by Clare Revell
“Jacqui, baby, listen, I’m sure we can put that unfortunate incident behind us and move on. I’m not the same person.”
“Don’t you dare ‘baby’ me, Vince. I wouldn’t go out with you if you were the last man on Earth. I thought I made that perfectly clear the other week when we met. And if that didn’t work, the fact I changed my number and didn’t contact you should have done.”
“Meet me for lunch.”
Didn’t he hear what I just said? “Sorry, I already have plans.” She reached the kitchen and flicked on the kettle.
“Then make it dinner tonight. I really need to at least discuss this with you, one more time. I’ll sweeten the deal.”
She didn’t bother to hide her irritation at his persistence. “Vince, which part of no don’t—”
He cut her off sharply. “If you don’t want to be alone with me, I’ll bring Terry, you bring someone and we can all have a nice meal after we discuss the job.”
Terry was Vince’s second in command. A brute of a man who would do anything Vince told him to. There weren’t many people who gave her the chills purely by looking at her, but Terry was one of them.
She slumped against the counter. “What’s the point?”
“Just listen to the offer. That’s all I ask.”
“And if I still say no?”
“You won’t.”
Jacqui took a deep breath. There was just no arguing with this man. But she’d need back up tonight. Assuming she went at all. “If you’re bringing Terry, then I’m bringing a friend.”
Vince didn’t miss a beat. “That’s great. See you already agreed with something I said. Then we’ll meet at seven o’clock at L’espoir du Paradis along the Riverside.”
She caught her breath. What? That was the most expensive French restaurant in town. The chef, Pierre Garston had four Michelin stars and not only did you have to book months in advance, you needed a second mortgage just to afford the starter. “I know it. We’ll see you at seven. Bye, Vince.”
No sooner did she hang up the phone, than it rang again. Now what did he want? Taking a deep breath and mentally steeling herself for another onslaught, Jacqui answered the call.
“Hello?”
“Hey, gorgeous.”
A smile spread over her face, relief flooding her. “Hey, Liam. How are you?”
“I’m fine. How are you?”
“A little disconcerted. After all this time, Vince just rang. Someone gave out my home number, which is actually a huge no-no anyway, but that’s beside the point. Vince wants me to meet him for lunch. I said I was busy, so he insisted on dinner, with a mate of his, to discuss this job offer. I said I was bringing a friend, too. Thought maybe you...”
“Of course, goes without saying.”
“If you’re sure. We’re to meet him at the L’espoir du Paradis on Riverside at seven.”
“You’re kidding? I’d better drag my tux out to air then. I’ll drive. Want a lift this morning?”
“That would be great. Liam, something he said…the way he acted... I don’t think he’s changed. The way he talked...scared me.”
“I’m on my way, love. Don’t move until I get there. And don’t open the door unless it’s me.” His tone lost its joviality and took on a hardness she wasn’t expecting.
“Why—” The dial tone buzzed in her ear and Jacqui regarded the now dead phone in her hand in surprise. She showered and dressed and was drinking coffee by the time he arrived.
She opened the door, and he stepped into the hall, kicking the door shut. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her, leaving her senses reeling and every nerve ending in her body tingling. When he finally pulled back for air, she smiled at him.
“Good morning to you, too. To what do I owe this pleasure?”
“Do I need a reason?” He ran a finger down her cheek and across her lips.
“No, just wondered.”
“Good.” He kissed her again.
Breathless when he broke the kiss, Jacqui smiled. “A girl could get used to this.”
“That’s the plan.” Liam ran his hand though her hair. “I owe you so much, Jacqui. In fact, I was thinking, maybe we could do your Bible reading notes now, and we could read mine tonight.”
She smiled. “Sure, I’ll go and get them.”
“Cool.”
“All right, make yourself coffee, and I’ll be right back.”
