Closer to the Heart (The Heart Trilogy Book 3) (15 page)

He squeezed me a tiny bit tighter and I wondered how I was going to tell Charlotte and what Greg would say.

Later that evening when I knew it would be morning in the UK I pulled my phone out and made the easier of the two calls.

“Hi Greg” I said when he picked up after two rings.

“Hi Stephanie
.
I thought you were still on honeymoon”

“I am Greg but I need to ask a favour”

I quickly filled him in on the details, holding in my emotions at my Mum's condition.

“Christ, that's a big decision but I understand. I will hold your job open for you for the next six months but after that I will have to fill it”

“I understand, perhaps you can get Jack to take on some of my responsibilities I think he will do a good job”

“Agreed, and Stephanie look after yourself we will all miss you and keep our fingers crossed that you'll be back with us soon”

“Thanks Greg” I finished the call and took a quick breath before Charlotte.

“Mum, you woke me up” she groaned.

“Sorry sweetheart but I need to talk to you”

“Oh god has something happened?” Sh
e
gasped
,
as I imagined her fully awake now.

“You
r
Nann
a
and Grandpa need me to stay and help them out for a bit. Your Nan has dementia and Grandpa is struggling to look after her by himself”

There was silence from the other end of the phone.

“Do you think I should come out
?
I
s
James staying?”

“James is coming home and you need to get your career started, anyway I think you coming would only confuse her even more” I silenced her concerns.

“You can always ring and we can Skype to keep in touch and it may not be for long”

Hanging up I turned to James who had endured an equally telling conversation with his parents who had wanted him to stay with me.

“I can always see if the Brigade will give me an extension to my leave and I can come back out”

“Try, but I think you need to get back and se
e
what'
s
in that file and find some closure over Mitchell. I'm stronger than you think”

He placed his hands either side of my face and inclined my head to look at him.

“Just promise me that if you need me, call me and I will come, whatever it takes. You are my whole world and I love you till the end of time”

His words dislodged the lump in my throat as his lips touched my forehead.

We went out to eat in the fabulous Sky tower restaurant for our last evening together. The panoramic views from the top were staggering as we looked down on the city lights below or further out into the bay and the harbour full of expensive yachts. The night was clear and stars sparkled clearly and I turned to James, remembering the words he had said to me so long ago.

“If you're lonely when we are apart just look at the stars and know I will be looking at them too”

Our final night was filled with joyful love making as we tried to imprint eac
h
other’
s
touch in our very souls to sustain us when we were apart.

The next morning I travelled to the airport with James and managed to get a partial refund on my plane ticket. I used the money to sort out a hire car for the next month. As his flight was called for the final time I clung to him.

“I wish I didn't have to go”

“I wish I didn't have to stay”

With tears in my eyes I smiled and shooed him towards the gate.

“Ring me when you land and I love you”

“I will”

Then he was gone and I slowly left the airport on my journey to my new home back with my parents.

Chapter 21

Charlotte was struggling to concentrate at college since the news about getting the part. Rehearsals started in April but down in London so she needed to sort out where to stay. She had spent days agonising over phoning or texting Zach but in the end she bumped into him, almost literally as she walked Jester in the park one evening.

“Hi Charlie, how are you?”

“Good thanks”

“Any news on the audition”

“I got the part” she gasped, as he took the opportunity to pull her into an embrace.

“I knew you would, so when does it all kick off” he let her go and they walked towards the nearest bench as Jester sniffed the grass around the tree.

“The rehearsals start on April the first. I willhave to go down to London sooner to sort out a place to stay
.
There's no way I can afford to commute each day”

“Well maybe we can come to some arrangement, you need another favour and I might need one in return”

Inside Charlotte quaked at what this deal migh
t
entail
,
she already owed him for the audition weekend.

“Ok, name your price” she said and waited.

