CHAPTER 2 – TO KEF

Jocelyn took her economy class seat near the window. The anxiety within her to be on her way had increased the sense of restlessness within her till it had the impetus of a driving force. Again and again she played the call from the stranger in her head and it filled her heart with a strange fear she was unwilling to put into words. She was impatient to be on her way to Kefalonia. And see if Lizzel had left any forwarding addresses seemed to have taken on the length of an eternity itself. Preoccupied by her anxiety for her sister's safety she paid little attention to the tall man who took the seat beside her. It was not until he retrieved the paperback from the floor where it had fallen unobserved by her that she turned to look at him. She felt almost startled by the sharply perceptive grey eyes which gazed levelly back into her own.

The strong features accented by the scar running from his hairline to his cheek could not come into a category of handsome, but there was an attractive quality beginning seemingly from his neatly groomed eyebrows the firm line of his mouth and lips and sharp straight pointy nose above the strong point chin covered by his neatly groomed facial hair coming full circle highlighting his lips even more... He also had the appearance of leading an outdoor life if Jocelyn were to judge by his tanned skin and the fine lines around his eyes which usually signified a yachtsman. His facial hair was a darker tan than the crop of thick lush hair which was a tan blonde almost like highlights added to the hair and an unruly lock fell over an intelligent brow. He pushed it back with a casual gesture as if it was an annoyance he was well accustomed to.

"Are you fond of his work?" he asked staring at her but talking about the cover of the magazine he had retrieved.

"Yes… most of it anyway." She said finally thanking him with a smile and swore she heard his sharp intake of breath.

"My brother and sister are also some of his most ardent fans. He responded. "Time to fasten our seatbelts, may I help you…?" He asked and without waiting for an answer he reached over and clipped her seatbelt first. Jocelyn could smell his subtle yet spicy cologne on his body as he pulled away to fasten his own seat belt she also took in the excellent cut of grey suit which he wore with casual elegance on his slender frame, he certainly didn't look like the type that went to the gym. She also noticed he had a briefcase on his lap as if he had papers he intended to study on his flight. She felt the thrust of the plane's engine as it burst into life and briefly her pulse raced with sudden excitement. She looked out the window as the plane started to move. She was on her way finally. Only a couple hours and she would be in the Swiss isle. She breathed a silent prayer; surely Lizzel would have left a note or something for her at the hotel village, where she had been staying.

Airborne now she unfastened her seatbelt and glanced down at the fields below, the rivers ran like a silver ribbon winding and twisting through the green, brown and odd colourful buildings that made for beautiful scenery of New York City way up high.

"Is Italy your destination or are you going beyond there?" her companion asked his slight accent, possibly Australian, interrupting her short reverie.

"I am going to Kefalonia." She paused "I hope I'll be able to catch a train that will get me there later today, but if not then I shall stay in Zurich overnight and travel at earliest light come morning."

He smiled.

"Now that I know it's a holiday that's taking you to Switzerland…."

"Why should you assume that?" she asked cutting in rudely.

"Because Kef is the holiday's paradise….."

"Perhaps… but I suppose one may have other, less obvious reasons for a visit there." Jocelyn said as he latched on to the note of asperity contained in her voice. Even though it was out of habit, being a cop for so long and so on, she did the interrogating not the other way around.

She may find him slightly attractive, but she certainly resented her companion's interest in her trip. She wished then that he would open his briefcase and get on with his affairs, while she pretended to read her paper back or sleep. She wanted… no needed to sort out her thoughts and the peculiar events of the last two days.

"True… by the way let me introduce myself." He said interrupting her yet again… "The names Thorpe… Hamilton Thorpe to be precise." He said with a grin while watching her, not forgetting to eye her thoroughly, expectantly, clearly sure that she would finish the introductions with her own name.

Jocelyn sighed, she felt now she had no alternative, she could give him a wrong name but what was the point?

"How do you do … the names De- Jocelyn…Jocelyn Carter… to be precise," She answered her almost slip of words forgotten as he grinned at her return tactics. She was done with the chit chat so she purposefully took up her paperback and started to read it, hoping he would take the hint.

"Jocelyn Carter…." He repeated thoughtfully like he was testing her name on his tongue as though in recognition of her name….. "Now that name has a familiar ring about it, have I read it or seen it somewhere in the news headlines- I am sure I read your name in the papers, you were involved with that um smuggling ring bust up back in February, I think you saved a kids life as well?"

