CHAPTER 4 – THE CALL

The telephone rang at 09h05.

"Mr Agreste? I'm calling from St Pancras Hospital," said a man on the other side with a heavy London accent.

"This is his assistant, Nathalie Sancoeur. Mr Agreste is not available. May I help you?"

"I'm afraid there has been a terrible accident involving his nephew and sister-in law."

"Good grief. What happened?"

"Well, there's been a gas leak at their house. Luckily a neighbour called it in. When the fire department broke in both of them were unconscious. If they had got there a little later who knows what might have happened. The boy has just woken up and is fine but his mother is still in a coma and is not responding to treatment. Our specialists don't know what is wrong – there is no brain damage and she should have been awake hours ago. We are taking good care of her though."

"That's horrible."

"I see that Mr Agreste is listed as next of kin. That means he is responsible for the boy until his mother comes to."

"Please hold, I am going to interrupt Mr Agreste".

Natalie covered the mouthpiece with her hand, smiling at Gabriel. "An important call for you from St Pancras Hospital in London. It seems there has been a terrible … accident."

Gabriel returned Natalie's smile before picking up the telephone.

"Agreste here. My assistant has filled me in. She will collect the boy as soon as my private jet can get her to London. She'll also arrange for an ambulance to collect his mother and transport her here for care."

"His mother is in a coma sir."

"I know that. But I can give her much better care here at my home. The very best medical care money can buy, including a private nurse. Nothing is too good for my sister-in-law. And it will do the boy good to have her near him."

"But sir, that's highly irregular."

"Do you know who I am?"

"Ughh … yes sir."

"Good. Then I expect them to ready for transport shortly. No buts."

"Yes sir … bu … ugh … there's more."

"What do you mean there's more?"

"The house that they were staying in, it has been condemned. Apparently the walls are ready to cave in. Their possessions need to be moved out immediately."

"I understand. My assistant will sort that out too. The boy can help indicate what needs to be moved. We can store the items in Paris until such time as alternate accommodation can be sourced. Is there anything else?"

The man at the other end of the line was stunned into silence. Gabriel Agreste had a reputation for being an immovable force of nature, making things happen with apparent ease. He had never experienced anything quite like it before.

"No sir. I think that's all. I'll make sure the relevant discharge forms are ready for Ms Sancoeur when she arrives".

"Thank you".

Gabriel hung up the phone and turned to Nathalie. "It looks like you are going to have to make an emergency trip to London." He smiled darkly.

"What a surprise. I'll clear my schedule." She smiled back at him.