CHAPTER 3– I AM …. WORRIED ABOUT …
But with the spoken greeting of her caller, Jocelyn felt her hopes dashed to the ground, of course that voice belonged to 'Hamilton Thorpe.' She had forgotten about him in the stress of the recent revelations which had come to light since she had left him in Zurich.
"Ciao Jocelyn-"
"Yes Mr. Thorpe?" she replied steely
"Please call me Thorpe or Milton this Mister is so formal and I thought we got acquainted with each other aye."
"Did you want something if not I am waiting on a very important call." She had no time to be nice, furthermore how did, he know….
"Right so I was wondering if you had got a room, it's why I called, now that I know you have, is everything to your satisfaction?" his voice cool, assured.
"Yes it is thank you for asking." She replied a little more subtlety
"Good."
"Well I was actually lucky that someone cancelled last minute." She didn't know why she volunteered that information.
"You must have a guardian angel watching out for you then." He said easily
"So have you seen your sister? How is she? Is she happy to see you?"
"Uh…um N...No…!" Jocelyn hesitated as she thought about whether she should tell him she had only hit a brick wall. No. discretion was best.
"She …she is not here at the moment." She said after a brief pause. So far all she had done was be rude and impolite and he had been the opposite maybe he would be her only like friend here and if she was smart she would change her attitude towards him, because you never know when you might need to call on someone.
"Oh you mean she stepped out for the time being and you haven't seen her?"
The question came sharply
"No… I mean she is just not here ok. She is not here at all."
"You've missed her then?"
"No! She's left."
"Did she not leave you a forwarding address or number to call her at?"
Jocelyn sighed … this guy was nosy. Yet there was this weird trusting vibe that she could perhaps trust him. She sighed again, she might as well tell him, all that had transpired so far, he sounded like he wanted to help. In truth his persistence was remarkable.
"No what I am saying is the hotel has no record that she has ever been here at all."
"Then you must have been mistaken in the name of the hotel." He said flatly.
"Oh gosh, not you too….." She said expressionlessly.
"I am sorry…. you don't believe you have made a mistake." He asked more gently
"No. look she told me the 'Samoa Resort' I asked if there was another and there isn't this is the right place."
"Love you sound worried, you're worried aren't you." he asked with a surprised huskiness that made her reconsider her answer.
"Wouldn't you be in these given circumstances?" she asked with a snip she hated the feeling he was having on her tugging at her senses with this much concern.
"Why would you feel the need to worry about me you don't know me, so you don't and shouldn't feel the need to worry about me?"
"Nothing to it, it's just you seem to have a knack for impulsive behavior which can land you in trouble."
"What? What are you talking about?'
"I find it astonishing that you come out here to Switzerland on the first flight available just because your sister rings you and tells you to come." He said simply, which lead to a waiting and the silence becoming almost tangible.
She said at last …"Then you underestimate my affection for my sister, which of course would scarcely be surprising as I said earlier you don't know me one iota." She said in a honeyed tone which did not reflect the sharp threat of anger which pierced through her.
"A pity though isn't it as it seems not to be returned by her." he said backhandedly.
"What do you mean by that now…Mr knows it all?"
"I am saying she has no qualms about bringing you on a wild goose chase, hence you need not wonder why they call it a 'wild goose chase'?" he added speculatively as an afterthought.
"No one calls it any such thing Mr Thorpe and it's just a saying it does not apply to my situation as I am not on some wild goose chase, my sister Liz asked me to come here and I believe she is here." She retaliated sharply. "She called me because she needs me. I intend on staying here and finding out why."
"I thought your sister name was Lizzel." He said as she mentioned Liz.
"Again how do you know I have a sister name Lizzel I have never mentioned it to you and I am certain you mentioned her name first on our ride down together."
"Did I know it?" He countered his manner easy and unruffled. "Are you sure you didn't tell me? I really don't remember."
"Mr Thorpe I don't know how you know my sister's name but I don't think you are who you say you are, if you know my sister and know the purpose to why I am here and I suspect you do because you are asking me questions like I am being interrogated it only serves to tell me you are no business man, but maybe a Federal agent or CIA, or something undercover, but you know more and if you are going to lie to me then I suggest we end this conversation."
