by Ray Saunders
“Hello, Matt, I wondered when you’d be back. This is Paul Huston. He’s from the American Embassy in Bern.”
We shook hands. “He wants me to go and talk to Carl in Bern,” she went on. “I’ve said that I’m waiting to hear from your people with their offer before I decide what to do.”
“That’s right,” I said, “you agreed to accept it if it met your requirements.”
The American turned to me. “We think it would be beneficial if Miss Peterson continued her research with Professor Linstead, as they’ve been working together before coming here,” he said.
“Beneficial for the States, you mean, now you’ve got Linstead to work for you,” I retorted.
“No, it will be to all our advantages in the interests of science,” he replied.
“Bullshit!” I said, “Your drug companies see this as a great opportunity to corner the market, and cash in worldwide on any product that comes out of it.”
I could see that he didn’t like that.
“You’re very cynical Mr Sands.”
“You’re god-damn right I am, and for good reason.”
He smiled. “I think that we should let Miss Peterson make up her own mind about it.”
I could not argue with that. “Fair enough,” I said.
It was agreed that Zola would wait for our offer before deciding.
With that he excused himself and left.
I turned to her. “I thought you didn’t want to go back with Linstead,” I said.
“I didn’t want to, but I must do what I think is best for everyone.”
“Well, if I know the Yanks, it’ll only serve their interests,” I said.
“Matt, you always take a very cynical view of people’s motives,” she countered.
“Put it down to my worldly experience,” I told her.
We both laughed, and I left her and went back to my room.
I thought that I should let Steve know about this latest development and went off to phone him.
He was not there so I left a message for him to ring me.
It was not time for dinner, but late enough to justify a drink, so I went to the bar. There was no one there, as the pre-dinner drinkers had not gathered yet. When a waiter appeared, I ordered a dry martini, and sat at the bar.
I was thinking over the events of the day, when I suddenly became conscious of a familiar fragrance, and someone standing behind me.
As I turned around my heart leapt.
“Hello, ski-man,” she said.
“Kim!” I exclaimed. “What are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same,” she replied.
I pulled her towards me, and we kissed. “I’d given up hope of seeing you again, after you left me in Zermatt,” I said. “I went to Paris in search of you, but when I couldn’t find you, I went back home to England.”
“I’m sorry about that, Matt, but it’s a long story.”
“Never mind about that now,” I said. “All that matters is that you’re here. I have never stopped thinking about you. I thought we had something special.”
“You’re right, we did, but I had a job to do, or I wouldn’t have run out on you,” she replied.
“Let me get you a drink,” I said. “What’ll it be?”
“I’ll have the same as you.”
I ordered a drink and led her across to a table.
“So, what is it that brings you back into my life?” I asked. “Are you still working for the South African security service?”
“Yes, they recalled me when Carl Linstead left. We found out that he’d come to Switzerland, and I’ve been trying to find him.”
“And have you?”
“Yes, I know he’s at the US Embassy in Bern.”
“Then why are you here in Lausanne?”
The waiter brought her drink, and she took a sip. “Well Zola Peterson who was working with him also came to Switzerland, and I know that she’s staying here.”
“Are you hoping to persuade them to go back to South Africa?” I asked.
“Yes, that’s part of it. But you haven’t explained why you’re here”.
I looked across the table at her. She was still as beautiful, and my pulse rate went up as I remembered the time we had spent together in Zermatt.
“The same reason as you I reckon.” I told her. “I was recruited to do the same thing.”
“I hope you’re not a bad loser,” she said.
We both laughed.
“Well, I don’t intend losing you again,” I said. “Are you staying here?”
“No, I’m staying at the Europa Hotel in Geneva, and I’ve driven here to see Zola Peterson.”
“Okay, she’s in the room next to mine, I guess I’d better take you to see her.”
Kim raised her eyebrows. “You’re here with her?” she queried.
“Just acting as her chaperone,” I said.
“I’m glad to hear that, I know that you have a way with women.”
“I haven’t looked at another woman since you left me,” I lied.
“In that case I guess you’ll be getting pretty hungry for some relaxation,” she joked.
“That vintage wine is about to burst its cork, now that you’re here,” I said.
She giggled. “Better keep it warm then,” she said. “I wouldn’t want it to lose its flavour.”
The chemistry was still there between us, and the teasing exchanges that we enjoyed before, were as exciting as ever.
“Come on,” I said, “let’s go and see Zola.”
On the way to her room, I took Kim’s arm, and we paused in the corridor. Turning to her, I could feel the passion rising within me, as her nearness filled me with the desire that I had felt before she’d left me in Zermatt.
“Look,” I said, “now that you’re here we must spend some time together. Whatever the outcome of this business, I don’t want to lose you again.”
“I’d like that, Matt, but let’s get this finished first then we’ll be free to have some fun like before.”
“Fair enough,” I said, “but it can’t come quick enough for me.”
