by E A Harvey
"Thank you, Rene; this is so sweet of you although it has made me blush like a teenager”
They spent the evening talking about old times and where their careers had gone and laughed at strange cases which had crossed their paths.
"Would you like a nightcap before bed”? He asked when they arrived back at his apartment.
"No thank you, Rene, I think I have had enough to drink and we need an early start in the morning. Thank you for a lovely evening. Goodnight Rene” she kissed him on the cheek and closed the bedroom door behind her.
He lay on the bed with his arms under his head thinking about the evening. It was so good to see her. I wonder could there have been more between us but for the distance and a desire to push on with our careers.
His door opened suddenly and Sarah stood there wearing one of his shirts
"I am sorry Rene but I forgot to pack pyjamas. Is it alright if I borrow one of your shirts”?
"Please do it looks so much better on you” he replied.
She climbed into his bed as he held the sheets open for her.
As he kissed her softly and then with more passion she climbed onto him,
“Rene it's been a long time for me, so stop pissing about and fuck me will you, and this never happened ok
The following morning at breakfast
"I have made an appointment for you to speak to Miss Scott also Pierre and Gabrielle DuPont at the flat which the girls share, at 11 o'clock” said Rene.
"Thank you. I am not sure what if anything I will learn, but any small thing may be of use.
Something is going on with the name of “Penny” and I want to find out what”.
I’m not sure if coming to Paris was a good move so let us see. I intend to go over every scrap of evidence however trivial it may seem”
Sarah and Rene had reverted to their official detective mode again. Their private lives and feelings had been put on hold for now.
But Sarah had feelings this morning which she never thought she was capable of and she had no idea how to handle them.
Chapter 13 Bob
After Mother and Peter left for Paris for the surprise birthday party, Janet was feeling pretty sorry for herself. She knew it was all of her own making but that did not make her feel any better. They were in Paris having fun while she was here all alone. Mike was okay to doss about with and perhaps smoke a joint. Or, if she was feeling randy, have sex, but he was not what you could call quality time or the type to go to a decent restaurant or night club with.
“Right, it's time to stop sulking about, let's get out and enjoy myself” she thought. “There's a new club in the Fulham Road, let's give it a try”.
A soak in a hot bath with plenty of bubbles and she started to feel a little better. What to wear, a pair of skin-tight jeans, a bra which showed off her breasts and cleavage to their fullest. Shirt tied in a knot leaving her firm tanned belly on view. Her hair hung loosely on to her shoulders but as usual it looked amazing. Makeup perfect with a touch of Chanel and Janet Scott looked a picture of beauty and as sexy as hell and did she know it. Ten thirty, time to call a black cab.
Climbing out of the taxi as slowly as possible without making it look obvious, she took in all the admiring glances of the clubbers waiting outside. She was out for a good night and nothing or nobody was going to stop her. The doorman took one look and waved her through.
"Can I buy you a drink Janet"?
She turned in surprise at hearing her name, the club was quite dark but she recognized the voice and then the face.
"Hello Bob. That would be nice thank you, surprise me, what’s that you’re drinking"?
The barman was busy admiring every inch of her but he heard Bob say "A whisky sour and I will have another"
"Tell me Bobby have you forgiven me or are you still mad that I caused the breakup between you and my sister”?
Come and dance with me and tell me all about it"
They put their drinks on a nearby table and she pulled him onto the floor. Pressing her body close to him she whispered in his ear.
“Well am I forgiven, was I worth the sacrifice? If you had the choice again would you sleep with her or me”?
She could feel his manhood against her body.
"Well Bob, what's your answer”?
He did not answer, but taking her hair behind her neck he pulled gently and as her head tilted up he kissed her hard on the mouth. She responded by kissing him back and sliding her hand down to his erection.
Leaving the dance floor she collected her drink.
“Thanks for the dance and the drink Bobby, I guess I know the answer" she said as she casually walked away from him.
Bob Heath shook his head and thought to himself. “One day that girl will get into big trouble if she does not change”.
In the early hours, she left with a stranger who had bought her a few drinks and spent what was left of the morning with him. To wake up in a strange bed was nothing new. Slipping into her underwear she glanced at her one night stand. Not bad looking and a decent body she thought to herself.
She left without a word. Why bother, she had no idea what his name was any way.
Outside she found herself in Cheyne Gardens and wondered how she had arrived there. Her thoughts drifted back to last night and the kiss between her and Bob. She had enjoyed it and it had turned her on
“Maybe I will give him a call”.
A passing taxi stopped at her wave.
"Afternoon miss are you starting your party early or are you late" the cabbie joked taking in her outfit.
