Guernsey Retreat

by Allen, Anne

  Opening the door wide, she replied, ‘Better, thanks. Please come in.’

  She led them to the sitting room, where Malcolm was waiting. Greetings were exchanged. After everyone was seated, Louisa asked the question uppermost in her mind.

  ‘What’s happened to the Blakes?’

  DI Wallace smiled grimly. ‘Edward was remanded in custody after coming up before the magistrate this morning. We opposed bail and he’ll be on remand until the case comes to court. Which will be weeks, if not months, from now. He’s been charged with the manslaughter of your mother and assault against yourself.’ He leaned forward. ‘Are you happy to press charges against him for hitting you?’

  Louisa nodded.

  ‘Good. We’ll be using your statement, as well as your father’s, as evidence. Now, with regards Archie,’ he pulled a face, ‘he’s been taken into hospital. The old bugger’s had a relapse and not expected to live for more than a day or two.’ He gave Malcolm a sympathetic look. ‘The doctors reckon it was the shock of coming face to face with you and what you told Edward. Seems he had convinced himself his version of events was the real one and you turning up put paid to that. As you know, we hadn’t intended to charge him with your father’s death anyway, but it looks like he’s about to get his just deserts. If that’s any consolation.’

  ‘It sure is. I hadn’t expected him to be still alive, let alone confess what he’d done. So, I’m happy,’ Malcolm said, nodding at the detective.

  ‘Right. Now, Louisa, if you’d like to give us your statement, the sergeant will write it down and when it’s typed up, perhaps you can come in and sign it?’

  Once the detectives left, Louisa, Malcolm and John relaxed in the garden with cold drinks. The days were warming up as summer made its steady approach. Now late April, it was only a few weeks away.

  ‘Well, John, I can’t thank you enough for your help. Not sure if we’d have achieved what we did without you. So, here’s to you, my friend.’ Malcolm raised his glass of beer in salute, followed by Louisa with her glass of juice.

  John shifted in his chair. ‘Thank you. But I was only doing my job. It’s what you pay me for,’ he grinned at Malcolm.

  ‘I know, but we’re both more than pleased with the outcome. I’d like to think we can be friends and keep in touch when I’m back in Guernsey. Are you going home now?’

  ‘Tomorrow. Having a last get-together with the lads tonight. Then it’s back to the missus and snooping on adulterers!’ he sighed.

  Malcolm laughed. ‘I’m planning to return to Guernsey in the next couple of days. We must go out to dinner…’ The two men started to discuss the merits or otherwise of various local restaurants while Louisa felt numb, shocked that her father was abandoning her so soon. Not that she needed him, exactly, but it felt good to have him around and he’d become the one constant in her life of late. With Malcolm back in Guernsey, what should she do? Her aunt was being looked after by a neighbour and, besides, she couldn’t go up there looking as she did now. Margaret would have a fit. Anyway, she was to return to the hospital for a check-up the following week so had to stay in London. Thank goodness Charlotte was around! Her friend was great company and perhaps they could spend more time together once Malcolm had left. The thought was cheering but did not stop the nagging idea that she was becoming needy, something she had vowed never to become. Muttering, ‘Excuse me,’ she picked up her empty glass and went to the kitchen.

  After pouring a refill, she stayed there, watching the men through the window. The two of them got on so well, she thought, pleased for her father. He had found a mate to talk to and she knew he would keep his word about dinner with John. From what he had told her, his life had been that of a loner, but that was changing. Which was good. Though it brought home to her that she had to make changes in her own life. But what? At that moment, the thought of looking for another job was distinctly unappealing. Even if she could find one in a lovely natural health centre like La Folie…She gulped. That was the crux of the problem. She really wanted to work there. With Paul. But then they couldn’t be a couple…Oh, damn it! What the hell am I going to do?