13
That evening Liam felt like an overdressed waiter in his suit. He hated wearing a bow tie, because he couldn’t fasten them if his life depended on it. Patrick had wired him up before he’d left home, making sure all the wires were hidden. He’d driven to collect her in his shirt and jacket. Jacqui had done his tie for him, a task he made difficult by kissing her while she was doing it. He could never get enough of that. If anything, his feelings for her had increased since God came into the relationship. He prayed she was the one shot he had at a second chance, and God would lead them to see it.
The restaurant towered above them. Marble steps led into it, through four ornate pillars each crowned with intricate carved pomegranates and lotus flowers. Two huge angels carrying scrolls and angled spotlights hung either side of the golden slanted letters spelling out L’espoir du Paradis.
He glanced down at himself. Was he underdressed? Maybe he should have worn his tux after all, along with cummerbund and pleated shirt. Jacqui on the other hand looked perfect. Her long pale blue evening dress, lace cream shawl, and pearl necklace and earrings, made her look as if she were going on to the West End theater after eating or to a red carpet film premiere.
His heart burst with pride looking at her. From the way she moved restlessly, her hand white in his, he knew she was scared, but her outward demeanor belied it. He squeezed her hand as they waited for Vince and his sidekick to turn up. “So what’s this Vince like?”
“Still a creep of the first degree.” Jacqui’s smile didn’t touch her eyes as she spoke. “He’d sell his own grandmother in order to get what he wanted.” She paused. “You know, when he rang this morning, he even asked me if I’d go out with him.”
“We are going out with him.”
She smacked his shoulder. “You know, you can be thick at times. No, I mean go out with him, as in girlfriend.”
“Oh.” Liam’s face and stomach fell.
“Don’t worry. I told him no way, not if he were the last man on the face of the planet.” She kissed Liam. “I’m totally over him and thoroughly in love with you.”
“Just as long as it stays that way.”
“Yep.”
“Good, because I’m rather fond of you, too.”
Jacqui pretended to pout. “Just rather fond?”
Liam smiled. “More than fond, you know that. Just don’t want to rush in to anything.”
Her eyes lit. “I know. It’s fine.” Her smile froze as she stared over his shoulder.
Liam turned and followed her gaze. “That’s Vince I assume. Who’s that with him?”
“Terry, the closest thing to a brother the bloke has. Terry gives me the creeps, too.”
“I’ve seen him before.” But where? The two men approached, and Liam tried to work out where he’d seen Terry.
Jacqui held out a hand to Vince, flinching as he grabbed it and pressed it to his lips. “Vince, may I introduce Liam Page, my boyfriend. Darling, this is Vince Devlin, the old friend I told you about—my ex.”
Liam held out a hand, stifling a grin as Vince dropped Jacqui’s hand as if it burned him. Vince’s grip was firm and reminded him of a snake. He smiled like one too. “Mr. Devlin.”
Vince inclined his head. “Mr. Page. This is my business associate, Terry Willis.”
Liam shook his hand. The handshake was cold, clinical, slimy and yet familiar all at the same time. Where had he met him?
“Shall we?” Vince swept into the restaurant and spoke to the maître d’.
The inside was just as highly decorated as Liam had imagined. More pillars st
ood against the walls, golden crowns engraved across the top of each. Angels stood guard in the four corners of the room. His feet sank into the rich red carpet, treading the gold leaves woven in an intricate pattern. Red curtains lined the windows and deep crimson paper on the walls gave the entire building a sense of opulence and luxury.
Liam wrapped an arm around Jacqui’s waist as they followed the two men across to their table. He leaned towards her ear. “You didn’t tell me Vince was a viper.”
Her voice was just as low. “Would you have come if I had?”
“Of course I would.” He raised her fingers to his mouth and nibbled them. “If anyone bites you, it’ll be me. Not Vince the Viper.”
She laughed. “You’re a twit, but Vince the Viper describes him to a tee.”
“But a nice twit, I hope. Wish I knew where I’d seen this other man before.”
“He and Vince are joined at the hip.” She sat down as he pulled the chair out for her and then tucked her in. She glanced across the room. “There are lots of security people over there. Must be someone important in tonight.”
