CHAPTER 7- MOMENT OF CONFRONTATION

"Someone's trying to kill me," Lizzel rushed out

"Why?"

"I can't say anymore over the phone, please let's meet somewhere to talk in private."

"Ok well meet me at the café after the scooter harbor."

"Ok, I can get there for eight. Is that ok?"

"Yes."

"Ok so I will see you at Belkni of the seaside of castagnola?"

"Yes, I think it will be less conspicuous that two women are talking."

"Yes we can talk then."

Again the thrill of fear traveled the nape of Jocelyn's neck. She had to get to the bottom of why the need for the mysterious and secretive air of cloak. Why did Lizzel choose such a late time when it was just only past three in the afternoon? Why couldn't they just meet in her room? Why should they hide like criminals?

"Are you there Jo?"

"Yes, sorry I was just thinking."

"Great please I beg you don't stand me up I promise I will be there tonight at belkni." Her sister repeated.

"Ciao Jo-Jo,"

"Ciao Lizzel,"

Why did this all seem wrong, a set up, the coldness continued to snake and take effect within her. Jocelyn lay down with the intention of just thinking but fell asleep. She awoke at 6:30pm and took a shower, freshly out the shower she dressed in a white satin trim tunic and linen blend combat trousers and slippers. She looked herself over and she would fit the part of tourist. She pulled her hair in a ponytail and grabbed her purse. She opted to walk as it was only a 35 minute walk she'd have enough time to get there its Lizzel she was worried about what if she didn't show up? The walk would be good to as it would serve to help her shed some of the excess energy which filled her now that the hour of their confrontation was imminent.

She walked along the promenade which seemed deserted temporarily and it was because some had opted for the delight of their hotel's restaurant or room than for the seaside. However soon they would return for their evening diversions offered by the romantic boat trips to the surrounding night spots and café's, where several hours worth of entertainment could be enjoyed for the price of a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

As Jocelyn got to the café she paused momentarily as she spotted Lizzel. She was here earlier than expected. She paused momentarily observing her at the corner table, head down in a menu, looking up occasionally. She continued her swift sharp appraisal of her sister's features, noting the wan complexion and turned down mouth, there was definitely an air of anxiety which seemed to surround her. Jocelyn couldn't help but shiver in sudden apprehension, was she telling the truth when she said that someone was trying to kill her? If so then things were far more terribly wrong with Lizzel than she thought and she might have acted like a total bitch on the phone to her. She'd know soon enough.

But even as she placed other questions upon herself, Lizzel looked up and caught her eyes, suddenly Lizzel expression changed into a welcoming carefree smile which showed no hint of her earlier malice.

"Jo-Jo!" she said rising to meet the other woman.

"Lizzel…." Jocelyn greeted hesitantly but put forth more welcome in their embrace. Until this moment of their meeting Jocelyn had secretly been afraid that it would not come to pass in spite of their plans. It just seemed like Lizzel would set her up once again without an explanation.

"Jo thank goodness you're here I wasn't sure you would show after what I did and said so I decided to be here early just in case."

"Well I thought the same of you." Jocelyn replied.

"Jo-Jo it is really good to see you, I've missed you lots. I'm so terribly sorry that…. That, things have been so difficult for you since your arrival in Kefalonia."

Jocelyn just nodded her head as she sat opposite her sister. Lizzel raised her hand and the waiter came over to take their order. Lizzel ordered two cappuccinos. Then they were alone again.

"Well it's certainly been like that one way or another." She responded …"and Liz I am really glad to see you." Although a light of concern flickered in her eyes

"I am to, to see you Jo."

"If you don't mind my blatant words, I must say you don't look very well. Will you please tell me what's going on?"

"N... No, it's nothing like that the slightest hesitation did not go entirely unobserved by Jocelyn but before she could pursue the matter any further, Lizzel spoke again, smiling as she said.

"Its just I have had a few late nights out with friends and I don't think they altogether agree with me," the waiter returned at that moment with the drinks and she used that moment to take a sip of her drink. Jocelyn felt it was a cover for her embarrassment or something else.

"So you have been to a lot of parties like what your friend Elias throws ever so often?" Jocelyn probed delicately taking a sip of her cuppa looking at Lizzel over her cup rim.

