Читать книгу Cherish Collection January 2014 (Books 1-12) - Rebecca Winters - Страница 17

CHAPTER NINE

FOR THE REST of that day Amos’s behaviour was mysterious. When the others were ready to leave he delayed them while he paid another visit to the tourist shop. Once more he emerged smiling mysteriously, refusing to tell anyone what he was up to. Plainly he was enjoying himself.

At the temple he wandered off alone, insisting that now he knew the place well enough to cope. It seemed to be true, for when Freya and Janine went looking for him she found him before the carved wall picture that they had seen on the first day.

There was Horus, the man with a falcon’s head. There was his wife, Hathor. There was the King, respectfully offering them gifts. And there was Amos Falcon, regarding them all with a look of blissful self-satisfaction.

Even as they watched he burst into a laugh that was half a giggle, giving a thumbs-up sign to the wall. Something was making him almost dance with glee. Which wasn’t necessarily a good sign.

His cell phone rang. He seized it.

‘Yes? Yes? It’s all right? You’ve got it? Great. Let me know when— OK...fine, fine!’

He thrust it back into his pocket, then rubbed his hands with delight and satisfaction.

‘Let’s go,’ Freya muttered, drawing Janine away. ‘I can’t believe he’s actually doing business deals out here.’

‘It’s more than that,’ Janine said. ‘It’s not just business. He’s up to something.’

‘Yes, you’re right. Come on, Mum. I’ve got other things to think about than Amos and his carry-on.’

‘Lucky you!’

On their return to the hotel Amos again vanished into the tourist shop, then hurried upstairs before they could join him. When it was time for the meal he insisted on going down alone, and they next saw him seated at the table.

Janine went over, but Jackson took Freya’s hand.

‘What’s up with him?’ he murmured in her ear.

‘He’s your father,’ she murmured back. ‘Surely you know him well enough to read his mind?’

‘I think Janine understands him better than anyone.’ He gave a wry smile. ‘That’s why she sometimes gives him a hard time. She knows the best way to deal with him is to stand up to him.’

‘That’s the best way to deal with any man,’ she said lightly.

‘Ah, yes, kick him in the teeth at regular intervals, whether he deserves it or not.’

‘Some men always deserve it,’ she observed.

‘Why doesn’t that surprise me?’

‘I can’t think. I’d better go now. Amos is waving for me to go and sit with him and Mum.’

It was a cheerful meal. The trip was going well, and only a couple of days were left before they would leave.

At last Amos rose to his feet.

‘Before we say goodnight I have something to say.’

They all regarded him with curiosity. Amos took a moment to be sure he had everyone’s attention, then began to speak.

‘Yesterday we all met Hathor, wife of the falcon god. Naturally she made a huge impact on me.’ As he’d done before, he inclined his head towards Janine. ‘I particularly noticed her splendid jewellery,’ Amos continued. ‘So appropriate for a woman of her power and magnificence. It must have been a gift from Horus. And, since he and I are undeniably connected, I felt it was only right to follow his example.’

Amos leaned down, drew a large box out from under the table, and opened it to gasps from everyone at dinner. Inside was a large necklace of gold, studded with rubies, emeralds and sapphires. One look was enough to make clear that they were genuine. The falcon god didn’t waste time on imitations.

‘Stand up, my dear,’ Amos commanded Janine.

Dazed, she did so, and stood while he draped the necklace about her neck, then stepped back and made a flourishing gesture towards her.

‘For Hathor, queen of heaven and queen of goddesses,’ Amos declared. ‘In tribute to her beauty and greatness. She lives by Horus’ side, and it is only with her help that he can rule the world.’

Everyone applauded, and some of them cheered. Janine blushed and seemed overcome.

Amos leaned towards her and Freya could just make out that he’d murmured, ‘Say something.’

She replied softly, ‘In front of all these people?’

‘Of course. Everyone must know how much you matter to me.’

Blushing, Janine put her arms around him and gave him a kiss. At once the others rose and crowded around her, gazing entranced at the valuable jewels.