“I need a plus one to attend a fancy dress masked ball next weekend but it may be at a place you don't want to go and I would also need you to not make a scene. In return you can rent my flat in London at a discounted rate with a few small conditions attached”

Shock and amazement at his kind offer crossed her face, the luxury of that superb flat for a couple of months for rehearsals and then the London shows. If reception was good they would then embark on a tour of the rest of the country.

“So where is this party?” She asked.

“At Felicity's house, Dan invited me as apparently they are renting it out and moving to the States”

“Well that'
s
brilliant
,
I can go and snoop around as I still think she had something to do with Mitchell's accident”

“I guess you're interested in the deal then?”

“Yes, so long as I can afford your rent then yes I can bite my tongue....although it will be tough for me I have a quick temper when pushed”

“Well with the costume I have in mind she won't even recognise you” he grinned, then filled her in.

With the setting sun the temperature dropped and Charlotte stood up.

“Ok, I'll come round to the club Saturday afternoon and we can check the costume out and go from there as I don't think it will be wise for James to see me with you” she said.

“As you wish” he said, standing up. She was about to turn and shout to Jester when he grabbed her arm and enfolded her into his arms once more.

“You're so innocent and trusting and that is a heady combination for a guy like me”

Then before she had time to protest his lips pressed down onto hers and she felt her heart quicken.

Just as quickly he withdrew and turned in the opposite direction.

“See you Saturday”

“Yes” she replied, looking around for Jester in the dusk. Then she hurried home as now James was back and on early shifts he had promised to cook them tea before they went on Skype with her Mum. It felt strange knowing she was in essence on the other side of the world from her. Walking inside the warmth hit her and a delicious smell of roast chicken. She peeped into the kitchen and saw Pam at the stove.

“Hey Charlotte, how was the park”

“Cold, but that smells delicious”

“It will be ready in an hour, James is in his office and Peter is lighting the fire in the lounge”

“I'd better shower and get my course work done” Charlie said. She was cramming to finish her course before the end of March now that she had been offered this job. It had been the only condition her Mum had demanded when Charlotte had explained what her part would entail.

James was in a quandary after the file had arrived to his email and he had opened it on his return from New Zealand. At first the information had shocked and scared him, in that the first documents seemed to be a list of Stephanie's movements from around the time that she had got married to Mark. Then there were rota lists from Hereford Hospital with various shifts highlighted. Another file was just a rota list for the Health Spa with just one of two shifts highlighted. The problem he had was that Simon's computer friend did not want any of this sending to the police as he could then be traced for having a personal file. Perhaps he could somehow speak to Rob off the record but he doubted that any of his theories would be taken seriously.

Shutting it down he felt his head pounding and knew that he had been staring at the screen for far toolong. Hopefully he would get the chance to speak to Stephanie alone later after Charlotte had. He looked forward to their daily chats, it made the distance less of a problem but the nights in their big bed were the worst. He missed the way she curled into his body, refusing to sleep unless he had his arms wrapped around her
.
He had sent over a suitcase of some clothes and shoes she had asked for, but the rest stayed in the wardrobe.

“Food's ready” His Mum shouted, and once more he was grateful that his parents were not dealing with the same issues as Stephanie's were. He heard Charlotte bounding down the stairs and the clicking of paws on the wooden floor as Jester followed. He opened the door and saw his Dad just stepping into the kitchen ahead of him. Charlotte noticed the worried crease in James' forehead but assumed it was just him missing her Mum.

Charlotte was the first in the office to log in and see her Mum. They chatted for almost an hour before James popped his head around the doorway and she took the hint and let him take over. She had assured her that she had found a flat in London and would keep in touch as the rehearsals and then performances started. She could tell from the wistful look on her face that she had really wanted to be there for the opening night.

When Charlotte had left James stared into the screen and reached out a hand as if to touch her face.

“Steph, how are you?”

