Weapon of Desire

by Brook, L M

  “Good Morning Ms Brooks, are you ready to discuss my offer?”

  He is the most annoying person I’ve ever met and is so damn sure of his own influencing power.

  “Yes I’m calling to inform you that I’ll be declining your offer. I’m however ready to move to Dorton today. When will the accommodation be ready?” I take a deep breath feeling extremely pleased with my strong, direct approach.

  A period of awkward silence ensues before his sigh cuts the tension “I can have the apartment ready for 14.00 hours.” A further uncomfortable hush arises.

  “Good, will someone from security be there to meet me?” I’m unwaivered by his hostile attitude.

  “Darcey” he uses my first name with a threatening tone that shocks me. “So you are confirming that you are not in a relationship with Anthony?”

  “I will continue to work professionally as I’ve always done if that is what you are asking.” I am determined to not be pushed into a corner by his bullying tactics.

  “No Darcey that is not what I’m questioning. Let me make myself very clear I don’t like being made to look a fool. Should I realise that you are lying to me, believe me your feet will not touch the ground. I will have your contract and accommodation at Dorton terminated with immediate effect!”

  My mind is speeding ahead searching for an answer as my heart pounds in my chest. Words are not registered by my brain which is unable to transmit to my motionless tongue.

  “Darcey, I’ll meet you at 14.00.” Colonel Garner ends the call furious that he’d not ignited a reaction from me.

  Throwing the phone back in my bag I breath easily again. I’m not looking forward to this afternoon and wonder if Nick would accompany me. Perhaps Colonel Garner would back off if he is there.

  Nick returns and helps me carry my case down to my Z4 that is sparkly clean, polished and gleaming in the early morning hazy sunlight. Tom and Freya are adorable having prepared a food basket for me.

  “Here are some goodies for you as I knew that you wouldn’t have time to shop for groceries in between packing and unpacking.” Freya places the heavy basket beside my case.

  “Darcey you take care of yourself and I can’t wait to meet your family for lunch on Sunday.” Tom pulls me close into a gentle hug.

  “Thank you both for all you have done, making me feel so welcome in your home. I hope my cooking comes up to Marc’s standards on Sunday!” I smile before slipping into the driving seat as Nick pulls up behind me in his BMW.

  The slow drive to the main gate beckons a stray tear of sadness as we leave this small piece of heaven. Nick follows me out onto the winding country lane as I breathe out slowly accepting that I’m no longer in a protected bubble. Catching a glimpse of my handbag on the seat I remember the gun as reality returns once again.

  Turning up the stereo U2 are still playing reminding me of my last eventful journey but now they are singing of a “beautiful day” which raises my spirit as I allow myself to enjoy the drive.

  Parking outside my apartment it feels as though I have been away forever. Clutching my handbag I make my way over to Nick as he pulls into a space.

  “Nick would you hang around and follow me to Dorton? I shouldn’t be too long I just want to grab some more clothes.” I smile appreciatively as he remains seated.

  “Of course Darcey, do you want me to come inside with you?”

  “No I’m fine.” I dig deep inside my bag searching for my keys.

  Standing at the entrance I notice the communal door is damaged and not locked. Pushing the door open I stare up towards my apartment. There seems to be no other signs of vandalism as I cautiously climb the stairs. Approaching the first floor landing I halt detecting my door is ajar. My heart begins to race as I instinctively scramble unzipping my bag with shaking hands to retrieve the gun and my mobile. Fumbling pathetically, I quickly text Nick.

  Nick is beside me in seconds, calmly placing his hand on the top of my gun indicating to back down. He steps forward, withdrawing another pistol from inside his jacket, shoving the door open taking cover to one side as I watch from the top of the stairs. Peering around the door frame with his aim still poised he enters the apartment. It feels like time is standing still as I wait patiently gripping hold of my gun. Eventually Nick returns and signals for me to come in.

  The apartment is totally ransacked, glass picture frames smashed on the floor, cupboards emptied out and large red script scrawled along the hall wall.

