by M Howson
On a warm, sunny morning she visited Al in the clinic. Initially she was apprehensive but felt that she needed to be involved to help him get better. At the clinic she was told he was doing exceptionally well. This was good news.
Al greeted her in his usual pleasing manner and tried to apologise for what had happened, but refused to talk about it. They chatted about everyday things while they enjoyed a walk in the park within the clinic grounds.
Monica left feeling upbeat, as Al was on the way to recovery. A few days later he called Monica informing her that he was ‘cured’ and invited her to a newly opened restaurant.
Her first reaction was to refuse. She was glad Al was back on track but she didn’t want to get involved with him again, but, she said yes. Why again?
They had a satisfying evening, Al was buzzing with plans for the future. He told her that he had a lot of work to catch up with for the next few days, but would take her away somewhere for a long weekend.
No, no don’t let him near…. A voice was screaming in her head. A week had passed and there was no sign of Al. When Monica called his house a woman answered the phone.
‘Who are you?’ She asked in a stern tone.
‘Monica, is Al there?’
The woman took a deep breath before she answered. ‘Al isn’t here,’ She paused. ‘Not anymore.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Al died, two days ago.’ The woman informed Monica. ‘I am his mother, you are the girl who he wanted to marry - right?’
‘Oh my God I’m sorry!’ Monica managed to say. ‘How? What happened?’
‘He jumped off the Hudson bridge.’ Al’s mother said emotionlessly.
‘I am so sorry…..’
‘It was inevitable, he was a disturbed man addicted to drugs! Al has been in and out of clinics for the past ten years. I tried to help him but everything failed. When he started to talk about you and planning a wedding, I was overjoyed.’
‘What are you saying? What wedding? We never actually talked about marriage!’ Monica said surprised.
‘You haven’t?’
‘No!’
‘Al told me you set the date for next month?’
‘We didn’t, I have only known him for a very short time!’ Monica was in shock!
‘I see,….’ The disappointment in her voice was too much for Monica.
‘I have to go, sorry.’
‘Doctor Hollbrog told me you arranged his admission to the clinic.’
‘I did help him to check into a clinic – yes.’
‘It is much appreciated Monica.’
‘I didn’t do much ….’ She said after a long pause.
‘You get on with your life now, and forget him. Al was a troubled man who lived in an unreal world.’
She couldn’t believe what had happened. What a shocking story – she didn’t know he had problems all those years. She blamed herself for not being there for him and that she could’ve done more. Now, it was all over – another life lost.
Chapter Eighteen
The airplane landed quietly at the airport. There was an army of people greeting them; Frank’s team organised and planned everything perfectly.
Two shiny black Range Rovers were waiting, with engines running. Frank directed the guys towards one and asked Monica and Amy to share the other.
Monica loved the spacious car. ‘This is luxury, don’t you think Amy? I don’t actually care for these showy beasts, but I love this one.’
‘I suppose it’s needed in this weather.’ The cars moved off, leaving the runway, turning onto a brightly lit road lined with glistening, snow covered trees.
‘First impression – another world, I don’t know how I will manage this snow and cold.’ Monica pulled a sheepskin throw over her body.
‘I think it’s magical.’ Amy was slowly getting into the spirit of the snow white country. They were driving through the city with its bright, neon billboards, tall buildings and many shopping malls.
‘They have more advertising boards here than we do back at home!’ Monica peered out of the window.
‘I read somewhere that filming can be inexpensive here.’ Amy volunteered.
‘I’ve heard that too but would these people not want to be paid more?’ Monica was baffled.
‘The money they get for a week’s filming is still a lot more than they would make out of a month of tourism.’
‘Really?’
‘I suppose, I don’t like to think they aren’t treated fairly.’ Amy was speaking as a true lawyer.
Monica nodded. ‘You are in the right job girl.’
The assistant in the passenger seat indicated the flashing car phone. Amy pressed the loudspeaker button to answer the call.
