Conscious Revenge

by L. J. Greatrex

  “That would be great,” I said. I don’t think he has any idea just how great that would really be. I waved to the workers as the lorry took them home for the last time. I have gotten so used to them. I will find it hard to come to terms with the fact that I will probably not see most of them again.

  I made my way into the house when Massie, my housekeeper, came into the hall, “Iced tea on the veranda okay?” she asked.

  “Thank you,” I replied. Little did she know I would have loved a whiskey and soda. ‘Maybe later,’ I thought to myself as I made my way outside to watch the sun go down before finding my bedroom for the night. ‘Four poster anyone,’ I laughed to myself, but secretly wished Lorna was under the silk sheets with me.

  I made the decision to keep the condo on for the time being. I had even thought of making Joshua an offer to buy the place. I would have to consider painting it a different colour, not wanting to hurt his feelings, of course, but pink was hardly a colour I could see me living with long-term. The more I thought of it, the more the idea appealed to me. Must keep something to remind me of the good as well as the hair-raising time Paul and I had shared. Also, the view was amazing.

  I travelled up to see Julia, visiting Walter and Rose on the way. “Things had quietened down,” he said, “no more problems on the West’s front.”

  “I’ll drink to that,” I said, sampling one more of Walter’s speciality rum punches.

  “Dinner’s served,” Rose called out.

  “Her timing is impeccable,” I laughed with Walter. “Can’t wait to find out what delicacy she has in store for us tonight,” although I knew Friday night was fish night. How it would be served was the real treat.

  Rose worked her magic once more and Walter and I retired to the veranda to continue where we left off with the rum. “Fancy a stroll along the beach?” I asked him. “It’s been a while and I’ve missed our chats,” I said, remembering how we had so many things to tell each other.

  I wish I could tell him about my mansion. Maybe one day, I will find a way to invite him and Rose and share my happiness with them as they have always done with me. Lorna and the children would love them as much as I do I thought to myself.

  “Well,” began Walter, “what’s happened to Paul, where has he got to?”

  “He had to return to his business but he will be back as soon as he has finished,” I said. “I take it you heard about the West’s selling the cruise ship and their other unfortunate mishaps?” I smiled.

  “If you mean am I sorry to hear about the mess they’re in, then the answer is ‘no’. As long as the people still have jobs, I couldn’t care a monkey’s for their problems,” he laughed, “serves them right, greedy beggars. Never mind them, what have you been up to?” he asked.

  I wondered how long he had. If I was to tell him what I had been up to, it would take longer than a stroll on the beach. “Not a lot, work mostly, chicken and egg counting for my sins with a bit of dancing and drinking thrown in for good measure.”

  “Man after my own heart,” he joked. “Fancy another rum?” he said, pulling a flask out of his pocket.

  “You bet,” I said, taking a swig of the nectar he had distilled himself.”

  Saturday morning came and I continued on to Grand Cayman for my appointment with Julia. I hoped the heavy head I had given myself last night would hurry up and disappear. I can’t afford to miss anything today, as this was the moment I had been waiting for. I travelled along the coast, taking in the view of the sea which seemed bluer than ever today. Stopping along the way to have lunch in the café on the headland seemed like a good idea. I had stopped there a couple of times before and the food was incredible.

  From the top, I looked down onto the harbour and the dock for the ships bringing in the supplies. I couldn’t help thinking about what was happening to the West’s fleet, as no mention of a takeover had been reported in the local press. Maybe the Board and shareholders had decided to not only remove their names from the list of Directors, but carry on the day-to-day running of the business without them.

  Shares would have to change hands to take away the 51% plus shareholding the Wests needed to hold on to their control. I would like to have seen the frantic stock market trading, with the small shareholders making a killing when the value of their shares increased due to the high demand. The price per share can double if the need is great enough. I’m sure the need to do away with these parasites is just as great for the rest of the shareholders as it is for me.

