The Mallorcan Bookseller (The 3R International Series Book 1)

by PETE DAVIES

  *****

  Anna, Greg, Sam and Terri were going back to Palma de Mallorca with Daniel in the Citation. Once they were in the air, they could all feel themselves relax.

  “Bit of a hectic one for you guys to start your new roles with 3R,” said Greg.

  “It was certainly different,” said Sam, and when the others looked at him, he just smiled and said, “No paperwork.”

  “I don’t know if exciting is the right word with people being shot dead in front of me,” said Anna, “but I can’t think of any other word for everything that has gone on. I just wish it wasn’t as a result of what happened to poor Sheila.”

  “Yes, it will take John and the boys a good while to get over this, but I think he’ll at least have some small satisfaction that he has had some sort of justice for her with the result and that others may not suffer the same harm,” said Greg, before adding, “I am assuming we all think the shooter was something to do with Sergei?”

  “Did you initially think it was me?” said Terri.

  “I wouldn’t have minded either way, because he was damn close to getting the AK up and firing. My fault for not saying anything at the time as I saw the scope glint, but knowing you weren’t at that location I put it down to something else. My mistake which I’m pleased to say didn’t lead to any casualties on our side,” said Greg.

  “And when did you learn to speak Hindi?” said Anna.

  “About thirty six years ago, not long after I had met you. My first mission ended up with an Indian connection and I had to go there, but today I was just glad that I remembered some of what I’d needed to know back then.”

  They settled back in their seats and once they got to their cruising height, Daniel came around with refreshments and gave them the flight plan. They would need to stop for fuel, but twice this time. Once in Oman, for a very quick top up and then straight onto Cyprus, where they would stay overnight before flying to Palma de Mallorca the following morning.

  *****

  Lori Garcia was waiting at the VIP Terminal when they landed the next day. Greg had called her when they had taken off for Oman and then again from the hotel in Paphos, Cyprus. She couldn’t believe how excited she was to see him.

  Greg had a similar feeling of energy building up inside him. He realised he really wanted this to work and he would find a way to get over the obstacles of where they both worked, even if it meant him moving to Spain to be with her and then using Madrid Airport for his business commitments around the world.

  She hadn’t waited for him to come through the Arrivals door. She had shown her GEO badge and was standing airside in the VIP Terminal, as they arrived in the people carrier from the plane. She ran and hugged him and they kissed like young lovers, before catching everyone looking at them and laughing.

  Later, they sat at a coffee shop in Palma and he told her all about what had happened since he had last seen her. She listened and asked questions about certain details and then just sat back and looked at him.

  “What?” he said.

  “So is this what it’s going to be like if you are part of my life? Never knowing what you might be getting yourself into?”

  “Well no actually. Most of the time I’m sitting behind a desk these days and it’s Terri who is out doing all the exciting stuff. I just meet the clients, enjoy a glass of wine or two and keep them happy on the phone,” said Greg.

  “Hmm, well I’m not so sure that’s the man I want to be in my life. I like this one. The one who is flying across the world breaking up OCGs and tracking down murderers.”

  “Really?” said Greg.

  “No, you idiot, give me the desk bound telephone man who will be safe and sound any day of the week,” said Lori laughing. “Now when I retire and I know I can look after you. Then you can go and play again, okay?”

  “Okay, I get it and I can’t wait for you to join 3R,” said Greg.

  “Is that all you can’t wait for Señor?”

  He smiled at her. He knew what he wanted and he hoped she felt the same.

  “I want to be part of your life Lori Garcia. A big part of your life and I understand if you think I’m rushing things, but that means more than just a few days and nights together before we go our different ways, much more,” said Greg.

  “I know,” she said, “and I would very much like you to meet my two boys, so they can get to know the man who makes me so very happy.”

  She kissed him softly on the lips.

  “I’d like that too.”

  They finished talking about work and he ended by saying he was going to meet John MacDonald that afternoon. She told him that she was staying on the island for two more weeks to see what happened with the Armenian OCG as a result of the new management. After paying for their coffees they got up and walked out hand in hand. They were now officially a couple.

  *****

  Greg and Terri went to the MacDonald villa that afternoon and collected Anna and Sam on the way. John and his sons listened attentively as the story unfolded. John nodded when he heard that Sonny had been shot and killed. Greg thought he might ask about Kaur still being alive, but he seemed content that justice had been done with the murderer dealt with and the instigator of the scam having been financially ruined.

  “Greg, I hope you know how much this means to me and our, I mean my boys,” said John.

  “I do John, but I wish to high heaven that it was one job that I hadn’t needed to be asked to do,” said Greg.

