by Allen, Anne
Fortunately for her peace of mind, the talk turned to more pleasant ideas and beliefs and she remained engrossed in what Paul had to say about the different forms of Buddhism. Once he’d answered all the questions, he ended the meeting with a reminder that the next yoga class would be the following morning at nine o’clock sharp.
As she was about to leave with the others, Paul stopped her to ask if she had enjoyed the yoga.
‘Yes I did, thanks. It was much more fun than I’d expected and so relaxing. I’ll definitely be back tomorrow,’ she said, shifting from foot to foot. She didn’t know why, but she felt like a schoolgirl in front of a teacher. Very unsettling.
‘Great! You looked like a natural and it won’t be long before you can manage the Kapotasana or Pigeon pose. I’d guess swimming’s made you more flexible than most people I see here.’ He smiled warmly and again images of the both of them in ‘flexible’ positions filled her mind. She felt a warm glow spreading up her neck to her cheeks.
‘Right, that’s good. I’ll…I’ll see you tomorrow then,’ Louisa said, beating a hasty retreat. The attraction she was beginning to feel for Paul felt wrong, somehow, although she wasn’t entirely sure why that was. He didn’t seem to be married as he lived alone, but he could have a girlfriend lurking in the background, she mused. Also, as a therapist herself, she was well aware of the client attachment that could develop between therapist and client. As she returned to her room she pondered on her own vulnerability at this time, missing her mother and still smarting from the abrupt end of her last relationship. Any good-looking man who smiled at her would be seen as manna from heaven, poised to sweep her into his arms and comfort her. I really must get a grip. Fanciful ideas about a gorgeous yoga instructor are not appropriate right now! I’m supposed to be enjoying some R & R not erotic thoughts. Time for a cold shower and a long swim.
Suitably cooled down from her shower, Louisa made her way to the pool, ready to work on her ‘flexible’ muscles once more.
The rest of the weekend passed pleasantly enough. Charlotte joined Louisa in a long cliff walk after Louisa had enjoyed her first aromatherapy massage from Lin’s soothing hands. Charlotte had received a reflexology treatment and they both floated on air along the cliff.
‘I wish I could stay here forever,’ Charlotte cried, as they felt the sun’s rays on their blissed-out bodies. The days were warming up nicely, kissing goodbye to the winter chill that had tried to hang on longer than was necessary.
‘Me too. It’s a magical place, isn’t it? Seems hard to accept this little haven is only about an hour away from London.’ Louisa spun around, taking in the sea glistening beneath her and the green open spaces behind. The towers of La Folie were the only visible sign of civilisation. ‘Have you been out exploring the island, yet?
Charlotte shook her head. ‘I was completely washed out when I arrived and didn’t want to stir further than the grounds. But I’d like to venture out a bit. Shall we go together?’
They agreed to go out for a drive on Sunday afternoon and Louisa said she’d check the best places to visit. She was glad of the chance to have company as it took her out of herself. It was too easy to become maudlin when you spent a lot of time on your own, she thought, as they walked slowly back to La Folie. The place was so big that with only about fifteen guests, you hardly ever bumped into anyone else except at mealtimes. I’ve been a hermit far too long, it’s time to join the human race again. Or at least the small contingent staying in the retreat! She would be eating dinner here for the first time that evening and she was looking forward to it. Charlotte had hardly stopped talking about how great the food was and they planned to eat together. She told Louisa that some of the guests were couples and tended to stick together; other singletons tended to form alliances to be spared the horror of eating alone. But she hadn’t felt up to pairing until Louisa arrived, she added. Louisa didn’t like to pry, but guessed that Charlotte might have been depressed
The island tour was enjoyed by both. Spring remained in situ and jackets were discarded when they explored the delights of the west and north coasts. Stopping the car along the way, they discovered sandy and rocky coves which would make great places to sunbathe come summer. And dotted around the island were various visitors’ attractions vying for their custom. Their favourite was Oatlands Village in the north, a rambling collection of buildings clustered around old brick kilns and offering shops and eateries. Guiltily, they enjoyed a lavish cream tea which Chef would have frowned on if he’d known.
