chapter twenty-seven

 

Guernsey 2011

 

‘Hi!’ Michael said, kissing her on both cheeks.

Fiona grinned. It was good to see him again, that lazy smile of his…

‘Morning, have a good flight?’

He hoisted a large rucksack on his back, saying, ‘Fine thanks. Probably one of the shortest flights I’ve been on in a while. It took longer queuing through security,’ he said, walking alongside her to the exit. ‘My mother and grandmother send their regards, and I have to file a detailed report of everything I see and do when I return. Strict orders from Grandmama,’ he laughed.

‘Does she talk about her time here at all?’

‘Not much, but from what I gather, she loved the few years she lived here. The way she left poisoned the memories a bit, I think.’

She nodded, opening the car boot for his rucksack before sliding into the driver’s seat.

Michael slipped in beside her.

‘What’s the plan?’

‘There’s no food in the house, so I suggest we stock up at Forest Road Stores, round the corner from here. Then it’s off to Town and my home. There’s a lot to tell you, but it can wait till we get there. And John will be joining us.’ She cast a quick glance at him before starting the car.

‘Sounds good to me. Let’s go,’ he answered with a smile.

After filling several bags of groceries at the store, Fiona drove on towards St Martins, giving Michael a running commentary about the areas they drove through and told him of the parking clock system on the island for when he ventured out alone.

‘You mean you have free parking here? On the whole island? I love this place already!’

‘Hopefully, you’ll find other things to love, too. Fabulous scenery, beaches, loads of bars and restaurants.’ She laughed.

‘Oh, I’m sure there will be, don’t worry.’ He gave her an odd look before turning to face the road.

Fifteen minutes later she pulled into the drive in Colborne Road and switched off the engine. She opened the front door as Michael collected his luggage.

‘Say, what a lovely house. 1930s, right?’

‘Yes, it was my parents’, and where we grew up. Come in, and after we’ve unloaded the food, I’ll make coffee. I’ll show you around after John’s been.’ Fiona led the way into the kitchen, and together they unpacked the groceries. She filled the espresso machine and set out two cups.

‘Actually, there’s something we need to discuss before John arrives.’ She told him about his plan to use him to lure Duncan out of hiding and try to steal the Renoir, her eyes fixed on his face, watching his reaction.

‘Great idea! Looks like I’ll be of more use than I’d expected.’ His eyes lit up with excitement.

‘John’s hopefully enlisted the support of the police so that you won’t be in any danger. But I’ve heard Duncan’s a big, strong man. So don’t be too heroic, will you?’ she said, offering him a cup of coffee. She couldn’t quite quell a hint of fear – and doubt. Something niggled her about the plan.

Michael drew himself up taller. ‘I’ll have you know I’m a karate black belt. I’d be no pushover.’ He banged his chest, Tarzan-style.

‘Good,’ she said, picking up her cup, ‘shall we sit in the garden while we wait for John?’ She led the way to the back garden, composed of a large, now overgrown, lawn area and various borders looking equally neglected. Her mother would turn over in her grave, she thought, guiltily. When she and Nigel had lived in London, they employed a gardener to keep it tidy between their visits but had taken it over themselves since being back. At least the patio area was tidy, set with low maintenance rattan-effect table and chairs.

Michael remained standing, surveying the scene.

‘I could cut the grass for you, tidy it up a bit. I’m not so good at weeding, I’m afraid.’

‘That’s kind of you, but please don’t feel you have to.’ Fiona was touched by his offer.

He grinned. ‘It’s no big deal. The exercise will do me good.’ He sipped his coffee, striding around the patio, his eyes darting around. ‘You’re not overlooked, which is good. And they provide security,’ he added, pointing to the high brick walls on all three sides. He swivelled around to face the back of the house. Fiona followed his gaze to the fences either side, one holding a gate, providing access from the front.

‘The gate’s always locked and John’s installed cameras and alarms around the front and back, so it’s as secure as we can make it.’

‘Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. And if we have the help of the local plod that’ll be a bonus.’

Fiona wished she shared his confidence but smiled at him. It was odd, having him here in her home, even though she wasn’t staying. It created an intimacy, a connection, knowing he’d be free to flick through her books and music collection, look at family photos scattered around the house and take note of the ornaments and pictures accumulated over the years. Her family’s history was on show and she felt exposed. Daft, she knew, but, after all, until a few days ago they’d never met, and now he was ensconced here. Don’t be silly, she told herself, he’s no nosy parker, he’s a nice man who wants to help.

