Bridging the Gulf (Aka Engulfed)

by Malcolm Hollingdrake

  "Are you all right? Has he hurt you?"

  Joan turned and saw a young woman kneeling behind her. She had neither seen her arrival, nor heard her approach. She turned away without a word.

  "Joan, I'm a friend, I know what you’re going through, what you’re trying to do. My name's Pippa."

  Joan turned and looked at her. Pippa smiled. "Please let me help."

  Without any show of emotion, unnerving in its delivery, she spoke. "We are beyond help, everything has gone, screwed up like waste paper and thrown away. He doesn't even know why. Can you believe that, 'cos as sure as there's a God somewhere, I can't?"

  Joan kept looking out over the forests and fields. Pippa, aware of her anguish, moved a little away and sat watching the road in case Roy decided to return. An hour passed.

  "Can you get me home? I don't want to go back to the flat, I don't want to see him again, it's gone, it all died today; up there on the wall the bomb that was planted in me has done its job."

  Pippa held out her hand and moved across to her. She wrapped a friendly arm around her shoulder and helped her down the path to her car. The drive back to the hotel was long and silent. Joan just sat staring blankly at the road.

  "I'm not alone here, Joan. Bob, a colleague, is in the hotel. We've been keeping an eye and an ear on Roy for some days. What do you know of all of this?"

  Joan remained silent for some time and then told Pippa what she knew, she also told her something of his past; she recounted the good and bad.

  They parked the car and went into Reception. Pippa directed her to the terrace where she ordered coffee. They sat overlooking the beach that in turn ran to the dead area, The Maras; the emptiness seemed to mirror Joan's feelings.

  "What do you want to do next, Joan? You'll need to give it some thought. If you need out, it can be arranged. You'll need neither money nor passport."

  Joan looked up. "I want out, the sooner the better."

  Pippa showed Joan to their room before organising another room. Bob was curled on the bed listening to the activity in Roy's flat and was startled when Pippa entered with Joan. They were formally introduced.

  "Joan's on her way out, there's no computer and we need to tell Home.”

  "I've a phone in my bag, I was taught how to use it in an emergency. Would the time be right now?" Joan delved into her bag and brought out the phone. "I have a code."

  She punched in the numbers that she had memorised and answered as requested. She told the voice the situation and then Pippa joined in. It was agreed that she would be collected in the regular UN convoy through the northern side the following day and a flight would be organised to return her to England.

  ***

  Roy busied himself and waited. He knew she would come back to the flat. He did not know what had got into him and when he had returned to the castle after a beer in Girne, she had gone. He paced the lounge, kicking at the odd piece of furniture and drinking from a tumbler of Scotch. All her things were there, her passport even her money. She had to return. The bottle got the better of him and his pacing became a stagger and he finally collapsed into oblivion.

  "What will happen to Roy?" There was genuine concern in Joan's voice. Even though he had betrayed her she wanted to know he would be safe.

  "There's nothing we can do other than monitor the situation and hope to goodness he either gives us the information on the remaining bombs or we find the computer. We’re now monitoring the flat and hoping for clues. We’ll get the information, but as for Roy it’s unlikely he will return to England. He cannot be extradited from here and he does appear to hold a second passport in another name, which means he might try to leave the island at some future time. However, you are our main concern for the moment. I'll nip into town and get you some toiletries. Write me a list of things you need. Help yourself to my limited wardrobe."

  "Thanks."

  The organised convoy stopped on time at 10.15 the next morning by the Salamis ruins. The Fiat was waiting. Joan stepped out, walked to the leading vehicle and climbed in. She was handed a UN uniform, jacket and cap. By nightfall Joan would be on a military flight from Akrotiri to Brize Norton and by morning she would be home.

