Dangerous Waters, page 18
‘Should only take a few days. Just get it back to me by return and I’ll chase up the first payment. Now, have a great time with your friend and call me when you’re next in London.’
Jeanne made her way, slowly, down the stairs with her case. Once outside she phoned Freya.
‘Hi, it’s me. Guess what? I’m being paid £30,000! Is that reason to celebrate or not?’
‘Wow, that’s great Jeanne. We can sure push the boat out, now! How did your lunch go?’
Jeanne told her about Greens and the champagne and Freya chuckled.
‘Thought you sounded a bit merry! It’s just as well I’ve booked us to go out tomorrow night and not tonight. You may need to take it a bit easy this evening, girl. How about you come to my office now and after I’ve sobered you up I’ll introduce you to my boss, who’ll be your editor. And it might be better to get a taxi in your condition!’ she rang off, still laughing.
Once ensconced in Freya’s office Jeanne drank all the coffee put in front of her and began to feel more compos mentis. Her intoxication wasn’t just from the alcohol but the sheer joy of being paid a large sum of money for her book. It would go a long way towards paying for the work on the cottage, she mused. Once Freya was happy that Jeanne was presentable she took her along to her boss, Louise Williams. Louise was delighted to meet Jeanne and they spent some time getting to know each other.
‘I’m really looking forward to working with you, Jeanne, and would like to think that this is the start of a long and rewarding relationship. Now, I think it’s time that Freya took you off and showed you the sights. Hope to see you again soon.’
Freya was only too happy to finish a bit earlier than usual and they took the tube to Covent Garden where Freya had a third floor one bedroom flat in a side street off Long Acre. The flat was tiny, but it did have the advantage of a lift and was well placed for the theatres and restaurants of the area.
‘I thought we could go out for a quiet meal tonight at a local bistro. We can take in a film as well, if you like,’ Freya suggested as they sprawled on the sofa.
They decided on a film and enjoyed a quiet, but happy evening out, catching up on each other’s lives over dinner. Jeanne was still full from lunch and had the lightest choice on the menu and drank only a couple of glasses of wine. They walked home, arm in arm, chatting contentedly. By the time the sofa bed was made up they were both yawning and Jeanne fell asleep immediately, images of giant fifty pound notes pervading her dreams.
Saturday was designated for shopping and they didn’t have far to go to find enticing boutiques offering styles to suit all tastes. Jeanne was feeling extravagant and bought a couple of fairly glamorous outfits for evenings out and some pretty dresses and separates for casual wear. Her wardrobe in Guernsey was so limited that she felt justified in expanding it and had to buy a large bag to accommodate her purchases. Freya treated herself to a new outfit as well but when she went to pay for it at the till she was told that it had been taken care of.
‘Jeanne, you shouldn’t have! Paying for a night out was the deal, not a new outfit as well,’ Freya said, taken aback by her friend's generosity.
‘Nonsense, I might not have got my contract without your help. Now, we can both dress up in our new glad rags and London won’t know what hit it when we finally venture out – after we’ve put our feet up first, of course!’
That evening the two girls stepped out of a taxi and into an upmarket fish restaurant, turning heads as they went. One, dark and slim, the other blonde and curvy and both wearing short dresses showing off their slim, brown legs.
The waiters were like bees to nectar as they hovered around and solicitously helped them into comfortable, leather seats.
Freya laughed, ‘I don’t get this attention when I’m with Rob! I guess it’s the sight of two gorgeous girls on the loose that sets their testosterone soaring!’
Jeanne giggled. ‘It’s great, isn’t it?’
The restaurant was famed for its shellfish and they tucked into lobster for their main course. The service was a little slow as the restaurant was buzzing and the staff rushed off their feet but they made sure that the girls got their full attention whenever possible. A couple of celebrities turned up and were ushered straight to discreetly sited tables near the back. Jeanne felt light-headed with the combination of wine and the charged atmosphere. She had forgotten how lively London could be and although she would never want to live there, looked forward to making more regular trips in future.