‘I think a car’s just arrived, will it be John?’

Fiona roused herself from her reverie.

‘Yes, I’ll let him in. Stay here, and we’ll come out.’ She nipped through the French window into the sitting room and through to the hall.

‘Hello, John, please come in.’

‘Morning. Michael got here okay?’ John followed her inside.

‘Yes, and he’s agreed to be the bait. Would you like a coffee?’ She hovered by the kitchen door.

‘No thanks, I’m good.’

She led him outside to join Michael, and the men shook hands before taking seats at the table with Fiona.

‘How did it go with Inspector Woods?’

John beamed.

‘Very well. I think he was impressed with our mutual detective work, tracing Michael and his family and Ernest Domaille’s connection to it. He agreed it was too much of a coincidence to be ignored. He’s initiated an international search on Duncan’s background; where he’s been since the 80s, and if he’s got a criminal record anywhere. Prioritising Australia because of the possible accent,’ he said, tapping the table.

‘And is he up for trying to trap Duncan?’ Fiona asked.

‘Yes, he thought it a good idea, but he made an observation which I should have thought of.’ He cleared his throat, giving her a look of apology. ‘Ron pointed out that if you weren’t in the house, he wouldn’t be able to ask where the painting was, and if he did break in, the only charge would be burglary.’

‘That’s it! That’s what’s been bugging me! I knew something didn’t fit, but couldn’t work out what,’ Fiona cried, looking at the men. ‘So I need to be here, don’t I?’

Michael shook his head.

‘I don’t like that idea, at all. There must be some other way, surely? We can’t put Fiona’s life at risk.’

‘I’m not keen either, but as you told me, Michael, you’re a karate black belt, and you’ll be here and won’t the police be around?’ The thought of having to face the monster who’d killed Nigel made her feel sick. She wouldn’t consider it on her own, far too dangerous.

‘Ron and I discussed it and, assuming Fiona was to agree, he’d arrange to have a policeman hidden in the grounds and Michael would be in the house, of course.’ He paused, looking from Michael to Fiona. ‘It’s possible Duncan will have the brass neck just to turn up and ring the bell. After all, there’s been nothing said publicly about the possibility of this being a murder inquiry and attempted theft. He wouldn’t come during the day in case he was seen; I’m sure of that. But he might not wait until the middle of the night, either.’

‘Basically, you’re saying I’d have to move back in with Michael, and he’d need to keep out of sight?’ They’d be living under the same roof. She hadn’t expected that and for a moment wondered about changing her mind. It would have been fine if she didn’t find him attractive. But it was more important to catch Duncan, so she’d have to cope. And Michael, who looked thunderous, had offered to take the risk.

John shifted in his chair.

‘It’s not ideal, I’ll grant you, and neither of you has to agree. We could try and think of something else and you, Michael, don’t need to be here if the police are in the house.’

‘No, I came over to help catch the guy who killed Nigel while hoping to steal my family’s painting, and I’m not going to back out as soon as I’ve arrived. It’s Fiona I’m worried about. We have to ensure her safety.’ His concern touched her.

‘Absolutely. Ron assured me his men wouldn’t give Duncan a chance to hurt her and if you’re there as well, that’s even better. So, does this mean you both agree to be here at night?’ They nodded. ‘Right, the next point I’ve agreed with Ron is the “leak” to the Evening Press, and we should see that in Monday’s edition. Assuming it does go in, you’ll both have to be here Monday night onwards. We’re saying that the owner of the artwork’s due over on Thursday, limiting Duncan’s chance to steal it to three nights. Okay with that?’

Michael nodded, his expression clearing. Fiona took a deep breath. In a few days, it could all be over, and she could focus on laying her brother to rest.

‘Yes, fine by me. Just a thought, what if Duncan doesn’t read the paper?’

‘Good question and I’d thought of that. We’re making sure the story gets picked up by local radio and television. After all, it’s big news – valuable artwork found on the island, mystery finder, etc.’ John, his eyes shining, leaned forward. ‘Now, the really exciting news is that I know where Duncan’s staying!’

‘You do? How…how did you find out?’ Fiona’s eyes widened.

‘I had a brainwave, which does happen occasionally,’ he chuckled. ‘I thought it likely he’d have seen his father’s advocate about the will and would have given his contact details. So I rang the nursing home and had a quick chat with Mrs Domaille, who, fortunately, was reasonably with it, and asked her for the advocate’s name. She wasn’t sharp enough to query why I wanted to know and gave it to me.’ He smiled at them both and Fiona could see how much he was enjoying it.