  The bright light hurt Roy's eyes but it compared little to his thumping head. "Joan!" His shouts went unheard. He staggered to his feet and checked the bedrooms; his worst fears were realised. There was now a confusion that tore at his conscience. It was he who had left her alone, he had not tried to find her and she had not returned. The anxiety of not knowing where she was was unbearable. He washed and drank black coffee before returning to the castle. Ironically, he passed the UN convoy travelling out towards the border and failed to see her, but why should he look? If he had it would have been the last time he saw her. In his heart there was hope, a slim chance that she might have gone into Girne and travelled back to the castle to teach him a lesson, but it was only slight.

  The castle was empty and he stood on the highest part shouting her name. The word echoed loudly. He approached the very spot where they had sat the previous day, when they had walked together and chatted. He even answered the question she had asked but it sounded hollow and without sincerity. All that he had done had been worthless, he was alone and he had brought this on himself. There was no time for self-pity, he would check Girne.

  The bars and restaurants proved time consuming and useless and he checked the hotels but without luck. He returned to the flat. The half bottle was still on the table and he poured a generous measure.

  The next two days were a haze, an indistinct period of smudged thoughts; suicide had loomed without menace at times but he had battled through, a trait that might be responsible for his present predicament. He had telephoned Joan's home and mobile number repeatedly in England throughout this time, but he had no reason to believe she was there. The answerphone with her voice gave some comfort and the fact that she did not answer personally still gave him hope that she was on the island, the fact that her passport and belongings were still in the apartment did not seem to convince him.

  The confusion was clearly audible as Pippa and Bob monitored the apartment, the crashing and banging, the periods of silence and the telephone calls. It was these that upset Pippa; she had never heard such desperation as Roy talked to nobody down the phone and to himself afterwards; the intrusion of his privacy was painful.

  "What do you want to do, Pip?"

  "I want to get this thing over as soon as possible. At times this job really is the lowest." Pippa moved out onto the balcony and took some deep breaths before turning to Bob. "How long would it take you to search the apartment thoroughly?"

  "Two hours at least, why, what do you have in mind?" Bob moved out to the balcony and sat on one of the wicker chairs. There was no sound from the apartment; Roy was sleeping off the alcohol yet again.

  "I've bumped into Roy on two occasions, the first by accident but I contrived the second. He believes I am here with my husband. He can't be locked up for long and I'm sure I can meet him again. He's at a low and if you put two and two together I might be able to give you some safe time to search his apartment."

  "You mean you're going to screw the poor bastard on top of all this and then bugger off, that will really bring more joy into his life! Sounds good to me and I'd be happier searching the apartment at night." Bob imagined the lucky guy between the sheets with Pippa and for that short time he would have loved to swop places. "I think he’ll bite, if you don't mind my saying so." He looked her up and down and smiled.

  "Give me another idea."

  "What about just calling in the guns and then you'll have all the time you need to look through the apartment?" Pippa's look said it all. "Don't tell me, you don't think the computer's there." Pippa was nodding.

  "There's always that chance and we just can't risk that."

  They were interrupted by sounds of movement from the speaker. They both paused and listened. Roy had dialled and the phone was ringing, the dialling tone told them it was to Eng
land. It rang for some time and was answered by Joan.

  "Hello."

  There was a silence and then a click. Roy had obviously put the phone down. He now knew that she was home. He moved into the bedroom and dragged out the drawer until he found her passport. He held it in his hand, staring at the photograph.

  Bob and Pippa were now on the bed as close to the speaker as they could get, frightened of missing anything.

  "Bitch!" Roy threw the small booklet at the wall. "Just what were you doing here?"

  He moved out of the bedroom and into the kitchen and from the back of one of the cupboards he removed some plywood. His hand delved inside; it was a tight squeeze and he extracted the palmtop.

  "Where do you think he is now?" Pippa asked Bob.

  "He's in the kitchen and quite close to the bug."

  Roy returned it to its hiding place, happy it was still secure and moved back to the bedroom. He pulled out everything that belonged to Joan and went through it. He threw most into a pile in the centre of the bed, tipping small bags out haphazardly. There was nothing. He picked up the box of tampons flipping the lid; he had found what he was looking for.

