He was waiting for her in the garden and Nanette’s heart skipped its customary beat like it did whenever she saw him. As much as she might tell herself not to rush things, she knew she was falling in love.
Standing in the circle of his arms as he held her tightly, she felt herself tremble with desire as he kissed her. Several moments passed before he released her with a sigh.
‘How did the appointment with the consultant go?’ he asked.
‘Everything seems to be all right, although he thinks Patsy should go home earlier, but I can’t change the flight – no seats available,’ Nanette answered slowly. ‘Haven’t said this to Patsy, but now I’m worried that they’ll refuse to take her anyway if we mention what’s happened.’
‘When does she want to go?’
‘Tomorrow would have been ideal,’ Nanette said.
‘Excuse me a moment.’ Jean-Claude punched some numbers into his mobile. As he began to talk in rapid French, Nanette wandered across to the terrace wall and looked down on the Mediterranean sparkling under the azure blue sky.
Jean-Claude joined her a few moments later. ‘Voila. Patsy flies tomorrow at fourteen hundred hours from Cannes-Mandelieu. I will drive you both there. You will arrange for her husband to meet her, yes?’
Nanette looked at him in amazement. ‘How?’
‘I have a friend with a private jet. He, like me, is happy to help,’ Jean-Claude said. ‘He flies to the UK several times a week on business and tomorrow he happens to have a spare seat.’
Nanette smiled. She’d forgotten how different the rich really were, with their private planes and expensive habits. ‘I can’t thank you enough, JC. And Patsy will be thrilled.’ Impulsively, she reached up and gave him a kiss, before asking, ‘Right, what do you want me to do this afternoon?’
‘Nothing,’ Jean-Claude said. ‘Today I want to give you your birthday presents,’ and catching hold of her hand he led her towards the garage where he kept his Lotus. ‘I’m sorry it’s a day or two late, but I wanted to show it to you in private,’ he said, opening the door of a white convertible parked next to his treasured racing car. To Nanette’s amazement, he handed her the car keys. ‘I know you’re ready to start driving again now, so this is here for you to use whenever you need it.’
‘JC, I don’t know what to say,’ Nanette said.
‘You don’t have to say anything. Just put the keys in your bag so you have them when you need them.’
Jean-Claude reached into the car and picked up a small orange drawstring bag that was on the driver’s seat and handed it to her.
‘The car is something to make your life easier when you need to go places. This is your real birthday present from me, ma chérie.’
Nanette was quiet as she opened the bag she recognised as coming from the exclusive jeweller near the Casino. Inside the bag itself was a padded, silk-lined box.
Nanette caught her breath as she lifted the lid and saw her present.
‘JC, thank you,’ Nanette said, gazing in amazement at a watch nestling in the folds of silk. A classic Rolex Lady-Datejust in yellow gold. ‘It’s gorgeous. I’ve never been so spoilt. I’m overwhelmed.’
‘Does the strap fit? We can have it altered if necessary,’ Jean-Claude asked anxiously. ‘Let me help you put it on.’ Bent solicitously over her wrist, checking it fitted correctly, he said quietly, ‘It’s wonderful to have someone special to spoil,’ before taking her in his arms and kissing her.
As his lips claimed hers, Nanette abandoned herself to the delicious feelings swamping her and returned his kiss passionately.
34
‘Well done, you two,’ Nanette said as the twins came running towards her and Patsy, having been collected by Mathieu from the stage door of the theatre, after performing in their school play. ‘You were both brilliant.’
‘Wish Mummy could have been here,’ Olivia said wistfully.
‘I videoed all the bits you and Pierre were in,’ Jean-Claude said. ‘So Mummy will get to see you. She’ll be home in a few weeks.’
‘I took some photos on my mobile phone,’ Patsy said. ‘Here, take a look,’ and she handed her phone to Olivia.
As the twins giggled excitedly over the photos, Mathieu asked, ‘Would you two like to go for burgers as a special treat?’
‘Can we go to that new one down in Fontvieille?’ Pierre said.
‘Sure, if that’s OK with everyone else?’ Mathieu said.