We reached Zola’s door, and when she answered we went in.
Zola stood there as we entered.
“This is Kim Summers,” I told her. “She is with the South African government and is here to see you.”
They shook hands, and Kim began explaining that they wanted her to return and continue with her research there.
“I’m not happy with the way that Apartheid is going.” Zola said. “I think the oppression will lead to violence, and I don’t want to get caught up in it. My work is far too important.”
Kim nodded. “I understand that. But you would be protected from any trouble, and you are familiar with the laboratories there, so you could pick up where you left off,” Kim told her.
“That doesn’t alter the fact that the regime is becoming more and more restrictive, and I don’t want any discovery that comes from this to be given over to the regime there,” Zola told her.
“Well, you were happy to work there before, so you must have felt okay about it then,” Kim said.
“The truth is I wasn’t happy, and now I realise that I can’t go back and continue there,” she replied.
It was my turn to speak. “If our offer is agreed, Zola will come to England, and her results will be shared with other nations for the benefit of all,” I said.
“Do you really believe that, Matt?” Kim asked me.
“I do,” I lied.
“I don’t share your optimism,” she said.
It was obvious that our discussion was not resolving anything, and it would have to wait until our government came back with an offer to Zola.
We left, and I walked with Kim to her car. Turning to her, I took her hand and pulled her close.
“We needn’t let this business come between us,” I said. “Whatever the outcome it won’t change how I feel about you, and I hope you feel the same.”
“
You’re right, Matt,” she said. “As a matter of fact, I sympathise with her.”
“Tell you what,” I said, “I’ll get my car keys and we’ll both drive back to Geneva, and we can have dinner together. “
“I’d like that,” Kim said.
“Okay, hang on, I won’t be long.”
Back in the hotel the clerk called me and said that there had been a telephone call for me from Steve.
“Will you call the number back for me, and I’ll take it here,” I told him.
Steve came on. “Hello, Matt, you asked me to ring you.”
“That’s right, Steve, there’s been another development.”
“What’s up now?” he sounded agitated.
I told him about the American who had come to see Zola and wanted her to join Carl Linstead in the States, and I went on, “She’s agreed to wait for our offer before she decides but you better speed it up,” I told him.
Steve swore. “I’m doing my best. I have emphasised the urgency, but you know how long these things can take. Try to stall her till we get the offer.”
“That won’t be easy,” I said. “She’s pretty certain of what she wants.”
“Use your charm,” he said.
“Okay,” I told him, “let me know as soon as you hear anything.” I hung up.
I didn’t tell him that Kim had turned up here. I did not want to complicate the issue, and I did not intend wasting more time, when my evening with Kim was waiting for me.
We both went to her room when we reached the hotel, and I waited while she changed. She looked stunning when we went down to dinner, and we lingered over it while we talked.
I looked at her. “Why did you leave me so suddenly in Zermatt?” I asked.
“I had no choice. I didn’t mean to hurt you,” she said.
“Well, it left me both hurt and angry, I couldn’t understand why you didn’t wake me to explain.”
She had left me in bed, and when I awoke, she was gone. She had also left a pink ribbon bow tied loosely around my penis.
“I hadn’t the heart to wake you, and besides, I knew that if I began to explain, I probably wouldn’t have been able to leave,” she said.
“Why the ribbon?” I asked.
“It was something for you to remember our night together, and I knew you’d see the funny side of it.” She giggled.
“I did,” I said. “I was glad that you hadn’t tied it tight, that could have been nasty,” I joked.
She laughed. “You were so deeply asleep you never even moved. What happened to that ribbon?”
“I’ve still got it,” I said.
We finished the wine.
She looked across to me. “You don’t need to hurry back, do you? Why don’t we take coffee in my room?”
I raised my eyebrows. “I hope you’re not suggesting something improper?” I jibed.
She got up from the table. “Come on, ski-man, let’s see if you still have the stamina to keep up with me.”
“You lead on, and I’ll be right behind you,” I said, and we both laughed and went to her room.
I felt happy to be having the same banter with her that we’d both enjoyed before.
The coffee arrived, and we sat by the window looking out as the evening sun began sinking.
“When this is over, what will you do?” she asked.
“Well, if all goes well, I’ve been offered the chance of a place in the West Country in England where I can have horses.”
“What about your business?”
“I’m not sure. I could semi-retire, and work something out with my partner, or perhaps sell my half to him.”
“You really want to live your dream, don’t you?” she said.
“I’m determined to,” I said. “Look, when this is over, I want you to come and share it with me. You know that I’m in love with you.”
“Matt, darling, I’d love to but it’s complicated.”
“How come?”
“Well, you know that I’m American, and that I was working for the CIA when we met.”
“Yes, but you double crossed them, when you arranged for Carl Linstead and his daughter to go to South Africa with you,” I said.
“There was a reason for that,” she replied.
“What was it?”