  I mustn’t spend any longer mulling over the do’s and don’ts regarding the West’s demise, as I think Paul and I, with a little help from our unknown helper, have done enough to scupper their ships ‘well and truly’. Today is set to be a very happy day with the Worthington-Clays finally releasing the deeds for the house to me and I don’t intend to waste time on negative thinking. As I had just made my mind up to completely put aside the West scenario, I was unable to control the urge to have a second look at the dock below.

  In a flash, I was wishing I had gone straight into lunch as there in all its glory was what I was sure was the ‘Westward’. I had to concentrate really hard as the name on the side of the cruise ship was in Arabic and I couldn’t quite make out the translated name in small letters underneath. ‘Must be the new owners,’ I thought to myself. It took some time to sink in. I must be getting sloppy, as it only dawned on me as I took a second look at the Arabic writing. Could it be possible that the Arab gambling on the night is now the new owner of the cruise liner?

  I laughed at the irony, what a nut cruncher that would be for the Wests. That’s another scenario Paul and I would have had difficulty arranging. Wait until I tell him. He will crack up at the thought. It looks as if they are still working on the renovation. It was reported changes would be made prior to the ‘Grand Opening’ as the newspapers put it. I made a pledge there and then to make sure we didn’t miss the news on the day this great event took place. ‘Just one more kick in the nether regions for our friends the Wests,’ I thought. I went into the café with a great big smile on my face. “Give me the works,” I said to the waiter, “and a bottle of your best red wine.”

  I arrived for my meeting with Julia just as the Worthington-Clays were pulling up in their limousine. They were all smiles when I stepped out of the shade and into the bright sunlight. “How are you?” I asked.

  “We’re fine, thank you,” they replied. “I understand from Julia everyone involved in the project is more than happy with the way you have sympathetically restored our former home.”

  “I would like to extend my previous invitation for you to visit whenever you have time. Just a phone call will be sufficient and I will arrange to be there for you. I know my wife and I will be very happy there and the children have only to finish at their present school and they will be all joining me.” If only these words were true I would be the happiest man alive’

  In no time, Julia produced the documents. “All the certificates are in order,” she said. She turned to Mr Worthington-Clay and smiled. He signed the consent forms and the documents were handed to me. All I had to do was sign the declaration that no changes would be made to any part of the structure without obtaining permission from the Conservation Inspectorate, which I was more than happy to do as nothing could be done to improve what had already taken place at ‘Pascal Mansion’.

  We all shook hands and agreed to meet at a local hotel for drinks to celebrate. “All the money is now in your bank,” I confirmed to Julia. She, in turn, agreed to transfer the balance into the Worthington-Clays’ account. Now everyone was happy.

  I decided to drive straight back to the condo, as I needed to work out some of the finances. Not the big money, as this would have to wait for Paul to get back, just the mundane ones and rent to Joshua which is paid direct out of my pay from Andy. I still had to keep everything as normal as possible for the time being, as I have no idea how I will transform from a chicken and egg counter into a millionaire without having to leave t
he friends I have made here behind. I would be very unhappy to lose any of them, so like everything in my life, I would have to have a plan!!

  I am expecting my nightly e-mail from Paul. Hopefully, this time he would be more open with me regarding the well-being of Lorna and the children. I felt sure the last e-mail was just piecemeal, which worried me even more than giving it to me straight. I suppose he wants to save my feelings as there is nothing I can do to help them as things are, but I’m still uneasy when he tries to sidestep my questions.

  Sure enough as if he was reading my mind, his e-mail arrived. I was pleased that he sounded more positive. The fact that the house deeds were due to be exchanged in a couple of weeks would help Lorna to feel more financially secure and perhaps find a smaller house for herself and the children, that is, until we can be together again. I still haven’t come up with any ideas as to how I will achieve that plan. Perhaps now that my house is completed and the Wests are safely tucked away at the State’s pleasure, I can spend more time working it out.

