“What does it say?” I ask.
“No need for you to know, Alexandra,” Benito mumbles. “I’ll deal with this. Anna, love, can I keep your phone? I’m sure your mum will get you another.”
“Whatever,” she sobs. “Just… I don’t want any more of those.” She flaps her hand towards the phone as she sits on the bed sobbing.
“I’ll get on it now. James, are you staying here tonight?” Benito looks menacing, I really wouldn’t like to be on the wrong side of him. I can’t help but wonder what sort of security he’s involved in and I question myself – what have I got involved with?
“I don’t know. I’ll check if there’s anything available. Give me a second.” James picks up the telephone by the side of Anna’s bed. He calls reception. Whilst he checks room availability, I comfort Anna. I have no idea what her dad has texted her but whatever it was, it was clearly enough to really frighten her.
“The room you had is free,” James says to me. He looks at Benito. “Next door but one to here. Can you stay here with them while I go and get the key?” He leaves us with Benito whilst he goes to reception.
I stay with Katie and Anna for a couple of hours, until they’re both ready for bed, leaving them with the reassurance that I’m just down the corridor, with James, telling them that they must come and get us, or telephone us if they feel insecure in any way.
Once everyone is settled and I’ve made my way back to our room, I slip off my dress, shower quickly and slip on the hotel robe. I check my face in the mirror. Now that my makeup is off I check the bruise on my cheek; it’s still evident but only slightly, I’m healing quickly, coupled with Lewis losing his touch.
James is watching TV as I walk back into the bedroom. “What did the text say?”
He looks at me. “Do you really want to know?” He follows me as I flop down on the bed.
“Yes, it’s important,” I snap. “I need to know. Tell me!”
He draws breath, “It said that he knew Anna was here, on her own, and that she should be prepared to live with him again as he was coming to get you, that you wouldn’t be around much longer and that it was all a big mistake, all Maggie’s possessions were his really.” James recounts the text on Anna’s phone.
I throw my hands over my face. It’s not real, Lewis is totally deranged, he’s lost the plot completely. “What can I do? I suppose telling the police isn’t an option?”
“You need to take out a restraining order that applies to you and Anna. Call your solicitor tomorrow and get it arranged. Benito may be able to help, he’s pretty good.”
“What sort of security is he involved in?” I ask.
“Top end,” he answers shortly.
I frown. “What does that mean? Is he MI5 or something?”
“Or something – and don’t ask any more questions about Benito. Please,” he says very firmly, looking so serious.
“He won’t do anything stupid, will he?” I’m worried, very worried.
“No, nothing stupid. Benito doesn’t do stupid!” His tone is short, brittle.
“So what exactly does he do, James? I want to know!”
“He will take care of it, don’t worry, and don’t ask any more questions about Benito, all right?” he snaps. “It’ll be sorted!”
I just hope that this Benito knows what he’s doing. I don’t want any repercussions, I just want to get the divorce finalised and move on properly, that’s all. Why is Lewis being so bloody awkward? I think back to what I’ve been through over the years, the hurt both physical and mental and the heartache, losing my parents, especially my dad when I was young, and now Lewis doesn’t appear to want to let me go. No, it’s the cash he wants, not me, I’m just the route to the cash. My insides twist again, feeling so nervous and unsettled.
I sit on the bed in my hotel robe. Look at me! Even though I’m not actually with Lewis he’s still running my life, making it so that I can’t move on, and now it’s impacting on Anna. I really don’t know how much more of this I can take, it’s worse than the weekend beatings.
I stare at the TV, stare into nothing. I’m deep within my own thoughts when I feel my eyes pool, a tear gently finds its way down my cheek just as James turns.
“Sorry I was short.” He looks at me. “Oh no, Alex, please, please don’t cry. I’m sorry.” He moves onto the giant bed and slides over towards me.
“It’s not you,” I blubber. “It’s him, why can’t he just leave me alone? All I want to do is move on. He’s getting a huge amount of cash out of me but still isn’t satisfied. What’s wrong with him, James, what have I done?” I sob. I really don’t know what else to do. What else can I do?
