Chapter 32

T

he next few hours passed in a blur. Jeanne slept sporadically and Nick appeared with drinks and food when she woke up. Late that afternoon Molly arrived.

Nick showed her into the bedroom, telling Jeanne he would be downstairs if she needed anything.

Molly sat on the bed, reaching out to give her a hug.

‘Oh, Jeanne! What an awful experience. How are you feeling now?’ Concern was etched into her face.

Jeanne grimaced. ‘So-so. It’s all been a bit of a nightmare, really. It was bad enough thinking it was a horrible accident, but when I realised that someone had tried to kill me…and Marcus may have helped them!’ She shuddered and Molly held her tight.

‘Yes, what a shock that was! And all those years we thought your parents’ deaths were an accident and now to find they’d been murdered! It’s hard to take in. These things just don’t happen in Guernsey. And Peter is, as you can imagine, devastated. He can’t believe that Marcus could be involved in such a terrible crime. I think he feels responsible.’

‘Oh no, he mustn’t feel that. Whatever Marcus has or hasn’t done, Peter couldn’t have changed it. It’s that Dan who’s been a bad influence on Marcus, I’m sure.’ She sighed, twisting her hair. ‘It just makes me ask who can I trust? If I misjudged Marcus I could misjudge anyone.’

‘It’s natural to feel wary of people at the moment but I’m sure you’ll be able to get things in perspective soon. And Nick has been wonderful, a real life-saver.’

‘Yes, he has hasn’t he? But he’s feeling bad about suggesting I stay on the boat and blames himself for putting me in danger. But I guess none of us are thinking straight at the moment.’

‘Probably not. And you’re still under the influence of the drugs. Has the doctor been round again?’

‘Yes, he was here a little while ago. Apparently I should be clear by morning and able to get back to normal, whatever normal is!’

‘Normal is being with people you love and who love you. And knowing that soon you’ll be back in your lovely home, finishing your bestseller. You’re surrounded by normal,’ Molly smiled.

Jeanne looked at Molly and grinned.

‘Thanks. Perhaps one day I’ll be wise like you.’

‘When you’re old and grey, you mean. We don’t seem to be very wise while we’re still young. By the way, I popped into the cottage before coming here, just to see that all was well. The kitchen fitters arrived today and, although it looked like they’d taken over the whole house, things were taking shape. I told Martin you weren’t well and he said to tell you not to worry, everything’s on schedule.’

‘That’s good. I can’t wait to move back in. Not that Nick’s not looking after me, it’s just that…’ she lowered her eyes, twisting her hair into a tangle.

‘Does this mean you two are a proper couple now?’

She looked up and felt the flush on her cheeks.

‘I guess so. Though nothing’s actually happened yet, which is why it could be awkward being here for long.’

‘Nonsense! Just let things take their course. I know you don’t want to rush things, Jeanne, but don’t be too slow either. From what I’ve seen, you two are made for each other. And if I were in your shoes I’d make sure he didn’t get away!’ Molly’s eyes twinkled.

Jeanne laughed. ‘Honestly, Molly, you’re incorrigible! I wonder if Peter knows what sort of woman he’s married to!’

‘Oh, he knows all right. That’s why we’re still together – we know how to keep each other happy. Now, I’ve probably tired you out and Nick will be cross. So I’d better love you and leave you. I’ll ring tomorrow and see how you are – oh, and Peter sends his love.’

Molly kissed her as she left.

She was right, I do feel tired, Jeanne thought as she snuggled under the duvet. Then remembered what Molly had said about not letting Nick get away. A smile spread across her face as she thought he might find it difficult, seeing as how he was trapped with her in his bed!

It was a very different Jeanne who woke up on Tuesday. All the sluggishness and nausea had gone and she felt alert and surprisingly strong. It wasn’t just that the drugs were no longer in her system – she was in love. And it seemed that Nick was in love with her. As she stretched out in the bed a lovely, warm glow spread through her body and her face wore the satisfied look of the cat who had licked the cream.