This surprised Jocelyn that he knew of her work….. "You must be very observant?"... She said with surprise and she admitted it to herself flattered.

It was pleasant to meet a member of the public, who seemed to be acquainted with her work. Momentarily she forgot the reason for her presence here and the sense of danger diminished as the tension within her eased. Modesty has always over ridden any conceit she might have experienced in her work. Not only was she super critical of her own abilities, one would say she was more aware of her failures than success.

"So it's a holiday is it?" he asked again

How persistent he was with his suppositions and questions. The earlier irritation immediately returned again instantly quelling the unaccustomed, gratification brought on seconds ago by his recognition of her heroics.

"Why so interested in my plans…Mr. Thorpe? No offense intended but why should it matter to you whether I am going on a holiday or not?"

"Please…call me Milton or Thor." His voice smooth with confidence and then playful with a casual smile on his lips.

Jocelyn rolled her eyes.

"Please pardon me my lady; I seem to be prying into your affairs…. My curiosity is spurred by the fact that I am traveling down to Kef myself within a few days or as early as tomorrow depending on how fast I can complete my business in Italy and I would love the opportune chance to take you out."

"So you are not planning a complete escape from routine?" Jocelyn decided to ask countering his curiosity with equal display of interest in his reasons for leaving sunny New York.

"Will the lady explain what she means?"

"Well for starters the briefcase looks to business like for a moment to even take a day's holiday."

"Ah! Let me quell that thought … I do intend to combine business and pleasure." He smiled charmingly showing her his pearly whites, it was then she noticed the gold splice in his teeth. However she was interested in his manner…. urbane, almost deferential….

"I wondered if you would tell me where you plan to stay then maybe…." He hesitated "…then maybe I could give you a ring and take you out for a meal."

'That's very nice of you Mr. Thorpe but…"

"No formality please…" he cut in "…I do hope we're going to be friends and surnames are so formal, aren't they?" again he gave her that swift smile and self-deprecating expression.

'Very well Hamilton," Jocelyn said as even she was aware of the irritation in her tone. She had no time to spare for strangers at the present moment.

The thought and person most paramount in her mind was Lizzel and the strange circumstances which brought about this sudden trip…

'As I was saying…. To be honest I am not certain of where I will be staying in Kefalonia.'

"You mean you have not made a booking?"

'No…."

"Then let's hope you'll be lucky enough to obtain a cancellation for I am afraid you have underestimated the popularity of Kefalonia. Your holiday needed a little more organization than you've evidently given this one."

"It's not altogether a holiday… I'm meeting my sister, her being the reason for me taking this immediate trip I am sure she has made arrangements for me."

"I hope she has made arrangements for your accommodation." He said smoothly the concern he had expressed now receding from his features.

"Yes… I- I hope so." Jocelyn's hesitation showed and Hamilton Thorpe cast her, a swift glance although he made no comment.

"Where is she staying?"

"A village on the narrow sand shore. Do you know it?" she went on

"Yes, not exactly a village but gives that look of a village, the way the hotel is built overlooking the ocean. Quite small but the standards are excellent. You should be well catered for during your stay."

"Good!" Jocelyn commented automatically for a moment she was almost tempted to confide in this stranger. There was an air of competence about him which might bolster her, own swiftly decreasing confidence in the wisdom of traveling to another country on what might prove to be a wild goose chase. She resisted the temptation she was perfectly capable of making her own decisions without listening to the advice of those who knew nothing of the situation, wasn't she?" she was not normally a person lacking in resolution. Exasperated with herself she returned her attention to her book, pretending to read but the words were merely black on white. She did not wish to continue their enforced confidences and hoped that her fellow traveler would take the hint and leave her in silence to concentrate on her thought. But that wasn't the case…

"This is your first visit to the Swiss of Italy then?" he asked not easily put off.

Jocelyn stifled a weary sigh….. "I've been to Switzerland before but never traveled this far to the Swiss Italian border." She answered

'Then the fair lady is in for a completely delightful experience… you'll lose your heart to it as I can assure you. I have from the moment I first came here"

Jocelyn laughed…. "Have you lost your heart to it?'

"Yes and not before today…"

"Oh... Well I keep a much tighter rein on my heart than that." She quipped turning back to her book.