"Paranoia I see, Jocelyn I assure you I am no such thing, I am a business man and from what you have told me I only responded accordingly in my opinion, I admit I am intrigued by detective stories, and sometimes I can go overboard. I am sorry for prying into your personal affairs and making more out of it, but you should be concerned as you are alone in a foreign country you know nothing about, and I know 6 different languages which is five more than you know, however I know a lot about Kef so let's just agree to disagree that this is just me simply offering my services to you be it as a tour guide or as a friend, I feel like we're friends already Jocelyn."
"Compelling argument Mr. Thorpe but I don't believe a word of what you say, this conversation is over." She said hanging up the phone.
The phone rang again and she thought it might be Lizzel for sure this time, but it wasn't.
"Jocelyn please- don't hang up again, or I might be tempted to be there in person to prove to you that I am an ordinary man, who just wants to make sure that a woman like you doesn't end up in trouble."
"I won't."
"Ok good now did you remember which of us mentioned your sister's name?"
"I do and it was you not me." She said flaring at him cursing under her breath as she waited him out, the urge to hang up even greater, but what if -is all she could think to
He laughed a small chuckle and then cleared his throat…. "I can only assure you that my clairvoyant faculties must have been working in top gear."
"There you go again making fun of me … no wonder I don't believe anything you say."
"Your comments have a charming pithiness." He said his voice holding yet more amusement… "Anyway…" his voice sharpened, becoming serious once more "…what are your immediate plans?"
She dragged her errant thoughts of the Monte Generoso, to the forefront as her subconscious attempted to escape the necessity of answering his question. She wished she knew what her immediate plans were, for one she was not returning to New York anytime soon, well not until she got word from Lizzel. To go back home would be tantamount to confessing failure… and that was not her way or her cup of anything she hated failing even at the simplest of tasks, fuck that she was human. She cleared her throat….
"My plans are to go down to the dining room and order something to eat and then come back to my room and sleep and hope this day was all a dream, hopefully you will have also been a dream." she answered seriously, hoping he would get the hint.
"Isn't that a little boring?"
"Excuse me Mr Thorpe but I am hungry, in fact famished, and I would like very much to be left alone, so find someone else to make your day and stay in the Swiss, I…"
"No wait don't hang up." he said urgently cutting her off "just listen a minute Ms Carter I urge you to go home, you shouldn't have come here in the first place and …."
"There you said it to, you are warning me off which tells me you know a lot more, Mr Thorpe if it's one thing I hate is liar's." she said as she felt the icy touch of an invisible hand clamp around her once more.
"Jocelyn stop reading your Nancy drew books and listen to me , if I told you I had a similar experience to what you are faced with right now, would you believe me when I say that I am only interested in your safety?"
"Maybe…..? Did you have a similar experience then?" she questioned
"Yes!"
"And what happened?" she pried further hoping to catch him in his lie
"Turns out the friend I came to help- was guilty of the accusations brought against them and I nearly lost my life trying to protect them."
"Well Lizzel didn't commit any crime."
"How do you know? You haven't even seen her yet, and I doubt you will, soon."
"Lizzel is not a criminal."
"Neither was my friend."
"Well I am sorry to hear that but your situation then and my situation now is two different things."
"No they aren't it's the same, my friend came over here on a vacation and got mixed up with the wrong people, they called me and I came over here like a fool because they were like the family I never had, and they didn't care about me in the end, I have lifelong scars now as a reminder ."
Her feelings towards him changed instantly… "Really Thorpe I am sorry to hear that but my sister does care about me as do I her and she wouldn't put me in danger… even if I am very capable of defending myself as you know I am a police officer in new York."
"That maybe, but you have no power here; the laws are very different here Jocelyn but I hope you're right."
"I am."
"And I will say it again, please be careful a young lady such as yourself shouldn't be out looking for your sister alone."
"I won't be I will wait for her to contact me."
"You could do the same in New York."
"Could have, should have, But I didn't I'm here now so I believe she will try to reach me here if she can."
"What do you mean if she can?" he said tone changing to one of utter concern.
"I am beginning to think that…" she paused and he could imagine her running her tongue across her luscious lips to moisten it just before her next word. "That Lizzel has been abducted by… by somebody and I am also convinced Mr. Thorpe that you know more about this whole strange situation than your letting on."
"Sweetheart you have been watching to many twilight zones Alfred Hitchcock movies." He mocked gently
Jocelyn suddenly felt uncomfortable, she suspected him yet she trusted him in some strange way what the hell was wrong with her was she being foolish, could it be some other factor? Self-doubt for a moment then the shiver of suspicion once more strengthened…. "I suppose I should have expected you to say something like that." She retorted.
