Weapon of Desire

by Brook, L M

  My attention is drawn to a picture of her standing alongside Stefan von Beust. My heart races as I google his name and find myself staring at more pictures of my brothers with Stefan at the same event. Marie must also know the Beust family very well, I wonder if Anthony knew. My investigative efforts reveal that the family is immensely powerful and wealthy. They are also well respected in military circles and seem unlikely characters to be connected to any criminal activities. Perhaps my brothers are right. So why is Anthony so eager to keep the Beust family as far away as possible? Why would they have killed Joanna? Did Marie know Joanna? She seems extremely close to Anthony.

  My mind is running away with itself and I have to know if Nick has the recording from my apartment. Would Nick tell me the truth or is he trying to protect Anthony and his lies. I wonder if Detective Stevens knows anything more.

  My phone bleeps as Anthony replies.

  “Then I will inform Colonel Garner that you will not be attending!”

  I’m reeled further into this game. I’ve always disliked Daniel trying to control me and this attitude sends me into a wild rage with determination to provoke him more.

  “You will do no such thing and I will attend wearing exactly what I like!”

  The texts stop abruptly and I feel a little foolish about my stupid stubbornness. I am hungry as I notice the time is speeding past 6pm and then remember the home made lasagne and green salad that Freya had packed in the hamper. Watching the dish bubble in the oven I pour a glass of wine as my phone bleeps again.

  “Darcey you’re so bloody obstinate, I’ve a mind to tell Nick to turn the car around, march into your apartment and put you across my knee!”

  A smile sneaks across my face as I relish the thought of being across his knees right now. I try my hardest to tempt him back.

  “Promises …promises!!”

  “If I come there right now, I won’t want to leave and that’s not an option for us.”

  I moan with disappointment. Why’s everything so complicated, all I want is a man to love me and be there whenever I need him.

  “Anthony when do you leave for Hornchurch and how long will you be away?”

  “Tomorrow but I’ll drive back for lunch on Sunday and then return to Hornchurch on Monday.”

  This feels so much like a relationship with Daniel, grabbing time in between assignments. My weekends usually spent with my girlfriends. I hope Anthony isn’t going to be another part time lover.

  “Oh well I’ll have to rally the girls for Saturday night in town.”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea given the state of your apartment today.”

  Anthony is serious again and I know this is going to end in another tug of war.

  I am starting to feel trapped and unhappy with my current predicament.

  “Anthony, I won’t live like a hermit.”

  “Darcey I’m not asking you to but you have to be sensible at the moment.”

  The oven pings breaking my concentration and ending the round of emails. I sit with a meal for one and another glass of white wine as I search google for more information about Stefan von Beust. He runs a successful German business supplying arms to military all over the world. His grandfather Philipp von Beust held a high ranking position in the German army. His father Christoph was also revered in the German army and owns over 10,000 acres of farmland throughout Germany.

  My suspicions turn closer to home, why would a well-respected German family want to chase down Anthony?

  After dinner and a hot shower I pop a pill and place the gun on the bedside table. I try to read some Dorton Pre Prep documents. If anything it might bore me so much that I fall into a sound sleep. My eyes become tired and before long I drift into a hazy dream state but with the effects of the alcohol I feel unnervingly awake.

  I wake with a sudden jolt, in a heavy sweat with a sense of deep fear. In a panic I grab my phone to call Anthony; I notice it is nearly 11pm.

  “Hi” my mouth is dry as I try to fake a calm voice.

  “Are you ok?” Anthony sounds concerned.

  “Yes, I just can’t sleep. Can we talk for a while?” My frantic speech gives me away.

  “Did you have a nightmare?” He is tapping on a computer keyboard in the background.

  “Mmm, ….sorry Anthony I can hear you are busy working. I’ll leave you alone, see you in the morning.” My insecurity is obviously a drain on Anthony right now and I don’t want to be a burden to anyone.

  “No…Darcey I want to talk with you.” He stops typing and I can hear the creak of his chair as he leans back. “Tell me what you have planned for my Sunday Lunch; talk me through your menu.”