  After John’s departure Louisa, pleading a headache, went upstairs to rest. The headache was real enough and she swallowed some pain killers before curling up on her bed. The events of the past couple of days were catching up with her and she was soon fast asleep. However, it was far from restful. The confrontation at the Blakes’ flat formed part of a weird dream; one minute she was there, facing Edward and Archie, the next she was seeing Edward leaning over her mother, holding a bottle, about to smash it onto her head. She rushed forward to stop him, and he turned, morphing into Archie holding a paperweight which he brought down on her own head. She woke, covered in sweat, her heart beating so fast that she thought it would burst. Gulping lungfuls of air, she struggled into a sitting position, relieved to find she was in her own bed and still alive. The images stayed imprinted on her mind for what seemed like ages, but was actually only a moment or two. Crawling to her kitchenette she filled a glass with water and drank greedily. Her head throbbed but, on checking her watch, she saw it was only two hours since taking the painkillers. Re-filling her glass, she slumped into an armchair in her sitting room. Slowly, the throbbing eased and she felt ready to re-join Malcolm downstairs.

  They shared a subdued supper in the kitchen that evening. They could have eaten in the dining room but, as it was last used for her mother’s funeral, Louisa could not face eating there. Not yet. Malcolm had remarked on her pale face and she admitted she had had a bad dream, but did not elaborate.

  ‘By the way, I’ve been thinking about those darned jewels. I can’t go on keeping them locked in a safe forever. Strictly speaking they should be yours, being passed down to the women of the family. My great-grandfather gave them to his bride on their wedding day and, according to my mother, my father planned to do the same on theirs. Would you like them?’ He gave her a quizzical look.

  Louisa was stunned. Millions of pounds worth of jewels! And they could be hers. But…

  ‘Thanks for the offer, but I think they’ve caused enough problems for all concerned. There’s no way I’d be comfortable wearing them. As they were stolen originally, would it be better to return them to the rightful owner? The Government or whoever?’

  He smiled. ‘I’d hoped you say that. Queen Victoria would have been the original beneficiary, and may well have donated the jewels to the V&A along with other various artefacts from India. So, how about we do that? Donate them to the V&A Museum? I’m sure they’d be delighted.’

  ‘What a great idea! Then at least the jewels would be seen by thousands of people and not locked away.’ She was struck by a thought. ‘You wouldn’t be in trouble with the authorities for possession, would you?’

  He laughed. ‘No, these things happen all the time. I’ll make some enquiries once I’m home.’

  Malcolm was helping her clear away the dishes when the phone rang. Louisa was relieved to find it was Charlotte. As they started chatting, Malcolm indicated he would finish off and Louisa moved to the sitting room.

  ‘You’re sounding a bit down. Is anything wrong?’ Charlotte asked.

  Louisa told her about Malcolm leaving and the bad dream.

  ‘Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. But I’m sure Malcolm won’t leave if you need him.’

  Louisa sighed. ‘That’s the point. I shouldn’t need him. I’m a grown woman–’

  ‘Yes, a grown woman who’s had some shitty things happen recently. No wonder you’re feeling vulnerable.’ Charlotte seemed to be thinking, before adding, ‘Once your father leaves you would be very welcome to come here. There’s bags of room as you well know!’

  Louisa was touched. ‘That’s very sweet of you, but I must learn to be less needy. I figure my emotions are all over the place at the moment, which is why I get upset over nothing–’

  ‘Nothing! I hardly think being nearly killed by the man who killed your mother is no
thing! Which reminds me, have you heard from the police yet?’

  Louisa told her friend about their visit, adding that she was going to the station tomorrow to sign her statement.

  ‘I’m so pleased that this horrible business is nearly behind you. How about coming round here after you’ve been to the station? I’m working from home for the day and I’ll ask Mrs Thomas to make some more of her delicious muffins. How are you getting there?’

  ‘The police will pick me up.’

  ‘Good. Ask them to drop you round here and afterwards you can get a taxi home. Sorted.’ Her voice softened, ‘Hope you have a good night’s sleep and I’ll see you tomorrow. Night.’

  Louisa could not help but smile at her friend’s taking control. At least it showed she cared, which was more than could be said for some, she thought ruefully, thinking of Paul.

  After breakfast the next day, Malcolm announced he had booked a flight for the following morning.