Liam followed her gaze. He lowered his voice brushing against her ear. “They said something on the news about a foreign dignitary visiting or something. But I thought that was London, not here.”
He dropped a kiss on her neck before sitting beside her. He picked up the menu and pretended to study it while glancing around the room. Patrick and a woman he didn’t recognize sat at the next table, laughing and joking. He didn’t know how they’d got a reservation, but assumed Patrick had pulled his national security strings. In any event he was just pleased to see them there and he was glad Jacqui hadn’t met him yet.
As instructed, Liam didn’t attempt to make eye contact. His fingers brushed over his collar for an instant where the mic was hidden, then he turned to Jacqui and smiled.
Vince looked at Jacqui. “When you said you’d bring someone, I thought you meant a woman for Terry to chat to.”
Jacqui laughed slightly. “I figured it’d be best if Liam came. After all this is a business dinner isn’t it? Any decision I make affects him just as much as me. And I’d only discuss it with him first anyway.”
“So how long have you two been seeing each other?” Vince asked.
“A couple of months,” Liam answered.
“Will it bother you when she comes to work for me in Africa?”
“When?” Jacqui shook her head at him. “You mean if I come and work for you. I have told you ‘no’ at least once. Regardless, if I were to consider your offer, it would be after a conversation with Liam and praying about it long and hard.”
Vince rolled his eyes. “I see. You’re still on your religious kick then.”
“It’s not a religious kick, Vince, but yes I’m devoted to God and His will.”
He smirked. “So she’s holding out on you, too, Mr. Page. I have never known a tease like her.”
Liam met Vince’s gaze. “That’s really none of your business.”
Vince laughed, a cold, harsh sound that made Liam want to whisk Jacqui away from this man and to safety, but if what was discussed in this meeting lead to Devlin’s arrest, it was worth it to stay.
“She tried that line on me, too. Good to know it wasn’t just me.” He turned to Jacqui. “My offer is still on, and the pre-nuptial agreement just needs your signature.”
“I beg your pardon?” Jacqui looked at him outraged, her whole body stiffening.
Vince leaned across the table. “I’m sure I can win you over if I apologize enough. I just don’t like being teased and led on. It’s humiliating. But that’s no reason for us not to start again.” His hand ran over her arm.
Liam caught his breath, fury filling him. It was all he could do not to get up and hit Vince so hard he ended up in the middle of next week. But if Vince was involved in the bombing at the mission, then he was a dangerous man. He didn’t want this man anywhere near Jacqui, therefore he’d help Patrick in any way he could. Like sitting here long enough for them to get a recording from the wire Patrick had put on him.
Jacqui pushed her chair back and stood. “I’ve heard enough.”
“Sit down,” Vince told her. “I’m just teasing. Do you want to hear about this amazing job offer or not?”
Liam tugged at her hand, relieved when she sat down again. The conversation halted as the waiter came, took their orders, and then brought the drinks over. Vince ordered a bottle of red wine and insisted on the waiter filling their glasses.
“That’s a waste,” Jacqui told him. “We won’t drink it.”
“You might change your mind.”
“Don’t bank on it. So, this job?”
Vince picked up his glass. “Last time we spoke, I mentioned a five figure salary, and you get to design the whole thing. You’ll have a staff of fifty under you to bring your designs to life. This project is just the start. I want you in as chief landscape architect, Jacqui. The world will be your oyster. Your designs will be everywhere.”
Liam took a deep breath and signaled the waiter. He came immediately. “Can I have two glasses of cold water please?”
Jacqui was still eyeing Vince. “What’s the catch?”
“No catch. This first one is right up your street. We’re building an orphanage on the site of a mission complex. The phoenix rising from the ashes. Sad story, gunmen raided it coming up on two years ago, destroying both it and the missionaries in it.”
Liam stiffened, and Jacqui slid her hand onto his leg under the table. She managed to keep her voice level. “Is it safe to build there?”