The evening was rounded off with a visit to a small night club in Covent Garden. Not long after their arrival the girls were invited to dance and they were happy to oblige. Even though her partner was attractive, in a Brad Pitt sort of way, Jeanne wasn’t interested in getting to know him better and found her thoughts wandering to Nick. What would he be doing on a Saturday night in Guernsey? Having a drink with the lads, possibly. Or perhaps Sue had finally persuaded him to go out on a date? Not a pleasant thought. But why should it bother her? Not wanting to go there, Jeanne smiled at her partner and carried on dancing.
Sunday morning started late. The girls didn’t open their bleary eyes until after eleven o’clock. They had crawled in at two, happy but tired. Over coffee and toast for breakfast, Freya suggested that they go to a wine bar for a late lunch. This suited Jeanne and after they had showered and dressed they went out to soak up some sun and the lively atmosphere of Covent Garden. Street performers, from jugglers and mime artists to magicians, were plying their craft. Added to this was a discordant mix of offerings from musicians and singers performing everything from opera to jazz. Jeanne and Freya settled for a café where the customers were entertained by a jazz band. They sipped their cappuccinos, tapping their feet to the lively beat.
‘Um, Freya, I’d like your advice on something. Can you play Agony Aunt for a while?’
‘Sure. I think I’ve got a couple of brain cells functioning now. Fire away.’
Jeanne told her about Marcus and her feelings, or rather lack of them, toward him.
Freya’s eyes crinkled up in amusement. ‘Hello! It’s a no-brainer, girl. Stop seeing him! It’s obvious you don’t love him and any initial attraction seems to have evaporated. I’m sure you know this yourself. So what’s stopping you ending it?’
‘I don’t know. I guess I’ve been scared of ending up on my own. And after Andy… well, let’s just say my self-confidence took a big dive. Marcus boosted me up again. But you’re right, it won’t work between us, I can see that now. I was just trying to force it to work, based on a schoolgirl crush,’ she grinned.
‘Jeanne, my girl, I’m sure there must be other men who will fancy you. You certainly could have scored last night if you’d wanted to! Isn’t there anyone in Guernsey who gives you the eye and melts your insides?’ she asked, head cocked to one side.
Jeanne flushed. ‘Um, well, yes there is someone who I’m told fancies me but he hasn’t said anything yet. Might be ’coz he’s gone off women a bit. But I do find him attractive, I guess.’
Freya demanded to know more and Jeanne found herself describing her various encounters with Nick and finished up by telling her about the planned use of his kitchen.
‘Aha! Well, this will be your chance, girl. Flutter the old eye lashes as you serve up an irresistible meal. You know what they say about the way to a man’s heart, don’t you?’ She looked at Jeanne thoughtfully, before adding, ‘I’ve got good vibes about this Nick. I expect to be kept posted with all the gory details. Please don’t bother sparing my blushes, I’m a big girl now!’
They both laughed and after leaving the café sauntered around the shops and stalls. They stopped at a jewellery stall which displayed pretty, delicate necklaces of semi-precious stones on gold chains. Jeanne fell in love with a heart shaped rose quartz pendant with matching earrings and, with a little encouragement from Freya, she bought them.
‘Rose quartz for love, eh?’ Freya grinned and then ducked as Jeanne aimed a mock punch at her.
Later that afternoon Jeanne had finally managed to squeeze her belongings and new purchases into her two bags and Freya went with her to flag down a taxi.
‘It’s been a great weekend. We must do it again sometime. Preferably when my liver’s in remission! And thanks for paying for everything, you were more than generous. Now, all you have to do is write that bestseller and snare that dishy man. Not too much to ask, is it?’ she said, giving Jeanne a hug.
