Page 63 of One Summer in Monte Carlo
‘Tomorrow I am going to start clearing my name,’ she said defiantly.
‘Why bother after all this time? Besides, who are people going to believe: a world-famous racing driver or a one-time office girl?’ Zac hesitated before adding quietly, ‘I did try once, Nanette, to set the record straight, but by then the police had done their paperwork and it was too late.’
‘If you had any decency left, you’d come with me and make them acknowledge the truth.’ Nanette gazed reflectively at Zac. Life on the race track was a serious business, not to be taken lightly, but away from the circuit, Zac had always had this cavalier attitude to life. It had been one of the things she’d found difficult to accept about him. Jean-Claude, she knew, would never have deserted her in her hour of need. That Jean-Claude would always be there for her, she didn’t doubt for a single second.
‘Nanette, what are you thinking? You’re miles away. I remember you getting that dreamy look when we were together. Are you thinking about us?’
Nanette shook her head. ‘Oh no, Zac. I’m not taking a trip down memory lane with you. I’m thinking about my future and you are staying firmly in the past.’
‘Have you met someone else?’
‘Yes,’ Nanette said simply. ‘Someone very special. Someone who truly loves me.’
Nanette didn’t understand the pained look that crossed Zac’s face, but she did realise that he clearly hadn’t been expecting that answer from her.
There was a short silence, before he said slowly, ‘I hope things work out for you.’ He drained his glass of champagne before continuing quietly, ‘My life changed after the accident too. The last three years have been difficult for me. There are different things at stake these days – that’s why I can’t suddenly announce I was responsible for the accident.’
‘Things like your business deals with that criminal Boris Takyanov? You know, Zac,’ Nanette said thoughtfully, ‘I never had you down as a common criminal. How did that happen?’
Zac was silent for several seconds before saying, ‘I stupidly got myself involved in something I shouldn’t have. The next thing I knew, Takyanov made me an offer I couldn’t refuse – didn’t dare refuse,’ he added quietly. ‘Now I’m in too deep for him to let me go.’
‘He’s blackmailing you? Oh Zac, what a mess,’ Nanette said sadly. ‘Well, I can’t see him doing much in the way of business from Monaco jail,’ she added.
Zac spun round from the table where he was helping himself to yet more champagne. ‘Takyanov’s been arrested?’
‘Hadn’t you heard? Along with several of his so-called business associates. And his son in Brazil too.’
Zac pushed past her and opened the cabin door. ‘Phil, turn around and take us back to harbournow,’ he shouted.
Nanette heard the skipper’s answering ‘Will do’, feltPole Positionchange course and closed her eyes as her body relaxed. This nightmare would soon be over.
Unexpectedly, Zac grabbed her hand. ‘I need some air. Come on, let’s go out on deck and watch the lights.’
As Zac pulled her towards the yacht’s bow, Nanette was struck by an irrational fear. Could he possibly be planning to push her overboard and claim it was an accident?
40
Dawn was breaking over a sleeping Monaco asPole Positionsailed towards the harbour entrance. Nanette, standing in the cockpit, felt an overwhelming sense of relief sweep through her body. She would soon be back on dry land.
A tense Zac had insisted they spent the entire return journey up on deck and now Nanette watched the harbour walls getting closer with unconcealed pleasure.
As Phil carefully positioned the yacht to motor slowly into her allocated berth and the crew tied the large navy fenders in place, Zac turned to her.
‘I guess you and I are all washed up now. No chance of even remaining friends?’
‘We were all washed up, as you put it, when you decided to lie about the accident,’ Nanette said, watching Phil press the button to lower the gangway. ‘I can never forgive you for that.’
Zac suddenly turned her to face him, gripping both her arms tightly.
‘Stop it, Zac, you’re hurting me.’
The pressure increased on her arms as Zac ignored her words and squeezed harder.
Nanette closed her eyes, willing him to stop inflicting pain, and waiting for him to release her.
‘You think this hurts? Be warned, Nanette – it’s nothing to what could happen. I made a mistake letting you take the blame for the accident and I’m sorry. Do one last thing for me: walk away from whatever you think is going on. Other people don’t have my scruples – or share a past with you.’
The grip on her arms lessened and Nanette opened her eyes to see Zac staring at her intently.
