by Diane Wood
“So Nathalie’s mother raised me?” George interrupted. “I remember some of it.” He was addressing Nathalie now. “I remember a time when I was happy and safe, when I felt like someone loved me. I remember the lovely smell and softness of a woman who would cuddle me, talk to me kindly, tuck me up in bed and read me stories. I thought it was her,” he said, looking at his mother, “and that she’d changed later on. But it was never you, was it, Mother?” he asked in a defeated tone. “It was never you. And to think I used to cling to the idea that if you loved me in the past, and if I was very good, then maybe one day you’d care for me like that again. As much as I hated it, I was even grateful when we shared a bed, because I thought that meant you loved me.”
“You sound pathetic,” she snapped. “I’ve let you be part of my relationships and part of the business and you’re not even grateful. She made you soft and demanding in those early years. When she went, you were clingy and pathetic. I thought of getting rid of you, but you had my looks and I knew that with Nathalie and you together—dark and light, we could make a lot of money. I gave you a good life. You could have sex anytime you wanted, with anyone you wanted. You had money, clothes, jewelry and good cars, and I never tried to keep you for myself. It would have been any young boy’s dream.”
George appeared cowed and lost, while Charlotte reveled in her ability to strip away the last remnants of his self-esteem.
Nathalie wanted to scream that what she made him do, what she made them both do, had nothing to do with love. She wanted to attack her and scream her outrage for all the pain of those abusive years. But she didn’t want her to stop talking about her mother, and so with a huge effort of will she forced herself to sit still, looking only at her knees in case her disgust and anger communicated itself.
Alex was feeling the pain of both of them. She could see that Nathalie was struggling to maintain control, while George was reduced to being a small boy again, totally under his mother’s control. Like Nathalie, she knew that one wrong word or signal would stop this woman from continuing.
“How did Olivia end up back with you?” Alex asked quietly. “You said she was with Nathalie’s father, so what happened to change that?”
“It was brilliant,” she enthused. “Olivia had Nathalie and George to look after and no car, so it was difficult to get around. I used to watch them, and I saw that the Jew would pick up their shopping after work each Monday and Thursday. It was dark by the time he came out of the shops and he had to cross to the other side of the road. I hired a powerful SUV, used a disguise and obscured the license plate, and when he stepped off the pavement, I stepped on the gas. He didn’t stand a chance,” she said joyfully. “Any witnesses wouldn’t have had time to take the number, even if it hadn’t been obscured, and I was dressed like a guy with a baseball cap and glasses. I knew they’d never trace who did it.”
“My God, you killed him too,” exclaimed Nathalie. “Why?”
“He took something from me. He took Olivia, he took my son and, worse, he gave her a baby.”
“But I still don’t understand why my mother would return to you,” Nathalie stated, struggling with her anger. “She would have to suspect you killed my father.”
“She would have if I’d suddenly shown up. But I didn’t. I left her to sweat it out with two small children and no income. She got kicked out of the house they had and ended up in a couple of rooms. I didn’t come back into her life until about six months later, and then I pretended that I’d only just managed to track her down through Social Security. Remember, she believed that I didn’t even know about Andre Abraham, so she didn’t suspect his death was anything more than a random hit-and-run.”
“So you went there as her savior,” stated Alex in an understanding voice.
“That was the idea, but she refused to come back. Can you believe that? Living in terrible rooms with two brats and she turned down all that I could offer. But her stubbornness didn’t last long when I told her that I was taking George. He was three by then, and she kept bleating that she was the only mother he’d ever known…God, how she begged. In the end she decided to return with me, providing she could continue to raise the children as siblings.”
“You agreed?”
“Of course. They were exactly what I needed to keep control of her. I intended to make sure there would never be another Abraham, and the threat of losing George would ensure she helped in the business and earned her keep. It was supposed to be perfect.”
Even in the prison, Alex knew that she’d never met anyone as vicious or calculating as Charlotte Silver. There wasn’t the slightest hint of human emotion.
“So what went wrong?” Alex asked carefully.
Now, for the first time, Alex thought the woman actually looked agitated.
For a few moments she stared off into the distance again. “The bloody journals,” she muttered quietly. “The cards told me I shouldn’t keep journals, but I like to see things in writing. When it’s written down it means that it’s real. You understand what I mean, don’t you?” she asked, addressing Alex. “Otherwise, when you’re dead people will forget what you did.”
“Yes, I do understand,” Alex replied, astounded at the blind arrogance of the woman. “It’s important to be remembered as someone who takes charge.”
“Exactly,” she exclaimed, strangely pleased. “Anyway,” she continued with a sigh, “Olivia had often seen me writing my journals, but she never asked what was in them, so I suppose I got complacent.”
“How did you get on after Olivia returned?” asked Alex, trying to understand the dynamics of the relationship at the time.
“Not very well,” she admitted in an annoyed voice. “She couldn’t get it into her head that we had to do certain things to build the business and keep our reputation for being discreet. She was constantly arguing with my decisions. But the real problems came when Vladimir moved in. She hated him.”
