Can young hearts ease a restless spirit?

On the shores of stunning Lake Léman, Gina Remy is celebrating her brother’s wedding when the figure of a woman appears hovering above the water, beckoning to her. Ghostly visitations do not happen to Gina – a self-confessed control freak with her own successful property business, she prides herself on being level-headed. But as she is tormented by dreams and visions, her perfect life begins to unravel, and she knows she needs to help this ghost find peace if she’s to get any of her own!

Enter Ollie Martin, an Anglo-Swiss property developer who’s sexy as hell and knows it. His arrogance annoys Gina but he’s the only one who will take her seriously.

The closer they come to understanding the quest the ghost has set for them, the closer they get to one another.

Also by Karen Aldous

The Vineyard

The Château

Karen Aldous

Copyright

HQ

An imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd.

1 London Bridge Street

London SE1 9GF

First published in Great Britain by HQ in 2014

Copyright © Karen Aldous 2014

Karen Aldous asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins.

E-book Edition © October 2014 ISBN: 9781474007818

Version date: 2018-09-19

KAREN ALDOUS

Inspired by novelists such as Jilly Cooper and Barbara Taylor Bradford many moons ago, Karen never lost her passion for writing. It always got put on the back burner though with stories and articles fuelling the Aga rather than going in the mailbox. Gaining life experience and confidence has been crucial and she feels raising her three children along with being in the property and travel industries have not only brought material for her writing but have allowed her to indulge in her favourite pastimes.

Karen currently lives on the edge of the North Downs in Kent and owns a website design business but she craves nothing other than earning a living from writing romance. Her dream!

She still gets a kick from travelling and seeking that property bargain but her husband and family – particularly her three grandchildren – along with Bertie her golden lab continue to steal her affections. There’s barely enough time to go round, she admits, but their love and support never wavers and without them and her fellow writers at The Write Place and the RNA, her aspirations may never have flourished!

Acknowledgements

A massive thank you to my lovely editor, Lucy Gilmour, Victoria Oundjian and the team at HQ Digital. Their belief and faith confirmed dreams really can come true. My huge appreciation also goes to all the amazing and dedicated book reviewers, bloggers, fellow authors and readers who do a spectacular job in helping spreading the word for authors.

Special thanks too for members of the Romantic Novelist Association and The Write Place Creative Writing School who have also provided such a wealth of advice and support. I’ve made some lovely friends at both these organisations and long may they continue!

Dedication

To the three most special little people who continue to inspire me…my three grandchildren, Macy, Hayden and Spencer xxx

Contents

Cover

Blurb

Book List

Title Page

Copyright

Author Bio

Acknowledgements

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Endpages

About the Publisher

Chapter 1

‘Max, you’re not obliged to come to the wedding, in fact, I’d rather you didn’t. You’re just full of bloody excuses all the time so fuck you.’ Georgina Remy slammed the bedroom door hard.

‘Gina. Gina,’ Max roared through the closed door. ‘I just feel it’s important to meet these guys on Friday while they’re in the country.’

Gina turned on her heels and flung back the door. Max was before her, in her face. His metallic eyes pleading. She squinted hard at them.

‘I don’t believe you, Max. Why does your charity always have to come first? These people will survive. You’re hardly providing life-saving operations. Haven’t you heard charity begins at home?’ She slammed the door again. ‘This is the same feeble excuse you keep harking back to. Our relationship should come before anything: my business; your charity. You don’t get it, do you?’

‘I do and it won’t happen again, not after this and, as I said, we’ll sit down and plan,’ he shouted through the door.

‘Just…I don’t want to hear it.’ She stepped back. ‘This so-called relationship is going nowhere, Max. Go home.’ She rushed for her suitcase, pulling it out from under her bed and mindlessly throwing her neatly ironed clothes in. She could hear him continuing the fight from the hall.

‘Why are you overreacting? I’ll fly over Saturday morning. I’ll be there for the wedding, I promise. Gina…Gina. I’ve committed to it. I won’t let it happen again. You know I’m looking forward to it.’

A fierce silence sliced through the air. As she forced shoes and toiletries and make-up around her clothes Gina fought hard not to let the bitterness erupt. Clasping her head in her hands, she collapsed on the bed, throwing her head into the pillow. With some distance she could hopefully calm herself. He would probably leave now anyway, he usually did. This was now a regular occurrence. A routine. It was a mockery of a relationship. This wasn’t the life she’d planned, not the Max she’d once known. He’d always been attentive, sharing and keen to have a family and family life. He’d always wanted to be with her and do things with her. She closed her eyes before she heard him again.

‘I’ll be there Saturday morning, darling. I love you,’ he said speaking in muffled tones behind her door. A few seconds later, she heard a heavy sigh filter through the wood before he yelled, ‘See you Saturday.’

After a few seconds, as anticipated, she heard his footsteps echo down the hall. Then the latch clicked telling her he’d left her flat.

‘Good riddance’ she wanted to shout. But how could she ever fall out of love with Max? It would break her heart, and more importantly, his girls’. Was she so wrong in wanting a family when it was something they’d planned?

‘Bastard!’ she whispered.

***

After a frustrating morning with a two-hour delay before her flight, Gina dashed along the lakeside path wheeling her case to the hotel, stopping briefly to clip up her long dark hair away from her increasingly hot, sticky neck. It was just gone three o’clock. She’d text her brother to keep him informed but he wasn’t, it seemed, very forgiving. He’d texted back telling her to hurry.

Despite the stress of Max and her lateness, she at least had taken some pleasure in her journey. As the train had edged round Lake Léman, the view had calmed her. It was her favourite scene in the world and she had chosen a sun-drenched seat on the right-hand side of the carriage from which to savour every aspect of the imposing mountains encircling the vast glistening water. It always made her feel comforted and welcome.

As she reached the hotel entrance, she hauled her suitcase up the small set of stairs and wheeled it across the thick cream carpet, then with a harsh whack, parked it against a marble Corinthian column, looking around for a familiar face. Her mother appeared at once, ushering with her hand. Gina immediately ran to her, past the reception and entered a vast columned vestibule.

‘Gina, thank goodness, we were getting worried. Come,’ she urged, reaching for her daughter and planting kisses on both cheeks.

‘Hello, Mum.’ Gina tossed her oversized handbag over her right shoulder and tightly hugged the petite, blonde woman. ‘I couldn’t get here any quicker. Is James OK or is he in a panic?’

‘Oh, you know your brother has to say his piece, like you. Says you should have organised an earlier flight. Let’s not make an issue of it now, Gina. He’ll be fine. I’m sure you’d be panicking too if it were your wedding.’

‘It’s just a rehearsal for God’s sake.’

‘Like I said, imagine how you would feel,’ her mother said, lowering her voice.

Heads turned as the two of them entered the opulent ballroom. Gina stared breathless at its grandeur, which was at one with the belle-époque exterior.

‘OK. Now we can begin,’ she heard her brother tell the wedding co-ordinator. The small congregation then turned from their patient disquiet to readiness.

After a tense half hour Gina was better versed in what she would be undertaking the following day. She breathed out a sigh. Feeling totally dishevelled compared to the other well-groomed and manicured females present, she followed them out to the richly furnished salon and on to a bright sunny terrace furnished with wrought-iron dining furniture, a festooned canopy and, she swiftly noted, a bar. Just what she needed!

She took her father’s arm as she caught up with him. He turned and greeted her with his familiar warmth, followed by his sister, Aunt Bernie, who fussed with more kisses. As the crowd dispersed into small groups, she and her parents claimed a table overlooking the lake with Aunt Bernie. It was laden with Aunt Bernie’s speciality table decorations: clusters of red carnations. She had thought they needed a trial run and James had obviously given in to her persistence. Although Gina wasn’t sure his soon-to-be bride, Gabriella, would appreciate them.

Once the waiter had taken her drinks order, Gina excused herself and made a quick visit to the ladies room. After touching up her make-up and brushing her hair, she checked the mirror satisfied she had now come some way to looking presentable. Scooping her bag back up, she breezed back to the terrace, swiping her smartphone to take it off silent as she hurried back to the reception. She glanced up, aware of a figure approaching. Just noting legs in front of her, she veered left. He staggered one way, she stepped aside, both moving the same way and whoosh, crashing into each other.

‘Sorry,’ she said, flicking her eyes up. They locked hard with the stranger’s as rose thorns seemed to strike through her veins.

‘Pardon, Madame,’ he slurred, touching her arm as his chocolate-brown eyes ensnared her with their intensity.

Wow, her breath escaped, whipped away like never before. She steadied herself, catching his arm. As she felt his skin beneath her fingertips – hot and solid with muscle – she lost her grip on her phone, letting it fall to the thick carpet.

He stared like he was afraid to look away. She did the same, scared to lose the moment.

‘I’ll get that,’ he said finally as he bent down and collected the phone from the lush pile and waved it in his hand. ‘I’ll put my number in here. You might need it.’

‘Err,’ she croaked, clearing her throat and reaching for her phone. ‘I don’t think so.’

‘No?’ He raised his eyebrows and threw her a questioning look. ‘You find me drop-dead gorgeous and yet you decline any possibility of contacting me?’

Gina couldn’t believe her ears. What an arrogant bastard!

‘I find the Mediterranean Sea gorgeous but if it’s too shallow to swim in there’s really no point,’ she said, retrieving the phone from his hand and whipping around.

As she rushed off, back to her table, a chill struck her chest and rippled down her arms. She peered curiously around her while rubbing her arms as the cold surged into her bones. She gazed overhead, searching for the air-conditioning unit but couldn’t see one. Frowning she returned to the terrace asking herself if she was imagining it.

As she arrived onto the terrace she noticed that the handsome but arrogant stranger had followed her and was now making his way to a seat at the next table. She squeezed past her father, shifting a chair around to one side so she could see not just her beloved Lake Léman but also this fascinating new prey. As egotistical as the stranger was, he was deadly attractive. That was more than just chemistry. Oh, you minx, she told herself with a shrill of inner mischief. Max might not be favourite on your menu right now but that’s no reason to harbour illicit thoughts.

George Remy, looking his usual freckled and suntanned self but a rather tired version, was sat next to her.

‘So, how is my little property princess getting on?’ he asked clasping one of his daughter’s shoulders and giving it a squeeze.

Gina smiled. ‘It’s getting busy again. Holiday season is finishing and people are on the move again.’ Gina pursed her lips. She knew business could be better.

‘What, both sales and lettings?’ he said, lighting a cigarette.

‘Lettings are busier but things are definitely picking up. There’s more confidence in the economy.’

‘About time,’ he said, puffing heavily on his cigarette. ‘Good for you.’

‘About time you gave that up too.’ She scowled.

‘Don’t you start. You’re beginning to sound like your mother. Anyway, where’s Max?’

‘Well, good of you to notice. He’s back in London. We had a big argument last night. And, don’t ask, I don’t want to talk about it.’

Gina closed her eyes. She had shut Max out of her thoughts all day. She wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction. Hopefully he’d finally got the message. If he doesn’t want to…No, she wasn’t going there.

‘So have you met everyone?’ she asked, clasping her hands together and crossing her legs. She knew how anti-social her dad could be.

‘Yes, James introduced Gabriella’s sister, her boyfriend and two of her cousins, I think. We’ve met her parents, of course.’

‘Yes. Oh, look James is coming over,’ Gina said, standing up as her brother shuffled around the table to greet her. ‘So sorry about the hold up earlier,’ she told him, kissing him on both cheeks.