"Not sure I know myself but I don't usually start with a hangover so I must have been partying already"
He laughed
"Where to love".
"Just to Eaton Square, please”.
Chapter 14 Feelings
The door opened and Sarah was surprised by the very good looking man standing before her.
"Good Morning. I am Chief Inspector Rene De Salis and this lady is D.I. Sarah Daniels from London”
“Do come in please we have been expecting you”.
Pierre DuPont shook hands with the two police officers and guided them into the living area.
“This is my sister Gabrielle. Please take a seat, can we offer you coffee or perhaps you would prefer tea” he said looking at Sarah.
"Tea would be good if it doesn't put you out Mr DuPont"
"Of course, no problem and I will make a pot of coffee for the rest of us"
"Is this your first time in Paris Inspector Daniels”? Asked Gabrielle.
"No I was here many years ago when I was a lot younger” said Sarah.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw Rene smile.
“And did you enjoy the city the first time you were here Inspector"?
"Yes very much” and it was her turn to smile.
Sarah looked around the room and could see that this home had a woman's touch or even two women very much in sync with each other. The curtains were certainly chosen by a woman; flowered and very pretty. The furniture was also very feminine and quite new. Scattered around were flowery cushions. Light green wallpaper enhanced the whole scene.
Pierre DuPont returned with a large tray containing a coffee and a small teapot and jug of milk. Again Sarah could not help but notice that the cups matched the teapot and milk jug. Gabrielle saw the smile on Sarah's face and raised a questioning eyebrow.
"Oh I am sorry but I could not help but notice how very feminine everything was. The drapes and furniture and even the matching tea service" said Sarah
"You can blame Penny for that. From the moment she arrived she wanted the place to be our unique little nest. Penn and Gabby's she calls it" answered Gabrielle. She picked up a picture frame containing a photo of herself and Penny,
“This is her; she should be back any moment”.
"My goodness, I had not realized just how alike the two sisters are. I met Janet Scott in London recently" said Sarah
"We have never met J
anet, sadly. It seems the girls fell out over a boyfriend and have hardly spoken to each other since, but I think it is a bit more involved and their feud goes back several years” offered Gabrielle.
"Miss DuPont, Mr DuPont. I am here to ask a few questions regarding Miss Scott and a young man named Brian Peters. As, I am sure, you are aware, I have no jurisdiction in France and therefore, you do not have to answer my questions if you prefer not to. However, I am hoping you will be kind enough to help if possible”
"Please inspectors ask away, if we can help we will be only too glad to answer any questions” said Pierre.
Rene sat drinking his coffee and said very little.
“Have either of you met or heard the name Brian Peters before”?
"No, I am sorry Inspector I certainly have never met him or ever heard his name mentioned” said Gabrielle
“And what about you Mr DuPont”
“Sorry. I can’t say I have”
Just then Penny walked into the room
"Oh I am sorry everyone, I did not mean to be so long”
"No please don't apologize we were early, and we have been well looked after by your friends”
"Yes I am sure, Gabby and Pierre are wonderful hosts but I am sorry that Pierre makes lousy tea”. She winked at Pierre.
“Just kidding darling. Now how can I be of assistance”?
"Firstly, please excuse my manners. I am DI Sarah Daniels and this is Chief Inspector Rene De Salis of the French Police. I am here to ask you about a young man named Brian Peters and how you knew him"
"Brian Peters Inspector? I am sorry l really do not know anyone by that name”
“Your cousin Patrick and Mr Peters shared a flat together. We have been informed that in a visit to your mother's home, some time ago, Mr Peters fled in surprise after, apparently recognising you and calling out your name“
"I can assure you I have never met Mr Peters Inspector but as I have an identical twin, Janet, Mr Peters may have thought my sister was me. But, as I have never met him that makes no sense, does it? May I ask why this is all this so important”?
"Because Miss Scott, Brian Peters has been murdered. Your cousin Patrick found the body I am afraid”.
"Oh the poor man and poor Patrick what a shock it must have been for him. Do you have any idea who may have killed him Inspector"?
"We are only at an early stage in our enquiries, and I am sure you will understand, I really cannot give you any more information at this point. Did you, by any chance, ever visit your cousin Patrick at the flat which he shared with Mr Peters”?
"No inspector never”
"Is there any way you might have met him in Paris"?
"If I had I’m sure I would have remembered".
"What about your brother and sister, do you remember either of them mentioning Mr Peters in conversation”?
"Again I am sorry; I have no recollection of him being mentioned”.
“When Mr Peters visited your family home a woman named Ms Costa was there waiting for your cousin. What can you tell me about her?”
“Not very much Inspector, I have only met her once and that was at a dance I attended with Patrick”
“So you would not know if she had any dealings with our Mr Peters?”
