‘Ryan, it’s me.’
‘Are you all right? I didn’t recognise the number. I got your message but I’d no idea where you were. Is the cottage all right?’
‘It’s a total write-off. Burned to nothing. They think it was deliberate and suspect I did it for the insurance.’
‘Oh Jules, that’s terrible. Of course you wouldn’t. What have they said?’
‘Only that there may be some difficult questions for me to answer.’
‘So not exactly an accusation?’
‘Well no, but there’s the suspicion hanging over me. I’m staying at Bryce’s place. He’s been terribly kind. Lent me a car and his credit card. I was left standing in my nightie and an old pair of flip-flops. Car keys were lost. Mobile. Everything. Oh I can’t tell you what a nightmare it’s been.’
‘I’m so sorry, love. What will you do? Come home?’
‘No. I’ll find somewhere to stay eventually but, in any case, I need to be here for the time being.’
‘I can’t get down for a bit. Dad’s given me a big project and says I have to finish in a certain time. I’m working my socks off at present. You really need me there, don’t you? It’s just not possible at the moment. I’m so sorry.’
‘It would be nice but it’s not essential. We do have to reach a decision about what to do next, however. I’m assuming the insurance will pay up, even if it’s a crime caused by someone else?’
‘I’ll phone them for you. You need to have the details though. I’ll fax it through to Bryce’s office if you let me have the number later. But you’re sure you’re OK?’
‘As much as I can be. This is my new phone by the way so you can call me on it anytime. Another item on Bryce’s credit card. But I needed to have a contact number. Give it to the insurance people but not to Dad, please. I don’t want to talk to him yet.’
‘He’s away again at the moment. Not sure where but he’s out for a few days apparently. Do you want me to organise some money for you? You’ll need to buy all sorts of stuff. And somewhere to stay. You can’t stay at that man’s place indefinitely.’
‘I’m OK for now. He’s been terrific actually. I’ve got a very nice room and he’s even brought in the lovely Lucy to cover the office for a day or two if necessary.’
‘I’ll call you later but I’d better get on now. Take care of yourself.’
‘OK. Are you all right?’
‘I … gotta go.’ He hung up and she stared at the phone.
She’d been so full of her own problems that she hadn’t really asked how things were for him. He did sound stressed and she felt concerned for him. She must remember to ask for more details when they spoke again.
Chapter Twenty
Ryan put the phone and sat staring into space. This was just something else to add to his problems. He didn’t want to say too much to his sister especially now she had a whole new raft of problems. His father was seeing more and more of Charlotte and she seemed to be at their home more often than not.
Mrs Jenkins the housekeeper seemed to have taken to her and her position in the house had been made permanent. When she had to look after him when he was alone, she was quite unpleasant and made it clear that she resented his presence. He had spoken to his father about her but all he had said was “live with it”. Very helpful.
With a sigh, he went along to his father’s office suite. Maisie his PA was obviously off his father’s list for accompanying his trips and she was at her desk.
‘Do you have the insurance details for our cottage in Cornwall? There’s been a fire and the place is … well, destroyed. I need to contact the company.’
‘I think they must be in the files. I’ll see if I can locate them. Is your sister all right?’
‘I think so. Shaken, of course, and left with only the clothes she was wearing.’
‘Poor girl. What a lot she’s had to cope with since went there. Are you going to go down to be with her?’
‘Not possible at present. I have too much to do and there’s nowhere to stay in any case.’
‘Lucky your father’s in the area then, isn’t it?’
‘Dad’s in Cornwall? I didn’t know that.’
‘He asked me to book him into a hotel in St Ives. That’s Cornwall isn’t it?’
‘Well yes, of course. What’s he doing there?’
‘I’ve no idea. He doesn’t confide everything with me anymore. He wasn’t alone by the way. Booked a double room.’ She sniffed and looked away. ‘I’ll look in the file for you. Won’t be a moment.’ She went into his father’s office and returned a few minutes later with a folder. ‘He’s instructed them to cancel the policy on the property from next month onwards. I believe you are taking it over. Lucky for you there’s still a bit of time left on it.’
‘Certainly is.’ He paused, realising it made it look even worse for Julia. ‘Thanks. I’ll take the paperwork with me and see what I can sort out.’
‘OK. Let me know if I can help at all.’
He went back to his own office, deep in thought. What was his father doing in Cornwall? Perhaps it was just a quick break but it was only April and not always the warmest time. And he had actually cancelled the insurance policy which was already due to end in a couple of weeks. He and Julia would have to renew it themselves but the present situation was not looking good. Hopefully because the damage had been done before the end of this period, the claim would still be valid. All the same, many more questions would certainly be raised. They needed to make a claim very quickly just to set things in motion.
The insurance company were less than helpful when he called. They stated that little could be done until there had been an investigation. That could take several weeks.
‘But it is urgent. The premiums are currently up to date and though my father is transferring the policy to myself and my sister, it is all in order at present.’
‘Apparently so, sir. But we have to send our representative to examine the site and we shall need to see the official report.’
‘So how long will that take?’ Ryan demanded angrily.
