by Annie Seaton
‘You are interested in Australia?’ Connor asked.
Al Tayer waved an elegant, dismissive hand. ‘I employ many Australians in my businesses and I admire them for their work ethic and their honesty.’
‘That’s a good thing to hear about my fellow countrymen.’
‘And women,’ Al Tayer added. His expression closed even further as he waited for Connor to speak.
‘I work in the mining industry,’ Connor said. ‘I believe you have recently purchased some Matsu violet diamonds to complete a matching set.’
‘That is correct.’ Al Tayer nodded to his personal assistant. ‘Najeeb purchased the diamonds on my behalf. And yes, it is to complete a beautiful set for my wife. We are about to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary and it is my way of showing her my love and appreciation for being a wonderful wife and mother.’ He looked at Connor with a challenging glint in his eye. ‘But I do not understand why a miner—’ his tone was disparaging ‘—from Australia would be interested in my jewellery. Unless you wanted to purchase it perhaps?’
‘Perhaps,’ Connor replied, his voice steady. ‘Is the set for sale?’
‘No. When the jeweller completes this necklace, it will be a part of my collection. And there it will stay.’
‘So you have not seen it yet?’
‘It is on the way back to me.’
Connor hid a smile; Zayed was either lying or he didn’t know the diamonds were now in a bank vault in Antwerp. According to John Robinson, Al Tayer had simply been told there was a delay in the making of the necklace. The resolution of the diamonds’ ownership would probably play out in a lengthy court case once the theft was resolved.
Al Tayer sat straight and his voice hardened. ‘Now Mr Kirk, I’d like to know why you are really here. You don’t look like a miner, but I very much doubt you are a diamond trader.’ This time his face wore an open sneer as he regarded Connor from top to toe.
‘I am here to discuss the Matsu diamonds with you on behalf of my employer,’ he reiterated. ‘We believe the diamonds may have been stolen.’
‘Ah, so you are an investigator. Najeeb could not find any mention of you as the businessman you claim to be. What do you want from me? I know nothing about any stolen diamonds.’
Connor held Al Tayer’s gaze, sensing that he was getting under his skin. ‘My employer would like some information. Who did you purchase the violet diamonds from?’
Al Tayer waved his hand again. ‘I do not know. Najeeb purchased them on my behalf. I am too busy to worry about trivial details such as that.’
Connor deliberately widened his eyes. ‘Come now, Mr Al Tayer. A six million dollar purchase is surely not a trivial detail.’
Al Tayer’s face was smug. ‘It may not be to someone such as you, but I can assure you, in my world, that is trivial.’
Connor’s gut clenched as he was filled with disgust. He could not imagine Dru with this guy, but he’d seen the photographs. There was a lot of game playing going on and he decided to up the ante. ‘Perhaps Najeeb can tell me?’
‘Certainly. I have nothing to hide. Najeeb . . .’ Al Tayer nodded to his personal assistant.
Najeeb’s accent was strong and Connor had to concentrate on his words. ‘The Australian trader I bought the small diamonds from, she contacted me again and told me she had more beautiful diamonds.’
‘She?’ Connor interrupted. ‘Do you have a name?’
‘Her name is Cat, and the name of the company is GCH,’ was the quiet reply.
‘And the company is a registered diamond trader?’
Najeeb nodded but his eyes skittered to the left. ‘I believe so.’
Connor let that pass. ‘You said she contacted you again? What did you mean by that?’
‘Mr Al Tayer entrusts me with the task of finding gems for unique pieces of jewellery to celebrate special occasions. His collection is very well known in the diamond world.’
‘I see,’ Connor said, aware of Al Tayer’s narrow-eyed gaze.
‘I was contacted by this trader after Ayisha’s birth earlier this year. She knew of the collection and she said she had some beautiful violet diamonds.’
‘This Australian woman, Cat. Do you have a last name for her?’ Connor probed.
‘I am sorry, I do not recall it.’
Connor didn’t take his eyes from Al Tayer as he spoke. ‘Perhaps the name Drusilla Porter would jog your memory?’
