Jacqui’s Nemesis

CHAPTER 4 PART 1

Sleep once again eluded her and before sunrise Jacqui finally gave up, had a shower, made herself a cup of hot chocolate and switched on her computer. She searched the internet for Brian Warner and finally found him on f*******:.  His posts were non-descript, mostly items concerning farming, motorcars, typically male stuff.  There was no mention of a girlfriend, relatives, and a total lack of personal information. The profile photo however confirmed what she saw and recognized in his childhood photographs, he indeed had dark blue eyes and almost black hair and no blood test would be needed to confirm that they were related. Their features were strikingly similar.

At six am Jacqui got dressed and went to the kitchen. Anna was already busy with the percolator and the aroma of fresh coffee filled the room.

“What would it be this morning Jacqui, eggs and toast? How about some bacon or sausage?”

“Please do not go to any trouble Anna, I am not feeling very well and will grab some of the muesli, if you could pass me the milk please…”

“Hey Jacqui, please do not stop eating, I really cannot afford to lose this job now…” Anna smiled and it was clear that she tried to bring a smile to Jacqui’s face.

“You have no reason to worry Anna, I have no intention of letting you go. You do much more around here than just cook and quite frankly I could not do without you right now.”

“I am quite excited about the things Jackson and I chose for the main bedroom yesterday. I decided to keep the colors neutral with a few accent pieces in autumn colors. I am sure that you’ll like it.”

“I am sure to Anna, just as I am sure that I’ll be able to enter my parents’ room one day and finally see the product of your efforts. Please do not think that I am not interested, I am, and it is just…”

“I completely understand Jacqui, don’t you worry about anything around the house. I know that you have a lot of other things to deal with right now.”

Jacqui decided not to go to the office before her meeting. She wanted to avoid questions at all costs. Jacqui collected a book she had started reading before the murders and retired to the patio. From where she sat she could see Jackson talking to the contractors before turning to the gardening crew. He was certainly an efficient worker but yet it bothered her that she knew so little about him.  Why would a man like him be satisfied with a job like this? There were no possibility of promotion, no real challenge and very little chance of meeting people, making new friends. Was he not interested in having a life of his own, a wife, children and perhaps a home and garden of his own? Yes her father had left him the small flat in the city, which he was to rent out until he either left their employ or retired. Why did her father do that?  What did her father know about Jackson that no one else knew? Was the information her father had on Jackson something he could have been killed for?

Jacqui shook her head. No, no, her father would not have trusted Jackson to the extent of having allowed him to live on the premises if there was anything in his past which could have posed a danger to them.

Was Jackson his first name or his last? Jacqui did not even know the answer to that, but just as her father had paid all the wages and dealt with personnel matters, she will soon have to take over the responsibility and as such would have the answer to at least that question. Jacqui checked her watch and decided to get ready for her short trip into the city.

Jacqui changed into a pair of tan colored jeans and a loose swing top in browns and pale shades of green. Looking at herself in the mirror she wondered whether it was a wise choice. Perhaps she should have opted for a more formal, business-like look. Shrugging her shoulders she took her bag and slung it over her shoulder.

Jackson was in the garage servicing a lawnmower.

“Morning Jacqui. Are you off to the office? A bit late huh?”

“No Jackson, I have a meeting in the city. I may go to the office after though.”

“If you do not mind me asking, who is the meeting with?”

“It is of a personal nature Jackson. I am sorry, that is all I can tell you right now.”

“I know it is not my place to say anything, but I am concerned Jacqui. Personally I think the police removed their watch on the house too soon. Perhaps I should drive you…”

“Thank you, but it will not be necessary. Lowe arranged a detail for me and I shall not be alone.”

“That will be fine then. Take care of yourself Jacqui.”

The drive into the city was less harrowing than she thought it would be with the rush hour traffic having subsided already. Knowing however that London traffic never stopped and finding parking could take longer than the actual drive Jacqui decided to park in her usual spot at their office building and walk the few blocks to the restaurant.

Butterflies started up in her stomach as soon as she was within sight of the restaurant. What was she going to say to the man who was almost certain to be her long lost brother? Did he know or suspect that she knew who he was? Certainly not as she had only found out about his existence the night before.

Jacqui was so engrossed in her thoughts that the young man bumping into her took her completely by surprise.

“b***h. Din yir know to look where yir goin’?”

“Hey, I am sorry…”

“Sorry hey? I’ll show yir sorry…”

The young man shoved at her and grabbed her bag from her shoulder.

Jacqui’s first thought was about the photographs she had shoved into her bag the previous night. She felt that it was important for Brain Warner to know the type of man her father was and that he had not forgotten about his only son…or had he?