"Bingo…!" Lizzel shot her a glance of astonishment. "What do you know about him? I see you must have been donning your Sherlock Holmes radar act well."

Jocelyn knew there was no mistaking it the look of surprise in Lizzel's eyes gave way to an almost expression, then just as it had appeared it was gone. As her features reset once again into a bland unreadable mask. The snide remark caused Jocelyn a momentary sense of shock as she continued to look at this stranger opposite her, whose facial expression read one of careful control. It did nothing her sister's feelings to reassure her Jocelyn that the situation owed much to her imagination. Jocelyn was really at her ends rope as Thorpe's words came back to her. She was being taken for granted and a fool.

"Lizzel I am neither your mother nor your keeper and incase you thought I wanted either role I don't. That said I don't have time for your delayed, stalling, defensive tactics that only splatter shit, while that is said to would you just for one moment put yourself in my place." She said sharply as she rose from her seat pushing the chair back causing it to scrape hard on the wooden flooring, as she walked of she stopped turned around and walked back to the table slapped some money on it and said strictly for Lizzel to hear…

"Its not exactly pleasant to travel to another country to find the person you're supposed to be meeting hasn't even been heard of in the hotel in which she is supposed to be staying, and on top of that not only were you not there you didn't even make any reservations for me, if it wasn't for a cancellation I wouldn't even be here. So excuse me if I was anxious, I mean you know me I hope you do. Did you think I would just go home the very next day? Was I to wait at home in New York till I heard from you again? Come on Lizzel Lara use your fucking loaf will you?" Jocelyn laughed as Lizzel fixed her with her intent look to be penitent.

"Ok Jo, please stop I can't take it when you're so mad at me. Ok lets talk first tell me how it is you came to meet Elias much less be invited to one of his soirees?" Lizzel asked

Jocelyn knew this was against her better judgment but she'd give Lizzel this one last chance. To make things right, she sat again and told her all that transpired from the time she got here to the party and beyond except for Thorpe and her involvement. It was as if by carefully avoiding all references to his name she could erase the memory of his kisses, his touch, and their night of passion from her thoughts.

When Jocelyn finally told her about the little present she felt herself affronted at the expression of amused disbelief she saw clearly on Lizzel's face.

"Why do you look like that?" she challenged Lizzel sharply. "I am telling you the truth."

"Of course you are." Lizzel soothed. "I believe you, but I think you are certainly reading to much into it, knowing Elias as I do, it was simply a small souvenir of the evening. I expect all guests received a similar memento of the occasion.

Jocelyn swallowed hard, as she had expected with an explanation from Lizzel that is exactly what it meant. Now had she over reacted? Suddenly she felt foolish and drained of all emotion, even curiosity.

"Where is it then, let me see it?" She said and hadn't noticed the silence which constrained Jocelyn with unseen jitters.

"You did bring it with you didn't you Jo?"Lizzel asked slowly cluing in on what Jocelyn might have done.

Jocelyn shook her head more unwillingly than ever to reveal she had not. "I handed it over to someone's keeping."

A glint of suspicion entered Lizzel's eyes… "Jo please- tell me you haven't taken it to the police or anything remotely stupid like that have you?" she demanded angrily.

"What _? Don't look at me like that, I did not do any such thing. And besides why should it matter if it's only just some souvenir?"

"Jocelyn Carter…." Lizzel said pausing as she sort her next words carefully she did not want to anger Jocelyn or seem like she was backing her into a corner.

"The truth is I have been a bit silly and have not been truthful with you. Jocelyn immediately felt the cold finger of dread she had felt earlier grip her spine although the evening air felt warm to her skin scented air from nearby linden trees wafting on the breeze.

"Then now would be a good time to start being truthful, because one more lie Lizzel and I am gone, this time I mean it." Jocelyn said waiting for her to look her squarely in the eyes and she didn't Lizzel was now unwilling to meet Jocelyn's look. Instead she fingered the spoon in her saucer scrutinizing it as carefully as if it had special meaning for her before she answered.

"Jo I have been such a fool, I let myself fall in love with someone … a guy." She said blinking back a tear. "And when he knew I'd done so he... he asked me to take a parcel to his cousin. At the time I didn't know it was drugs. When he told me it was a special package. I refused because I immediately thought if it such a special package then he could get somebody else to do it or fed ex or something. He said no it had to be hand delivered. I said no again and then he threatened me Jo and he's also threatening a close friend of mine whom I care for. He continues to." She said as she bit back a sob.

