Dangerous Waters, page 22
The inquest was straightforward and Jeanne did not have to say anything. The Magistrate briefly outlined the circumstances of the finding of the body. He then stated that there was sufficient evidence to identify the remains as that of the child of Jeanne Ozanne, which had been stillborn on February 19th 1945. The whole procedure lasted about fifteen minutes and once again Jeanne found herself outside the Royal Court.
As she stood on the steps trying to shake off the feeling of sadness which had overtaken her, Inspector Ferguson joined her.
‘You must be glad that’s over, Jeanne. I understand a burial’s been arranged for Saturday?’
‘Yes, Inspector. It will be a relief to lay little Marie to rest properly. And I’d like to thank you for the way you handled the investigation. You were very understanding,’ she smiled at him.
He looked uncomfortable, as if not used to being thanked by a member of the public.
‘Thank you. I just do my best and it was a sad business, that baby. But I understand it’s not the only mystery in your family. As yet no-one’s been traced in connection with the death of your parents and I don’t like unsolved cases. I wasn’t on the island then but I’ve inherited the case from my predecessor. You were the only witness, I believe?’
Jeanne nodded. ‘Apparently. Although I was knocked out at some point and suffered amnesia, but I’ve been getting flashbacks and I’m having hypnosis to help recover my memory.’
The Inspector was intrigued. ‘What do you remember so far?’
Jeanne told him about the white boat which looked like a speed boat and what she saw happen to her mother and he made a note of it.
‘This could prove quite a breakthrough, Jeanne. I’ll get the file out and see how it fits. You will let me know as soon as you remember anything else, won’t you?’
‘Of course! I want this solved even more than you do. It’s haunted me for the past fifteen years and I want to see it laid to rest, just like Marie. I’m really pleased that you’re in charge, Inspector. I have every confidence in you,’ she said warmly.
The Inspector cleared his throat. ‘Right, I’ll wait to hear from you, then. And if I discover anything I’ll let you know immediately,’ he said, before going off towards the nearby Police Headquarters.
Jeanne was thoughtful as she drove up to Bordeaux. She believed that her meeting with the Inspector was significant – perhaps a sign that the remaining mystery in her life would soon be solved. She sincerely hoped so.
By Friday afternoon Jeanne was beginning to be sick of the sight of food in all its shapes and textures. She could not understand why anyone would want to devote their working life to preparing and cooking food for the masses. But Colette was in her element and made it clear she was enjoying herself.
‘You know Jeanne, this has been great. It’s so different to working in the hotel kitchen where I get orders shouted at me all day long. This week has made me more determined than ever to have my own restaurant one day.’
‘Well, you’re certainly a great cook. Every dish you’ve made has been delicious and beautifully presented. If I had the money I’d set you up in business myself.’
Colette replied, cheekily, ‘You’ll have to write another book and collect an even bigger advance then you could do just that!’
They both laughed and carried on with the seemingly endless preparation. Jeanne had meant what she said but knew that a very large sum of money was needed to set up a restaurant locally. Both premises and staff were expensive thanks to the high cost of living in Guernsey. Colette was so bubbly as well as hard working that she had a good chance of success. There must be some way, Jeanne thought, as she chopped away.
Colette took pity on her a few minutes later and declared that it was time for a break and Jeanne would then be free to escape to her beloved computer. They sat drinking tea, thankful that the day’s meal was now cooking in the oven and they could relax.
‘Um, Colette, I was wondering if Sue and Nick had become an item yet. After all, she’s been pursuing him for a while now.’
‘Oh, I know she has but Nick was never interested in a relationship with her. He was happy to be just friends, helped to balance the numbers in the group. I’ve heard that she’s now met someone who really appreciates her obvious charms!’ she grinned.
‘I’m so pleased for her. That’s great news!’ For me too, Jeanne thought, smiling.
She went off to work in the sitting room while Colette carried on happily in the kitchen, humming along to the pop music erupting from the radio.