“Good thanks, every day is a struggle it takes Mum all morning to actually understand who I am and even then she sometimes doesn't but at least Dad is getting some rest”

“That's good”

“Yes, I'm trying to sort out a proper care package with the local hospital so maybe I won't need to stay as long”

“Take as long as you need, even though I miss you loads”

This tim
e
Step
h
reached a finger towards her screen and he mirrored it with his, wishing they were touching.

In the end James decided not to say anything to Stephanie about the file, she had enough to worry about and maybe he could do his own investigating in the meantime. After an hour James said goodbye with the promise of speaking again tomorrow. Wrapping the covers around him he had left the curtains open and he looked out upon the stars in the sky trying to switch his mind off the computer file. What had Felicity been plotting? Why had he never really known his ex-wife and what she was capable of?

In her room Charlotte stared at the picture of Mitchell that she had moved to the bedside cabinet and squeezed her eyes shut against the tears that still seemed to fall daily. Turning to look back into his green eyes she felt the guilt eating her up inside. Accepting the offer of the flat and whatever conditions Zach put on it was both a blessing and a curse. She didn't love him but the way he moved her body was something else, lik
e
a
craving that she couldn't fathom.

“I'm going to dance for you” she whispered to the photo “I will never forget what we had together”

With the son
g
“She'
s
like the wind” echoing in her head she turned the light out and thought about the party. How was she going to keep from attacking Felicity? But what anopportunity to see if there was anything she was hidin
g
there.

Chapter 22

The plans for the masked ball were proceeding at a frantic pace as was the removal and storage of all the important furniture. The documents were all in place and Felicity was rather pleased with Mitchell's seeming acceptance of everything. He looked even more handsome with his blond hair but his weight loss was a little too much and she hoped that in America he would regain some of his fine physique. Daniel had been surprised at Zach's text accepting the invitation but at least they could part as friends.

By Saturday Zach had sorted out a black bobbed wig and some coloured contact lenses for Charlotte. He had bought a pin striped suit, trilby style hat and some amazing black and white spats. A gangster and his moll, what a perfect disguise considering what they were planning to do! Simple black masks completed the look but he had found one trimmed with silver sequins which would look great on Charlotte.

Hearing the doorbell he made his way to the back door and found her waiting there.

“Hey Zach” she said, a slight hint of nerves in her voice.

“Lottie, come on in”

She squeezed past him in the small corridor and wound her way into the deserted club.

“You know the way upstairs, do you want a drink?” Zach asked.

“Just an orange juice, if I'm going to keep my temper under control I need to be sober where that bitch is concerned”

Zach chuckled and snuck behind the bar to get their drinks.

Upstairs Charlie dumped her bag and looked around for somewhere to hang the dress carrier. She couldn't wait to wear it again as she sat down on the sofa.

“Nervous” Zach asked, passing her the glass.

“Yes”

“Me too” he raised his glass of Jack and downed it in one.

“So, I'll go and get dressed then”

“Yes, just shout if you need a hand with anything”

Charlotte saw the naughty glimmer in his eyes as she picked up her dress and he gave her a carrier bag.

“Your wig and contact lenses”

She nodded and smiled as she left him on the sofa. While she was in the bathroom Zach poured another drink and then got changed into his outfit. In the full length mirror he admired the fine cut of th
e
suit
,
he could almost imagine he was in the 1920's. He didn't notice Charlotte appear behind him, until he felt her hand on his arm.

“Brilliant outfit” she admired, sliding her hand down the expensive material of his lapel. His hand caught hers and he swung her round to stand in front of him. The black wig changed her complexion completely and coupled with her now striking blue eyes framed by thick dark lashes. Her red lipstick was the stuff of fantasies as all he wanted to do was pin her against the wall and remove it.

“Zach this is great, I hardly recognise myself” she said, breaking from his grasp and doing a short burst of the Charleston in front of him. He stood transfixed at the sight, before turning and reaching for the masks.

“Come here and close your eyes” he commanded. Standing in front of him she obeyed as she felt him slip something over her wig and place it over her eyes. It was the mask. Before he turned her round once more he placed a whisper of a kiss on her lips. Then his hands on her shoulders turned her and he leant in.

