Prince Charming (Behind the Screen, #1) (4 page)

‘Yes, we should have it soon,’ said Yasmina.

‘We needed it sooner than soon!’

‘Yes sir, I’ll get right on it.’

They spoke a little more, tried to pick up anymore common denominators. Finally it was time to get to work again, the group broke up and got straight back to work to find the man who had taken the women.

****

‘W
hat are you doing here?’ Harmony asked her best friend Gareth.

‘James threw me out.’

‘He didn’t!’ She laughed and searched for the key.

He stood up from the front steps with a case of Peroni.

‘You know I can’t drink tonight!’

‘These aren’t for you, there for me.’

‘Ha!’ she let him in. ‘Seriously, what are you doing here?’

‘Well, since you wouldn’t answer my calls, I took it upon myself to see you.’

‘Oh yes. I haven’t checked my phone in ages. It keeps pinging with messages. I just don’t have the energy to answer them back.’

‘Dating is going well for you then?’

‘Yes, it’s good.’ She walked into the kitchen and he followed.

Gareth made himself at home. Pulled a beer from the pack, opened it and took a sip.

‘Do tell.’

‘Let’s order Chinese first,’ she said.

The menu was on the fridge door.

‘Okay.’

‘What do you fancy? Should we go for our usual?’

‘Yes, sounds great.’

Harmony ordered sweet and sour pork, chow mein and spring rolls. They moved to the living-room.

‘Come on.’ He pulled the footstool, sat down and picked up her feet. ‘Let me give those feet a massage.’

Gareth was a massage therapist and gave a great foot massage. She leaned back into the sofa.

‘That feels great.’

‘Good. Now tell me about these dates.’

She smiled. ‘Saturday’s date.’

‘Which one is that one?’

‘The art gallery owner.’

‘The tall blond with the green eyes.’

‘No that’s Derek the police guy. How many times must I tell you that?’

‘Oh I’m sorry. So he’s the tall dark with blue eyes?’

‘Yes, his name is Marcus.’

‘Nice. He sounds like the last guy you dated. What was his name?’

‘Oliver?’

‘Yes. What happened to him? One minute you were so in love the next he was out of your life.’

She was quiet a while. He worked on her feet and it took her away from her thoughts for a moment.

‘He left me. One day he just walked out of my life.’

‘Just like that? I remember that, but you never said anything, you didn’t even shed a tear.’

‘You know me, I’m onto the next guy.’

‘I wish I had your balls.’

‘Ha. No you don’t, you’re happy without any.’ She laughed.

‘That’s true, James has the balls.’

‘So who do you like the most?’

‘You mean between the cop and the gallery owner?’

‘Yes.’

‘Right now they’re both my favourites.’

‘Nah, you’ve got someone at the top.’

‘Well the second date will determine that.’

‘I look forward to the new man in your life.’

‘Don’t get ahead of yourself. Its early days.’

He was just about to open his mouth when the doorbell rang.

‘That’s our food.’ He got up and headed for the front door.

He grabbed some plates from the kitchen and soon they devoured the food.

‘How’s work?’ he asked.

‘Busy as usual.’

‘I don’t know how you work those long hours.’

‘It’s my job, you get used to it.’

‘I guess. So what do your new fellas think about you as a doctor.’

She stopped mid chew. He waited.

‘Erm... impressed I guess.’

‘I bet they’re glad they met an intelligent woman like you.’

‘What I know is all they see is my face. What I do, doesn’t thrill them.’

‘You think?’

‘I know. Men love what they see, you could be an astronaut or just a receptionist, it wouldn’t make a difference. What they see, well, that’s a different story.’

‘Not all men.’

‘Speak for yourself. The men I meet, like what they see, and that’s about it. They pretend to show interest, it’s to get you to give over the goods.’

‘You’ve got a strange idea on what men want.’

‘Not really, just a realistic one.’

‘If that’s all they want, then why date them.’

‘Well that’s were I change it. I’ll keep them hanging on long enough, then when they least expect it, they’ll fall head over hills for me.’

‘I see. You have it all figured out.’

‘I do. And I love dating. It’s fun.’

‘Just be careful. I’ve heard some really horror stories about online dating.’

‘Oh don’t worry about me. I know what I’m doing.’

‘I guess so.’

