Page 15 of A Family Affair
What a waste that would be. Especially when one of his cohorts, a certain Romanian billionaire was looking for a new home befitting of his nouveau-riche status. Somewhere out of the way where he could entertain his guestsand himselfhowever he wanted. Tristan had been to Ion Paval’s parties and sampled everything on offer, so knew only too well why privacy was most definitely required.
And while Ion was not the type of person Tristan would choose to associate with in the company of Diana –because they both found people of his ilk and background most distasteful – needs must.
Tristan fastidiously kept his shadier acquaintances in the shadows and well away from his life with Diana. For all appearances, he was the epitome of respectability and soon, fingers crossed, his standing would go up another notch, in both of the worlds he inhabited.
Tristan’s father was due to retire and finally Henderson & Co would pass down the line to him. So, if he could smooth the way and ensure that Clarissa left everything to Chuck, once the probate period was over, Tristan would have sole control of the Chamberlain estate’s legal affairs. Perfect.
All being well, Chuck would see dollar signs and take the first deal that landed on the table and no need to guess who that bidder would be. Ion Paval.
A very nice commission awaited Tristan as a reward for brokering the deal. In cash. Also included in the gentleman’s agreement between Tristan and Ion was the purchase of a row of tenanted cottages, for a knock-down price of course. These, Tristan intended to transform into luxury homes. Their prime location on the banks of the River Dee guaranteed a premium return, once he’d ejected the tenants.
Which was why everything hinged on Chuck. And why Tristan had forked out for a first-class seat on the British Airways flight – to give the Kentucky Kid a taste of the high life. Why a limousine would collect him at the airport. And, after wrestling with the idea of dumping him in the Travelodge on the Chester Ring Road, why Tristan had booked him into a boutique hotel. And by some strange coincidence, it was just down the road from the land of milk and honey. Chamberlain Manor.
It had to work. Ion Paval had deep pockets and rewarded those who he trusted and were of use. Tristan was on the edge of the inner circle. Who knew what opportunities getting a foot into the centre of Ion’s world would bring?
But what if Clarissa hung on for years? The dark thoughts he harboured with regards to that little glitch in his plan sent Tristan’s heart racing. Would he have the guts to arrange a little accident? Perhaps a stumble at the top of that very elegant staircase at the manor. No, not for a second. But Ion would.
The mobile on his desk began to trill. The one in his pocket remained silent, which meant Diana was occupied elsewhere and didn’t require his presence. Striding across the room, depositing his glass on the way, Tristan snatched the phone and answered.
‘Hey dude, we’re all set and thanks for setting me up in this fancy bar. It’s real swanky. I could get used to this.’ Chuck had obviously been directed to the first-class lounge.
‘Well, you’d better get used to it, my friend,’ Tristan cringed. Over-familiarity wasn’t his thing, but in for a penny. ‘Because if you play your cards right, this could be your life every single day of the week. All you have to do is follow my lead and you’ll be sitting pretty. I can assure you of that. No more wiping tables and washing cars for Chuck Chamberlain.’
Tristan had begun to relax into his part, the tension of earlier receding now he knew Chuck had made it through security. And once he was on the plane, Tristan could forget about his new best friend for a few hours. Which was a blessing, because he really couldn’t bear the sound of the man’s voice. Why did he talksoloudly? Did he think he was on a ranch and needed to drown out the sound of hooves, or be heard in the next state?
‘You can rely on me, dude, but for now I’m gonna get a drink and enjoy the hospitality. You want me to tell you when I’m on the plane? I’m still getting that old poppa vibe down the line.’ Chuck was laughing, a strange hee-heeing sound that was bound to be attracting attention.
Feeling his blood pressure rise again, Tristan called time. ‘Just a quick text, when you’re seated, so I know you didn’t get smashed and miss the call for your flight. Then you can enjoy some more pampering while you’re in the air. Okay?’
‘Dude, you’re a legend. I’ll text soon. You be good now.’ And with that, Chuck cut the call.
Dragging his hand down his face, Tristan felt anything but a legend, in fact, he was drained just from the effort of keeping his patience. Chuck was hard work, and in comparison his teenagers were a walk in the park. Even Diana for that matter.
Tristan glanced at the notepad on his desk. He’d jotted down Chuck’s flight number and arrival time. He was due to land in the early hours of the following morning. Tristan had appointments all Thursday, so intended leaving Chuck alone to get over his jet lag.
They were going to meet up on Friday to run through a few things and then all being well, Chuck could meet his dear cousin over the weekend. Diana wouldn’t be happy about him working but he’d fob her off with a spa retreat. They always did the trick when he was in her bad books.
A rap on the door to which Tristan responded with anenter, and the prim face of his secretary appeared. Punctual and predictable as ever, Ms Forbisham gave her 5.30pm speech.
‘I’ll be off now, Mr Henderson. Have a good evening.’
‘Jolly good. Take care on the way home. See you in the morning.’ Sometimes Tristan wanted to say, ‘Good for you. Now fuck off, you boring old crone, and don’t slam the door on the way out.’ Imagine.
Tristan massaged his temples and, not having the patience to wait for Chuck’s text, decided to head home too. There was nothing more he could do, and if the imbecile missed his flight again… he’d hire a ruddy nanny.
Swiftly closing down his laptop, he then switched off his desk lamp, grabbed his briefcase and, after a flick of the light switch, closed the office door on tedium and Chuck.
CHAPTER13
LEVI
Astiff breeze was blowing down the hill and whipped Levi’s body as he waited for the AA man to print the repair report. The temperature had dropped in the past hour and, even though it was mid-October, he could imagine the harsh winter weather up there on the peaks.
While he was grateful that the mechanic had fixed the problem, Levi was eager to get back inside and finish his conversation with Honey. She never got to tell him about her donations to charity and he still hadn’t explained how he might be able to help her.
Levi seriously couldn’t believe his luck in meeting someone like her, who ticked all the boxes. He’d only known her for a short while, but she was perfect. Ripe for… not the picking, that sounded wrong. Honey was just the type of person he and his associates looked out for. Today’s quirk of fate had certainly made his job a hell of a lot easier.
So far, he’d been genuinely impressed by her business acumen. He was trying to ignore how she made him feel inside. Keep that separate.
