The Importance of Ernestine

by Elizabeth Dunk

  That was a good sign. ‘Lois, I believe in this program. More than I have believed in anything else in my life. In order for it to be put into place, I need your husband’s support.’

  A pause, as she took another sip of tea. ‘May I read it?’

  ‘Of course.’ Alec handed it over.

  Lois stood. ‘I won’t be a moment. Help yourself to tea and cake.’ She left the room, the program policy in hand.

  Alec let out a long, slow breath, then poured himself a cup of tea. She had served madeira cake, and it was wonderfully moist and deliciously citrusy.

  Alec was onto the second piece when Lois came back in. She sat down and he noted that her eyes were a little redder than they had been. Had she cried?

  ‘Alec, I will take this to my husband, because I believe it can do a lot of women a great deal of good.’

  ‘Thank you, Lois. I promise I am not interested in any political point-scoring. I just want this implemented.’

  ‘I understand you work with Barry Fisher?’

  Alec blinked at the change of conversation. ‘I do.’

  ‘Such a nice man. I remember my son Harry was visiting PH one day, and was trying to get his model plane to fly in one of the gardens. Barry saw through his office window and came out and helped him. Please give him my regards.’

  ‘I will.’

  Alec realised as he got into the cab to go back to work that he had his fingers crossed. He uncrossed them. It wasn’t a done deal, but he knew better than to rely on wishing. He just had to wait and see what happened, and if it didn’t work out, devise a new plan.

  ***

  Alec waited for ages at lunch, champing at the bit, until John had a mouthful of food before he casually said, ‘Caroline Curtis.’

  To his disappointment the food remained in John’s mouth. John finished chewing, swallowed and then looked at Alec. ‘Yes?’

  ‘Caroline Curtis is CC. That’s who you left the dinner on Tuesday with. Don’t frown at me. Of course I was going to find out about that.’

  ‘Well, then, it appears you know everything.’ John cut off a bit more steak, ready to put it in his mouth.

  ‘Don’t be ridiculous. I know nothing, except she’s a widow recently moved to Canberra and you’ve been having your wicked way with her. So, tell me everything.’

  John put the fork down, clasped his hands and looked directly at Alec. Good, he was going to get the truth. ‘Caroline is the widow of one of my dearest friends from university. She had moved to Canberra to take up a position teaching. She is feeling lost and alone in a new city and I have been doing what I can to support her. Caroline and I are not in a sexual relationship and never will be. We just don’t feel that way about each other. In fact, she has just started dating someone else so I will be seeing a little less of her. That is the full story.’

  It was deflating. ‘You’re really not sleeping with her?’

  ‘Really and truly not.’

  ‘But you did lie to me about CC.’

  ‘Of course I did. And you knew I did. What a ridiculous story. I cannot lie like you can, Alec. I see Bunbury is still well.’

  ‘Life is very exciting at the moment, what with sudden meetings being organised for me and mysterious CCs to be solved. But I think I can feel a bit of Bunburying coming on to make next weekend a long one. Want to join me.’

  ‘Not in the slightest,’ John said. ‘Now, can I eat my meal in peace?’

  ‘Please do,’ Alec said.

  It wasn’t until he was back in his office that Alec started to feel uncomfortable about the Caroline Curtis story. Something about it bugged him. He ran through all the events of the week. Thinking he was having the better time of it Tuesday night. The first clue on Wednesday morning that maybe John wasn’t totally miserable. Then finding out John’s revenge—the meetings.

  How had he done that?

  John telling Alec the reason he’d quite enjoyed the night (apart from the messing with Alec’s calendar) was that he spent the evening with Lobelia Prism. Lobelia telling Alec that actually she and John had chatted a bit, but then he’d ended up sitting with a young woman and they had left together, although they’d tried to hide it.

  Gwen finding that the stunning woman in red was called Caroline Curtis—the mysterious CC. John telling him CC was just a friend’s widow and there was nothing between them.

  Why would you invite someone like Caroline Curtis to an event like the Doctors’ Association dinner?

