‘You going to take her out then?’ Gerard asked, as soon as their visitors’ car drove away.
‘I might. Don’t push me, Dad. I’m going to bed now, I feel exhausted.’
‘Don’t leave it too long before you ask her. I know she liked you.’
‘How do you know?’
‘For heaven’s sake. What’s wrong with you? The signs were all there. Her eyes. Her body language. Everything was shouting it out loud. I could wonder if you’re even my own son at times if you can’t see something as obvious as that.’ He shook his head as he stomped up the passage. ‘Mrs Thing will clear up tomorrow. I’m going to my study.’
Ryan watched as his father collected the brandy decanter to keep him company. He wondered how the man could ever manage a large company with his fondness for alcohol.
Ryan called his sister the next day. He was worried about her living alone and in fear of further attacks on the cottage.
‘Julia. How’s it going?’
‘It’s all OK so far. No more problems.’
‘And how’s the job?’
‘OK, I guess. Lucy has finished now so it’s all down to me. Nothing too demanding yet but I’ve only managed the office stuff so far.’
‘You sound a bit down.’
‘Oh, you know how it is. I’m not used to living the quiet life yet. Think I might have to get a television after all. Everywhere’s still a bit dead. I’m not thrilled by the idea of chatting to Jim at the pub or hours gossiping to Myrtle at the shop. Expect things will cheer up when the season gets going.’
‘Never thought I’d hear you say you want to watch television. You should get a DVD player too, then at least you can rent films and things.’
‘How was the dinner?’
‘OK. Hermione’s turned out rather well, in fact. Jeremy and Dad are clones of each other.’
‘You seeing her again?’
‘I might. Dad’s selected her as my future wife, I gather.’
‘What?’ Julia almost screeched down the phone. ‘You can’t be serious?’
‘Oh but I am. He’s told me it will be a useful merger.’
‘For God’s sake. Don’t do it, Ryan. Not just because he says so. He can’t rule your life like this.’
‘Can’t he?’ He gave a snort. ‘Seems he can do pretty much anything he wants. I’d better go now. I need to go out.’
‘Please, Ryan, tell me what’s wrong. How can he make you do things you don’t even want to consider?’
‘Don’t worry about me, sis. I’m fine. Look after yourself. Be in touch.’
‘But, Ryan …’
He had disconnected. She stared at the phone, desperately wanting to call her brother again. She felt worried about him. Her suspicions about her father were even stronger. He was holding something over Ryan, and her brother feared him. Could it be something to do with her mother’s death? If Gerard had appointed whoever was looking after her, he must have engineered something and Ryan knew about it. Though Ryan had usually done everything his father told him to do, something of this magnitude was clearly ridiculous.
Chapter Fourteen
The next weeks drifted slowly by for the Rentons. Neither brother nor sister were happy and seemed unable to find any sort of contentment. Julia had begun to tidy the cottage garden; strangely, feeling closer to her mother. She knew little about gardening and hoped she was pulling out weeds rather than precious plants. It was an old, mature garden with familiar things growing that could survive the salty winds of a Cornish cliff top. Several of the more exotic dracaenas – the spiky, almost palm-like trees – had been demolished in gales over the years. She considered replanting more of them but that would have to wait until she had some more money behind her.
In one of the borders she cleared away some broken twigs and dead spears from last year’s montbretia. The bright orange flowers grew everywhere around the cliffs and in the garden but it left a mass of dead foliage. As she moved it, she saw a clear footprint. Obviously some sort of trainer with a distinctive pattern and a larger size than either of their feet. She took a photograph of it with her phone’s camera and wondered whether she should inform the police. Was it a clue? Or just someone who’d been gardening? She covered it over again and left it intact.
Her office job was easy enough and she had easily fitted into the routine. Bryce had begun to introduce her to some of his other projects and she was starting to learn more about the property development side of things. He was buying small, run-down properties in the various towns around the area, doing them up to basic standards, and then letting them on six month tenancy agreements. Some were residential and some business lets. He had quite a large portfolio and Julia was intrigued as to how he could afford to buy them. He had some sort of deal with local councils and also access to a seemingly bottomless pit of money to work with.
She heard from Ryan fairly regularly but he had made no suggestions about coming down to see her. She felt disappointed and knew they were growing apart. All the same, she wasn’t giving in and going back. Her nights had been peaceful with no more disturbances and she was beginning to take for granted that the problems had receded. She bought a television and the phone had been installed, along with a high specification security alarm. If the cottage had an intruder when the alarm was on, someone from the local police station would arrive as soon as it was possible. In theory, that was. In practice, the local police station was some distance away and lightly manned.
It was a few days later that her phone rang.
‘Jules? It’s me,’ Ryan’s voice sounded in her ear. ‘How are you?’
‘I’m fine thanks. I was just thinking of you.’
‘I was wondering if you’re around this weekend?’
‘Course I am. Be lovely to see you.’
‘I was thinking of bringing Hermione down if that’s OK with you.’
‘Crikey. Yes, of course. You can bring whoever you like. I take it things are going well with her?’