There was a note of desperation in Lizzel's voice. "I honestly thought he was going to kill me. That's when I telephoned you to come out her because I needed your help. I knew you wouldn't let me down."

"Well why you didn't stay at the hotel like you said we could have had this sorted out a longtime ago."

"I know but I just said that, but I had all intentions to come down and meet you once you were booked in."

"Really, well it took you long enough to call me hadn't you thought I might be worried with dread?"

"Oh Jo, believe me please when I tell you how sorry I am." Lizzel said impassioned now as she reached across the table and grasped Jocelyn's hand in her own. "After I telephoned you a friend of mine offered me a hiding place at his villa in Como and I've been there ever since. He promised he would phone you and tell you I had changed my mind and ask, you not to come though I hadn't changed my mind. When I think about it I really shouldn't have bothered you Jocelyn, you have a son that needs you, mom needs you and I have just been acting really selfish not taking that into consideration."

"Well your friend certainly has a charming way of talking people out of making an unnecessary trip." Jocelyn said dryly. "Did he tell you that he made subtle threats as to what he'd do if I came to Kefalonia?"

"We haven't spoken since," and then Lizzel gave her another look of astonishment. "But you still came… oh Jocelyn please can you ever forgive me for landing you in this mess too?" Lizzel paled as though the wind had left her.

"Ok so what happens now? Will you come back to New York with me then? Because I've got no kind of pull here as a NYPD cop,"

"No!" Lizzel said as she paled even more "I dare not, he'll surely kill me if I was to leave and he might come after you too, your son or mom I can't put you all in such danger."

"Who is trying to kill you?"

"The man I told you I fell in love with."

"So the saying is true that there is no accounting for tastes." Jocelyn returned sharply she felt utterly bewildered by her sister's story hardly able to credit all she was hearing was it perhaps some sort of joke again? She wondered but a glance at Lizzel's distraught and worried face and she knew there was nothing even remotely humorous about this situation.

"Jo I am not getting it, clear to you. See the thing is I don't want him to get into any trouble. So I thought if I could just hide in Como for a while I'll be able to return to New York when the affair perhaps blowed over. He won't always be trying to find me forever…. He can't… he'll have to go back himself sooner or later."

"Don't be ridiculous Lizzel, he knows you know he is mixed up in some shady business and don't even think for a moment I can go back home to New York now knowing what I know. I can't leave you here in this situation are you crazy."

"Jo-Jo I will be alright, I acted to hastily in calling you, but my friend will look after me. And I believe that he does want you to go back home."

Jocelyn felt herself stiffen at the words … "The man you're staying with he knows that we are meeting? He knows that I am here?"

"Yes, he manages to know everything and if he was at Elias's party and heard I was there then he'd know it wasn't me but you he had a meeting with some friends and when he returned we spent the rest of the night indoors. He understands what a muddle I have gotten into. What a mess! It's my entire fault." Lizzel added. "But I shall be alright now, truly I will."

"Even so I still don't like the idea of leaving you here if this other man… the one you're in love with… is still about. You may be in great danger."

"My friend has good security, and sooner or later this guy he has to go back to the states himself. Then I will fly to New York and that will be the end of the affair."

"From the way it sounds I hardly think you will be nursing a broken heart over him."

"Its not that I won't its just that I can't be a part of his world, and besides you haven't met him Jo. I wish you had before I even found out what he was. Jo-Jo I am telling you Hamilton is like no other man you've met before, he's…."

"Who…?" Jocelyn cut in surely Lizzel must have mistaken the names. "What name did you say?" Jocelyn asked her voice scarcely above a whisper. Suddenly a large lump formed in her throat and threatened to cut of her breathing supply.

"Hamilton, his name is Hamilton Thorpe and honestly Jo he is special. He's really a good human being just mixed up with the wrong type of friends in the wrong business.

Whatever Lizzel said after that just didn't register. She returned to the resort and tried to settle her thoughts into a semblance of order. It was impossible and yet no matter how she called logic to her aid, begged that commonsense might dictate her next move, she was aware only of the desperate need to see Thorpe and demand confirmation of Lizzel's astounding and incredible tale. She needed confirmation that he shared Lizzel's feelings as well and what of her, she… she felt something for him, but that would soon be past tense.

