HIDDEN SECRETS (5 page)

“Surely they didn’t think Claire was responsible?”

“It was never proved. The inquest into her death said it was a tragic accident; and we never saw the family again.” Max handed the photo back to Kate.

“Was that the last time they were here then?”

“Yes; the summer before she died. It must be nine, maybe ten years ago.”

His wife called for his assistance, and he stood up.

“I’d better get back to work now. It’s been nice talking to you Mrs. Harris. If you do find Gerry, tell him Max said hello.”

“I will; and thank you for your time,” she added.

Kate finished her drink and left, leaving a couple of pound coins on the table.

The walk back along the beach seemed longer, and the sun was beginning to set in the late autumn sky making her shiver with cold. Quickening her step, she finally arrived back at the car park grateful to be out of the cold. As she began her journey home, her husband had just arrived back at his office to collect some paperwork.

        Kate turned into the cul-de-sac, pulled into the drive and sensed instantly that something was wrong. The front door was wide open, swinging backwards and forwards in a wind that was getting stronger by the minute. Someone had been into the house, or could still be in there. Uncertain of what to do, she got out of the car and walked cautiously towards the open door, which had been forced open. The lock was damaged suggesting the door may have been kicked open. Fearing a violent confrontation, she crept nervously along the hall in search of something to defend herself with. Finding nothing but an umbrella, she inched her way forward, slowly pushed open the lounge door, and stared in horror at the scene before her eyes. Every cupboard and drawer had been emptied, and their contents strewn across the floor. Broken ornaments and photographs lay shattered on the carpet, and what could only be red paint, was dripping down the walls. The sight of her wedding photograph smashed to pieces on the marble fireplace, reduced her to tears as she knelt down to retrieve the broken glass. Fortunately the photograph was undamaged, and she placed it carefully onto the coffee table. Surprisingly, her lap top, audio equipment and valuable ornaments were untouched. Venturing upstairs, Kate was relieved to discover nothing was out of place. Lifting the top of her rosewood jewellery cabinet Ben had bought last Christmas, she sighed with relief to discover nothing had been taken. It appeared to be a gratuitous act of vandalism, there couldn’t be any other explanation. The sound of a speeding car caused her to glance out of the window. A white car sped out of the cul-de-sac, and she wondered if there was a connection with the break in. Had the perpetrator watched her arrive home? Immense fear and anger swept over her as she keyed Ben’s number into her phone, and waited for him to answer.

CHAPTER 4.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON

By the time he arrived back at his office, Ben was frustrated and tense. An accident on the motorway had prolonged his journey from a comfortable one hour drive, to a frustrating three hour crawl and now he couldn’t locate the relevant file.

“Where the hell is Simone?” he vented his irritation on Harry, his assistant manager.

“Out to lunch, she was due back ten minutes ago,” he replied anxiously glancing at his watch.
“How many lunch breaks does she have? Every time I need her she’s out of the bloody office eating,” he dropped his keys heavily onto a desk.

“What is it you’re looking for Ben?” Harry asked.

“The Lotus Hotel file,” he frowned.

“Look under ‘H’,” he pointed to the cabinet.

Ben snatched the cabinet door, pulled out the drawer below and slid the relevant file into his briefcase.

“Right; I’ll see you some time tomorrow.” He picked up his keys, left the office and took the lift to the ground floor. As the lift descended, he envisaged his forthcoming appointment with Alex Lawton. Despite Ben’s unease in the man’s company, he had accepted an invitation to stay overnight at the Hotel. However, it was an unexpected opportunity to spend some quality time with Emma. Torn between lying to Kate, and spending the night with Emma filled him with intense guilt, but he couldn’t give her up. Kate would never find out, and he could take her out on his return, or better still buy her that handbag she had been dropping hints about for weeks. His guilty conscience appeased, his thoughts wandered back to Emma, as he made his way out of the building. Half way across the car park his phone rang, and his wife’s name flashed across the screen. Feelings of guilt re-surfaced as he answered and immediately recognised something was wrong.