‘Girls, we’ll be driving for about a couple of hours.’ Frank informed them. ‘Your car will provide you with all the luxuries you might want – I hope.
‘We love the sheepskin throws!’ Amy announced.
There was loud laughter coming from the other car. ‘We are glad you agree!’ They heard Jack saying. ‘Wrapped up in these cosy throws, imagine girls … quite a sexy picture …’ His voice trailed off. `
‘You, and your dirty mind Jack.’ Monica cut the line. ‘You wouldn’t think that Jack’s mind caters for such thoughts at his age.’
‘Never underestimate them, Monica. I have only known these guys for a short time but they can leave you with an open mouth.’
The journey continued at a steady pace. The full, clear moon was lighting up the road ahead; Amy could even smell the frosty fresh air. Monica had fallen asleep draped in the throw.
Amy wondered about the trip. The crew were already at the house; they’d arrived days earlier and organised the set up. Only a week’s work was scheduled in Hungary. The crew were to move on to the next location straight after completing the shots. Frank requested that Amy and Monica stay on for a few days after the filming finished.
She heard someone calling her name. Oh God! She must've fallen asleep. When she opened her eyes, there was Justin looking at her.
‘We are here Amy.’ He said lightly.
‘We are?’ She tried to move, but he was blocking her way. She could feel the heat coming from his body mixed with the scent of his aftershave.
For a moment Justin forgot where he was, he leaned over to kiss her but realisation hit suddenly; Amy shrank back.
‘What a long drive.’ He said pulling away quickly. ‘You must be exhausted.’
Justin outstretched his hand, to help her out of the car. She seized it, his touch sent trembles through her body.
The Hunting Lodge was a surprise. It was a small palace with many tall towers. A competent butler stood by heavy oak double doors with a well-rehearsed pleasant expression.
‘Frank described this place as small.’ Amy remarked.
‘He said that.’ Justin agreed. ‘He also said Hungary was around the corner. After sixteen hours of travel, I cannot agree.’
Amy was feeling the length of the journey catching up with her.
‘I need a bed.’ She announced, suppressing a yawn.
‘Wanna share mine?’ Justin teased, and then backtracked. ‘A joke Amy!’
‘I was going to say yes.’
‘What an outstanding sense of humour you have Amy.’ Did she mean it? – he wondered, probably not!
‘I meant it Justin.’ For one mad moment she wanted to share his bed. Then the thought was gone.
Justin stood there rooted to the ground. ‘Can I ask again?’
That was the moment Frank arrived. Amy was saved from answering.
‘I am sorry the journey has taken a long time, but the roads were treacherous. The house is all at your disposal, it isn’t a hotel but we have people here looking after you. Need anything – buzz the desk. The house is just ours there will not be anyone around who isn’t working on the movie. Pool, sauna, gym, pampering for the girls, - whatever you want. The film crew have already set up and are located in the East wing which
has a separate entrance. I am off to bed! Good night.’ He walked away with the butler in tow.
There was no sign of Monica and Jack.
‘Where are the others?’ Amy watched the staff unloading the car.
‘I suppose they are in bed.’ Justin answered as a petite woman arrived.
‘Can I show you to your rooms Miss Ronay, Mr Blakes?’
‘Yes, by all means show us the way Ms…?’ Justin responded.
‘Call me Kate.’
‘Kate? It is an attractive house.’
‘Yes, Mr Blakes, it is. It was built in 1875 for a family called Tolgyesi and remained their home for a long time.’
Amy noticed the ancient oil portraits on the wall as they walked up an elaborate staircase. ‘Who owns it now?’
‘It is privately owned by a … businessman.’ Kate stopped in front of a door on the first floor. ‘This is your suite of rooms Miss Ronay.’ She moved across the wide hallway. ‘Mr Blakes, your rooms are opposite Miss Ronay’s.’ She produced a card with a code printed on for each of them. ‘You will need to tap the code in to open the door and also to close. Enjoy your stay and good night.’ She turned away and left.
