“Don’t worry about that. I confess that when I started working, I also had a problem. This was because I didn’t feel to be up to the situation. The problem disappeared slowly when I was growing with my success. Tell me about Jill. I trust she is well?”
“Actually, she is not at home yet and this is weird. When I heard the phone ringing, I thought it was her. I hope she has not bungles to tell me about at her arrival home. And what about Samantha?”
“Well, she is the Vanity Fair woman of the year. She is still pampering herself in the bathroom. She is always asking me to introduce her to Van der Baast and I pledged I would do it. She wants to give me a child within two years and she wants Van der Baast to assist her. In my turn, I pledged that I would marry her this summer. In a month she will be my wife and we will come to Amsterdam for a short visit. We will lodge in the same hotel we were when we first arrived in your city. We will have time to go out together as good friends do.”
“That’s good news! Jill is missing Samantha a lot. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.”
“When we arrive with our jet, the route to your dwelling won’t be a problem. Don’t worry if you are still wearing pyjamas. Just kidding, of course. I am a man of infinite surprises. Now, I guess, you are in agony for Jill. But do not worry too much. She will be home soon.”
“Sure. See you soon, Phil.”
Araon was as burdensome as ever. Somehow, he believed that Phil would knock him about concerning his hidden truth. Another part of his conscience told him that Jill would forgive him everything, even a troublesome secret. Four pm. But where in the world was Jill? He heard somebody walking with a quick step outside. The door opened and finally Jill was there.
“Jill, Jill, what happened? I was so worried.”
“I must apologize, Araon. I also had my phone off. The fact is that I met the old lady again, the witch who lives in the outskirts of Amsterdam. She has put me to the third degree. A real nightmare. I couldn’t get rid of her until one and half hour ago. I am so sorry Araon. Tell me: are you hungry?”
“Not really. I was so concerned. Meanwhile a lot of things happened. The best news is that Phil and Samantha are coming shortly to see us in Amsterdam. Phil also convinced me to be involved in the building of a skyscraper. I hope you are happy, my white Lady Macbeth. You have succeeded with your temptations.”
“I have you, Araon. You know how to make a woman be happy. Now let’s go. There are a lot of things we have to do.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
“Samantha.”
“Yes sweetheart?”
“Do you know this must be a surprise. Araon was so excited when I told you about the skyscraper we are going to build. We should sign the contract within two days.”
“Yes, and Jill is looking forward to having her part in it., I guess.”
“Crazy woman. I know you don’t want to be left out but this time there is little work for you. Be careful with the seat belt. We are landing.”
“I’m exhilarated but this is the best part of the travel by plane I enjoy. And in a while, we will be in the usual hotel in the centre of Amsterdam.”
“Sure. Now be ready with the small baggage. I’ll keep the suitcase.”
Their private jet landed perfectly and on time. Nobody was waiting for them at the airport. A white taxi drove them to their booked lodging. “I forgot it’s a penthouse, Phil.”
“Are you kidding me? Do you seriously believe I would humiliate you with a second-class service?”
“You are an angel, Phil. I need to look at myself in a mirror. My wild hair is a bit untidy. I see a certain flesh. I should eat less and move more.”
“What the heck are you saying? You still fit size eight.”
“That’s true. Maybe not in the mirror.”
“It’s just because you are very much under strain. Let’s drink something.”
“An apricot juice for me, Phil.”
“Yes grace. I’ll get the diet Coke. Now relax and I’ll tell you the rest.”
“I’m so nosey. Go ahead.”
“Sweet Samantha. I just wanted to tell you that this morning I’ll introduce you to Van der Baast. We are going there straight away if this pleases you.”
“Are you joking? I’ll leave everything and I’ll come with you to the hospital.”
“Crazy woman let’s go. What do you think of this vintage car? The one without a roof.”
“It’s fantastic.”
They left the hotel and finally they were able to enter the hospital. where a shining man welcomed them. “Good morning. I am the head of this department. Are you looking for somebody? I’m sorry to remind you this is not the time for visits.”
“We are simply looking for doctor Van der Baast.”
“You are lucky you have found me here. Usually I am very busy. I am Van der Baast. How can I be useful to you?”
“The fact is that my girlfriend has heard of you from a friend. We are planning to have a baby within two years and we wish to be assisted by you. In particular there are a couple of friends who are already under your tutelage: Jill and Araon. Jill is going to have a baby within five months and she has booked an epidural with you.”
“Oh, yes, Jill and Araon,” said Van der Baast, blushing. “They are very intimate friends of mine. And I will be more than happy to assist you at the proper time. I hope I haven’t offended you. I am very busy and now I must go to visit some patients. This is my card. Call me whenever you need me.”
“You are very kind,” said Phil holding Samantha around her waist while going towards the exit.
“Phil.”
“Yes Samantha?”
“Van der Baast is exactly the way I have imagined him, friendly, sweet, patient, genial. He doesn’t seem somebody who holds so many fishy secrets.”
“He gets involved in fishy things just for the sake of helping people. There is nothing you have to be worried about. I see you are under strain. I guess you want to go to the hotel right now. We will contact Jill and Araon shortly.”
