“I’ve had to change this entire panel,” Ben said without taking his eyes off what he was doing. “It’s completely fried. But everything will be fine for tonight’s screening. I shouldn’t be long.”
Annika sighed in relief. “Thank you so much, Ben. We really appreciate you dropping everything and coming in.”
She could feel the weight coming off her shoulders. Everything would be all right. She was such a worry-wart! Rushing out of the Tivoli, she nearly collided with Lexi on her way in. “What are you doing here so early?” Annika said as she grabbed on to the swinging door to stop herself from toppling over.
“I thought I’d check if you needed any help, or perhaps a coffee. I love what you’ve done with the foyer.” She glanced at the massive Ponga trees they had moved inside, framing a beaten-up old VW Beetle with a chess set strategically placed on the bonnet. “The committee sure are lucky to have your artistic flair.”
“Thanks. It’s been a lot of fun, although I must admit getting the Beetle in was a bit of a mission,” Annika laughed. “We had to rely on brute force.”
“Hope you evicted all the creepy-crawlies from the Ponga. I know how much you love Wetas.”
Shivers went through Annika at the mention of them. “We only spotted two of them. Let’s hope any others stay put deep in the fronds until they get put back outside in a few days.” She grabbed Lexi by the arm. “I don’t have anything else to do. Let’s go downstairs to MMK and have a coffee.”
They ordered at the massive timber slab counter by the entrance. Lexi gestured towards a row of tiered plates with glass domes covering a variety of baked treats. “Can I have one of the marshmallow chocolate Swiss Kisses, please.”
“You mean the Swedish Mums-mums,” Annika said, and ordered one too. “The Swiss just stole the recipe.” They both laughed. It was a bit of a joke between them, Annika was fiercely patriotic and missed Sweden and its culture from time to time.
The staff at Matakana Market Kitchen were busy setting up for dinner and they found a table for two on the terrace overlooking the slow-flowing river running through the village. The warm afternoon sun and the sweet smell of the wildflowers on the bank enveloped them. The emerald water shimmered where the sun hit the mirrored top. Thick clumps of weed swayed below the calm surface of the water where a family of ducks were diving and frolicking.
The coffees and Swiss Kisses arrived. Lexi took a sip of coffee, the rich aroma of earth followed by cedar and clove with a well-rounded creamy finish. The barista was on form today.
“Hey, guess who Avery and Isaac are catching up with tonight,” Lexi said.
That sparked Annika’s curiosity. “Who?”
“They convinced James to join them for dinner before the movie tonight.”
“I thought there were irreconcilable differences between them. Great if they can sort it all out. They used to be such good mates, didn’t they?”
Lexi nodded. “James has always been a bit of a dork, but I’ve felt sorry for him since Tina left and took the boys with her.” Lexi took another sip of her coffee. Her hands were trembling, and she narrowly avoided tipping the cup over as she sat it down on the saucer.
“How are you all doing?” Annika asked.
Lexi took a deep breath. “To tell you the truth, I’m scared,” she said. Her voice was a bit wobbly. “I’m not sure leaving the children at home on their own is the best thing to do.”
Annika put her hand on Lexi’s arm. “I’m sure they will be fine. I can ask Niko to stay with them, if you like. That way you can relax and enjoy the event tonight.”
Lexi’s face lit up. “That would be great. Could you ask him?”
Annika dialled Niko, who said yes straight away.
“It’ll be all right. You’ll have one burly cop there keeping watch,” Annika said. “Nothing will happen.”
Annika slowly walked back up to the cinema. It had been a busy few months getting everything organised; the movie selection, the decorations including the old VW in the foyer, the catering and the director of The Dark Horse himself, who would say a few words. The event had completely sold out. This was what she loved about this tight-knit community, that people supported their own. It didn’t matter if it was an art exhibition or a market day, people turned out. Thoughts of her own upcoming exhibition crashed through her mind — opening night was less than a month away. She had completed most of the works, but still had a couple she wasn’t entirely happy with.
On her way out, Annika poked her nose into the back of the theatre to look for Ben, but there was no sign of him, and the tangled mess of cables that had been on the floor were now tidy and back in place.