Jacqui yelled at the youth, but he had taken off running in the opposite direction.

“Help!” Jacqui set off after him. He was running now and bumping into pedestrians yet with her high heels she knew that there was no way she could catch up with him.  She was about to give up when she saw him stumble and fall. Approaching the scene she recognized Blair.  He was lifting the youth by his collar. A woman, possibly Blair’s partner for the day, shoved at the youth and finally cuffed him.

“Thank you…” Jacqui was out of breath as she reached the scene.

“You should have told us that you intended walking from your office Miss Bruckner.  You are lucky that we arrived in time to witness the incident. I am also afraid that in doing so we have just blown our cover. If the person you are meeting with had watched from the restaurant or were scouting the area he would know by now that we are police…”

“I am sorry, I did not think…”

“Miss Bruckner, not to worry, I’ll call Lowe. Perhaps he can get someone else here in time, in the meantime Sergeant Moody and I will watch from a distance.”

“I do not think it would even be necessary Detective Blair.  I had since discovered the nature of the matter Mr. Warner wishes to discuss with me and I assure you that it is a family matter unrelated to my parents’ killing.”

“Are you sure Miss Bruckner?”

“Yes, I am sure.”

“You are still out here on your own, thus the sergeant and I will stick around until you are safely back in your car.”

“Thank you.”

Jacqui retrieved her bag and set off towards Bruno’s.

Although the restaurant was dimly lit her eyes soon adjusted and she was able to scan the faces seated around the various tables. There was no sign yet of Brian Warner. A waiter approached her and she asked for a table for two close to the window.  Not only did she want to be visible to Blair and the sergeant waiting outside, but she wanted to see Brian’s face clearly.

Brian was late.  Jacqui checked her watch for the umpteenth time, it was nearly eleven. Jacqui had ordered a fruit juice just to keep the waiter happy, but with each minute that passed she became more and more fidgety.  How long was she supposed to wait?  What would happen if she left? Jacqui squinted out of the window trying to find a familiar face in the crowd outside. Finally she noticed Blair pretending to be a tourist taking photographs of the statue on Piccadilly Square.

“My apologies for being late. I am not familiar with London traffic and not even the cabby from hell could have gotten me here sooner…”

Jacqui looked up and had to stop herself from pulling in her breath sharply. The photographs were one thing, to see the man in the flesh quite another. Brian Warner was the spitting image of her father, with the only exception his piercing blue eyes rimmed by dark lashes, which they had both inherited from her paternal grandmother.

“It’s fine…I am fine…” Jacqui stumbled, not knowing what to say to the young man now seated across from her.

The appearance of the waiter gave her the reprieve she needed to compose herself.

Brian ordered a coffee and instructed the waiter to bring menus.

“I am starving, have not had a proper meal since yesterday. Please order anything you want.”

Jacqui was still at a loss for words and just nodded.

Should she tell him that she now knew who he was or should she wait for him to start the conversation? How could he not know that he bore a striking resemblance to her…his… their father? Did he not notice the resemblance between the two of them?

Once the waiter had dropped off the menus Brian busied himself paging through the menu in front of him and Jacqui did the same. Brian ordered beef and vegetables while Jacqui ordered a chicken salad.

With the waiter gone both realized that the time had come for them to deal with the matter at hand.

“I guess you must have been wondering what this was all about?”

Jacqui nodded.

“I am afraid that what I have to tell you may come as a huge shock to you but I am afraid there is no easy way to do this.” Brian looked uncomfortable and Jacqui wished she had the courage to tell him that she already knew most of what he was about to tell her, but she didn’t trust herself to speak up.

“Your father… well your father is…was… my father to…my biological father. I am sorry to do this to you now…I realize that life is difficult for you right now and to find out that… but I have no choice, I could not wait…”

“I already know…” Jacqui’s voice was hoarse with emotion.

“How? You said over the phone that you did not know me…”

“I didn’t, my uncle told me last night…”

“Your uncle? I did not know that your father had siblings.”

“He didn’t. Barry is actually his cousin…”

“My mother never told me who my father was until I was nearly eighteen.”

“I did not know about you until yesterday…”

“For years she said she would tell me everything when I was old enough to understand, but the time just never came. All she had told me was that he was British and a good man. Then one day…I had barely finished school…she called me into her study and told me about my…our father. She told me that he wanted to see me, meet me, but that before it could happen she had to sort out certain issues with her family. I was excited but she was adamant that I had to wait.  We argued and finally she promised that she’ll sort things out before my first varsity break and that if things worked out I could meet my father then. I went off to university and … never heard from my mother again. She called once asking whether everything was well with me and told me that she had put some money into my account as she was going on a trip for a few days and would be out of reach for a while. I asked for how long and she assured me that it would only be for a few days.  I became worried when she did not call after a week and when I did not hear from her for two weeks in a row I went home…I have not heard from her since.  It is now nearly ten years…”

“How terrible…I am sorry.”

