Deathly Christmas

by Irena Nieslony

  David will always return to me, whatever I do! she smiled to herself.

  Robert had known Eve for a long time and could see she was getting restless. He was slightly concerned about what she might get up to after he and Alison returned to England on January 4th. Robert wasn’t quite as sure as Eve that David would stay with her through thick and thin. She had tried his patience to the limit this Christmas season, and if Paul hadn’t attacked her, they might never have reunited.

  The day before Alison and Robert were due to go home; they had taken their hosts out to Rethymnon for the day in an attempt to distract Eve from thoughts of Jennifer and her murder. After visiting the monastery of Arkadi, not many kilometers south of the town, they had gone into Rethymnon for a delicious lunch in an authentic taverna situated in the harbor.

  Eve had a great interest in history and thoroughly enjoyed the visit to Arkadi, fascinated that in 1866, the monastery of Arkadi had played a very important part in Cretan resistance against the Ottoman occupation. David was more than happy to see she was totally absorbed in something other than murder.

  Surprisingly, this day of normality had almost brought Eve back to her senses. She was now simply relieved that David had come back to her. He had been right. She would have been stupid to carry on looking for the killer.

  “So what do you think, Eve?” Robert asked when they were all relaxing at home later that day having a drink.

  “Sorry, what?”

  “You were miles away,” David commented. “Not thinking about the murder, I hope.”

  “I was actually.”

  David’s face fell, but she quickly reassured him.

  “But don’t worry. I was thinking how right you were. I should keep well clear of this killer. He or she is ruthless.”

  David breathed a sigh of relief.

  “So what were you saying, Robert?” Eve asked.

  “I was suggesting we all went on a tour together of some of the other Greek islands this summer.”

  “What about Portia?” Eve asked, stroking her dog.

  Portia was lying at her feet, happy as ever.

  “I’m sure Annie will look after her, Eve.” David said.

  “Okay,” Eve replied, slightly reluctantly.

  She had left Portia with David while she had been in England, but she had still been concerned about her. For such a tough woman, she worried quite unnecessarily about her dog. Yes, Portia missed her, but as long as she was fed and had a cuddle, Portia would be content while Eve was away.

  The doorbell went and everybody looked at Eve.

  “I’m not expecting anyone. Will you get it, darling,” she asked, looking at David plaintively.

  He nodded. He knew he shouldn’t be at her beck and call this much, but she could be very persuasive when she was in such an agreeable mood. He still couldn’t believe she wasn’t interested in the murder anymore.

  David went to answer the door, but his heart sank when he saw Paul standing there.

  “Yes,” David said abruptly.

  Paul was the last person he wanted to see. David was still angry about his attack on Eve, but for some reason she had forgiven him and he couldn’t understand why. Did she have a soft spot for him? He had never thought Paul was seriously interested in Eve and believed he was just teasing her when he flirted, but now he wasn’t so sure. Was Paul trying to lure Eve away from him? David knew he was being insecure, but he couldn’t help it. Eve was beautiful, confident and successful. She was a great catch. However, he didn’t realize that because he was also a particularly handsome man, he too was a much sought after partner.

  “I’m sorry to disturb you,” Paul said nervously, knowing David’s opinion of him. “Do you mind if I have a word with you all?”

  “Fine. Come in,” David said, not intending to waste words on him.

  Paul and David walked into the sitting room, surprising everyone. Eve was pleased Paul had popped in now that they were friends again, but she did wonder why he’d come and was concerned about David’s mood. He looked very grim, but she wasn’t going to be rude. She jumped up.

  “Have a seat, Paul. And a drink?”

  “Oh, I don’t want to put you out.”

  “Don’t be silly.”

  “A whisky then?” Paul asked tentatively.

  “David? And you might as well top up all our drinks.”

  David gritted his teeth. Now he had to serve that man. However, he couldn’t make a scene. He’d look stupid and jealous.