“What’s the matter Kate?” he tried to disguise his impatience.

“Someone was in the house. When I got home the front door was wide open and the lounge has been trashed. It’s such a mess Ben,” she sobbed.

“Are you alright love?” he asked gently.

“Not really, I don’t want to stay here on my own, I need you to come home,” she pleaded.

“I’m sorry love, I’m half way down the motorway,” he lied, and felt guilty for doing so.

“I don’t feel safe on my own.”

“I’ll be back tomorrow just calm down,” he pleaded with her.

“So you’re business is more important than me?”

“Don’t do this Kate; you know it’s not true.”

“Have you phoned the police?” he asked trying to avoid an argument.

“No not yet,” she replied, “do you think I should?”

“Of course, do you know what’s been taken?”

“Nothing at all; that’s what’s so strange. I’ve checked my jewellery, it’s all there and my laptop’s where I left it.”

“That’s not so bad then; it could have been worse.”

“Well that’s reassuring isn’t it; what if they come back?”

“That’s not going to happen,” he assured her.

“How can you be so sure Ben?” her was strained with uncertainty.

“You’ll just have to trust me Kate, and try to stay calm,” he replied firmly.

“That’s easy for you to say, I’m here on my own, and I don’t feel safe,” she whined.

“I know, and I’m sorry love, but I’ll be home soon,” he attempted to reassure her.

Kate was silent momentarily before she replied.

“I’m sure this break-in’s connected to the broken window and photos I received this morning.”   

“That’s ridiculous Kate, there’s no way they can be connected.”

“Nothing’s been taken from the house; so why were they here?” she argued.

“I’m sorry love I don’t have time for this now. I really have to go; I’ll speak to you tomorrow. I’ll see you soon, I promise.”

“Thanks a lot for your concern. What if there was someone still in the house Ben, would you bother to come home?” Kate didn’t wait for a reply and stabbed the call end button. Deep anger rose in her again, as she surveyed the devastation. The knowledge that a stranger had been in her home evoked fear in Kate; but the personal violation of her home and privacy was far more distressing. Attempting to dispel these hurtful thoughts, she rolled up her sleeves and knelt down to pick up the pieces of broken glass. Sighing at the enormity of the task, she sank down on the sofa, picked up her phone and called the police. After a brief explanation of the crime, she was informed an officer would be with her shortly.

        Within half an hour, P.C.’s Mason and Ferns arrived, and Kate explained how she had discovered the door wide open.

“This lock will need replacing; I’ll get someone out to it now,” P.C Ferns took out his mobile. After a brief conversation he turned to Kate.

“The locksmith should be here within the hour Mrs. Preston,” he informed her.

“Thank you, shall we go through?” she led them to the lounge.

“Have you touched anything Mrs. Preston?” P.C Mason asked taking out his notebook.

“Just my wedding photograph; I put it on the table.”

“O.k. now is there anything missing?” he continued.

“No, I don’t think so,” Kate shook her head as she glanced round.

“You may have disturbed the burglar, or it could just be malicious vandalism,” P.C Mason informed her.

“You really shouldn’t leave valuables on show,” he added in a slightly condescending tone, noticing the laptop.

“That’s helpful considering they haven’t been stolen,” Kate muttered under her breath.

“Have you checked up stairs?”

“Yes, nothings been touched, it’s just this room that’s been trashed,” Kate glanced at the devastation.

“We’ll take a look outside, and have a word with the neighbours.”

Ten minutes later they returned with nothing useful to report.

“No one seems to have seen or heard anything. There’s nothing more we can do now Mrs. Preston except issue you with a crime number,” he handed her a piece of paper.

“I almost forgot,” Kate recalled the car. “I did see a car speeding out of the road, a few minutes after I got back.”

“Did you get the registration number?” P.C. Ferns asked hopefully.

“No, it was going too fast; it was white, that’s all I can tell you.”

“It’s probably unconnected, but we’ll keep it in mind. Do you live on your own?” P.C. Mason asked.

“No, my husband’s away on business.”