“Who was Vladimir?” asked Alex, suspecting he was the other person in the cellar when Olivia died.
“I took him on as security, but he was so handsome and powerful in bed that I let him stay at the house. Both male and female clients loved him, and he loved the business. Olivia wouldn’t let him touch her and her refusal was getting out of hand. He was threatening to start up a business for himself. She always kept the kids out of our way, but one day George did something to upset Vlad, and he punished him.” A small vindictive smile contorted her lips as if the memory brought a moment’s pleasure. “Anyway, Olivia heard George screaming and attacked Vlad. Of course he got the better of her and finally took what he’d wanted all along.”
“You saw it happening?” gasped Nathalie, jumping to her feet and leaning over Charlotte. “I thought you were supposed to have loved her?”
Alex was beside her in a second, fearing that she’d attack Charlotte physically.
Charlotte hardly blinked. “Don’t take me on, child,” she stated coldly, rising to her feet. “You lose every time.”
“I’m not a child anymore,” Nathalie replied, trying to get past Alex. “I’m not afraid of you now.”
“Really?” retaliated Charlotte. “Remember the forest.”
A cloak of fear enveloped Nathalie, causing the blood to drain from her face and her feet to root to the spot.
Alex saw the change immediately, as did Charlotte.
“Don’t ever forget the forest,” she repeated viciously. “How many times did you mess yourself in the forest, but you soon learned not to take me on.”
Nat was shaking now, yet making no attempt to move. Alex didn’t know if it was rage or fear.
“What forest?” Alex asked, still standing in front of Nathalie. “What are you talking about?”
“I don’t have to discuss this with you. It was something between us. In fact, I don’t have to discuss any of it. I was trying to help Nathalie understand why my actions were necessary, but obviously all she wants to do is blame. This conversation is over.”
Now George was on his feet, looking at his mother expectantly.
“Make the call,” she snapped at him. “It’s time these two found out exactly how it’s going to be.”
For a moment he hesitated, then he disappeared into another area.
“I’m sure Nathalie didn’t mean anything.” Alex tried to placate Charlotte. “Please, let’s all sit down and finish what we started.”
“Oh, I intend to,” Charlotte said, raising her head high and straightening her shoulders. “But I have no intention of telling you anything more. You will have to spend the rest of your life wondering.” This was aimed at Nathalie, who stared back, anger emanating from every pore.
“Then we’ll have no option but to go to the police with what we know,” Alex replied. “And we’ll leave them to investigate.”
“Either you’re stupid, or you think I am. Did you really think I would have told you anything you could use against me? You have no idea where any of this took place, not even what country. And if you think I used people’s correct names, then you really are naïve—”
“Except that I remember things now,” Nathalie interrupted. “I remember my full name and I know my mother’s name was Olivia Duncan, so I know you were telling the truth—”
“No, you know what your mother called herself,” she said with a vicious smile. “Duncan was the name she used after running away from the foster home. I made her change her name because the police were looking for us. She stupidly thought it was because she was fourteen when we’d run away, but it was because I went back and set fire to the house the next day. I knew the police would suspect us…be looking for us.”
“God,” muttered Nathalie.
“I don’t know why but she didn’t give you your father’s surname, which wasn’t Abraham by the way,” she gloated, impressed by her own cleverness. “I guess she never wanted him having a claim on you.”
“Or she was trying to protect him from you,” snapped Nathalie. “I know my mother died in San Diego,” she continued. “I know from the memories I retrieved.”
“No, you know that that was where you once lived. You have no idea where your mother died…assuming she’s even dead.”
“What…?” Nathalie’s mind spun.
“She knows her mother’s dead,” interjected Alex angrily, “because if she wasn’t, she would never have let you take Nathalie or George from her. Even now you want to play with Nathalie’s head?”
“Olivia wouldn’t let me?” Charlotte almost screamed. “Nobody lets me do anything. I do what I want. But the reality is that Olivia wasn’t there for them. She abandoned them and she abandoned me. I raised them and they owe me. But instead of being grateful they want to betray me.”
“Come on, Nat,” Alex said, moving away slightly. “She’s obviously not going to tell you anything more and it looks like she’s not letting George out of her sight. We’ll start an inquiry and get to the bottom of this that way.”
“That’s an option,” Charlotte replied smugly. “And who knows, you might even uncover some information, but if you do that, then you’ll never see your mother again.”
Nathalie assumed this was directed at her, but strangely it seemed to be Alex she was talking to. For a moment confusion showed on both their faces.
“I have your mother,” Charlotte stated coldly, now obviously addressing Alex. “I’m quite happy to let you talk to her.”
“What…?”
“My friends pretended to be the police and told her you’d been in an accident and that they’d take her to you. She got quite upset I gather, but nowhere near as upset as she is now. I don’t think she likes me very much.”
“If you’ve harmed her—”
“She won’t be harmed if you two do exactly as you’re told. Otherwise…”
The sentence was left hanging.
“You’re bluffing,” Nathalie declared defiantly.
“George, bring me the phone.”