  “I know, but once it had happened, it was a job that damn well needed doing and I’m bloody glad it was you who was there for me. I want you to keep the rest of that £2 million and use it in any way you see fit.”

  “John, I can’t. It’s way too much. I only need to cover the cost of the plane and the incidentals. No one wants any sort of payment for this,” said Greg.

  “Look Greg, there will be another job like this, somewhere along the road where maybe the victim’s family won’t have the sort of money that I can lay my hands on, so keep it for then and don’t say anything more.”

  John’s voice had become firmer as he spoke and Greg was getting the message loud and clear.

  “Okay, I understand. We’ll use it when the situation comes around, just as you wish,” said Greg.

  “Good, that’s settled. Now I’ve been thinking. I’m definitely going to keep the villa. Sheila would love it if my boys finally bring their kids out here when they get around to having some. Of course, you also have an open invitation Greg, as I understand that you may be spending more time in Spain and Mallorca from now on, seeing as I hear you have hit it off with a certain Spanish police officer?” said John.

  Greg smiled. Nothing got past the old boy. He looked at Anna, then Terri and then Sam. They all shook their heads, so who knows how he found out, but found out he had and John was right. It was a beautiful place and whilst he couldn’t see him and Lori having any more children, it would be great to bring Lori’s boys here and their families too in due course.

  As they were leaving the MacDonald villa Anna got a call on her phone.

  “Anna, just checking in with you. I hope everything went okay on your travels?”

  “Ah, Martin. Good to hear from you and yes, it was all very satisfactory. Have you been able to sort out the money we transferred through?” said Anna.

  “Yes, £2.5 million. Rob found another half mill lying about and thought it best to take that as well as it was all no doubt from ill-gotten gains. We have set up a tri-partite team from London, Mumbai and Miss Garcia’s GEO to manage the funds based on the files Rob was able to secure as he trawled her system. They are making great headway and have already earmarked about £100,000 to return to some very surprised people, many of whom had no idea they had even been scammed in the first place.”

  “Martin, that’s excellent,” said Anna.

  “Well that’s all for now, but you do remember what I said about giving you a call sometime?” said Martin.

  “Yes for a coffee,�
� said Anna.

  “Well coffee, but also in case we need someone with your extraordinary talents, but that’s it for the moment and so I’ll leave you to enjoy getting back to Sa Petita Llibreria.”

  “Martin,” she said quietly. “I have never mentioned Sa Petita Llibreria to you before.”

  “Oh, I’m sure you have Anna, anyway I must go,” and he rang off.

  “Greg, have you ever mentioned Sa Petita Llibreria to Martin Carruthers before?”

  “No, why?”

  She paused. So Carruthers had known where she was when she first spoke to him. Had they really kept an eye on her for all of those years? Again, she smiled.

  “Oh, no reason. It doesn’t matter,” said Anna. “Now, what are we doing for dinner? Sam, shall we go and see Miquel?”

  “Great idea Mum, I’ll get it booked up. Let’s go to his brasserie in the town square, Quina Brasa. How does nine o’clock sound to everyone?” said Sam, “and Greg, I take it you’ll be bringing Lori?”

  “Yes, that would be great. Terri, what about bringing Daniel?”

  She looked at her father. Matchmaking again, but then again, why not? They had both rather given up a bit too easily last time and neither had been in any sort of serious relationship since.

  “Yes, why not. I’ll call him. Sam, shall I ask him to bring Frances?”

  “No, and stop with the matchmaking. She’s lovely, but I’m not looking for any sort of relationship at the moment,” said Sam, and looked at all of them, especially his mother.

  “Touchy, touchy dear brother,” said Terri, and saw Sam in her rear view mirror, sitting there, shaking his head.

  THIRTY SEVEN

  Miquel was there to greet them as they arrived at Quina Brasa in the town square in Llucmajor.

  Only Sam had been there before and so it was going to be a new experience for the rest of them and it looked fantastic.

  Miquel greeted his friend with a hug and took them to a table he had reserved for them outside to take in the summer evening. On the table was a bottle of Cava sitting on ice, which he opened and poured as they sat down at the table.

  “Amigos, welcome to Quina Brasa and what I hope is the first of many visits for you all.”

  “Muchas gracias amigo,” says Sam. “Now you said you had some fantastic specials tonight. I can’t wait.”

  They weren’t disappointed with the fabulous food and delicious wines chosen by Miquel to go with each of the courses. The warmth of the summer evening didn’t fall away and they continued talking at the table long into the night.

  “Did you ever think what might have been Mum? If you and Greg had stayed together?”

  “No Sam, it was never going to happen,” said Anna. “It was and remains a wonderful week in my life, but that’s how it was always going to stay. Just one week.”