“You’ve done nothing, nothing at all.” He pulls me close, kissing the top of my head. “Nothing at all, Alex.”
I rest my head on his shoulder for I don’t know how long, he just holds me close, whispering little reassurances.
I must fall to sleep and I wake with a start at the sound of James’s mobile ringing. I’m still resting on his shoulder, he’s still fully dressed and awake, I don’t think he’s slept. He reaches for his phone and glances at the screen.
“Benito.” He stands and moves away from the bed, taking his conversation to the far side of the room. He pulls the drapes aside and stands in the window, looking out over the lights of London. I glance at the clock. It’s three in the morning, does this Benito chap not sleep?
I listen to the one side of the conversation, trying to fill in the blanks, but it’s difficult.
“Yeah,” he says, “that’s right… Little village, I think… Not sure, I’ll ask Alex.”
He turns to me. “What does Lewis drive?”
“Land Rover Discovery.” I frown. “Why?”
“No reason.” He smiles.
“Hi Benito.” He returns to his conversation. “Did you catch that? A Land Rover Discovery… That’ll be it… Yes, I think so… Great. Speak soon.” He ends the call.
“What was that all about?” I ask. “Please, nothing stupid!”
“How many times, Alex, I will not be involved in anything, and neither will you.”
I listen to him, taking in every word.
I look at him, seriously. “You said I and you, what about this Benito chap?”
“Benito will not be involved in anything either, you have to believe me. How can I make you understand? Nothing will happen that involves Benito, me or you. Are you clear?”
“So something will happen, then?”
“Alex,” he raises his voice, “what has Lewis done to you? Your back, your ribs, your face only last week? That’s wrong, totally wrong! Was it not wrong when Lewis landed that iron on your back? Are you trying to tell me that it was okay to do that and not face any consequences? That bastard is more than just a wife beater, he’s an unstable one! Do you know what would have happened to him if he’d have done what he did to you in my dad’s home town? Do you? I’m going to get the car back from Roberto’s. You’ll be okay here for an hour, don’t answer the door to anyone. I’ll pick up my master key I’ll let myself in when I come back.”
I can’t argue with him, I’m out of steam. I feel mentally and physically drained, and it’s Lewis’s fault. The very moment I think I’m starting to move forward, up he pops again. Maybe I should just let Benito and whoever else is involved get on with it.
I curl up on the bed again and must fall back to sleep.
Chapter 14
I wake early. The alarm clock is showing 6 a.m., the sun’s shining through the crack in the drapes on this fine morning. The Bossman must have crept back in earlier, I didn’t hear him. James is supposed to be on duty today and I feel the need to stay around the hotel, just for security’s sake after Lewis’s latest stunt last night, but I’m also determined that I’m not going to become a prisoner in my own home or here, life must and will go on. Although I’m tempted to send Katie back home, remove her from the situation.
I whisper to James. “Wake up, it’s six – you need to re
lieve Robbie.”
He stirs and tightens his grip around my waist. He’s still fully dressed and I’m still in my hotel robe; we’re both on top of the bed, although being early August, it’s not cold.
“James, James – wake up.” He opens his eyes. “Hello Bossman.” He smiles up at me. “Good morning, sleepy head.” I kiss him gently on the forehead. He moves quickly and soon I’m lying under him. He kisses me hard, his hand has found its way inside the robe and he’s rolling and pulling my nipple.
“You need to get up, James, you need to take over from Robbie,” I say between kisses.
“Oh, I need to get up all right!” he whispers against my neck..
I feel his erection press against my lower stomach. I put my arms around his broad shoulders and pull him close, raking my nails across his back.
“I like that,” he says. “Hard and fast?” He growls the question.
“Umm,” I mumble.
And he does, it’s so hard and fast, he pounds against me until we both find our release. He holds me tightly, squeezing me. “You’re staying close today,” he says.