‘However did you afford those?’ Larry asked, dumbfounded.

‘No problem!’ Amos declared loftily. ‘The falcon god can do whatever he chooses.’

More applause.

Then Amos continued, ‘And that’s not all. There are also these.’

He produced two large earrings and a bracelet, all of them matching the fabulous necklace. There were more gasps as he draped them about his wife and stood back with a flourish.

‘Thank you, my dear,’ she stammered, apparently overcome. ‘They are beautiful—so beautiful.’

‘Take them as a tribute to the best wife in the world,’ he declared loudly. ‘No, not the world—the universe.’ He threw out his arms. ‘From Horus to Hathor, until the end of time.’

He stretched out a hand and Janine laid her own hand into it. He led her around the table so that everyone could have a good look, then swept her out of the room.

There were astonished murmurs. Most of the people around the table were very impressed. Only Jackson looked wry and thoughtful. And Freya was still a little unsure of her own feelings. She couldn’t be sure of anything until she’d talked to Janine.

She slipped away. Upstairs, she went to the room shared by Amos and Janine and knocked. Amos opened the door.

‘Doesn’t she look wonderful?’ he trumpeted, standing back to let her in.

‘Marvellous,’ Freya agreed as Janine paraded for her. ‘Those jewels are so beautiful.’

‘And worthy of Hathor,’ Amos proclaimed.

Janine twisted and turned into positions that showed off the glittering stones. She was smiling, but Freya could sense something was not quite right. She offered extravagant admiration, embraced her mother, then Amos, and escaped.

It was no surprise when a knock at her door an hour later announced Janine’s arrival.

‘I slipped out when he’d fallen asleep,’ she said. ‘I hope I didn’t wake you?’

‘It doesn’t matter. I had the feeling that you might want to talk. What an evening!’

‘Yes, it was lovely. Such a wonderful, generous thing for him to do.’

‘But...?’ Freya queried. For there was something in Janine’s voice that was more doubt than pleasure.

‘But—oh, I don’t know, darling. I feel guilty for not being happier about it. I’m a really ungrateful cow.’

‘That’s all right. Hathor is the cow goddess.’

‘Yes, she’s a cow—but I’m not Hathor. I’m Janine. And Amos isn’t the falcon god. He’s just my husband. If only he saw it that way.’

She spoke with a sigh that made Freya sit beside her on the bed and say, ‘You didn’t really enjoy it, did you? Most women would have loved being given such a magnificent gift like that in front of everyone.’

‘But that’s just it. In front of everyone. If we’d been alone, just the two of us, and he’d spoken from his heart, it would have meant so much more.’

‘Perhaps he thought you’d enjoy being in the spotlight?’

‘No, the spotlight was all for himself. He was making a grand gesture and he wanted everyone to know it. What you saw tonight wasn’t about Hathor receiving a gift. It was about the falcon god making a splendid gesture in the eyes of the world.’

‘But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have feelings about it,’ Freya protested. ‘It’s nice that he took the trouble and spent all that money.’

‘The money’s nothing to him. As for trouble— the shop assistant did all the real work. That’s what was going on all day.’

‘Mum, why are you so determined to see this in a bad light?’

‘Perhaps because I want so badly to believe he did it out of true feelings. But I know Amos too well for that.’

‘Maybe there’s more to him than you think. Maybe his feelings are true and this is just his way of expressing them.’

‘Thank you, darling, but it’s not that simple. Ever since I discovered what he did about Dan I’ve seen him in a different light.’

‘But why? You already knew what he was like.’

‘Yes, but that seemed to cast an extra cloud and I can’t shake it off. It’s terribly confusing. I simply never know what’s going to happen next.’

‘Mmm...’ Freya nodded.

‘Goodnight, darling. I won’t keep you awake any longer.’

When Janine had gone Freya sat by the window, too restless to sleep. Her mother was right. With Amos you never knew what would happen next. Which was also true of Jackson, she reflected. Recent events had taught her that with a vengeance.

* * *

The next day work at the temple proceeded well, and suddenly Larry came up with a sizzling idea.