They moved from topic to topic and finally Gareth had to leave.

‘As always, it’s been wonderful,’ he said at the door.

‘Thank you for coming, even though you weren’t invited.’ She hugged him.

‘I don’t need a bloody invitation!’ He laughed.

‘True! And thank you so much for the massage.’

‘My pleasure.’

She watched him as he walked away.

T
hey met at a fancy restaurant. Harmony insisted she make her own way there, even after Marcus had offered to pick her up. The waiter directed her to the reserved table. Marcus stood up, kissed her cheek and then pulled out the chair for her to sit.

‘It’s so good to see you again. I was counting down the days,’ he said.

‘It’s good to see you too.’

‘Can I get you a drink? Wine?’

‘Oh no, no wine today. I’ll have an apple juice.’

‘Okay, apple juice it is.’ He called for the waiter.

He ordered a glass of red and an apple juice.

‘Good week so far?’ he asked.

‘Yes it’s been fine. Busy.’

‘A lot of ringing phones?’ He laughed.

‘You could say that. You? Busy week?’

‘Yes, I’m having a showing this weekend. Fancy coming?’

Harmony knew she was on call on the weekend. ‘I’m sorry I can’t make it, maybe next time.’

‘Not to worry.’ He smiled.

‘So.’

The waiter returned with the drinks. Marcus took a sip as did she.

‘Can I ask why you picked me?’ she asked.

‘Well.’ He sat back. ‘I found you interesting. And after your wink, how could I resist.’

‘Really? I winked to see if you’d be interested. There isn’t much interesting about me. My profile barely has anything on it.’

‘That was the fun part. The mystery about you.’

‘What did you think I did for a living the first time you saw me.’

‘I’m not sure.’

‘I didn’t put that on because I wanted to see if the men who wrote to me would at least ask.’

‘And I did. I past that test.’

‘Yes you did. Being a receptionist isn’t that great.’

‘Oh there’s nothing wrong with it.’

‘I just thought I’d be so much more, that’s all. Sometimes I feel embarrassed about it.’

‘Oh don’t be. There’s nothing wrong with your job.’

‘Maybe, but with time I will move on.’

He nodded.

‘Do you know what you’d like to eat?’ he asked.

She studied the menu. ‘I’m not sure, I’ve never been here before. What would you recommend?’

‘Do you fancy a starter?’

‘Not really. I think I’ll have a main and a dessert. Will you have a starter?’

‘I think I might. If you don’t mind.’

‘Why would I?’ she laughed.

‘I don’t like eating while the other person isn’t.’

‘Oh don’t mind me. I’m okay with it.’

‘Okay. I’ll go for the slow roasted tomato soup for a starter.’

‘That sounds nice.’

‘I’ll have the double breasted chicken breast with the rocket salad for main.’

‘Hmmm, that does sound delicious,’ she said.

‘What do you like?’

‘I’m not fussy. I eat anything.’ Her eyes were drawn to the bottom of the menu. ‘I might try one of their specials.’

He had a look at the specials. ‘Which one are you thinking?’

‘Porcini Risotto.’

‘Good choice.’

‘Yes, I think so.’

He called for the waiter and placed the order. The conversation flowed from then. They laughed a lot, Marcus turned out to be a man with a great sense of humour. The humour put them both at ease. Later that evening they shared a board of cheese and grapes and ended the night with a cup of tea.

‘This was so much fun,’ she said finally.

‘Yes I enjoyed it too.’

He walked her to the car. He leaned forward and their lips met. The kiss was soft and tender. It took her breath away, not how she’d expected. He pulled back.

‘Would you like to come over to mine for a drink?’

She looked at the time. ‘I don’t think that would be wise.’

‘Perhaps our next date? I could cook you something.’

Harmony studied him a moment. A few things danced about in her head.

‘How about we make a deal?’ she said.

‘I’m listening.’

‘How about I make you something to eat, you come round to mine. And then the next date, I come to yours. How does that sound?’

His shoulders tensed. ‘Sounds like a plan.’

‘I just like to be in my own environment the first time.’

‘Yes of course that’s fine.’

‘Great, what day are you thinking? I know I’m available next Tuesday evening, if that’s any good.’

‘Yeah, that should be fine.’

‘Great.’ She kissed his cheek. ‘I’ll text you my address.’