‘Yes, you did cut it a bit fine. Where’s Max?’ James sat down and placed his beer in front of him. Gina, not realising it would be so difficult to explain, tightened her lips.

‘Still in London. Should be here in the morning.’

‘Well, we won’t be holding our wedding up for him,’ James scoffed.

‘They’ve had a row and she doesn’t want to talk about it,’ George said, stubbing out his cigarette.

‘Oh really, sweetheart,’ her mother squealed, sauntering around the table and grabbing a chair, followed by the waiter with the drinks. ‘I suspect this means he still doesn’t want to start a family then.’

Gina slammed her sunglasses on and turned towards the lake. Her eyes prickled and then stung with the tears she was so desperately trying to fight. This was supposed to be a happy occasion and all they could do was remind her of her relationship failings. She swallowed and discreetly tried to wipe her nose with a tissue. Why couldn’t they just leave her be? Her mother was right, of course, but why she had to blurt it out she didn’t know. Aunt Bernie would have a field day and, speak of the devil, she was on her way back now from Gabriella’s family now, probably with all their gossip.

‘As I said, I don’t want to talk about it. Anyway, James, are you nervous?’ she asked, changing the subject and scanning the menu the waiter now placed in her hand.

‘I’m fine, but Gabriella’s been sick with nerves this morning.’ James turned to peer at his bride-to-be. ‘I don’t think she’s been eating well lately either, she’s lost some weight.’

‘Most new brides do, James,’ his mother said, patting him gently on the arm. ‘Don’t worry, she’ll be fine.’

Gina peered up from her menu. She gasped. Bang opposite her, the vain man was staring at her with a wide grin on his face. Was he trying to humiliate her? She looked away, shifting in her chair. Her heart raced and blood rushed to her cheeks. Glad to still have her sunglasses on, she sipped at her vodka and slim-line tonic. The hovering waiter asked for her order. She ordered a salad just as two more waiters arrived at the table with glasses and a bucket. When she looked up, the vain stranger was still staring.

‘Adrienne, darling,’ Aunt Bernie bustled herself in between Gina and her mother. ‘Hope you don’t mind, I’ve ordered a couple of bottles of champagne: two for this table and two for Gabriella’s parents. Just as a celebratory drink for you all. I probably won’t get a chance tomorrow.’

‘That’s very kind of you, Bernie,’ Adrienne said, kissing her sister-in-law who was as redheaded as Adrienne was blonde. ‘Did you hear, George? Your sister has…’

‘Yes, yes. Thank you, Bernie. Very generous,’ he said crossing his legs then swallowing the rest of his beer.

‘Are you OK, Dad?’ Gina asked, trying hard to appear casual. ‘You don’t seem yourself.’

‘I’m fine,’ he grunted then forced a smile. ‘Tired, but fine.’

‘I’m going to say hello to Gabriella and her family,’ Gina said, shuffling out from the table and eager to get away from the uncomfortable stare.

‘Take this with you,’ said Aunt Bernie, handing her a glass of champagne.

As the chatter flowed among the party, so did the champagne. Gina and Gabriella chatted for a while about Gabriella’s wedding preparations and listing all the beauty treatments she’d endured ready for her big day. Gina had to concede, her soon to be sister-in-law appeared highly polished and nothing, it seemed, had been overlooked. Her skin glowed – her tan sprayed on in just the right portions – her hair and nails were immaculately manicured. Gina didn’t think there any more Gabriella could do but, Gabriella insisted, she, her bridesmaids and her mother would have the full expertise of a professional make-up artist for the big day tomorrow.

As food arrived, Gina returned to her table. She hadn’t realised how hungry she was and tucked into her salad with gusto. Aunt Bernie topped up glasses around the table except her father’s: he preferred beer. The conversation around the terrace was increasing in volume and Gina couldn’t help noticing the gorgeous vain man again, sitting opposite, giving her the occasional glance. Now with her glasses back on her head, she tried not to be intrigued. She still had no idea who he was although he appeared to be with the bride-to-be’s family. He was certainly a looker though.

She admired the way his dark brown hair cascaded loosely, hanging low over those walnut-brown eyes. They dominated his face of otherwise well-proportioned features. As she gazed again, his eyes bounced back. Her whole body tingled. He smiled, revealing even white teeth, beautiful and perfect, just like his seductively sensual lips.

‘Cheer up,’ he shouted aloud for everyone to hear. ‘I can still let you have my number.’

Gina’s cheeks roared in flames and she ducked her head back down to her salad, distractedly slicing the remainder of chicken breast on her plate. Not knowing where to place her eyes, she focused them on her glass.

‘Don’t ignore me now,’ he bellowed. ‘I was enjoying your attention.’

He winked as she raised her eyes.

Gina sat horrified. How bloody embarrassing. Scratching her temple she gazed around her but was grateful that little attention was actually being paid to him. Her mother and aunt had clocked him however.

‘You seem to have caught that young man’s eye, Gina,’ her aunt sang out what was blindingly obvious.

‘Yes, he’s so subtly just let me know,’ she replied, turning the volume up of her own voice. ‘Shame. I was so enjoying myself.’

‘I’ll show you how to enjoy yourself,’ he said standing and staggering towards her.

‘No, thank you,’ she told him, throwing out an arresting palm at the same time as he was pulled back to his seat by a young woman next to him.

‘Shush, sit down, Ollie. You’ve had too much to drink,’ the woman said, coaxing him back to his seat. ‘Sorry,’ she mouthed at Gina.

‘I’m not sorry.’ Ollie tried to stand again. ‘She’s a beautiful girl and I think she fancies me, ’cus…’

‘Nobody’s going to fancy you in this state, Ollie,’ the woman continued. ‘You’ve been drinking all day. You need to go and sleep it off.’

Chapter 2

Feeling drained, after an hour Gina took herself off for a leisurely stroll along the lake while it was still bright. A soft breeze showered her skin, rekindling her energy and quietening her mind. Refreshed, she stopped at a bench alongside the path. Sitting by the lake, she sank into a mellow trance as the evening sun soothed her porcelain skin. The crowds who had pounded the promenade earlier had ceased and she rested her head back and wallowed in the peace. She absorbed the spectacle before her while breathing in the pure Swiss air, embracing the stillness. Clear lake waters lapped at the shore in front of her while majestic snow-tipped mountains enveloped the lake’s edge. The sun’s rays turning the surface a shimmering silver against the clear cobalt sky.

Gina began reciting a poem in her head then, twisting her mouth as she forgot a line she dug her hand in her bag. She’d got it printed in her diary, the reason she’d bought it, and pulled it gently from her bag. She opened it.

Clear, placid Léman! thy contrasted lake,

With the wild world I dwelt in, is a thing

Which warns me, with its stillness, to forsake

Earth’s troubled waters for a purer spring.

Lord Byron

Gina closed the diary and repeated the words in her head as she had in her youth. She treasured the sentiment even more now as an adult. How peaceful and at one she felt with herself here compared to the hustle and bustle of life in London. Not to mention her troubled relationship with Max.

‘Mind if I join you.’

Startled, she shot up from her slumped position on the bench, pulling down her sunglasses.

‘Sorry for being an arse. Oliver Martin, Ollie,’ he continued, offering her his hand. ‘I’m the bride’s cousin and, yes, the loud-mouth.’

Peering up, she lifted up her palm, taking a sturdy hand and shaking it.

‘Oh. I was enjoying the peace actually,’ she said, swinging her head back towards the lake.

‘Look, I’m sorry. I’d been drinking rather too much. One of my cousins has been away for almost two years and, well, we started on the beer rather early,’ he added, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Gina sat back, shifted uncomfortably in her seat and crossed her legs, trying not to show the unease his presence stirred inside her. She folded her hands together around her diary to contain the trembling. Her blood rushing faster than the nearby waterfall.

After staring at her for a few moments he began. ‘The...the rehearsal seemed to go OK, I thought.’ He swallowed. ‘Are you looking forward to tomorrow?’ He hovered. He was tall, as imposing as the mountains behind.

Shielding her eyes as she looked up, she said, ‘Yes. I can’t believe my baby brother is getting married – and, before me!’ she said. Why she was being polite she didn’t know. This was the arrogant drunkard who’d embarrassed her at dinner, she reminded herself.

‘What a beautiful setting for a wedding. Would have gone for the Montreux Palace myself,’ he said, perching his smartly attired frame next to her, emanating a scent so enticing her body temperature created an instant flush to her face.

Stalling for time, Gina glanced up at the distant mountains, holding herself until her breath settled. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, momentarily catching a glimpse of the enchanted Château de Chillon nestled at the edge of the lake.

As she turned to him, his dark eyes sparkled behind thick velvety lashes. Mesmerised, she swallowed.

‘It…it is spectacular. I love it here, particularly when it’s a clear day,’ she said still clutching her diary in her hand. Purposely, she slipped it back in to her bag. ‘And, I actually think this hotel has a far better view, particularly over towards the Château.

‘True. Me too. I sit and just stare. It’s bewitching,’ he added. ‘Even more so when a mist hangs over the water and the clouds float below the mountain peaks. Quite dramatic.’

‘Yes, it can transform in seconds; so beautiful,’ Gina purred, relaxing a little. He had certainly tapped into her passion for the lake.

‘Too much time on our hands, eh? I…I hear you’re in the property business?’ he said, shifting his body towards her slightly. Gina’s skin tingled.

Gina frowned. ‘Mmm. You’ve been talking to my brother?’

‘Yes, but it was Gabriella who mentioned it – it’s my forte too.’ He raised his eyebrows expecting a reaction. ‘I’m building six villas just along there,’ he said pointing down the lakeshore towards the Château de Chillon.

‘Oh, wow,’ she smiled, genuinely impressed.

‘Ollie.’ A shout came from the hotel terrace. He stood and acknowledged the voice with a swift wave.

‘Ah, it’s Gabriella. I’m in such demand. I hope we get to chat later,’ he said jumping up.

Her eyes followed him as he raced up the hotel steps to his cousin, her very soon to be sister-in-law. She inhaled, his enticing scent trailing, and wondered how he had managed to charm her after the awful brashness he’d subjected her to earlier.

Suddenly she began to shiver. Her shoulders hunched as an icy air pierced her bones and crawled along her skin.

‘Shhh, Jesus what the…’

She grabbed her arms, hugging them to warm herself. Frowning, she breezed out a ponderous sigh. This was really weird. Where was that chill coming from and why? Afraid to move, she closed her eyes, leaning back in the bench, still lost in thought and, gradually, as her fingers tingled, the heat returned. She slid her head back, absorbing again the soft warm rays of sunshine which sent her drifting into a relaxing slumber.

Waking with a start, she blinked several times trying to focus her drowsy eyes. The sky had darkened. She’d dozed off she realised but, that was hardly a restful nap. She’d dreamt she’d been submerged into a dark cave, like a dungeon with just a single shaft of light shooting across it giving a reflection of damp glistening stone walls. Heaps of either rocks or bodies scattered a wide arched hall. Then as a putrid stench clenched her nostrils, she saw beside her, a silhouette of a hooded woman, huddled in the darkest corner shivering, trying to ward off a dank cold.

Rubbing her arms, Gina sat up, rolling her shoulders back and straightening her spine. A second later, a strange heaviness bore into the air surrounding her and the musky, earthy punch gushed to her nose like someone was right next to her. She shook her head slowly as she pulled her knees up, feeling like her toes might be stepped on. Was there someone here? Someone, she sensed, was here, right now with her. Or was she going mad?

