by Brook, L M
“No, unfortunately we never returned.” She takes a sip of hot coffee “I’d love to see my family again.”
“Do you have family in France and Germany?” I push for further information; I need to know more about her background.
“My Mother’s family is in France… I don’t know of any other family in Germany.” Freya now seems hesitant and refrains from any eye contact changing the subject “Rose do you have a big family?”
“No, I have a sister who lives in Australia. Darcey’s Father; Joseph had a brother who I lost touch with after Joe died in action and Darcey’s Stepfather William was an only child. So this is it, our little family.” Mum looks through to the kitchen proudly watching Sam and Joe.
“So how old were you Darcey when Joseph died?” Freya turns the tables now wanting to know all about me.
“I was 6 years old.” I look across to Mum recognising those sad eyes that I’ve seen many times before.
“Darcey we’ve more in common than I’d realised.” Her eyes are soft and thoughtful “I suppose you have fond memories of your father?”
“Yes I miss him still but William was our rock, I assume Mr Milburn was to you Freya?” I watch her relaxed body language as though she’s at peace with herself.
“Yes Harry Milburn was our saviour and I miss him and Ma dearly every day.”
She takes a deep breath and looks up with a pressing question “Darcey who’ll give you away?”
“I suppose that will be me.” Mum reaches across holding my hand.
“What are you ladies chatting about?” Tom interrupts our conversation.
“The wedding dear” Freya puts down her coffee cup on the table and pulls herself up to her feet looking very tired.
“Darling are you ready to head home, it’s nearly 8?” Tom is so gentle with Freya splaying a supporting hand on her back.
“Yes, I think I’m ready for my fluffy slippers and a Cocoa before bed.” Freya holds her hands out to me as I rise from my seat. “Darcey, Rose I’ve really enjoyed today, wonderful food, perfect company and of course fantastic news.”
“Freya, Tom you’re both welcome here anytime.” Rose steps forward to hug them goodbye.
Nick joins us in the conservatory “Are you ready to go Tom?”
“Yes please Nick.” Tom places a hand on my shoulder “Darcey if you need anything while Anthony is away at Hornchurch, please call us.”
“I certainly will. I’ll come to visit you before I travel to Dubai on Friday.” The realisation that I will be away from everyone starts to hit home and I feel anxious to the pit of my stomach.
Simon leaves to drive Lola home and Anthony, Sam and Joe continue to drink wine resuming deep conversation after wishing everyone goodbye. Mum and I tidy away the last of the glasses and mugs before heading upstairs.
I’m exhausted after such a busy day as I fall into a cosy slumber curled up on the bed. I hear the door close and stir acknowledging Anthony’s warm arms around me as he climbs onto the bed behind me.
“Thank you for a lovely day.” I hear him whisper
“You’re very welcome.” I reply in a sleepy mumble.
“I Love you Darcey.” His lips touch the nape of my neck.
“I love you too Anthony.”
Monday morning comes around far too quickly and Anthony wakes me as he dashes around the bedroom dressing for work. I spin onto my back registering the alarm clock, it is 5.45am.
“Hi Baby, Nick will be here soon to collect me.” He tucks hair away from my face as he sits on the edge of the bed. “I’ll call you from Hornchurch later; go back to sleep it’s still early.”
I drag Anthony closer towards me “You’re not going without a kiss goodbye.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it!” Anthony scoops my face into his hands as our lips collide.
My heart sinks again as I hear a tap at the front door knowing I’ll not see Anthony again until Wednesday evening.
“Call you later” Anthony picks up his travel bag and makes his way downstairs to meet Nick.
The alarm bleeps at 7am and I remember my meeting at Dorton Prep with Richard and Mr Watson. I lay for a few minutes feeling particularly proud of my culinary skills yesterday and I’m rearing to go clinch the deal with Mr Watson. After showering I dress in my black trouser suit and my pink gingham shirt with black high heels. Staring back in the mirror I apply mascara and lip gloss feeling equipped for battle.