As Jeanne drove home that evening she was glad that Nick had been busy and not able to join her to eat. Now that she knew he was still single she felt more unsure of herself than when she thought he might be unavailable. They were both free to pursue a relationship and much as she fancied him she was still scared. She sighed as she pulled into Molly’s drive. Was she getting close to ‘snaring that dishy man’ as Freya put it, or did he just see her as a friend? Was she even ready for a relationship? After all, she’d been telling everyone, including herself, that she wasn’t. She just didn’t know.
A little later Jeanne was watching a particularly gripping drama on television with Peter and Molly when her mobile rang. She went into the kitchen to answer it and found, to her dismay, that it was Marcus.
‘Hi Jeanne! How are you?’
‘Ok, thanks. And you?’
‘Fine. But I’ve missed you, Jeanne. I really want us to be friends again. Please could we make a fresh start? I know I’ve handled things badly and I’m sorry. I’d like to explain how I feel properly. Can I come round and see you?’
‘It’s not a good time as I’m about to move tomorrow.’
‘But where are you going? Why are you leaving the Ogiers’?’ His voice grew louder and she felt angry.
‘I have to leave as Molly has visitors arriving so I’m going to stay on a… a friend’s boat until I can return to the cottage.’
‘A boat! But you’re scared of boats, you told me that! How can you bear to stay on a boat?’ He was incredulous.
‘I’m not as scared now as I’ve been having hypnosis to help. Now, Marcus, I really have to go. I’ll, I’ll call you sometime.’ She switched off her mobile and took a few deep breaths before returning to the sitting room. She was feeling really angry – angry with Marcus for pursuing her like that and angry with herself for saying more than she’d intended. She had not wanted him to know about the boat, but at least he didn’t know whose it was. She squared her shoulders, took another deep breath and went back to the fictional drama playing out on the screen in front of her. Not a patch on her own real one, she thought wryly.
It was a beautiful day on Saturday. A day more suited to weddings than the burial of a tiny infant who hadn’t had a chance to live, Jeanne reflected as she arrived at the Church with Mrs Ozanne. Other cars pulled up and the small group gathered together and exchanged muted greetings before making their way inside. It felt so cold in the Church after the heat of the sun that the women, in light summer dresses or separates, shivered while the men were glad of their jackets. Reverend Ayres was waiting to welcome them with his warm, sympathetic smile and firm handshake.
They walked down the nave towards the altar and Jeanne gasped as she saw the tiny white coffin on a small stand draped with a white cloth. The white signified the innocence of a child and for a moment her legs trembled. Images of the little body of Marie mingled with that of the imagined, even tinier foetus from her own miscarriage. It was only Nick’s hand holding her elbow firmly which kept her steady.
It was a simple service, reserved for stillborn and neo-natal deaths with a short address from the Vicar and a hymn. Jeanne had chosen ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’. Reverend Ayres stood at the side of the coffin and in his deep, resonant voice referred to the sad circumstances surrounding Marie’s birth and lack of life. Although brief it was beautifully phrased and Jeanne felt comforted that he had also conducted the funerals for both her parents and grandmother.
The singing of the hymn, so well-loved by children, lifted the spirits of the small congregation and even though there were so few of them, the sound they produced resounded around the Church.
It was a shock going out into the sunshine again. Eyes blinked and sunglasses were dug out of bags or pockets. The Vicar led the way to the grave which had been dug out, exposing old Mrs Le Page’s coffin. Peter had volunteered to carry the small coffin and he now gently placed it by the side of the larger one. It was not much bigger than a shoe box and looked so tiny in the grave.
The Vicar intoned the appropriate prayers and the assembled group made their due responses. It was over in minutes and Jeanne placed a bunch of freesias in the grave before moving away.
Back at the Church gate Reverend Ayres shook hands with the mourners and had a particularly long chat with Mrs Ozanne. Jeanne had noticed her crying silently in the Church. She was still dabbing at her eyes as the Vicar spoke to her. Jeanne felt so sorry for the old lady who had convinced herself that Marie’s death had been her fault.
At last Mrs Ozanne moved away and Jeanne approached him.
