Follow Your Star (15 page)

‘You do think they’ll go for it, don’t you?’ Vanessa asked anxiously. ‘It’s for their future, not ours.’

Ralph was silent for a moment.

‘I’m not sure. Remember the warning I was given before my accident not to interfere? Not all the villagers like us, me, being here. This Rio guy seems to have the villagers agreeing to his boss’s every move. You need to convince the head shaman that the villagers will benefit. It’s all a matter of trust,’ he added. ‘They like you so hopefully they will trust you enough to work with you.’ He glanced at her. ‘You know what they call you don’t you?’

Vanessa shook her head.

‘
Pacchumama
– roughly translated it means Earth Mother. They love the way you are with the animals and the children.’

Vanessa smiled. ‘Do they really? Maybe at the celebration tonight we can put our ideas to them and see if they’ve got any of their own,’ Vanessa said. ‘You’re right – we do need to get them involved from the very beginning – if only to prove to them we don’t have any ulterior motives.’

‘You do realize just how much it is going to take to get this project off the ground?’ Ralph replied. ‘And to keep it running? I’m not just talking about money here – it’s going to take a huge amount of time.’

‘I know,’ Vanessa said. ‘But we’ve got to try.’

‘I’ll give you all the help I can but I’m already committed to other projects when we get back. I won’t be around full time – a lot of the organizing will fall on you.’

‘Organizing is something I’m good at,’ Vanessa said. ‘Right, tonight at the celebration party for your recovery, I’ll talk to Angela and the others.’

But while Angela was openly enthusiastic, some of the other women were hostile to the idea and Vanessa found herself having to explain again and again how a co-operative would work to their advantage. And, no, she wouldn’t personally benefit from it.

By the time she was sitting on the floor next to the head shaman outlining the way the villagers could protect their own futures, it was clear that opinion was divided.

‘We have an agreement with the outsider,’ said the head shaman, resplendent in his native dress and war paint. ‘He is already helping with the gold mine and next year he has promised to help with equipment for the nut harvest. His Brazilian man is due here again soon to pay us for the gold we have mined, so we shall have money for necessary supplies.’

At his words, Vanessa felt her heart sank. ‘You don’t think…?’

He held his hand up to stop her. ‘We are people of our word. So, I thank you for your concerns, but we are already committed.’

Beside her, Angela said something quickly and the shaman answered with an emphatic shake of his head before he stood up and moved away.

‘Is that it then?’ Vanessa said turning to Angela.

Angela nodded. ‘The men are sure this man will do more
and more to help us – besides, they are also aware of the dangers of upsetting him,’ she added quietly.

‘What about the women? They could do something themselves,’ Vanessa said, trying to hide her disappointment.

Angela shook her head. ‘The men would forbid it.’

Later that night when Vanessa and Ralph had returned to their hut and were preparing to climb into their hammocks she said sadly, ‘I was really looking forward to organizing the co-op. I even had a name ready, “Fruits of the Forest”.’

‘Maybe it’s for the best,’ Ralph said, trying to comfort her. ‘We’ll be home in a few weeks. You’ll have to put your organizational skills to work on marketing my film. Bring the plight of the jungle and its inhabitants to the world’s attention that way.’

‘Of course I’ll do everything possible to publicize your film,’ Vanessa said, ‘but I wanted to do something, try to make a difference, myself. I still can’t believe that they’ve turned the idea of a co-operative down because of some sleazy guy the head shaman has given his word to.’

‘This outsider, as the shaman calls him, clearly thinks he’s on to something sending his henchman from Rio all this way into the forest,’ Ralph said thoughtfully. ‘Wonder who he is?’

Vanessa shrugged and shook her head. ‘We’ll never know. I just wish the villagers could see that the co-operative would have given them so much more control over their own future – and that of the jungle,’ she added.

For the next couple of days Ralph concentrated on getting as much filming done as possible, before they began their long trek back to civilization and then home. As their day of departure drew near, Vanessa found herself thinking more and more about the twins. Keeping in touch had proved
impossible from so deep in the jungle and she was looking forward to reaching Manaus on the Amazon in a few weeks and being able to telephone them.

She didn’t mention the co-operative idea to anyone again and was surprised when Angela brought the subject up as they prepared bowls of vegetables for the evening meal together.

