or nine. She went to the decanter on the silver tray and poured the
whisky with her back to him, and now her voice was so low that he barely
caught the words.
A year ago I resigned as executrix of the Trust. He did not answer, it
was what he had been waiting for, he had known there was something else.
The Trust that old Arthur Christy had set up was the backbone and sinews
of Christy Marine. One million voting shares administered by three
executors, a banker, a lawyer and a member of the Christy family.
Chantelle turned and brought the drink to him.
Did you hear what I said? she asked, and he nodded and sipped the drink
before he asked, The other executors? Pickstone of Lloyd's and Rollo
still? She shook her head and again bit her lip, No, it's not Lloyd's
any more, it's Cyril Forbes. Who is he? Nick demanded.
He is the head of London and European. But that's Duncan's own bank,
Nick protested.
It's still a registered bank. And Rollo? Rollo had a heart attack six
months ago. He resigned, and Duncan put in another younger man. You
don't know him. My God, three men and each of them is Duncan Alexander
- he has had a free hand with Christy Marine for over a year, Chantelle,
there is no check on him. I know/ she whispered. 'It was a madness. I
just cannot explain it. It's the oldest madness in the world. Nick
pitied her then; for the first time , he realized and accepted that she
had been under a compulsion, driven by forces over which she had no
control, and he pitied her.
I am so afraid, Nicholas. I'm afraid to find out what I have done. Deep
down I know there is something terribly wrong, but I'm afraid of the
truth,, All right, tell me everything. There isn't anything else. If
you lie to me, I cannot help you/ he pointed out gently.
I have tried to follow the new structuring of the company, it's all so
complicated, Nicholas, London and European is the new holding company,
and - and - her voice trailed off. It just goes round and round in
circles, and I cannot pry too deep or ask too many questions., 'Why not?
he demanded.
You don't know Duncan. I am beginning to/ he answered her grimly. But,
Chantelle, you have every right to ask and get answers. Let me get you
another drink. She jumped up lightly.
I haven't finished this one. The ice has melted, I know you don't like
that. She took the glass and emptied the diluted spirit, refilled it
and brought it back to him.
All right/ he said. What else? Suddenly she was weeping. Smiling at
him wistfully and weeping. There was no sobbing or sniffing, the tears
merely welled up slowly as oil or blood from the huge dark eyes, broke
from the thick, arched lashes and rolled softly down her cheeks. Yet
she still smiled.
The madness is over, Nicholas. it didn't last very long but it was a
holocaust while it did. He comes home at nine o'clock now/Nicholas
said.
Yes, he comes home at nine o'clock. He took the linen handkerchief from
his inner pocket and handed it to her.