Dutifully George handed Charlotte his mobile phone, which she passed on to Alex.
“Mum?” Alex asked tentatively into the mouthpiece. Then listening for a moment, “Mum, where are you?” Alex demanded. “Are you okay? Have they hurt you?”
“That’s enough,” snapped Charlotte, indicating for George to take the phone from Alex.
“Mum, I love you,” she managed before George took the phone from her hand.
“What the hell are you doing?” she demanded, pushing George away and turning on Charlotte. “Why are you doing this?”
“A little insurance, my dear,” Charlotte replied. “I’m leaving the country tonight on a private charter, and I want to retire in comfort. I’ve started arranging the transfer of my assets and cash to a place with no extradition and lots of sunny beaches, and I want to ensure that I get there without any problems. But in case I ever want to return to the States, I wanted my missing journal returned.”
“Why are you helping her with this?” Nathalie asked bitterly, addressing George. “After everything she’s done to us. After what you heard today.”
“She’s my mother,” he said flatly. “She’s my flesh and blood—you’re not.”
“We have a deal,” Charlotte stated gloatingly, overriding him. “He’s helping me to convert my assets and he’s returned my journal. In return, I’ve guaranteed to return the children to their mothers.”
“You have the children?” Nathalie challenged, trying to grab Charlotte. But she was expecting it and moved quickly away as George stepped between them.
“She’s in trouble in the States,” George said. “Some of her regular clients got caught in a pedophile investigation and rolled over on her. She came here to give herself enough time for me to transfer her money and assets and to have new passports and identity documents created. I don’t want to help her,” he finished desperately. “I love you and I wanted you to have the journal, but I can’t let her hurt the children. So I’ve had to help her. If I don’t do this the animals that have the kids will hand them over to some of her friends…and you know what will happen to them. It’s you or them,” he finished quietly.
His face was stony, but Alex recognized it hid deep anguish.
“You don’t have to explain to her,” snarled Charlotte. “Just do what you have to.” Then turning to Nathalie, she said, “Norma Martin will be fine and so will the kids, providing you keep your mouth shut and that includes after I’m gone. Remember that I have powerful friends and I can get to her or those children anytime. I want to leave here cleanly, so if you do what I say, you’ll have nothing to worry about.”
“There’s no end to your evil, is there?” stated Alex, at a loss as to what to do.
“If you harm Norma Martin or those children,” Nathalie said, moving closer to Charlotte, “I’ll find you and you will wish for death. Just remember how much I learned from you.”
The steel in Nathalie’s voice made Charlotte take a step back. Then recovering, she said, “You two will contact nobody until you hear from George. When we’re safely at our destination, George will tell you where the Martin woman and the kids are. If our friends don’t hear from us within thirty-six hours you will never see them again. The choice is yours.”
“Please, Nat, just do what she says,” George begged. “I’ll make sure she keeps her word. Then the children can go to their mums and you two can get on with your lives. You’ll never have to see us again. You can’t change the past, but you and the kids have a chance to move on. Please.”
“We don’t have a choice, do we?” snapped Alex angrily.
Charlotte stared at Nathalie. “And you? Will you do what I want? Will you obey Mother?”
Nathalie nodded, hatred pouring from her soul.
“Stay in the flat for at least another hour,” Charlotte demanded. “And then you’re free to go. George will call your mobile within twenty-four hours.”
Turning and marching to the door with George in her wake, the woman entered the hallway. Glancing back as they exited, Georg
e nodded and, pointing to the back of the flat, nodded again, before following Charlotte out.
Both women glanced behind them after George left, expecting to see someone, but there were only the empty rear living areas. Nathalie was angry, but Alex was panic-stricken.
“Oh God,” she muttered after the door closed. “How do we know she’ll keep her word? What if something happens to Mum?”
Nathalie didn’t know what to say. She didn’t trust Charlotte either.
“There has to be some record of a property she or George owns,” Nathalie stated, going into detective mode. “The records would be at George’s house. We need to start searching.”
“That could take days,” Alex answered desperately. “What if we don’t get the phone call?”
Taking Alex in her arms, Nat said, “It’s in her interest to do what she said, otherwise she knows we’ll go to the police. If your mother and two children are missing, it would become a major investigation involving Interpol. She also knows that if she returns them safely the police won’t follow up in another country—especially one without extradition.
“Oh God, I hope you’re right.”
“The first thing we need to do is check out this apartment,” Nathalie stated. “I don’t know what George was pointing at when he left, but it’s worth a look.”
The apartment was a very large three-bedroom, with walk-in closets and their own bathrooms. When they attempted to walk into the third closet they found the door locked.
“Why would you lock a closet door unless you had something to hide?” Alex asked. “There might be a clue to where Mum is.”
It took a few attempts at kicking the lock, but eventually the door splintered and they fell inside. It was a big room, but instead of the expected boxes of personal items they assumed would be in there, it was set up with video recording equipment. The shelves and hangers had been removed and a ledge containing monitors installed instead. In total there were two cameras hidden somewhere in each of the rooms. The equipment was high-quality digital.