‘I’ll do my best. On both counts!’ Jeanne waved goodbye as the taxi headed off towards Victoria. She sank back into her seat, a mix of emotions flowing through her – sadness at saying goodbye to Freya, excitement at her book deal and anticipation at what lay ahead for her in Guernsey. Would she indeed ‘snare that dishy man’? Did he want to be snared? She sighed as she remembered Colette telling her how hurt Nick had been when Helen left him. He might not want to risk heartbreak again, she thought. And nor did she – once was enough to last her a lifetime!
chapter twenty-one
The builders had continued to make progress, in their eyes anyway, although all Jeanne could see were holes in the walls and ceilings, wires hanging down everywhere and pipes force fed around the skirting boards downstairs. It was a shame there were solid floors downstairs, she sighed, sympathising with her grandmother’s views on the ugliness of central heating. She was impressed that the plumber was hiding his pipes as much as possible and at least the radiators were slim and stylish.
After her usual catch up with Martin, Jeanne was glad to escape – floorboards were coming up that day and with her poor sense of balance she didn’t fancy tottering along the joists. After her visit to the cemetery Jeanne went off to The Bridge for some shopping and then, feeling the need to be with people, popped into the café for lunch. If she was at all honest with herself she rather hoped that Nick would be there but in that she was disappointed.
She had not long been at a table and was trying to decide what to order when a voice disturbed her thoughts.
‘Hi, Jeanne. Long time no see. May I join you?’
‘Nick! Of course you can. How’re things? Any nice, wealthy clients on board?’ she smiled at him.
‘Business is picking up, thanks. In fact I’ve just negotiated an order to fit out a brand new boat that’ll keep us pretty busy for a while. And the client is definitely much nicer than Mr Evans!’ his smile was so broad that his whole face lit up and Jeanne felt warmed by his obvious happiness. Mm, he’s really very attractive when he smiles. Quite fanciable! She felt a little frisson of desire and had to take a deep breath before replying.
‘That’s wonderful news! It must be so exciting to work on a brand new boat. I’m so pleased for you. I’ve had some good news too,’ she said and told him about the book contract.
‘Well done! It looks like we both have something to celebrate. Shall we go mad and have a bottle of wine with our meal?’ he said.
They ordered their food and a bottle of white wine which the waiter served promptly.
‘Here’s to success! And to better times ahead,’ he said, clinking glasses.
Jeanne wasn’t sure what he meant by the latter part of the toast but was happy to go along with it. As their food arrived she told him about her weekend in London and that she hoped to go over more often in the future.
‘Yes, London offers a great culture buzz and when I’m over on business I try to catch a play or two and wander around the museums. But like you, I prefer it in small doses. I’d get withdrawal symptoms if I was away from Guernsey for long,’ he said, his eyes locked on hers.
Jeanne felt she was being drawn into his gaze and had to force herself to continue the conversation. She went on to ask about his favourite plays. After a few minutes of comparing notes Nick asked her how things were going at the cottage.
‘Oh, it looks awful! I have to get out during the day – it’s so noisy and dirty. And I’ll need to move out altogether soon as there’ll be no water or electricity. You don’t know of a cheap B&B do you?’
‘No, I don’t, I’m afraid. Not sure that there’s such a thing here. Certainly not in high season.’ He looked thoughtful. ‘I may have an alternative suggestion to make.’
Jeanne looked at him warily. He wasn’t going to confound her belief in him and suggest she stay at his place, was he? She had to admit it would have its obvious attractions but …
He noticed her wary look and smiled. ‘It’s okay, I’m not going to make an indecent proposal!’
She wasn’t sure whether to be relieved or not.
He continued, ‘It’s all above board. Literally, as it happens, that’s why I hesitated to suggest it. I could offer you sanctuary for as long as you need – on a boat… ’ at her look of alarm he carried on quickly, ‘moored at Beaucette Marina and most definitely not going out to sea. I only bought it a few weeks ago and it needs some work but it’s completely habitable. It came with a six months paid up mooring so I’m leaving it there until the winter. If you remember it’s the only marina on the island where live-aboard is allowed and there are some massive yachts there to prove it.’
He chuckled and went on, ‘I hasten to add that ‘La Belle Élise’ is not one of those but a modest 26’ motor cruiser. She has a good sized berth, working head with a shower and a well-fitted out galley. She’s even connected up to mains electricity. Anyway, I do understand if you’re not keen but it could solve your problem,’ he said, with a warm smile.