‘Sort of. Yes. She’s quite sweet really. It’s actually Dad’s idea. He’s got some visitor coming here and I suspect he wants me out of the way.’
‘Oh, I see. Some woman I gather?’
‘Probably. Doesn’t ever say anything to me, of course. If you’re sure you don’t mind, then we’ll come Friday night. I’ll call en route with times but we’ll eat on the way so don’t get anything ready.’
‘I take it you and Hermione have been seeing each other then?’
‘Yes, a couple of times. Dinner out and that.’
‘Well, I’m pleased for you. I hope it isn’t just because Dad says you must.’
There was a pause. He didn’t answer her question and that was proof enough for her. Never mind. It was some sort of company for him. She wondered if she should make up one or two beds and opted for the latter. That provided them with a choice. She began to make a list of things she needed to buy for a weekend of entertaining. The cottage was still pretty basic and she needed to make it more homely. It would be strange having Ryan here with a woman friend. The only people who usually came to stay were mostly friends of hers but Ryan was always included in the groups’ activities. Perhaps this new friendship was really trying to prove something. It could be an interesting weekend.
Julia took to Hermione immediately. They had, of course, met as children but the years had moved on and it was a new start.
‘What a fabulous place,’ she had exclaimed the first moment they arrived. ‘I always thought it would be amazing to live next to the sea and this is about as next to the sea as it gets. Have you actually got a way down from the garden?’
‘Not really. We used have a sort of wooden ladder but there was a cliff fall and it mostly disappeared. It’s not a bad thing really. People used to come up it into the garden, thinking it was a short cut. Most irritating when we were sunbathing. The path is very close so it’s easy to reach the beach. Anyway, come on in. I’m sure you could do with something to drink?’
‘Thanks. Can you get my bag, Ryan?’
He collected their luggage from his car and followed them inside. ‘Well, hi there, sis. Aren’t you going to give me a hug?’
‘Come here you. Lovely to see you.’
‘How are you? You look tired.’
‘I’m a working girl now. Get the Friday night exhaustion, same as everyone else.’
‘And how’s your boss?’
‘OK. Don’t see all that much of him. He’s out and about wheeler dealing. Spends a lot of time at the council offices, presumably organising planning permission and so on.’
Ryan opened a bottle of wine and handed round the glasses.
‘So, no more upsets?’ he asked.
‘Seems to have been quiet. One or two more places have been broken into but with more people around it seems the thieves are taking a break. Not good for business to have robberies taking place. Think there are only one or two people left who live here permanently.’
‘It all sounds very disturbing,’ Hermione commented. ‘Ryan told me about the problems. I mean, if someone is trying to get people to leave and yet they still want holidaymakers to come and stay? Don’t think I’d like it. Doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense to me.’
‘Well, I’m determined I’m not going to be driven away by some crank. Now, what do you want to do tomorrow?’
Various ideas were suggested but they decided they would see what the weather was like the next day.
‘I’ve made up the beds. Wasn’t sure how you’d want to play things.’ Blushing furiously, she looked at Ryan for comment. He looked away. Whether they shared a room or not, he felt embarrassed. They hadn’t progressed as far as sharing a bed as yet and he felt very undecided about the choice. He certainly liked Hermione but was not yet ready to take things to the next stage … was that just for now or would it be for ever?
‘I assumed you’d prefer to use one of the spare rooms,’ he said at last, avoiding meeting Hermione’s gaze. ‘Only I’m pretty shattered after the week at work and the long drive.’
‘Fine. Both rooms are ready. I’ve put towels for you and just ask if there’s anything else you need. Shall I show you up?’
‘Thanks. You’re very kind.’
‘I’ll carry your bag up,’ Ryan offered. ‘It’s OK, Sis. I’ll show her the room.’
‘Right. Well, I’ll wash the glasses then. Sleep well. I’ll lock up and set the alarm too. Doesn’t do to take any risks. Don’t try to open the doors with it switched on or you’ll be deafened. And wake most of the road.’
‘You’re putting it on even with all of us sleeping here? I’m sorry. You really are still suffering, aren’t you?’
‘It’s become a habit. Ryan … I really don’t mind if you two want to share a room.’
He stared for a moment, blushed, and rushed upstairs. Julia shrugged. It was up to him. She busied herself in the kitchen, leaving them time to use the bathroom and settle down. She could hear their voices and didn’t want to intrude. She set the table for breakfast … anything to delay actually going upstairs.
‘Have you got everything you need?’ Ryan asked his guest.
‘I think so, thanks. Look, I’m not … I don’t mind … oh, hang it. Do you want to sleep with me? If so, for goodness sake, say so. I sort of assumed that … well, this weekend. Coming here. I know the fathers think that’s the plan.’
‘The fathers? Yeah, that’d be right. My old man thinks I should take any and every chance I get. I’m not like him. Not at all. I like you a lot but I’m sorry Hermione, I’m just not quite ready for that sort of commitment yet.’
‘I see. Thanks for making it clear. Goodnight.’ She went into her room and shut the door firmly.