"Well it was wrong of me to assume it is so for everyone, I mean you know one look is all it takes and as they say beauty and love is in the eyes of the beholder. But I will bear what you say in mind as a warning…." He said lightly

Jocelyn shot him a swift glance but Thorpe's face was bland, impassive. She decided he said that facetiously in order to provoke a smile from her. She wasn't amused. She resented the manner in which he had assumed their meeting would continue once in Kefalonia. She wasn't in the habit of picking up strangers and becoming strong buddies, though she tried and could get or comprehend why an attractive guy like Hamilton Thorpe should be so ready to presume more when all she was doing was displaying common courtesy.… "Yes… I would if I were you." She said her tone imitating his light, flippant one.

She wished now this flight was over, but with a peek at her watch she had another eight and half hours to go which would mean she would have to endure this frivolous chatter just that long. Impatience flooded her in waves. The urge to get to Lizzel filled Jocelyn to the exclusion of all else. She scarcely tasted the meal on board. The solitude to monopoLize her attention shown by Hamilton Thorpe was an added source of irritation, as he continued to make conversation; she continued to be polite by ignoring him somewhat. And yet he still chatted away. Closing her eyes she hoped there would be no delays as she wanted to make a quick exit from this stranger who seemed to have appointed himself her guardian. Did she look fragile?

She dozed of finally and woke when he touched her hand linking their hands briefly before announcing the plane was about to land and she needed to fasten her seat belt. She breathed at last the seemingly unending flight was nearly over. She smiled and Hamilton took that probably as encouragement as he once again reached over and secured her seatbelt, then asking if she was nervous about landing…. He listened as her heart beat quickened. Desired effect he hoped to achieve was achieved.

"Of course not_" Jocelyn smiled… the inkling feeling warned her if she had admitted to the tiniest bit of nerve he would have held her hand and she would have fallen under his spell, hopefully he hadn't heard her heart thundering. As the plane landed and they filed out to the airport, she made her escape and she smiled it was swift and efficient. He hadn't even seen her leave.

The bus journey should be equally speedy and she leaned back in her seat as she closed her eyes…she felt the presence of someone sit down beside her…she opened her eyes and for a moment they stared into each other's eyes

"You!" she said breaking the spell

"Yes! Thought you could lose me aye'…. ?" he smiled their faces mere inches away from each other he could kiss her and probably incur her wrath or it would be worth the wait…

She looked at her watch another 20 minutes and their destination would be in sight, he really was just making idle chat so she felt the need to be more kindly disposed towards him, responding and laughing to his lithe chatter, interposing one or two queries herself. While they waited for their luggage, Jocelyn prepared herself to fend off any future suggestions of a meeting which Hamilton might proffer.

She wanted to leave herself unfettered by any future arrangements. But she needn't have bothered because to her surprise and secretly her inner chagrin he made no reference to any further meetings. Apparently her lack of encouragement had met with more success than she had believed, she told herself, feeling a flicker of amusement. In fact and this struck her with tangible force… Hamilton Thorpe seemed eager now to be about his own business, there was a potent lack of interest in her Jocelyn's immediate plans now that they had set foot in Zurich. He was given his suitcase first and after signaling for a taxi…. It was almost curiosity that he took her hand in his ….

"It's been really nice traveling out here with you Ms Carter. Thanks for the chat or rather you listened. I hope you have a wonderful holiday with Lizzel in Kef… I will be thinking of you very much." He said

It was only as he stepped inside the waiting taxi that Jocelyn wondered how he knew her sister's name was Lizzel. And she was most positive that she did not mention it. Icy fingers touched her with a thrill akin to fear her companion's persistence in his line of questions. Had he perhaps had some ulterior motive she had not suspected? And why had he appeared to lose interest in her as soon as they had arrived? The questions that rose in her mind were unceasing not even the picturesque views of lakes and waterfalls, tumbling down from craggy mountains or houses shaped like cuckoo clocks. Not even the people washing their duvets and bedding hanging from the windows to freshen in the champagne –like purity of the air. Snowcapped mountains like pictures on a chocolate box she admired them all with only half the attention.

The nearer she got to her destination the greater became the tension within her as she remembered the call that warned her not to seek her sister out. The mysterious caller that didn't frighten her, what did perturb her was that something might have happened to Lizzel. Perhaps she had become involve with some unsavory character or characters? Recalling one or two of the many incidents in her sister's life Jocelyn felt she would not be surprised if her sister's indiscretion had led her into a situation which had become difficult and she couldn't handle it alone.

