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‘Well, yes, you’d be a disappointed customer if you didn’t get that outlook. And, these on this side will also have the bonus of that Château view,’ she said, twisting herself to look back. Her foot slid on protruding bricks and she almost shot headfirst into the mud.
‘Woah!’ she cried.
Instinctively, Ollie reached out, catching her arm pulling her into his torso. Finding her footing, she peered up to him. Simultaneously his hand slid around her waist, steadying her. Their eyes locked together while the tenderness of his hand on her waist sent a tremor of pleasure quaking inside her; striking at every nerve. Max had never evoked such a sensual reaction in her. Ollie then lifted her over a mound of debris and she could feel his breath hot on her neck as his lips brushed close. He held her there for a few seconds before gently lowering her on safe ground.
‘Thank you,’ she said, watching a hunger in his eyes not unlike her own. ‘Can we go in?’ she asked, rapidly diverting her attention, and possibly his.
‘Yes, but take my hand until we reach the building, just in case you stumble again. I rather enjoyed that.’
Flustered, Gina wiped her brow with one hand while clasping Ollie’s palm with the other and was led to the only completed villa. She looked in awe at the sight before her. The double storey villa contained two pitched roofs either side of the flat-roofed central crescent-shaped area containing large bowed fold-back doors. She could imagine them opening out onto a wide curved terrace wrapped around the front of the building. The arched doors on the end buildings also led to the terrace with the upper floors having overhanging balconies dressed with wrought-iron balustrades. Oh, how gorgeous would that be, she chimed to herself. She envisioned herself with Ollie, slouching in his arms on the balcony, sipping wine and relishing the exquisiteness of the lake.
As they negotiated the rubble to the front entrance he kept a tight grip on her hand. Passing her a voracious smile, Ollie unlocked the door. He offered Gina a hand up the elevated entrance. She leaned in to his hand.
‘Yes, sorry, a bit of work to do on the ground works and landscaping,’ Ollie said, breaking her trance. ‘But it’s due to start in two days. They’ll be a pool in front of this one, hence, the huge hole dug out there.’
He led her around, room by empty room, providing details as they went. Her mind whirled when they got to the bedroom and at the views. She fought desperately to embed the details in her head. The bathrooms and the kitchen were almost furnished, their quality evident. A further kitchen garden overlooked the pool area. Mentally, she kept a map of the house to relay to clients.
‘Very impressive,’ she told Ollie.
Ollie locked the door and helped her down back on to the ground. As she peered around the site, she shook her head at the size and considered its value alone.
‘How did you manage to get hold of such a prime site? The plot alone must be worth a fortune.’
‘Ah,’ he grimaced, cowering his head. ‘I was the lucky benefactor.’
‘You inherited all this?’ she asked as they walked through to the front of the villa. Gina slowed, admiring the unpainted frontage and imagined the finish.
‘Yes. Well, it was a commercial site, a goods yard, if you like. It belonged to my great-grandfather who’d acquired it when land was cheap and he then passed it to my grandfather. I believe some sort of machinery was manufactured here long ago and weapons exported during the war. I think it was last used for storing timber. Anyway, we only leased out the land. I demolished two warehouses.’
‘That’s fantastic. So, is it just you developing these?’
‘Yes. Originally, I did go into business with my father. He’s a property developer. I learnt much of it from him but he wanted me to start making my own way. Insisted I took this site on as a start. Well, as there was very little outlay, if I’m sensible enough, this should set me up for life.’
‘I should say so,’ Gina breezed, raising her eyebrows. ‘Anyway, I’d better get back to my mum.’
‘Is she OK?’ he asked, taking her hand again and leading her back to the boarding.
Gina lowered her eyes, pursing her lips. ‘Yes, I think so. She and Dad are going through a difficult time. I’ve left her asleep.’
‘I’m sorry. I hope it rights itself soon. For all your sakes.’ He sounded concerned. ‘My parents went through a difficult patch when I was younger. It really messed with my head. Just call me if you want to chat.’
They walked through the gate then Ollie locked up.
Gina scanned her eyes over the lake, the cloud had lifted and the sun streamed across resting on her skin. As Ollie stepped down beside her, a sharp chill surrounded her and something leaned into her the opposite side.
‘Phew.’ She jumped, stroking her arm and searching around. Something or someone was again making their presence apparent.
‘Are you OK?’ he asked.
‘Mmm, yes, fine,’ she lied. ‘A fly, or something.’
They began to stroll back. Talking about Montreux as they went.