‘That was a really moving service, Vicar. Just what I’d hoped for. I’m sure Gran will truly rest in peace now.’
He nodded solemnly. ‘There’s no doubt about that, Jeanne. No doubt at all. Now, you just take care of yourself and I look forward to seeing you here again when you bring your lovely flowers. God Bless.’
The group made their way to the parked cars and after hugs and good byes had been exchanged Jeanne helped Mrs Ozanne into her car. After dropping her back home Jeanne was to return to Molly’s to start packing, once again. It was time to move on. She had to prove to herself that she had really conquered her fear of boats in order to live on one for several weeks. She must be mad! Just then she caught Nick’s eye and it came to her that what was helping her beat this fear, apart from the hypnosis, was that Nick, so big, strong and reliable, would be there for her. She only had to call him.
chapter twenty-seven
It was late afternoon before Jeanne made her way to Beaucette Marina and her temporary life afloat. Molly and Peter had insisted that she joined them for lunch and, in need of cheer after the funeral, she was pleased to accept. They had eaten at a lively restaurant called Crabby Jacks at Vazon and it would have been hard not to feel happy as she sat outside under a giant umbrella and tucked into the tasty food.
It felt strange to know she was on her own again and Jeanne had to admit to herself that it had been great to be cosseted by the Ogiers. It was time now for her to recover her independence, she thought, as she parked close to the main access ramp to unload her luggage.
She had only a couple of bags but one was heavy, filled with files and her laptop. She was struggling with it when Nick arrived. He lifted it out of the boot easily with one hand.
‘Hey, let me help you. I’ll carry these down to the boat while you park,’ he said.
Jeanne drove off to the main car park and by the time she reached La Belle Élise Nick was on board with her luggage.
‘Right, I’d better show you how everything works. The gas cylinder’s here, and should last for weeks,’ he said, pointing to a cupboard in the galley. He then showed her how to work the electric supply and the heads.
‘See this valve? You just have to flick it over to pump water in to flush. Then just flick it back again when you’ve finished. Don’t leave it on as water will continue to pump in. And you’ve got hot water for a shower. Any problems, either give me a shout or you can use the Marina facilities if it’s urgent. But everything was working fine when I last checked. Any questions?’
‘Um, I don’t think so. Just a bit nervous of coming free of the moorings and floating out to sea,’ she said, with a shudder.
Nick laughed. ‘There’s no chance of that happening, don’t worry. You’re perfectly safe here. But if you’re concerned about anything, anything at all, just call. I don’t want you to be scared on your own,’ he said, gently stroking the hair off her face.
A flick of desire flowed through her at his touch. ‘I’m not scared! Just a bit nervous, that’s all. I’ll be fine. There’s no need for you to worry about me,’ she said, not quite truthfully.
Nick frowned. ‘But I do worry about you. You’ve gone through so much and I don’t want you to go on having a tough time. You deserve so much better. To prove my good intentions I’d like to take you out to dinner tonight at the Marina Restaurant.’
‘Oh, Nick, I’d have loved to accept but I’ve just gorged myself at Crabby’s. Perhaps another time?’
‘Okay, how about tomorrow lunchtime? You should have your appetite back by then,’ he grinned.
‘Yes, I’d like that, thanks. I’ll go for a long walk first to work up an even bigger appetite ‘coz I hear the food’s very good!’ she teased him.
‘Don’t make the walk too long, I’d be embarrassed if you asked for seconds! Shall we say one thirty? I’ll go and book it now, and you can settle in. Here’s the keys. Hope you sleep well tonight,’ he said as he kissed her lightly on the cheek.
‘Thanks. See you tomorrow.’
After he’d gone Jeanne dreamily unpacked her possessions. Nick was being so caring and his touch certainly did things to her! It dawned on her that there was a kind of electricity between them that she’d not experienced before, even with Andy. She wondered if, and how much he had felt it. She tried not to daydream as she put her clothes away in a locker and the odds and ends in the cupboard. It would be so nice to stop living out of a suitcase and return to her cottage, surrounded by all her possessions, most of which were still at Aunt Kate’s. Never really suited to the life of a gypsy, she feared she was fast becoming one!