“Perhaps you could get a friend to stay with you until he comes back, it might help you feel safer,” he suggested with a smile.

“Maybe.”

“Right we’ll leave you to clean up Mrs. Preston; if you discover anything is missing just give us a call.”

“Thanks a lot.”

After they left, she began the unenviable task of cleaning the room. As far as she could tell nothing at all was missing, but the carpet was ruined and the room would need to be completely redecorated. The red paint had dripped down the wall and collected in a pool on the hearth. As she attempted to remove it, the locksmith arrived. Within half an hour, a new lock was in place and Kate felt less vulnerable, but no less angry over her husband’s blasé attitude.

******************************

Ben arrived back at the Lotus Hotel still harbouring feelings of frustration and guilt over how he had treated his wife, but he could not achieve anything by returning home. Perhaps there was an element of selfishness, but this meeting was of paramount importance, which Kate would also benefit from. Before this could happen, he had to convince Alex Lawton to accept the contract. The man in question, was now heading in Ben’s direction, and as usual, was immaculately dressed. He wore a deep grey Italian suit, with a crisp white shirt, and black tie. This man commanded instant respect and obedience from his staff, without raising his voice. Was he a natural leader, or merely a bully? Probably the latter or a combination of the two. He was unable to specifically explain why he felt antagonistic towards him. Maybe there was a degree of jealousy on Ben’s part, but this was something he would never admit.

“Ben, it’s good to see you again, even if you are a little late,” he smiled.

“Yes I’m sorry about that, an avoidable error in the office. You know what it’s like, if you want something doing do it yourself,” Ben scowled.

“Would you care to follow me? I’ve taken the liberty of arranging a meal before we commence with business.”

He led the way to what was obviously the dining room, where two young waiters were preparing a table in a corner of the room. After a superb meal of fresh salmon and vegetables, Ben complimented his host.

“That was excellent,” Ben dabbed his mouth.

“We are fortunate enough to have one of the top fish chefs in the world. He’s a Japanese fellow, an excellent chef, but very temperamental,” Alex whispered.

“I’ll bear that in mind,” Ben smiled, and added, “How many rooms are there in the hotel?”

“I’m not quite sure. I originally planned for one hundred and fifty, but the true figure is closer to one hundred and forty. “

“That many; it must take a lot of staff to run then?”

“Now that question I know the answer to; three hundred and twelve and that’s just internally. I do most of the integral running of the hotel myself; I like to be in control. I have an under manager whom I can trust to take over in an emergency,” he continued.

“It’s reassuring to have someone you can trust, I may have to review my employees, some of them are becoming too lax,” Ben took a sip of water.

“Let me give you some advice Ben, there’s no room for complacency in business. When I interview a prospective employee I look for the three ‘T’s.” he paused and leaned forward. “Are they Trustworthy, Truthful and Thorough? Everything else can be taught.”

“And you can tell all that by just looking at them, wow,” Ben attempted to conceal his cynicism.

“When you’ve been in business as long as I have Ben, it becomes second nature.”

“I’ll bear that in mind for the future. Now shall we get down to business?” he was anxious to complete the deal.

“There’s plenty of time. Let’s retire to the bar for a drink.” Alex stood up and gestured for him to follow. He was certainly not going to be rushed, and Ben followed dutifully.

“What would you like to drink Ben; champagne, wine?”

“Champagne’s fine, thanks.”

A bottle of chilled Dom Perignon, and two crystal flutes were promptly brought to the table. After sampling it, Alex gave his approval and the waiter filled the flutes. The champagne was as excellent as the food, and Ben began to relax as the conversation flowed more naturally. Alex eventually broached on the subject of the contract and finalised the details. Ben was immensely relieved as he witnessed Alex finally signing the preliminary document, and he allowed a faint smile to spread across his face in recognition of the most lucrative deal of his career. Alex finished his drink, and stood up.

“I’ll leave you to draw up the final documents. Enjoy the rest of the evening, and please feel to use the bar facilities, I’ll inform the bar accordingly.”

“That’s very generous, but I don’t drink much,” Ben replied.