“The South African police discovered that she had booked a return flight to London. She boarded the flight and arrived in London safely, but that was where the trail ended. About five years ago I hired a private detective and he discovered that my mother had a safety deposit box at a local bank. We retrieved the contents…I found a passport for a Delia Delano and letters from a priest inside. I learned from the letters that your, our, father had been sending money to my mother via the priest and in return she had sent photographs of me. I paid the investigator to find the priest but he found that the old man had died a few months before my mother disappeared. In the end I was left with more questions than answers. The passport bore my mother’s photograph, but who was she really? Delia Delano or Delia Warner? And who am I?”

“Why haven’t you contacted my father sooner?”

“For the first five years after my mother’s disappearance I struggled through university.  The money from your father had stopped coming and my mother had very little left when she disappeared. I was also too afraid to leave in case she came back. Although I knew Jon Bruckner was my father, I did not know anything else about him. The priest had died and in my mind he was the easiest route to the truth. I was torn between making a life for myself and finding out who I was. A few weeks ago I was having a conversation with a friend about the crime rate in South Africa. I said that perhaps I should move to Britain and maybe start over and while doing so I could perhaps discover the truth about my past. He laughed and said I was idealistic in thinking that there was less crime in Britain.  He then continued to tell me about the murder of a property tycoon and his wife just outside of London.  He showed me a copy of a newspaper clipping on the internet.  There was a photograph of your parents and their names were printed underneath. I cannot begin to tell you how I felt.  After he left I read the article and that was how I discovered that I had a sister…”

Jacqui knew she had to say something, but what? The man had just arrived, how could she tell him that there was a possibility that the other side of his family, his grandfather in particular, could be responsible for the disappearance of his mother and the murder of her parents? How would he take such news?

“As far as my parents’ murder and the disappearance of your mother goes, the police seem to be equally in the dark and I do not think I have any answers either, but as far as your past is concerned, I am sure Uncle Barry could fill in some gaps for you. How long are you planning on staying in London?”

“I am booked on a return flight next week Friday.”

“Where are you staying?”

“I booked into a bedsit in Wembley...”

“Perhaps you would consider staying with me.  I could show you photographs of my father and Barry could come see you and perhaps help you with some information…”

“Are you sure Jacqui? I mean... we had just met and it could be uncomfortable for you...”

“Under the circumstances comfort is not in my vocabulary anyway…”

“I am sorry… I did not mean to be insensitive, it is just that I do not wish to add to your problems.”

“As you were in South Africa during the time of the murders I think that you are the least of my problems. Besides, I think those detectives outside would be happier knowing that there is somebody else staying at the estate.  Safety in numbers and all that…”

“Well then perhaps you should invite them in so I can introduce myself before I get arrested for following you home…”

“Perhaps that would be wise.” Jacqui smiled. She did not really know this half-brother of hers yet but somehow she felt that he was the best thing that had happened to her life in a long time and in a way having him around was like having part of her father back. Jacqui excused herself and went to call Blair and the sergeant.

It took some explaining to Blair and the sergeant and Jacqui tried her best to fill in the gaps although she was still feeling overwhelmed herself.

“I shall fill Lowe in on the latest developments Jacqui and I expect that he shall pay the two of you a visit soon.” Blair got up to leave and the sergeant followed suit. Jacqui could see from the expression on Blair’s face that he was not at all happy with the latest development.

Jacqui had to drive Brian to collect his luggage from a locker at the airport and for a while a sense of normality returned while she drove and Brian told her of his work as a marine biologist. He told her that he was currently lecturing at the University of the Witwatersrand but that he was mostly stationed at a laboratory on the west coast. He had just bought himself a piece of land on the coast and was hoping to do research from there soon.

Jacqui listened while he spoke of his passion for his work and the construction of a small home and laboratory on his land. It was good to talk and listen to everyday things and Jacqui relaxed behind the wheel.

Soon they were on their way to her home. Jacqui wondered how she was going to explain Brian’s presence to Jackson and Anna.

Brian whistled through his teeth as they drove up to the house.

“Sorry Jacqui, but this was not what I expected.  It is a beautiful property.”

Jackson was testing the lawnmower when the drove up, but killed the switch when he noticed Brian getting out of the car.

“Well I guess now is as good a time as any…” Jacqui said under her breath.

Jackson walked over to them and Jacqui proceeded to introduce the two men.

“Jackson this is Brian Warner, he will be staying with us for a few days.”  Jacqui could see Jackson’s eyes narrowing as he extended a hand in greeting.