Mum is still sleeping when I leave for work with Simon. I quickly scribble a note to thank her for a lovely Sunday and promise to call her later. Sitting in the back I the car I can’t help but smile to myself as I stare down at my engagement ring.
“Thank you for lunch yesterday Darcey, you’re a great cook….well I’m still alive.” Simon grins in the rear view mirror.
I smile back at him “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
We reach Dorton Prep in no time and I ask Simon to wait as I make my way into the school to meet Richard. I spot him talking to his secretary at the reception desk.
“Good Morning Richard.” I offer my hand but Richard pulls me into a hug kissing my cheek.
“Good Morning Darcey, would you like coffee?” He is an overtly confident man and I guess he’s used to getting his own way.
“I’d love coffee.” I follow him into his office and take a seat opposite his desk.
“Teresa, two coffees please.” He closes the door and sits down in his masterful chair. “So Darcey are you going to fill me in as to why you’re whisking me off to meet Mr Watson?”
“Yes, we’re going to buy his stables and the neighbouring land.” I cross my legs and firmly cup my knee with clasped hands.
“Does he know any of this?” Richard is intrigued and leans forward onto his desk.
“Not yet.” I can tell that he’s easily bought as he sits ogling the outline of my breasts under my tightly fitted shirt. “Richard the army thinks that not only is the stables a fantastic extra-curricular offer for the pupils but would be a great asset for their military training.”
“I see, so are they for sale?” Richard leans back again in his chair as our coffees are delivered. “Thank you Teresa.”
“Not officially.” I stir in two sugars smiling across at Richard.
“So you’re going to offer him a price he can’t refuse? And what makes you think he wants to sell?” Richard doesn’t take his eyes off me.
“Oh he will sell; everything is for sale at the right price.” I sip my hot coffee staring at Richard over the top of my mug.
“Is that so Darcey, I notice you’re sporting a new ring?” Richard is completely shameless in his approach. His eyes drill mine waiting for an answer.
I smirk with a sigh “Richard, nobody has bought me if that is what you’re referring to.” He is bloody minded and I’m furious with his assumption that I’m easily bought. “I don’t take a marriage proposal lightly. That is a commitment to another man for the rest our lives.” Richard seems to get the message and a more professional conversation ensues.
The meeting with Mr Watson goes as expected with a price and deal reached. We travel back with Simon in high spirits pleased with our successful morning.
“So Darcey, would you like to join me for a celebratory lunch?” He seems to have really enjoyed the buzz from our business meeting.
“I’m sorry Richard; I’ve so much to get done before I travel to Dubai on Friday.” Looking across to him I can see the disappointment in his face.
He doesn’t give in and persists “I was thinking to myself that as your chaperone Thursday night, I know little about you.”
I feel sorry for him, being instructed to attend with me and he did have a point. “What would you like to know?”
“Everything…..where did you grow up….go to school…work previously and what are you going to do next?” He watches me as though I’m the most interesting person he’s ever met.
“I grew up here in Suffolk and worked in London before returning to Suffolk
when my stepfather died.” I immediately remember it’s the anniversary of his death tomorrow. I always attend church with Mum each year. “Richard my only plan right now is to be happily married and live a normal life.”
Richard seems to be a great listener and turns out to be quite a nice guy “What about you Richard?”
“I was Mr Normal …happily married for 10 years until we both admitted we were bored and not in love anymore... just a normal married couple.” He smiles to himself as he looks down. “She is now happily married with a child on the way…we’re still friends.”
“You sound regretful...what are your plans?” Richard is completely different to what I experienced of him before.
“No not at all…I am looking to have some fun and travel before I find Mrs Right.” He is certainly sure of what he wants and where he is going.
We pull up outside Dorton Prep “So Darcey, Simon and I will collect you at 6pm on Thursday.” He gently kisses my cheek “Thanks for this morning it was great fun watching you do business.”
I smile appreciating how much Richard wants to live in the fast lane, feeling the excitement of business on the edge. “See you Thursday.”