Jocelyn wondered then why had she not revealed her own acquaintanceship with Hamilton Thorpe to Lizzel? She was not normally secretive but, on this particular matter discretion had sealed her lips on any confidences which she might have been tempted to disclose. Was it really because her own feelings were so closely involved with the object of her sister's affections? Jocelyn wasn't sure; in fact she really didn't want to know. But she wasn't sure what her motives for her silence signified.

Jocelyn up until now had never believed she was the jealous, possessive type. It had surprised her to feel the depths of pain which had surged into her being when she heard Lizzel speak Hamilton Thorpe's name with such passion and love. She had to grip her own hands tightly in hers digging her nails into her palm to stop her from blurting out the fact that she herself had been foolish enough to let Thorpe throw a veil of passion, and yes it could be love, a veil of love about her. She felt as if she had inadvertently walked into a spider's web of deceit and betrayal and deception and intrigue.

Never in her wildest dreams had Jocelyn ever reckoned to be such a player or have such a role in such an affair; drugs, hideaways and who knows what else. It was all too much. She also knew that she would never forget this night or the silent confessions she was making to herself about her love for Hamilton/Thor as he preferred her to call him. She couldn't pretend or deny it anymore to herself. She had allowed herself to fall in love with him. For the first time in her life she had met a man who called forth such a depth of emotional response within her that she would have given all of herself into his keeping at this very moment without pause or reservation. And it had to be him.

Not only was he the man her sister had fallen in love with but he was also a crook…. Worse yet a drug smuggler, if Lizzel's tale was to be believed she'd have to know why he played them both especially her from day one through the almost two weeks she has been here. So now she knew the reason for his undue interest in her, clearly he thought she knew more. Had he also hoped that by gaining physical domination over her emotions she would reveal all she knew to him?

~~11:12pm~~

Jocelyn's meeting with he sister lasted till after nine, by ten she was back in her room, but the unease and betraying emotions made her want to escape. She had left her room and hour ago and as she walked along the shore line she was no longer concerned about her safety, though they advised it best people walked in pairs or groups this time of the night. In fact she thought it might be a sweet mercy of some kind if some villain would knock her over the head so she could wake up tomorrow and hoped this was all some big dream of a nightmare. Even more if he knocked her into unconsciousness then she wouldn't feel the ache which gripped her insides and steadily closed around her heart. Yet her heart continues to race along like a chain missing a link in its bearings attempting to escape her own pursuing thoughts.

She sighed. An elderly Italian man turned to regard her curiously, believing she had been on the verge of speaking to him. Jocelyn averted her gaze but not before seeing the glint of hope in his eyes fade as he hesitated as if waiting for a sign of encouragement from her. Realizing that none was forthcoming he moved along and stop to throw a glare of speculation over his shoulder. Jocelyn had already forgotten him. Alas the elderly man had not her. She had over taken him at some point and only turned when she heard soft footsteps other than her own behind her. She turned to see him following or maybe he wasn't following.

But indeed he was following her, he was gaining on her. She decided to stop and see if he would continue on. The night was beautiful, the sun out and the moon out and the cast of the lighthouse light as it circled around gave way to a romantic setting. It wasn't, pitch black like other night skies. There was still the hint of the moon rising or setting on the water though it was past twelve midnight. The sky here was unusual and magnificent. The elder man she realized had obviously misread her action in the sense that he thought her stop to admire the scenery was a pretext to encourage him.

She didn't bother to wait for him to past her instead she resumed her walking and continued faster making sure that there was a considerable distance between them. After a few minutes of determined walking she looked over her shoulder relieved to see he had stop giving chase. Not wanting to spend another moment out there she ran the rest of the length to the hotel unaware her-self of the need she felt for protection of some sort against the blows which fate continuously dealt her. She had to believe in something and she believed with the knowledge as soon as she was in her room, she should make quick arrangements for home.