Suddenly the hooded figure appeared in a faint form, kneeling in front of her. Feeling her heart pounding but holding her breath, Gina glared. The woman’s blue eyes, pierced up at her from her hood. She wasn’t as old as her shape suggested, maybe ten years older than herself, just unkempt, but there was a fine-boned face under the sallow skin. Her deep set eyes shone with desperation, her rounded shoulders appeared sharp, barely fleshed under what looked like a hessian sacking. Gaping down, Gina writhed as the woman spread out her cloak, revealing curled fingers that were clutching something which she began thrusting – a bag, a package – out towards her.

Gina’s hand shot over her dry mouth and she swallowed.

‘What do you want?’ she found herself asking. ‘Do you need help?’ she whispered. ‘You’re scaring me.’ She released her breath.

Gina shook her head, blinking several times. The figure then began fading as it floated out to the lake disappearing but the presence remained palpable.

Gina sat fixed to the bench, knees still up and feet resting on the bench. Help, she screamed inside, but was unable to move.

In an attempt to calm herself, she breathed in and out slowly. The dense air thinned.

‘Shit, I need a drink,’ she blurted out and dashed away from the bench and ran into the hotel.

Quickly scanning the reception for her brother or parents, she scrambled up the steps through the salon and out to the terrace. She peered down at the empty bench. Whoever she was, she’d gone. Gina scrambled to the nearest seat at the bar, relieved to know she was in the land of the living. Heads spun in her direction, sensing her panic. As she perched on the stool she peered around her.

The barman in uniform – black and gold brocade waistcoat – headed towards her from behind the bar, his forehead forming lines across it as he spoke.

‘Are you OK?’

Gina swung round her head. ‘Yes, fine. I’m fine. I’m sho…fine. Thank you.’ Her head shook a dazed nod as if to satisfy the spectators. ‘Can I have a vodka and slim-line tonic please?’

‘Yes, Mademoiselle.’ He smiled with kind dark eyes, reaching for a tall glass. Then a familiar voice sounded behind her.

‘Gina, what is it?’ Her mother rushed up, cradling her daughter’s slender shoulders.

‘Nothing,’ she said. ‘I got a bit hot outside. I must’ve looked a bit flushed as I came in, that’s all.’

‘Aunt Bernie said you tore in like you were being chased by a lion.’

‘What? No, she’s being silly. That’s an exaggeration – I think Aunt Bernie is using a bit of dramatic licence there, Mum.’

‘You don’t look hot, sweetie, you look drained.’ Her mother added, as she smoothed the dark hair from her daughters face and brushed it back over her shoulders. ‘White, in fact. Like something’s sucked the life out of you.’

‘What! Stop fussing. I’m fine,’ Gina insisted. ‘Fine.’

Gina couldn’t believe how close her mother was to the truth. What had happened out there? And who was that woman? She really did feel sapped. Like blood had been drained out of her but if she told her mother what she’d dreamed, and worse, felt, well, she’d think her cuckoo!

She stretched her arm out on to the shiny granite bar as the barman approached with the tall iced drink. Her throat parched, she swiftly poured half of its contents down in one; feeling the liquid soothe as it sank.

‘Gina, sweet pea. You’ll make yourself sick. Slow down. Or drink water if you’re that thirsty.’

‘Mum, please, I’m thirty-two, not eight.’

‘Oooh, too much information.’ Ollie grinned, sidling up to them. ‘I’d have had you down as twenty-five tops,’ he said, leaning on the bar.

Gina shuddered at his comment.

‘Gina, have you met Ollie Martin, Gabriella’s cousin? We just found out he lives in our neighbourhood. His parents are just across the road, in fact.’

‘Yes, we met earlier,’ Gina said, brushing her mother’s hand off her face.

‘You never told me how beautiful your daughter is, Adrienne. Like her mother, of course.’

‘I don’t need to. It speaks for itself,’ Adrienne pouted.

Gina closed her eyes and cringed at her mother’s pride and at Ollie’s chat-up line. But she couldn’t ignore his aroma and aura, there was certainly some magnetic force going on. And, something irritating too. Picking up her glass, she finished of her drink.

‘Right, I’m going to find James and Gabriella and say goodnight. I’m exhausted.’

‘But it’s only nine o’clock. The night is young. Let me buy you both a drink.’ Ollie waved at the barman. ‘What are you drinking?’

‘Not for me thank you. I’ve had a long day and I don’t want to turn up at the wedding tomorrow with huge bags under my eyes.’

‘I’ll have a white wine, Ollie, please?’ her mother said, brushing her fingers through the crown of her short wavy hair. ‘I’m sure you could manage another hour darling.’

Gina jumped down from the stool and straightened her jumper before flicking her handbag over her shoulder. She could feel Ollie’s eyes sweep over her, surveying her breasts then wandering to her legs. Her face flushed as he stood broad and lean before her and she witnessed his hunger.

‘Well, I’ll say goodnight,’ she managed and, to her surprise, Ollie stepped forward and swept his arm around her shoulder, sending shockwaves right through her as he held her close and kissed both her cheeks.

‘I’m sorry you have to go,’ he said. ‘Look forward to seeing you tomorrow.’

‘Yes, see you in the morning, darling.’ Her mother hugged and kissed her too. ‘Dad and I won’t be late.’

‘Are you staying at your parents’? I’ll see you back.’ Ollie held out a hand.

‘No. No. I can manage. Goodnight,’ she said before rushing off to say her goodnights to everyone else.

As she started her walk from the hotel and along the lake path, a brief flash of the figure she’s seen by the lake swam across her eyes.

‘No,’ she squealed, squinting her eyes so nothing could enter them and running like hell towards to her parents’ apartment block. Struggling to get the keys in the lock, she dropped them twice before opening the communal door. Once in she felt safer in the bright light but hesitated at the lift.

‘Oh fuck, lift.’ She pressed the button and the doors opened. ‘Be brave, be brave,’ she repeated aloud until she reached the fourth floor button. Keys at the ready and sweat now seeping from her forehead she let herself in through the front door.

She headed to her bedroom, praying the image of the lady at the lake would now leave her alone.

Chapter 3

‘Gina, it’s eight-thirty,’ her mum called. ‘We have the hairdresser coming at nine-thirty.’

With her head still feeling groggy, Gina pulled back her covers. She had slept in but she hadn’t slept well. She’d had another dream and then lain awake too afraid to move or go back to sleep. What she had seen had terrified her. The vividness had sent her body rigid. There were women howling or children possibly, Gina couldn’t be sure, but it was mixed with the sound of someone pulling at heavy iron chains like they were trying to break them. A woman, possibly the one she’d seen yesterday, had been trying to free herself from chains. She’d been in a dark cave or prison, clothed in what looked like rags and, when not fretting at the chains that bound her, was desperately trying to hand Gina something.

Gina scrunched her shoulders as a cold shiver ran through her. Her mother glided in to her room, breaking her thoughts.

‘Morning, sweetie pie. Did you sleep OK?’ she asked, rolling up the blinds. ‘Are you going to have a bath now or after having your hair done?’

Gina widened her eyes and slid her hand through her hair. ‘I’ll have one now. I need to wake up,’ she said, squinting as the light bounced into the bedroom.

‘Yes, of course, it’s an hour earlier for you, isn’t it,’ her mother reminded Gina as she padded away towards the bathroom.

Refreshed after her bath, she tried hard to fight off the image that was still tormenting her head. Instinctively, she wanted to pull out her computer and do some research but, realising she wouldn’t have time to look up anything this morning, she brushed through her wet hair and, in just her robe, went to join her parents in the living area.

The bright sunlight immediately hit her eyes. The terrace doors spread open wide. Aunt Bernie’s form was silhouetted against the brightness as she lifted pastries from a box and placed them on a plate on the table. She turned as Gina sauntered in.

‘Good morning, Gina. It’s beautiful out here this morning, a perfect day for a wedding. I suppose it’s your turn next.’

‘It’s a gorgeous morning, yes. I wonder how James and Gabriella are this morning,’ Gina replied, ignoring the latter part of her aunt’s comment.

‘Well, they didn’t have a late night,’ said her mother. ‘Dan took his duty of best man quite seriously and got James back to his room when we all left. I think there were only a few in the bar when we left. Ollie was one of them. It’s a small world, isn’t it? He lives in the next block and his parents live just across there. That villa there.’ Adrienne pointed down from the terrace.

‘Yes, you told me. You’ve lived here all this time and never met them?’ Gina asked.

‘Well, I think we know who his parents are. I think we’ve met them briefly at a party. If it’s who I think it is, the son was an Olympic skier. I didn’t realise they were Gabriella’s relatives.’

‘That doesn’t explain why he’s such an arrogant little shit.’

‘I thought he was rather endearing, rather grounded,’ Aunt Bernie argued.

‘Grounded like fog at an airport? You and Mum are such suckers. You both fell for his chat-up lines! I wouldn’t mind but they were so corny!’

‘I thought he was quite laid-back and interesting to talk to,’ Adrienne said as she reached inside the fridge for a new pack of unsalted butter.

‘Gina, we’re ladies of a certain age, we have to make the most of any attention we get,’ Aunt Bernie added as she carried the cafetière out to the table on the terrace. ‘George, are you coming out onto the terrace or reading your paper and being anti-social? Christophe should be here soon to keep you company.’

‘He’ll come out when he wants a smoke,’ Adrienne said, glowering at her husband behind his newspaper.

Gina swung round. ‘Yes, Dad. It would be nice if you would join us. I’m not here every day, you know.’

‘OK, OK. I’m coming,’ he said, lifting himself from his chair. ‘You’ve pulled my heartstrings as usual.’

‘Don’t make it sound like I’m controlling you. You sound like Max,’ Gina said pulling out a chair next to hers and patting it. Her father raised his eyebrows and obeyed.

The hairstylist arrived twenty minutes later wheeling in a case filled with her tools. Gina sat impatiently as her hair was meticulously styled with enough hair lacquer, she imagined, to restructure the Berlin wall. Her stylist whirled her magic with a curling iron and pinned each curl up in sequence. Gina felt every pin as it was burrowed dagger-like into the flesh of her head. She had to admit, though, the effect was elegant, appearing loosely tousled, with a wispy fringe. It was then sprayed again so it wouldn’t fall from grace.

Afterwards Gina scrubbed her face and cleaned her teeth again to get rid of the taste of lacquer. She sat at the dressing table and emptied out her make-up bag. As she looked up to the mirror Max’s reflection stared back as he leaned into the doorframe behind her, smiling.

‘So you made it then,’ she said, trying to contain her pleasure. At least he’d kept his promise. ‘You didn’t have to.’

‘I know but I wanted to,’ he said. ‘You’re hair looks beautiful by the way.’ He marched his well-tended physique towards her and clasped her hand. She held his gaze.

‘I’m not going to pretend I’m happy, Max,’ she said swiping back her hand and picking up her face cream, unscrewing the lid. ‘I don’t think we should discuss it now though. I’m just going to get some base make-up on then I’m going up to Gabriella’s suite. She has a make-up artist to finish us bridesmaids off.’

‘Fine. I’ll get changed here and walk along with your parents.’

‘Well, they won’t be far behind me, so you best hurry.’

‘OK but I’ve got time to tell my darling girl how much I love her, right?’

‘Yes, but I’m not going to listen to any more of your bullshit. If you really don’t want a family, like I told you Thursday, I don’t see where our relationship is going to go.’

‘So, you don’t love me?’

‘Let’s not go there now, Max.’