The look on the man’s face was one of instant fury. His eyes narrowed to slits and his cheeks reddened. He turned to Najeeb and spoke to him quietly in Arabic. Najeeb stood and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
Al Tayer turned back to Connor. ‘Unfortunately my personal assistant has another pressing engagement and cannot answer any more of your questions.’ He stared at Connor for a full minute before he continued. ‘Are you insinuating that there is an issue with my ownership of these diamonds? Because if you are, and if you—or your employer—have shared that information anywhere else, I will ensure you do not work again and I will cripple the company.’ His voice was cold and his stare was deadly. ‘Believe me, Mr Kirk. I am a man of my word.’ This time his voice rose and his expression was challenging.
Arrogant bastard. So he was going to take on Matsu Mine, was he? Connor clenched his fists beside his thighs, resisting the temptation to wipe the smirk off Al Tayer’s face.
‘I will not have my reputation tarnished. I will say this once. No matter what you may think, I paid for those diamonds, and I paid very well. If there is any issue with their provenance, that is nothing to do with me. Do you understand?’ Suddenly his voice reached screaming pitch and the posh accent disappeared.
‘It appears that I was incorrect.’ Connor stood to leave. He turned for the door but then paused. ‘I have one more question for you, Al Tayer. Why did Dru Porter leave your company?’
This time, Al Tayer’s smile was feral. His lip rose in a sneer and his eyes were cold. ‘Unfortunately she left of her own accord before I could reward her for her excellent work.’
‘Perhaps you can reward her yourself,’ Connor said. ‘She was on the same flight as me this morning.’
*
Soon Sam had loaded Dru’s bag into the SUV and they were heading along the motorway. As they drove towards the hotel on the man-made island, Dru looked around with trepidation at the vibrant city. It was a clear day and the smog was lighter than usual. The beautiful buildings of Dubai filled the skyline and she leaned back into the seat and tried to relax. But all the old fears rose and threatened her composure as they passed familiar places; the restaurants, bars and the huge hotel on the beach—one of Zayed’s favourite places—where he’d paraded her around like a trophy.
‘Many from work coming to the wedding?’ she asked Sam casually.
‘A couple of the engineers from my department,’ he said.
Megan twisted around in her seat and caught Dru’s eyes. ‘Don’t worry, hon. We haven’t told anyone you’re coming. Not even our families. They’ll be happy to meet you. They’ve heard so much about you.’
Dru rolled her eyes as embarrassment took over. ‘I can imagine.’
‘Only good stuff.’
‘What’s the big deal about keeping your visit a secret?’ Sam glanced over to her. ‘Megs swore me to secrecy. That is, when she finally told me you were coming.’
Dru didn’t answer for a while. ‘Long story, Sam. I’ll tell you all about it when you come over and visit me.’
‘I’ll hold you to that,’ he said.
‘But you know what? I’m pleased I came.’ Dru reached forward and squeezed Meg’s hand.
‘We are too. Wait till you see your shoes!’ Meg laughed as she turned back around to face the front and Dru chuckled.
The wedding celebrations had already begun and as soon as she’d checked into her room and freshened up, Sam and Megan headed to the private bar for the rehearsal lunch and pre-wedding family drinks. Dru’s stomach was still fluttering and ful
l of butterflies.
‘Mum, Dad, this is Dru.’
Dru nodded and smiled as she was introduced to Megan’s parents and then her sisters, the other two bridesmaids, and then to Sam’s parents. Despite the happy atmosphere and the small group, she felt distracted and couldn’t help keeping an eye on the door that led out to the hotel.
*
Dru was not one for sentimental gushing, but the next afternoon her eyes pricked with happy tears as Megan stepped out of the dressing room in the huge suite at the luxury hotel on Jumeirah Island. The high-necked, lace wedding dress was accentuated by the fancy upsweep that the hairdresser had completed a few minutes before.
‘Ha! Caught you crying, Dru Porter.’ Megan grinned as she crossed the room to where Dru was standing.
‘I’ll admit it.’ Dru dabbed at a tear. ‘You look gorgeous, Meg. Sam is one lucky guy.’