  Once they were all seated with their drinks replenished, Paul began to speak.

  “I wanted to apologize for my sister-in-law, Lucy. She does feel terrible about her behavior on New Year’s Eve.”

  “Then why didn’t she come herself,” Robert asked.

  “She’s a proud woman.”

  “I suppose she’s still not happy about Eve going to the police?” David asked.

  “Well, she says she’s innocent, so she’s naturally annoyed.”

  “So she’s not really apologizing at all; it’s you, isn’t it? You just wanted an excuse to come here.”

  David’s voice was tinged with anger.

  “Why would I want an excuse?”

  Eve was getting anxious. David was about to make a fool of himself and she had to do something, so she butted in quickly.

  “Come on you two; don’t argue. Paul’s probably had an awful time with his brother and sister-in-law. I mean, Lucy was in an awful state when we last saw her. It must have taken her ages to calm down.”

  Paul nodded vigorously.

  “Yes, it took us the rest of the evening to get her back to normal.”

  “I was in two minds about whether to go to the police, Paul, I really was. David, Alison and Robert persuaded me to tell them. I mean the evidence I had didn’t mean either Kevin or Lucy killed Jennifer. I think David was worried I might start snooping on my own if I didn’t tell the police what I knew.”

  “I totally understand, Eve.” Paul agreed. “Neither Kevin or Lucy was arrested, so the police haven’t got the evidence to suspect either of them. Both of them have a tendency to overreact to everything.”

  “You’re very different to your brother, Paul,” Eve remarked.

  “Well, I was adopted, so it’s not surprising I suppose.”

  “Really? You seem close though?”

  “We are, well we were. Gradually over the years Lucy’s come between us.”

  David was getting fed up. Eve and Paul seemed to be having a conversation between themselves, but he couldn’t think of anything to say to join in with them. He looked at Robert and made a face at him. He wanted him to say something to get rid of Paul.

  “Well, we’ve had yet another exciting holiday,” Robert commented, not knowing what to say to help David. “Though the one consolation is that at least nobody tried to kill me this time!”

  Everybody laughed and the ice was broken. David was relieved.

  They chatted a little more about Alison and Robert’s holiday and then Paul decided to leave. He knew David didn’t want him there.

  “Well, I’m glad he’s gone,” David said as soon as Paul had left.

  “You weren’t very pleasant to him,” Eve replied.

  “Well, he’s keen on you.”

  “Nonsense. It’s your imagination.”

  Alison and Robert looked at each other knowing that an argument was about to start.

  “Come on you two,” Alison said severely. “We’ll have none of that. It’s time to get ready for our farewell dinner in Chania. We want to have a nice time on our last night here. Can you promise us that?”

  Eve and David looked at each other, feeling well and truly told off. They nodded and headed upstairs to get ready.

  Robert shook his head, wondering again what would happen when they left Crete.

  * * * *

  That same evening James went to answer his door at eight o’clock. Standing there was a slightly nervous Jane. She was wearing another of Eve’s dresses,
not that she would tell James that it wasn’t hers. Eve had promised to take her into Chania to buy some new clothes in a couple of days’ time and she was looking forward to it. She could certainly afford a new and more glamorous wardrobe now that she had inherited all that money from her father.

  My God, she looks stunning again, thought James. And to think, when I first met her I couldn’t imagine taking her to important business functions. Now she would fit in perfectly in any situation.

  “You look beautiful again tonight, darling. Come in. Dinner’s almost ready.”

  Jane was looking forward to the evening. James hadn’t cooked for her before and she had no idea if he had any culinary skills, but she imagined he was an excellent chef. James was proficient in everything he did; he was quite the perfect man.

  As she entered the house, a wonderful aroma wafted over her and she was filled with anticipation.

  “Dinner smells wonderful,” Jane commented.

  “I hope you enjoy it. I absolutely love to cook… But let me take your coat first?”