‘Nobody has come to buy our gold,’ Angela said. ‘Some of the men think you have put the evil eye on it.’

Vanessa looked at her horrified.

‘The shaman is insisting that you and Ralph attend a village council meeting this evening. He wants to hear what you have to say before deciding what to do.’

‘Well done you two,’ Nanette said as the twins came running towards her, having been collected by Mathieu from the stage door of the theatre, after performing in their school play. ‘You were both brilliant.’

‘Wish Mummy could have been here,’ Olivia said wistfully.

‘I videoed all the bits you and Pierre were in,’ Jean-Claude said. ‘So Mummy will get to see you. She’ll be home in a few weeks.’

‘I took some photos on my mobile phone,’ Nanette said. ‘Here, take a look,’ and she handed her phone to Olivia.

As the twins giggled excitedly over the photos, Mathieu asked, ‘Would you two like to go for burgers as a special treat?’

‘Can we go to that new one down in Fontvielle?’ Pierre said.

‘Sure, if that’s OK with everyone else?’ Mathieu said.

Half an hour later as everyone tucked into gigantic
portions of burgers and chips, Jean-Claude’s mobile rang. With an apologetic ‘Sorry’ he excused himself and went outside to answer it.

He didn’t say anything when he returned, instead concentrated on helping the twins choose a dessert but Nanette sensed his mood had darkened.

It was late by the time they returned to the apartment and she expected Jean-Claude to say his goodbyes and go straight home. Instead, when Mathieu asked if he was coming up with them he said, ‘Yes. I want a word with Nanette.’

Nanette was puzzled, but it wasn’t until after the twins were tucked up in bed and Patsy had said goodnight to everyone that he said anything.

‘Have you seen Evie recently?’

‘Yes,’ Nanette said, immediately feeling guilty that she hadn’t had time to mention the meeting on board
Pole Position
to Jean-Claude.

‘Patsy and I had coffee here with her the other day,’ she added. ‘I was going to ask if you knew of any PA jobs going. Luc has paid her off and she needs another job. Why do you ask?’

‘It was Luc who rang earlier. Don’t know the ins and outs of things, but basically he’s in real trouble. He got caught up in a business deal that’s gone wrong and now he thinks he’s being made a scapegoat for others. Did Evie mention any of this when you met?’

Nanette thought about the packet Evie had given her and wished she’d had the chance to talk to JC about it. She shook her head unhappily.

‘Is this the Luc I think it is?’ Mathieu asked. ‘I’d heard his business was in trouble. Give Evie my number – I might be able to help.’

Jean-Claude rounded on his son angrily. ‘Oh yes – get her to work with one of your criminal friends. At least it won’t be Boris Takyanov now that he’s had his application for a resident’s visa refused.’

‘How do you know that? It’s not common knowledge yet,’ Mathieu demanded.

‘You’d be surprised at just what I do know – including your so called
business activities
, Jean-Claude retorted. ‘For instance, I know that you and Zac Ewart had a meeting in Luxembourg recently. I also know you spent six hours in the
gendarmerie
three days ago. I know that Boris—’

‘It’s you, isn’t it?’ Mathieu said slowly. ‘You’re the one having me followed.’ He shook his head. ‘I can’t believe my own father is spying on me.’

‘And I can’t believe how easily my son has turned from successful businessman into a criminal,’ Jean-Claude shouted. ‘
Oui
, I had you followed because I was worried and wanted to know what was going on so I could help you.’

Both men had forgotten Nanette and she looked from one to the other in dismay as father and son glared at one another.

Mathieu sighed heavily. ‘I keep telling you I am not a criminal and don’t need you to interfere.’

‘Then stop behaving like one and tell me what’s going on.’

‘I can’t. I’ve been sworn to secrecy. Besides, what you don’t know, you can’t tell.’

Jean-Claude stared at him. ‘I can’t believe that you’ve been stupid enough to get involved with something illegal. These people you’re involved with won’t hesitate to sacrifice you to save their own skins. And then what happens to the twins?’

Mathieu replied, ‘Nanette’s here to look after the twins. You, I have no doubt, would also make sure they came to no
harm. Vanessa will be home in a few weeks and they will return to England. Meantime, I intend to see this through, whatever you say.’