‘I am so happy you came over. I really, truly appreciate it you know.’ Megan opened her arms. ‘And thank you for wearing the shoes. They look great!’
‘We made a deal, remember. You come and visit me in the Kimberley as soon as Sam gets some time off.’ Dru hugged Megan back.
‘Promise. As soon as we can.’
Dru watched as Megan’s mother fiddled with the bridal veil. ‘Come on, darling. Your father’s waiting outside.’
Dru picked up the bridal bouquet and handed it to Megan. ‘Come on, Megs. It’s now or never.’
The wedding was a short civil ceremony held in one of the private function rooms at the luxury hotel. No expense had been spared; the flower arrangements in the room outnumbered the guests. The official part only went for fifteen minutes before the bridal party moved onto the terrace for photographs. Once that ordeal was over—Dru hated everyone watching as the official photographs were taken—they joined the guests in the restaurant next to the huge indoor aquarium for the wedding breakfast.
Nerves skittered in her stomach as the patrons in the public section of the restaurant watched the wedding party walk across to the private dining room. The choice of the reception venue was unfortunate; Dru had never told Megan that this restaurant was where Zayed had brought her for dinner the night he had locked her in his Mercedes.
It all seemed like a horrid nightmare now. He’d sworn it was an accident and she’d accepted his explanation at the time, and for a while after that his behaviour had been charming again.
Tendrils of panic tried to wind their way around her as she passed their usual table but she swallowed and took a deep breath. As she lowered her head, a man passed by her; for a moment she’d thought it was Najeeb, Zayed’s assistant. She drew another shuddering breath, kept her head down and continued walking. Before she entered the private dining room she turned around and looked back, but there was no sign of him.
Taking the chair at the end of the family table, Dru slid down as far as she could, her hands still shaking from the fright she’d had. She felt so exposed, sitting up at the front of the room next to the bridal table, although she was thankful she hadn’t been expected to sit with Sam and Megan in full view of everyone. Megan’s parents and sisters joined her at her table, and chatted to her as the first course was served. But the unsettled feeling lodged in her stomach like a stone and she barely picked at the beautiful meal in front of her. Fighting to keep calm, she focused on her breathing and reminded herself that this panic was all in her head.
As Sam had said, a couple of the engineers from the Ain were present, and they’d greeted her casually as she’d passed their table. Seeing old workmates had added to the unsettled feeling. Even though Megan had said Zayed wouldn’t be there, Dru kept looking around the room, half expecting him to burst in. They’d attended many functions at the Palm, and it would be just like him to big-note himself and drop into the wedding uninvited.
She sat back and closed her eyes, willing herself to relax as the table was cleared.
Deep breaths.
Her hands were tingling so she clutched them tightly in her lap. The conversations washed around her as she thought back to the day her world had changed.
Chapter 25
Two years earlier
Megan had taken Dru shopping at the Dubai Mall to buy a new dress for a company dinner. In her first few months in Dubai, her life had been exciting. The job—and her responsibilities as a new graduate—had exceeded her expectations. Zayed, the owner of the company, took a keen interest in the staff and he was often on site. He’d spent hours in her new office explaining the history of the Ain from the concept up and telling her how proud he was of the initiative. She had fallen for the charm and the flattery; after several months he’d asked her to help him out and she’d believed everything he’d said.
‘And maybe some fancy lingerie?’ Megan had nudged her and smiled as they’d looked through the clothes in the Victoria’s Secret store.
Dru smiled back. ‘Don’t be silly. There’s no need for that. He’s married, remember. He just needs a partner for the social functions he attends. A man of his standing needs someone to accompany him. He told me his wife is very shy, and she is busy with the children. And she’s expecting again. I was flattered when he asked me.’
The look Meg directed her way had been hard to read. ‘So what’s the function tonight?’
‘Oh, it’s only us tonight. He wants to talk to me about my dress for the ball coming up next month.’