‘I see that there is already an outstanding claim on the property. Oh, in fact there are two claims. I can’t quite see why …’
‘Because we were robbed and then when things were replaced, it was vandalised. Nothing has been paid to us against these claims as yet. Seems to me that you’re fast enough to collect fees but very slow when the shoe’s on the other foot.’
‘I’m sorry, sir, but it would be irresponsible to any of our clients if claims were not properly investigated.’
‘My sister is standing there in her nightie and a borrowed sweater,’ he almost yelled down the phone. ‘Everything she owned has gone. How is she supposed to survive while you lot move at snail’s pace?’
‘I assure you, sir, that we shall do our best to send someone out as soon as possible.’
‘My father is one of your major clients. If you want to keep any of the company business, I suggest you send someone out right away.’ Furiously angry, he banged the phone down. ‘Bloody bureaucracy,’ he shouted to nobody.
He called Julia and told her the news. She was equally angry.
‘And by the way, for some reason, Dad’s in St Ives with his woman. I’ve no idea why or what he’s doing but thought you should be warned.’
‘I hope he doesn’t come anywhere near me. Mind you, I expect he’d have something lively to say to the insurance people. I suppose it’s just a waiting game. Thanks anyway. Fax me the policy number and whatever stuff I need.’ She gave him the number then rang Bryce to give him the latest news. Ryan went back to his work, wishing he had never started this job. Julia’s idea that he should stay in Cornwall with her looked appealing but that option had been taken away from him now.
‘Life’s a bitch,’ he said aloud. ‘I’m wondering why I bother.’
Chapter Twenty-one
Gerard stood at the window of their room high above the quaint town of St Ives. It was a glorious d
ay, with Cornwall looking at its best. Spring flowers were still blooming and the pink thrift – the plant that seemed to border the entire coastline – was in full bloom.
‘I’m glad I could show you Cornwall for your first visit. I can’t believe you haven’t been here before.’
‘My parents were usually working abroad, so we rarely came to Britain for our holidays. I can see I really missed out. So, where is your cottage?’
‘My children’s cottage now. It’s on the South Coast. This is the narrow end of Cornwall, don’t forget, so it’s not too far away. It’s in a village called Trengillyn. I understand Julia’s got a job with a holiday company there. Independence was never her strong point. I doubt she’ll last long.’
‘I’d really like to meet your daughter. Can we go over there sometime?’
‘I’m not sure how welcome we’d be. She and I have had rather a falling out.’
‘Perhaps I could help smooth things over. I’m probably nearer her age than you are,’ she said cheekily.
Gerard frowned and shook his head.
‘I don’t think it would be a good idea. Now, I have some business to sort out. I suggest you go into town and have a look round. There are some nice shops and there’s the Tate Gallery. In fact, there are dozens of galleries. You should find plenty to amuse you. Buy yourself something nice.’ He handed her a bundle of notes despite her protests.
‘I don’t need this. Thank you for the thought.’
‘Keep it, just in case. We’ll have a special dinner tonight to make up for me deserting you today.’
‘Don’t worry. This is why we’re here because you had some business to do. I’ll be very happy mooching around. I might even try one of these famous pasties everyone talks about.’
‘If you’re sure. I’d better go now. Don’t want to be late for my meeting. Goodbye, darling.’ He kissed her and held her close. ‘Oh dear, I really don’t want to leave you. Why are you so gorgeous?’
‘Get off with you. I’ll see you later. Call me when you’re done.’
She watched through the window as he drove away. It was a fair walk into the town but she had been told there was a route though the garden leading down to the coast. She put on some comfortable shoes and set off. It was a steep hill and she felt hot by the time she reached the road beside the beach. There was a modern-looking café and bar on the beach and she went inside for a drink. Families were making their encampments on the sand and she sat watching them with their mass of equipment: tents, cold boxes, beach toys, and endless bags. She could never have coped with that sort of family life and felt glad she wasn’t burdened with someone who wanted children. She gathered that Gerard had not been a particularly good parent and suspected he substituted his buying power for affection. That suited her well for now. He seemed quite besotted with her and looked as if he was going to be very generous.
She liked him a lot and might even consider marrying him at some point, providing things continued to go well. A premature thought, perhaps. The Gates was a lovely house and she could be happy there, particularly if they kept a housekeeper to do the work. Julia and Ryan were potentially the main flies in the ointment. It seemed that Julia just didn’t want to know anything and Ryan had made it plain he would never accept her. Perhaps she could contact Julia and arrange a meeting privately. She could get hold of Gerard’s phone and find her number. Maybe if he was busy the next day she could go and seek out the girl.
Confident that she could charm anyone given sufficient time, Charlotte made her plans. Even if she didn’t have a phone number, it shouldn’t be too difficult to track her down. She glanced at her watch, another gift from Gerard. It was still early in the day and he wasn’t expected to be back until the evening. Maybe she could hire a car and drive over to Trengillyn today. If she didn’t make contact with Julia, then he need never know. She pulled out her phone and tapped in “Car Hire”. There was a garage quite near that offered short-term rentals.