"There you go acting all melodramatic." And he was sure she could pick up on the shift in his tone or was it annoyance at him-self.
"I am not and honestly I don't know what to think anymore, I only know I must find Lizzel. I am sure she needs me terribly, I just know she is in trouble and I am the only person she can turn to for help." Almost without realizing it Jocelyn repeated Lizzel's pathetic words during their brief conversation.
"Jocelyn I honestly think you're making a mistake, but I know I can't stop you."
"To damned right you can't… I am also wondering why it is you continue to pry into my personal life, why is it that you have chosen me to become infatuated with."
"Infatuated no sweetheart- I only wanted to be friends and I wasn't prying you told me because you know I mean you no harm, I do have that effect on people but you have cast me in the role of the enemy, Ciao… bella Donna….!" (Bye… beautiful woman)
Before she could respond the soft click of the receiver being replaced sounded in her ear. Slowly she replaced her own receiver as her eyes shadowed and her expression troubled.
Hamilton had made no reference to any future meetings or calls and momentarily a stab of regret fired in her. None the less she had the strangest impression she had not heard the last from him she wondered on when next their paths would cross hopefully and what would be the circumstances surrounding this unwarranted meeting. she for one hoped it would be the night they have a blissful night of passion which to her was hot, unbridled sex he was hot and she was hot and horny all now and her temperature was guaranteed to stay so until… the last time she was with a man was back in 2010 April and it was 2012 November.
Awaking the following morning in her room, which was taking on all the familiarity of home to her, she pondered the situation in which she found herself, Thorpe's words held more than a grain of commonsense. And she would not have admitted that to him one bit for the world. She was fast coming to the conclusion that she had been the victim of a hoax set for her by Lizzel. Why her sister would do such a thing was beyond her imagination or maybe not perhaps if the grey eyed devil would stop crossing her mind she would fathom why. In this sunlit happy holiday city, forces might be at work with her creditable motives. The more she thought about it the more she was forced to the opinion that she had indeed overreacted to Lizzel's call and the subsequent call from the stranger soon after. Hamilton Thorpe was right she was being melodramatic and she momentarily regretted her accusations against him.
He had only been merely showing kind interest and the snub she had proffered was poor reward for his solicitude, but dammit that was the cop in her leading the way, not the woman, the woman was supremely horny and the damn woman was not suited for the situation at the moment. Detective Carter was and she sighed, she had spoken hastily and one would not expect him to be eager to receive another dose of the same medicine. Jocelyn slid her feet from beneath the warmth of the comforter and walked over to her window drawing the blinds open to look out through her window she had the most magnificent view from her room. It was the perfect early morning scene that you would only see in the movies. The sun was just beginning to rise above the mountains, throwing a long sequenced ribbon of light across the smooth surface of the ocean. It must be very early; she looked at her wrist watch. Five o' clock, she grimaced slightly to herself. She would have to kill another two hours before she could go down to the breakfast room. And she was going to use the time in the meantime to think about her next course of action.
She hated that she was beginning to agree with Milton more and more that it would be wiser of her to return to New York on the earliest flight she could reserve a seat. The long journey back scarcely filled her with any enthusiasm she still felt travel weary and the anticlimax of her arrival had done little to restore her flagging spirit. And yet she knew she had made the right decision to stay in Swiss and see this trough. Lizzel needed her she just knew she did or she would not have called her. She would not be able to relax to any great length as she would be worrying about Lizzel each passing day. She got in the shower had had a most leisurely long shower before dressing in a pair of jeans, Tee and sneakers. After breakfast she would take a stroll along the beach while she considered what could have happened?
As she strolled along the beach after breakfast the fresh breeze ruffled her hair and the dappled sunlight caressed her face. The waters of the beach seemed busier as a host of small crafts plied from one landing stage to another at the mountain villages which ran around the vast circumference of the water campione, morcate, gandria. She heard the boatman calling out to attract the attention of the passing tourists. She veered away and up a small slope to sit under the magnolia trees. The air was heavily scented with linden and reveling in the beauty which invaded all her senses, she felt tension drift from her. She decided to find a café she could have a coffee at and continue to think of her situation.