  Maybe when Paul gets back and he has seen the situation Lorna is in, he may be able to come up with a few ideas. Now that Brandon is out of the equation, it is one less obstacle to get over. I know her Mom and Dad only have her best interest at heart, so perhaps I could persuade them to come and live with us. There is more than enough room without everyone getting under each other’s feet. If they don’t like that idea, I have enough money to buy whatever house they choose.

  Chapter Forty

  Paul arrived safe and sound looking much better than I had expected, having been back to G&F and putting up with the interrogation from Hollingsworth. Looks like his promotion won’t be long. Let’s hope he’s transferred to a branch in outer Mongolia, or some such place.

  “Bill,” Paul called out, “I’m back. Great to see you old chap, how’s things?”

  “Let’s get underway and we can talk on the way back to the condo,” I replied.

  The conversation took its natural course. “How’s Chris-Ann?” he began?”

  “I’m not sure? I didn’t even know her name was Chris-Ann,” I replied.

  He laughed again. “That sounds positive. You haven’t had time to chat her up then?” he questioned.

  “Not a chance. I’m too busy to move in on your conquests,” I said. I began to relax and enjoy the banter that we’ve always shared. “How is Lorna and the children?” I couldn’t wait to find out.

  “A lot better. Things have turned a corner since she got rid of Brandon.” The very mention of his name in the same breath as Lorna’s sent a shiver down my spine. Paul must have noticed and slapped me on the back. “He’s never coming back,” Paul joked, and I began to relax once more. “How’s Pascal Mansion coming along?” he asked.

  “All done and dusted,” I replied. “I can’t wait to show it to you,” I said enthusiastically. “Just on that note,” I added, “I was thinking maybe you would consider living at the house for the time being until we get the finances sorted? We can’t move in straight away, as I haven’t worked out a plan of how we can move from rags to riches yet. May need your help with that,” I said.

  “Tricky, that one. I suppose I could say that my old aunt has passed on and left you and me in her Will.”

  “How would that work?” I asked. “I’m not the one who has been looking after her and as far as anyone knows, we’re not related.”

  “Mmm, you have a point,” he said, “you’ll have to leave that one with me. I’m sure I can come up with something.” Still the same old Paul, full of ideas, even if they have to be tweaked a bit.

  I continued to explain my theory on the cruise ship scenario. “Could it be possible that the same Arab who reported the Wests on the night the ship was raided be the same one that owns it now?” I began. “It was when I looked down at it from the headland that it suddenly occurred to me that there may be a possibility it could have been him.”

  “If it is,” Paul replied, “I bet he got it for a song.”

  The mood was now set as we drove along with the top down on the Audi. “Shall we pull into this watering hole?” I began as I indicated to turn left.

  “That sounds like a plan,” he quipped.

  “Pity all our plans aren’t that easy to put in place,” I said as I pulled the car up and we made for the beach bar. “Two of your best dark rums,” we said at the same time.

  After two rums, we ordered food. “Not fish again,” I said. I’m growing gills after this week’s food. “I will have a steak.”

  “You can have your steak. I will have the fish. I’ve just got back from the States, don’t forget. One steak, one fish, waiter please,” he ordered.

  “Sounds good to me, and a bottle of your best red wine,” I continued.

  “No changes there, then,” he laughed.

  ***

  Feeling stuffed, we began our journey home once again. “Can we do the scenic route?” Paul asked.

  “Sure why not, nothing to rush back for. This is the Caribbean you know, where everyone is laid back.”

  “Laid back is something I am yet to experience. Being your friend doesn’t exactly lend itself to being laid back,” he said.

  “Well,” I began, “I am going to try harder in future to ensure that we have many more laid back moments.”

  “Starting with tonight,” he said.

  I could read his mind again. “Wouldn’t be the new girl, would it?” I joked.

  “You bet your life it is. I’ve missed more than just the rum, you know.”

  We arrived at our local beach bar just in time for the lights to go on. The sun was now disappearing into the sea, which had turned bright red, sending ripples of dark blue, pink and red as far as the eye could see. Paradise doesn’t begin to describe this place.