‘So, have a think about how you can market these in London and let me know if you’re interested. And, of course, the apartments in Battersea. My option finishes soon but my instinct is to go with it, particularly as the market is on the up. I realise it’s not your immediate vicinity but would it be close enough?’
Gina rubbed her forehead. Wasn’t he being a bit presumptuous? ‘I’ll think about that too. I need to sort things out here at the moment. Email me the spec and details and I’ll get back to you,’ she said as they reached his garden gate.
‘Here, cut through.’ He waved his arm for her to enter the gate. ‘And, could you keep all this between us? The Battersea site is still highly confidential.’
‘Yes, of course,’ she nodded and stopped startled and he moved close, catching her elbows and planting a kiss on both her cheeks, then as she backed away, a third.
‘It’s three in Switzerland,’ he grinned. ‘Thought you would have known that.’
She trembled at his nearness. ‘Yes, it is.’ Her eyes met his, her cheeks flushing crimson as she turned to go.
Gina rushed up to the road, brushing her hair through her fingers like she was unleashing every loose strand. Although Ollie was rather presumptuous and arrogant at times he did seem nice. And he made her blush like a teenager. It was rare for Max to have that effect on her nowadays. Ollie had also been kind in offering support with her parents. Max was rarely interested in her family so it was quite refreshing for someone to take an interest.
Once at her parents’ apartment, she opened the door and her nostrils flared with delight as the aroma of fresh coffee wafted out. Glancing at the sofa, however, her heart sank seeing the shrunken frame of her mother, usually so vibrant, so smiley and in charge, now pale and listless, curled miserably into the corner of the furniture, wrapped in a soft throw.
‘That coffee smells divine. Are you feeling better after the sleep?’ she asked, sliding into the chair next to her.
‘I was happier asleep,’ Adrienne’s voice croaked. Then clearing her throat, continued, ‘I’ve just brewed the coffee, so help yourself.’
Gina gave her mother a long searching look, examining her red-rimmed and bloodshot eyes, her vacant stare, her tiny pink nose and dry, cracked lips. Her heart cried. This was so difficult. This was her mother, her light, her rock and sometimes, her saviour. What could she possibly do to help her through this? She sat back and hid her eyes, now swelling with tears. This was out of her realm. She couldn’t just tell her mother to pull herself together. This was going to take time. And she had to speak to her father.
‘Can I top up your coffee, Mum?’
‘No, honestly I’m fine. Thank you.’
Feeling useless, Gina kicked off her shoes, lifted herself from the chair and strolled to the kitchen area to pour herself a coffee. The stone-tiled floor was cool beneath her feet.
‘I’ve been trying Dad’s mobile but he’s not answering.’
‘Me too,’ Adrienne muttered. ‘Selfish bastard.’
Gina opened the fridge and added milk to her coffee. How was she supposed to speak to her father? She had no control over this situation but it wasn’t in her nature to sit back and do nothing. The thought of her mother sitting around like this for days, weeks, maybe destroying herself, was far more than she could handle. Well, perhaps she should give her mother a couple of days to at least come to terms with the situation. The poor woman didn’t deserve this. She’d received a pretty harsh blow. She sat down and folded her legs up on the sofa with her coffee in her hand.
‘Mum, tell me how you feel?’ she asked, sipping the hot drink and observing her mother. Maybe if she spoke about it she would find it easier.
Adrienne gave a thoughtful glance at her daughter and blinked hard. She then rubbed her eyes and sniffed. Gina held her patience with all her strength, willing her mother to collect her words and express them. Adrienne had always worn her heart on her sleeve whereas Gina kept her feelings close, unlike her opinions. She kept her focus on her mother, telling herself to hold her tongue.
Finally Adrienne took a deep breath.
‘Hurt, betrayed, sick, humiliated, heartbroken, sad, angry, jealous…I don’t understand what I’ve done wrong, I feel I’m owed an explanation. Why couldn’t he just talk to me and tell me he was unhappy? No, he’s found an easy way out – someone to move in with, just a shag. I expect that’s what he’s doing. Just fucking! I mean, who is she to just steal my husband? Break up a perfectly happy marriage. Ruin lives. And him! What was missing in his life? He wanted for nothing, so why?’ Her chest began to shake, then her voice etched up an octave. ‘So why couldn’t he just talk to me? Why?’
Gina rushed over and reached out as her mother collapsed sobbing into her arms. Tears began streaming down her own cheeks as she shared some of her mother’s pain. Their family was broken and her mother was clearly suffering, hurt and humiliated.
‘It’s OK, Mum. It will do you good to have a good cry,’ she said and then held her tongue. She would only blow out her own hurt and anger and that wouldn’t help her mother. She rocked her mother gently handing her tissues from the arm of the sofa.