She watched as his tall, slender frame turned, clutching his head with one hand. He was obviously as frustrated as she was. Why he needed to wait she didn’t know. They could afford a family, he knew that, and he could continue to work on the new charity he’d set up. That wasn’t likely to get in the way. He worked from home often. She couldn’t understand his reasoning or rather, she surmised, his excuses.

As Gina collected up her make-up and put it back in the bag, Max returned to the room showered. He closed the door and dried himself off.

‘Your suit is in that wardrobe there,’ she told him while dressing herself.

‘I’ll take this back with me in the morning. My flight is at eleven.’

‘I’m not returning until Tuesday. I’m going to spend a few days with Mum and Dad.’

‘Yes, you said. I do listen.’

‘When it suits you, yes.’

‘Well, I’m off to the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday so I may not see you.’

‘Why there?’ Gina had now put on some jeans and a T-shirt and was slipping on some pumps.

‘I’ve got some people to see who are likely to give generous amounts to the charity.’

‘Oh,’ she grimaced, searching his face with a frown and collecting her bags. ‘Anyway, I’m off. Did you tell Mum you’re going with her?’

‘No, let her know. I won’t be long.’

After having her make-up finished off Gina went with the two bridesmaids to the hotel foyer and waited at the bottom of the stairs for Gabriella to arrive. As she emerged down the winding marble staircase Gina’s breath was taken away. Her soon-to-be sister-in-law was a stunning sight in ivory taffeta. She paused for photos alone and then Gina and the two other bridesmaids – all three in matching soft peach – joined her as the photographer instructed them to stand behind her and pose for more pictures.

After what seemed like hundreds of photos the bride and bridesmaids made their way through the foyer and processed into the ballroom to begin the wedding service.

Gina’s brother’s face beamed as he caught sight of his bride, arm linked through her father’s, walking towards him down the aisle of white, floral-draped chairs on which a large congregation sat. Sniffs and snivels could be heard among them as the brief ceremony took place. Even Gina had to wipe a tear from her cheek.

Once the nuptials were completed and the couple congratulated by guests, champagne was served with trays of hors d’oeuvres. They were then ushered to their tables for the wedding dinner.

At once Gina felt a cold presence beside her. Nervously she turned her head, fearful of seeing the woman from her dreams again. Instead Ollie Martin stood there wearing a sheepish smile. She turned away embarrassed only to see Max at her other side.

‘You look beautiful, Miss Remy,’ Ollie told her as they sought their place cards on the tables.

Gina felt her cheeks redden.

‘Hi, er, this is my partner, Max Gill,’ she turned to Max. ‘This is the bride’s cousin, Ollie Martin.’

Ollie stepped across her and took Max’s hand. ‘Good to meet you.’

Gina, scanning the cards, realised both Max and Ollie’s were to be sat at this table. Nervously she looked for her own name. She was just making her way around the table when her mother called out to her.

‘Gina, you’re over here sweetheart.’

Relieved, she dashed to the top table leaving Max with his new acquaintance. As the meal progressed, she could only glance and wonder what the two of them were talking about. However, her attention was soon diverted when the speeches began. The bride’s father was first, followed by the groom. Her brother spoke eloquently and made some quips about his bride and being the new son-in-law, which amused the audience. But his final sentiment changed their giggles to coos.

‘So, Gabriella and I have begun making plans and can’t wait to hear the pitter patter of tiny feet. We intend to start a family as soon as possible. We can’t wait.’

Gina’s eyes moistened and, burying her head, she discreetly dried them on her napkin as she dared peek at Max. He was barely paying attention, instead, chatting to a woman the other side of him. She caught Ollie’s eye instead. His eyes bore right into her, locking for several seconds. A sneer crossed his face. He really did fancy his chances, she thought.

She focused her eyes again on Max. Her brother’s sentiment was obviously wasted on him and probably would have gone right over his head even if he had been listening. He didn’t understand. Doubtless he was working on the whole table – aggravating guests to part with their hard-earned cash for his charity. That guy has no scruples when it comes to money, other peoples’, that is. But that was what had made him such a success in the banking world. He knew how to play the stock markets. It was just a giant Monopoly game to him. That was part of the attraction. He was clever, smart and a loveable rogue: her ideal man. Or had been. Obviously he was distracted nowadays. Where had their shared dream gone? He’d always wanted a family with her, he’d always said so, so why did he keep putting it off?

Chapter 4

Agnes-Francesia clapped her palms. Finally she had the connection she had so longed for. She had failed time and time again. But this felt promising so she had to find the energy to make it work. She had often scared people. And this girl was scared. Most thought they were being harassed by the devil himself, she was sure. It was important to try again. It had been fifty-five years since her last opportunity.

It was now over four hundred years since she had been captured, imprisoned and then burned at the stake. For four hundred years she had been seeking someone to help. She could never rest until her mission was complete. Was it so wrong to want to be back with her husband and family? Hope flooded through her. Now she had the contact and the host was receptive she had to keep track of her. The country had changed and she had stretched her energy wide to keep abreast of what was going on – a plethora of modern transport, huge glass buildings, peculiar items which lit up. Wonders indeed. And she had to build on her knowledge of her host’s life. On her last attempt, her host went away and she had lost track of her even though she knew the area well. The host had disappeared into a large arch in the mountains that didn’t end. She has since learned that these arches went right through the mountain for miles. These are new mountain passes but they call them tunnels. She had to make sure she stayed with the new host, Georgina, but they call her Gina. A very pretty girl who hasn’t passed out yet!

***

All too soon Gina returned to London. She let herself into her flat and picked up her post. It had been a wonderful wedding and she’d loved seeing all her family. Quite a weekend, bar the nightmares. They were vivid and disconcerting. And, the woman. Apart from dreaming of huge angry brown bears under her bed as a child, she’d never experienced anything like it. During one dream she’d thought she’d heard a woman calling. It was hard to understand but someone close to the woman, another female voice, was calling the name Anis-Frescoro or something similar. She couldn’t be sure. She wanted to confide all this to someone, her mother possibly. But what could she tell her; no she would never believe her. Everything in her mother’s garden was rosy and nice. And she’d go straight and tell Aunt Bernie.

Gina just hoped she would sleep better tonight, back home. It was always possible the altitude had been affecting her mind. It can do that, she knew. She’d had some pretty vivid dreams before in the mountains. Not as upsetting as these though. Anyhow, she was home now.

Spending time with her parents had been quite refreshing. Since starting up her new business in London, she hadn’t had much of a chance to get to see them these last twelve months. She did wonder if her father was OK. He’d seemed rather distant but had insisted he was fine. Maybe it was his reaction to the wedding; his baby boy getting married. There had been a lot of tears from him and her mother. Especially during James’s speech. That had really taken everyone by surprise.

Her heart wrenched again. Her brother and her new sister-in-law had already planned their family. That had really knocked her sideways. It was only difficult to take in because James was four years younger. She’d always teased him about being ‘Uncle James’ one day but, such as it was, she would be Aunty Gina before she was even a mother. Don’t you dare start feeling sorry for yourself!

In the office the following morning, Rebecca, Gina’s assistant, was already at her desk, brushing a vast curtain of long strawberry blonde hair down one side, as Gina arrived. She smiled as Gina scuttled in from the wind, forcing the door behind her.

‘Phew, that’s some wind this morning. How did the wedding go?’

‘It was amazing, thanks. Yes, all went to plan. And Switzerland, I’d forgotten how beautiful it all is. The lake, the mountains, sheer heaven.’ Gina almost blurted out something about her scary dreams but thought better of it. There was too much to do to start adding drama into the office.

‘Wasn’t it cold?’ Rebecca asked, sliding her brush into her bag and pulling out her make-up bag.

‘No, not at all, the weather was gorgeously warm. Montreux has a bit of a micro-climate, it’s a bit like the French Riviera.’

‘But no beach, shame.’

‘Oh, contraire, the lake has beaches, promenades, sailing boats. You should try it.’

‘Maybe I will one day. So how are the newlyweds?’

‘Yes, very good, they’re so happy together. So,’ Gina paused, ‘well suited and madly in love.’

‘Lucky pair. Where are they honeymooning?’

‘Venice, I believe.’

‘Oh, so romantic.’ Rebecca sat back dreamily.

‘Anyway, how are things here? Are they still buzzing?’ Gina scratched her head anxiously while peering at a large tin on Rebecca’s desk

‘Haven’t stopped,’ Rebecca said and went on to explain all the business activity over the weekend.

‘Brilliant. That’s what I like to hear. I shall have to go away more often.’

Gina, switched on her computer and began checking her emails. Flicking through and deleting rubbish as she went. She was surprised to see an email from Oliver Martin and opened it with curiosity.

Hope you had a good journey back. It was lovely to meet you at the weekend. I do hope we meet up again. Took the liberty of seeking out your website.

Hope you don’t mind me getting in touch. I wondered if you could give me some help with research, which I’m currently doing for a site in Battersea, riverside. 2, 3 and 4 bed apartments, four penthouses. If I send you spec and square footage, would you be able to give me some guide prices?

Also, I’ve got four of the villas I was talking about here in Montreux and would be happy for you to market the remainder in London. You wouldn’t be treading on any toes. Let me know and I can send you details. Maybe pop along when you’re next back in Switzerland. See them for yourself.

‘Interesting,’ she said aloud.

‘What’s that?’ Rebecca asked.

‘Oh, just someone I met at the weekend. Might be some new business,’ Gina said, dragging her fingers through her hair and then resting her chin in her palm. How he got the name of her business she didn’t know. She could only guess he’d asked one of her family. Well, she would have a think before she replied. She had met people before who were full of promises and she really didn’t have time right now to begin speculating on what could be years off, even if he was deadly attractive.

‘Coffee. Do you want one?’ Rebecca boomed, waking Gina from her trance. ‘And, cakes, of course.’

‘Mmm, yes please, before these phones start. What have you baked this time?’

‘Just some lemon cupcakes. Mum was cleaning out cupboards last night so I kept them simple.’

‘Ha! Lovely, do you think she’ll come and clean mine?’

Rebecca marched out to the kitchen with a snigger. ‘She probably would.’

The two of them managed to catch up on work and gossip while drinking coffee, Gina not giving too much away about Max and their recent drama. He often popped in and although she trusted Rebecca totally, she didn’t like airing her dirty laundry in the office. She did wonder though how long Max would be in the United Emirates for. She hadn’t thought to ask him. She didn’t really want to give him the impression she cared. But, of course, she did. She knew he wasn’t one to sit still, accepted that he’d be off to Manchester, Berlin or Milan at a moment’s notice, but United Arab Emirates was different. She presumed he’d organised his ex-wife to keep his daughters Daisy and Gracie, which was a shame, she had missed them this weekend.

A week later, Max texted Gina at five to say he’d arrived back the previous evening and would meet her at eight at the White Horse in Parson’s Green. Gina was quite pleased with this arrangement because it meant they were unlikely to argue in public. After another busy week she was tired but she’d felt rather lonely and looked forward to seeing him. She wished she could have at least arranged to see his daughters; they would have kept her mind off the nagging echoes of those nightmares too.

‘Well, what did you achieve in the United Emirates?’ she asked kissing him swiftly on the lips. He wore a self-satisfied smirk. It was evident he’d done well.

‘There is so much money out there, Gina. I’ve secured some nice large donations and after a talk I did the audience was so excited that I’m now putting a project together so that individuals or groups can get involved directly with business start-ups and mentoring in poorer parts of the world.’

‘Brilliant. That’s going to take quite some organisation. Does that mean you’ll be travelling more?’