  Joan had sensed that it was Roy after she heard the receiver fall. She had waited, nervously listening to the silence before putting down the phone. She considered ringing him but quickly dismissed the thought. As far as she was concerned he was on his own.

  The black palmtop nestled in the half-full box. He withdrew it, scattering the remnants of the box over the floor. Joan hated computers and seldom used his. He now knew why she had come. He flicked open the cover and pressed ‘ON’. Immediately he knew it was his own from home. That too went the way of the passport and crashed against the wall. The batteries flew in one direction and the sturdy little box dropped to the floor. Roy moved over and trod on it, trampling it on the floor. "Screw you Joan Johnson!"

  Pippa looked at Bob and raised her eyebrows. "That's one mean man."

  Roy bagged all of Joan's belongings, packing them into the back of the Vitara before driving towards the town. He would dispose of them all as quickly as possible.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Two days later Bob followed the black Vitara out through the town and towards Salamis. He again watched Roy unpack and move to the beach before contacting Pippa. She prepared and set out for Salamis, passing Bob on the way. Pulling up in the car park behind the small wooden bar that was now closed, she strolled towards the ruins of the old Roman town. She could not see Roy until she climbed the ruins and looked towards the jetty. He was sitting on the sand staring out over the water, beside him a bag and a book.

  Pippa watched him for some time before moving through the ruins to the sea edge. She walked up the beach towards her prey, her bag and sweater over her shoulder. As she had hoped, Roy spotted her first and watched her move towards him, her footprints in the soft sand were washed by the sea.

  "On your own again?"

  Pippa paused, more for effect; she was neither surprised nor startled by him.

  "Hello, we seem to meet quite often. Yes, unfortunately, is the answer to your question."

  Roy stood and moved towards her, offering his hand. "Roy Hanna, we met on the castle."

  "Pippa Mason."

  "Is your husband finding Turkish Cyprus to his liking?"

  "He did but I'm afraid he's been called back to the office. Some crisis or other, it often happens, and in his world, work comes first."

  Roy could only think that some men were stupid; his own actions he never questioned.

  "So, what brings you to the beach?"

  "I've been looking at the ruins behind for some time but I really wanted to splash my toes in the sea."

  Roy sat and she did the same before removing her shoes and lifting her skirt.

  "Is the water warm?" Not waiting for an answer, she walked into the sea. She turned and smiled. "Lovely!" Her words laughed as she waded in a little further. The small waves ran up her legs.

  "When do you fly home?"

  "I have another week planned but I don't know if I'll be here that long. I feel a little vulnerable on my own, so restricted at night."

  "There's no need to, the island is safe and women are able to walk the streets at night here. It's one of the pleasures you find. They still believe in family values, respect for elders and women so you should have nothing to fear."

  Pippa came out of the water, holding her skirt higher than necessary to keep it away from the water. She noticed that Roy enjoyed the view. She sat next to him.

  Roy took a flask of coffee from his bag and poured a cup offering it to Pippa. She took it and smiled before drinking. She handed back the cup and stood up collecting her things.

  "Going so soon?" Roy's voice clearly reflected his disappointment.

  "I'm going to walk to that hotel along the beach and then back. Thank you for the coffee, it was lovely to meet you again."

  "May I walk with you?"

  "Feel free."

  They walked up the beach stopping occasionally to chat, throw pebbles into the sea and laugh. It was the laughing, the lightness of mood that attracted him more and more and by the time they had returned to the car park, Pippa was in control.

  "I'm eating out tonight, would you like to join me? It will be a typical Turkish meal," Roy suggested.

  Pippa thought for a moment as if not sure. "That would be lovely, Roy. Thank you."

  "If I remember correctly, you’re at Palm Beach? I'll pick you up at eight."