“As you wish. Now I have other matters to attend to,” he turned to leave

“Oh before I forget, breakfast is served between eight thirty and ten. I’ll see you in the morning,” he added.

“You’ll need to sign the final document; I’ll have it ready for the morning,” Ben reminded him hastily. Alex nodded, and left. Now completely relaxed and euphoric, Ben sipped his champagne and occasionally glanced around in search of Emma. After an anxious ten minutes, he began to think she had changed her mind when he glimpse a young woman heading in his direction. She flicked a strand of black hair from her face which had fallen forward, and adjusted a strap on her dress. Her appearance was stunning with dark brown eyes and full lips, accentuated with a deep shade of red lipstick. Her sleek dress clung to her hips and breasts, outlining her slender figure. She approached the table and spoke.

“Would you mind if I joined you?” she smiled at him.

“Emma at last, I was beginning to think you weren’t coming,” Ben spoke in a whisper.

“I nearly didn’t Charles has been very awkward all week. He even suggested coming with me,” she frowned.

“Where are you supposed to be then?”

“I’ve told him I’m meeting an old girlfriend for a spot of retail therapy; that always puts him off, he loathes shopping. I can’t stay all night though, Charles thinks I’m staying with a friend and he’s asked for her phone number. I’m beginning to think he suspects something,” she took a seat beside him and slid a hand up his thigh.

“As long as he doesn’t turn up here,” Ben gently moved her hand.

“There’s no chance of that, he’s spending the evening playing poker with one of our stuffy neighbours, but I shall have to leave in a few hours in case he phones,” she complained.

“Why didn’t you tell him to call your mobile instead?” he tried to hide his disappointment.

“He insisted, and he was getting shitty with me. It’s easier to agree with him.”

“We’ll just have to make the most of our time together then. You look wonderful as usual,” he leaned forward and whispered in her ear.

“Don’t do that, someone might see you,” she pulled away.

“I don’t care,” he smiled wickedly.

“I saw you talking to Alex. Do you know him?” she asked changing the subject.

“Not really, he’s a business associate. I assume you do though if you’re on first name terms with him.”

“Charles knows him; he used to be his golf partner. He still sees him occasionally for a meal and a chat. We’re going to have to be very careful,” she warned.

“I’ll get you a drink, what would you like?”

“Do you need to ask?” she teased.

“A white wine and soda, I’ll have one too.”

Ben summoned a waitress, who promptly brought their drinks to the table, where they sat in silence until she returned to the bar.

“I think we should go to your room, I don’t like the idea of Alex sneaking around,” Emma suggested glancing over her shoulder.

“You’ll have to give me a while, I really do have to finish some paper work.”

“You can be so boring sometimes Ben,” she complained. “What am I supposed to do in the meantime?”

“I’m sure you’ll think of something, but keep out of Lawton’s sight.”

Ben stood up and held out his hand to Emma.

“Good night Miss Lewis. Perhaps I’ll see you at breakfast?” he held out his hand.

“Perhaps, Mr. Preston,” she replied shaking his hand.

Ben collected his key from the reception desk, and took the lift to the third floor. Room 137 was as luxurious as Ben had expected. Nothing was over-looked, and even the most discerning guest could not find fault with the services provided. Together with the usual facilities, the room was furnished with high quality deep mahogany furniture, which included a four-poster bed. The bathroom was equally impressive with a corner bath, bidet and shower cubicle. It was tiled from ceiling to floor in a black and white mosaic pattern. The towels and matching bathrobes all bore the Hotel emblem – a lotus flower- and were neatly folded into the shape of swans. 

        After a brief but invigorating shower, Ben slipped on bathrobe, and stretched out on the bed. It was now eight thirty and he decided to give Kate a call. She answered almost immediately, and was pleased to hear his voice

“I’m sorry I hung up on you earlier,” she apologised.

“It’s O.K. love; have you sorted everything out now?” he asked. 

“I’ve cleaned the mess up, and there’s definitely nothing missing. I can’t believe it, my laptop and jewellery were on show.”