  My heart is heavy and I so want to cuddle up on his lap and talk all night with him. I smile and close my eyes, curling up around my pillow to pretend it is Anthony.

  “I thought perhaps my home made salmon and avocado terrine to start or mozzarella cheese and tomato salad with garlic olive oil dressing. What do you think Freya, Tom and Nick would prefer?” I keep my eyes closed and listen to his breathing.

  “They both sound delicious but your own terrine recipe would be impressive, also salmon is Pa’s favourite. What is for main course?” His voice is low and soothing.

  “I think a traditional roast, perhaps a leg of lamb. Does everyone like lamb?”

  “Yes they all love it and of course Darcey what is for pudding apart from you?” His smile is oozing through his words.

  “White chocolate cheesecake with raspberries.” I lick my lips remembering how good my cheesecake tastes.

  “Wow that sounds like a good menu. Darcey, would Rosemary mind if I stayed with you Sunday evening?” I can hear him shifting forward in his seat.

  “Did you think I’d let you go once you are in my grasp?” I yawn stretching my legs out in the bed. “Anthony I’ll have withdrawal symptoms after three nights apart.”

  “I’m experiencing withdrawal symptoms after only 9 hours. I can’t wait to have you back at work with me tomorrow.” His tone is warm and sexy settling my inner fears.

  “Night Anthony, thank you for listening to my dribble.” I roll over to switch off my light.

  “Night Darcey, call me if you need to talk some more.”

  CHAPTER 8

  The alarm on my phone wakes me rudely at 7am. I’m pleased that I managed to get a decent night’s sleep thanks to Anthony’s comforting words and I’m ready for the busy day ahead. The shower washes away any last night fears as the sweet smell of body gel fills the bathroom. Through the clearing steamed mirror I can see the tiny cuts on my cheek which are healing nicely.

  I lay my navy skirt suit and cream silk blouse on the bed, with nude hold ups and navy court shoes. Wearing this outfit and high heels always gives me a sense of power over men. This boost of confidence is exactly what I need for my meeting with Colonel Garner this morning. My belly rumbles reminding me that I haven’t eaten breakfast as I quickly finish off my makeup to cover the small cuts. I grab my handbag and hide my gun back inside the zipped compartment. Throwing in my keys and phone I leave the apartment to make my way to the officers’ restaurant for some coffee and buttered hot croissant.

  As I sit enjoying my peaceful breakfast I spot Lesley Pope, Head of Dorton Airfield School striding towards me. Lesley reminds me of Ann Robinson with her red hair, glasses, witty tongue and no nonsense approach to everything in life. Over the past three years we’ve worked together head hunting top teachers and support staff, interviewing and constructing a fantastic team which has earned our new school an amazing status in a short space of time. The idea came from a drunken evening when Lesley visited who at the time was a successful Head of a Grammar School. We both realised how bored we were in our current roles and knew that we could make a real difference to children of military families by providing permanent homes, friends and first class education. That was it! We never looked back until the job was done.

  “Hi Darcey, how the hell are you? Heard all about your drama, you
’re a celebrity now all over the news!” Lesley plunks her bottom down beside me.

  I greet Lesley with a hug and kiss on the cheek. She’s such a strong character most people either hate or like her. “Lesley you wouldn’t believe how fucked up my life is right now.”

  “What’s been happening with you?” She steals a piece of my croissant smiling sweetly.

  “I can’t tell you anything because Colonel Garner is watching my every move and any slip he is going to cut me loose.” I lean back with my mug of coffee.

  “I would’ve thought he would be singing your praises especially as we’re together nominated for the Education Enterprise Award on Thursday night.” Lesley is smug as she glares at me.

  “Are you kidding me?” I am shocked at this news as Colonel Garner hadn’t mentioned anything about an award. I bet it’s eating him up to have to congratulate me.

  “No, we’re going to be all over the newspapers. You should be used to that by now Darcey!” Her grin is infectious as I hug her excitedly.