‘But surely an advocate wouldn’t divulge their client’s details, would they?’ Michael said.

‘You’re right, except Duncan wasn’t the client, Ernest was. As it happens, the advocate’s a pal of mine, and we had a chat this morning, off the record, and he told me Duncan’s renting a place in St Sampson. I have the address here,’ he patted his pocket.

‘Awesome, John! Well done.’ Fiona smiled at him, happy to acknowledge his brainwave.

‘Are we going to stake him out?’ Michael asked, looking keen.

‘Not us, I’m sorry,’ John grinned at him. ‘I rang Ron, and he’ll organise a watch on him from Monday. It’ll mean we should get a warning if he’s on the way here, a real bonus. So,’ he leaned back, ‘any questions?’

Fiona looked at Michael, who raised an eyebrow. She shook her head.

‘I don’t think so. I assume we carry on as normal over the weekend and Monday, being a holiday, and then I’ll move back that evening. Now we have a plan set up from Monday, wouldn’t it be better if my car’s not here until then? Just in case Duncan swings by.’

‘Good point. You okay with that, Michael?’

‘Sure, it’s only a couple of days.’

‘Right, I’d better get off. Promised the wife I’d take her out for a late lunch,’ he glanced at his watch, ‘a very late lunch.’

Fiona saw him out and rejoined Michael in the garden.

‘It’s turning out a bit different to what we’d planned. You still okay with me staying here? I could move to a hotel for a couple of nights.’

‘It’s fine. Silly for you to not stay here when the house is empty.’ She collected the coffee cups. ‘Shall we make some lunch and then I’ll show you round? Oh, and you’ve been invited to join us for supper tonight if that’s okay?’

‘Sounds good. You’d better tell me more about your friends while we prepare lunch.’

They headed into the kitchen and, deciding on a salad, between them they chopped and prepared the ingredients, Fiona filling him in about Louisa and Paul. Finished, they returned outside to enjoy the sun, Michael opening a can of lager while Fiona settled for juice. As they ate, she explained how he could walk into Town, with a choice of two routes, and where to hit the shops, cafés and bars, all near the harbour.

‘I saw the harbour from the plane, looks pretty amazing. And you’ve got a great coast here, haven’t you? Would you take me along to Moulin Huet sometime? So I can see the famous bay for myself.’ He looked relaxed as he ate, a lazy smile hovering around his mouth. Fiona had to stop herself thinking about the nights they’d be spending together here. With a bit of luck, it might only be one night if Duncan turned up on Monday. Then she could escape back to the safety of her friends’ house.

Lunch over, she showed him around, starting with the kitchen and explaining the various gadgets and appliances. Then the sitting room, full of their family mementoes. She tried not to look at them, focusing instead on the television and its remote control. He made the occasional comment about the décor and paintings as they moved around. Fiona pointed out her study next door but didn’t go in, the door remaining closed. Then it was the dining room and cloakroom before she showed him upstairs.

This was the hardest part, more personal, more intimate and with Nigel’s bedroom, more painful. Again, she pointed out the rooms, but left the doors closed, as she did her bedroom. Michael seemed to understand her discomfort and squeezed her arm. Then it was the guest bedroom at the end of the landing, thankfully en suite as were the other bedrooms. No embarrassing meetings in a shared bathroom for them.

‘This is great,’ he said, dumping his bag on the bed. ‘And being at the back, I won’t be showing any lights in my room if anyone’s snooping. Can you explain the alarm system to me before you go?’

‘Sure. Let me fetch you clean towels first. There are basic toiletries in the bathroom, but is there anything else you need?’ She raided the airing cupboard on the landing, returning with a set of towels.

‘No, I’m good, thanks.’

Fiona repeated the tour, this time pointing out the almost invisible cameras and security devices on the doors and windows before giving him the security code for the alarm housed in the hall.

Michael grinned.

‘A mini Fort Knox! John’s done a good job; I shall feel totally safe.’

‘Yes. I’ll get off now, then, and pick you up about seven. Will text you first so if you could wait outside on the pavement, just to be safe.’ She swung her handbag over her shoulder and stood uncertainly by the front door.

‘Thank you, again, Fiona. I look forward to this evening.’ He held her arms as he kissed her on both cheeks.

‘Bye, see you later.’ She virtually ran out of the house and into the car. As she started the engine, Michael remained framed in the doorway, waving. She gave a quick wave and drove off towards Fort Road, feeling as if her life was even more out of control than it had been. And was likely to get worse, with an attractive man under her roof.