Page 30 of One Summer in Monte Carlo
‘Depends on where the money came from – and where it’s going,’ Jean-Claude replied.
‘One of the mechanics in one of the smaller teams apparently had a lucky bet on the Spanish Grand Prix. He simply hadn’t had time to bank his winnings,’ Mathieu said.
‘OK. We’ll accept that story – for now. Just tell us why you ran from Zac’s party when you heard about the police raid.’
Jean-Claude’s face was impassive as he watched Mathieu, waiting for his reply.
‘I didn’t run anywhere.’
‘Let’s say you left Zac’s party in a hurry then. We were there and saw you.’
‘Coincidence. I was about to leave anyway. I’d arranged to meet someone at the Automobile Club and I was late.’ Mathieu simply shrugged as Jean-Claude stared disbelievingly at him. ‘Interrogation finished? I need a shower and then I promised Pierre I’d meet him from school, take him down to the pits and Zac would introduce him to a couple of the drivers.’
‘Non. It is not finished,’ Jean-Claude shouted at his son. ‘Not until you tell me the truth about what is going on.’
Mathieu shook his head as he looked at his father. ‘I can’t tell you anything, but if it’s the family reputation you’re worrying about, don’t.’
‘It’s you I’m worried about, not the family name. Scandals can be lived through, but the repercussions can never be underestimated.’
Nanette gnawed on her bottom lip as she silently watched the two of them. Neither of them seemed prepared to back down, with Mathieu unprepared to tell his father anything, or even to apologise for the worry he was clearly causing.
‘Oh, believe me,’ Mathieu said grimly, ‘the repercussions in this case will be catastrophic for certain people in Monaco.’ With that cryptic remark, he disappeared back into his room to get ready to go out.
Jean-Claude looked at Nanette, worry lines etched on his face. ‘At least he’s finally admitted to being involved in something,’ he sighed. ‘Did you believe him – about the money and the Automobile Club?’
‘The mechanic’s gambling winnings? It’s possible. It’s always a mad dash to pack things up and move on to the next race. As for Mathieu having an appointment…’ Nanette shook her head. ‘I don’t know.’
‘I’ve got an appointment of my own tomorrow,’ Jean-Claude said quietly, glancing at Mathieu’s closed bedroom door. ‘I’m meeting a private detective to have Mathieu followed for a couple of weeks. I need to know what is going on.’
‘Oh, JC – please be careful. If Mathieu discovers what you are up to, he’ll be furious.’ Nanette reached out and touched his arm.
Jean-Claude took hold of her hand and held it tight. ‘I have to risk it. I’m not convinced he’s not in real trouble. I just want some reassurance that he’s not getting out of his depth with the wrong crowd. I also want to be prepared in case of…’ Jean-Claude left the sentence unfinished, as he shrugged his shoulders and shook his head in despair.
Nanette looked at Jean-Claude in silence, not knowing what to say or do that could possibly help. Like him, she too was starting to feel that whatever Mathieu was involved with was a serious matter. All she could do was to somehow let Jean-Claude know she was there for him and she squeezed his hand hard in sympathy.
20
‘That stuff tastes vile,’ Ralph said, as Vanessa handed him some diluted Sangre de Grado to swallow. ‘Do I have to?’
Vanessa nodded. ‘Yes, you do. I need to rub some of the ointment on to the last of your bruises, too.’
Nearly a week after his accident and, to Vanessa’s relief, Ralph was a lot better. Whether it was the smelly concoctions that the head shaman had given her to administer on a regular basis or whether he hadn’t been as badly injured as it was first feared, Vanessa didn’t know. She was just relieved he was alive.
‘I don’t know what’s in this stuff,’ Vanessa said, as she rubbed the reddish sticky ointment into Ralph’s body, ‘but it’s certainly worked.’
‘Seems to take the pain away, too,’ Ralph said. ‘Can’t believe that something so primitive has such great healing properties.’
‘Don’t forget the TLC I’ve given you will have made a difference as well,’ Vanessa teased.
Ralph caught hold of her hand. ‘I know,’ he said seriously. ‘I’m sorry things haven’t worked out as we planned. Nick and Harry were in here earlier saying that as they can’t do any filming near the dam, they’ve persuaded Luigi to take them to film the young pink dolphins. I know it’s a long trek, but why don’t you go too?’
Vanessa shook her head. ‘I’d rather be here with you. Besides, I’ve promised Angela I’ll help her and the other women this afternoon.’
‘If you’re sure. With a bit of luck, we might see some dolphins on our own trek northwards when we finally leave here anyway. Ah, here comes Matron and the consultant doing their rounds,’ he addedsotto voceas Angela and the head shaman appeared at the entrance to the hut.
After the medicine man had pronounced himself happy with Ralph’s progress, he said something urgently to Angela before leaving.
‘He says you can get up today,’ Angela said. ‘There will be a feast in the village soon to celebrate your recovery.’