“Would I be building there if it weren’t?”
“But if the gunmen were never caught...” Liam broke in. Surely it’s not the same one. Please let this be me putting two and two together and making seven.
The waiter came over with the water. Jacqui smiled at Liam. “Thank you.”
Vince took a long drink, his eyes never leaving Liam’s face, and set the glass down as the waiter left. “They were caught. My company owns the land and leased it to the mission society. I conducted the investigation along with the local police. The local authorities found and dealt with the gunmen. Terry was out there last week.”
“Out where?” Jacqui asked. “After all, if you’re sending me to Africa, it’s only fair I know whereabouts in Africa. It’s a pretty big place.”
Vince smiled at her. “Endarra.”
Liam’s stomach roiled. He picked up his water, struggling to contain his emotions. He could feel Vince’s gaze on him and didn’t want him to see how the conversation was affecting him.
Vince continued speaking. “And now my investigation is complete, I’m going to rebuild the Matumaini mission.” He paused. “Mr. Page, are you feeling all right?”
Liam nodded slightly, the nausea growing as the food arrived. “I’m fine.” As much as he wanted to leave, he didn’t dare. Jacqui would be alone with these men. He took a few deep breaths, praying hard as he did. Picking up his fork, he realized Jacqui was speaking to him. “It’s been a long day,” he assured her, working out what she said from the concern on her face.
Vince turned his cold hard eyes on him. “What do you do?”
“I teach English.”
“You ever taught abroad?” Terry asked.
Liam paused with the fork partway to his mouth. “Why do you ask?”
“I’m just trying to figure out if we ever crossed paths before.” Terry studied him. “Or maybe you just have one of those familiar faces.”
“I taught English in a French school for a couple of years, but that was a while ago.”
Terry immediately switched to French. “Alors, vous parlez français?”
“Naturellement, parfaitement.” Liam was grateful he was fluent in several languages.
“On dit que c’est la langue la plus romantique au monde.”
Liam laughed. “Mae nhwn dweud hefyd mae Cymraeg yw iaith y nefoedd.”
Jacqui glanced up from her meal. “I’m sorry,
that sounds like double Dutch to me.”
“It’s Welsh. I said, they also say that Welsh is the language of heaven.”
“Guess I better learn Welsh then.” She laughed. “When did you become multi-lingual?”
“One of the schools I worked in.” Liam didn’t want to give too much away. He had this pressing feeling that he needed to keep quiet about his involvement in Endarra, especially in light of what Vince had just said.
Vince sneered at him. “You get around.”
Liam felt the need to keep quiet grow. He had to change the subject. “So tell me about your corporation.”
The conversation moved on, and Liam held Jacqui’s hand under the table as he listened to Vince speak while they ate the fine haute French cuisine that well deserved its four stars. Jacqui had told him most of what Vince was saying, so there was nothing new here. His disquiet increased, a heaviness settling over him.
Lord, is this feeling from you? Something isn’t right here, and I have this overwhelming desire to leave before he connects me with Endarra. He looked at Jacqui and then at his watch.
Jacqui nodded and put her fork down as she finished. “The meal was wonderful. I’m sorry to have to cut this short, Vince, but I’m expecting a phone call at ten.”
Vince’s face darkened. “They can always ring back.”
“My friend’s ringing from Australia. We worked together some years ago and kept in touch when she emigrated. We have to take the time difference into consideration.” She bent down and picked up her bag. Sophie was going to call sometime this week and she always called at ten. “Thank you for dinner. I’ll be in touch about the job.”
Vince reached over and grabbed her arm. “I’ll take you home. We can finish talking on the way.”
Jacqui shook her head. “Liam will take me.”
Vince shook his head. “I insist.”
Liam looked at him. “Thank you for the offer, but I have it covered. I just need to go and wash my hands, hon.”
Jacqui smiled. “I’ll wait here.”
Liam shook his head slightly.
“I’ll be fine.”