Half an hour later, as everyone tucked into gigantic portions of burgers and chips, Jean-Claude’s mobile rang. With an apologetic ‘Sorry’ he excused himself and went outside to answer it.
He didn’t say anything when he returned, instead concentrated on helping the twins choose a dessert, but Nanette sensed his mood had darkened.
It was late by the time they returned to the apartment and she expected Jean-Claude to say his goodbyes and go straight home. Instead, when Mathieu asked if he was coming up with them, he said. ‘Yes. I want a word with Nanette.’
Nanette was puzzled, but it wasn’t until after the twins were tucked up in bed and Patsy had said goodnight to everyone and gone to her room that he said anything.
‘Have you seen Evie recently?’ he asked, a strange look on his face.
‘Yes,’ Nanette said, immediately feeling guilty that she hadn’t had time to mention the meeting on board Pole Position to Jean-Claude. Let alone the reason she was there. ‘Patsy and I had coffee here with her the other day,’ she added. ‘I was going to ask if you knew of any PA jobs going. Luc has paid her off and she needs another job. Why do you ask?’
‘It was Luc who rang earlier. He’s a worried man. Don’t know the ins and outs of things, but basically, he’s in real trouble. He got caught up in a business deal that’s gone wrong and now he thinks he’s being made a scapegoat for others. Did Evie mention any of this when you met?’
Nanette thought about the packet Evie had given her and wished she’d had the chance to talk to Jean-Claude about it. She shook her head unhappily.
‘Is this the Luc I think it is?’ Mathieu asked as he came out of his room ‘I’d heard his business was in trouble. Give Evie my number – I might be able to help.’
Jean-Claude rounded on his son angrily. ‘Oh yes – get her to work with one of your criminal friends. At least it won’t be Boris Takyanov now that he’s had his application for a resident’s visa refused.’
‘How do you know that? It’s not common knowledge yet,’ Mathieu demanded.
‘You’d be surprised at just what I do know – including your so-called business activities,’ Jean-Claude retorted. ‘For instance, I know that you and Zac Ewart had a meeting in Luxembourg recently. I also know you spent six hours in the gendarmerie three days ago. I know that Boris—’
‘It’s you, isn’t it?’ Mathieu said slowly. ‘You’re the one having me followed.’ He shook his head. ‘I can’t believe my own father is spying on me.’
‘Personally, I can’t believe how easily my son has turned from successful businessman into a criminal,’ Jean-Claude shouted. ‘Oui, I had you followed because I was worried and wanted to know what was going on so I could help you.’
Both men had forgotten Nanette and she looked from one to the other in dismay as father and son glared at each other.
Mathieu sighed heavily. ‘I keep telling you I am not a criminal and don’t need you to interfere.’
‘Then stop behaving like one and tell me what’s going on.’
‘I can’t. I’ve been sworn to secrecy. Besides, what you don’t know, you can’t tell.’
Jean-Claude stared at him. ‘I can’t believe that you’ve been stupid enough to get involved with something illegal. These people you’re involved with won’t hesitate to sacrifice you to save their own skins. What would happen to the twins then?’
Mathieu replied, ‘Nanette’s here to look after the twins. You, I have no doubt, would also make sure they came to no harm. Vanessa will be home in a few weeks and they will return to Engl
and. Meanwhile, I intend to see this through, whatever you say.’
Jean-Claude shook his head in despair and turned away from his son.
Mathieu moved as though to touch him on the arm and say something, before changing his mind and walking towards his room instead. His ‘Goodnight’ was almost inaudible and the door closed behind him, only to open a second or two later.
‘Do me one favour: call off your private detective, please.’ This time, the door closed on his words and stayed shut.
Nanette, looking at Jean-Claude’s worried face, said gently, ‘There’s nothing you can do, JC.’
‘I feel so helpless,’ he said, clenching his fists. ‘I want to shake him, make him see sense.’ He smiled ruefully at her. ‘You are right though. This thing has got to run its course, whatever the outcome. I can only pray that Mathieu comes out of it unscathed – whatever it may be.’
‘Please don’t be cross with me, JC, but there is something I should have told you a couple of days ago. Zac asked me to do something for him. I didn’t want to mention it in front of Mathieu.’