‘I certainly will, but you can come with me.’ Max squeezed her hand then pumped his palms with energy and enthusiasm. He could hardly stand still. He ordered drinks and Gina felt her own plans drifting further down his list.

‘My business is here and needs me,’ she said.

‘How has that been going?’

‘Yes, good. We’ve had an amazing few weeks, a sign, I hope, of more to come. I need more hands on deck though, I can’t just up and leave.’

‘So there’s no way you could start a family yet then?’ he remarked sipping his beer and leaning against the bar.

Gina scowled into his grey eyes, the eyes that had once fired in to her and melted her.

‘Do you have to start? You’ve just got back. Anyway, it’s much better than I could have expected eighteen months ago when I set up. Luckily the market has turned. I’d certainly prepare myself and be organised with help in the office and childcare. At least I’d have time to get everything in place.’ Gina picked up her drink from the bar. Despite running a business Gina knew she’d always put a child first. But Max didn’t. He had two children but they didn’t feature at the top of his list any more than she did. It was so unfair. ‘Anyway, let’s stop there, we’re just going around in circles again,’ she said feeling defeated once again. ‘Oh, but, why don’t you organise for me to have the girls while you’re away. Especially if you’re going to be way a week at a time. I’ve missed them.’

Max shrugged. ‘I can speak to Mel and see what she says.’

After dinner, and listening to Max rant with fervour about his feats abroad, she refused to go back with him to his apartment instead agreeing to see him the following night. Yes, she wanted to feel his arms around her but how could she keep living this lie? They were so obviously in different worlds right now. She would have to do something. End it and move on.

With her decision made she arrived at his flat the following evening but she wasn’t prepared for what was waiting for her. He had a romantic table set with candles and bottles of wine, brand new red wine goblets and the aroma of a sumptuous dinner hung heavy in the air. She slipped off her jacket and kissed him lightly.

‘Well, this is a surprise. What’s all this about?’ she said hanging her jacket on a hook in the hall.

‘I just want to shower my beautiful girlfriend with love and attention. Show her how much she still means to me.’ He sidled up to her and took her in his arms.

She burrowed her eyes into his and stroked slightly greying temples awash with sun-streaked hair. He wore a healthy glow still from his time abroad. He pulled her closer.

‘I sensed yesterday you are unhappy, disappointed. I do know what it is you want and all I’m asking is another twelve months. I just want to get this baby up and running first,’ he told her now, brushing her face with his thumb while cupping her chin. He was just drawing his lips close when her phone rang. She was tempted to ignore it but she just needed to check who was calling.

Grabbing her phone from her bag, she saw her mother’s avatar.

‘Hi Mum, how are you?’

‘Oh Gina, I don’t…’

‘Mum. What’s wrong? Are you OK? Is Dad OK? What is it?’ she shrieked down the phone.

Chapter 5

‘Your dad.’ She began sobbing. ‘He’s gone Gina. He’s left me.’

Gina’s heart skipped. ‘What do you mean, what, just walked out?’ she enquired desperate for clues. She paced the room as Max looked at her wide-eyed and helpless. Listening intently and nervously tapping her leg while her mother collected herself she asked, ‘Are you OK, Mum?’

‘Yes,’ she sniffed. ‘He…he said he has fallen in love with someone else and that…’ she cried again, ‘he’s going to move in with her. Oh, Gina, I’m sitting here numb from shock. I don’t know what to do. I tried to speak to him but he said there’s no point, he’d made his mind up. He walked out with a bag five minutes ago.’

‘Whoa.’ She caught her breath. ‘Yes, it is a shock,’ Gina said biting her lip. She sat down for a few moments then jumped from the sofa. This was so surreal. ‘Look, Mum, is there anyone you can call to be with you until I can get there? I won’t get a flight until the morning.’ She felt herself trembling.

‘No. I don’t want anyone.’ Adrienne’s voice was curt.

‘I can drive. If I can get a crossing…’

‘No Gina, it’s too late to be driving,’ Adrienne told her.

‘What about Aunt Bernie or Suzanne?’

‘I’ll be fine. I want to be on my own, at least until you get here,’ Adrienne insisted.

‘Oh, Mum. I really don’t know what to say.’ She pinched her lips wondering what she should do or what she could say. Her mother was sniffing at the other end of the phone. Gina gave Max a helpless shrug. ‘Look Mum, I’m coming over in the morning but I’m at Max’s right now so I’ll go home and call you from there. Ring at once if you need me.’

Max caught her phone as Gina buried her head in her hands. A numbness washed over her. She noted he’d checked she’d ended the call before wrapping an arm around her.

‘Dad has walked out on Mum,’ she said, throwing her head back up. ‘I can’t believe it. He’s just packed his bag telling Mum he’s in love with someone else.’

‘Bloody hell!’ Max said, squeezing her close.

‘Fuck,’ Gina said wiping a tear from her cheek as the realisation hit. A flood of happy memories of the two of them gushed into her mind: the magic she’d once felt when her father drew her mother lovingly close and kissed her – it always wrapped a seal of comfort around her; the image of him trying to teach her mother to jump into the swimming pool in Italy one year. He’d picked her up and jumped in with her in the end and her mother actually began laughing once she’d got over the initial shock. They’d often been really sweet together. ‘I’ll need to go and book a flight and make calls and sort…’

‘Yes, yes. And call her back. Of course. If there’s anything I can do?’ Max offered. ‘Are you sure you’re OK? You look shocked yourself.’

‘I am. I mean, who’d have thought? It’s complete madness…I need to help Mum out. I don’t know how she’ll manage without him.’

Collecting her things while wiping her nose, she turned to Max. ‘I’ll call you,’ she said before pecking him on the lips and turning to leave.

On her return home, still dazed, she found the first available morning flight on the internet before calling Rebecca’s mobile, then her mother back. After an hour, she rang her father’s mobile. He wasn’t picking up. She packed her bags and left them by the front door. Her mind hazed. It kept drawing blanks as she asked herself over and over how this had all happened. She’d thought him distant, maybe upset at the wedding. Perhaps the wedding had finalised it all. Gina had so many questions as, she was sure, her mother had. It was two o’clock already; she had to be up again at four.

Arriving the next morning at Geneva airport, Gina boarded the train to Montreux. Tiredness was sucking out her energy but worrying about her mother’s well being was keeping her awake.

As the train began to border Lake Léman there was so much mist she couldn’t see much of Lake Léman nor the mountains, which was disappointing, but it was likely to burn off in an hour or two. It was brighter by the time Gina stepped off the train but she decided to take the road rather than the lake path. It wasn’t much quicker but the walk was what she needed after sitting down for hours. Once at her parents’ apartment, she let herself in and found her mother still in her dressing gown with red and puffy eyes. Gina rushed to her alarmed, throwing her arms around her. Her mother buried her head in her shoulders and began crying uncontrollably. Gina was unable to hold back either, letting her tears spill as she cradled Adrienne.

‘I couldn’t sleep,’ Adrienne told her several minutes later. ‘I don’t even know who this woman is but just the thought of your father…loving, touching someone else. Urrgh. It keeps turning my stomach.’

Gina pulled a face. ‘I can imagine, Mum. Must be a real shock,’ she said stroking her mother’s hair. ‘It’s awful. Try not to torment yourself with those thoughts.’

‘I can’t help it. It still hasn’t really sunk in.’ Adrienne slumped away and into her armchair swiping a glance at George’s empty one. ‘I keep expecting him to walk back in the door.’

Gina sat on the edge of the sofa facing her. ‘So what else did he say? I mean, do you know how long it’s been going on or how they met or why?’ Gina asked then walked to the kitchen area, reaching for the kettle and began getting the coffee cups prepared.

Her mother shook her head. ‘I’ve no idea. I had no idea. Like I said on the phone, it came out of the blue. He just came out of the bedroom last night with his large brown holdall; I was at the sink just drying my hands. I’d just put the dinner on the table.’ She sniffed and swallowed hard. ‘Then, he said. “I’m sorry, Adrienne, but I’ve fallen in love with someone else and we’ve decided to move in together.” Just like that and then I said “What do you mean?” and he just carried on walking. At first I thought he might be joking, I don’t know why, but when he got to the door, I thought, he means this, he’s going. I asked him to explain but he said he couldn’t be any clearer and went.’

Gina dashed to her mother as she broke down again. She held her shuddering body, allowing her to release her tears.

‘Oh, Mum, I don’t know what to say. I did try to ring him last night but he wasn’t answering.’ Rubbing her mother’s back she continued, ‘It’s really strange. I did think about ringing Aunt Bernie to ask if he’d spoken to her or gone to hers but I didn’t know whether you would want me to.’ Wiping her own eyes, she sat back. ‘I feel so useless.’

‘I know, I understand. I just don’t understand him though. Not a word.’

‘Presumably he’s taken his wallet and money, cards?’

‘Gosh, I’ve no idea. I hadn’t thought of that. He looks after all our money. He normally just leaves money out for me. What if…’

Gina took her mother’s hands. ‘Don’t panic. I’m sure he wouldn’t leave you homeless or without money. I’ll try to get hold of him again. Let me make this coffee.’

Now Gina was concerned. What if he had failed to provide? How would her mother cope? She’d never been self-reliant and, she imagined, she would struggle if her father didn’t pay the bills, although she was sure they’d paid cash for their apartment. That may be safe. Aunt Bernie was still the best person to ring but if her mother needed some time she had to respect that. She needed to ring her father. She rang his mobile again but still he didn’t answer. She texted him, urging him to call her. She finished the coffee and returned to her mother, still staring vacantly in her chair.

‘We’ll drink this and then you have a shower. That’ll make you feel a bit better at least,’ she told her mother handing her the hot mug.

‘I don’t feel like having a shower, Gina.’

‘I know but I think you should keep – ’ she stumbled on her words ‘ – to a routine. Keep yourself fed and watered and looking beautiful. You always look lovely.’

‘Didn’t do me much good, did it?’

‘Well, the way I see it is, if he walked back in here now and he saw you, he would think you could never manage without him. I personally, wouldn’t give him that satisfaction. If he’s been having an affair, he’s already betrayed you.’

Adrienne scowled at Gina. ‘My husband of thirty-three years has just walked out, how do you expect me to look?’ She held her cheeks, her palm spreading across her face, trying to contain her sobs. ‘I’m not like you, Gina. He’s my life. I care about him and I’m hurt. I don’t care if he sees me like this.’

‘Oh sorry, Mum. That’s just me. I’ll shut up. I’m sorry, I’m still just so shocked, and I’m sure, like you, confused. I don’t know how I’d react in all honesty.’

‘I’m going back to bed,’ Adrienne said, lifting herself from the chair and shuffling off, hunched, to her bedroom.

Cursing herself for upsetting her mother, Gina apologised again. ‘I’m so furious at him for hurting you like this.’

‘I’m tired. Maybe I’ll feel better after some sleep.’

‘You haven’t got any tablets or anything in there, have you? I mean, I don’t want to leave you alone…not in your state of mind,’ Gina said with panic in her voice.

‘No. But I wish I…never mind. I need to sleep.’

As her mother closed the door, Gina paced. For the first time in her life she felt helpless. With her own relationship struggling too, she failed to reach any answers. It seemed men still ruled. Did what they wanted.

What could she do? Respect her mother’s feelings and help her cope, she supposed. Looking through the fully stocked cupboards it seemed she didn’t need to go shopping. She tried her father’s mobile again, leaving him a message to call her urgently. She then left her mother a note and slipped out. She needed to walk.

