Page 6 of The Missing Sister
‘CeCe! It’s me, Ally. Thanks so much for calling back.’
‘No problem, I saw it was the Atlantis number. Is everything okay?’
‘Yes, everything’s good here. Maia flew in yesterday and it’s so great to see her. When exactly is your flight to London, CeCe?’
‘We leave the Alice the day after tomorrow to head for Sydney. I think I told you we’re stopping over in London first for a few days, to sort out selling my apartment and to see Star. I’m dreading the flight, as usual.’
‘I know, but listen, CeCe, Georg has brought some news. Don’t worry, it isn’t bad, but it’s big news – or at least, it might be.’
‘What is it?’
‘He’s had some information about... our missing sister. He thinks that she might be living in New Zealand.’
‘You mean, the famous seventh sister? Wow!’ CeCe breathed. ‘Thatisnews. How did Georg find her?’
‘I’m not sure. You know how cagey he is. So—’
‘You’re going to ask me if I can just pop over to New Zealand to meet her, aren’t you?’ said CeCe.
‘Full marks, Sherlock.’ Ally smiled into the receiver. ‘I know it would make your journey a little longer, but you’re by far the closest to her. It would be so wonderful to have her with all of us when we lay Pa’s wreath.’
‘It would, yeah, but we don’t know anything about this person. Does she know anything about us?’
‘We’re not sure. Georg says he only has a name and address. Oh! And a picture of a ring that proves it’s her.’
‘So what’s the address? I mean, New Zealand’s a big country.’
‘I haven’t got it on me, but I can get Georg to speak to you. Georg?’ Ally beckoned him over as he emerged from the kitchen on his way to the front door. ‘It’s CeCe on the phone. She wants to know whereabouts in New Zealand Mary lives.’
‘Mary? Is that her name?’ said CeCe.
‘Apparently. I’ll pass you over to Georg.’ Ally listened in as Georg read out the address.
‘Thank you, CeCe,’ said Georg. ‘All costs will be covered by the trust. Giselle, my secretary, will book the flights. Now, I’m going to pass you back to your sister, as I must leave.’ As Georg handed the receiver to Ally, he added, ‘You have my office number, contact Giselle if you need anything. For now, adieu.’
‘Okay. Hi, CeCe,’ Ally said, giving Georg a small wave as he walked out of the front door. ‘Do you know where in New Zealand that is?’
‘Hold on. I’ll ask Chrissie.’
There was a muffled discussion before CeCe came back to the phone.
‘Chrissie says it’s way down on the South Island. She thinks we should be able to fly to Queenstown from Sydney, which would make everything a lot easier than going to Auckland. We’ll look into it.’
‘Great. So, are you up for it?’ Ally asked.
‘You know me, I love a bit of travel and adventure, even when it involves planes. I’ve never been to New Zealand, so it’ll be fun to get a glimpse of it.’
‘Brilliant! Thanks, CeCe. If it’s easier, email me the details and I’ll call Georg’s secretary about booking the flights. I’ll fax a picture of the ring to you too.’
‘Okay. Does Star know about this?’
‘No, and nor do Electra or Tiggy. I’m going to email them all now.’
‘Actually, Star’s calling me in a bit to talk about meeting up in London, so I can fill her in. This is really exciting, isn’t it?’
‘It will be if it’s actuallyher. Bye for now, CeCe. Keep in touch.’
‘Bye, Ally, speak soon!’