Despite what she’d told Megan, Zayed had wanted more than just a partner for social occasions. But although he had charmed her, Dru had so far resisted his attempts to get her to spend the night with him. Of course she’d been flattered that a man with his wealth, charm and looks was attracted to her. He’d been amused at her prudence—as he called it—and Dru sensed that her reluctance to fall into bed with him had made her all the more attractive to him. Every time they went out he bought her a gift of some sort.
One day he sent flowers to her office and then he’d arrived at her desk just before five. ‘I was passing and I thought you might like a ride home.’
‘I have my car here,’ Dru said.
‘No matter.’ He’d dismissed her comment with a wave of his elegant hand. ‘I need you to help me with some shopping. Rihanna has asked me to buy her some Venetian glass—did I tell you we spent our honeymoon in Venice?’
‘That would have been very romantic.’
‘It was. Drusilla?’ His eyes held hers intently. ‘I love my wife very much and she appreciates you helping me at all of these social events.’
‘It’s a pleasure,’ Dru replied. And it had been for a while. When Zayed was warm and being a perfect gentleman, he was fun to be with.
‘So where are we shopping?’
‘Thank you, dear one. I told Rihanna you would help. I’ll send a car to get you to work tomorrow. Leave your car here.’
They were driving along Al Mussallah Road towards the Dubai Mall when Zayed glanced over at her. ‘Where’s the watch I gave you?’
‘Oh, it’s too fancy to wear to work.’
‘Make sure you wear it from now on please, Dru.’
Dru was quiet as Zayed turned the Mercedes into the Dubai Mall. The car park was busy and she looked at the brightly coloured billboards advertising the stores as the car climbed from floor to floor. Finally, on the seventh floor after passing many vacant car spaces, Zayed parked the car at the end of a row. He climbed out and then looked back. ‘I’ll go and get the parking ticket. Wait for me at the elevator.’ He pushed his door shut.
Dru reached down for her purse—she was not going to let Zayed pay for anything today—and as she did the remote locks of the car clicked into place. She tried to open her door but it was locked. She shook her head; sometimes Zayed’s protectiveness was too much. Picking up her phone, she checked for messages as she waited for him to return.
After five minutes, she put her phone away and turned around to look through the back window. There was no sign of him or anyone else in the car park. The windows were closed and it was get
ting hot in the car. She began to perspire and regretted that she hadn’t brought her large handbag where she always carried a bottle of water. She opened the refrigerated console between the two front seats but it was empty. She climbed across to the driver’s side hoping he might have left the keys in the ignition, but they were not there.
Half an hour later, panic had set in. Zayed hadn’t returned and her head was aching. Her mouth was dry and when she turned her head to the side, dizziness took over. She yawned and swallowed, trying to get some moisture into her body.
By the time the door locks clicked open, Dru was disoriented and on the verge of tears. She had been locked in the car for forty-five minutes. She opened the door and stumbled out into Zayed’s arms.
‘Where did you get to, Drusilla? I told you where to meet me.’ His voice was full of concern.
‘What? No you didn’t.’ Her voice was thick. ‘You locked the car door. I couldn’t get out. I need a drink.’
‘Oh, I am so sorry, my dear. It was not intentional. When you weren’t at the elevator I took it to the top floor. I couldn’t see you. I’ve been looking in all of your favourite shops.’
As Zayed led her to a coffee shop on the top floor of the mall, Dru felt silly. She sat quietly as he ordered their coffee.
‘When we finish our drinks we’ll go and get the glass and then I’ll buy you a dress for the ball. I want you to be the best dressed woman there.’
Dru put down the empty glass; she’d drunk almost the whole carafe of water that the waitress had put on the table. She was sleepy and feeling too ill to argue.
‘And then we can go to the Palm for dinner.’
A few nights later they had dinner on Bluewater Island where the Ain was being built, to have one final look at the ballroom set-up. If there was one thing Zayed insisted upon, it was perfection in everything he was involved in.
She had met him in the hotel earlier in the evening and he was particularly attentive. He looked at her warmly as they left the function room; he was satisfied with the preparations for the ball. Dru was feeling relaxed and had convinced herself that his locking her in the car had been unintentional.