Nick was downstairs preparing breakfast and she allowed herself the luxury of reliving the events of the previous night.

During the early evening she had dozed but later on had felt more alert and Nick had brought up a portable stereo and some CDs for her to sort through. She chose an album of love songs.

‘I like your taste, Nick. Do you spend much time listening to music?’

‘Yep. I find it helps me unwind after a busy day. Now, do you want to be left on your own? Or would you like some company?’

His look was so warm and tender and what with the gravelly voice on the CD crooning ‘Tonight’s the Night’, she found herself melting.

‘I…I’d like some company, please.’

‘Good, haven’t had much chance to be with you today, at least not while you’ve been awake,’ he said as he settled himself on the bed next to her. She was propped up on pillows and he put his arm around her shoulders.

‘Feeling better?’ he asked, studying her face, which she knew was still pale.

‘Much better, thanks. I don’t think I’ve actually thanked you for saving my life, have I? Will a kiss be sufficient reward?’ She moved her face closer to his.

‘It might. Shall we see?’

He used his free hand to stroke her hair back off her face and then bent his head so that his lips pressed on hers. She opened her mouth to accept his gently probing tongue. Desire shot through her and she put her arms around his neck. Gently Nick pushed her back, easing her body down in the bed before sliding down to lay beside her. Their eager hands explored each other’s bodies and Jeanne helped him to ease off his jeans and T-shirt. Expertly he stripped off her top and panties before removing his boxers.

Lying entwined she admired his naked body. It was hard and muscled next to her soft curves and for a moment she felt vulnerable and afraid. His strong, capable hands cupped her breasts as he softly kissed them. She moaned with mounting excitement.

‘Oh, please, make love to me – now!’ she cried out as his fingers moved down to stroke her belly and inner thighs.

‘With the greatest of pleasure,’ he murmured.

As she clung to him he made love to her passionately but tenderly for what seemed like hours. They finally fell apart sated and exhausted and went to sleep curled up in each other’s arms.

The delicious memory of their love-making was still being replayed in Jeanne’s mind when Nick pushed open the bedroom door and walked in with a loaded tray. He was wearing a bath robe and a big grin.

‘Good morning, darling. Ready for breakfast?’ he said as he put the tray on the bed. Set for two and with a single rose in a glass vase.

‘Oh, Nick. You’re just an old romantic at heart aren’t you?’

‘Hey! Not so much of the old! I will admit to being a bit of a romantic, but only in exceptional circumstances,’ he said as he leant over and kissed her.

‘This is nice. Breakfast before or after?’ she asked slyly.

‘Brazen hussy! I think breakfast first or I won’t have any strength to meet your insatiable demands.’

An hour later they were both showered and dressed and in the kitchen when she asked if he was going in to work.

‘I can’t leave you here on your own.’

Jeanne frowned. ‘Does that mean that the police still haven’t caught Dan?’

‘Afraid not. But they don’t think he’s here. In his shoes I would’ve gone by now, probably to France by boat. But I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to you so I don’t want to take any unnecessary risks.’ He reached out and held her for a moment.

‘Okay, I don’t want to take any chances either. I’ll just have to hope that Dan’s picked up soon. But why don’t I come with you to the workshop? I’d love to see it and I can sit in a corner, quietly reading, while you work. I won’t be in the way, promise,’ she smiled innocently.

Nick looked at her thoughtfully.

‘I’m not sure about you not being in the way, you’ll certainly be a distraction. But I don’t seem to have much choice, do I? Just don’t give me any of those ‘come to bed’ looks,’ he said, giving her a quick kiss.

‘Aye, aye sir! Shall we go?’

It only took a few minutes to drive to The Bridge and Nick’s workshop on North Side. Jeanne tried not to feel nervous but the thought that Dan might still be around was scary – very scary. She was relieved when they arrived safely and Nick walked with her inside.

