Jacqui’s Nemesis

CHAPTER 4 PART 4

“I think that may be a good idea Blair... maybe we could think better on full stomachs.” Lowe started to fill his plate with sandwiches.

Blair’s hand was comforting and warm and for a split-second Jacqui wanted to grab hold of his hand and hang onto it for dear life. Her heart was aching and her mind spinning with information and innuendos.  Her life was spinning out of control, and she desperately wanted to reach out to another human being for support.

As difficult as it must have been for him Brian steered the conversation to his love of aquatic animals and the ocean in general. This gave Jacqui the opportunity to compose herself and when she finally stopped crying, she stole a quick glance at Blair, he was a handsome man, late twenties, maybe early thirties. He was tall and broad shouldered and his eyes, although looking tired and weary, was a strange mixture of blues and greens. Blair sensed her eyes on him and smiled at her. Uncertain as to what she was to do with his handkerchief Jacqui dropped it into her lap.

Conversation was generally strained and when they had finished eating Lowe told Blair that he thought it best that they continue their conversation at the precinct.

Finally quiet returned to the estate. The technicians and forensic teams left at the same time as Blair and Lowe and the two policemen left to watch the estate quietly went about their business.  Anna had excused herself and went to clean the kitchen.  Jacqui, Jackson and Brian were left to themselves. There was an uncomfortableness amongst the three of them. So much had happened, yet there was so much left to talk about.

Jacqui searched her mind for something to say to break the silence.

“Brian, you must have so many questions for Jackson regarding the other side of your family… perhaps it would be best if I leave the two of you alone to talk.”

Jacqui pushed her chair back and got up. The two men remained seated in silence.  When she looked through the window a while later they were not there anymore and she sighed, hoping that Brian will come through it all unscathed.

Jacqui telephoned Lowe asking him whether it would be alright for her to get quotes on having the windows in the dining room repaired and replaced. He told her that it was. Jacqui spent the remainder of the afternoon phoning various companies for quotes.

By dinner time the two men returned to the main house.  Jacqui was relieved to notice that the relationship between them appeared friendly and relaxed.

Anna served dinner in the kitchen.