Samantha needed to relax herself properly once they were in their golden nest. The idea of motherhood distressed her a lot. Phil was euphoric instead. He went to watch the F1 Grand Prix on TV with headphones so as not to disturb Samantha’s peace. Not that he was so fond of the racing cars. He needed simply to kill time. Exactly after an hour, a hand touched his neck. “I’m coming from the afterworld. Now I’m ready to go out if that is OK for you.”
“I see you are well. Let me call Araon.” He took his special mobile and switched it on. “Hi Araon, it’s Phil. There is a surprise. Samantha and I are in Amsterdam. We are coming to see you shortly.”
“I’m glad it’s you. Araon is in the corner of the room. I’ll tell him you are on the phone.”
“What’s happened Jill?”
“Sorry Araon. I’m very anguished by the idea of that big business. Thank God you have stopped speaking French. I go to look out the window. Oh, you see? Samantha and Phil are here.”
“Araon: it’s us!”
“Come in. The door is open.”
“Hi Jill. Hi Araon. We have missed you so much. And here we are in Amsterdam. No jokes this time. My imagination is a bit faint today.”
“So come on. We will show you our new flat. We have decided to keep both our properties.”
Araon accompanied his two friends walking through the flat and Jill appeared with a special basket with fruit. “This is for you Samantha. A small present.”
“Jill it’s fantastic! I see it is handmade.”
Samantha was so happy that once the four went up and down to see every niche of the flats she never stopped binge lyrical about Jill’s present. It was a self-assuring experience for Jill and Araon who still didn’t believe his closest friends were there. They made arrangements for the evening. Maybe their plan was a walk in the park or somewhere else. They were four of them. That was great.
“You want to kill me, bastard?”
“No, I jus
t want to test this poison.”
“Samantha. What are you saying?”
Phil watched her and realized she was sleeping. She was speaking during her sleep. Interesting.! “Here you are,” She carried on. “This is the needle for your blood test. We need it right now. After it you can lay in bed and enjoy your labour. On the other side of the room there are goods you have already tasted in your life: peppers, sweet peppers, hamburgers. You have not to eat them. They are just for watching and relieving your birth pain.”
“What is that syringe?”
“Are you frightened by it? It’s for your epidural. How are you now?”
“Perfect, thank you.”
“This is the best time for you to have a son.”
“Is it not a baby girl?”
“We will know very shortly. Now push, push, push. And the wail of a baby brought sudden happiness.
“It’s a baby girl as I hoped. Maybe Phil will be a bit disappointed because he wanted a boy. Is he here?”
“He is waiting for news outside. I’ll call him now.”
“Yes, be quick.”
“Well Mr. Morris. Your wife has delivered a baby girl. They are both very well.”
After these last words Samantha stopped talking but she was still fast asleep.
Phil was a bit concerned with the situation. The meaning of that dream was very clear: Samantha wished to have a baby at their established time. He was all cheered up. For Phil there was no greater joy than having a family and a woman to love. He decided to leave Samantha undisturbed in bed and he went out of the room. He could still admire her from the kitchen of the suite. He saw in front of him a glorious future. Two excellent friends and a business commitment to be involved in within one week together with Araon. Phil was a little nervous about Araon’s tendency to speak French but that was it.
Suddenly Samantha came back to reality. “Darling, in my dreams I saw spider webs everywhere, poison and all the most horrible things that a doctor can do. Yes, it was Van der Baast. The dream had a happy ending though. Do you think we must investigate in his past before we rely on him for my first childbirth?”
“Don’t talk like that, Samantha. Van der Baast is a man of integrity. If he holds some secret it’s for the good of his acquaintances. I heard you talking during your sleep.”
“Oh my God! And what I was saying?”
“You were in the delivery room of the hospital where you gave birth to a baby girl. At the beginning you were frightened by Van der Baast syringe. Later on, things went better than expected. And I was disappointed to see our first baby was a girl. That’s it. I went into the kitchen not to disturb you. I see you are well now. You are not under strain as you were yesterday. What do you wish to do now? Shall I call Jill and Araon to join us in our hanging out?”
“I don’t know if it is too early. Do you think is safer to investigate into their past as well? We have touched their heart. Do you trust them?”
“Why not? We shouldn’t have any doubts about their integrity. They are people of rare goodness. They are definitely good people. I open my heart to everybody and I haven’t necessarily the need to defend myself. Actually, I have already done something: I checked Jill and Araon’s criminal records which resulted in that they are very clean. I have a clear knowledge about Araon’s past. He feels a bit awkward in front of new destabilizing responsibilities but this is normal. At the beginning of my career I had this problem and I confided it to him. Feel safe Samantha: Jill and Araon are really our best friends.”
“Yes, Phil. I believe you. What’s the time now?”
“It’s four pm. I know Jill and Araon are always at home in the afternoon. A trip to the park will do for the four of us. In the meanwhile, I have to conceive a joke. Suggest something to me Samantha.”
“I really do not know. You handle your sophisticated machine.”