  Anthony give back what is mine

  or I will take what is yours

  Making my way to my bedroom I can see mirrors smashed and clothes strewn over the floor.

  “What do they want?” I scan the room and can see jewellery untouched on my dressing table. The television has been deliberately smashed. Anything of value has not been stolen signifying to me that this is not a burglary but a warning. They obviously want Anthony to know they are watching us both. What is Anthony hiding?

  Nick slides his hands into leather gloves and drags a chair to a cupboard, standing on the seat to reach above a shelf.

  “What are you doing?” Nick doesn’t answer and continues to stretch up above the door frame, yanking away a small black box wrapped in tape. “What’s that?”

  “Recorded footage of your visitors.” Nick swiftly stores it inside his jacket.

  “Did you put it there?”

  “Yes” He continues to recover tiny items from various areas throughout the lounge.

  “When did you put it there and what the hell are you doing?” I’m beginning to freak out at this level of intrusion.

  “A couple of days back and these are cameras.” Nick stands with hands on his hips deep in thought. “Darcey I’ll arrange for a team to come in and clean up. You’ll have to keep quiet about this.”

  “Why?” I stare astonished at Nick’s decision to cover up the break in.

  “Because of this” He points to the writing on the wall. “Don’t worry Darcey, we’ll catch them.”

  “Nick the police may be able to help.” I struggle to understand what terrible secret Anthony is hiding.

  “Darcey they will instantly think that Anthony is heavily involved.”

  “Well isn’t he?” I instantly recoil feeling the anger in Nick’s eyes.

  “What do you think?” his glare says it all. “Do you think he would murder his own girlfriend?”

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that but I need to know exactly what they want Anthony to return.”

  My patience is now wearing thin. “What about my safety Nick? Am I supposed to just accept that someone’s trashed my place? What if you don’t catch them, will they kill me next time?” I storm into the bedroom and snatch some remaining items that are hanging in the wardrobe, throwing them into my sports bag with some shoes.

  Nick stands in the doorway “Darcey, we need to find out who they are. That’s why we bugged your place. Now we can get some answers.”

  “You’re telling me that neither Anthony nor you know what they want?” I roll my eyes “please, I’m not that naïve, what is it that Anthony holds?”

  “Until now we knew nothing about what they were looking for, there has been no other messages or items stolen just a bloody mess!” Nick steps into the bedroom. “We were not even sure whether Joanna’s death and the break in at Sebel House were connected until they attacked you.”

  Nick sits on the edge of the bed watching me pack the bag. He knows that I won’t give in easily without the truth and is obviously concerned that I’ll talk to the police. “Darcey we’ve been in the dark as much as you have. Anthony is distraught that you’ve been wrapped up in this, he wants to ensure you are protected.”

  “Wrapped up in what Nick?” I don’t buy that he doesn’t know. “Anthony is worried about the police bringing the Beust family to his mother’s door, why’s that? Does he have something that belongs to them?”

  Nick shrugs his shoulders “Darcey just trust us for now.”

  We drive onto
Dorton Airfield where security escorts us to the officers’ accommodation. Colonel Garner is waiting promptly outside.

  “Good afternoon Nick, Darcey.” His smile is forced. “Darcey this is Officer Simon Blake, he’ll be your security escort when you need to travel off site. Here’s your apartment key and Simon’s mobile number. Please ensure you keep Simon informed of your plans at all times.”

  Simon is a pale, strawberry blond young man, most probably in his late twenties. We shake hands as Colonel Garner restrains his vicious tongue while Nick watches closely making Garner slightly edgy.

  “Darcey you’ll need to see the medic before tomorrow morning so I have booked you to see him at 16.00 hours today. Will that be a problem?” His stance is overpowering trying to gain inches towering over me.

  “No 16.00 is fine, I don’t have that much to unpack.” Our eyes lock with vengeance. He’s not taking my refusal to cooperate very well.

  “Good, you have my number should you wish to discuss anything.” He turns to Nick “Good afternoon Nick.” With that he is gone and I feel relieved.

