Chapter 12

Author's Note: Thanks for all the enchanting reviews! And big hug to Rach for beta this for me within an hour. I'm dedicating this chapter to you (Rach). Don't be so sad. :-)

"It's Joseph's flat," repeated Elsie, chuckling. "I knew it. Oh, my God, I knew it!"

"That bastard. How dare he!" the Viscount started, but he was so angry he could barely breathe. "How dare he even speak to her… And Clarisse? She might as well choose a barn or something."

"What?!" Elsie laughed disbelievingly.

"Have you ever seen my new country manor near Pyrus? Hm? That's what I call a home. Not some commoner's filthy mouse-hole."

"Maybe she needs a little variety - a place that is not like a museum. Or maybe she is just in love with him."

That was the last straw for the Viscount. He was mad…

"What?! In love with him?! This is unimaginable. I think he just tries to finesse her. You know, he says that he is the Head of Security and only wants to make sure she is safe. Like at the balls. He is always dancing with her, and when I want to cut in, he just says that he needs to talk about security things. That's ridiculous. Poor woman. He never leaves her alone."

"There is something in what you're saying," Elsie said, lost in thought. "I mean about the last bit. Why is she alone? It's Joseph's flat, sure. But why is she alone?"

"I don't understand either, but we will find it out." the Viscount answered and hung up the phone, because he had arrived where Elsie was parked.

"Oh, you're already here," smiled Elsie. "You were fast."

"Yes, difficult situations require fast action," said Mabrey as he sat down next to Elsie and closed the door.

"Where is your car?"

"I called a taxi… A limo would be a bit conspicuous in such a small place." said Mabrey sarcasticly. "Do you think that...?" He wanted to ask something, but Elsie motioned him to be silent. They watched as a sleek black car turned into the dark backstreet.

"That's Joseph's car," said Elsie while they both watched intently. "He's getting out."

"Damn it!" cried the Viscount. "So it's sure now. Joseph, that bastard… But that will be the last time! We will soon put an end to this!"

"Don't worry. We'll catch them and…" She had to laugh. "This will be the scandal of the year."

"I dare say. Let's go!" His hand was on the door handle.

"Hey, wait a minute!" cried Elsie and grabbed his arm. "Don't hurry. We need good pictures. I mean with the fewest clothes as possible. So we have to wait here for a while."

"Good idea. But keep your camera ready."

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Meanwhile in Joseph's flat….

"Oh, Joseph. Finally," smiled Clarisse as Joseph stepped in. "You are twelve minutes late," she teased him. "Hey what's the matter? You look so anxious."

"I think we are in trouble," Joseph said seriously and closed the door.

"In trouble? How do you mean?"

"Elsie Kenthworthy's car is parked outside."

"What?! Elsie's?... I can't believe it," said Clarisse and moved towards the window.

"Stop!" Joseph cried in time.

"Do you think that she is watching our window?"

"It's very probable. She found a scent."

"Oh my God. And if she finds out about our secret… Mia will breathe freely again after her scandal with Nicholas. That was nothing considering this!" She was close to panic now and Joseph saw it. So he grabbed her hand and led her into kitchen, which had no windows facing the street.

"Don't worry darling." smiled Joseph and wrapped his arms around her. "We will figure out something, alright?" He kissed her softly, but instead of calming down, she started crying. "Hey…"

"Everything was so perfect…" Her tears were falling. "I loved this place. I was so happy here and you… I cannot lose you."

"You won't lose me," said Joseph and hugged her tightly. "I won't allow it. I promise." Joseph whispered the last bit and looked into her eyes lovingly.

"But she is going to expose our secret." cried Clarisse.

"And what does she know? Hm? Wait a minute! That's it!" said Joseph excitedly.

"What? Do you have an idea?" asked Clarisse hopefully.

"I think I have a solution. Listen, what does she know, exactly? That you are in my flat with me and nothing more. She did not see anything."

"I don't quite understand. Why is that so good? I mean, what's the difference? You are with me in a private flat, hiding from everybody. I think it's more than enough for a scandal."

"It's NOT, if we are NOT ALONE," said Joseph, his voice triumphant. "Just a minute." He dialed a number. "Ah, Charlotte yes. We need your help. Please don't ask questions, just come here…. Yes, we are in my flat in Pyrus… Uhm. Ok. Thanks." said Joseph and hung up the phone. "She is coming."

"And? How will that help us?"

"It's simple. When Charlotte arrives, they cannot think anymore that we are lovers. We will confuse them. We just have to figure out a good story about why we're here."

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

Ten minutes later in Elsie's car…

"So can we go now?" asked Mabrey impatiently. "I think that's enough time to… Oh, just give me that camera. I won't wait any longer!"

"Ok, just a minute," answered Elsie, but when she handed him the camera suddenly she was frozen.

"What's the matter?" asked the Viscount.

"Can you see that car?"

"Which one? The black with the metal line on it? It's just turned into the street. What's wrong with that?"

"It's Charlotte's car."

"Don't be ridiculous. How would it be Charlotte's car? And anyway, you cannot know every car at the palace."

"But I know that registration number. That's Charlotte's car. Did you forget that it's my job? I have to know people's cars if I wanna catch a good story."

"But if she is here, that means our theory goes south. So Clarisse and that bastard are not on a lover's tryst, and I was right! But then… WHAT THE HELL ARE THEY DOING HERE?!"

To be continued…