The time seemed to crawl slowly despite several distractions and her unruly thoughts. She would soon meet up with Lizzel and when she heard the reason for Liz's urgent summon she was sure she would laugh at her present fears. Fears she did not put into her words not even to herself. Subtly the scenery had changed now; the harsh snowy mountain ranges had given way to softer outlines. They sloped more gently upwards to the summit with verdant greenness, dotted here and there with patches of various white, blue, and red wild flowers. The quality of light itself seemed to have changed too.

There was mellow warmth in the sunlight and it cast a luminous golden halo on all it touched, Bellinzona now. However she believed there was a natural explanation for his familiarity with her sister's name. Then perhaps that which she should have done from the very beginning would not be a mystery. She should have listened to the stranger and never set out on this journey maybe her sister had obeyed an impulsive whim in phoning her before she changed her mind and went off with some other friends.

For the first time Jocelyn began to regret her impulse to come here. But in the end if she did not meet Lizzel what did it matter after all? Kefalonia would still offer a pleasant resort in which to vacation and perhaps get laid. At last she had arrived at the Hill station standing hastily to her feet she collected her luggage from the rack and exited the tram platform. Upon further enquiries she was told she had to hire a taxi to take her to the village over the hills. While waiting on a taxi Jocelyn really began to take in her surroundings. She wore an expression of wonder in her eyes. Perched high on the hill, the view before her over the panoply of sloping, tiled roofs and pale white washed walls, trees verdant and burgeoning, spoke of the semi tropical climate in which they flourished and the mauve bougainvillea cascaded over a nearby wall.

Tiny Lizards basked in the sun, darting when disturbed by the presence of those who drew to close for comfort. Jocelyn felt as if a magic spell hung over the entire atmosphere of the town. She felt herself falling under its hypnotic charm. The lake that separated from the sea was blue as the cerulean blue sky, dotted along the harbor shore line was a host of small, colored craft, shimmering and darting across the tranquil surface. She could see the line of the funicular winding its smoky way upwards to the summit 'San Solvatone' and resolved she would ascended the mountain if she had sufficient time during her sojourn here in paradise. With a view like this to wake up to it would be very worthwhile.

The door keeper made his way from the sliding doors of the main area, smiling welcomingly as he greeted her politely ….

"Buongiorno signorina e benvenuti alla Samoa contro di Cefalonia ….!" He said taking her luggage and leading the way into the hotel. She followed him to the reception desk, eager to find out now if Lizzel had left any forwarding address or not. She refused to herself even the strange disquiet which filled her, concentrating on the immediate task ahead which was of course to book her-self into this charming village hotel for a few days. She thanked the door man and waited.

She refused to allow herself to speculate on Hamilton Thorpe's pessimistic fears that she might have more difficulty than she had anticipated in obtaining accommodation in this busy holiday resort at this time of the year. It was the ending of winter and the beginning of spring you'd feel the cold when the mountain wind blew down. If not she'd have to find somewhere. She waited patiently as the receptionist was speaking on the phone. He signaled he would be with her shortly with a nod as if to assure her of his prompt attention.

Jocelyn took advantage of the wait to sum up the entrance lobby of the pleasant resort. It was furnished comfortably, low table and masses of flowers set in niches against the pine panel work of the walls. A couple sat in a windowed recessed. The woman seemed like she secretly wanted to be outdoors on this glorious day, at this present hour in the morning it was quiet. She thought a lot of the guests must be out. Her next chain of thoughts was interrupted by the softly spoken greeting of the receptionist. The telephone rang again before she could speak; he shrugged slightly with a murmur of 'le mie scuse,' she figured he was apologizing.

He offered her another apology in English for keeping her so long she was relieved that he spoke English most of all and she wasn't really bothered about his apology she just wanted to know if Lizzel left anything for her.

"Excuse me can you tell me if Ms. Lara is still booked in here?" she smiled a nervous smile

"Miss Lara…." A puzzled frown drew his dark brows together as he repeated the name. He typed the name and she heard a beep.

"Miss Lara… I am sorry but there's no one here by that name. I do not recognize it either and I know most of the guests by name here madam."

A, coldness gripped Jocelyn in spite of the warmth of the day.

"Madam… perhaps she goes by another name?"

"No!

"Is she supposed to be aurriving here?"

"I don't know exactly but she phoned me from this hotel two days ago."

Jocelyn's heart sank as the receptionist closed of his search and the file he was looking through and moved towards her a regretful expression in his eyes.