  Nick smiles as we watch Officer Blake scurry behind Colonel Garner back towards the main offices. “Shall we get your bags and crack open your hamper?

  I am famished!”

  “Good idea, let’s hope there is some wine in there!”

  Returning back to our cars I spot Anthony striding towards us.

  Anthony keeps a safe distance from me and addresses Nick with a momentary smile in my direction. “Have you arranged for someone to clean up Darcey’s flat?” Nick must have called Anthony on the way here.

  “All sorted.” Nick continues to unload my car.

  “Darcey, are you ok?” His eyes melt me every time.

  “I’m fine.” I cup the locket in my hand and Anthony grins as though we’re sharing a secret message.

  “Call me if you need anything.” Anthony turns and is gone.

  The apartment is basic and compact with a lounge kitchenette, one bedroom and a shower room. The luxury suite at Sebel House seems a distant memory. Nick slouches on the sofa opening the hamper.

  “Bingo!” he holds up a bottle of wine as I search for glasses, plates and cutlery from the kitchen cupboards.

  Like an excited child at Christmas I delve into the basket to grasp, freshly baked bread, cheese, ham and homemade onion chutney. Nick opens the wine and pours as I carve the bread. Sitting crossed legged on the floor in front of the coffee table I greedily munch on bread and cheese.

  “Darcey, what would you say if Anthony asked you to marry him?” Nick leans back with cheese and bread in one hand and wine in the other.

  My eyes rise upwards to meet Nick’s as I put down my sandwich. “Are you serious?”

  “How serious are you Darcey?”

  “We have known each other for 10 days!” I pick up my wine to dilute the nervousness running through my body.

  “Should that make any difference?” Nick sips his wine watching my reaction. “Why are you so worried, surely if you know you’ve met the right person then that’s all that matters?”

  “Why the rush?” I resume my munching feeling a little less fretful.

  “Because you’re allowing Colonel Garner to dictate how you should live.” Nick leans forward to slice more cheese.

  “Nick, that’s nothing to do with it. Anthony is hiding secrets and that makes me feel uncertain.” I put down my sandwich leaning back.

  “Darcey, that’s to protect you, not deceive you!” He stares at my motionless face. “So you’d say no?”

  “I need to know everything that I’m getting involved in, is that too much to ask?”

  “Ok I get the message.” Nick gulps the remainder of his wine and stands. “Darcey, I should get back, I want to get this digital footage over to our team.” He moves towards the door and my heart jolts with the thought that I’m going to be alone.

  “Call us if you need anything, ok?”

  I nod as he smiles and leaves. Clearing away our lunch I busy myself with unpacking the hamper goodies into the fridge and then hang my clothes in the wardrobe. I miss Anthony and Nick already.

  My visit to the medic was uneventful, I confirmed that I’m trying to stop my afternoon medication and that my nightmares seem to be easing. He was happy for me to return to work but insisted that I finish earlier on my first day back.

  Walking back to the apartment I can see the lights on in Anthony’s office and I resist the urge to make a visit to say hello. The airfield is a hub of activity with officers changing shifts coming and going past the security gate at the main entrance. Opening the apartment door I stare at the drab décor and sigh miserably. The room is so quiet and lifeless. I quickly fire up my laptop to communicate with anyone who will listen.

  I have 270 emails, mostly uninteresting stuff, requests for budget meetings and minutes from various departments. Daniel has emailed several times and I start to feel guilty for not replying. His last email was 4.12pm today.

  “Darcey, I have come to the conclusion that you don’t want to talk to me and that is fine. I am writing this hoping that you’ll at least read it before you hit delete! I’m missing you so much and I leave for Russia tomorrow, returning on Monday next week. I want to see you but I understand that you may not want to after our last meeting when my behaviour was unforgiveable.

  I talked to Rosemary today who tells me you’re doing well and that you return to work tomorrow and move into an apartment at Dorton Airfield. That’s great news and at least you’ll be safe there. I’m hoping that we can at least remain friends and I’ll contact you again when I return from Russia.