~~12:27am~~

The lights in the entrance hall were dimmed which wasn't unusual. She really needed the walk to clear her head. She pushed open the door to the hotel. Tonight there was a new young sleepy looking night porter on duty. He threw her a surly glance as if he resented her intrusion, then obviously recalling himself to his duty he forced a half hearted polite smile of greeting. She continued walking and as she was about to take the first stair, she felt her arm being held steady fast in strong hands. She turned around as she gave a tiny exclamation of startled surprise at the tall figure that towered over her.

She had not observed the lone person get up from the deep armchair she had passed near the doorway. He had been concealed and clearly he was awaiting her return to the hotel.

"What the hell do you think you're playing at?" he growled low so only she could hear him "…how could you be such a bloody little fool as to go out or be out alone on the beach at this time of night! And don't tell me that isn't where you were."

His words continued to flow fast and furiously, as her eyes met his angry blazing ones in a level exchange. "Where I go and what time I am out what does it have to do with you? Who the hell do you think you are? My keeper…?"

Surprise at her anger flickered across Thorpe's face, then almost as if accepting her spirited right to defend her independence, he allowed his manner to relax. He smiled a smile that did not quite reach his piercing blue eyes that still held the cold iciness of a deep blue sea.

"I am sorry Jocelyn; I didn't mean to intrude on you like that. I was merely concerned about you and the events of the last few days and about yesterday I had no right to do what I did and I wanted to apologize."

"There is no need to apologize because I don't believe a word you say and there is certainly no need for you to concern yourself any longer with my well being or whereabouts."

"Ok but why? Why the sudden change and why are you trying to bite my head of? What's happened? What's changed between us?" his questions shot out with the velocity of a bullet with what seemed an almost involuntary gesture, his hand snaked out once again grasping her firmly pulling her closer to the crook of his chest.

Joce looked beyond his shoulder now at the very alert porter. He was studying them covertly as if sensing drama being played out in the lobby staircase.

"I can't talk to you here and not when you're like this can we go for a short walk or to your room you seem tired." He said glancing at the porter to.

"I am and you are the last person I would expect to see tonight. I don't want to go back outside, let's just go to my room, it'll be quicker then you can leave me to hell alone and I can get some sleep." She lead the way rehearsing the words in her head for the moment of explanations would not be delayed any longer

"Well I asked you a question earlier Jocelyn_?" he said as they entered her room she took up room on her bed and he stood back against the door.

Alone in her room Jocelyn felt almost afraid to breathe unwilling to break the spell, which had cast itself about them, she got up of the bed and walked to the patio doors throwing them open walking outside and he soon followed. She listened to the soft lap of the water and the stirring of the breeze through the branches under her patio; those were the only sounds to disturb the silence. She finally turned around and eyes Thorpe reproachfully, resenting the intrusion of his importuning questions into the magic of the moment.

As if sensing her reluctance to speak, he waited a few more calmly, not showing his inner impatience. He watched her steadily and she was aware of his regard though unable to read the thoughts flowing behind the bland, inscrutable mask he offered to her. Finally she opted for the beginning.

"I've been with Lizzel and she has told me all about you." The blunt words slipped from her lips like dead weight and she had to force herself to look at Thorpe as she spoke wondering if she would surprise some give away expression in his eyes. There was nothing. She waited for him to say something, but he didn't. She wondered then if he had heard her or was just ignoring what she said. She ran her tongue across her lips suddenly feeling dry. She tried again,

"I've been with Lizzel all evening and she has told me everything."

She thought she saw a smile lurk for a moment on Thorpe's mouth before it fled leaving the lips set in a stern line which bade no good to Jocelyn.

"Everything…?" he let it hang there a moment or two then continued… "Now that sounds like a tall order. Suppose you tell me exactly what she told you on this heart to heart discussion you've shared." His tone was mocking; she clearly heard it in his voice.

"Don't play games with me Mr Thorpe." She snipped icily as she felt the slivers of anger stir once again within her. She wanted to be calm to listen with reason

"I don't think I am familiar with this game, therefore I cannot play in it; now tell me exactly what this so charming sister of yours has been telling you."

"How dare you speak like that about her, as if … as if you don't even know or care about her?" she asked

He gave a gentle laugh and reached out a hand to Jocelyn's, taking hers and moving closer. At the last moment she pulled her hand free of his gentle hold, removing herself from his nearness. Now she was potently aware that she had backed herself into the corner and there was no escape from him if he chooses to move up again into her space.