‘Horus is a falcon,’ he told Jackson. ‘You’re a Falcon. Your father is a Falcon. The viewers will see the connection between Jackson Falcon and the falcon god, so we’ll have to say something. And we’ll bring your father on for a quick mention. It won’t take over the show, but you can interview him in front of the statue and we’ll have a little innocent fun. Do you think he’ll be up for it?’

‘Oh, yes,’ Jackson said fervently. ‘I think he’ll be up for it.’

As expected, Amos was enthusiastic. The scene was set up quickly, with only a slight hiccup when he tried to insist that Janine should be included.

‘If Horus is there Hathor should be there too,’ he declared.

Larry would have yielded, but it was Janine who killed the idea.

‘You do it, darling,’ she told Amos. ‘I just wouldn’t feel easy in front of the cameras.’

‘Oh, nonsense! I’ll be there to look after you. You must be part of this.’

‘I said no. I don’t belong in this. That’s it. Finished.’

Janine walked away, leaving him thunderstruck.

‘You’d think nobody had ever said no to him before,’ Freya murmured from the sidelines, where she was standing with Jackson.

‘They’ve tried, but without success,’ he replied. ‘Janine can mess with his head so that he doesn’t know if he’s coming or going. And nobody’s ever done that before.’

Things calmed down enough for the project to go forward. The camera was put in place, Jackson conducted a brief, good-natured interview with his father, and everyone was pleased.

But when Freya went looking for Amos afterwards she couldn’t find him. Nor was there any sight of him until it was time to leave for the hotel. As soon as he was aboard the coach he appeared to go to sleep—not with his head resting on Janine’s shoulder, but turning the other way, leaning against the window.

Freya wondered how much asleep he really was.

She wished she knew what was really going on between her mother and Amos.

Back at the hotel, Amos vanished again. There was no doubt that he was avoiding everyone, but most of all he was avoiding his wife.

Freya found him at last in the garden, drinking coffee alone at a table beneath a tree.

‘Can I join you?’ she asked, sitting beside him without waiting for an answer.

He nodded and made an unconvincing effort at a smile.

‘What’s the matter?’ Freya asked. ‘Tell me what’s troubling you, Dad?’

He sighed. ‘It troubles me when you call me Dad—after what I did to you.’

‘Did to me?’ she asked carefully.

‘Don’t pretend you don’t know—about Dan, how I tried to make him back off. If I’d had the sense to keep quiet and— Well, everything would be better.’

She stared, wondering if she could have heard right. Amos, famed for his bullying and self-righteousness, was actually admitting that he’d got something wrong? Impossible.

‘You do know what I mean, don’t you?’ Amos persisted. ‘Jackson told you, and you told your mother.’

‘How do you know that?’

‘I was just outside the door.’

‘You were—?’

‘I couldn’t tell anyone what I’d heard, but I’ve wanted to tell you I’m sorry. I know how much in love with him you were, and but for me he might have proposed for the right reasons.’

‘No, I don’t think he would,’ she said.

‘Then you must really resent me for the way I’ve made you suffer.’

Out of the corner of her eye she saw Jackson appear and move slowly towards them, remaining in the shadows.

‘But I don’t resent you,’ she said. ‘I’m over Dan, and I’ve even begun to wonder if I was ever really in love with him.’

‘That’s kind of you, but—’

‘No, I mean it. He dazzled me. Suddenly all the lights seemed to come on in my life and everything was different, more exciting. I really enjoyed that, but it’s not love. It’s a bit like going on an exotic holiday, but it comes to an end and you return to reality. Don’t worry about me. My heart’s not broken.’

‘You don’t know how glad it makes me to hear that. And, my dear, before we go back, I’d rather your mother didn’t know that I was listening when—well, you know.’

Freya understood perfectly. Janine had spoken frankly about the doubts she sometimes had about him, and he cringed at the thought of admitting that he’d heard that.

‘Don’t worry,’ she said. ‘I won’t tell her.’

‘Promise?’

‘Promise.’

‘Word of honour?’