She took the path along the lake towards the centre and continued until she reached Château de Chillon towards the end of the lake. A kiosk was open outside and, feeling a thirst, she bought a small bottle of water and an ice cream with some change in her pocket and headed back down the path.

A smaller path led her down to the shore where rocks formed a tiny bay just feet from the vast castle wall. She perched on the rocks and looked out across the lake. It wasn’t as bright as her last visit had been. Clouds and mist harboured the distant view but added drama. The mountains peaked dark grey above a bruised sky like shark fins protruding from the murkiest ocean. It was dismal but the sun was trying its best to sneak through. She peered back at the castle, its turrets towering above. It was beautiful in a haunting medieval way. She couldn’t remember ever visiting it before but noted a tour for when she had time.

She tried her father’s phone again and every few minutes thereafter but he continued to ignore her. She couldn’t bring herself to call her brother. God no, he would be horrified to discover his parents’ marriage had disintegrated having just tied the knot. Instead she rang Rebecca in the office who confessed it was busy but said she would manage there and sent her condolences. Lydia, she relayed, had agreed to do a few hours where she could. It was fortunate she could assist during school hours. At least something was sorted out, if only for the short-term.

She climbed some steps and began to meander back along the lake path.

***

Ollie Martin had begun the day early. He and Thomas, his foreman and good friend, had run through the schedules for the villas. With the first villa completing its second fix, Ollie inspected the sanitary ware and kitchen cupboards waiting to be fitted. The wall and floor tilers could now begin and the painters could return to complete the walls and woodwork. The landscaping surrounding the villa could also start.

He returned to his office and checked his laptop. He still hadn’t received a reply to his email. He wondered if Gina had seen it. Maybe she was busy. He’d give her a few more weeks but the option on the land in London had only two months left so, although he considered London a safe haven for his next investment and the property portals provided a huge amount of information, he would appreciate her input. It would also be an opportunity for her too. Not to mention an excuse for him to make contact.

Thomas wandered in removing his jacket and hard hat.

‘How would you feel about working in London, Tom?’ he asked conscious that it would be difficult with his family in Switzerland.

Thomas grimaced. ‘It wouldn’t be ideal but I have bills to pay.’

‘I’m spreading my wings a bit. London’s still a good investment,’ he told him as he watched Tom unroll a huge site drawing.

‘Well, you have to go where the opportunities are like me. I would prefer to stay with you.’

‘Yeah, we work well together so think about it.’

‘I’ll speak to Anna,’ Thomas said, nodding his head and spreading the drawing across his desk. ‘It’s all about schools nowadays.’

‘Oh, I completely understand. Yes, a bit different from when we started out and we could stagger round bars. Have a chat with Anna about it. Let me know,’ Ollie said, thinking how lucky Tom was. He certainly had a beautiful wife and super kids. He wouldn’t want to uproot them but wanted Thomas to stay with him.

Sitting back in his chair, staring at the screen, he had to admit it was always drink which made him brave. He had made a fool of himself being so drunk at the rehearsal and calling out to Gina. He’d probably completely blown his chances. He just wished he had a natural confidence with women. He was so inept, particularly with women he really liked. Why did it always go so wrong when he found someone that really stirred him? He could only conclude it all stemmed back to being rejected and, publicly humiliated, by Phoebe Barton-King in his first year at university. He’d been surprised when she’d agreed to go out with him. It had taken several drinks and a crass chat-up line to ask her. She’d been the girl all the guys buzzed around like bees around a honeypot, but she’d left a bitter taste after just four weeks. Just as his confidence was growing, she’d taken great pleasure in telling all his friends in the bar that he was the biggest and most boring dork she’d ever met. Adding that he was still tied to his mother’s apron strings. It was the worst moment of his life and for weeks afterwards he’d seriously contemplated suicide. Luckily, it was his mother who had got him through it.

Thomas called for a third time. ‘You’re miles away. Do you want coffee?’

Ollie stared up at his colleague. ‘Oh, er, yes. Sorry. Yeah, just thinking.’

‘Pretty deeply by all accounts,’ Thomas laughed.

‘Thinking how lucky you are. Having Anna and the children. It’s worked really well. Didn’t you meet her in that club we went to when we did my father’s site in Vevey?’

‘Yes. That was embarrassing. I’d met some other girl there the week before.’

‘Ha, that’s right. I remember she came up to you when you were chatting to Anna.’

They both laughed. Ollie had been finding his feet again around that time. Two other guys at the site, he and Tom had regularly enjoyed their nights out.

Thomas placed a mug of coffee on his desk. ‘Yes, my friend, you were quite the player then. What happened? Since Ella, you’ve not really been on many dates.’

Ollie thought he’d got over his fear. Picking up girls in clubs was easy. He was drunk, they were drunk and drooling. He didn’t care for them. Any really beautiful woman however, he steered away from. The Phoebe Barton-King incident had grossly knocked him sideways. He refused to approach a beautiful girl again. Labelled them all as cruel and up their own backsides. The irony was, the less sensitive he behaved towards the girls he did approach, the greater his success. He became the bad boy they all wanted.

‘I don’t know, it all became meaningless. Ella was sweet but…nowhere close to what I’m looking for, and what you have.’

‘God, I got lucky with Anna.’

‘You found the right person and you went for it. Clearly she is special.’

Special, that was what Gina was. And they’d exploded with chemistry. The attraction was strikingly strong, that’s for sure. He’d been brave enough with a drink inside him or perhaps just brash. Inevitably, he would struggle and he would have to risk humiliation. Surely he should be mature enough to deal with that. He rubbed his forehead. It was just his bad luck she was in a relationship. Long-term too.

His mind drifted as he closed He pictured her amazing dark chestnut hair, which happened to be his favourite colour on women. Thick and long with a soft natural wave flowing down her back. And the delicate bone structure shaping large green-blue eyes which smiled on their own, a pretty, slender nose with just slightly-flared nostrils which gave her a sort of wildness, sexiness even. Her aura bleeding a blend of confidence and independence, a quality that really turned him on.

‘Right,’ he said, shutting down his laptop. ‘I’m off.’

‘Can you sign off this before you go?’ Thomas brought him a sheet. ‘And I’ll see you tomorrow.’

‘See you in the morning.’ He gave Thomas a swift wave and headed back to the centre of Montreux. He could, he decided, do with a quick beer.

He wandered along the lake path. He passed a statue on the edge of the lake: a door in just a frame leading directly in to the lake. He smiled. It never failed to amuse him. The lake path was strewn each year with a variety of art in several forms. He was curious as to the artist’s inspiration for the piece as he approached it. He’d intended to find out one day before it disappeared. Then, just as he peered away back to the path, thinking about stopping and reading the plaque beside it, a female figure grabbed his attention. It was Gina. She was strolling before him, deep in thought. He swallowed hard as his breathing raced.

‘Gina. I…I Would you believe it? Not five minutes ago I was just wondering why I hadn’t heard from you. How are you?’ He hovered throwing his trembling hands into his pockets. ‘Did you get my email?’

Chapter 6

Gina’s heart leaped as a man appeared in front of her. It took her a few seconds to register the speaker. She’d been thinking about her father. He couldn’t even pick up his phone and talk to her. She stared at Ollie.

‘Sorry, were you saying something?’ she asked him. Her heart pounding faster.

Ollie repeated himself.

‘Hi, yes. I’ve been busy. I had meant to reply. Bit of a family crisis right now. You’ll have to excuse me.’ She continued walking.

‘Can I help, Gina?’ he asked, realising he’d seen her father in a bar with a younger woman a few times and quickly figured this could be the crisis.

Gina gave him a tense smile. ‘I don’t think so. But thank you.’

‘You could try me. I’m finished for the day. I’m a good listener,’ he said as they both halted by the opened door to the lake.

Gina squinted at him pensively for a moment. A flutter shooting through her heart swelled blood through every vein. He looked adorable, her epitome of a man. But he was a persistent shit. His way or the highway. Not really the type of person you could call on when you needed a shoulder to lean on. She glanced at the open door to the lake. Should she share her private troubles with this man, this arrogant loudmouth? Oh, if only his eyes didn’t grab her like this.

‘It’s very kind of you to offer but I…’

‘In case you’re wondering, I promise, you can trust me,’ he said tilting his head and churning more flurries through her skin. ‘Come on, we’ll have a coffee. You can have my company if nothing else.’

Gina took in a deep breath. What makes him think I would actually want his company? she asked herself. Was he sincere or just immature? She peered at the open door on the lake again, a strange concept inviting people to step into the lake – to drown themselves maybe? As if echoing her thinking, Ollie stepped towards the structure and ran his fingers down the frame.

‘I wonder?’ he said. ‘Is it an open door to opportunity, new beginnings? As one door closes another opens and all that?’

‘Mmm, curious,’ she answered running her finger down her nose. ‘An invite, a way in or, for some, a way out; an exit.’ She turned and face him. ‘What would you want it to be?’

Patting it once more he leant his shoulder against the frame and holding his other palm out lifted his eyes up to hers.

‘Definitely an invitation, possibly a new beginning,’ he said.

Gina’s heart quivered. Those words slipped from his lips so seductively. His dark eyes, so powerfully entrancing. It was hard not to be drawn in. How natural she imagined it would be to dissolve into those strong arms. Her mind drifted.

Out of nowhere, a sharp icy sensation sliced through her and she sensed they weren’t alone; something or someone was beside her again. Her nose and lip twitched at the putrid odour suddenly apparent. This lake must be haunted, she surmised. She shuddered and raised both hands to rub her arms. Her eyes shifted from his to the richly coloured flowerbed in front of the lake.

‘Do you know? I can’t really think.’ She took a deep breath. What was the harm? ‘Let’s have coffee,’ she conceded feeling confused as a rush of blood returned to her arms. Clasping her wrist, she frowned at the peculiar sensations within her. ‘I only have a short time though. I need to get back soon,’ she said finding his gaze again. Her mind unable to comprehend what the sensations meant? Had it been worse so close to the door? Was that significant? Was she meant to exit? Take a way out through the door and into the lake?

Ollie led her along the promenade and sat down at a table outside The Metropole, a café restaurant close to the steamboat terminal. He ordered a coffee and a beer.

He broke the silence. ‘So, I’m still curious about your interpretation of the metaphorical door?’

‘I suppose, being an optimist and an opportunist, for me, it would have to be an invite, or an open door to something new,’ she said, watching his mouth uncurl into a smile.

‘I’m glad you said that. Reading your face down at the lake, for a minute, I was worried it suggested something else.’

She sipped her mug of coffee. ‘Why should it?’ she said, intrigued. ‘You don’t know me.’

‘Well, no, but for us, there are plenty of inviting opportunities. We have much to offer one another.’ His eyes sparkled.

Gina felt a faint rush of blood in her cheeks. Well, at least he wasn’t being as flippant or glib like he’d been previously. One side of her mouth rose as her mind churned. How was she supposed to interpret his suggestion? Did he mean property or relationship? Why did he emphasise the word ‘inviting’? Or was he just being his cocky, and now, smutty self? Or, was she propagating some kind of wish-fulfilment within herself? She rubbed her ear, he was well aware she was in a relationship with Max and she had told him she was having a crisis right now, so it was unlikely he would be making a pass, so she decided to play safe with property.

‘Of course, you did say in your email, to come along and see the villas for yourself.’

‘Yes. Come along when you have time. Here’s my card.’

