Authors: Karen Aldous
Lizzie scrunched her face, not wishing to face a painful reality. ‘Jesus, yes possibly. Brrr. Yes. You’re right. There are so many possibilities. I need to find someone who has done this before,’ she said rubbing Sophie’s arm. ‘Oh, Dr Pitou, you always add another dimension. Keep my feet on the ground.’
Sophie whirled round and scooted back to her chair, picking up her wine. ‘I would find an individual or organisation to help. The Red Cross or the Salvation Army.’
‘Well, that’s the problem. I’ve emailed them but, of course, if she was found with no identity, being only six months old, dead or alive, in reality, if her family hadn’t even known, her name was certainly changed.’
‘Yes but there could be new birth registrations in that area soon after the bombing that could be worth following up. Oh, I’m not helpful.’
Lizzie raised her eyebrows. ‘Mmm. I should find an expert.’ Lizzie added decisively. ‘I’d like to do it for Mum. Anyway, let’s change the subject. Is Angus still starting next week?’
‘Oh, yes. He’s really looking forward to it.’
‘Good. So he’ll do the same hours as you?’
‘Yes.’
‘Fab. He’ll be a hit with those looks and that Edinburgh accent.’
Sophie clutched her chin ‘Now, there’s a point, I think he was adopted, maybe he knows the procedure.’
‘Really? Maybe if I get to know him better. Please don’t ask. That’s too personal.’
‘No, of course I wouldn’t.’ Sophie let out a light snigger. ‘I remember asking him a little while ago if he was living with anyone, I think we were talking about Charles and I moving in together or something, but he rattled with amusement. I think he thought I was rather forward, maybe coming on to him, who knows? But he said he was surrounded by females at home and couldn’t wait to escape them so he was in no rush.’
‘Oh, single too, that will have the ladies flocking in. Bye, Soph!’
‘Ha bloody ha, Lizzie Lambert. No chance. Anyway, I had better go and get this pizza.’ Sophie took her empty wine glass to the kitchen.
‘Oh, Sophie, before you go,’ Lizzie stood pulling down her figure-hugging top. ‘Can I ask you something?’
‘Sure, fire.’
‘It’s about Cal and, Kelly. Well, you know I said she was at the beach house every day?’ Lizzie watched her friend give a nod. ‘Well, knowing it is an ex of Cal’s and that they’re spending so much time together…’
‘Oh, I think I know where you’re going with this.’ Sophie leant against the kitchen counter tapping her hand on the surface. ‘I really don’t know what she’s like but I suspect I wouldn’t be comfortable with it either. I would trust Cal though. I think he thinks the world of you and I don’t think he would jeopardise that. He has Jack to worry about. I doubt very much if he would want complication. He needs your support at the moment Lizzie. He needs you to be strong.’
‘Yes, oh, I’m being stupid.’
‘I’m sure it’s difficult. But why would she jeopardise her own family? Even with Reuben working away so much, it hasn’t broken up their relationship. So I don’t think you should worry. Cal will be home soon anyway.’
Picking at a piece of fluff on her top, Lizzie couldn’t hide her embarrassment. ‘I know, it sounds so immature, but I’m so scared. I find it so hard to trust, well, since Hugo and Anton gave me every reason not to. I feel I’ve opened my heart up to Cal and it will get broken again. It’s like I’m building a defence mechanism around me, just in case.’
‘But no one can guarantee the love of their life is going to be faithful. It’s a leap of faith we have to take.’
‘I understand that but,’ Lizzie sighed, ‘I can’t help it. I didn’t mention this before but she does fuss over him, and she’s very familiar with him, always going beyond the call of duty to do everything for him. It unnerves me. And she makes herself up each morning like she’s off to one of her charity functions. She’s an attractive woman. And,’ a nervous laugh unleashed from Lizzie’s concerned expression, ‘when Jack’s with his tutor, they’re alone in the rest of the house.’
Sophie threw out her arms. ‘Let me give you a hug. I can only reassure you, sweet.’ She squeezed her. ‘I don’t think Cal will let her hurt him again. My advice is don’t think about it. Trust him, otherwise you’ll get in such a jealous state, you’ll go into self-destruct mode.’
Lizzie recognised herself immediately.
Cal stopped the car and instructed Jack to unload the back as he strolled across to the bustling shoppers and vendors of Marché Gambetta. On his return, he unlocked the door and asked Jack to begin putting the bags in the lift whilst he parked.