While scrounging around in her handbag to find her car keys, she bumped into the projectionist who reassured her that everything was in perfect working order. “Ben couldn’t wait to get out of here. Perhaps he has a hot date for tonight,” he chuckled.
Annika didn’t find it funny but attempted a smile and went on her way. She was almost home when she got a call from Zac who was waiting by the bus stop. She had to force herself not to lose the plot and scream. It wouldn’t help one bit, and would probably result in a whopper of a tension headache, something she could do without today. She took a few deep breaths, pulled herself together and turned the car around. She focused on the fact that she would be home soon and able to sit down for a moment before she had to cook the family dinner. They rarely bought takeaways, but perhaps she should have tonight.
Zac waved when she pulled up. “You forgot about me, didn’t you,” he said with a cheeky smile.
Katie was chopping vegetables as they arrived home and a delicious smell from the chicken already in the oven permeated the cosy kitchen. Annika’s spirits soared.
“Thank you, darling, that’s very thoughtful of you. I really appreciate it,” she said, kissing her daughter on the cheek.
Katie smiled. “I knew you’d be busy and thought if I got dinner organised it’d be one thing less for you to do.”
It had been a stressful day. “You are amazing,” she said, and headed upstairs to have a quick shower and get changed.
25
Niko was already at the farm when Lexi arrived home. His racing-red Holden R8 was gleaming, not an easy feat considering the dusty country roads. You could tell it was his baby. Avery and Isaac were sitting in the garden having a chat with the off-duty cop who looked relaxed and very different in his board shorts and loud Hawaiian shirt hugging his bulging biceps. Lexi stopped to thank Niko for giving up his evening off, to hang out with the kids.
He smiled. “No trouble at all. I’m happy to help.”
“We’re very grateful anyway. Thank you again.” Lexi liked Niko, he was only in his mid-twenties, but very comfortable with himself, she thought. She knew from Annika that there was a girlfriend on the horizon and she was pleased for him. Perhaps Gabriel would learn something from Niko’s mature and positive outlook. Her son worried her sometimes. Last year had been rocky, with him putting in little effort at school. Thankfully, this year seemed to have started off better and he was doing well.
“Please help yourself to tea and coffee and whatever is in the pantry,” Lexi told Niko.
“Thanks, but I’m trying to be good.” He patted his taut stomach. “I have to be in some shape when I get home, or the guys will give me heaps. They think all I do is lie on the beach and eat ice cream. Sounds nice, but miles from the truth,” he said with a laugh.
“Dinner,” Lexi called out to the children, who were on their way out to see what was happening. “No need for cutlery, just grab the tomato ketchup.” She opened a parcel of greaseproof paper wrapped in newsprint. This was the beauty of fish and chips, she thought.
Lexi had to make a quick turnaround as the boys were already meeting James at six-thirty. She had asked Annika to meet her for dinner at the same place. She had chosen the blue dress with the chiffon draping and wore a pair of silver sandals instead of heels. The days of trotting around in toe-pinching h
igh heels were long gone, she didn’t miss that one bit. She brought the curling iron out and made a few soft waves, framing her face nicely. Feeling more festive, she splashed perfume on her wrist and transferred it onto her neck. The floral notes of jasmine and rose, along with a touch of bergamot and Sicilian orange, enveloped her. It was her favourite and a standby birthday gift — Avery knew that she loved it. Before going downstairs, she ran her fingers through the curls and carefully slid her grandmother’s antique Swarovski crystal hair clip through her tresses.
It was a long time since she had an occasion to dress up and look nice, although she was unsure whether Avery would even notice.
26
Avery parked the Audi at the back of the pub where there was plenty of space. The temperature had dropped a little from this afternoon and a slight musky autumn smell was in the air as the leaves were dropping. James was sitting at a table outside. He was freshly shaved and and looking good in his light-coloured polo shirt and navy trousers.
“Good to see you, James,” Lexi said, hugging him, his soft aftershave enveloping her.
“Likewise. I’m sorry it’s been so long.” His chin dipped down and a flush spread across his cheeks.