‘I’ll have to join you for a lengthy swim when we get back,’ Charlotte sighed. ‘And I’d been so good since I came here. Easy when Chef only offers non-fattening menus. But it was delicious,’ she said, licking her fingers delicately.
‘Have you lost any weight?’
‘A few pounds. Chef’s a trained nutritionist and he’s drawing up an eating plan for me to take home. I’ll be able to continue the good work as long as I stay away from cream teas!’ She laughed.
‘Hey, we all need the occasional treat. And you’re a very attractive woman, Charlotte, so don’t beat yourself up over a cream tea,’ Louisa said, envying the other woman’s glossy locks and sculptured cheekbones. When Charlotte smiled she looked beautiful; but there was still an air of sadness around her.
Charlotte waved her hand. ‘Oh, that’s sweet of you to say so, but I’m pushing forty and feeling a bit over the hill.’
‘Rubbish! I’ve heard fifty’s the new thirty, so you’ve nothing to worry about yet.’ She looked at her new friend with concern. Someone’s made her feel old and unattractive. Bound to be a man…
‘My…my husband left me for the proverbial bimbo and it rocked me rather.’ Charlotte fumbled in her bag for a tissue and patted at the tears slowly running down her cheeks.
Louisa squeezed her arm. ‘I’m so very sorry. That must have been awful. Is that why you came here? To help get over it?’
‘Partly. He…he left six months ago and initially I was numb with shock. It came completely out of the blue.’ Her mouth twisted. ‘Shows how naïve I was! Apparently everyone else knew he was having an affair but didn’t feel able to tell me. I admit I was pretty well wedded to my work and didn’t spot the signs; the late nights, trips away, not much sex…’ She blew her nose before fixing a smile on her face.
‘Look, I’m sorry to have blubbed like that. I shouldn’t burden you with my problems; I’m sure you have enough of your own.’
‘Don’t be silly. I guessed something like that must have happened; you looked so sad. Has being at La Folie helped?’
Charlotte nodded. ‘Definitely. I’ve been receiving counselling from a lovely woman called Molly, as well as the physical treatments which have been a godsend.’
‘I’m seeing Molly too. Not for counselling but for hypnosis…’ Louisa saw Charlotte’s eyebrows rise in surprise and decided to share the story of her mother’s death, but not that of her new-found father. Not yet, it was too soon.
When she had finished Charlotte reached across to give her a hug.
‘You poor girl! Losing an errant husband is nothing compared to the loss of a mother. Husbands can be replaced, but not one’s mother. But I’m sure you’ll receive the very best help here, the staff are particularly dedicated. I’ve tried a few health spas in my time, but this one is in a league of its own.’ She pulled back and added, briskly, ‘Right, perhaps it’s time we made our way back. And I think a bottle of the best bubbly La Folie can provide will be in order at dinner tonight. My treat,’ she added as Louisa tried to protest. ‘We can take it up to one of our rooms afterwards and have a good piss-up. Do us both good and to hell with the diet!’
The next morning Louisa woke with a throbbing head and a throat like sandpaper. Reaching for the glass of water she’d left on the bedside table, she swallowed deeply and propped herself up on the pillows. With a wry grin she mentally replayed the previous evening’s drinking session which had finished up in her room. As
the champagne flowed serenity had flown out of the window, with both women veering between hysterical giggles and morose re-telling of their stories. Swallowing a couple of paracetamol, Louisa had to concede that, in spite of the sore head, the evening had been cathartic for them both. It was if they had each given the other permission to let go without fear of judgment. She could only hope that Charlotte wouldn’t feel uncomfortable with her after baring her soul the night before. It was clear that she was used to being in control, not letting go easily. In that they were alike, she thought, padding into the shower for a quick burst of cold water before turning the temperature back to normal. She just had time to pull on her joggers and top before heading downstairs to the yoga class. Breakfast would have to wait.
She arrived with moments to spare, surprised to see an immaculate Charlotte smiling serenely at Paul as she took her place on a mat.
‘Good morning, Louisa. Glad you could make it,’ Paul greeted her, grinning. He knows! Surely it’s not common knowledge that we got blasted last night? She shot a quick look at Charlotte who winked as she indicated the vacant mat next to her own.