‘Word of honour,’ she repeated, struck by his intensity. ‘Ah, here’s Mum.’

Janine appeared, laying her hand on Amos’s shoulder. ‘I wondered where you’d vanished to,’ she said. ‘Time to go in.’

Before leaving Amos gave Freya a significant look, to remind her of the secret she’d promised to keep. She smiled and nodded. Reassured, he turned away.

When she was alone Jackson appeared from behind the tree where he had been lingering.

‘I had a feeling you were there,’ she said.

‘I’m glad I was,’ he said. ‘I can hardly believe what I’ve just heard. He actually admitted that he could have been wrong. Who’d have thought he’d ever admit to hearing that talk you had with your mother?’

‘Especially given what she said about him.’

‘Why? What did she say? I knew he’d eavesdropped that night, because I saw him. But I don’t know what he heard.’

‘Mum told me she had some doubts about him...whether they had a future together.’

Jackson whistled.

‘You mean she might be thinking of leaving him?’

‘That was the hint.’

‘But women don’t leave Dad. He leaves them. Heaven knows he’s left plenty of them over the years.’

‘But not any more,’ Freya observed. ‘Suddenly the positions are reversed and he’s the one who might be left. That’s why he’s seemed so different recently. It must have given him a nasty shock, but only in his pride. I doubt if his feelings were hurt.’

‘I don’t know. I’ve often wondered if he feels things more than he lets on, because he sees emotion as a weakness. Of course that’s why he swore you to silence. He’d die rather than have Janine know he heard her threatening to dump him.’

‘Pride again,’ she mused. ‘I almost feel sorry for him.’

‘And that’s something you must never let him suspect.’

‘I know. He’d regard pity as an insult. Poor Amos. And yet—Jackson, was I wise to promise not to tell Mum? Will I be able to keep that promise?’

‘Well, you know, one of the lessons Dad taught me was that wisdom sometimes lies in knowing when to break your word.’

‘Yes, I can imagine him saying that.’

‘There may come a day when she’s entitled to know. But not just yet. For now there’s something I want to say.’

He hesitated, as if unsure how to go on. She gave him a questioning look and he seemed to make up his mind. ‘Thank you for being so good to him tonight. The way you told him that everything was all right, that you’re not pining for Dan—that was very kind.’

‘I’m fond of Amos,’ she said. ‘Oh, I know I get mad at him sometimes, about his habit of insisting on his own way, but it’s nice that he wants me in the family—even if I can’t say yes.’

‘Was it true? What you told him? That you’re over Dan? That maybe you never really loved him?’

‘Of course it’s true. I’ve told you before, several times.’

‘Yes,’ he murmured, almost to himself. ‘You keep saying it.’

‘I’m not weeping and wailing because a man didn’t want me. I’ve got a life to live, and I’m living it very comfortably on my own. So if Amos ever asks you about me, you tell him that he did no harm and I’m perfectly happy.’

‘Fine, I’ll tell him he did no harm.’

‘And that I’m happy.’

‘Are you sure about that?’

‘Are you doubting me? I said happy and I meant happy—especially with all that money coming my way.’

‘And money equals happiness? You’re beginning to sound like him.’

‘Well, maybe he gets it right sometimes.’

‘Don’t!’ he said fiercely. ‘Don’t talk like that. It isn’t you.’

‘It could be the new me. I told you, I’m exploring new horizons and some of them are great fun. Goodnight, Jackson.’

‘Goodnight,’ he said as she walked away. ‘Goodnight—goodbye? I wonder which...’

* * *

They were close to finishing the project. Near the end of the next day Jackson was glad to slip away for a breather.

As if drawn by magnets he wandered to the statue of Horus and stood looking up at it, recalling the first time he’d seen it. A bird elevated in such a way might have looked ridiculous, but it didn’t. Rearing up to more than twice his own height, its sharp beak impressive against the sky, it suggested only power and danger.

He thought of Amos, a man with white hair and an elderly face, who carried the same aura. The grasping ferocity that had imbued his life and his career was always there, threatening in the background. In that he was undoubtedly Horus.