  “What are you going to wear? I have to go shopping as I don’t own a cocktail dress.” I snatch back the last piece of croissant from Lesley’s fingers.

  “I’m going to totally spoil myself, buy a new dress, shoes and handbag. Get my hair and nails done. Do you want to join me Saturday for shopping and take Thursday afternoon off for a pamper session?” Lesley’s eyes sparkle with enthusiasm and I’m starting to really look forward to the awards evening now I know that Lesley will be there.

  “Lesley who’s escorting you?” I am intrigued at who Colonel Garner has instructed as he seems to be running the show.

  “Colonel Garner.” Lesley smirks and giggles. “We need to get together to prepare our speech.”

  “We can do that over a few bottles on Saturday night. I was planning a night at Willy’s bar with Mum and Lola, what do you think?” We sit cackling like two ecstatic school girls.

  “That sounds like a plan to me.” Lesley stands and smiles “Shall I make an appointment at Deena’s for 2pm on Saturday afternoon?”

  “Great, I’ll meet you there.”

  My confidence is sailing high as I stride assertively towards Anthony’s office.

  “Good morning Angela.” Her cheery smile is a welcome sight.

  “Good morning, how are you?” Angela stands to hug me.

  “I’m good and pleased to be back at work.” I notice Colonel Garner’s car in the front car park.

  “We should catch up over lunch; I want to hear all about your love life.” She spins to answer the intercom. “Good Morning Colonel Garner.”

  He paces quickly towards us and immediately I’m nervous in his company. I take a deep breath and smile summoning my convincing acting skills. I offer my hand, boldly squaring my shoulders and standing as tall as I can. “Good morning Colonel Garner.”

  “Good Morning Darcey, did you sleep well?” His arrogant smile is irritating me already.

  “Yes thank you. I hear you’ll be joining Lesley and me at the Awards Evening.”

  I wave goodbye to Angela as we walk together down the corridor towards Patricia and Anthony’s offices. My toughness is shining through as Colonel Garner reaches to hold open a door but I beat him to it.

  He awkwardly glares but resumes conversation. “Yes we have a reserved table for Ms Pope, Ms Lowe, Richard Hughes and Anthony with us.”

  I catch him eyeing my bottom as I turn before reaching Patricia’s office. He is slightly pinked but doesn’t drop his guard. Feeling satisfaction that he’s just like any other man, I smile knowing his weakness.

  “Good Morning Patricia.” I advance towards Patricia who stands and places an affectionate kiss on my cheek.

  “Good Morning Colonel Garner. Darcey, it’s lovely to see you back and well.” She twists to exit the room. “Anthony is waiting for you, come through.”

  My whole body is tingling with the thought of seeing Anthony. I reign in my emotions knowing I have lied to Colonel Garner with his threat still ringing in my ears.

  Patricia opens the door and there he is seated in an armchair, crossed legged and earnestly reading a document. He is wearing a pale blue checked shirt and a light silver grey tie under another expensive grey suit. He looks dreamy and I am conscious that I must be totally professional around him.

  “Good Morning Anthony.” I walk towards him softly tucking a loose curl behind my ear knowing that he can see through my steely act because he was the one who calmed me down in the middle of the night.

  His eyes are twinkling and warm as he stands to kiss me on my cheek. His fingers softly skim my hip and my heart races faster in response. “Good Morning how are you this morning?” His gaze scans my blouse and then my skirt as I grin remembering what his eyes have seen and where those fingers have trailed.

  “I’m good thank you.” As quick as that his gaze is gone and he is speaking to Colonel Garner.

  I notice pictures of stable blocks laid out on the board room table and I can’t resist a closer peek especially as they’re labelled Dorton Pre Prep. Within seconds Colonel Garner is at my side.

  “I see you’ve noticed the stable blocks at Dorton?” He feels too close for comfort as he stretches across in front of me to pick up a photograph. “Darcey those stables can house up to 25 horses and back onto Dorton Pre Prep. It’s owned by Mr Watson who resides at the neighbouring farm.”