Chapter 7

Creeping in to the apartment Gina could just hear a clock ticking in the kitchen. She tiptoed down the hall and peeked her head slowly around the bedroom door. She waited a while and watched her mother’s chest take slow, shallow breaths, then gently closed the door.

Again, she tapped her father’s avatar on her phone, letting it ring. He didn’t answer. She blew out a deflated sigh. She texted him again. This time her message was less polite. Reaching for the kettle, she realised it was still quite warm. Her mother had, it seemed, been up and gone back to bed.

She pulled out her phone and the business card Ollie had handed her. Might as well, she thought, keying in his number.

Five minutes later, as she reached the foyer on the ground floor, she was pleased Ollie was standing outside the main door.

‘I’ve probably got an hour or two at most,’ she said, gazing at his untamed hair caught by the breeze. ‘How far are we going?’ she asked as they crossed the road and he led her through wrought-iron gates and down the side of his parents’ large lakeside villa.

‘I can take the car if you’d prefer. It takes about fifteen, twenty minutes to walk along the lake.’

Gina wrapped her hair behind her ear. ‘No, walking will be fine, I love to walk,’ she said and her eyes danced at the site of the house and gardens from the front. ‘Wow, this is impressive. How beautiful.’

‘This is my parents’ place.’

‘It’s vast. And what a magnificent style, traditional.’ She stopped briefly to take it all in.

Although it was just across from her parents, Gina had paid little attention to what was behind the well-tended foliage and walled garden. It was a villa of almost mansion proportions, she observed, with at least four floors if you included the attic rooms and possibly five with the cellar. Its pitched roof was elaborated by a majestic gable leading the eye down the centre of the property. Each window had been decorated with its own small Juliet balcony in black delicate ironwork and shuttered in a pale sage-green, adding to the symmetry of the enormous building.

‘Yes, I grew up here,’ he said, pointing to the other side of the road next to her parents’ block. ‘My own apartment is over there but I have lots of fond memories from my childhood. Did you grow up in Switzerland?’

‘No. Nowhere as beautiful as this.’ She shook her head. ‘Hammersmith is where I grew up. We moved to a house in Fulham when I was about five. Then my parents came out to Switzerland while I was at uni. My brother was in his last year at school. We used to visit my grandparents though. They lived in the centre of Clarens,’ she told him as they strode past a covered swimming pool and towards another wrought-iron gate that led out to the lake path.

‘I’m surprised we haven’t met before now.’

‘Perhaps we have.’

‘Mmm, possible. I did go to school in England. St Edwards in Oxford,’ he said.

‘Oh, Teddie’s.’ Gina gave a nod. ‘I know a few guys from there. Richard Branson’s daughter was the very first female head prefect or something.’

Ollie unlocked the gate. ‘Yes, girls are quite a recent phenomenon for St Edwards.’

‘Such a shame to be locked up in Oxford when you’ve had all this around you,’ Gina said, stepping out on to the path and into immediate warmth. ‘This quayside is such a suntrap.’

‘I liked Oxford, it’s a beautiful city. And it has the Thames.’

‘To be honest, as I recall, I’ve only ever been there once.’

They strolled in the direction of Territet, another small community the other side of the lake, east of Montreux.

Gina couldn’t forget her problems but she could blot them out just for an hour. Even Ollie seemed quite personable right now. She told him how she had started her business and about the London property market. She had to admit, his London site sounded nearly as exciting as the Swiss one and could possibly be months away from completion rather than the years she had imagined.

She spotted the boards of the building site as they turned a bend in the path towards the Château de Chillon. She gasped at the view. It was quieter in this part of the lake but equally, if not more, stunning. Certainly the château added romance. She also noted the vines beside the site, heavy with their last dark berried canopy, lined southerly along the relatively small terrace.

He unlocked the entrance. A makeshift lock securing the boards as there were still evidence of walling and iron railings which Gina thought seemed to also belong to the vineyard.

‘So, welcome to Château View Villas,’ Ollie announced as she stepped over the boarding threshold and onto piles of uneven dirt and debris.

‘Lucky, I came prepared,’ she said, pointing to her flat mules. Then glancing up at the front first villa, angled as the first of a crescent, a loud breath escaped her. ‘Wow! That’s stunning.’

‘Thanks. Let me show you,’ he said, taking her hand and leading her across the treacherous terrain. ‘This one and villa six are reserved. They all have lake views because of the way the crescent is laid out and the ground is terraced.’ His voice rang with excitement. ‘I can’t tell you how amazed I am with this layout. The architect did a great job at getting them all in.’

‘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

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?’

‘It’s just that I shouldn’t have mentioned it. Mum obviously doesn’t want anyone to know and is worried James will hear and get wrong information from another source. She hasn’t said anything to him yet because he’s still on his honeymoon. Well, there may be nothing to tell but I’m just asking you not to discuss it with anyone.’

‘Look, don’t worry. I’ll make sure my mother keeps it to herself. She’s not one to gossip anyway.’

Gina blew out a sigh of relief. ‘Well, yes, please. Tell her it’s rather delicate just now. And, my mum may need a bit of persuading to go out at all at the moment. So while it’s a great idea, I’m not sure she’s ready to socialise. I’ll let her know. I’ve got to go. Speak to you later.’ She rang off.

Adrienne appeared robed in her dressing gown, her face pale and her wet hair brushed back. Gina had to admit that she did look brighter despite her lack of make-up.

‘Morning, Mum. Did you sleep better last night?’

‘Not too bad. Probably slept too much yesterday though. Who were you talking to?’

‘Ollie. He asked us to go over, well, his mother invited us to hers later.’

‘I’m really not…’ Adrienne began.

‘Mum, we don’t need to go for long. It would just be Ollie and his mother. His father’s in Basel.’

‘I don’t have the energy to chat to strangers,’ Adrienne said, then peered at the table lain with confectionary and bread, her eyes, Gina observed, drooling over the pastries. ‘Oh, they look nice. You’ve been out already,’ she added as she scooped up an almond slice.

Gina flashed a warm smile. ‘I woke early,’ she said, delighted food was finally reaching her mother’s mouth. ‘I was hungry.’

‘Mmm, gorgeous,’ Adrienne said as she munched on the sweet pastry. ‘I do fancy a walk this morning, if you’d like?’

‘Great with me.’ Gina tried to hide her smile. ‘Perfect. Fresh air will do you good.’

After breakfast they strolled along the lake towards the centre of town, Adrienne’s arm looped through her daughter’s. The mist curled mysteriously and slowly over the water for a while until the sun eagerly burned through.

Gina breathed with some satisfaction that her mother had made some progress from yesterday. She was washed and fed with even wore a touch of make-up. As they neared the centre, a steamboat moored up and passengers disembarked along the gangplank, herding along to the well-known statue of Freddie Mercury. They walked past the tourists hovering around the statue and a Japanese couple stopped them.

‘Please, photo,’ they asked.

Visitors often came from the other side of the world to pay homage to the Queen star and take the Freddie Mercury tour. Gina took the camera while the couple stood below the statue, freezing their faces in eager smiles. Then an English couple made a similar request and Gina obliged. As she dashed back to where her mother stood she peered up and felt her heart skip. Ollie and his mother emerged from the other side of the market square, clutching supermarket bags and heading towards them. As they approached Gina gave a shudder, grabbing her right arm suddenly with the other hand. It felt like someone had gripped it with a freezing cold hand then let go leaving an imprint. Not again!

‘Are you OK?’ her mother asked, peering at her.

Gina furrowed her brow as she lifted her elbow to inspect it. ‘Yes, I’ve got an itch, that’s all.’

She tried to remain cool but internally her mind was racing. A pressure remained on the arm as though someone was leaning on it. She dropped her eyes to her sleeve and brushed it hard trying to erase the pressure. God, what on earth was this? She wanted to scream, to run. Something or somebody was around her, she was sure. Maybe the lake was haunted.

Ollie came up beside her and kissed her cheeks. Gina immediately felt a warm flush run through her veins. The pressure eased off. Ollie introduced his mother and Gina recognised her from James’s wedding. Adrienne gave a smile.

‘Good morning, ladies, this is my mother Celine Martin,’ Ollie announced.

‘Bonjour, Adrienne, Gina.’ Celine Martin gleaned a bright smile and greeted them both.

‘Bonjour, Celine. Yes, I remember you. And, we, George and I, met you and Didier at the golf club party a couple of years ago, I believe.’

‘Yes, that’s right. And the wedding, it was so beautiful. We didn’t get to chat. You must come along this afternoon. Come along about four. Ollie and I would like to get to know our neighbours better,’ Celine insisted.

‘That would be lovely.’ Adrienne smiled.

Gina gave a wide-eyed glance at Ollie in disbelief. Celine was charming and very difficult to refuse. He mirrored her surprise and Gina grinned. It would give her mother something different to focus on.

As they continued their walk, Gina could sense her mother’s agitation but said nothing. Her mother had made an unexpected response to Ollie’s mother and she just prayed she wasn’t just being polite and then would change her mind. She hoped she wouldn’t, she needed friends and distraction. Gina needed help too. She would have to get back to London and her business soon and, more importantly, away from these strange occurrences and nightmares.

Chapter 9

Ollie couldn’t hide his pleasure as the evening drew to a close. His plan had gone much better than he’d dared hope. Both their mothers had chatted in his mother’s conservatory like old friends and even discussed their relationship difficulties, which gave him an excuse to offer Gina an escape to the sitting room so that he could steal some time alone with her.

He found her exciting to be around and he was hungry to get to know her. Yes, she had expertise in the property business but she was far more than that. She lit his world when she appeared, her beautiful olive green eyes shone straight into his heart. As he’d sat opposite her listening to her speak of Max, he could only feel envious of this man who had secured her love, her attention. How he longed to run his fingers through that long dark hair and take her in his arms, claim her as his own. And, even though she was off limits and looking forward to starting a family with Max, she was a real tonic to be around and that was all he would ask, for now at least. She wasn’t married after all. He couldn’t help but sense a mutual attraction. What he had to do now was relax, keep calm. Try to act mature. There were surely no excuses for being shy at his age. He might have thought he was as a boy but he was a man now, for God sake. And she was too precious. He was sure it wasn’t just one-way. Plus, he’d made headway; she’d made him feel useful admitting she was grateful for his help.

Up early the next morning, Ollie, still wallowing in his pleasant memories of the night before, almost forgot his camera. He shot back to his apartment and picked up the rucksack placed on his chair. He strolled along the promenade to his site with more bounce in his heels than a ball. Feeling the cooler autumnal air steal warmth from his cheeks, he breathed in the beauty of the still lake and watched as ripples began to stir it. The mist was clearing and hazy beams dashed the sky through heavy cloud. It appeared threatening but Ollie knew only too well how the lake and mountains thrived on drama.

‘Bonjour, Thomas,’ he said, reaching the site and clambering over newly dug turf. ‘Good to see the landscaping’s started,’ he said, shaking hands with the hefty redhead, whose hands nearly crushed his.

‘Yes, they’ve only been here an hour and mapped it out already.’

‘Good. I would like to get some images as soon as I can. I’m enlisting some help to sell them.’

‘Do you need help? There seems a lot of interest in them already.’ Thomas shot Ollie a frown.

‘Well, I thought a wider audience might increase demand, drive prices a bit more, so they’ll be marketed from London too.’

‘Would this have anything to do with a certain young lady you were telling me about last week?’ smirked Thomas.

Ollie winked and produced a devious smile. ‘One can try.’

‘Ollie Martin, it will end in tears. She’s virtually married, you said.’

‘Yes, but since she’s been here again, I’ve become smitten.’