“Open your eyes Charlotte”

Zach slipped his own mask on and watched her gazing into the mirror, her fingers lightly touching the sequins that surrounded the mask that hid half her face and only served to highlight her bright blue eyes.

“Now I need that drink” she said.

“My pleasure, we need to decide what your name is for the evening”

“How about Casey” she suggested “I think I can remember that”

“Casey it is, I'd better get used to it” he said, handing her a peac
h
snap
s
on the rocks.

“Oh, this is nice” she said, tasting the sweet cold drink sliding down her throat.

In the taxi the nerves started to kick in once more as Charlotte felt the drink starting to tak
e
effect. Zach looked across at her when they slowed to turn into the driveway. Expensive cars lined the drive as Zach asked the driver to let them out. He took Charlotte's hand for the walk up the path, it shook in his but was it nerves or controlled anger? Other elegantly attired couples in costumes and masks followed them in. Felicity was resplendent in a blac
k
PV
C
jumpsuit, towering heels and a cat mask. Daniel stood next to her in a vibrant purple suit and to
p
hat. They had to be Cat woman and the Joker.

Daniel recognised Zach and swaggered over to them as Felicity greeted other guests.

“Zach, glad you came and who's your gorgeous moll?”

Charlotte tried to control the shake of her hand as Daniel held it to his lips.

“My doll is Casey, pretty fantastic wouldn't you agree” he squeezed a hand to her waist and she wrapped hers around his.

“Beautiful” he said, appraising her from top to toe “Are you staying all night”

“Don't think so but who knows”

Charlotte noticed a strange look and nod pass between them but before she could say anything Daniel had moved on to the next guests.

Reaching for two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter they walked further into the house.

“So when do we sneak off” Charlie whispered.

“Patience, we need to blend in for a while”

He found them a comfy sofa and they sat down.

“So how long have you known Daniel?”

“Since high school, I offered him the chance to be a partner in the clubs but he had already met Felicity by then”

“Poor thing, how on earth could you fancy that load of old age plastic” Charlie scoffed.

“Just keep your voice down if you're going to say stuf
f
lik
e
that, she has a way of hearing things”

With that sentence still hanging they heard Felicity approach and Charlie felt the nerves returning. Zach saw her tense and wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders.

“Zach it’s so lovely that you came
.
And who is this beauty?”

Charlotte watched her perch on the edge of the sofa closest to Zach.

“This is Casey, Casey this is our host Felicity” Zach extended the introductions as Felicity held out her hand. Trying to stem her nerves Charlotte took the offered hand for a small shake.

“I hope you're staying to the end of the party as I'd love to get to know your new girl a little better or is her bent the same as yours”

Charlie sat in confusion, what was Felicity on about? Zach laughed and motioned to Felicity to move in closer so he could whisper in her ear. This prompted a light girl like laugh to escape her lips as her eyes fixed on Charlotte.

“You dark horse Zachary, this party is shaping up to be the best ever” she murmured. Then standing once more she left them alone.

“What was that all about? What happens at the end of this party? Zach tell me”

Zach leant in so no one else would hear.

“Felicity's chosen guests get the chance to stay on for some more adult entertainment”

“Fuck”

“Exactly, but I don't intend for us to be here”

Zach saw the shock widen Charlie's eyes as she started to scan the room, take in all the beautiful, wealthy strangers. She had heard about this sort of party but what the fuck was she doing at this one with Zach. How did he know all this? Had he been to one before? His arm around her shoulders moved so that he could pick her trembling hand from her lap and hold it in his.

“Sorry, I should have told you”

“Hell yes, but then you kind of had me over a barrel”

He grinned at her turn of phrase and imagined pushing her over said barrel!

With empty glasses and the house brimming with elegant party goers they stood up and wandered into the main body of the house. Armed with another two full glasses they edged slowly through and then down a corridor.