Justin tapped the code in. The door opened with a quiet buzz. He felt he needed to say something but he couldn’t find the right words.
‘Good night Amy, nice to have you nearby.’
She flashed him a smile. ‘Nice?’
‘Yes!’
Amy stood in the doorway for what seemed a long time. How easy would it be to ask him to come in under some pretence…. another day.
‘Good night Justin.’ She tapped the code in and stepped inside, firmly closing the door.
Justin's head was aching, what was he doing? Here was a girl he wanted, he needed to up his game before she slipped away.
Chapter Nineteen
The morning was fresh, crisp and Justin felt on top form. His rooms were expensively decorated with antique furniture, oil paintings, large couches and a roaring fire. He’d had a good night’s sleep in an enormous four poster bed.
Frank and Jack were already downstairs in the morning room when he joined them. He exchanged a few words with the guys puffing on their cigars, grabbed a cup of steaming coffee and decided to look for his sister. Yet, - where was Amy?
In the East wing of the house he found Monica sitting in the director’s chair, reading. She introduced the crew to Justin and the main two actors who played Frank and Jack. They were signed via Eleanor’s agency and she provided the best.
The huge, well prepared set was perfect. A big wooden barn full of straw, was as he imagined, there was the street where Frank grew up, with small houses scarcely filled with furniture standing on the earthy floor. The set designer had done his job. On the exterior set, he could see a wooden cottage surrounded by fields under a thick blanket of snow.
The assistant placed a chair for Justin next to Monica; he saw his name imprinted on the back. Monica proceeded to explain the scenes they were shooting today. Everyone paid attention as she spoke in her soft yet authoritative voice;
‘First of all, welcome to our Hungarian actors and extras.’ She flashed a smile to a group of people standing near a tall window. ’Without you we couldn’t do this movie.’
She looked around the expansive room filled with people and continued. ‘Let me introduce the producer and creator of this movie, Justin Blakes, who is by the way, my brother. He is an easy going perfectionist….’ Her voice trailed off, laughter from the crowd made her look up at Justin who was pointing at Monica.
‘All right, people, I see we will get along perfectly.’ She laughed.
‘We know what that means.’ Jack appeared by her side, grabbing a chair.
‘You do?’ She questioned.
Jack winked, which meant a lot more to Monica than she’d imagined.
‘No messing with the director!’ Justin said, checking out the many young assistants. Was it a European thing that these girls wore delicate make up, had perfect hair and sported the latest fashion?
‘Glad you share my view.’ Jack remarked. ‘You clocked the pretty girls, I see.’
‘Pay attention children, we have a movie to make.’ Monica continued outlining the movie. ‘The story begins with Frank’s character informing his sister that he is leaving for America and wants her to come with him. She tells him that she is expecting a baby, but she cannot marry the father. We are in 1937 people, and times are tough. You have to get into character big time.’ She paused.
‘Shooting continues outside in front of the house as Frank has an encounter with the ‘father figure’. I want shots of the house in detail, get the richness of the ‘would be father’s’ clothes and the surrounding area where he lives. He is a rich man and therefore cannot marry Frank’s sister who is poor, there is a big fight – and cut. See that cottage,’ she pointed outside. ‘Frank’s home where he speaks to Jani – his best friend- who offers to marry Frank’s sister. You see the contrast between the two houses? - I want an emotional scene. The quick wedding takes place over there, in the small chapel. To finish off – Frank, with a heavy heart, disappears during the night, after he says goodbye to his sleeping sister.’
Monica stopped for a breather, everyone seemed subdued, evidently touched by the story. She felt miserable for her lack of emotions but to her it was work.
‘Come on people, cheer up or we will get nothing done.’