Lizzie was soon at the door as he entered his key, closely followed by Thierry. Cal felt his heart lurch as both were soon wrapped up in his arms. It was the best feeling in his life. Home and a family. Thierry then raced to Jack who was waiting in the wings with a huge spray of spring flowers.
Cal peered round and, seeing Jack crouch down to Thierry, grabbed the flowers before they got crushed.
‘Whoa, these are for you,’ he said to Lizzie, ‘but, first,’ he pulled her close whilst resting the flowers on the hall table, ‘I need this.’ His arms gripped tightly around her just before his lips pressed onto her irresistible mouth. Staying in control, he kissed her ear. ‘You smell delicious,’ he said as her familiar fragrance curled up his nose.
‘You smell good too,’ she said softly, her fingers clinging to his shirt. ‘I’ve missed you so much,’ she whispered.
The love in her eyes stayed imprinted in his brain as he stepped back.
‘Here, these are from Jack too,’ he told her flicking his eyes to the cellophane-wrapped flowers and passing her the colourful spray.
She reached up and pecked him on the lips. ‘They’re beautiful. My favourites,’ she said.
He watched in admiration as she bent her head to inhale the fresh scent of the creamy-white double narcissi expertly woven with iris, white tulips and pinks.
‘Such a perfect choice, thank you.’ She pecked him again and her hand slid down and squeezed his buttock. ‘That’s for you.’ Lizzie turned and faced the boys.
Cal was almost tempted to pull her back again but told himself to wait.
‘Jack. Welcome to Cannes.’ Lizzie greeted his son with open arms. ‘I’m afraid this apartment is smaller than you’re used to.’
‘It looks great. Quite a vibe around here. Can’t wait to explore and try out my French,’ he told her blushing at the kiss he received on the other cheek. Thierry tugged at his hand.
‘Thierry, no, that’s rude. Jack is talking,’ Lizzie told him in her teacher tone.
‘Please can you come, Jack?’ Thierry took his hand and led him across to his toy corner where his figures stood on a long oak chest.
‘Good boy.’ Lizzie glanced at Cal shaking her head.
Cal chuckled and continued to fetch the bags which were still outside the door. His little helper was now otherwise engaged and being grouped with Thierry’s superheroes.
Lizzie introduced Jack to Marie-Claire, catching her just before her exit to meet her boyfriend.
‘He is as handsome as his father,’ Marie-Claire said brushing her lips to his cheeks too while Cal observed his awkward blush.
During their late lunch, they all nodded in agreement when Cal suggested, as it was a bright afternoon, they take a walk to show Jack the town. Although Jack had visited his gran in Villefranche-sur-Mer, he couldn’t remember Cannes.
As they strolled towards the sea, Cal noticed Jack give a yawn, but was pleased to see him laughing with Thierry and beginning to relax. Getting away from Nantucket would do him good. He was able to walk around without feeling shame. His stature was already improving which was much more like the Jack he knew. And his little side-kick Thierry wasn’t going to let him out of his sight.
Cal squeezed Lizzie’s hand. ‘Shall we just walk along past the salon, show it to Jack?’
‘Oh, but I didn’t bring my work keys.’
‘That’s OK, we’ll just show him where it is. We can take him inside another day.’
‘Yes, why not?’
They led him along Rue d’Antibes. Cal observed Jack who was looking around him at all the shops. And, as they got to the double-fronted salon, Cal could tell he was wowed by the size and quality. His eyes widened.
‘Yes, really cool.’
‘We have a new male grooming section you’re welcome to try out,’ Lizzie told him.
‘Not sure I’m…’
‘Oh, you’ll love it. We’ve got some really great guys in who do this all the time. They’ll make you comfortable. Live a little,’ Lizzie added.
As they strode around the harbour, Jack began relaying his knowledge of the various yachts and cruisers moored along the quaysides. Thierry was then asking ‘why’ and being a typical three-year-old which made them all squeal with laughter as Jack struggled to answer him.
Then Cal caught sight of a figure clutching crutches and resting on one side of the stern of a large cruiser. His chest tightened and the tension must have shot down his arm.
‘What’s the…’ Lizzie had obviously caught sight of him too. ‘Oh, shit,’ she whispered.
Anton, in his white jeans and blue silk shirt, was looking down at his phone. Cal and Lizzie continued, Cal noting that Anton’s head had a noticeable scar with very short, dark cropped hair. He just prayed, as he was sure Lizzie was, that he didn’t look up. He couldn’t believe the fear this man was allowing him to feel. He quickly calibrated his emotions, a trick his time in the navy had taught him. From his periphery vision, Anton’s head nodded as though he was looking up. No reaction was good, Cal thought. Cal checked behind him for Thierry and Jack who were still chatting and not as close as he’d like. As they skulked past, Cal felt Anton’s eyes grip them. A strange sound emerged, signifying they’d hit his radar.