She walked all the way into the colonnaded center of town, where the hot, spicy smell of perfumes, tobacco and the smell of meat being cooked filled her senses but as she walked further into the area the scent of cheese and open barrels of wine mingled in an unforgettable aroma. She wondered from shop to shop all closed still as preparations were being made for the day, finally at last she found herself wondering around the Via Nassa and outside Vanini's. She walked in admiring the shiny chocolate. She had not walked off her breakfast from earlier but she really felt like a cup of strong coffee which she welcomed, it was so nice she had to have it twice. A couple minutes later she looked at her watch and saw she had dawdled far longer than she expected. What if Lizzel had tried to call her and had been afraid to leave a message? She had to make tracks back to her hotel and ask in any case.
"Lizzel! Where have you been hiding yourself? I tried to ring you at Charlie's several times but he said he hadn't seen you either." The smiling faced dark haired girl who stood in front of Jocelyn gushed happily. Clearly she was a friend of Lizzel and Jocelyn didn't know what to say she was processing the thought and she grasped on to the mistaken olive branch it was the only way she could find out about Lizzel and what she was up to. The girl did not sound like she was a native of this country, she sounded American even better. She pushed the thought away to correct the girl on the mistaken identity. Detective Carter could handle this; it was the only way she could manage to get away with this double act of deception? It would in any case depend on how well this girl knew Lizzel after all her and Lizzel could be mistaken for twins but there was huge differences between them.
"Hello…" she left it hanging "I – I've been away for a few days I only got back last night."
"What a stroke of luck, are you still staying in Elias's villa?"
"Uh….no I actually went to visit my sister. And well when I came back I decided to book in at the resort." And immediately she regretted telling her that bit of truth, she hoped the stranger would not try to seek Lizzel Lara out there. She wondered who also were Charlie and Elias. And who was she to Lizzel?
"You did oh what a scream. I shan't tell Elias that though he has called already asking for you. He won't call up at his brother's place so I guess we will let him continue to think that you and Charlie have more than a fancy passing for each other. Only the other evening he said to me ….. 'Shila I'll kill Charlie if he harms Lize in anyway'. Lize I really think he cares for you and he knows a lot more about his brother he isn't really jealous of you both just worried about you Lize."
"Maybe… I don't know." And at last she had a name to go with the face Shila. And her mind continued to work overtime processing her next move, had she said the right thing when she mentioned that two men were vying for Lizzel's affection. This was a strange situation. Why didn't she just take the high road and tell Shila the truth and maybe she would tell her where she could find Lizzel?
"So how was your visit to the big apple?"
"Uh... Well I didn't see my sister, she was away on work and I stayed at her place for a couple days to think things over."
"Did you at least call your mother?"
"Yes… but I guess it was good that we all didn't meet." She said hesitantly
"Just as well Elias wouldn't thank you for bringing in a stranger, even if she is your sister."
"That's what I thought." Jocelyn said as she thought maybe it was the unknown Elias who had phoned her warning her not to come to Kefalonia?
"Anyways what do you mean my return being a stroke of luck, do you need to-?"
"I have been blocking for you for the last couple days and Elias was down to see me and said that if I saw you to ask you to get up by him, he would like to see you immediately its important and guess what he has lined up a large social occasion and that's what I meant when I said seeing you was a stroke of luck you can go to the masquerade ball or fancy dress as you call it. I think he expected you to appear soon and luckily he sent your gown to me you are to attend as a Victorian flower seller. You know a sort of William Etty painting he was a (British artist, between 1700-1800) he did a painting of a Miss Lewis as a Flower Girl." I saw the costume and I have to say the man knows what he wants and you have a gorgeous set of rack to work that look. I will send the dress up with a courier the minute I get home."
"Why is he choosing what I should attend as… it sounds very skimpy," Jocelyn said in a clipped edgy tone, hoping that shila didn't notice at her more fraudulent slip up.
Too late she did, she could tell by the way Shila's brows drew into a frown before she answered…. "If he doesn't know what you are dressed as he might not recognize you silly. And he is not likely to take chances. You know it's why he has chosen this rendezvous place with extra care, 'The Villa Mirabella."
"The Villa Mirabella you say?" Jocelyn enquired. She was reading the tour guide earlier so she was actually testing a point.
"Yes you probably know it?" Shila asked.
"Yes the huge villa that stands back from view from afar it is seen but secluded by magnolias and poui blossom trees."
"Yes that's the one so I will tell Elias that you will be there at eight I won't say where you are I'll just say I spoke to you and you said you will come."
"Yes… you do that Shila."