  The bar was full of our friends, each one welcoming Paul back and inviting us to have a drink with them. We will be drunk in no time at this rate,” Paul said.

  “So what’s new?” I laughed, as the steel band struck up and the whole place began to rock. Chris-Ann had not arrived and Paul couldn’t keep his eyes off the entrance. “Don’t panic,” I said, “she is usually a late starter.”

  “How do you know that?” Paul said indignantly.

  “I haven’t been in hibernation while you have been away,” I laughed.

  “Just watch it,” he said, “even our friendship has its limits and girls are one of them,” he chastised. ‘Next time I doubt him over Lorna, I will remember he said that,’ I thought, saves a lot of anxiety in the long run.’

  I had no sooner explained her habits to Paul when Chris-Ann arrived. It seemed the whole place stopped. To say she was gorgeous would be an understatement. The sleek white off one shoulder dress made a stark contrast to her dark smooth skin. No wonder old Romeo had his head turned by this one, she will certainly keep him on his toes and no mistake.

  The dancing went on for hours and it was two o’clock in the morning when it suddenly dawned on me that it was work in the morning. “You go on, “Paul said,” I may be a while.”

  “No need to guess what’s on your mind,” I said, “see you in the morning.” At that, I began to walk along the beach back to the condo, leaving the car at the bar for collection tomorrow. I could have sunk the Bismarck with the amount I had drunk. ‘I must slow up,’ I thought, ‘I need all my wits about me for tomorrow if I’m going to be any use to Andy.’

  I heard Paul stagger in at what must have been four o’clock in the morning. The quiet singing gave the show away I threw a pillar at his head and he fell to the floor. “Get to bed,” I said, “you dirty stop out,” but all he could manage was a cheeky smile. “I don’t want to hear about it,” I laughed.

  Knowing Paul was at home and wanting to talk to him about the next move, we must make made me restless, although by lunchtime I was able to raise my head to look at the light. I was still woozy. I must remind myself that these nights must be reserved for Saturday not Sunday. If I am to function as I should on a Monday, I d
on’t want to get a reputation for hangover Monday syndrome.

  I was glad to get back to the condo, although I was unsure what state Paul would be in after last night. I was pleasantly surprised to see he was up and about. “I have made dinner,” he said, “don’t say I never pull my weight.” It’s oven-ready chicken with a side of mashed potatoes with veg,” he shouted as I washed and changed.

  “Sounds great,” I said.

  “Wait until you taste it,” was his comeback line.

  ‘This didn’t sound too great,’ I thought, but sat at the table and asked for the sauce just in case I needed something to hide the flavour. I wouldn’t want to hurt his feelings. It must have taken all of ten minutes to put all the ready-prepared food into the oven, but never mind. ‘Better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all,’ went through my mind. Much to my amazement and his obvious pleasure, the food was good. “You get the job in future,” I joked.

  “I probably won’t be able to repeat it,” he said, not wanting to be given the job for life.

  Having finished the cuisine, I said, “We must now get down to the nitty-gritty and make sure that everything we have put in place to scupper the Wests has been removed without a trace. We do not want to leave even the slightest clue that could lead back to us.”

  “I have already given that some thought, “Paul replied. “Some of them may be easier to track than others. The hotel scam I know for certain cannot be traced back to me as I removed each link one at a time and as you know, if you do not wish to have your identity known, it is simple enough to mark the box with an ‘x’, which is a precaution I have taken. The results of the negative reviews are not easily monitored as the only way we would know if they had worked would be if the hotel was registered as no longer viable and a request for insolvency lodged. This may not happen for some time. In fact, it may not happen at all if the punters decide not to believe the reviews. We can only wait and see.”

  “The bank transfers I intercepted with the money going into the Swiss Bank I opened in the West’s name is the next one to check,” I said. “I stopped the money going in, but I’ve left the bank account intact awaiting the Fraud Squad’s investigation. We can only hope this happens. If not, we may have to put plan ‘B’ into action and report them ourselves, anonymously, of course.”