Quickly, she told Jean-Claude about her visit to Pole Position and the package Evie had given her to place in the secret safe.
‘Thank you for telling me. Your visit to Pole Position was the reason Luc phoned me. He was worried you were mixed up in something too. Do you know what was in this package?’
Nanette shook her head and bit her lip before saying quietly, ‘No. And… and I didn’t put it in the safe. There was a handgun in there and it frightened me. Zac never had guns on board before.’
Jean-Claude looked at her, surprised. ‘What did you do with it?’
‘It’s in my room,’ Nanette said. ‘I’ll fetch it.’
Jean-Claude turned the package over and over when she handed it to him.
‘I suspect it’s money,’ Nanette said. ‘But why would Luc give money – or anything – to Zac to put in a secret safe?’
Jean-Claude sighed. ‘Maybe it’s all part of his problems. I’d have sworn Luc was an honest businessman, but then I’d also have said Mathieu would never get mixed up with anything illegal.’ He glanced at her. ‘Was there anything else in the safe?’
‘Only the gun. Zac never even owned a gun in the past,’ she added quietly. ‘Shall we open it?’ Nanette asked, looking first at the package and then at Jean-Claude.
He didn’t reply for several minutes and then slowly shook his head. ‘Not here. I’ll take it with me and put it somewhere safe. I don’t feel happy with you having it here.’ He sighed. ‘It’s late. Time I went home. I’ll be here at about eleven o’clock tomorrow to drive Patsy to the airport. Goodnight, ma chérie.’
A gentle kiss brushed her cheek and he was gone, leaving Nanette feeling strangely bereft.
35
There was no sign of Mathieu the next morning before Nanette left to take the twins to school and his bedroom door remained firmly closed. When she returned, Patsy was out on the balcony enjoying her breakfast croissant and coffee.
‘I’m going to miss this view,’ she said. ‘Can’t believe in a few hours I’ll be back on the farm.’ She spread some marmalade on her croissant before adding, ‘Lots of activity on Pole Position this morning. People coming and going.’
Nanette, helping herself to a cup of coffee, glanced up. ‘What sort of people?’
‘People in suits. Look, there’s one of them leaving now.’
The sisters watched as a man carrying a briefcase appeared in the stern of the yacht with Phil. The two men shook hands and Phil waited as the man left before raising the gangway and disappearing into the main cabin.
‘Hmm,’ Patsy said. ‘Wonder what that’s all about.’ She glanced over. ‘Bit of a family ding-dong last night?’
Nanette nodded. ‘Sorry if it disturbed you. Jean-Claude is getting increasingly worried about Mathieu. Unfortunately, I don’t think there is anything he can do. Have you seen him this morning?’
Patsy shook her head. ‘No. Florence said he went out very early.’
Nanette sighed. ‘Part of me wishes whatever it is would all come to a head and hang the consequences – at least we’d all know where we were.’
Patsy stood up. ‘Well, I’d better go and finish packing.’
‘Need a hand?’
‘No thanks. Might need Jean-Claude to carry the suitcase for me though, it’s a bit on the heavy side.’
While Patsy finished her packing, Nanette stayed out on the balcony looking down thoughtfully at Pole Position. Just what had been happening earlier on the now deserted yacht? Something to do with Vacances au Soleil maybe?
Florence, busy cleaning the sitting room, had the radio on softly in the background and Nanette was gently humming along to a favourite song when Jean-Claude arrived.
‘How are you today?’ she asked, returning his hug and staying in the circle of his arms, concerned at the lines of worry she could see still etched in his face from last night.
Jean-Claude shrugged non-committally. ‘I’ve been better, but I’ve done as Mathieu asked and called off the private detective.’
‘Did he have any final information to give you?’
Jean-Claude glanced towards Mathieu’s bedroom door. ‘Is he here?’
Nanette shook her head. ‘No.’
‘Apparently Mathieu has had several meetings in recent weeks just over the border in Italy. The detective can’t prove it, but he thinks Mathieu was recruiting people to join a business cartel.’ Jean-Claude sighed. ‘With Boris being refused a permanent visa, I’m afraid that Mathieu will attract more attention from the authorities and move up the list of undesirables. Who knows what will happen then?’