And with a kiss on either side of the cheek and a wave of her hand Shila departed leaving Jocelyn still sitting at the table and an even more worried look crept into her eyes. She could not understand her reluctance to tell Shila that she was not Lizzel and further more why the hell had she accepted that invitation. Suppose this Elias guy figured out she wasn't Lizzel. What if they had been intimate he would know something was different. Then why the hell did she feel like if she had told her the truth that Shila would have clammed up and not say so much and so little at the same time? It was a good thing and a bad thing at the same time. Lizzel would have some serious explaining to do before she popped to caps in her black ass just for all the trouble she was encountering on her behalf.
In the end as she walked back to the hotel she had established she had made a connection between Lizzel and Shila and the two mysterious men. It almost sounded to her as if Charlie had a hold over Lizzel, and if this Elias guy cared for her was she protecting him perhaps. And where did Shila stand in all this? As she neared her hotel, she wondered if she could get away pretending to be Lizzel tonight. It was a masquerade ball after all so it should be a snap, don't say much and don't get liquored up and keep her ear open for anything. That sounded easy enough. Except Lizzel was the opposite of her, she would get drunk, and she would flirt a lot, closing her eyes and ears to everyone else around her as long as it suited her then, but one thing was sure as her anxiety increased; all was not well with Lizzel.
The village came into sight and Jocelyn heaved a hearty sigh. Side by side with Lizzel it was easier to note the differences in their appearances and personality, but she told herself reassuringly, the unknown Shila had clearly thought she was the real Lizzel. If the similarity in their looks could deceive one person then surely at a fancy dressed up party she could do the same
She was no longer convinced that Lizzel had played a prank on her. She was in trouble, probably in hiding as Elias and Charlie didn't know where she was and Lizzel needed her. What if these men had people looking for her and she was afraid to contact Jocelyn. None the less it was evident that her friends had missed her presence and even she had no explanation to offer for her withdrawal from society. She hurried over to the reception to make enquiries of any missed call or anything left for her. There was none and the receptionist couldn't even smile in her face of disappointment, for he regarded her almost sympathetically an expression of understanding in his dark eyes.
Jocelyn smiled to herself she knew that look; she had done the same thing with too many victims. And in this case he would think it must be an affair of the heart. How mistaken he was. She was not here to secretly meet some lover, man or woman. She turned away from the desk almost into the arms of the tall stranger who stood waiting behind her.
"I am so sorry…." She started to apologize, startled by the impact of the collision and the sudden electric shock her body received from the contact. "I …." The words faded on her lips as she found herself gazing up into grey eyes…. "You!" she exclaimed aghast "…whatever are you doing here?"
"I told you yesterday sweetheart that if all went well; I would get down to where you are." He replied his hands still on her waist long after she had been steadied on her feet. "So I decided to come straight here and surprise you with lunch of course that is if you let me take you out for lunch?" He added slyly
"That is if I am free of course… isn't it Mr. Thorpe."
He nodded, bemused by the unexpected meeting. He was sure she had not thought of seeing him again and it would serve her right but it wouldn't be fair to him one bit. There was just something about her, and he was already getting into trouble with his handlers. But after listening in on her conversation with Shila, it was clear to him, that her sister was in some serious trouble if she was associating with the Burton twin brothers, they weren't good news at all.
He had been given further instructions to switch from shadowing her to becoming a friend, a close friend, even if it meant he had to use methods of seduction to get in good with her. Dammit he should have let john handle this, he was sure that john with his not so talkative demeanor and cold ways would have more tactful ways to befriend her than getting into bed with her. For him it would only lead to complications, complications he didn't need, he liked her too much, but then again had she kept her beautiful apple in the big apple he could be somewhere else with less temptation.
Jocelyn had dismissed the thought that she would ever see him again after their last phone conversation... his sudden appearance had provided a welcome break from the previous preoccupation with the morning's events and she was trying to not let him see or feel the effect he was having on her. She noticed the receptionist from the corner of her eyes and immediately, sort- to put distance between them. He was studying them and her in particular, a moment ago she was most disappointed and now she had a smile on her face the size of the earth's equator belt. Life as it seemed from behind the reception desk of any hotel, offered wide panoply of romantic attachments to the observer. Unable to not dredge up a valid excuse why she should refuse Thorpe's invitation, and even unsure as to why she should do so Jocelyn agreed reluctantly to meet him here in half an hour's time. And though she sorted distance he still kept her in his arms.