  Jane slipped off her coat while trying to look calm and collected, but she was shaking. However, James didn’t notice and could only see this beautiful young woman standing before him. She had on a light green sleeveless dress which fitted her perfectly. It was lucky that she was exactly the same size as Eve.

  Jane had also brought a little black shiny cardigan with her in case it got cold later in the evening, but James always put the central heating on high after dark. He hated the cold. He was only wearing a shirt without a jacket this evening and Jane didn’t think she would have to use her cardigan either.

  Jane had left her hair loose and James imagined running his fingers through it later that evening and slipping her dress off. He knew he had to stop thinking about what was going to happen in a few hours’ time. He had to concentrate on the present and couldn’t let dinner spoil. James was a great perfectionist and refused to let anything he did go wrong.

  “Come into the lounge,” James said. “A drink before dinner?”

  “Yes please. A gin and tonic, thanks.”

  “Of course.”

  They sat together for a little while before James went back into the kitchen. He left some music on for Jane and she felt so happy that she almost got up and danced on her own.

  A little later on, James called her into the dining room for the first course. Jane was impressed when she saw how beautifully the table had been laid. There was a pure white tablecloth on the table, and in the large, but delicate, wine glasses were white cloth napkins. James led Jane to the table and pulled out a chair for her.

  “The first course is seafood crepes,” he said.

  “They look absolutely delicious, James,” Jane replied.

  James poured the wine, a Vouvray, a light French wine, and smiled.

  “I hope you enjoy the crepes… and the wine. It goes very well with seafood.”

  Jane was already impressed with both his knowledge of wine and the presentation of the food.

  They started eating and Jane couldn’t believe how tasty the crepes were. James was a talented man. Was there no end to his skills?

  “These crepes are delicious. They could be so heavy and filling, but they’re not. They’re light and the seafood is perfectly cooked. You’re an excellent chef, James. “

  “Thank you, darling.”

  He looked pleased, but not surprised. James was a man who was used to being successful in everything he did.

  He allowed a decent break in-between the first and main courses and poured them another glass of wine.

  “Oh, I shall be getting tipsy,” Jane said, laughing.

  “That’s alright. It doesn’t matter to let your hair down once in a while.”

  James reached over and kissed her. She felt herself trembling with desire. James was handsome and talented, not to mention, successful. She couldn’t believe her luck in meeting him, but then a cold shiver ran through her. Although the police had released him, he wasn’t totally off the hook for the murder of his aunt. There simply wasn’t enough evidence. He could still have killed her.

  I’m just being silly, she thought. Why would he want to kill me? I don’t have that much money do I? James is rich in his own right so my money would be a drop in the ocean. It wouldn’t be worth the risk of going to jail, would it?

  “What’s wrong, Jane?” James asked. “You seem miles away.”

  “Nothing’s wrong, darling,” Jane replied, knowing she was lying. “I was just thinking how different this Christmas turned out to be. I was expecting to be alone and quite miserable, yet look what’s happened?”

  “It’s been completely different to what I expected too, but I couldn’t be happier.”

  “Me neither.”

  Everything will be fine I’m sure, thought Jane. How could somebody like James ever kill anyone? He’s not the sort. He’s a gentleman.

  “Now for the next course,” James continued. “It’s rack of lamb.”

  “Wonderful,” Jane said, the smells already wafting in from the kitchen.

  James opened a bottle of Pinot Noir to go with the lamb, but Jane was drinking very slowly now. She was worried that she would get drunk. Jane didn’t drink a lot normally and didn’t want to lose control.

  For desert, James presented a rich chocolate torte and they had small glasses of desert wine to go with it. Jane was feeling full and her head was spinning from all the alcohol. She realized she hadn’t been drinking slowly enough.

  “Are you alright?” James asked.

  “A little too much food and wine, I think.”

  “Go and sit down on the sofa and I’ll tidy up.”

  “Let me help you, James.”