Frank realised he’d made the right decision choosing Monica to direct. He walked across the room to where Jack was sitting, acknowledging several people on the way.
‘She's a professional Jack, I told you.’ Frank remarked.
‘I will need convincing Frank, I don’t know….’ He grinned but fully agreed with Frank.
Monica decided to stop the introduction and get on with the day. ‘Wrap up warm if you’re on the outside shots, you will find jackets and boots in the top right corner set up for wardrobe.’
‘Don’t pretend that you are ok with the story.’ Justin whispered into her ear.
‘You won’t see me cry, if that’s what you’re waiting for brother!’ Monica said reading her notes.
‘No?’
‘Not a tear.’ In fact, she’d cried her heart out when she finished reading the screenplay, but now she was in a professional environment, emotions were left behind.
Jack studied the set, was this the way Frank had lived? ‘Is this for real Frank? I can’t believe you are doing this.’
‘Neither can I Jack! I was born here, I grew up here and lived in very trying circumstances. Now I’m an American citizen financing a movie about what? – rags to riches will be the headline in the press.’
‘You have regrets?’
Frank raised an eyebrow. ‘You know Jack, I won’t answer that question. How about, I will ask you the same question when we start filming your years?’
‘It isn’t about me Frank.’ Yet, he knew it was. ‘All right, we are even; let’s hope these kids will do a better job of our lives than we did!’
‘Aren’t you happy with your lot Jack?’
‘Did I say I wasn’t happy…?’
‘There is always more to Jack Harvey than what meets the eye!’
Jack needed distraction, his personal life was one thing, discussing it another. ‘Coffee?’
Frank got the message. ‘Come on, we’ll leave them to it! I will show you the dining room on the top floor.’
The butler from last night was standing by the dining room door, holding it open. Jack entered first, prepared for luxury, - but to have breakfast in an old library filled with bookcases from floor to ceiling, a pool table and a log fire was incredible.
‘How did you…?’
‘I knew Jack! I just knew…’ Frank said with an indulgent smile.
Frank’s people had searched day and night to find the perfect house. He wanted a house he could never have afforded when he lived here. A house that had everything his friend Jack ever spoke about; especially his
favourite old English furniture. The room was decorated with pastoral scene paintings hanging on the oak panelled walls. The high ceiling held a crystal chandelier and heavy damask curtains framed the bay windows.
The butler was in the process of opening up the curtains revealing breath-taking winter parkland.
‘I am staying here Frank. This is fantastic!’ Two double armchairs were conveniently placed on either side of the crackling fire. ‘Let them get on with the work, I’m not moving from here.’
‘Don’t you want to see the rest of the house?’
‘You devil of an old man Frank! You know what else I need!’
‘I know Jack, I do. She has a name….’
‘How did you …. whatever, she is a little young for me, but...’ Jack said cautiously.
‘Young? You kidding?’ Jack had a thing for young blondes, but this girl was different. ‘In any case, I am glad you are interested!’
‘Oh, I am interested all right but shall we have breakfast for now?’
‘Breakfast it is, what do you fancy?’
‘Speciality of the house.’
‘Of course Mr Harvey.’ The butler said, handing Jack a menu.
‘I will have a continental breakfast.’ Frank said to the hovering waiter.
‘You have somewhere to go Frank?’
‘I need to be on my own for a few hours.’ He said hastily. ‘I need to look into a small problem, …. one last time.’
‘You want me to come with you?’
‘Not this time.’
It was obvious to Jack that Frank was referring to his old life. To the people and the family he’d left behind. It would be a difficult journey for Frank but he was right, he needed to do it alone.
‘I will set off after breakfast. It isn’t far from here. I should be back early evening, maybe you can entertain Amy while the others are busy.’
‘I’ll do my best Frank!’
‘Of course, I know. Now, let’s have something to eat.’
Jack wondered what it would be like for him to revisit his own past, but he quickly deleted the thought from his head. Some things were best left alone.