“I guess we need to find a room that might pass as an office or study” Zach said, scanning around before opening the first door. It led into the kitchen so he closed it and moved on. The next was a lounge before they found one which looked like a small library. Ducking inside they paused and Charlotte tried to control her increasing heartbeat.

“Stay by the door and listen for footsteps” he said. She nodded and watched him head to the desk.

Zach tried the drawers but found nothing unusual. Was it too risky to try and log onto the computer
?

“Charlie come over here an
d
si
t
on the desk”

“Why?”

“I'm going to try and log into the computer so if anyone opens the door we need to distract them so I can shut things down”

Charlie guessed what he meant, as she sat next to the screen whilst Zach started it up. Surprisingly it was not password protected so he soon found the emails. They heard voices outside and froze, but they passed by and faded.

“Look at this” he said, as Charlie moved to see the screen.

She saw the booking confirmation and it was for three seats not two.

Clicking it open they read the email and noticed the names on the tickets, one for Felicity, one for Daniel and one for someone called Matthew Carmichael-Astaire.

“Do you know who he is?” Zach asked.

“No idea”

Just then they heard the slow turn of the door handle, as Zach pressed the various keys to close the emails and the computer before he pulled Charlie onto his lap. She quickly moved her lips onto his as his hand crept up her thigh and beneath the fringe.

“Oh Zach
,
it’
s
you” Daniel's voice filled the air as he stepped in and Zach looked up, surprise on his face.

“Don't yo
u
knock”

“Not in my home, I can see why you're in here” he said, closing the gap between them.

Charlie glanced at the screen but it faded to black as Daniel walked behind the desk.

“Any chance of a share
”
Daniel's eyes roamed down to see his friends hand beneath the hem. Without a word he let his fingers trail up Charlie's other leg. She bit her lip, repulsed at his touch and tried to control her instinct to push him away.

“Come now Daniel, you know the rules” Zach chided, moving his hand to brush Daniel's away.

“I was just warming Casey up for later”

“I'd love to help, so young and fresh. Felicity does not need to know” Daniel pleaded, his hand returning to Charlie's thigh once more.

“We could just take it in turns over the desk. I hope she's a good fuck, everyone else here I've seen or done before” Daniel said, his hand pushing higher, almost touching the lace of her panties.

“What's all this” Felicity's unmistakable voice filled the room and Daniel freed his hand. Charlie was shaking with fear now, the taste of it sour in her mouth. Clamping her hand across her lips she stumbled off Zach's lap and mumbled

“I think I'm going to throw up”

She pushed past Felicity who stood in the doorway and raced down the corridor to where she had seen the signs for the rest rooms. Zach felt relief flood through him, what a girl, what an escape.

“She was feeling a little faint earlier so we slipped in here for a breather from the crowds. I'd better go and check she's ok” Zach declared, standing up and nodding at Daniel and Felicity. Casually he wandered out of the room and in the direction that Charlotte had fled.

“Such a beauty, I do hope she's feeling better for later” Daniel said, taking Felicity's arm in his.

“Yes, I can't wait to unmask her after midnight, although I do hope she's not a virgin....they do tend to scream a little too much for my liking”

They re-joined the party guests and mingled as Zach waited outside the bathroom door. After a few minutes he tapped the door then tried the handle, it opened and the room was empty. He turned to the nearest guests.

“Excus
e
me
,
have you seen a flapper girl pass you?”

“Oh yes, she wanted some air so I think she went through the kitchen and back door” the gentleman commented.

“Thanks”

Outside in the cold Charlotte looked at the various outbuildings that surrounded the courtyard. She though she heard music and wandered closer to the large barn doors of the nearest building. A small chink of light was visible as she walked closer. She was angry that Zach had not told her about the type of party it was but would it have made any difference? She had to come but they had discovered nothing, just a name on a plane ticket, and she had endured the feel of Daniel's hand on her skin. She shivered partly from the feel if it and from the cold night air.