She felt their roles had reversed. It had always been the other way around: she, the little girl in her mother’s arms. Now, she was the mother, sort of. What could she do to help? Staying here indefinitely was impossible. Her business wouldn’t run itself, although, bless her, Rebecca was managing well. Anyway, she had to somehow speak to her father. Find out what was going on, what his plans were and if he was going to continue support his wife.
Adrienne came up for air, wiping her eyes with a clean tissue.
‘I don’t know what I’m going to do, Gina,’ she said, seeking her daughter’s eyes for answers.
‘Would you like to come back to London with me for a while?’
‘No. No. I couldn’t do that. I want to be here, in case.’
‘In case what?’ Gina blurted out with more irritation than she’d intended.
‘In case Dad comes back. He could change his mind or regret leaving. Realise it’s not what he wants. I don’t know.’
Gina sighed.
‘Well, it’s up to you. You’re more than welcome,’ Gina replied in her softest approach. It was hard to imagine her father coming back so soon but her mother was obviously living on hope just now. ‘Think about it. I’m going to try Dad again.’
Gina gently rubbed her mother’s arm and stood to get her phone, which she’d left on the breakfast bar. Again, he didn’t answer so she text him another message with even more urgency. As she read her mother’s face, she could see the disappointment.
‘Let’s go and have something to eat,’ Gina said in a more upbeat tone. ‘I’m starving.’
Adrienne shook her head.
‘No darling, you go. I’m really not hungry.’
‘You have to eat, Mum. You haven’t eaten all day, have you?’
Gina heard a text message bleep from her phone. She quickly read it.
‘It’s from Ollie.’
‘What, Ollie, Gabriella’s cousin?’ Adrienne looked at her in surprise.
‘He’s just...asking about the villas. I went to see the first one.’
‘When did you speak to him?’ her mother sat forward with panic in her voice.
‘I met up with him earlier, while I was walking. Then, when I returned and you’d gone back to bed, I nipped up to his site.’
‘You didn’t tell him why you were home, did you?’
‘No,’ Gina lied but felt an uncomfortable stiffness in her throat.
Gina now wished she hadn’t said anything. She knew her mother was proud and would feel humiliated. Rubbing her forehead she felt as if she’d betrayed her mother. Not that she’d revealed much.
‘Well, don’t breathe a word. He’ll tell his family and it’ll be all over town. James doesn’t even know yet. What if he hears it from someone else?’ Adrienne closed her eyes and blew out a big sigh as she sat back in her chair. ‘Don’t get me wrong, sweetie, I like Ollie, but it’s private. I will have to ring James soon though. I don’t suppose for one minute your father will, but, well, he’s still on his honeymoon. I couldn’t do it, not until they’re back.’
‘Yes, I agree. I’ll speak to James if you’d rather. I’d wait until he gets back, of course.’
‘I think it would be better coming from me.’
‘If that’s what you prefer.’ She tried to reassure her mother but realised she was really trying to assure herself.
She tried to convince herself that Ollie would exercise discretion but was well aware of his loudness, particularly after a few beers. Oh, fuck!
Chapter 8 (#ulink_88e7ff02-cf41-5c3d-90e1-afe90ea864a7)
Agnes-Francesia gave herself a satisfied smile. Seems to be going well, she thought. Gina wasn’t actually that phased by her, which was surprising. She pondered as to whether she was getting better at her contact or whether the world was changing. She preferred to think it was the former. It could be her efforts were more refined with the practice she’d had over the years but it was always possible people were more in touch with their spiritual side or had less fear of it.
The main thing was that Gina was emotionally reacting to this man. He seemed perfect, attractive, single and, without doubt, close to the Château quite regularly. But her movements were, she felt, scaring Gina. Maybe she should try something gentler, less invasive. She’d caught her attention though.
She understood this girl was not from her own homeland. But that wasn’t important. Her own life had begun in Switzerland, in a village not too far away but her marriage had taken her to be with Luca in Italy. People adapt even when the languages differed. Gina was from the British Islands. That was a long distance, but she had felt so fortunate to have found her in Switzerland especially near to the Château. The problem had been trying to get her back. It really wasn’t pleasant, unforgivable, in fact. She just hoped she could right that wrong later. It was a fact of life. Men easily succumbed and it was the only way she could manipulate the situation.
This travel was a problem now too. For over a hundred and fifty years the long tubes on tracks carried people. Not horses like she had after she married Luca. They didn’t have to walk from town to town like she did when she was young. In fact, mamma mia, they flew in carriages like birds now. Even food was transported in them. Luca would laugh, to think his merchandise could be carried through the air when he had had only boats and horses to rely on. Her poor Luca and her poor boys. She had to get this right this time and be back where she belonged.