‘It’s okay, I only said we enjoyed a bottle of champers last night. And he said he’d have been happy to join us,’ Charlotte whispered to her as Paul moved away to welcome a newcomer. ‘How are you feeling? I noticed you missed breakfast.’
‘I’ve felt better. I’ll grab something after class. But you look great! How…’
‘Oh, I have the constitution of an ox when it comes to booze. Not even a headache. And I slept better than I have for months, so thank you. It did me good.’
Charlotte patted Louisa’s hand as they prepared for the first stretch.
By the time the class had finished, Louisa felt back to normal and ravenous. After a brief chat with Paul, who asked how she was, she shot off to the dining room. Fortunately for her, breakfast was available until the civilised time of ten thirty, and she placed her order for a double-strength café latte as she helped herself from the trolley. She finished in good time for her appointment with Molly, quickly popping upstairs to clean her teeth and slap on some make-up to cover the dark shadows.
‘Hello, Louisa, do come in,’ Molly said, as she opened the door.
Settling into the recliner, Louisa experienced some qualms. Until then she had been too busy to think about what it would be like to recall that awful day. She shivered.
‘Are you cold?’ Molly’s face creased in concern.
‘No. It’s the thought of having to dredge it all up again…’
Molly nodded. ‘Of course. But remember we’re only looking for a description of the man you saw. It probably won’t be necessary to probe deeper than that.’ Molly smiled reassuringly and Louisa took a deep breath. Come on, girl! Don’t be a wuss! She told herself firmly, not wanting to let everyone down. Especially her mother.
Molly went on to explain that once Louisa was deeply relaxed, she would direct her to return to the day concerned, asking her to describe what happened as she arrived home. Louisa nodded her understanding and, on Molly’s instructions, closed her eyes.
Some minutes later Louisa felt herself sinking down into a blissful state of relaxation, soothed by Molly’s gentle voice.
‘Now, Louisa, I want your subconscious mind to take you back to Friday 16th January 2009. It’s around half past six in the evening and you’re on the way home. I want you to tell me what’s happening.’
‘I’ve just left Angel station and I bought Mum some roses. Her favourite. I’m running a bit late and Mum’s cooking dinner so I start to hurry.’ Her voice was clear, enabling Molly to make notes.
‘Good. Have you far to go?’
‘No, only another five minutes and I’ll be there.’ A pause. ‘I’m just opening the front door and calling out to Mum when…when this man rushes towards me…down the hall…barges into me.’ Louisa shifted in her chair as images fill her mind.
‘Can you tell me anything about this man, Louisa? What he looks like, what he’s wearing.’
‘Um, he’s very thin…scruffy…about sixty. He’s wearing a dark mac…over a navy fleece…has something on it…a logo of some sort.’ She frowned in concentration. There’s something familiar about that logo. ‘I’ve got it! It’s the London Undergound logo! He must work there.’ She felt herself falling as he pushed into her. ‘I…I fall when he collides with me. He’s running off as I’m picking myself up.’
‘Okay. Do you catch another look at him before he disappears?’
Again Louisa saw a picture form in her mind. ‘Yes. Not tall…grey…lanky hair. Oh! He’s got a limp! He can’t run properly…sort of shuffle…but I’m worried about Mum…turn back into the house.’ Louisa could feel herself becoming anxious. Mum! Is she all right?
‘That’s very good, Louisa. Now, I want you to leave that time and return to the present. So I’m asking your subconscious…’ Molly continued to guide her back from that January evening, eventually asking her to open her eyes, telling her she would feel calm and relaxed.
Louisa blinked, her gaze falling on Molly’s friendly face. Her heart rate was still a bit high, but she was no longer filled with anxiety. It was over. And she had remembered things she hadn’t realised she’d seen. Perhaps now they would catch him the man who killed her mother.
chapter 15
Malcolm was lost in thought as he stared out of his apartment window. Louisa had only said that her hypnosis session had produced results, but from the excitement in her voice he guessed it was significant. He really hoped whatever she recalled could help to nail the bastard who’d robbed a lovely lady of her life. He clenched his hands so tightly that the knuckles glowed white through the skin. The memory of the night that had, ultimately and tragically, brought about Susan’s death flashed into his mind.