“My parents were living in South Africa when my father died, and my mother lived on there alone. Then her health deteriorated so I wanted to be with her.”
“I’m sorry,” I said.
“That was some time ago, but then she had a stroke, and I was informed of it the morning I left you.”
“So that’s why you left so suddenly.”
“Yes, and I nursed her until two months ago, when she died.”
I stood up and walked around to her. “I had no idea,” I said.
“It’s all right,” she said, “in the end it was for the best. There’s no life in being just a cabbage.”
We both embraced and began kissing each other passionately.
Crossing to the bed we continued the foreplay until we removed our clothes and slid under the cover. The softness of her body melted into the firmness of mine, as we kissed and caressed each other. Our love making was pure ecstasy, as we both climaxed, feeling the satisfaction of not just the act of sex, but the expression of true commitment of two people in love with each other.
We laid there together for some time, and I broke the silence.
“Will you come to England and share my dream with me?” I asked her.
“I still have things to clear up in South Africa, but when that’s done, I’ll think seriously about it.”
“Promise?”
“Yes, I promise.”
The time came for me to leave, and I drove back to Lausanne with joy in my heart.
***
It was late when I arrived back at the Palace Hotel, but the bar was still open, and I fancied a drink.
I was sipping a brandy when the waiter called me to the phone. It was Steve.
“Hello, Matt, I’ve been trying to reach you. Where have you been?”
I thought quickly. “I’ve had the limo repaired, and it took longer than I thought. They had to send for a spare.”
He didn’t query it. “I’ve heard back about the offer to Miss Peterson. I want you to bring her to the Consulate here in Geneva tomorrow, and they’ll explain it to her.”
“What time?”
“Ten thirty and tell her to be ready to leave at once if she agrees.”
“Will do,” I said and rang off.
Back in my room it was too late to tell Zola, so I would tell her at breakfast.
I showered and went to bed.
I laid for a while thinking about Kim and the prospect of our being together. Pretty soon I fell asleep, immersed in my contentment.
Chapter 10
I woke early, and laid thinking about the previous day. Then my thoughts turned to Christine.
I wondered if I should drive along to Vevey to see if she was there. It seemed strange that she had left her room without even locking the door, and who were the two men that she had left with?
It then occurred to me that she had been bored, and maybe she had used her escort skills to find a way to end her boredom. This could also provide her with the money to finance her stay in Switzerland and avoid having to go back to England to face the music. Anyway, there was not time to go to Vevey, and I must tell Zola about going to our Consulate in Geneva.
I got up and prepared for the day ahead.
I knocked Zola’s door, and when she answered I went in. She was ready to go to breakfast, and I told her about Steve’s phone call. We talked about it over breakfast, and she seemed pleased with the idea.
“I hope the deal will be acceptable to you,” I said.
“I’ve thought about it a lot,” she said. “I think that I’d prefer to continue with my research in England, and I’ve no wish to work with Carl again. He has his problems and isn’t reliable.”
I nodd
ed my agreement. “You strike me as a person that is dedicated to your work and needs to be certain of continuity,” I said.
She looked at me and smiled. “It’s the most important thing in my life right now,” she said.
The drive to Geneva was uneventful, and we reached the consulate in good time. Steve was waiting for us and took her in to see the consul. I was not included in the discussions, so I waited in the outer office with the vice consul. He offered me coffee, and we chatted about the weather, and our shared passion for skiing. When Zola emerged, she was smiling, and I could see that things had gone well.
“How’d it go?” I asked her.
“Everything’s fine, Matt, I’ve been offered a position in a research laboratory in Cambridge, and I’ve accepted.”
“Great,” I said, “when are you going?”
“Almost right away, just as soon as I collect my things.”
Steve came out. “Matt, I want you to take Miss Peterson back to her hotel to collect her things, then drive her back here. We’re making arrangements for her flight to the UK.”
“What happens then?” I asked him.
“I don’t know yet. I’ll contact London and find out what they want you to do, and let you know when you get back here with Miss Peterson.”
We walked to limo, and Steve opened the door for her, and walked around the car.
“I thought you said that you’d had it repaired,” he said.
“They fixed the lights, but it will need some bodywork done,” I told him.
He looked rather miffed. “Well, when you get back, it’ll have to go to our fleet garage, and London won’t be pleased about this.”
“There you go again,” I said. “You’re always worrying about the detail, and not the bigger picture.” Before he could reply, I added, “I’ll see you later,” and we left him, and drove back to Lausanne.
***
It did not take long for Zola to pack, and while she was busy, I checked that my gun and the diamonds were still where I’d left them, hidden beneath the wardrobe drawers. I wondered if I should tell Steve about Christine now that we had been successful in getting Zola to go to England. But I didn’t know when Christine would be back at her hotel in Vevey, and I couldn’t tell Steve that she had turned up after ditching me in Monaco, but then I’d lost her again.