"You look pretty good to me just as you are sweetheart." His admiration, clear in his eyes as he followed her gaze down the length of her curvy figure…
"Then you show little sense of discrimination." She retaliated as she moved out of his reach and towards the stairs. She took the quickest shower she ever had in an attempt to freshen herself and cool her rising temperature and it wasn't after her long walk back to the hotel. Feeling in control and much cooler she changed into a two tone earthly color dress and strappy matching shoes and threw on a few bangles and an earth tone choker to match. She left her hair down. She wasn't dressing for a party or anything, but she didn't want him to think she only wore jeans busted in places as it was the fashion nowadays and t shirt with sneakers. Then again why the hell did she care less what he thought of her dress code? She knew why -she thought she should make him care. She finished off with a tip of lip gloss and thought there was no need for any additional makeup.
Thorpe was standing near the sliding doors, his expression serious, eyes shaded in thoughts which were clearly occupying all his attention. But even as Jocelyn wondered what could be provoking such intense concentration from him, she felt his eyes run up her entire body length. He had turned and was taking her in, his features lightened considerably as she approached and he stood as his face burst into more familiar lines of the man who she met days ago. He held out his hand to her and spun her around as his lips pursed into a silent whistle of approval.
"This I take is your own sense of discrimination?" he asked voice husky somewhat still taking in her appearance before his eyes connected with hers after he'd complimented her
"Yes I take you like?" she replied sassily
"Did you do this for me?" he wished it was so
"You wish."
"I did wish-" he teased mercilessly.
"Then wait for that shooting star who knows until then_"
"I like the way you dress, and I should warn you I will have to be fighting of every red blooded Italian man for miles around." He said closely to her ear inhaling deeply that exotic perfume she wore.
He took her elbow and led her out the door. Jocelyn paused as they reached his car throwing him a surprised glance from wide eyes.
"Aren't we eating here?"
"Certainly not now we aren't I want all of Kef to see you in that ravishing outfit."
She laughed passing him as he opened the door for her. She got into the low sports car parked near the entrance when he got in she turned towards him with another surprised look.
"It's not mine it's a rental."
"How'd you know what I was going to ask?"
"Perché è scritto sul tuo bel volto" he said in fluent Italian which meant in English (Because it's written on your beautiful face_)
"Please translate I am very rusty with the language." She replied with a small smile of shyness.
Instead he winked at her and started the car before carefully pulling away from the curb as he eased down the narrow winding road, and soon eased into the normal speed limit as though familiar with the road. He handled the car expertly and it seemed he was taking them to the outskirts of the town.
"Where are we going?" she asked after a few minutes keeping her eyes on the road and not on him.
"Ticino..."
"Seems like you are well acquainted with this region of Ticino…."
"What makes you say or think so?"
"Well you seem to display no hesitation in finding your way around these narrow streets."
"I told you I was here before to help a friend I just did not explain what area."
And for the rest of the drive they were both content to drive in silence the tervana to which he took them was perched high on the hill above the ocean. He chose a table on the veranda outside where it was sheltered from the sun's relentless ray and she was glad she wore this dress or she'd be feeling really hot in a jeans. The canopy of green vines overhead entwined to strong bonds so when the wind blew it didn't whip from side to side. It ran along the surrounding wall as the bougainvillea encroached alongside in a brilliant display of colors which vied with the Madonna blue of the water and cloudless sky. The place was beautiful and the main attraction would be the flowering trees and flowers that grew on the same ground. She spotted the growing hibiscus now in bloom some opened and some closed they were of the palest pink to a deep, deep rose color. Jocelyn smiled gently to herself.
"Why do you smile?" Thorpe asked observing her the whole time she was observing her surroundings.
"I was just wondering if this was a painting I would believe the artist had added a few towels of his or her imagination of bright colors which were not actually there in reality." She said.
"I know what you mean it all seems a little larger than life doesn't it?"
Jocelyn nodded suddenly losing interest in the panoramic view spread out before them she had other more pressing problems and they all lead back to her sister Lizzel.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"You want to know how many languages I speak."
"You said you know six different languages, now that you mention it, what are they?"
"English, French, Italian, German, Romanian, Chinese,"
"Impressive… so can I ask you my question now?"
"Can I hop like a Kangaroo…?" He supplied getting her to chuckle softly before sobering up,
"I am serious_" she said
"Okay ask_" he replied focusing his sole attention on her
"I thought your eyes were grey?"
"Maybe, but I wear contacts sometimes."
"Are you wearing them now?'
"Don't you like them?"
"That's not what I was asking."
"I know but do you like them or not?"