“OK. I’ll devise something not frightening. I will send them a fax telling: I’m the boss of the local Empire Building Society. You, Araon, have won the first prize among the contenders. You are responsible for the whole project. Good luck. And then I’ll say: be confident Araon. It’s me Phil. Do you think it will do?”
“I think it’s banal. Conceive something he has not to take for granted.”
“I simply don’t want to use other means of power to disrupt his life. He was quite anxious lately. I don’t want to burden him with unnecessary fears. Now I’ll call him to ask him if Jill and he are ready to have a walk in Jordan Park.”
“That’s fine. I’ll go to pick my best dress for the occasion.”
Phil contacted Araon to repeat the same proposal he had done the previous day, a trip in the park. Araon was very happy to hear from Phil and confirmed his availability to join them at Rembrandt Plein.
“Jill.”
“Yes Araon?”
“We must be ready for our second trip to the park. Anyway, we are not in London, we cannot wear the wonderful evening dresses we used to wear in London. So Jill be ready to go out. They will be here very shortly.
“Jill was the usual daydreamer. She felt the presence of the bodyguards behind them while sipping champagne in the limousine. Phil and Samantha woke her up. The way to the park from the house was very short so Jill suggested that they should go for a trip around the city by car first. And they were all very delighted.
At Rembrandt Plein, the vibe was quiet and exhilarating. The four were enjoying the afternoon picnic. “Here in Amsterdam, lawns are perfectly clipped like in London. Don’t you think, Phil?”
“Of course, Araon. I feel that here they are wonderful. This is a little park but it has the advantage to be close to your house. I guess you and Jill come often here.”
“Actually, I come by myself. Araon is always busy with anything else in the morning. The last time I came here it was a couple of days ago. An old lady from the outskirts of Amsterdam is persecuting me. She said she could exercise well her witchcraft at the stake of me and my baby. She carries on saying that somebody has stolen the ashes of her late husband. Lately she told me that the council wants to evict her in order to give the house to the illegal migrants. She is literally stalking me. She also said to me that she knows my husband hired undocumented workers to work in his yard in order to pay them less. I don’t know how could she get such information concerning my husband’s yard. How dare she say things like these? She must have been brainwashed by somebody who wants to disrupt Araon’s and my life. Tell me Samantha: have you ever been persecuted in your life?” said Jill.
“To be honest with you before I met Phil I was haunted by my past. A fake friend of mine who doesn’t live in London was envious of my innocence. She kept on saying: stay away from churches. Meaning by that I have not to marry. She is a single woman with a child and for her it is difficult to meet somebody who would care for her and her little daughter. I changed my telephone number and I haven’t heard from her any more. Now I feel safe under Phil’s protection. I’m proud to be his bride-to-be and the future mother of his children. Do not think too much of that lady. Phil is here to sort disgraces out,” said Samantha.
“You are my wing woman Samantha,” said Philip.
“Do you feel how fresh is the grass over here?”
But Araon interrupted them suddenly: “Look you haven’t drunk the peach tea and haven’t eaten the biscuits? They are not here just for not being looked at.”
“You are right. We can call them witty remarks if you want,” answered Jill”
“Or maybe you are frightened your dress won’t fit you any longer,” said Araon with facetiousness.
“I can say the same of Samantha. She never eats more than due for the fear of not being able to burn calories. She is a fitness maniac as most women are,” said Phil.
“You speak well guys. You are the first to look at slim women,” said Samantha.
“I never look at other women,” said Phil.
“Liar. I saw you watching two slender ladies passing by the other day. You have
been quite rude,” said Samantha.
“OK. You are right. I must apologize. It won’t be repeated any more. To me you are always the most beautiful. And stop arguing now. It’s not nice towards Jill and Araon,” said Phil.
“And furthermore, we never argue,” answered Samantha.
Araon started chasing little animals inhabiting that frame of forest. He must have noticed a squirrel to his companion’s delight. They started laughing all together. Jill was suddenly silent. From her pocket a book on Nazism dropped on the lawn. “What are you reading?” asked Samantha.
“It’s just a book on Nazism. I’m fond of history but I also like fiction. What about you?”
“I read whatever I can pick from the shelves of my dining room. Phil has supplied our house with any kind of book to arouse my interest in that privileged hobby as reading is. I have just finished my boarding school and joined a photography course. I would not have liked to do just a manual job. I miss a lot an education. You inspire me a lot, Jill. You are my paragon of woman,” said Samantha.
“Well, it’s a huge responsibility. I am always in search of knowledge and Araon can confirm it. In ten years of marriage he has consumed my brain with stuff like that. But I have to call him a hero,” said Jill.
Hey guys.” interrupted Phil. “The sun is disappearing. Shall we go to find another place to go?”
“It’s up to you,” said Araon.
“I suggest that we should go wandering through Amsterdam by car and, then, to look for a place to eat.”
“OK. But this time I pay for everybody,” said Araon.
“Don’t worry. I want you to be at ease with me. You will pay the next time, after we have made the deal with the skyscraper,” said Phil.
“OK. But this is the last time I’ll let you do it. Jill it’s just a piece of advice: stop caressing the grass with your shoes and let’s go.”
The Red Box Page 66