“No sorry”
"Then that's really all the questions I have for you, at this stage, Miss Scott. If you do remember anything you think might be relevant to our enquiries please do not hesitate to give me a call”. Sarah handed her a business card.
"I am really sorry I was not able help you, Inspector. Have you travelled from England just to ask me about this poor man”?
"Yes and no. As well as the investigation, it was a chance to visit my old friend, Rene here. And to use up some of my ever-increasing, unused, holiday leave, so guess I am combining business with pleasure you might say”
This brought another smile to Rene’s face.
Sarah and Rene rose to leave.
"Thank you for your help and your hospitality" said Rene to Pierre and Gabrielle
"Yes thank you so very much, I am so sorry it was under such circumstances” said Sarah.
They left the building and climbed into the police car. "Well what do you think Sarah, anything"?
“The brother or sister, I am quite sure have not the faintest idea who our victim was.
“And what about Miss Scott, is she hiding something”?
“I honestly don't know, Rene, but if she is lying, she is very good at it.
They headed back to Rene’s place
In the car, Sarah added notes to her book.
"I feel that, in terms of the investigation, this trip has been a complete waste of time and money.
I have learned absolutely nothing I didn’t already know. I am sure I could have found out just as much on the phone or an email. But I think I we both know, Rene, that a part of me really wanted to see you again, to find out if there had been anything between us all those years ago. To put it bluntly I wanted to find out if it was more than just a one night stand or a drunken fuck, excuse my French”
"And what is your conclusion Sarah? Was what we had last night just another drunken fuck as you so nicely put it”?
The car pulled up and Sarah got out. She waited for Rene to open the street door before she answered.
“Rene, forgive me, right now I am unable to answer, I have no idea how I feel about anything at the moment. Am I too old to get into a serious a relationship, do I even want one or am I too settled in my ways and afraid to make a change. What about you, would you want a woman in your life full time? Long distance relationships seldom work I am sure, and what about our careers”?
"Make some tea while I go and pack my case please. My train is not until tomorrow but I think I might be able to get on one tonight".
"You flew here and you're taking a train home, why”?
"No reason. I just fancied a change”
"I’ll put the kettle on, Sarah, but please stay with me tonight. You're not expected back until tomorrow. You may not be able to answer all the questions going around in your head at the moment but I am sure I can answer some of the ones you have just asked of me if you will allow me. Did you never wonder why I never married? There had been women in my life but I always tried to compare them with you but none ever measured up. Our time together, all those years ago, was very short but it had meaning, for me at least and for you too I believe. Who knows why two people meet and never forget? I have loved you for a lifetime, Sarah, so yes, I do want a full-time relationship, with you, long distance is fine if that's all that's on offer. When I asked you to stay all those years ago I meant it. Perhaps you thought I was joking, or wanted you only for sex, although that was partly true” they both laughed at that.
“Stay with me tonight, Sarah, sleep with me and then in the morning you can decide if what we shared was nothing more than sex”
"Wow, Rene, how do I answer that, you sure said a mouthful where the hell did all that come from”?
Sarah stayed. The night they spent together was all about lost time, lost love, and missed chances.
In the morning she refused breakfast and he drove her to Paris Gare Du Nord. Sarah hardly spoke a word. When she left him at the station gates the farewell kiss was on his cheek.
"I will call you. I promise” she said as she walked away without a backward glance, she did not want him to see the tears welling up in her eyes.
Chapter 15 Francisca
Pierre, looking very business-like in his immaculate navy-blue designer suit, was standing at the check-in at Charles De Gaulle airport. He gave the very bored-looking desk clerk his passport and she, in return, handed Pierre his boarding pass, her boredom suddenly turned to interest when she saw the good-looking passenger before her.
As he sat in the departure lounge drinking his black coffee, his thoughts turned to Penny.
“Had she really said yes to his proposal, he had finally met the woman of his dreams? He was in love, a feeling
which he had experienced only once before but never with such intensity. She was beautiful, intelligent and funny, he laughed at the thought of the raincoat episode, and how she teased him about sex before marriage.
His good looks had made him a magnet for girls and women all his life. There was his Mother, who completely adored him and aunts and female cousins who always seemed to be a little too familiar.
As he grew older, women sat up and took notice. His good looks, grey-green eyes, a pleasant smile showing his even white teeth made most females take more than a second look. He was always guarded with his attitude towards women. He knew that he could take his pick, but this was not his style at all. He was a gentleman in the true sense of the word. There had been many a broken heart back in his youth which he so regretted. He wanted love to be real and not just a million senseless one night stands.
A few times he thought he had met Miss Right only to discover one way or another that something was missing.