"Yes."
Well then it's settled."
"No it isn't you have not answered my question."
"Would it matter if I was wearing them or not_?"
"Look just, forget I asked ok."
"Forgotten already_" He said cheekily
And she clenched her jaw to stop herself from saying something out of order.
Sensing her withdrawal Thorpe picked up his menu as she did and often cast speculative glances at her over the top of his menu
"What do you fancy to eat?" he asked her
Jocelyn shrugged her appetite diminished and the thought of food was almost sickening to her. She wished she had not accepted this invitation to lunch with him now. The contrariness of her own emotions angered her. It was like she was thinking with her second head if it could be called that. She asked herself silently what the hell, was the matter with her as she sneaked a look over at her very delicious, teasing handsome companion dressed in jeans, t shirt and blazer.
The man was like sin walking on two legs, he was tempting her to do all sort of things out of her character. Jumping him for starters right here was at the top of her list. She wanted to feel his lips on hers and those strong hands that held her earlier she wanted them on her again in more intimate places. Frustrated with her-self and not trusting her voice she said with her eyes she hoped
"You choose for me."
"Ok_"
She nodded her head and put down her menu.
He grinned and in fluent Italian gave their order to the waiter. The service was swift and efficient the food appetizing and delectable, the white wine he ordered cool and refreshing
Gradually her inner tension dispersed in the relaxing ambience of the place and his company though she shifted several times in her seat uncomfortably whenever she had a rude thought about him touching some part of her body. Then he suddenly had to spoil the whole afternoon and their truce by bringing her back to reality with his next question.
"Any news of your sister…? Has she tried to contact you?"
Jocelyn shook her head not trusting to answer him, and why the hell was he so interested in Lizzel's whereabouts? Could she really trust him, she felt he knew more and yet he said he didn't.
"Is something the matter you have been very quiet?"
"No nothing is the matter." she said unwillingly
"You still think your sister is going to show up?"
"Why shouldn't she_" Jocelyn spoke defensively "_she was the one that asked me to join her here and she may not be here now but she will show up eventually?"
"And also if I understand correctly led you to believe that she was staying in a hotel that never had any record of her being here…."
He did have a point and again she shifted uncomfortably in her seat he was right of course and she should stop being on the defensive with him.
"There's something terribly wrong Milton." She burst out surprising herself by the wealth of relief she experienced as she shed the load of her problems. "I believe Lizzel is in trouble of some sort and I must try to help her." She said finally
"I would have thought you in a better situation to help her back home." He said … "you being a police officer and all and she being an American citizen, your embassy could have helped."
"I can't see how you can figure that out, the thing is I am nearer to her here."
"And I can't quite see how you figure out that you are better off here knowing that you are powerless much worse you haven't seen or heard from her at all. For all you know she may have returned to New York."
"I don't think so."
"What makes you say that?" he asked sharply
Jocelyn knew she was in deep and she might as well tell him about her morning besides he couldn't stop her from going. Her emotions raw, fear clutching her heart in cold icy dread. He ordered coffee before giving her an answer.
"So let me get this straight, your mad idea is to pretend to be Lizzel and go to this…" he said as if he didn't know all this already, yet still he delayed his tone and manner disapproving like it was news to him "…this fancy dress affair?"
She only nodded. Then added …. "It's a link don't you see and at least I shall be able to meet a few of her friends and find out things… anything." She gulped throat suddenly feeling dry.
"This is pure madness." He snapped "…Jocelyn I beg you to go home before you get into a mess you can't get out off. I believe that you're a smart woman and you know that this situation is definitely beyond your reach."
"Then you admit that you think this whole thing is wrong and Lizzel is in trouble?"
"No I do not admit any such thing. I think your imagination is working overtime, you are no Agatha Christie."
"Then why do you talk about me getting into a mess I can't handle?" she demanded
He sighed heavily speaking patiently as if to a child
"My dear Jocelyn I…"
"Look let's cut out the terms of endearment ok I am neither yours nor dear to you." She interrupted sharply. "So don't give me that patronizing speech as though you are speaking to a child, don't let the nice clothes fool you I'm a lot tougher than I look."
"I am sorry… but I am still convinced that this is all some huge fantasy of yours that Lizzel is in trouble. Don't you see you re making a mountain out of a mole hill?"
"Well then if you are done with the clichés I would like to return to the hotel now Mr. Thorpe."