  Bells began to chime in Alec’s head. He was onto something.

  Lobelia had spoken of the woman at the party as though John had never met her before, had seen her and become entranced and there had been real sexual tension between the two. That didn’t fit the dynamic of a person you had long known, invited and said was just a friend. And if you did invite someone to attend, why would you leave them to speak to Lobelia? John had definitely been alone during that conversation.

  Alec went inside to his computer, fired it up and started searching. He couldn’t find any information about a Caroline Curtis recently moving to Canberra. Nor could he find the social photos that Gwen had spoken about.

  He was prepared to own that his Google skills might not be up to Gwen’s standard in finding the photos, but that he could find no mention of Caroline Curtis at all? Not even on social media? And why would John be meeting with a friend so constantly during work hours?

  There was only one explanation—John had lied about Caroline Curtis. Whoever she was, she was not the ubiquitous CC.

  The mystery continued. Poor Bunbury was going to stay well a little longer. It was time for Alec to get really tough. By the time the weekend rolled around, he would know who CC was. And he knew how to find out.

  ***

  People milled around, still in work clothes but several of the women had kicked off their heels and were wriggling stocking-clad toes in delight. They all held drinks—mostly alcoholic. The noise level was sufficient that you couldn’t understand a single word.

  So the enemy were normal after all, Alec thought. This looked exactly like the staff social mixers his side of politics ran. Even down to the few politicians who thought it was appropriate that they attend, when it really wasn’t. There was one of the Canberra MPs, laughing with a staffer as if they were friends when no matter how close you were, that wasn’t the dynamic. And near the display of potted ferns was one of the old rogues, looking for his next ‘good friend’.

  Alec stood in a corner, out of the way. He needed to stay here for as long as possible, which meant not being noticed by anyone that recognised him for as long as possible.

  There was John, in the midst of a group, listening intently to what someone was saying. There were two women in the group—was either of them the stunning woman he had left with, the mysterious CC? John wasn’t looking at either of them with passion but then if he was having a workplace dalliance, he’d be trying to hide it. That sort of thing caused political implications that no smart person wanted to deal with.

  John moved to another group. It was interesting watching him work. He interacted with people calmly but in a friendly manner. He sought people out—Alec hoped only people worth being sought out—and initiated conversation. Alec much preferred sitting and letting the supplicants come to him.

  After five minutes, it was clear just watching John wasn’t going to provide the answers Alec wanted. So he texted him.

  ‘When you refill that drink, can you get me one as well?’

  John reacted instantly to the phone buzzing—most staffers did; what if it was their boss? Alec had trained Barry to call Hamish or Gwen unless it was a political emergency.

  Alec watched John look at the screen. Watched John’s brows lower as the meaning of the words sunk in. Watched John’s head whip up and look around the room. Gave John a little wave as his gaze struck. Watched John approach with an expression like thunder.

  ‘Get out,’ John said.

  ‘Tell me more about Caroline Curtis,’ Alec
said.

  ‘For fucks sake, Alec. This is a party mixer. What would people say if they saw you here?’

  ‘Your side would be devastated and panicked about what I found out. My side would call me a hero and mount a parade through the corridors. I am intrigued by Caroline Curtis. Why on earth would you take a friend that you have no interest in to an event like the doctors’ dinner?’

  ‘We are not doing this here.’ John grabbed his elbow.

  ‘Don’t make a scene, old chap. People will notice. Just answer my question.’

  John planted himself in front of Alec, blocking the view of most in the room. ‘If I’m seen talking to you...’

  ‘Then talk quickly. Why did you take her to the dinner?’

  ‘To meet people. Der.’

  ‘Then why did you leave her alone to converse with Lobelia? And if you’re not interested in her, why were you hanging over her salivating like a dog over a steak.’

  John reared back. ‘I do not salivate.’

  ‘Lobelia says you were, and I trust her. Here’s what I think, after some cursory Googling. Caroline Curtis does not exist. It was someone else you hooked up with. And that person may, or may not, be the mysterious CC who definitely isn’t Caroline Curtis because even as good a friend as you wouldn’t give up work hours like that.’