Half an hour later, equipped with a map from the garage, she set out to find Julia. It was a small village and the holiday letting company was near the centre. She drove past it, wondering if her target was actually in there at the moment. She parked and went into the village shop. She put a couple of items in the basket and went to the checkout. There was nobody else in the shop so she was able to chat to the woman serving there. Very easily done, as Myrtle was always ready to have a gossip with anyone.
‘You on holiday?’ she asked.
‘I’m staying in St Ives. Just out to explore a little.’ Charlotte was cautious. The chances were, this woman knew Julia and the family quite well.
‘Lovely. On your own are you?’
‘Just for the day. My partner’s got some business to attend to, so I thought I’d take a look around. Is this all of the village or is there more?’
‘Well, this is the main part, of course. A few houses down the lane beside the beach. Ironically, one less after the fire.’
‘Fire?’
‘Yes. Lovely old place it was. Burned right down yesterday. Terrible business it was. They think it was deliberate and nobody knows who started it.’
‘Goodness. Was anyone hurt?’
‘No. Luckily the owner got out but she lost everything. So sad for her. She lost her mother earlier in the year and came to live here when she was left the property. She and her brother share it. Don’t know what she’ll do now.’
Charlotte was struck dumb for a moment. It had to be Julia’s place that was burnt down. Everything fitted. What should she do now? Should she still try to see Julia? Did she tell Gerard?
‘Sounds terrible for her,’ she managed to say at last. ‘Is she still here in the village?’
Myrtle looked at the woman sharply. Why would she ask that? She bit her lip, sensing she might have said too much. Her husband was always telling her to shut up but chatting was what she did best and what kept the customers coming into her shop.
‘I’m not sure. I don’t know what her plans are. Now is there anything else?’
‘No, that’s it, thank you. Just a couple of things I’d forgotten.’ She paid and left the shop. She put the things in the car and went to look in the window of the letting agency. She could always go in and ask for a brochure and remain anonymous. If Julia was there and they did meet in future, she could feign surprise. She pushed open the door and went in.
‘Good morning,’ she said to the blonde girl at the reception desk It couldn’t be Julia as Gerard had told her she looked like Ryan with dark hair and brown eyes.
‘Mornin’,’ the girl replied, looking totally bored. ‘Can I help you?’
‘Do you have a brochure, please?’ She turned and picked up a couple of leaflets.
‘This describes a couple of our properties but you need to look at the website for more details. The address is on the back. We haven’t got much left for this year, anyway.’
‘OK, thanks. I was just interested in the area. Have you been here long?’
‘Yeah, ages, but I’m just temporary for now. The girl who does the job is off at the moment. I’m standin’ in for her.’
‘And her name, is? I might call later so it would be nice to know whom I shall be speaking to.’
‘Julia. Dunno how long she’ll be off.’
‘I see. I expect she’s got some sort of bug has she?’
‘Nah. Her place burned down so she’s got stuff to sort.’
‘How terrible. I hope she wasn’t hurt?’
‘Don’t think so. They’re saying she might have done it herself for insurance. But there’s been a lot of trouble there recently. They can’t find who did it but I reckon she wanted out and this was the solution. Any road, can I take your name and address? If anything comes up we can notify you.’
‘It’s OK. I’ll look at the website later and contact you again if we’re interested.’
‘Suit yourself.’
‘Thanks for your help. Goodbye.’
Charlotte left the office,
thinking what an unpleasant character the girl was. Hardly conducive to good business. Julia wouldn’t have to try hard to improve the public image of the company. She decided she would drive along the lane and take a look at the cottage, or what was left of it. She needn’t stop and risk drawing attention to herself. She drove slowly, looking at the various properties. It was a delightful area with some pretty places, presumably all part of the letting agency. It was obviously a profitable enterprise and worth a considerable amount of money. Julia’s boss was a wealthy man without a doubt.
The burnt out wreck at the end of the lane had been sited in a perfect spot. It was sheltered by the steep hill behind and had a glorious view right across the bay. The garden led down to the sea and must have provided a paradise for the young family who holidayed there. It was sadly moving to see it in such a state, even if she hadn’t known it. Inevitably, she had slowed right down and saw several men sifting through the charred remains. There was no sign of anyone who could be Julia so she turned and drove back along the lane. One of the men looked up and she turned away slightly so he didn’t see her face. Not that anyone knew her but it was an instinct she had felt necessary. She realised she was hungry and decided one last stop would be at the village pub. There was sure to be some more gossip to heard there and even if Julia herself came in, she would not know the smart woman who was sitting quietly in the corner.
‘I’d like a glass of dry white wine, please. And a toasted sandwich?’
‘Certainly, madam,’ Jim the landlord replied. She was a nice looking woman, he thought. ‘Cheese and ham, or something else?’
‘That would be fine. Not very busy, are you?’
‘Still early in the season. Lunch trade is never very hectic. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll just sort your toastie. Don’t have kitchen staff lunchtimes at this time of year. Take a seat and I’ll bring it over pronto.’
Charlotte sat on a stool near the bar. She might as well make the most of the opportunity to chat. She turned as several young men came in. They were all in shorts and T-shirts and she knew at once they must be a surfing crowd. Something about them reminded her of the guys that hung round the beaches in Mexico and other places she had visited on holiday.
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