at Dorton after such a testing past six months?” Garner is all smiles that you’d never have thought he’d just delivered his orders with such cold execution.

  “Anthony is really enjoying work with Darcey. They are in the middle of a merger with another school. He is a different person, much happier.” Freya is so proud of her son’s accomplishment.

  “Wonderful news, let’s hope Anthony has many more happy years at Dorton.” He turns to face me with a grin. “I’ll speak to you tomorrow Darcey.”

  A nod is all I can manage as I stand gripping the envelope. I could see Tom isn’t taken by Colonel Garner’s charm and says nothing as he registers my quietness.

  The door shuts and I instantly want to run and never stop. I conclude that if they can’t catch me I’ll never have to leave this haven and accept the army’s proposal.

  “I’m going to take a walk.” I go in search of my jacket and boots which are tidily stored in the boot room after our busy hunting this morning.

  “Would you like me to join you Darcey?” Tom is following me with Freya only feet behind him.

  “No, please don’t take this the wrong way but I need to be alone right now.” I pull on my boots and jacket with the envelope in both hands I exit through the rear door without turning back to look at Tom and Freya.

  The cold air and light rain greets my face as I tuck the envelope inside my jacket. Heading across the front lawns I follow the path winding around the lake. The raindrops form small ripples on the water’s surface as ducks swim for shelter on the far bank. Only the sound of rain gently falling can be heard. My head clears of any thoughts as I soak up the peaceful setting.

  The shower is becoming heavier as the weather worsens, with grey clouds forming a gloom and darkness. Droplets congregate on the ends of my curls as I desperately search the lakeside for cover. In the distance stands a gazebo with open sides and a hanging seat overlooking the water. Running down the gravel path I leap the steps to the decked platform. Feeling cold I dig my hands deep into my pockets listening contently to the rain dripping from the roof onto the steps. Swaying softly backwards and forward on the swing seat I contemplate whether to read the contents of the envelope.

  I recite in my head my options. Finish with Anthony and keep my job or take the job in Dubai which also means distancing myself from Anthony. In other words the message from head office is loud and clear - finish the affair or leave my job. The position in Dubai would’ve been very tempting a few weeks back but seeing it for what it is, leaves a bitter taste. They’re not offering me the role because they want to promote me; they see me as a problem and want me gone. I pull the envelope from inside my jacket and begin to read the finite detail of the offer. Confidentiality clauses are entwined throughout the terms of employment. They intend to completely gag me and control my private affairs.

  Across the lake I can see Anthony’s car pulling through the main gate and cruising towards the house. It’s early for him to be returning home. Tom must have phoned him about our visitation this afternoon.

  My hope of happy ever after with Anthony plummets as I twiddle with the locket; I don’t ever want to leave this place. Anthony makes me feel so happy and cherished. How can I jeopardise his new life here in Suffolk after all he’s been through in the past six months. I recall Colonel Garner’s comment “let’s hope Anthony has many more happy years at Dorton.”

  As I suspect Anthony has returned home to speak to me. I can see him walking in the rain with his heavy green hooded coat and work suit trousers tucked into boots as he skirts the lake with Bonnie and Clyde. What a wonderful sight, making my heart swollen and warm. Tom and Freya must’ve watched me trek across the front lawns.

  Anthony approaches with a grin. My thoughts turn to what a state I must look with dripping wet hair, cold blue lips and sitting alone on a swing. He sits beside me with an arm around my shoulders. I sink my head into his neck enjoying his warmth. There was no fooling him that the meeting this afternoon was good news.

  “I take it Colonel Garner didn’t bring good tidings?” Anthony pulls me in closer rubbing my arm.

  “He knows about us.” I look up into Anthony’s eyes.

  “Who cares that he knows.” His eyes are deep and thoughtful.

  “The army cares strongly.” I listen to Anthony sigh with displeasure as I continue. “Conflicting interests is what he called it.”

  “So what are they going to do about it, put me in prison?” Anthony looks furious at their statement.

  “No, they have informed me of my contractual obligations and how they will help me meet them, which is literally I must stop seeing you and relocate to Dubai.” My previous feeling of powerlessness is now raging into anger.