  ‘As long as you’re feeling okay and can manage without me,’ he added, patting her arm. ‘There’s things needing my attention in Guernsey, but I can postpone if necessary.’

  ‘I’ll be fine. I’ve got Charlotte and, in fact she’s invited me to stay with her, but I said no.’

  Malcolm’s eyebrows lifted. ‘Did she? That was kind of her. Why did you refuse?’

  ‘Well, she has a company to run. She hasn’t time to nursemaid me! I can potter around the garden here, there’s loads to do. The weeding for a start. And I can plant some bulbs and replenish the pots.’ She managed a smile. Although she did intend to do all those things, her heart wasn’t in it. But her mother would turn in her grave if she saw her garden being neglected.

  Malcolm frowned. ‘Mm. You will come over to Guernsey soon won’t you? Once you’ve been given the all clear from the doctor.’ He coughed. ‘I…I shall miss you.’

  ‘Oh. I guess I could. For a few days, perhaps. Before I start looking for a job,’ she said, knowing she would miss him too. Would it be awkward seeing Paul if he were around when she visited Malcolm? She would have to cope with that if and when it happened.

  When Louisa came downstairs the next morning Malcolm’s case was sitting by the front door. Although still not happy about his leaving, she was feeling much better in herself. A good night’s sleep had helped and her head no longer hurt except when she combed her still unwashed hair. She had resorted to using a dry shampoo to keep it looking, and smelling, clean. Putting on a cheerful smile, she walked into the kitchen and came face to face with Paul.

  chapter 28

  ‘Hello, Louisa. How are you?’ Paul strode across the floor and embraced her before kissing her cheek. His eyes were clouded with concern.

  ‘I…I’m okay, thanks. This…this is a surprise!’ She felt her legs wobble and sat down on the nearest chair. What on earth? Did her father set this up? Her eyes swivelled towards Malcolm, who was making a fuss of filling the kettle. Catching her eye, he smiled.

  ‘Paul wanted to see for himself that you were okay, so we thought he could take a couple of days break over here, while I shoot back to Guernsey.’ He nodded at Paul. ‘I’m fixing breakfast for us before I leave. Paul caught the red-eye so I’m sure he’s famished.’

  He had set the table with plates and bowls and now fetched the box of muesli from the larder and the juice from the fridge.

  Louisa was in shock. She felt the heat in her cheeks from Paul’s kiss and embrace. Not sure what it all meant, she decided that it had to be good if he cared enough to take time off. And Malcolm had obviously approved it…

  ‘Louisa? I asked if you want some toast,’ Malcolm’s voice cut in.

  She nodded and the men joined her at the table.

  ‘How…how much do you know about what happened?’ she asked Paul, who sat opposite.

  He looked sombre. ‘Malc told me everything. I’m so sorry you got hurt, but glad that you found those men and you’ll have justice for your mother. That’s what you wanted, wasn’t it?’ His voice was gentle.

  Gripping her mug of coffee in front of her as if it was a shield, she nodded. ‘Yes,’ she whispered.

  Conversation was sparse during the meal, the air heavy with the words unsaid. Louisa struggled to chew the food in front of her and her stomach was so knotted she worried she would be sick.

  At last they all finished and Malcolm, after checking the time, said that his car would be arriving any minute. Pushing back his chair he came round the table to pull Louisa to her feet, enveloping her in a bear hug.

  ‘You take care of yourself, you hear? Any problems just give me a ring. I want you to know I’m always there for you. And I hope to see you soon.’ He stood back and she saw a twinkle in his eyes. Did he know something? She smiled and kissed his cheek as the doorbell rang.

  ‘You take care too. And thanks for everything.’

  He shook hands with Paul before walking with her to the front door. She stood on the threshold while he got into the waiting limo, waving as it pulled away. Taking a deep breath she returned to the kitchen and Paul.

  ‘Okay. What’s going on? You and Malcolm have cooked this up between you and–’

  He stopped her with a kiss. A kiss that went on and on until she felt she was running out of air and pulled back a little. His eyes were so close she could see the warmth and desire reflected in their depths and she gasped.