The light was fading. The others were almost ready to leave and soon he must join them. But first there was something he must do. Leaning back, so that he could confront the creature rearing above him, he spoke.

‘I had to come here,’ he said. ‘You seem to call me. You’re just like my father. He won’t leave a fellow alone either. Even after we all grew up he could never understand that we were independent. “Come here...” “Do that... ” “Marry the woman I’ve chosen for you...”’

Then marry her, whispered a voice in his head. You know you’re in love with her.

‘No way!’

Yes, you are. You’ve been trying not to admit it but maybe it’s time to face facts. She touched your heart when she clung to you in despair.

‘That was because I felt guilty.’

Was that the only reason? Maybe you just like being needed.

‘Even if you’re right—it’s too late now, isn’t it? She’s still snubbing me. She does it with smiles and charm, but a snub is a snub. I’m being kept firmly on the outside. It’s not just because of our quarrel. We’ve kind of made friends again. But more recently she’s backed off since the night I kissed her. I only meant to be kind and free her from Tommy—I did, honestly. I wasn’t thinking of anything more.’

Don’t kid yourself.

‘Well, maybe just a little. All right, more than a little. But she wouldn’t look at me after everything that’s happened.’

Don’t give up so easily. Perhaps your moment has come.

The words were so clear he could almost swear that a real voice had spoken. Stunned, he turned around, wondering if he was going mad. Overhead Horus maintained his lofty dignity.

‘Did you say something?’ Jackson demanded of him. ‘Let’s face it, you’re never short of opinions. And you’re not the only one.’

This time there was only silence, but something about it made the air throb with warning. Horus was as impressive when he said and did nothing as when he exercised his power.

‘All right, I’m going,’ Jackson said. ‘I don’t know if we’ll ever meet again, but I do know that you’ll always be with me; haunting me, advising me, troubling me. Will I be glad of that or not? I wish I knew.’

He hurried out to the coach. Once inside he sat apart, pretending to be asleep. He wanted no contact with anyone now. The thoughts seething in his head needed to be controlled.

But they wouldn’t submit to control. They whirled, endlessly repeating.

Don’t give up so easily. Perhaps your moment has come—perhaps your moment has come—your moment has come—

Shut up! he told the ghost. I make my own decisions.

But this is your decision.

What do you think you know about me?

What do you think you know about yourself?

To his relief the coach was slowing. They had arrived at the hotel.

Once inside, his father pounced on him.

‘I’ve had a marvellous idea,’ he said. ‘That interview we did went well, didn’t it? We could do some more.’

‘Dad, we’re leaving in a couple of days.’

‘But you could persuade them to stay a little longer. We must do it now. Later will be too late. This is no time to be giving up.’ He made a theatrical gesture. ‘Seize the moment.’

‘What—what did you say?’ Jackson stammered.

‘I said, seize the moment. That’s the philosophy I’ve lived by all my life and it’s made me a winner. You should know that by now.’

‘But is it that simple?’ Jackson asked. ‘Surely you must first recognise the moment?’

‘Of course. That goes without saying.’

‘But can you always tell that the moment has come?’

‘A strong man creates the moment.’

‘Can you really do that?’ he murmured. ‘And risk getting it wrong?’

‘If a man knows what he’s doing, he doesn’t get it wrong.’

Jackson considered this for a moment.

‘That might work sometimes,’ he mused. ‘In business. But life isn’t all money.’ Almost under his breath he added, ‘Other things matter.’

‘I’ve told you before, the rules that govern business are the same for the rest of life. It doesn’t seem that way but it works out that way. A man has to stand his ground.’

‘And risk getting it wrong? Risk losing the moment?’

‘Then create another moment. Never admit defeat. Make things happen your way.’

Jackson didn’t try to answer this. The conversation had drifted into paths he didn’t want to follow. Amos’s words were so close to what he had seemed to hear in the temple that it gave him an eerie feeling.

He told himself that it meant nothing. Amos often talked this way and his own mind had attributed the words to Horus. That must be the answer.

But still he couldn’t quite dismiss the feeling of unease.