  All my love Daniel X.”

  After several minutes considering whether I should respond, I click on reply.

  “Hi Daniel, thank you for your email which I must say is warmly received as I sit alone in a drab apartment in Dorton. I’m wading through hundreds of emails and I’m sorry that I’ve not responded before. I look forward to getting back to some normality tomorrow and I’ve missed Angela and Patricia. I hope you have a safe journey to Russia and enjoy your assignment. Take care and I will speak to you on your return. Darcey.”

  As soon as I press send I immediately feel awful as I know Anthony won’t approve of my contact with Daniel. I wonder whether he can access my emails. Then my head nearly explodes at the thought that perhaps Nick has bugged my laptop as well.

  Daniel replies instantly.

  “Darcey I’m so happy you replied.

  You’ll be pleased to know that Melissa is not coming with me to Russia and the offer is still there if you fancy a break from your drab apartment. My assignment is quite interesting, meeting with former German Aristocrats who were forced to leave Germany during the war. There are lots to see during the day and we can eat in together each night and drink wine until the early hours – like the good old days! Let me know before 10am tomorrow and I can arrange everything. If I do not hear from you I will understand.

  I talked to Detective Stevens who said that the Range Rover was registered to the Beust family in Germany. I will do some research while I am away and email you any information that I manage to dig up. Take care Darcey. Love you always

  Daniel X.”

  I decide its best not to enter into further discussions surrounding a trip to Russia. Our carefree catch up is like a breath of fresh air, freeing me from my current restrictions here at Dorton.

  I notice a new email appear from Colonel Garner to both Anthony and I. He certainly is making sure that he reinforces his tight grip over us.

  “Darcey

  I am pleased to have just been informed that you are fit to return to work tomorrow. You will be required to work a shorter day allowing you to make a phased return and continue your medication.

  Please report 09.00 hours to Anthony’s office where we will discuss your work next week alongside Richard Hughes at Dorton Prep. Anthony you will need to get Darcey up to speed before you leave for Hornchurch.

  I want you
both to attend the prestigious East of England Education Awards on Thursday evening. This is a formal black tie event at Gresham Hall. There will be national media coverage with particular interest in Dorton Airfield School merger.

  I have arranged for Richard to collect you Darcey at 18.30 hours and Anthony as discussed today you will escort Marie Lowe who will be presenting one of the awards.

  I will speak to you both in the morning.

  Have a good evening.

  Colonel Garner.”

  My thoughts immediately turn towards Anthony going to Hornchurch. Why is he being sent there, for how long and when does he leave? Will he be back on Sunday for lunch?

  I know that Anthony will be furious at the idea of me working with Richard, not to mention being alone in a car with him when he collects me on Thursday evening. What am I going to wear? I don’t own a cocktail dress, just a little black number that normally makes an appearance at the odd officers’ annual ball. My plans for the weekend are changing rapidly to incorporate buying an outfit and new shoes!

  Now Saturday’s agenda is formed sufficiently in my mind, I’m eager to email Anthony but know that they are being read. I settle for a professional reply to Colonel Garner including Anthony.

  “Good Evening Colonel Garner,

  I’m looking forward to meeting you and Anthony tomorrow to learn more about my work with Richard next week.

  The awards evening sounds amazing, I didn’t realise the national interest in the project.

  Kind regards

  Darcey Brooks.”

  Soon after my email is sent I can hear my mobile bleep from the coffee table. It is Anthony.

  “Darcey keep your distance from Richard.”

  I grin to myself thinking that he’s not happy at all. My mischievous nature reaches my fingertips.

  “I was planning on a very short, low cut dress.”

  Sending my text I wear a pathetic smile appreciating how easy it is to antagonise Anthony. There is no response. Oh dear I have pushed him too far.

  I dabble on the internet looking for dresses and come across a recent star studded event held in Munich. I recognise Marie in amongst the guests looking stunning in a full length velvet red dress. The event is in aid of supporting families in the military services.