Ryan lifted his eyes to the ceiling. He couldn’t cope with this. What was wrong with him? He really liked this girl but the thought of sharing anything more than a casual peck on the cheek made him feel very strange inside. Was Julia’s hint correct? Perhaps he really was gay. But he’d never actually felt any urge to be close to a man. This weekend was going to be a disaster. It wasn’t fair on his sister. He went downstairs again.
‘I’m sorry, Jules. I really shouldn’t have brought her here. She’s upset because I don’t want to sleep with her. But I’m so confused. Is there really something wrong with me?’
‘Come here.’ She drew him into her arms and hugged him just as she always had when he was hurting as a child. ‘You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do and of course there’s nothing wrong with you.’
‘That’s the problem. I do have to do things I don’t want to do. Have you ever slept with someone just for the sake of it?’
‘Well, yes. Usually because we were drunk. It happened in Kenya too. Sometimes, the whole thing just seemed the only way to go. But I haven’t met anyone I want to spend my life with. It’s just a fun thing occasionally. I gather you haven’t slept with anyone? Not even at uni?’
Her brother looked uncomfortable. ‘No. I am truly a wimp aren’t I? Twenty-three and still a virgin. What woman would want me knowing that? Or man, come to think of it. Oh Hell. I’m going for a walk.’
‘Ryan. You can’t. Not at this time of night. It’s not safe anymore. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you. I know things have been quiet lately but there’s still someone out there, threatening us all.’
‘And someone as pathetic as me couldn’t defend himself, I suppose?’
‘I didn’t mean that at all and you know it. Go to bed. Try to get some sleep and we’ll talk some more tomorrow.’
‘What, with Hermione hanging round all the time? I don’t think so.’
‘OK, well try to relax. We’ll take her out somewhere for the day. We can have a nice time. Loads of things we might do. Now, go to bed.’
‘Thanks for listening. Night.’ He dropped a kiss on top of her head and went upstairs. She followed moments later. Poor Ryan, she thought. She didn’t know how to advise him.
Chapter Fifteen
‘Come in, darling,’ Gerard said as he pushed open the door at The Gates. ‘I’ll just get the alarm.’ He tapped numbers into the keypad while Charlotte Denver looked round the imposing entrance hall.
‘It’s lovely,’ she said softly. ‘Very tasteful.’ She ran her fingers over the large Chinese porcelain vases and touched the copper bucket with its display of fresh flowers. ‘Who does the flowers?’ she asked curiously. It seemed strangely out of character for the man she was just getting to know.
‘Housekeeper. We’ve always had them here. Sort of tradition. I’d hoped my daughter would still be here to do them but she’s chosen another life. Welcome, anyway. Come into the drawing room and I’ll get us some drinks.’
‘Thank you. I take it there’s nobody else here at present?’
‘As I said. My son’s gone to take his lady friend to meet my daughter in Cornwall. They’re away for the whole weekend so we have the place to ourselves. The woman usually comes in daily but I’ve cancelled her tomorrow, thinking we might prefer to be alone.’ He pulled the woman towards him and kissed her, revelling in the feel of her firm young body and sweet perfume. ‘Oh Charlotte, you are so lovely.’
‘Gerard, darling. Later. Where’s that drink you promised me?’
‘Sorry. I’ll get it. Champagne?’ She nodded. ‘I just want you so much. I was getting ahead of myself.’ He gave her what he hoped was a seductive smile and went to collect the bottle from the fridge.
The woman wandered round the room, touching various ornaments. This was such an elegant room. Original, contemporary artwork on the walls and pieces of delicate china on the shelves. She doubted the powerful man who’d brought her here had anything to do with their selection. The room was redolent of a woman with exquisite taste and refinement. Gerard was not a homemaker. Nor was she, come to that but this home was already made.
She knew he was recently widowed and wondered about his wife. What was Gerard? Fifty or so? He was in good shape and certainly very good-looking.
Dynamic, certainly. They often say that men in powerful positions have greater sex drive. He may have a few rough edges but he was still a very desirable proposition.
What did she really know about him? His children were in their twenties, about ten years younger than her. She knew that his son lived at home but there was some sort of problem with the daughter. How would they take to another woman in their father’s life? She looked around for photographs but there were none. She would have liked to look at their faces – consider whether she might become their friend or foe. She suspected there was something unpleasant surrounding the death of his first wife but he would not talk about it. Her own first marriage had been a disaster and had ended within two years with no recriminations. For her, it was no problem talking about it but it was not an obsession. Gerard had made it very clear that he was attracted to her from the moment they met. Was she ready to make any sort of commitment to this man? She was unsure. For now, she was happy to enjoy his company and wait to see what the future would bring. One thing she would not tolerate was a man who was not loyal and exclusive to her. Adultery was a crime in her books. Hence the ending of her first marriage.
‘Sorry to keep you waiting,’ Gerard said as he came back with a tray and the drinks. ‘I thought there was some caviar in the fridge but I couldn’t find it. Ryan probably made sandwiches with it when he was hungry one day.’
‘No worries. I hate the stuff. Never could see the point of it.’
‘Then I shall have to educate your palate, won’t I?’ He smiled benignly at her and poured the cold champagne into a fine crystal flute. ‘To us and, I hope, our future together.’
Dangerous Secrets Page 12