It was noisier than she’d imagined. Four men were working at benches and the sound of sawing and hammering was played out against a background of Island FM. Four faces looked up and grinned at Nick as he went over to them for what looked like an animated discussion.

Jeanne gazed around at the stacks of handsome hardwoods waiting to be transformed into flooring, galley kitchens and storage cupboards. Rolls of expensive looking cloth and leather for upholstery and boxes of brass fittings were piled alongside. Nearby were partly finished wooden skeletons which she guessed would ultimately be beautifully upholstered seating on some lucky owner’s boat. In spite of her own pretty disastrous relationship with boats she could admire the craftsmanship. Nick joined her.

‘So, what do you think?’ he asked.

‘I’m impressed. The men must be very skilled and from what I can see, the finished products will be quite something. You must be proud of what you do here.’

‘Yes, I suppose I am. My father built up a damned good business and a couple of the lads here worked for him for years. So I’ve been very lucky. Let me introduce you to the talented workforce!’

Taking her arm he went over to the workbenches. The men, varying in age from their twenties to sixties, nodded shyly at Jeanne as they were introduced and, as she was turning away she glimpsed the youngest one making a thumbs up sign to Nick, which he acknowledged with a grin.

He took her outside to show her the boats waiting to be fitted and explained that the new hull was arriving the following day. He frowned.

‘I shall have to be here when it’s delivered so either you’ll have to come with me or we’ll find another solution. Now, do you mind sitting quietly with your book in my office while I do some work?’

They exchanged lingering glances and as Jeanne collected her book from the jeep Nick gave her a playful slap on the bottom. She grinned and wiggled her hips provocatively as she walked back to the office. Sitting down to read she couldn’t help smiling to herself. All that fantastic sex had gone to her head and she couldn’t wait for tonight.

They left the workshop about six and as they turned into the drive of La Tonnelle, Nick swore softly. ‘Shit! I think we were followed. Stay here a moment.’

He got out of the jeep and quickly unlocked the front door, beckoning Jeanne to come in. She ran into the cottage and he said, after shutting the door, ‘Wait here and don’t open the door to anyone, okay? I’m going to see who’s in that car parked down the road. I’ll go out the back and come up behind them.’

‘Nick, please be careful! Perhaps you should call the police,’ Jeanne’s stomach clenched with anxiety.

‘It’s okay. Won’t be long, promise.’

He went out of the back door and all Jeanne could do was wait.

Although it seemed like forever, it was in fact only minutes later when she heard the key in the door and the sound of voices.

She went warily into the hall and saw Nick ushering in the sergeant she’d met the previous day.

Nick was looking relieved.

‘I didn’t know it, but Inspector Ferguson has been keeping watch on us since yesterday, so we’re quite safe.’

Jeanne let out a long sigh. Her vivid imagination had conjured up all kinds of scenarios, none of them pleasant.

‘Would you like a cup of tea, sergeant?’

‘No thanks, miss. I go off duty soon, but don’t worry, there’s another officer taking over from me.’

‘Has there been any news about Dan Davidson?’ she asked, twisting her hair.

The sergeant shook his head. ‘Not that I’ve heard, miss. But the British police and Interpol are on full alert. It can’t be long now before he’s apprehended. And his brother’s made a statement and is co-operating fully with us.’

‘Does that mean he’s confessed?’ Nick chipped in.

‘Not exactly, sir. He claims he didn’t know what his brother planned to do. But he has, er, admitted being on the boat that killed Miss Le Page’s parents.’

Jeanne gasped and Nick gripped her hand.

‘Well, must be off. Good evening to you both,’ the sergeant said as he headed for the front door.

‘Are you all right?’ Nick asked gently, wrapping his arms around Jeanne, who stood like a frozen statue.

She buried her head in his chest and her voice was muffled as she answered.

‘Now Marcus has admitted being on that speedboat then I should soon learn, after waiting fifteen years, why my parents were killed. Why they were so horribly murdered!’