***
Gina woke rigid and unable to move from fear. It was still dark. She’d been floating back down in the bleak dark cavern. The sulphuric stench hung heavy in the air while the same woman was chained to the wall. Again held the package out to Gina. She reached out to catch it but then a guard ran at the woman. Gina had then tried to move but every limb, every muscle locked. Only her heart pounded and on waking her breath raced like she’d cycled up a mountain. Braids of sweat drenched her hairline.
Scrambling with her fingers as darkness still hung around her, she reached out and fumbled for the lamp and pressed the switch. Relief washed over her and she sat up. Everything around her seemed normal but the acrid odour still hung under her nose and the vision was all too clear in her head.
OK, she told herself, swallowing quickly. These are just nightmares. Very vivid, very repetitive, nightmares. The strangest she’d ever had in her life. And so real, like she was part of them. Why? After some minutes, she could only rationalise them occurring due to the stress of arguing with Max, her parents’ break-up.
But where was this woman? It seemed like a familiar place. She’d recognised the arched ceiling this time. It seemed too elaborate for a dungeon or prison. And why was the woman trying to hand her the package again? What was she trying to tell her? Did she want help? How could she? This woman seemed to be dressed in clothes from another century, several centuries ago maybe. Was she a poltergeist? Maybe she never found peace and…Oh fuck no.
You’re being stupid. Probably going bloody mad! Gina pushed off her covers and dug into her cabin bag for her tablet computer. She began searching the internet, looking for anything which may be of relevance to her dreams: woman in dungeon, spirits, even poltergeist. Apart from some obvious suggestions that she was under stress or that a lit dungeon is a warning of a threatened entanglement of which her better judgement should warn her, it was useless. The poltergeist search only really purported to affect pubescent girls, so that she discounted immediately.
She searched for at least two hours before checking the clock. It was nearly seven. She showered, dressed and crept out the apartment to the bakery on Rue des Artisans. She choose some delicious pastries to cheer up her mother, which the assistant boxed them and handed to her along with a small baguette.
‘Merci, au revoir,’ she said and turned to leave. As she stepped out into the street, her heart lurched. Her legs began edging towards a car a couple were climbing into. She began to run across the road towards it.
‘Dad, Dad,’ she screamed as loud as her vocal chords could manage and started to chase it as it pulled away and up Rue Gambetta. ‘Dad,’ she shrieked, her legs almost buckling beneath her as she ran faster. But the car gained speed as it climbed the hill. Defeat shot into her stomach. ‘Shit.’ She slowed and had to rest to catch her breath. She was sure he had heard her. She felt the swelling in her throat and, heading back to the path, released a torrent of tears. ‘You bastard, I know you saw me,’ she cried as the car disappeared.
What sort of man had he suddenly become, she asked herself wiping her eyes. Wasn’t it bad enough he didn’t answer his phone. Now it felt like he’d just twisted the knife. Phone, she thought, she quickly pulled it out and checked the time before turning around to head home.
She found it difficult to believe he would just drive off like that, ignore his own daughter. And it was hard to imagine he was living so close to home. If he was? He could have just been using the café across the road. But, Gina recalled her glimpse, the woman who got into the car with him was younger than she’d envisaged, closer to her own age than his. Jesus Christ. How could he? Anger pinched her cheeks as the realisation dawned. He really was with another woman. She wiped her forehead feeling hot. What on earth had gotten into him? She couldn’t tell her mother about this. Or should she? If it was her she would want to know. If only she could discuss it. But with whom? Aunt Bernie would know what to do but Adrienne had been adamant she didn’t want her to know yet. Max. She would ring Max. She pulled out her phone and hit his number. It went to voicemail.
Arriving back at the apartment, she prepared coffee and laid out bread and pastries. She heard her mother in the shower. Thank God for that, she told herself hoping her mother was feeling a little better. She quickly got out her phone and rang Ollie.
‘I was just about to ring you,’ he said. ‘I thought it was a bit early though.’
‘Oh,’ Gina sounded surprised. ‘Well, no it’s fine but listen, I need your help. Can we meet later?’
‘I was going to ask you, well, my mother has invited you and your mother over later this afternoon. Dad’s in Basel until tomorrow so I thought it might be an opportunity for your mother and mine to get together. They are neighbours so it should be relatively easy. My mother’s keen on the idea.’
‘But you didn’t say anything about my parents did you?’ Exasperation spurt from her.
‘Only what you told me, why?’