Simon and I make our way to my apartment so that I can pack clothes appropriate for my travels to Dubai. The rooms have been tidied and the wall is freshly painted with not a sign of the break in.
Arriving back at the office my mobile beeps frantically.
“Hi Darcey just boarding the plane. Will be back late afternoon. Can we meet? Daniel x.”
I stare at the text knowing I shouldn’t meet him especially after the last time I saw him. Ignoring his text I press on with reading my emails until another beep interrupts me.
“Darcey I have lots to tell you, can we meet this evening?”
I throw the phone into my bag kidding myself that he’ll go away. I can hear text after text arriving until my curiosity gets the better of me.
“Darcey you’re in real danger……….please can we meet?”
“If you’re worried about last time I can ask Lola to come along.” Daniel isn’t taking no for an answer.
“Hi Daniel, I’m really busy with work at the moment, travelling to Dubai on Friday.” I hope that my brush off will be enough. I soon realise it wasn’t going to be that easy as my mobile rings.
“Hi Daniel.”
“Darcey, I must see you, it’s really important that you hear what I have to say.” His voice is high and urgent.
“Daniel, can it not wait?”
“Darcey time is something you don’t have, please see me this evening. I can meet you in a public place if you are worried.” I can sense panic in his voice “You’ll want to know what I’ve learnt about Anthony and his family.”
My heart sinks at the thought of being heartbroken again. I convince myself that if I ignore Daniel’s plea everything will be ok. “How do I know whether you’re making this all up so I’ll stop seeing Anthony?”
“Darcey I know that’s not going to happen and it’s highly unlikely that you’ll come running back to me but I still care about you. I want you to know what you’re marrying into.” Daniel shocks me; evidently Lola has contacted him with my news.
“I’m sorry Daniel I wanted to tell you myself.” I sigh feeling pathetic that I’m scared to meet him “Ok Daniel I’ll meet you at 6.30 in The Crown. I can only stay for a while.”
“See you then.”
Staring at my computer I can hardly concentrate, what does Daniel know? Should I keep away from him? Anthony will be furious that I have broken my promise but I need to know everything. My office phone interrupts my private conversation with myself.
“Hi Baby, how was your morning with Richard? Did the meeting go well?” Anthony’s butter smooth tone has me melting.
“Hi…, it’s been a really good morning, Mr Watson wants to sell and we settled on a good price.” Guilt is already oozing from my pores and I’ve not even seen Daniel as yet.
I can hear Anthony shuffling papers and whispering to somebody nearby “Did Richard keep his hands to himself?”
“Yes he was a real gentleman, are you busy working?” I can sense Anthony isn’t completely focused on our discussion.
“Yes, Marie and I are going over plans for Hornchurch.” His chair creeks as I imagine him leaning back and his firm body visible under his crisp shirt.
“Ok, I’ll not keep you chatting.” I feel envious of the attention Marie is receiving.
“Darcey I’ll call you this evening………” There is a short silent pause “I can’t wait to get back.”
I want to be near him “Miss you already.”
The afternoon drags with taunting thoughts of what the evening will bring. Perhaps I should call off the meeting with Daniel, it doesn’t matter what he tells me, he can’t change how I feel about Anthony.
Simon’s cheery face appears at my door “Hi Darcey, are you ready to leave? I thought I’d walk you across to your apartment before I leave.”
Staring at the clock I quickly close down my computer “Hi, would you drive me to The Crown, I’m meeting a friend there in half hour?”
“Ok, I’ll bring the car around, who are you meeting?” Simon looks on as I manage to not engage eye contact being a useless liar.
“Just a friend.” Picking up my hand bag we make tracks for The Crown.
Driving there is awkward as I’m not talkative prompting Simon to occasionally stare back at me in his rear view mirror.
“Darcey are you meeting Daniel? I understand he’s back today.” He has been undoubtedly versed about Daniel and instinctively wary of my nervous behaviour.