  ‘If I promise to tell you who CC is, will you get out of this party?’

  ‘I want a drink,’ Alec said. ‘I deserve it, for being here. One drink, and then I will leave.’

  ‘Fuck,’ John said, then whirled on his heels and stalked over to the barman to get the drink.

  ‘John doesn’t like you,’ said a female voice.

  Alec turned and was stunned. Standing before him was one of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen. The hairstyle was appalling—a tight bun like that was an abomination for what he imagined was luscious brunette locks—but her big green eyes drew you in and then her full lips had you dreaming of better uses for them than just talking.

  ‘John doesn’t like anyone,’ Alec said, wondering who this woman was. She seemed not to recognise him and he certainly hadn’t noticed her before. A newbie?

  ‘He likes me.’ The woman took a step closer and looked up at Alec. Calm, direct, confident. He wasn’t getting hard, was he? ‘I’ve never seen John angry.’

  ‘You’re lucky. He doesn’t do it very well.’

  ‘The question is, what did you say to make him so angry?’

  Completely ignoring his wit. If she wasn’t careful, he was going to fall in love with her. ‘Perhaps I trashed his latest policy.’

  ‘Perhaps he finds your foolishness a problem.’

  Yes, he was definitely going to have to love her. ‘Perhaps you can convince me to mend my ways.’

  ‘Oh, I very much doubt anyone can do that.’ The woman walked away, and Alec watched her and his heart beat to the same rhythm as her steps.

  ‘Here.’ John returned and thrust a glass with whiskey in it into Alec’s hands. ‘Drink and be gone.’

  ‘Who is that woman?’ Alec pointed to the angel, who was now in conversation with a group of staffers. ‘The one in the black suit.’

  ‘They’re all in black suits. Drink.’

  ‘You know the one I mean. Right there. Bright red pumps. Torturing her gorgeous brown hair into a bun.’

  John looked and shrugged. ‘I’m afraid I don’t know.’

  ‘Then find out. There’s a good chap.’ Alec waved his hand in her direction.

  ‘I am not your wing man.’

  ‘Oh, please. I promise, get her name and I will leave. Without finishing the drink.’

  John’s eyes narrowed. ‘What if I promise to get her name. Will you leave now?’

  ‘Promise to tell me who CC is, who the woman at the dinner is and who that enchanting little minx is within the hour and I will leave now. But if you fail to, it opens you up to revenge.’

  ‘Done.’ John stole back the drink. ‘See you, Alec.’

  Alec left, skirting the edge of the party and escaping the room without anyone noticing, it seemed. In the corridor outside, he considered his options. He didn’t want to go home—he needed to be here in the building to start his search for whoever the wonder woman was. But he didn’t want to go twiddle his thumbs in his office either.

  Instead, he found a little alcove not far from the room. Here he could see everyone who left the party, and maybe get another chance with the stealer of his heart, and he could grab John when he left and make him confess everything.

  Alec whiled away the time playing Words with Friends on his phone. About twenty minutes after he left, the party started to break up. The beauty came out, but unfortunately not alone, so Alec didn’t approach. He just watched her pass in silent admiration.

  It was another ten minutes before John left. He stepped out of the room, phone to his ear. Alec maintained his position and soon he could hear what John was saying.

  ‘Of course I’m not blaming you. He’s a law unto himself. That said, surely you can find a way to keep him busier so he doesn’t have time for this ridiculousness.’

  The person on the other end responded. John was so caught up in the conversation he didn’t see Alec.

  ‘No, I suppose not. I knew one day I’d regret making him a friend. Thank goodness no one else knows he was there.’

  Ah, they were talking about him. Intriguing. Who did John know that he would discuss Alec with?

  ‘I look forward to seeing you too. I’m on my way.’ John was past Alec as he hung up.

  Alec stood and watched John march down the corridor. He was on his way to see someone. Caroline Curtis? Or the real CC?

  Whatever, Alec had to find out. So, he followed, keeping his distance.