Nanette didn’t answer. ‘Did you open the package?’ she asked instead.
‘Non.’ He shook his head. ‘I thought we’d do it together when we get back. Now, is Patsy ready? We should really make a move. I’ve booked a table for an early lunch in Cannes before we go to the airport.’
Both Nanette and Patsy enjoyed the drive and the lunch Jean-Claude treated them to at one of the restaurants on the Bord de Mer at Cannes. It was 1:30 p.m. as they drove past the roundabout with the vintage prop plane that graced the entrance to Cannes-Mandelieu airport.
‘Jean-Claude, thank you for a lovely last day. As for arranging this flight – I still can’t believe that I’m going home in a private jet,’ Patsy said.
After she’d checked in, Jean-Claude left the two sisters to say their goodbyes.
‘You take it easy when you get home,’ Nanette said. ‘If Helen wants to spoil you – let her!’
‘I will,’ Patsy promised. She hesitated before continuing, ‘Nanette, as much as I would like you to be with me, I will understand if things here make it impossible for you to come back when the bump arrives.’
Nanette hugged her sister. ‘Fingers crossed, I’ll make it. You’ve got a few weeks to go yet, so hopefully things will have sorted themselves out. Vanessa and Ralph might even be back. Now, your flight awaits. Ring me when you get home.’
Nanette left her sister to board the aeroplane and joined Jean-Claude in the car park, where she watched the executive jet take off with the comforting feel of Jean-Claude’s arm around her shoulders.
Settling into the car for the drive back to Monaco, Jean-Claude switched on the car radio as a news bulletin started.
‘A failed coup in South America has led to the arrest of a number of people in Columbia and Brazil. In a series of dawn raids this morning in a joint operation with Interpol, police have arrested a number of men in London and Monaco.’
Jean-Claude and Nanette turned to each other in apprehension, both instantly thinking of Mathieu.
‘The arrested men, who include the Russian millionaire, Boris Takyanov, are being held in unnamed police stations. No further details have been given, but it is believed the investigation, code name Sunny Climes, is part of an ongoing inquiry into charges of fraud and tax evasion in Monaco and France.’
Silently, Jean-
Claude leant forward and turned off the radio before starting the car. Glancing at Nanette, he said quietly, ‘I think we’d better get home as quickly as we can.’
36
Nanette was silent, scarcely noticing the kilometres flying past as she sat, immersed in her own thoughts, as Jean-Claude expertly negotiated their way back to Monaco along the A8 autoroute.
Jean-Claude had tuned the car radio into the Monte Carlo station frequency hoping to hear some more information about the arrests, but there were no further news bulletins before they arrived back in the Principality.
A worried Florence met them at the apartment door, hysteria in her voice as she said something rapidly to Jean-Claude. The only word Nanette caught and understood was ‘Mathieu’ and she looked on anxiously as Jean-Claude’s expression became grimmer and grimmer before the housekeeper paused for breath.
‘She thinks Mathieu’s among the men who have been arrested,’ Jean-Claude said, turning to Nanette. ‘I must go and find out; see if there’s anything I can do. I’ll be back when I can.’
‘I need to meet the twins,’ Nanette said. ‘I’ll walk down with you.’
Leaving a clearly worried Jean-Claude at the entrance to the underground garage, Nanette made her way towards the twins’ school, where Pierre and Olivia were already waiting for her in the playground.
The old port was busy that afternoon with yachts and boats continually making their way in and out of the harbour. Tourists strolled along the embankment taking in the atmosphere and trying to get a glimpse of the celebrities sunbathing on the decks of their large yachts.
Stopping to buy the twins an ice cream at one of the pavement cafés, Nanette watched hundreds of passengers as they disembarked from one of the large ships that spent the summer months cruising the Mediterranean and regularly berthed in the harbour.
Wandering back along the embankment they passed a deserted Pole Position – its gangway raised and the No Entry sign firmly in place. With Zac not due back until shortly before the French Grand Prix, the crew would be enjoying having time to themselves.
One Summer in Monte Carlo Page 18