  ‘Malc has taken on the role of matchmaker,’ he said, grinning. ‘Or it might be more accurate to say that Charlotte has.’

  ‘How come…?’

  ‘She told Malc that you…care for me and that you had heard I care about you, too. But that there’d been a misunderstanding so neither of us had said anything. Is it true? Do you feel something more than friendship for me?’ His eyes held hers as they remained in a locked embrace.

  ‘Yes,’ she whispered.

  His face broke into a broad smile. ‘That’s what I hoped to hear.’ He gently pushed her hair back from her face, his fingers stroking her yellowing bruise. His voice husky, he went on, looking more serious, ‘I’d really like to make love to you but I don’t know if you’re ready. Your head…’

  Her heart sang with joy. ‘You don’t have to worry about that. Anyway, I heard sex is good for headaches!’ She giggled. His face cleared and she took his hand, leading him upstairs to her bedroom.

  Opening her eyes, the first thing she was aware of was that she wasn’t alone. Turning her head on the pillow she saw Paul’s beloved face, his eyes closed in sleep. Knowing he had been awake since dawn, she did not want to disturb him. Anyway, she wanted to continue drinking him in while re-living their sensuous love-making. She still tingled with the after-glow and her limbs felt as light as air. Her head no longer throbbed and she grinned at the thought of no longer needing painkillers. Being loved in such a way was soooo much better! Paul had brought her to heights she didn’t know were possible and their bodies felt so right together. The joining of yin and yang energies, as Paul would say. As he slept his arm lay across her body and she felt secure as well as loved. She sent up a silent prayer of thanks to Charlotte and Malcolm for making this possible.

  Paul’s eyes fluttered open and he smiled.

  ‘Hi, gorgeous,’ he said, stroking her face. ‘That was wonderful! Do you fancy a repeat performance?’ Before she could reply, his lips connected with hers and his hand began to stroke her thighs. She didn’t resist.

  By the time they finally made it downstairs, it was lunchtime. And for some reason they were both starving. Malcolm had stocked the fridge with a great choice, and they were soon in the garden sharing a prawn salad.

  ‘So, when exactly did my father phone you?’

  He looked up and grinned. ‘A couple of days ago. Apparently Charlotte had convinced him he should suggest I come over. But she told him before she left Guernsey that she knew we both cared for each other.’

  Louisa chewed this over. ‘The problem was you offered me a job, and then later that e
vening implied that we couldn’t have a relationship if I did work at La Folie. It was confusing, to put it mildly. I’d thought there was something between us.’

  He squirmed in his chair. ‘Yeh, that was stupid of me, wasn’t it? I didn’t think it through. I offered you the job so that we could spend time together; later realising that both the staff and Malc might not be too keen on the idea.’ He stroked the back of her hand. ‘Malc’s made it clear he’s totally for you joining the team and he’ll make sure no-one’s unhappy. We have a friendly bunch of therapists, as you know,’ Louisa nodded in agreement, ‘and they all like you. And adore Malc, so it’s not a problem.’

  ‘Does that mean that the offer’s still open?’

  ‘What do you think?’ he said, leaning over to brush her lips with his own.

  She felt herself melt inside. God, how was she going to cope, working with this man who had this devastating effect on her?

  ‘Okay, if I do accept, where am I supposed to live? It’s too soon for us to shack up together.’

  He nodded. ‘Absolutely. I – we – thought you might prefer to rent your own place. Keep some independence.’

  She laughed. ‘You two have got it all worked out, haven’t you? And what if I’d said no?’ she teased, tilting her head.

  ‘Oh, that was never likely to happen, was it? Not with my…powers of persuasion.’ He kissed her palm before going further up her bare arm.

  ‘Behave yourself! I’m hungry – for food! But seriously, we’ll have to be more circumspect when working together. And that might prove difficult if you keep looking at me like that.’

  ‘Don’t worry, I’m the consummate professional, as I’m sure so are you. I think the only thing that bothers Malc is the chance that we might fall out and one of us would have to leave.’ His eyes clouded at the thought and for a moment Louisa imagined the awfulness of that occurring.