  “I won’t hear of it, Jane. Let the food settle and I’ll join you shortly.”

  “You’re a marvelous host,” Jane said, kissing him on the cheek.

  He grinned as he started to clear the table.

  Half an hour later, James came and sat down on the sofa next to Jane. She was fast asleep and he kissed her lightly She woke up with a start.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry, I dropped off.”

  “That’s alright, darling. I shouldn’t have woken you. You looked so beautiful and peaceful lying there.”

  “Thank you. I actually feel wide awake now. That nap did me the world of good.”

  “I’m glad,” he said, stroking her cheek. “My God, you are stunning, Jane. I’m a lucky man.”

  He brought his lips to hers and Jane felt herself trembling with desire again. She didn’t want the moment to end, all her fears of him killing his aunt evaporating into the night. As their lips parted, she couldn’t hold back any longer.

  “I love you, James. I know we only met a few days ago, but I feel as if I’ve known you forever. I know I can’t expect the same feelings from you.”

  “Why not? From the moment we met, I knew you were special. I don’t give my heart away easily, Jane, but I will admit I am falling in love with you.”

  “Oh James,” she said, throwing her arms around him. “This has been the perfect Christmas.”

  “Yes it has, darling, yes it has.”

  Chapter 15

  At about eleven the following morning, Eve and David returned home, having taken Alison and Robert to the airport to catch their flight back to England.

  Eve collapsed on the sofa as soon as they got in.

  “It’s been lovely having guests, but it is nice to have the place to ourselves again.”

  “Yes it is, darling,” David replied, sitting down next to her.

  He put his arm around Eve and then gently kissed her.

  “It’s been a traumatic holiday season, hasn’t it?” he remarked, once their lips had parted.

  “You could say that,” Eve sighed. “I know you’re talking about the murder, but I must admit that I’m quite looking forward to a rest after all this partying.”

  “You, tired of partying? I don’t believe it!”

  They both la
ughed, but suddenly Eve looked serious.

  “What’s wrong, Eve?”

  “I was thinking of Jennifer. Do you think the police are still doing anything to find her killer? She might not have been a nice woman, but she deserves justice.”

  “I have no idea what’s happening, Eve. You’re not thinking of searching for the murderer again, are you?” he asked wearily.

  David had naturally been concerned about this. He had wondered if once Alison and Robert had gone home, Eve might get bored and want to look for the killer again.

  “No, of course not. I’d have absolutely no idea where to start anyway.”

  “Good.”

  “And of course I wouldn’t want you leaving me again.”

  “I don’t think I could ever leave you, Eve. I was too worried about you when I was gone last time. But I will be really angry if you do start all that nonsense again.”

  Eve sighed for a second time. She did love David, but why wasn’t he interested in getting involved in more exciting and adventurous things? Eve thoroughly enjoyed taking risks, thinking how much more exhilarating it made life.

  “Right, I’m going upstairs to get on with my writing,” David stated. “My agent’s given me a deadline and I’ve not got a lot of time left. I hope you won’t be too bored without me.”

  “I’ll be fine. Don’t worry; I won’t do anything reckless. See you later.”

  Eve lay back on the sofa, feeling a bit tired. Portia jumped up and put her head on her lap. Eve thought about the murder, not really coming up with any new ideas. She began dozing off, but then sat up with a start, remembering something Paul had said the night before. He had told them he was adopted.

  What if Jennifer Anderson had been his real mother and he had killed her because she had abandoned him? He had a temper as she well knew. However, the murder had been planned and wasn’t committed in a fit of rage. Perhaps Paul had thought about killing her from the day he found out she was his birth mother. He could possibly have asked Jennifer to move to Crete so they could get to know each other and then pretended to get on with her. Then on Christmas Eve he had gone over to Jennifer’s house, taking the desert wine as a gift. Little did she know that it was laced with strychnine and was going to be the last thing she would ever drink.