“Yes is that a problem?” I’m surly in my response knowing he’s a right to be apprehensive but I’m so tired of doing what everyone else tells me to.
“Is that a good idea? Anthony said that Daniel is unpredictable.” He pulls into The Crown car park.
“Simon it’s just a quick chat in a very public place, I’ll be fine.”
“Ok, I’ll come in with you.” He twists in his driver’s seat to gauge my reaction.
“There’s no need Simon.” I know he’s not going to take no for an answer.
“Darcey, I’ve been instructed to not let you out of my sight and in any case I’m not the only security officer following you around and reporting back to Nick.” Simon is understandably not willing to compromise his duties.
We enter the bar and Simon hides himself at a table in the corner as I approach Daniel seated at the far end of the room. He looks refreshed, super sexy and the same old Daniel I loved before. Standing he slowly moves close to kiss my cheek.
“Hi Darcey, it’s so good to see you.” His touch still has the same effect and I wonder if I’ll always feel affection towards him.
“It’s good to see you too.” I notice he has my regular glass of wine waiting for me. “You’re looking well.”
“You too Darcey, being Anthony’s fiancé must be agreeing with you.” His eyes are searching mine as though looking for a glimmer of regret. I feel embarrassed seeing Simon at the end of the bar watching our every move.
“How’s Melissa?” I can’t believe I’m having a calm conversation about her.
“Wouldn’t know I haven’t seen her in a while…… she’ll be working with me at the Education Awards on Thursday.” Daniel sips his wine without breaking eye contact. “I notice you and Lesley are up for a nomination.”
“Yes, we’re so surprised about the national attention.” I relax a little remembering how Daniel and I used to talk for hours. “So how was Russia?”
“Interesting…I met with a number of wealthy Germans who were forced to leave their homes and land during the war.” Daniel conveys a confidence and intrigue that is drawing me. “They formed a vigilante group to hunt down the German officers who stole from them and after hours of torture not one officer disclosed the location of their property and deeds.”
“So these poor people are none the wiser?” I enjoy my glass of chille
d wine.
Another sip of wine and Daniel is now in full flow. “Until now…. a descendent of a German officer, Issak Bach approached the group. His father, on his repentant deathbed admitted involvement. He wants his family’s promised cut of the loot in exchange for the location.”
Daniel rests back in his chair building up to his big announcement. “The group agreed to this demand and now knows that their property rests in a vault at a Berlin bank.” I inquisitively listen as to where this is leading. Daniel proceeds leaning closer with satisfaction and excitement in his voice. “Bach says that the key to the vault is held by the Beust family!”
“Wow…. the Beust family have a whole evil history of terrorising innocent people. Daniel are you sure Bach is reliable, how do they know he is telling the truth?”
“Darcey, being a very wealthy group of people with contacts in high places they had his story checked out and the vault exists.” Daniel is proud of his thorough investigative work “Bach says the officer who instructed the war crime was Philipp von Beust; Anthony’s grandfather, Freya Hunt’s father.”
I can feel the blood draining from my face. “Are you sure?”
“I met with Bach; he talked about Philipp von Beust commenting on how he was known to be ruthless, cutting his father out of a fortune and was also suspected of murdering his own wife Anna and their daughter Freya who mysteriously disappeared.” Anthony leans towards me “Darcey, I did my homework and I know Anthony has a German mother called Freya therefore as soon as I heard the name I had to find out more.”
Could this be the same Freya? Was Bach reliable and how can I be certain that Daniel wasn’t lying to me? “There must be millions of Freyas in Germany.”
“Darcey, I travelled to France to meet another contact - Lara Dupont. She was an amazing woman, 84 years of age, still with her faculties. Lara was a housemaid for the Beust family during the war. She was a little cautious at first but soon opened up when I told her that Freya was happily married with a son and lives in England.”
I can’t speak as I watch Daniel unravel his story, with each shred of evidence my heart constricts as he slowly uncovers Anthony’s past.