“Perhaps they were disturbed before you came back,” he suggested.

“What do you mean Ben, you’re scaring me.”

“It can’t have been anything other than a burglary. If nothings missing, something must have spooked them,” he explained.

“You’re not making me feel any better,” she whined.

“I’m sorry,” he paused and asked.” Are you alright love, I know I should be there with you but it’s just not possible.”

“I’ll be better when you come home, I feel really anxious,” she whined.

“I’ll be back before you know it,” he tried to sound sympathetic.

“Did you keep your appointment with the Doctor?” his question took her by surprise.

“Oh yes, but he wasn’t very helpful; he thinks my migraines are stress related,” she lied.

“He’s probably right love you’ve had plenty of that today.”

“How did the meeting with Alex go? I thought you would have phoned me earlier to let me know.” she changed the subject.

“Well he finally signed the contract; I was beginning to think he’d changed his mind. I think he enjoyed watching me squirm. We had a meal and a few drinks with his niece Emma. It’s a fantastic hotel love, very classy,” he paused, “Are you still there Kate?”

“Yeah, you never mentioned he had a niece?” she tried not to sound suspicious.

“Why does it matter?”

“It doesn’t matter Ben, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

When I get home we’ll go out for a meal to celebrate, anywhere you want to go just book it.”

“We could go to the Crystal Fountain. It’s supposed to be fantastic. Martin and Gwen went there for their silver wedding anniversary,” Kate wished she hadn’t mentioned Alex’s niece.

“That sounds good to me but just remind me who Martin and Gwen are?”

“Martin’s my cousin and Gwen’s his wife; you met them at the Medical Institute last Christmas. You must remember, you said Gwen looked like a poodle.”

“Why would I say that?”

“Because she did; she’d just had a perm and it was awful,” Kate laughed.

“I can’t remember; I must have been drunk!”

“It doesn’t matter; what time will you be back tomorrow?”

“It’ll be after lunch, I need to call in at the office first.”

“I’ll see you later then. Good night Ben, I love you.”

“Good night love.”

“Say it then,” she prompted him.

“Love you too.”

After completing his paper work, Ben ordered a snack and a bottle of wine from room service. Fifteen minutes later, a knock sounded on the door. Instead of a waiter, he discovered Emma Lewis in the doorway pouting and waving a bottle of wine in the air.

“Aren’t you going to invite me in then?” she stroked his face.

“Of course come in,” Ben glanced nervously up and down the corridor before slipping a ‘Do not disturb’ tag over the handle, and ushering Emma over the threshold. She placed the wine on a bedside table, dashed to the bathroom and appeared a few minutes later dressed in bathrobe. A second knock on the door caused Ben to guide Kate back into the bathroom.

“Who is it?” he called out.

“Room service Sir.”

Ben opened the door. “I’m sorry, I’ve changed my mind,” he closed the door quickly, as Emma reappeared from the bathroom. As he approached her, she let her gown fall slowly to the floor. Without the slightest hesitation, Ben dimmed the lights, kissed Emma firmly on her lips and caressed her soft young skin. She smelled of flowers and innocence; but there was nothing innocent about her, as she lay beside him with her hands stroking his inner thighs. Never before had he experienced this feeling of complete desire and overwhelming lust. This was not how he felt with Kate, and she must never know about Emma and how she made him feel. She was the most sensual woman he had ever met and after her, there could never be another. He had tried to stop seeing her but she was like a drug he had become addicted to; the more he had the more he wanted. Kate had believed him when he told her it was over; but nothing was further from the truth. He didn’t want to lose Kate, but he was not prepared to give up Emma.

When they had finished making love, Ben watched her as she dressed.

“Can’t you stay a little longer?” he touched her shoulder.

“I’ve already told you I can’t; don’t make it any harder for me to go. It won’t be for much longer. I’m asking Charles for a divorce,” she pulled on her dress and smoothed it over her hips.

Ben was stunned by her unexpected revelation. They had never actually discussed the subject.

“You know I can’t tell Kate about us,” he sat upright and stared at her with a strained expression on his face.