‘Can I really? You’re not kidding me are you?’ Susan asked, her soft grey eyes round with excitement.
‘Hey, ’course I’m not. That would be cruel. I’d love you to wear the jewels; the rubies will positively glow against that creamy skin of yours. You’ll be the belle of the ball!’ he said, giving her a kiss. Susan looked radiant in a deep blue satin sheath, encasing her svelte figure to perfection. As he fastened the necklace around her neck his fingers trembled as he felt the familiar onslaught of passion. There was no time now, but later…
Forcing himself to stand back, he admired the effect of the huge rubies and diamonds filling Susan’s décolletage. Stunning, absolutely stunning. She swung round to see her reflection in the mirror and gasped.
‘It’s beautiful! You are absolutely sure–’
He pulled her into his arms. ‘Yes. I’ll be the envy of all the men with the most beautiful woman on my arm tonight.’ At that moment he realised how much he loved her and he was scared. Scared of what that meant. Commitment. Marriage and children. He wasn’t sure if he was ready. Not yet…
And then, days later he got the call that his mother was seriously ill and he left. Never to see Susan again. And not knowing she was carrying his child.
*
Louisa rang the intercom and Malcolm buzzed her in. Adrenaline coursed through her bloodstream as she rode up in the lift to the penthouse. The thought that they now had something concrete to go on in the search for That Man, went some way to assuaging the pain of her loss. Until then she had felt guilty for being so useless.
Malcolm led her into the living area, offering her a cup of coffee as she sank onto a sofa. He returned a moment later with two cups.
‘Okay. I can tell from your face that whatever you’ve remembered is important, so shoot,’ he said.
She told him everything.
Malcolm’s face, initially sombre, now lightened. ‘That’s terrific, Louisa. Well done! I’m sorry you had to go through the ordeal again but…’
She shook her head. ‘It was okay, really. We didn’t go further than my encounter with That Man so it wasn’t as if I had to recall what happened after…’ She bit
her lip then continued, ‘I’m glad I did it and John Ferguson was right to suggest it. Will you tell him what I’ve remembered?’
‘Sure will. You drink your coffee while I give him a ring.’ He picked up his phone and wandered off to the window, giving Louisa’s shoulder a quick squeeze on the way.
‘Hi, John, it’s Malcolm…Yes, she did, this morning…Yep, quite a good description…sure, that sounds a great idea…let me know when…right, talk later. Bye.’
Returning to the sofa, he explained that John would chat to a photo-fit expert who could help them build a life-like picture of the suspect.
‘Sounds good. Once we have a picture what happens next?’
‘John will go over to the UK and start digging around amongst his contacts in the Met. Of course, if the guy doesn’t have a record, then we’ll be no further forward. In that case, John will search the birth records to see if Archie had a son and, if he did, track him down and see if it’s him. Either way, John feels confident it will lead us to the killer. Just may take some time,’ he said, sighing. ‘We need to be patient, my dear. Meanwhile, we’ll be able to get to know each other better while you relax at La Folie. Is that a deal?’
Louisa, worried exactly how long was “some time”, managed a smile. After all, although she desperately wanted justice for her mother, she also wanted to build a relationship with her father. Once she returned to London that might be more difficult to maintain.
‘Great. Now, how about I take you out to lunch? Assuming you haven’t gotten any other plans.’
‘Thanks, I’d like that. I’ve nothing booked until four o’clock when I’m due for a full body massage.’
‘You love those too? I’ve got one tomorrow. Helps to keep this ol’ body of mine moving around,’ he chuckled. ‘Right, I’ll phone for a table and then we can be off.’
Minutes later they were settled at a table in La Fregate studying the lunch menu. Glasses of low-alcohol lager were testament to their desire for sobriety. Although they had walked from the apartment, she had to drive out to La Folie for her massage. It didn’t take long to choose their food, leaving them free to chat. Malcolm appeared keen to know more about her childhood and Louisa was happy to answer his questions. Time drifted by as they became immersed in their conversation and the good food.