‘Look, I’d love to see my best mate happy, believe me, but you can’t hope that she’ll finish a long-term relationship. Married or not. I’d kill any man who dared to make a play for my wife.’ Thomas shook his head like a disgusted father. ‘I think you’re heading for trouble, to be honest.’

Ollie stared open mouthed at his foreman and friend. ‘Well, that’s honest. Maybe, you’re right but I still think she could be good for business.’

Thomas was right to some extent, Ollie figured. Gina was in a solid relationship. He needed to pale his enthusiasm. He’d been tempted to tell her exactly how he felt but he couldn’t risk scaring her off. He was just getting to know her and she him. Surely if he could prove that he wasn’t really the loudmouth she’d thought, she might fall deeply in love with him. Ha, fat chance! Stop kidding yourself. She was definitely a beauty and she’d be typical of the type to reject him. He would rather they be friends and business associates than risk getting hurt and humiliated.

It was so frustrating. After all, he had a lot to offer a woman particularly now he was growing his business independently of his father’s. He’d grown up and felt the time was right. He didn’t just want any woman however. Those that came easy weren’t worth it. He wanted Gina. Yes, their chemistry was explosive and she was stunning but she was everything else he admired too: bags of confidence and personality, a big heart and successfully independent.

If he could prove himself first, stick his neck out and show her how good he was at his business, help her with her mother, perhaps he could hope. Hope that she would find him irresistible.

He unzipped his rucksack and pulled out his SLR camera.

‘I can’t wait to get some internal shots for the brochures. I’ll need to wait a few days for that though. I thought I would get a few of the site in progress. This being my first project. And, once that sun breaks through, I’ll get some of the lake too. That’s what they’re all about, eh?’

‘I’d like to think it’s the quality of build and specification, myself.’ Thomas folded his arms and widened his stance.

‘I have upset you this morning, haven’t I, Thomas?’

Thomas, let his arms go limp. ‘No,’ he chuckled scratching his neck. ‘No, I don’t think it’s you. I’m just a bear with a sore head this morning. The kids were up in the night. Well, one of them was sick and woke the other one and then we were all up.’

‘Look mate, if you want to go and get your head down, I’ll keep an eye on things here.’

‘Thanks but I’ll be OK. It’s not the first time and I’m sure it won’t be the last.’

‘The joys of parenthood, eh! Can’t wait.’ Ollie patted his friend’s arm and imagined himself plodding along the lakeside with a toddler. Perhaps Gina’s child.

‘They certainly have their rewards,’ Thomas admitted.

‘I’m sure. Well, one day. Anyway, do you need me for anything? I want to get these photos and get on with getting everything together for the brochure.’

‘No. All is well at mission control.’

Ollie clambered back down to the lake and photographed scenes of the lake and items he thought would make interesting images: the pieces of art along the waterside that fascinated him, an array of the numerous flower beds nestled beside the lake made excellent foreground colour to the water and mountains beyond, and the famous Freddie Mercury statue, the icon of Montreux. It then occurred to him to take some of the Château de Chillon but he preferred to have some images from different angles to add variation. As an idea came to mind, he took out his phone he texted Gina.

***

‘I think that was your phone bleeping,’ said Adrienne as Gina entered the living room freshly showered and dressed but yawning.

Gina half-smiled, trying to muster up her energy. It was difficult without much sleep. Vivid images had returned disturbing her night again and playing havoc with her mind, not to mention her nerves. Her mouth dried at the thought of them. They repeatedly played in her head. It was the imprisoned woman crouched, grinding back and forth on her iron handcuff with a sharp rock or some similar object. The stone rhythmically filing into thick iron barely scratched the surface yet the screeching sound and movement was relentless. And, if that wasn’t enough, a foul odour wafted under her nose. Gina couldn’t help but feel something very eerie or sinister was going on and she was becoming seriously concerned.

‘I’ll check. I also need to get a flight booked for the morning. Why don’t you come back with me?’

‘I told you, I want to stay here.’

‘But, Mum, I really don’t want to leave you here alone. And, I might be able to arrange to see Daisy and Gracie, they will cheer you up, for sure.’

Reading the messages on her phone, Gina pursed her lips and widened her heavy eyes.

‘You look tired, Gina? Are you not sleeping very well?’

‘Mmm,’ she muttered distractedly. Then focusing her eyes on her mother she admitted, ‘Just having some weird dreams again. I’m sure it’s this altitude.’

Adrienne tightened her dressing gown and tilted her head.

‘It could be, but, it’s not like we’re right up in the mountains here. Maybe it’s all the stress.’

‘Mmm. Maybe. It’ll pass. Anyway,’ she said quickly changing the subject, ‘do you fancy a little boat trip, in, wow, about an hour and a half?’ Gina checked the time again on her phone, producing an enquiring face. ‘Ollie’s taking his mother. Thought we might like to join them.’

‘I don’t think so. I don’t feel like socialising again and, well, I don’t want to impose.’

‘That’s fine, Mum. I thought you did extremely well yesterday actually. He’s invited us, so that’s not imposing,’ Gina said, pulling a coffee cup from the cupboard.

‘No, but we only saw them yesterday.’

‘Well, yes. Do you want to do something else? Walk, shop or watch a film? Or we can just sit quietly?

Gina poured coffee and leaned against the kitchen cabinet quietly observing her mother. Although she had more colour and life in her cheeks, her eyes were telling a different story. They had lost their sparkle and it was breaking her heart. How could she leave her like this?

‘I think you quite like Ollie,’ said her mother flatly.

Caught by surprise, Gina blew out a laugh. ‘He’s OK. Better now than when we first met him. I’m sure he’s a bit of a player. He can be rather obnoxious at times. Anyway, they’re quite good company. Maybe you should ring Aunt Bernie or let me. She would want to help you, I know she would.’

‘I know. I must ring her. They usually come, oh God, today. I’ll ring her now.’

‘OK. I wonder if Dad’s been in touch with her.’

‘I don’t think so. She’d have been here like a shot. That’s why I didn’t want to tell her yet.’

‘Well, keep it short. Tell her you’re going out in ten minutes otherwise you will be on the phone all day.’

As she watched her mother swap chairs to use the phone, Gina knew Aunt Bernie would make a drama out of it, but it was no use putting it off. Although she was her father’s sister, she was more like a sister to Adrienne. She was always around, almost like a second mother to her and James as she never had any children of her own. She would certainly sympathise with her mother as much as she doted on George. Gina knew, however, her mother would need to prepare herself for drama as soon as Aunt Bernie was aware of what was going on.

Adrienne paused before she dialled the number and lifted her head with an audacious smile. ‘Gina, ring Ollie and tell him we’ll go.’

‘Oh. Are you sure, Mum?’ Gina stared in surprise.

‘Yes. I don’t want to sit and mope. I enjoyed Celine’s company yesterday.’

As soon as they stepped aboard the steamer, Gina gave out a sigh of delight. She hadn’t been on one for years, since the first time Max had visited. Ollie led his mother to a seat and straight away took out his camera. So like Max, he would do exactly that, she thought. In fact, that was what he had done. She still had the photos in their album. In those days, they’d been so close and inseparable. He never made any bones about visiting her parents like he did now.

Ollie seemed really considerate of his mother, making sure his mother was being looked after, which was rather sweet. After a short tour of the boat, they entered the dining suite. Gina and Ollie sat their mothers at window seats and Ollie ordered them a bottle of Johannisberg, a local white wine which he discovered they both favoured.

‘You kids go and take some air,’ Celine told them. ‘Us oldies will be fine.’

‘We’re OK here…’ Gina began.

Ollie beckoned with his head. ‘One thing you should know, my mother is a very forceful woman and she will get her way.’

‘Ha, that sounds like my daughter, Ollie. I bet your mother’s not a control freak like this little madam,’ Adrienne said with a smile.

‘Mum, I’m not a control freak,’ Gina squawked in mock annoyance.

Adrienne waved her palms in defeat. ‘Anyway, go on, go.’

Ollie led Gina up to the bow. His arm lightly leaning on her waist, instantly sending flurries of longing through her. Her body seemed to be highly sensitive lately.

‘Seems they want us out of their hair,’ he grinned, his hair blowing about his face. ‘It’s breezy out here though. Are you warm enough?’

Gina could hardly catch her breath and shrugged her indifference, swiping her hair back as it fell across her eyes. ‘Yeah, fine.’

‘Well, I’m hot, so you can snuggle up with me.’

Her eyes flashed. ‘Oh. I’m fine thank you,’ she nudged up the volume of her voice. That was an inviting suggestion but just as he was beginning to seem genuinely attentive and normal, she had to cringe at what seemed a really smarmy comment. Choosing to ignore it she kept the conversation polite. ‘I’m grateful. Your mother’s making such an effort to be friendly. I can’t thank her enough really. I’d have had trouble getting Mum up and out.’

‘My mother belongs to so many activity clubs that Dad’s not really interested in. And, living so close, it makes sense for them to get to know one another. They may have some interests in common which will get your mother out and occupied,’ Ollie said sliding his hand on Gina’s arm and squeezing it gently. ‘I wish I’d had more friends at home.’

‘Oh!’

‘I was always skiing or training. While we were in teams, I was more focused on winning than making friends. At school, I’d rather a book or studying than joining in with the boys.’

‘Not everyone needs friends, I suppose.’

‘I’ve since discovered I do.’ He lowered his head to her and his hand slipped back to her waist.

Gina caught the lust in his eyes and felt a squirm of delight run through her. She cleared her throat. ‘I hope my mother realises that too. That would be really great. I mean, I’ve asked her to come back to London with me but she won’t come. She’s rather stubborn.’

‘Give her time. Maybe, if she’s close to home, she’ll feel safe,’ he said pulling back and capturing her with his camera.

‘Oh God, Ollie, no. I hate my photo being taken.’

‘Like most people.’

‘I take horrific photos,’ she said, ruffling her hair with her fingers.

‘Looks good to me,’ he said, turning the screen around for her to look.

‘You were lucky. That’s not bad.’ She gave an approving nod while blocking out the light with her hand.

‘Max is a lucky one,’ he blurted then rapidly pursed his lips.

As her cheeks blushed, Gina laughed, clearing her throat. ‘Ha, then you don’t know me very well. You heard my mother.’

‘I like women who know what they want. There’s nothing worse than a person who can’t steer their own boat and depends on others to do it for them.’

‘True, but don’t you think some are a bit extreme. Too ambitious or take themselves too seriously?’

‘Of course, but I wouldn’t put you in that category. You obviously care about your mother and your family otherwise you wouldn’t be here. You’ve taken the time out of your business to help, to care. It’s getting the balance right.’

Gina raised her eyes. Maybe she wasn’t as extreme as she thought. Max was always accusing her of self-interest and being self-indulgent, especially when it came to wanting a child.

‘I do need to get back to my business, though. I’ll have to go in the morning. I’ll come back next week.’

‘Excellent, you’re enjoying my company, then?’ He clicked his camera again and sat back. ‘Fabulous, isn’t it.’

Gina peered at him in disbelief. He was obviously an intelligent man, why did he come out with these boastful remarks, she wondered, watching his casual easiness and, at the same time, finding herself admiring his hair being tossed by the breeze. His thick lashes harbouring the sunlight from his dark eyes as he changed the settings on his camera.

‘I think we should go back and join them,’ she said.

‘No, they’re fine. They don’t start serving lunch until twelve-thirty. It’s only twelve. We’ll be off soon. Do you fancy a drink? Beer?’

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