‘Fantastic!’

‘Is there anything you don’t eat?’

‘I’m easy. I eat everything.’

‘Great. So I’ll see you Tuesday, say seven o’clock?’

‘Yes great.’

He watched her jump into the mini and drive off.

‘God dam it! Dam it!’ It didn’t go to plan.

The drive home was rushed. The doors slammed, there was a dark energy in the house. He pushed things off tables and swore over and over. Tonight was supposed to be the night! The other two women had been taken by his charm, they’d trusted him from the word go, but this one. This one wasn’t biting! What a bitch!

‘And I have to endure a dinner! Dam it!’

He stormed upstairs and into Rose’s bedroom. The anger in his eyes wrapped her in fear. He unlocked her, dragged her by the arms into Zara’s room. The two women cried! He pulled off their gowns and forced them to lie together. Their hands were cuffed together.

‘Shut the fuck up!’ He pulled off his coat. ‘Or god knows what I’ll do to you!’

They were silent. He left the room a moment and stormed back with a new canvas and some paints. He placed the canvas on an easel and got to work. The girls held back the tears. They lay in full view, terrified that the painting wouldn’t be enough and he would hurt them further. But the more he painted, the calmer he became. There was something in the act that satisfied him. Lucky enough that was all there was to it. The anger died down like particles of dust. Rose was taken back to bed, and Zara left in hers. He stepped into the shower, got clean and then went straight to bed. Maybe after Tuesday, he’d get his chance, and finally his painting would be complete!

****

D
erek parked outside Harmony’s house. It was a night to look forward to. Work had been hectic, and they were no where near finding the two women. It worried him, but Harmony seemed like a smart woman.

The knock on the door caught her by surprise. Derek was expected, but not for another ten minutes. The Needle and Thread Embellished lace grid evening dress seemed appropriate for the night. It was smart and sexy without being over the top. The black medium heels worked perfectly as did the black coat.

‘You look amazing!’ he said the moment the door opened.

‘Thank you. You’ve scrubbed up well too.’

The black tight jeans, white shirt and black leather jacket worked well.

‘Thank you. Shall we?’

She took his arm. Locked the door behind them.

‘Thank you for trusting me to pick you up. I hope you don’t do this with all men.’

She laughed.

‘What?’

‘You have no idea the things I’m capable of. I can take care of myself pretty well.’

‘I’m sure you can.’

‘I always follow my gut. I’m good. The more I do it, the better I become and so far it’s been good.’

‘So what does your gut tell you about me?’ he asked as he opened the door.

‘Hmmm.’ she slid in.

‘Hold that thought.’ He shut the door and walked round to the driver’s side. ‘Okay, go on.’

She laughed. She liked this one, but there was still a lot on her mind.

‘I trust you. I think you’re the guy who always wants to help, protect.’

‘Really? You got all that?’

‘It’s a feeling. And you’re a cop, that helps.’

‘I guess it does.’ He started the car. ‘Is there anywhere specific you want to go?’

‘Not really. Spending the evening with you is enough. We can go anywhere.’

‘Okay, I’ll take you for Indian, sound good?’

‘Yes, that sounds good. I haven’t had Indian food in a while.’

‘Well then, you’re in for a treat.’

The waiter sat them down. The restaurant had no liquor licence it was soft drinks all around. The couple were okay with that, they had no intention of drinking anyway.

‘So how’s work?’ she asked.

‘It’s okay. A little stressful at the moment. We’re not making progress on a case I’m working on. It’s frustrating.’

‘Are you allowed to share the details?’

‘Not at the moment. I think soon we will, we’re not sure what’s going on, we’re keeping it quiet.’

‘Okay. That’s understandable.’

‘You, how’s work?’

‘Busy, too many patients to handle.’ She laughed, but suddenly stopped. ‘I mean children. I meant to say you need a lot of patience with children.’

‘Yes, I bet you do.’ He was either blinded by her good looks to have noticed or he’d just let it go.

‘Yes, it’s the naughty ones that make it difficult. But don’t get me wrong. I love my job.’

‘Yes, it shows.’

A waiter approached. ‘Are you ready to order?’

‘Sorry, could you give us a few more minutes?’

‘Yes of course.’

They giggled like teens as soon as the waiter went away.