Jean-Claude shook his head in despair and turned away from his son. Mathieu moved as though to touch him on the arm and say something before changing his mind and walking towards his room instead.

His ‘Goodnight’ was almost inaudible and the door closed behind him, only to open a second or two later.

‘Do me one favour: call off your private detective please.’ This time the door closed on his words and stayed shut.

Nanette looking at Jean-Claude’s worried face said gently, ‘There’s nothing you can do, JC.’

‘I feel so helpless,’ he said, clenching his fists. ‘I want to shake him, make him see sense.’ He smiled ruefully at her. ‘But you are right. This thing has got to run its course whatever the outcome. I can only pray that Mathieu comes out of it unscathed – whatever it may be.’

‘Please don’t be cross with me, but there is something I should have told you a couple of days ago,’ Nanette told him.

Quickly she told Jean-Claude about her visit to
Pole Position
and the package Evie had given her to place in the safe.

‘Do you know what was in this package?’

Nanette shook her head and bit her lip before saying quietly, ‘I didn’t put it in the safe.’

Jean-Claude looked at her surprised. ‘What did you do with it?’

‘It’s in my room,’ Nanette said. ‘I’ll fetch it.’

He turned the package over and over when she handed it to him.

‘I suspect it’s money,’ Nanette said. ‘But why would Luc
give money – or anything – to Zac to put in a secret safe?’

Jean-Claude sighed. ‘Maybe it’s all part of his problems. I’d have said Luc was an honest businessman, but then I’d also have said Mathieu would never get mixed up with anything illegal.’ He glanced at her. ‘Was there anything in the safe?’

‘A gun. Zac would never ever have owned a gun in the past,’ she added quietly. ‘Shall we open it?’ Nanette asked looking first at the package and then at Jean-Claude.

He didn’t reply for several minutes and then slowly shook his head.

‘Not here. I’ll take it with me and put it somewhere safe. I don’t feel happy with you having it.’ He sighed. ‘It’s late. Time I went home. I’ll be here at about eleven o’clock tomorrow to take Patsy to the airport. Goodnight,
ma chérie
.’

A gentle kiss brushed her cheek and he was gone, leaving Nanette feeling strangely bereft.

There was no sign of Mathieu the next morning before Nanette left to take the twins to school and his bedroom door remained firmly closed. When she returned, Patsy was out on the balcony enjoying her breakfast croissant and coffee.

‘I’m going to miss this view,’ she said. ‘Can’t believe in a few hours I’ll be back on the farm.’ She spread some marmalade on her croissant before adding, ‘There’s been a lot of activity on
Pole Position
this morning. People coming and going.’

Nanette helping herself to a cup of coffee glanced up. ‘What sort of people?’

‘Lots of people in suits. Look, there’s one of them leaving now.’

The sisters watched as a man carrying a briefcase appeared
in the stern of the yacht with Phil. The two men shook hands and Phil waited as the man left before raising the gangplank and disappearing into the main cabin.

‘Hmm,’ Patsy said. ‘Wonder what that’s all about.’ She glanced over. ‘Bit of a family ding-dong last night?’

Nanette nodded. ‘Sorry if it disturbed you. Jean-Claude is getting more and more worried about Mathieu. Unfortunately I don’t think there is anything he can do. Have you seen him this morning?’

Patsy shook her head. ‘No. Florence said he went out very early.’

Nanette sighed. ‘Part of me wishes whatever it is, would all come to a head and hang the consequences – at least we’d all know where we were.’

Patsy stood up. ‘Well, I’d better go and finish packing.’

‘Need a hand?’

‘No thanks. Might need Jean-Claude to carry the suitcase for me though, it’s a bit on the heavy side.’

While Patsy finished her packing, Nanette stayed out on the balcony looking down thoughtfully at
Pole Position
. Just what had been happening earlier on the now deserted yacht? Something to do with
Vacances au Soleil
maybe?

Florence, busy cleaning the sitting-room had the radio on softly in the background and Nanette was gently humming along to a favourite song when Jean-Claude arrived.

‘How are you today?’ she asked, returning his hug and staying in the circle of his arms, concerned at the lines of worry she could see still etched in his face from last night.

Jean-Claude shrugged non-committally. ‘I’ve been better, but I’ve done as Mathieu asked and called off the private detective.’

‘Did he have any final information to give you?’