“Don’t worry about it,” Lexi said and touched his arm. “I’ll leave you guys to it.” She went over to a table on the other side of the courtyard. Her phone bleeped. The message was from Annika, who was running late.
A handsome young waiter appeared and took her order, a glass of pinot gris from Matakana Estate. She scrolled through her emails while she waited for Annika.
The waiter arrived with her wine, an air of confidence radiating through his golden glow. He smiled and gave her a wink. Lexi was not used to getting such attention and blushed. Slightly flustered, she took a generous first mouthful. The wine was delicious and she relaxed a little.
“Hi, I’m sorry I’m late,” Annika said as she rushed in, almost knocking over the chair as she sat down. “I had to wait for Bill to come home, then there was a homework emergency for the twins. Thank goodness Katie had cooked dinner for everyone.” She was talking at a million miles an hour.
“Just breathe. Let’s get you a glass of wine and have a look at the menu.” Catching the waiter’s attention, she pointed to her glass and put one finger in the air.
“I’m nervous about tonight,” Annika said. “What if something goes wrong?”
“Nothing will go wrong. You’ve been planning this for months. I know it’ll be great,” Lexi said reassuringly.
The wine arrived at the table, the waiter exuding charm. Lexi blushed again, feeling like a schoolgirl. She had forgotten the feeling of butterflies fluttering in her stomach and the intoxication that comes with being appreciated.
Annika was oblivious and chattered away. They both decided on the snapper with seafood risotto and a green salad. After ordering Lexi excused herself and went to the Ladies’ room. She didn’t know what on earth had got into her. Why was she reacting in this way? She was a happily married woman. Or was she? The last year of work on the farm and vineyard had been exceedingly busy, and with the trouble that Gabriel had caused them on top of that, she and Avery had drifted apart.
When Lexi emerged a good five minutes later, there was a fresh glass of wine for each of them on the table. “I nearly sent out a search party for you, are you all right?” Annika said, looking worried.
“Sorry. I think the wine went straight to my head,” Lexi said.
The meal arrived and they switched to sparkling water to keep their heads clear. Each time the waiter arrived he clearly found it amusing that he had such an effect on Lexi.
She glanced across at the three guys in deep conversation, having an enjoyable time. She was pleased for them; it would be good if they could put their troubles behind them. She and Annika paid the bill and, as they left, the waiter caught her eye again, flashing her a smile that left little to the imagination.
They made it across the road to the cinema. Annika was fretting and wanted to see that the wine and nibbles were being set up properly. She needn’t have worried, the spread set up by The Vintry, the funky little bar inside the cinema complex, looked amazing. Soon people started arriving and Annika was busy greeting everyone, as were the rest of the committee. Lexi mingled and chatted to people she knew; it was shaping into a pleasant evening. Having finished a glass of champagne she switched to orange juice as she could feel the alcohol hit her. Avery and Isaac found her just before the screening of the film started.
Afterwards, the crowd cheered when the director of The Dark Horse, James Napier Robertson, spoke about the concept behind the film and the making of it. Annika made the closing remarks and got a standing ovation.
“You are a star! I’m immensely proud of all your effort,” Bill said, and gave his wife a big kiss. A slight pang of jealousy hit Lexi in the chest. She wished Avery would sweep her up in his arms. As the evening was coming to a close Avery caught her eye and gestured for them to leave. Lexi didn’t mind — she was tired and was looking forward to going to bed. It had been a tumultuous couple of days.
Avery and Isaac came over, complimenting Annika on a superb evening and took Lexi by the arm as the venue emptied. Crossing the almost-deserted main street they went behind the pub to get into the car. Lexi stopped dead in her tracks. In the dim light from the building she could see on the bonnet of the silver car someone had written U ARE NEXT in bright red paint. The run-off from the crudely drawn letters trailed down the side of the car like streaks of blood.
“What the fuck?” Avery took the few metres in two giant strides. “It’s still wet,” he said, touching it with his finger. He circled the car to see if there was any other damage.
Lexi was scared and visibly upset by it all. Isaac grabbed hold of her and sat her down on one of the fencing posts. She just wanted comfort from her husband but he was oblivious, still pacing along the gravel parking lot.