  His fingers point out the location on an aerial shot. Why is he trying to be so nice to me?

  “Has Mr Watson approached you?” My eyes lift upwards to meet his as Anthony watches from across the table making sure he keeps his distance.

  “No, which is what I want you to do with Richard on Monday.” He smiles before continuing. “I know how good you’re at negotiating and getting what you want.” His eyes squint as he smirks.

  “Ok, I can see horse riding tuition for pupils and summer camps being a good offer for the school however I suspect that you’ve army training in mind, particularly Special Forces. Am I right?” I put the picture down turning my body to face him.

  “Yes, spot on. We need to equip officers for operations involving rocky terrain with no vehicular access similar to Afghanistan. Coupled with our Apache helicopters we’ll have all aids to hand.” He pulls a chair out from under the table and sits, leaning back crossing his legs with a chuffed look on his face.

  “So I suppose you’re also interested in the adjacent redundant chalk pits and forest?” I follow his lead and pull up a chair beside him, I’m enjoying the challenge he is presenting and he knows he has me hooked. “Does Mr Watson also own this land?”

  “Yes on both counts.” A huge grin appears on his face. “Darcey you’re certainly the woman for the job and I’m confident you’ll seal the deal.”

  “Ok I’ll put together a persuasive business case to present on Monday. Does Richard know?” I collect pictures and documents from the table and slide them into my briefcase.

  “No not yet so you’ll have to do your work on him first before you meet with Mr Watson at 11.00 hours.” He looks across to Anthony with a satisfied smile.

  “No problem, putty in my hands.” I hear Patricia returning to the room with a tray of tea and coffee and Marie Lowe in tow. What the hell is she doing here? Anthony stands immediately and moves towards her. I feel physically sick as I watch his hand cup her lower back as he kisses both of her cheeks. I smile as soon as I see Colonel Garner who is watching me instead of them. He then stands to shake Marie’s hand as do I.

  Marie looks elegantly stunning dressed in a brown trouser suit, with her long dark hair tied back neatly, trailing over her shoulder. She wears a huge diamond on her wedding finger and a Cartier watch on her slender tanned wrist.

  Colonel Garner is overly friendly. “Hello again Marie, wonderful to see you and I’m so pleased you’re able to talk at the Awards Evening.”

  What is he talking about? I help Patricia pour coffees as I snatch glimpses of Anthony pulling back a chair for Marie next to him and then
attentively watch her talk about her impending speech. I can’t help but feel jealous about the draw she has on him.

  “I’m so looking forward to the evening and letting everyone know what a spectacular feat Darcey and Lesley have achieved.” Marie smiles directly across the table with those big brown eyes.

  Oh no, this is where I have to be sickly nice to her and play along with this pretence as though I know what the hell they’re all talking about.

  “Marie, we are just about to inform Darcey of the award.” Colonel Garner sits down leaning forward. “Darcey, you and Lesley have been nominated to receive the Education Enterprise Award. Marie will be speaking about the excellent education available to military children and how your good work will continue.”

  I smile sweetly feeling awkward that Lesley had stolen his thunder and I can’t bear to disappoint him. “That is wonderful news especially being awarded for something so dear to my heart.”

  Colonel Garner’s smile is brimming “Darcey, we want to improve education and stability for military children nationally and internationally.” Clasping his hands in front of him he eases back into his chair “Anthony and Marie are going to replicate your model throughout the UK starting with Hornchurch.”

  At this point the corners of my smile are starting to wilt at the thought of Anthony gallivanting across England with the beautiful Marie at his side. Words are sticking in my throat as I struggle to sound appreciative of his plans to carry on our work. I manage to capture a sight of Anthony in the corner of my eye with his fixed grin that looks out of place.

  “Darcey, the success of Dorton Airfield School has reached the ears of the Prince of Dubai. He is sending his private jet for you and Lesley to meet him. He wants you to work with his team to reproduce high standards in Dubai.” Garner is enthusiastic expecting my complete submission on the matter of Dubai.