  “What?” Anthony shouts twisting to face me. “They can’t dictate to you who you can and can’t see!”

  “Oh yes they can, they’re moving me to an apartment at the base tomorrow. No doubt to spy on me to ensure there are no conflicting interests.” I look down feeling sorry for Anthony who sits back in the chair, deep in thought.

  “Did you confirm that we are seeing each other?” Anthony lifts my chin as I shake my head. “Then they can’t prove it and therefore you can stay in your job with me at Dorton.”

  I feel sad and confused, is Anthony agreeing that we remain as professional colleagues only? He frowns as though trying to read my mind.

  “Unless you want to take the job in Dubai?” Anthony’s realisation of the offer cools his enthusiasm.

  “Anthony the bloody job in Dubai is not an offer, it’s a way of getting rid of perceived trouble and gagging me in the process.” I immediately feel better for getting it off of my chest.

  “Then we go on as usual and meet secretly.” He enthrals me with his renewed vigour for us.

  “Does that mean we can’t do things that normal couples do?” I feel deflated at the prospect.

  “Like what?”

  “Like waking up in each other’s arms every morning, holding hands walking at the lakes, staring into each other’s eyes at a restaurant.” I can’t contain my grief at the thought of a secret love affair.

  “We will find a way; don’t let them break us. It will only be for a while until the investigation is over and then they will be busy trying to control someone else.” He smiles and tenderly kisses my lips. “Darcey, I’ll not give you up without a fight.”

  Strolling back in the rain Anthony makes everything seem so straight forward but also complicated.

  “So can I still call you at any time?” I am starting to feel very cold.

  “Of course but only using our mobiles, work calls will be monitored and so will our emails. They most probably have already checked them.” Anthony doesn’t look up from under his hood as we walk and scheme.

  “What do we tell your parents and my family?” My sorrow returns as I think of how affectionately Freya and Tom have welcomed me into their home.

  “We tell them that we are close work colleagues.” Anthony has it all sorted in his head.

  “But surely Freya and Tom must know otherwise.” Anthony stops and holds my hands.

  “Darcey of course they do and they will be heartbroken that you ha
ve to leave tomorrow but they are very good at keeping secrets.” He pulls me in close with his hood hanging over both of us. “It’s going to be fine, trust me.”

  The house is filled with the sweet aroma of tomatoes and garlic. After we discard our wet garments, I tear the envelope into pieces and dispose of it in the recycling bin. Freya and Tom greet us as we pass through the kitchen.

  “Hello dear, you look drenched, would you like a hot drink to warm you up?” Anthony and I naturally hold hands and enjoy the freedom to touch and hug while away from prying eyes.

  “That would be wonderful, thank you.” I stand at the breakfast bar with Anthony wrapped around my waist as Tom appears from his den.

  “Darcey we didn’t finish our game!” He looks disappointed and places his hands on my shoulders. “You know we’re here for you. You can share your problems with us.”

  “I’m sorry for running off like that I didn’t know what to do.” I smile as Freya hands us mugs of hot tea.

  “Darcey in future speak to us, where there is a will, there is a way.” Tom releases my shoulders and smiles at Anthony.

  “It is difficult Pa, the army claims that Darcey is in breach of her contractual agreement due to conflicting interests, namely me.”

  Tom shuffles angrily “That is ridiculous!”

  “I’m sorry but I’m not going to stop seeing Darcey, she means too much to me. So I’m asking you both to be discreet concerning our relationship.” Anthony holds my hand as he leans against the bar with his mug.

  “Our lips are sealed Anthony, if you’re happy, we are too.” Tom puts a manly arm around his shoulders and Freya tilts her head sympathetic to his plea.

  “Thanks, I knew you’d understand.” He reclaims my waist. “Ma what time is supper; we’ll be joining you this evening.”

  “Not until 8 so go get out of those wet clothes, you’ll catch a death!” She is totally devoted to her family’s happiness and that includes me.

  Anthony leads me into the hallway where we climb the stairs together.

  I instinctively continue along the landing to reach the second floor staircase where he stops outside his bedroom door tugging me back towards him.