Isaac darted across the road to get hold of Bill, who spoke to Niko on the phone. “The children are all fine. Everyone’s asleep. Niko has peeked into their rooms to make sure,” he told Lexi.
“Thank you,” Lexi said, her eyes shiny and face drained of colour. Bill put his big brotherly arms around her, stroking her back gently as she disappeared into the haven of his chest.
Having calmed down a little, Avery came over and put his hand on her shoulder. Bill let go, but it was all too late. A moment of awkward silence followed.
“I’ll drive the three of you home?” Bill said. “It’s best if you leave the car here anyway. We’ll have to take some photos and have another look at it.”
No one spoke on the way home. The front lawn and the path leading up to the house were bathed in light and Niko was already waiting by the car.
Lexi hugged him. “Thanks so very much for being here tonight.”
“My pleasure. They are awesome kids.” He chuckled. “They remind me of my own big crazy family. We had a ball.”
By the time the three of them got inside Avery had poured a generous night cap for each of them, and that’s when the seriousness of the situation set in. Isaac filled Lexi in on what James had told them about the break-in at his house and the threats made.
Lexi’s mind was working overtime. The priority was to make sure the children were safe so tomorrow she would take them to her parents’ place in Orewa. It wouldn’t hurt if Evie missed a few days of school, and the older two could catch the school bus to Warkworth. Avery and Isaac went around the house and checked that all the windows and doors were secure. Beau was snoozing on his large yellow rug in the kitchen as they all went to bed to get some rest.
The wind picked up, whining around the corners of the creaky old homestead, and a chill inched its way up from the base of her spine to the back of her neck. Lexi shuddered — not at the sudden drop in temperature, but at the thought of someone out there watching them.
27
A handful of people were still at the pub, most of them far too busy nursing a g
lass of wine or beer to notice Bill and Niko pulling in. Bill had got his tool kit from the ute and was lying on a piece of cardboard on the ground with a compact mirror and a torch, checking under the car.
“You don’t think someone has planted a bomb, do you?” Niko said, barely able to hide his laughter.
“Of course not.” Bill’s voice was tight. “However, it is procedure and it would be foolish not to check. Don’t just stand there, get on your knees and have a look.”
Niko knew he had overstepped the mark. “All clear here, Sarge. “It’s been a long day. Let’s get this done so we can piss off home,” Bill sighed.
“Is James staying at the pub?”
“He said he was. He also mentioned that he was going back to the vineyard tomorrow. Apparently Avery and Isaac will come over and help.” Bill stood up and dusted off his clothes.
Niko drove the Audi back to the station where they rigged a pair of sturdy floodlights to give them enough light to examine it. The paint had dried — it looked like acrylic so it could be the same as in James’s house. They couldn’t be sure until they had compared the two samples.
“The only thing I know is,” Bill said, his brow furrowed, “if this escalates Orewa will take over the investigation completely and we’ll be totally out of the loop.”
“Let’s hope it doesn’t get to that.”
Bill cast an eye at his yawning partner. “How about I drop you off on my way home?”
“Thanks, but I’m happy to walk. It’s only up the road, it’ll do me good.”
“Suit yourself. See you tomorrow morning,” Bill said and drove off.
Niko strolled to his flat. He loved the peace, so much nicer than the streets of Auckland. Not that he was worried — he had been in his fair share of scrapes as a teenager and had to thank the local community cop for setting him on a path to sorting his life out. Officer Loto Fa’amoana inspired him to work harder at school, building his self-worth and to take part in sport instead of roaming the mean streets of Manurewa. Loto was a coach at the local rugby club and got Niko playing. Having both aptitude and size, he was a promising rugby player, both at school and club rugby. He had even been selected for the development squad of the Auckland Blues, but his career came to an abrupt halt when he ruptured his knee ligament in his first season. This ended his professional dreams and sent him on a self-destructive downward spiral, connecting with his old associates, the petty criminals and gang prospects. That’s when Loto was there again, convincing him to apply for the police and setting him back on a better path. His life could easily have gone the other way, with him joining a gang and becoming trapped. Niko knew he had a lot to be thankful for.
Blood On Vines Page 11