Jeanne was still taken aback.
‘I… don’t know what to say. You know how I feel about boats. But, as it happens, I’ve been having some hypnosis and I think it’s making a difference. And as it’s moored up… look, I’m going for a session this afternoon and I could ask Molly what she thinks. If she’s happy for me to try, perhaps I could come and have a look at it?’
Nick nodded and was just about to say something when Jeanne’s mobile rang.
‘Oh, hi Martin. Anything wrong?’
‘No, but we’ve found something under the floor in that there small bedroom. The plumber was getting ready to lay his pipes but this, er, bundle is in the way. Would you be able to pop along and take a look? Don’t want to touch anything.’
‘Thanks for letting me know. I’m just finishing my lunch at The Bridge so I’ll be about forty minutes.’
Wondering what on earth the ‘bundle’ could be, she explained to Nick what had happened.
As they stood outside the café Nick gave her a quick hug.
‘Let me know about the boat and I’d be interested to know what’s under those floorboards. Perhaps it’ll be the family fortune!’
She laughed. ‘Not much chance of that! But I’ll call you later and let you know, don’t worry.’
Jeanne was met by Martin at the cottage and he took her upstairs to what had been the small bedroom. Most of the floor boards were up and pipes were snaking around the edge of the room. Martin pointed to what looked like a bundle of rags squeezed between the joists in the middle before leaving to direct operations downstairs.
She had to tread carefully as she slowly inched her way across the joists. There was a piece of wood lying nearby and she grabbed it to kneel on as she got close enough to pick up the bundle. It still looked like rags, grey and dusty. She grinned at the thought that it was unlikely to be ‘the family fortune’ as, lifting it up, it didn’t feel very heavy. Unless it was wads of paper money, she thought. Slowly she unwrapped the layers and after staring at what she’d uncovered, she screamed.
chapter twenty-two
It didn’t seem long before the house was full of police officers taking statements from the builders and poking around upstairs. A doctor had arrived with the police and as he turned round Jeanne cried out ‘Jonathan! What are you doing here?’
‘Hello, Jeanne. I’m the duty doctor for the station today and as I was already there I was asked to come along. How awful for you! Are you all right? Do you need anything for the shock?’ he asked gently.
She shook her head. ‘No, I’ll be fine, thanks. It was a terrible shock but I’m calmer now. Just had a cup of tea. Have you, er, seen it, yet?’
‘Yes, just quickly. There will be a post mortem by the pathologist, of course, but it looks to me like a full term baby, probably still-born. And it’s been there so long that the dry, cool air under the floor must have mummified it.’
‘Could it have been there sixty years?’ Jeanne asked, her heart racing.
‘Could have been, I guess. But I’m not an expert on these things.
Why? Do you know something about what happened?’ he asked, puzzled.
Before Jeanne could explain the Inspector came up and said he would like to ask her a few questions.
The Inspector was very kind and gently took her through his questions and she told him all she knew about the possible parentage of the baby.
‘I’ve recently discovered that my grandmother was in love with a German soldier during the Occupation and… and that she became pregnant by him. But I don’t know that she actually gave birth.’
‘Well, if it was still-born that could certainly explain why it was buried under the floor and not properly in a graveyard. Would have meant a lot of questions for your grandmother. Very sad,’ he sighed. ‘It doesn’t look as if a crime has been committed but we will have to wait for the results of the post mortem to confirm that the baby died naturally. And there will have to be an Inquest too, I’m afraid. The body’s being taken to the hospital now and we can leave you alone. But that room is out of bounds until we’ve got the results through. I’ll try to rush through the autopsy so we don’t hold up the building work too much. Be in touch when I’ve got some news.’
Jeanne nodded and turned around in time to see a small body bag being carried outside. Jonathan came up and put his arms around her as she blinked away the tears.
‘I have to get back but I don’t like leaving you like this. Is there somewhere you could go? I don’t think you should stay here tonight.’