“Yes. I’m also going to speak with Rachel, Katie’s mum. I think that Katie should leave early,” I muse.
“Don’t, don’t ruin it for the girls. They go back the day after tomorrow anyway.” He puts their case forward. “Do you think Anna will be any safer if Katie isn’t here?”
“No, I don’t suppose so.” He’s right, what difference will it make if Katie is here or not? “I just didn’t want Katie to know what a dysfunctional family we are!” I mumble.
He looks down at me. “You’re not. He is. And you’ve always maintained that Lewis would never, ever hurt Anna.”
“No, he wouldn’t, I’m sure of it – not physically anyway – but he damn well upset her last night,” I seethe. I am so angry with his latest stunt, especially as Anna was directly involved.
“We’re sorting that. Listen, I need to get gone.” He removes himself from my side and walks through to the bathroom. I hear the shower turn on and drag myself out of bed. Looking out of the window, I can see it’s going to be a beautifully sunny day and yet Lewis is looming in the background, ruining things constantly.
I mentally run through what I need to do. Ring the agency and arrange a driver, or some interviews at least, and for someone to look after the house, to look after us. Call Rachel, Katie’s mum, ask her how she feels about Katie coming home early. I really don’t want Anna going back up to Staffordshire on her own; we’ll either have to take her to get her results on Wednesday or she goes with Katie. I need to call the solicitor, discuss a restraining order and let the police know about the text that Lewis sent to Anna’s phone last night.
“What are you thinking?” James walks up behind me as I stand at the window.
“Just what I need to do today.” The list within my head.
“And what’s that?” he asks.
I take a deep breath and reel off my list. “Organise a driver, a housekeeper, speak with the solicitor, Katie’s mum, and tell the police about his latest text and, I nearly forgot, arrange delivery of the new car.”
“Don’t tell the police about the text, Alex. There’s no need and they can’t do anything about it. This is about you and Lewis, not Anna,” he says firmly.
“No James, they need to know. I’m sorry I’m going to call it in.” I look at him, a frank expression I’m sure on my face.
He just shrugs, “Whatever you feel you need to do.”
I watch him dress. “Yesterday’s clothes?”
“Yep, nothing here. It’ll have to do, unless you want to go with Roger and bring me some back from home?” he suggests.
“Home?” I smile. “It’s home now, is it?” I’m glad he’s referring to my house as “home”.
“Yes, home, Alex.” He holds me and plants a chaste kiss on my lips. It’s warm and shower fresh. He dresses quickly and starts to walk towards the door. I grab hold of his arm not wanting him to leave.
“I’ll go and get you something. I’m going to freshen up, check on the girls and then I’ll be down for coffee.”
He kisses me again. “Lock the door after me.” And he’s gone.
I turn the key and set about showering and getting myself ready. Once I’m finished I blast dry my hair and check my face in the mirror. The bruise is nearly gone, very faint. I check the clock. It’s too early to call Katie’s mother, so I dress in yesterday’s clothes and leave the room, knocking on Anna and Katie’s door as I go. Katie answers in her PJs. “Hi, Al!”
“Are you okay?” I ask as I walk into their room.
“Fine. Anna’s in the bathroom, she was so upset last night. I had no idea that Lewis could be like that!” Katie looks so sad as she turns to me.
“There’s a lot you don’t know, Katie, a lot that Anna didn’t know until recently, but let’s just say that we’ve moved forward, or we’re trying to. Are you nervous about getting your results?” I ask, changing the subject.
“I am, but my predictions are good so I should be okay.” She fiddles with her hair.
“You want to study medicine, don’t you?” I question.
“Umm, I think so, my dad wants me to. A gruelling few years ahead of me, assuming I get the right grades.” She smiles.
“I’m sure you will, you’re both bright girls, although I think Anna’s had second thoughts about the course she wants to do – I know she’s made some phone calls.”
“Does it worry you, that’s she’s changing her mind?” she asks me.