"I'm truly sorry signorina but there is nobody by that name staying here at present."

"But I must find her." She said tensely as the receptionist earlier concerns had given way to a vague air of disinterest and boredom. She hated that look.

Jocelyn had the impression that the handsome, pretty man was wondering if she 'Jocelyn' was a crank to be treated with patient tolerance. He must meet many eccentrics in his place behind the hated desk. Jocelyn wondered how she could convince him of her own genuine puzzled sense of bewilderment. Flashing her badge would be a good place to start, but then it would be for naught as she had absolutely no jurisdiction here, her badge was pretty much useless. So it's like he said she must have used an assumed name, thought Jocelyn finally.

Have you seen any of your guests who resemble me in anyway? No matter what the name…?"

The receptionist was by now clearly convinced she was out of her wits and merely shook his head, glancing at the telephone as if willing it to ring and release him from this unwelcome inquisition. Jocelyn intercepted the expression and felt her voice begin to rise in angry self-defense.

"I assure you I am perfectly sane." She snapped coldly "And my sister phoned me from this here hotel and I am determined to find her."

"Do you think she play a joke on you yes?" he inquired his manner now slightly more placatory as if Jocelyn's obvious annoyance had convinced him of her sincerity

"No! " But she could not be certain. Lizzel had always been unpredictable.

"There is no single lady staying here at present. Just a single gentleman and the rest are couples. Perhaps you should visit the 'Questura', the police station then signorina."

I am the police fool, she thought before replying "Yes perhaps but meanwhile…" She said holding her breath for a minute, "…do you have a single vacant room that I could have? I had believed my sister would have made a reservation for me, so I didn't bother."

He smiled …. "You are very lucky miss; the last telephone call was a cancellation. It is the only vacancy we have now. It's not a big room and you can have it for 50 euro a night, in US currency that would be $64. Would you like to register and take it?"

Once in her room, suitcase thrown on the bed almost unpacked, Jocelyn breathed deeply and stepped out onto the balcony, which overlooked the ocean side of the resort. The water was a hive of activities and along the wide encircling promenade, tourists and kefalonian's alike strolled, enjoying the breeze which gently stirred through the budding branches of the magnolia and chestnut trees. The cool shade they offered was inviting on this warm day and even from this distance Jocelyn could see the enormous creamy white magnolia blossoms like Chinese lanterns in the greenery.

She could hear the strains of a Neapolitan love song, carrying across the water from one of the small passenger boats and whether it was a trap for romantic tourists or not, she felt her heart stir to it. It was a village of music and laughter a town for lovers and sweethearts to share in an interlude from the cares of the real world. In Jocelyn's case it seemed the very unreality of the place served only to stress the nightmare quality of this time. She still did not believe that Lizzel had not been registered here. Why would Lizzel lie to her? Why ask her to fly out here to meet her here if she wasn't here ever? Her cop instincts had taken over in full force drowning out the beauty of her surroundings as her mind worked over time to get to the bottom of the mystery of Lizzel Lara disappearance.

Still the day had plenty to go and though she felt tired she couldn't sleep a wink. Her mind was filled with the many enquiries she would have to make. First though, she'd shower to get rid of the sticky feeling that clung to her. Slipping into a cream silk sundress, Jocelyn made a mental resolution not to allow her-self to be daunted by the news that Lizzel had never been here. Perhaps it is as she said she would call her -herself. Jocelyn felt a load lifted of her shoulder as she had thought of this. She even found herself humming as she brushed her hair with swift strokes.

This town village was enough to make anybody sing. Suddenly Jocelyn new she was not only mystified she felt frightened she had absolutely no power here should anything arise. She could not explain why. She was aware only that her blood had tuned to ice. It seemed she was caught in a web of events which…..

"Rinnnnnnggggggg" she placed her hand over her chest as she was startled by the sudden intrusive noise.

The telephone was ringing she registered, as she came to from the labyrinth of her own thoughts. Her heart lifted in sudden hope, her face was alit with pleasure and welcome relief as she reached over to the bedside table to answer the phone.

"Ciao…" She said briefly remembering to study up on some of the greetings.

"Signorina there is a call for you… one moment please." … came, the receptionist reply.

All Jocelyn's attention was on this call as her heart beat faster in anticipation. Thank goodness she was sure everything would be cleared up. Who else would be calling her but Lizzel?