It was a strange feeling waking up on the boat. There was a slight rocking motion even though it was firmly moored and it was so compact that it verged on claustrophobic. As Jeanne opened her eyes and stretched her arms she felt as if she was in a womb – a beige coloured womb, mind you – a womb that had held her and rocked her gently into a deep, dreamless sleep. The previous night she had felt nervous about closing her eyes in her bunk but she must have drifted off almost at once and it was now after nine o’clock.
The shower proved to be little more than a warm trickle, and as she soaped her body Jeanne pictured the powerful shower shortly to be installed in her cottage. It will be worth the wait, she told herself, as the water slowly rinsed away the lather. After dressing in shorts and t-shirt she sat in the cockpit with the awning rolled back and ate her breakfast.
It was now time for the long walk she’d promised to make and she made her way along the headland as far as L’Ancresse Bay. The sun was really strong now and she could feel the sweat trickling down her neck and between her breasts. The sea sparkled before her and it looked so tempting that for a moment she wished she’d brought her bathers. A few braver souls than her were swimming and the excited cries of children hung on the air as they splashed about.
Back at La Belle Élise she ran a shower and stood impatiently as the water trickled over her. She then changed into a cotton skirt and sleeveless top smart enough for Sunday lunch. There was a mirror on the back of the locker and she used it to apply minimal makeup of eye shadow, mascara and lip gloss. She combed her hair and with a quick spray of perfume she was ready. Making herself comfortable in the cockpit she started to read a book by Rosie Thomas.
So engrossed was she that she lost track of time and was startled by a laughing voice saying ‘So I’ve been stood up for a book, have I?’
‘Nick! I’m sorry, am I late?’
He stepped aboard and kissed her lightly on the mouth before replying. ‘No, we’ve got five minutes. Shall we go?’
Jeanne locked up and Nick helped her off the boat and led the way along the narrow pontoon. As she followed him she ran an appreciative eye over his toned physique set off by linen slacks and a crisp white short sleeved shirt which also emphasised his tan. She recognised his walk as not only the confident stride of a man who felt good about himself but one totally at ease around water.
As they arrived at the top of the main ramp he reached out and held her arm until they entered the restaurant.
The Maitre D’ welcomed Nick warmly. ‘Signor Mauger! How good to see you again. Your table is ready or would you prefer to have an aperitif outside?’ He smiled at Jeanne. ‘Signorina,’ he said, bowing slightly.
‘We’ll have a drink outside first, thanks, Giovanni. Two Kir Royales, please.’
Jeanne raised her eyebrows and Nick said, ‘Thought we could celebrate your signing of the contract.’
They were ushered to a small iron table on the patio and Nick helped Jeanne into a chair and his fingers lightly brushed her arm as he made her comfortable. Her body tingled in response and for a moment she fantasised about the pair of them stripping off each other’s clothes and making love in the cabin. The image was so strong and pleasurable that the heat rose in her face and she noticed Nick looking at her oddly.
‘Are you all right? You’re looking a bit flushed. If you’re too hot we could go inside,’ he said, solicitously.
Jeanne took a deep breath and said, ‘I’m fine, thanks. Probably caught the sun while I was walking, but I’d like to stay out here. The view’s fantastic.’ Calm down, girl, she told herself. Don’t get carried away, he’s just being friendly.
Their aperitifs arrived and as they clinked glasses Nick said, ‘To fame and fortune!’
As Jeanne sipped her drink she began to relax. The view was, indeed, wonderful. Not only was she able to drink in the attractions of Nick, but as she was facing the Marina she was able to admire the boats, from huge ocean-going yachts to small cruisers like La Belle Élise.
He cut into her reverie by asking how she had slept.
‘Like a baby. I’d never slept on a boat before and didn’t know what to expect. But I loved the slight rocking motion and with the peace and quiet here I felt so safe,’ she smiled contentedly at him and he reached out for her hand.