“No, not really – she can do what she wants. All I care about is that she’s happy in whatever she does, that’s the most important thing,” I say and I mean it, happiness has to come before anything else
“She’s so lucky, having a mum like you, Al,” she mutters.
I sit in the easy chair waiting for my daughter. Katie is tidying her side of the room. You’d think they’d been in here for weeks looking at the mess, not a few nights.
“What are you doing for the rest of the holiday?” I ask.
She carries on clearing her things away. “Nothing. Mum and Dad are going off to Spain, I don’t want to go with them, so I’m at home with my brother.”
I know that Katie’s brother is older than her. “Young Greg’s in his twenties, isn’t he?”
“He’s twenty-five, there’s seven years between us,” she says as she starts to pick up one or two discarded items of clothing.
“If you and Anna want to go to Tuscany or California, there are two holiday homes sitting empty,” I suggest.
Katie looks at me open mouthed. “Really? She never told me that!”
“I expect she forgot. There’s a place in Tuscany, a villa I think. I know it’s cleaned and maintained because I’ve seen the bills, but you might need a car there. I didn’t know that Maggie had it until… well, until all of this. From what I know of Tuscany I think parts are quite rural. Then there’s a house in California, I think the solicitor said the Mission Bay area. I mean, if you and Anna want to go, you’re more than welcome. I won’t be going, not just yet anyway. Have a think. I want to speak to your mum today, do you want me to mention it?” I tell her what I’m planning to do.
“Why not? See what she says, Mum and Dad would have to pay for my flight anyway. What did you want to speak to my mum about?” Katie looks concerned.
“Just to let her know what’s been happening, because you’re here and last night you were in the middle of it. I don’t want her to think I’ve dragged you down to London and plonked you in the middle of a family war or something,” I say, because I really am embarrassed at Lewis’s behaviour.
“I’m sure she’ll be cool,” she says as she continues to tidy her things away.
“Maybe, but I’d want to know if Anna found herself in… in a situation,” I tell Katie, because I would.
I stand and start to collect Anna’s clothes together, folding them neatly as the bathroom door opens. A wet-haired Anna appears with a
towel wrapped around her. “All yours,” she says to Katie, who gathers some essentials and disappears.
Anna walks to where I am folding her clothes. “Can I have a hug, Mum?” She holds her arms outstretched.
I hug her tightly. “Are you okay?” I ask quietly.
“Fine, it was just such a shock. I’ll never, ever speak to him again,” she says firmly.
“Well, that’s up to you, I don’t want to come between you and your dad. The only advice I’ll give you is to be careful. Please, whatever you do around your dad, be careful!” I look seriously at my darling daughter. If Lewis ever hurt her I’d kill him myself.
“I will Mum, promise.”
I give her a squeeze. “Are you going to tidy your room or shall I carry on?” I ask as I fold yet another t-shirt.
“I’ll do it. Can we go home today? Katie hasn’t seen our new house.”
“If you want. I’ll be going back myself at some point, I need clothes. We’ll all go back together,” I suggest.
“Is James working today?” she asks.
“Yes, he has to. Robbie’s been on all weekend. Why do you ask?”
“I just wondered, no reason.” She looks worried.
“What’s up, Anna, why are you asking about James?” I raise an eyebrow.
“Nothing,” she grumps.
“Anna,” I say in my best Mum voice.
“I… I just feel safer when he’s here. You know, nothing happens when he’s here with us.” Last night clearly upset Anna, more than she’s letting on, but she’s right, nothing ever happens when he’s around. Lewis always seems to throw spokes in the wheel whenever we’re on our own, he has to be watching us.
“Anna.” I put my hand on her shoulder. “It’s going to be fine.” I try and reassure her.
“Listen, I’m going to have breakfast with James, in his office. Why don’t you both get yourself some food, have room service if you want? As soon as it’s nine I want to ring the employment agency, my solicitor and Katie’s mum, and I need to arrange delivery of the new car. Then we can get someone to give us a lift home – OK?” I tell her my plans for the day.
Freeing Alex (The Alexandra Drake Series) Page 21