"So now it's Mr. Thorpe? As you wish Ms. Carter_" He said rather coldly catching her off guard. He signaled for the check and settled the bill quickly. She led the way out and he followed, he opened her door and slammed it after her and getting in he started the car without so much as looking at her.
"What the hell is your problem?"
"I don't have a problem, except that I think you're being singularly stupid and to use another cliché jumping in where fools dare to thread. I just am afraid you are stepping into a situation you won't find so easy to get out off."
"But if it's all down to my over worked imagination then I don't see how I am stepping into a situation Milton. You seem to be contradicting yourself, but don't worry dad I'll be careful."
That was the last thing they said to each other in the car as he sped back to the hotel, he pulled up exactly opposite the doors, got out, opened her door and closed the door he didn't even bother to escort her into the foyer and again he made no reference to any further meetings. He stopped took her hand and brought it to his lips
"Loyal Jocelyn….." He commented "I hope your sister appreciates how much you love her and the risk you are taking to find her on your own. So this is where I hope you find her soon swee- …ciao."
He was in his car and driving away before she could respond, he drove off she realized and out of her life and possibly for good. She asked herself if it was for good and was surprised by the unexpected sense of loneliness which assailed her.
Hamilton paced the length of his small office, restlessly as he listened to Finch. The man was sometimes impossible; he was getting paid to do a job, but not enough to handle a woman like Jocelyn Carter. He tried the friendly approach and it back fired no amount of warning would get her to leave she was intent on seeing this thing through and the bloody woman had no idea just how fucked her sister situation was.
"Finch I am sorry, but I can't do this anymore, I like a good fight once in a while, but this is bigger than Ms. Carter and Ms. Lara. Ms. Lara really is in a lot of trouble and I wouldn't know where to begin to search for her and Ms. Carter doesn't want to see me anymore, I can't keep following her in case she decided to report me to the authorities and I don't need that sort of trouble."
"Mr. Thorpe that is not my concern, what matters is that Ms. Carter gets back to the states alive."
"Well then you need to get Mr. Reese on the job."
"Mr. Reese has some things he's working on at the moment, so I am afraid you're going to have to use more persuasive charms and get back in good with Ms. Carter, you have to get her to see that she needs you."
"Needs me_ that woman would rather shoot my fucking brains out than admit that she needs me and I am not sure that my charms are working on her, maybe she is into those men rough around the edges like her."
"And John Reese would be better suited how?"
"He's a much more shameless flirt than I, doesn't have a scar on his face and he has that brooding look that any woman seems to like, and he's just much more impressionable than I… looks better in a suit to and he wouldn't have to say much, he'd handle her caveman style."
"All good points still not a good enough reason for Mr. Reese to step in just yet."
"I am not going to that fancy ball that's a big fucking NO."
"I wasn't going to ask you to attend, but you will however make sure that Ms. Carter gets back to her hotel in one piece, and alive."
"Hopefully I don't kill her first, damn woman is driving me up a fucking wall, with her I'm so tough speech and melodramatic theatrics."
"Mr. Thorpe, John assured me that you were the right man for the job, had I known that you would be this whiny I would have insisted that john do the job or someone else, and in conclusion to your bitchiness and sensitive nature, I am inclined to agree that you don't dislike her but that you actually like her."
"Do you now, well then finch when was the last time you had to shadow a very beautiful and desirable woman...?"
"If I supplied an answer to that then we would both think..."
"Come on, I know you do,"
"Good day Mr. Thorpe, keep us updated will you." Finch said ending the video feed.
"John you fucking ass, what the hell have you gotten me into?"
"Nothing out of the ordinary, you have been on harder jobs than this?"
"Yeah I have, but I didn't want to sleep with any of them." Thorpe raged.
"What's so different about her?"
"Everything, she's not a damsel in distress that's for sure."
"Is that it?" john said quietly
"No, but I find this though girl persona is a huge turn on, the sex with her would be amazing, both of us fighting for control."
"Then don't sleep with her."
"Easier said than done and I am not like you, Hamilton Thorpe is the little to waspy sociable guy and a trustworthy guy."
"I could take over the job you know if it's going to be a problem for you."
"No john, stay put… I can do this, I can resist sleeping with her, infact I think I am going to find some broad and hook up with her while Ms. Carter is at the Mask ball. Have a little fun. I've got ears on her, so if anything comes up I will know_ its fine."
"Good, because if you screw up this job, you're done for okay, I will personally see to it, no hard feelings though right?"
"None, it's your job to fix things."