  She climbed into her car and waved before driving off down the straight road. She watched him in the mirror standing where she had left him, like a kitten left alone, vulnerable.

  Bob was waiting in the room, eager to hear if she had made contact and whether she would entice Roy that night. She needed three days at the most but she assured him that tonight would not be the night and he could relax. She wanted to have his Vitara parked outside the apartment when Bob searched so that any lights or sounds could be attributed to Roy and she knew just how to achieve that target.

  ***

  Roy was waiting in the lobby of the hotel exactly at eight and Pippa was not late. Her little black dress was perfect and it was clear from Roy's expression that he approved.

  "Is this OK Roy? I didn't know what to wear."

  "If I may say so, you look stunning." She handed in her key and they left. The meal was quiet and most enjoyable. She was surprised to find Roy's company far more congenial than she had dared hope, the chore she had imagined had evaporated as the evening progressed and it was late when they left. Roy opened her door first and she relaxed in the car.

  "Have you any plans for tomorrow?" Roy looked at her inquisitively.

  Pippa wrinkled her brow as if in thought and then shook her head. "No, I've nothing planned."

  "Would you like me to show you a little of the area? Maybe we could have an evening meal in Girne."

  "Sounds lovely but on one condition, you let me drive."

  "I'd consider that a pleasure. Say noon. You could pick me up from the Victory Monument, the black statue on the roundabout."

  Roy dropped her off and she bid him goodnight before moving away. He watched her enter the lobby before he left.

  "We’re on for tomorrow night." Pippa smiled at Bob. “I'm collecting him at noon and we'll be out all day, meal in Girne and then back here for as long as I can keep him occupied!" She stripped off her black dress and threw it over Bob's head; she was wearing nothing underneath.

  "I wish you wouldn't do that," Bob complained. She only giggled and ran a shower.

  "We'll need the room we booked for Joan and you'll have to clear all your things out. You might leave a tie on the dressing table so I can say it's one my husband left. You'll be free to search the apartment when you can. Give me a ring when you're back in the hotel, if I'm busy I'll ignore it but I'll know when to stop!" she shouted above the running water.

  Bob looked at the two beds and heard himself whisper, "Lucky bastard, h
e doesn't deserve this."

  The sound of the water stopped and within minutes Pippa emerged from the steam-filled room wrapped in a large towel. Bob was already in his bed, the bedside light illuminating just a small area of the room. Pippa was silhouetted against the light of the bathroom.

  "The black widow emerges from her lair," Bob said, his face hidden in a novel.

  "More like the Portia spider whose elaborate masquerading lures many spiders within striking distance. Are you safe there?"

  Bob looked up from his book and then down again. "Unfortunately, yes. Good night, sleep well."

  ***

  As arranged Roy was waiting by the monument and waved as she approached the roundabout. He opened the door and climbed in.

  "Good morning. Thank you for a lovely evening last night, Roy. I enjoyed it immensely."

  "My pleasure. We need to head towards Salamis and I'll give you the directions from there."

  They drove out along the coast road before turning inland, the same route he had taken with Joan. The road took them into the mountains and to Kantara, another of the island's Crusader castles. From there they travelled to Esentepe before ending up at the house he had recently shown Joan.

  "I want to show you my new home, it still needs work but it's close to completion."

  They walked first through the gardens and then the house. Pippa made all the right noises, complimenting Roy on his choice of colour. He led her into the empty master bedroom and again opened the balcony windows. He knew she would delight in the view; she did not disappoint him.

  "It's really out of this world, Roy. You’re a very lucky man. Do you plan to grow old here, marry, have a family?" She knew she had trodden on sensitive ground, pushed to the quick, but that was her aim. He looked across at her, there was sadness in his eyes and she thought of the kitten-like figure in the road at Salamis.

  "Who knows, but it's doubtful." Instinctively she leaned across and chastely kissed his cheek. "Your new house is lovely and will soon be a home. You have all the makings of a family man."