  John went to his office and collected his brief case—taking work home, how industrious of him. Then he headed to the lobby and outside.

  Alec smiled at the security guards as he exited the building in time to see John head down to the car park. There, John headed for a taxi. Alec continued to follow, noting the taxi number plate as John got in and the car pulled away. Then Alec ran and jumped into the back of the next taxi.

  ‘Follow that car.’ Alec pointed to the taxi John was in.

  ‘Seriously?’ the driver said.

  ‘Hundred dollar tip in it for you.’

  They followed John to one of the apartment blocks on the Kingston Foreshore. Not the expensive ones actually on the water, but the new funky ones a couple of blocks back that were still within a short walking distance of the buzzing restaurants and bars. John got out and his taxi left. Alec directed his to the front of the building, watching John press a button on the wall and then go in the building.

  ‘Stay.’ Alec got out of the cab and looked at the names of the residents. There. In an apartment on the second floor. C. Carter.

  ‘You wily fox,’ Alec muttered. As he turned to leave, he noted another name plate. G. Fairford.

  Gwen lived in this building? Alec pulled out his phone, searched for and found her resume. Indeed, this was her address.

  Perfect. As he got back into the taxi, he called her and got her message bank. ‘Gwen, I have a job for you. There’s someone in your building called C. Carter. You need to find out who it is.’

  Alec tapped the phone against his knee as he looked at the building. How delicious this all was.

  Someone passed the taxi and turned toward the building. Alec blinked and realised it was his mystery woman. She had a key, and let herself in.

  So, the stealer of his heart also lived here. He called Gwen again. ‘Also, there’s a woman who lives in your building. Dark hair, big green eyes, I’d say mid-twenties. She works at PH for the other side. Find out who she is.’

  As he hung up, a horrible idea rose in his mind—what if John was dating Ms Gorgeous?

  Well, Alec would just have to win her over to his side. He had no doubt he could.

  John

  John stared up at the ceiling, panting and smiling.
Next to him, Gwen lay doing the same.

  What a glorious thing he had found. Smart, funny, sexy. Gwen Fairford was everything a man could want.

  John’s phone beeped. ‘Damn.’

  ‘Be grateful it didn’t go off ten minutes ago,’ Gwen said.

  Dutifully, John checked to ensure it wasn’t his boss. He swore.

  ‘Alec?’

  ‘The same.’ John looked at the message. ‘2 hours. Don’t say I don’t do anything for you.’ ‘Did I happen to mention I promised Alec I would answer all his questions in an hour if he left the party immediately?’

  ‘No. You came in, kissed me and then there wasn’t a great deal of conversation. Good evening, by the way.’

  ‘Good evening and hello.’ John leant over and kissed her. ‘I’m sorry. I got here so annoyed by him, the only thing I could think of to forget was to sink into you.’

  ‘I am good for other things as well,’ Gwen said.

  ‘Indeed you are. Which is why you’re going to help me work out what to tell him.’

  ‘A better lie than Caroline Curtis, obviously.’

  John shook his head. ‘I can’t believe he actually went and Googled her. That requires effort, and Alec doesn’t do effort.’

  ‘He does when he’s excited about something, and obviously he’s excited about this. So, what exactly do you need to tell him?’

  ‘I need to tell him who CC is, I need to tell him who I left the dinner with and I need to tell him who a girl he’s gone gaga over is.’

  ‘Alec is gaga over a girl? That’s exciting.’ Gwen’s phone beeped. She looked at it then at John. ‘Guess who?’

  ‘Why is he bothering you on a Friday night?’

  ‘Let’s find out.’ She frowned. ‘His message is ‘What have you found out?’ I don’t—oh. Oh. OH.’

  Gwen jumped out of bed and ran to the end of the room. John enjoyed the beauty before him.

  ‘He followed her here.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Alec. He followed the girl here. She lives here. The girl he’s after. He left two voice messages. One about her—described her, asked me to find out who she is. The other is to find out who C. Carter is. He must think this C. Carter is your CC.’