  Greg looked about. Terri was talking quietly to Daniel. Was that a relationship that was going to rekindle? He hoped so as he liked Daniel and thought he would be good for Terri. He saw Sam talking with his mother and he knew Anna was so pleased Sam was feeling better and that he was looking forward to staying to live and work in Palma.

  Finally, there was Lori, who was wearing a dark blue summer dress and looking just radiant with her hair down. The 3R management team had grown significantly this last week. In fact it had pretty much doubled in size, but it was still a family business and he liked that. He liked that a lot.

  Greg then saw Miquel coming across to the table with a very attractive young woman. He nudged Anna who was next to him.

  “More matchmaking?”

  Anna smiled and then looked at Sam. She saw his eyes were fixed on the young woman before him.

  “I want you to say hello to Carmen, my little cousin. You remember her from school Sam?” said Miquel.

  During the evening Sam had seen a very attractive young woman working across on some of the other tables. He thought she had been looking at him during the night, but thought he must be imagining things.

  “Carmen, of course, I remember you,” said Sam, coming to his feet.

  “Oh no you don’t,” said everyone at the table, and he turned and looked at them and smiled.

  “Well I remember the little nine or ten year old girl who used to tag along with me and Miquel and get in the way when we were trying to play. You’ve er…”.

  “Grown up?” said Terri, standing up and giving Carmen a welcome hug.

  “Lovely to meet you Carmen and yes, this is my brother. He’s slightly awkward in front of girls, especially beautiful ones,” said Terri.

  Now it was Carmen’s turn to look embarrassed, so Sam stood and took her to one side.

  “I’m sorry, I hope we haven’t embarrassed you?”

  “No, I’m fine, but Miquel has talked so much about you and I was so looking forward to saying hello after all these years. But I need to get back to work now or the boss will tell me off.”

  She looked across at Miquel.

  “Okay, but don’t let him give you any trouble,” grinned Sam, “and Carmen, maybe we can talk again soon?”

  “Yes, I’d like that,” said Carmen, looking down at her feet as she felt everyone at the table looking at her. “I’ve got to go now,” she whispered, and she went back to the other side of the restaurant.

  Sam sat back down and the table went quiet.

  “What are you people like? I say hello to a girl and…,” said Sam.

  “And you’re nearly officially part of my family now,” teased Miquel. “Upset her and you know I will kill you, even though you are like a brother to me!”

  Sam got up and embraced his best friend. He remembered how he had felt when he arrived back on the island a month or so ago compared with how he felt now. He was feeling great and he loved being around all of these people.

  “Thank you amigo, for bringing me back to almost normal,” said Sam.

  “And thank you amigo, for wanting to come back,” said Miquel.

  The rest of the night just got better for Sam, as once Miquel had let Carmen finally finish work, he sat down with her and they just talked. She told him about her life after he had left for London and then about her Doctorate in California and then he told her about being in the police and then he surprised himself by talking about his PTSD. He felt so relaxed with her and they finished the evening sitting there holding hands and planning what to do together the next day.

  *****

  The next few weeks seemed to fly by. Sam was seeing a lot of Carmen and they both felt they were at the start of something good. She was actively looking for work and Sam was spending a lot of time with Alfonso, the company accountant, going through the books he had been so keen to show Sam a couple of months ago.

  He saw Alfonso again one morning as he was walking towards Sa Petita Llibreria. It was an early start for both of them and they arranged to meet later to talk more about the property portfolio. It was 7.30am when Sam started going through a complete inventory check. After an hour, he stopped to make a coffee as he knew his mother would be arriving soon, when he heard the bell go as the shop door opened.

  He looked up and saw a woman he recognised as one of his mother’s friends. As she walked towards him, he could see that she had been crying. She looked at him and he thought she was about to turn around to go, but she stopped and composed herself.

  “Is Anna in?”

  THE END

  book two

  “Is Anna in?”

  The same three words that had been the start of a new life for Sam just a few weeks ago.

  He looked at her and remembered her name.

  “It’s Mrs Green isn’t it? I’m Sam, Anna’s son.”

  She went to answer, but the tears started to flow again and she stumbled over her words.

  “Here, sit down and I’ll get some tea on. Mum will be in soon.”

  He grabbed a chair and helped her to sit down.

  “He told me not to come. My husband I mean, but I don’t know what to do. I’m so worr
ied and I’ve been to the police, but they say it’s too early to do anything and that she’s a grown woman anyway.”

  “So tell me what’s happened,” said Sam.

  “It’s my granddaughter, Lily. She’s not been home for two days.”

  Book Two in the 3R series is coming soon.