‘I think he’s calling me,’ Lizzie whispered with her head down. ‘I can’t just ignore him.’
‘Best if you do.’
‘I can’t.’
‘OK,’ Cal said with a squint. ‘I’ll walk along and wait just there. You just remind him he’s relinquished any legal rights, keep it brief.’
Lizzie took a few moments as the boys passed her by. She gazed across to Anton and Cal stopped with the boys a few feet away. She took a few steps forward as Anton filed his phone in his pocket and took a step on his crutch.
Lizzie reached up and secured her handbag strap on her shoulder and kept it clasped in her other hand. ‘I’ve nothing to say, Anton, and you’ve nothing to tell me. I’m sorry what happened to you but only you controlled that.’
‘I…I…I,’ he swallowed, ‘wa…was m…m…mad. I…I…’ His mouth twisted as Lizzie kept her focus.
Cal could feel the frustration her ex was projecting in communicating but he didn’t sense any threat.
Anton continued, ‘Am s…s…s…sorr..ry. T..Th…ierry,’ he wiped dripping saliva from his mouth and waved his hand, ‘i…it’s ff…f..fin…ish.’
Lizzie changed the weight on her leg and caught hold of her strap again. ‘So you are saying you are sorry?’
Anton nodded. ‘Y…yes.’
‘And that you’ve finished trying to claim him or cause any further threat to me and Thierry?’
He nodded again. ‘Y…y…yes.’
‘Well, we have legal paperwork to confirm you and your family relinquished any further custody pursuit. And just for the record if your family were worried, I was never going to try and claim anything for him. I mean if you’d have d…ied. I was only trying to get on with my life in the best way I could with my son’s best interest at heart. I hope you will always understand that.’
Anton scratched his head and nodded. ‘Y…yes.’
‘Good.’
Cal watched her chest rise as she took a deep breath and blew out all her relief.
‘I’m glad we had this meeting, and I hope you manage a full recovery.’
Cal sensed her discomfort but glimpsed a genuineness in this transformed man before her. Her lips widened sending him a warm smile.
‘Ciao, Anton.’
Lizzie stepped away, appearing confused, and joined Cal who reached for her hand. The boys were still talking boats. She took another deep breath and then looked ahead of her. They’d walked several paces before she spoke.
‘Well, that was strange. I was not expecting that,’ she said and a huge grin spread over her face. ‘Did you hear all that?’
Cal squeezed her hand. ‘I did and I bet you are walking on air right now.’
‘Oh my God, I want to run and skip and dance and, oh wow. I want to scream. I can’t believe that just happened.’ Lizzie’s voice had just discovered a new pitch.
‘Neither can I,’ Cal agreed. ‘I really want to grab you and hug you right now but I won’t. Let’s get out of his sight.’
‘Those few words have made such a difference. Why didn’t he write to me and apologise?’
‘Maybe he hadn’t got around to it and seeing you gave him the opportunity. Maybe he can’t write yet?’
‘True, but someone could have written it for him.’
‘I shouldn’t worry. It’s said. It’s given you both closure which is more than you could have ever wished for.’
Cal was also hugely relieved. Quite unexpected and, although legally Anton and his family had relinquished any claim to Thierry, it was good to hear closure. Cal could only assume that the man who had discovered his son only last year, with a mission beyond obsessive to abduct him, had finally come to his senses. He did suspect too, as Lizzie had pointed out to Anton, the family may have panicked in case their son did pass away. They must have feared as Anton’s son, Thierry would be entitled to a large portion of their hotel empire. Clearly, this was more about their wealth and they had obviously persuaded Anton too.
Leaving the harbour they crossed the road and, taking the lane up the cobbled path to old Cannes, Cal turned to Lizzie and grabbed her waist, thrusting her into the air. As he put her feet back on the ground they jumped and both began punching the air. Jack peered at Cal with his mouth aghast and Thierry leaped about joining in the fun.
‘Guys, should I ask?’ Jack blushed, abashed.
Cal reached out and waved him close leaving Lizzie to dance with Thierry in a circle. ‘We’ve just heard some terrific news,’ he told him levering him closer with his arm round his shoulder. ‘We’ll stop for a drink up the hill and all will be revealed. In fact, you can join me in a beer. Just one mind.’