“Brian is my half-brother. A long story for another day Jackson. Brian travelled halfway around the world to be here thus I think it would be kind on him to take him to his room and allow him to clean up and rest for a while.”

Jackson got the hint and asked Brian to follow him. Jacqui watched the two men disappear into the house before getting back into her car and driving it into the garage.

Anna had obviously seen or heard the two men as she came rushing towards Jacqui as soon as she entered the house.

“What is happening Jacqui? Who is he, why is he staying here? Is he some kind of bodyguard?”

“No Anna, his name is Brian and he is my brother, actually my half-brother, but like I told Jackson, it will be a story for another day.  I need to come to terms with this development myself before sharing with others. Brian will be staying with us until end of next week. Please Anna, do your best to make him feel welcome.”

“No problem Jacqui, he looks pleasant enough.” Anna smiled.

Jacqui was suddenly alone and in the quiet of the house she finally realized what a strange morning she had. Feeling suddenly drained she retired to her suite for a while.

She must have dozed off as she woke up to two male voices near her window. One of them laughed suddenly, the same booming laugh her father used to have. Jacqui sat up on her bed and listened.  Although she could not make out what was said she recognized Jackson and Brian’s voices. Jacqui smiled, it was good to hear laughter around the place again.

Jacqui was about to get up and wash her face when her cell phone rang. It was William.

“Hi Jacks, how would you like to go out for dinner tonight? I was thinking of looking in on that new place on Fifth Street…”

“Hi William, it sounds great, but I am afraid that I shall not be able to make it.”

“Oh come on Jacqui, it will do you good to get out a bit.  I promise that I shall not keep you out late.”

“I can’t William, I have a guest staying over for a few days.”

“Oh okay, anyone I know?”

“No, not yet William, but I’ll fill your father and yourself in on developments soon, I promise.”

Jacqui found Jackson and Brian at the pond.

“Hi Jacqui I was just giving Jackson some pointers on how to keep the water oxygenated.  Your Koi fish look a little under developed.”

“Hey, I am a plant and soil man, what do I know about fish and water…?” Jackson laughed. Jacqui managed not to show her surprise at Jackson’s easy manner.  He had always come across as slightly dour and very serious, never one to make small talk.

“Well you two, I think it is time you come in for our afternoon tea.  You are welcome to join us Jackson.”

“In these clothes? I think not.  Anna will kill me.”  Jackson pointed at his pants which were smeared with oil. “We can continue this tomorrow Brian.”

Jacqui helped Anna carry the trays out to the patio while Brian went in to wash up. He re-appeared looking fresh and smiling at Jacqui he took a seat facing her.

“You look fresh and relaxed for a man who had just travelled halfway around the world…”

“Adrenalin caused by excitement, I guess. I had never before travelled outside the boundaries of South Africa, but I bet that I’ll crash tonight.”

“I have something else I need to tell you and show you.” Jacqui produced the envelope with photographs. “My father kept this in his safe. In a way he loved you and had not forgotten about you.  Although he did not speak of you I know that it was his wish to meet you. Uncle Barry told me that my father had sent money to your mother via the priest and she had sent him photographs the same way. This confirms what you had told me earlier. Before the priest died he gave my father a contact address for your mother.  My father contacted her and asked to meet you.  She agreed but asked for some time to sort out certain matters.  It is my guess that was when she spoke to you.  Then she disappeared and my father had no way of contacting either her or you again.”

“That makes sense, but what else did she have to do before I could meet my father?  Why did she have to come to Britain?  Did she come here to meet with your father?”

“I do not know Brian, but somehow I doubt that.  What did she tell you about her family and about the reason why she decided against marrying my father?”

“She did not explain anything to me other than to tell me that she was at college with a Jon Bruckner that they cared deeply about each other, that she fell pregnant and if circumstances were different she would have married him and our lives would have been different.  She did say that your father was a good man who had wanted to be involved with us, but that it was her fault that it did not happen.  I asked her what she meant by that and like I said, we had a horrible argument that day, but she remained calm and begged for my patience. She said she would sort out a few matters and once that was done my father would fly to South Africa to meet me.  She promised that they would explain things to me together. I ranted and raved and am embarrassed to say that I even threw a vase through a window, but my mother clammed up and when I calmed down she promised that I would meet my father at the end of the term.”

“I think I know a little of the circumstances, but what I do know now will come as hearsay and therefor I would prefer you asking Barry to tell you as he was there and involved in the matter at the time.”

“When could we meet with him?”

“I’ll phone him in the morning.  I think we had enough for one day and should try to relax a little.”

“You are right.  For today, let us get to know one another. As of now, and with the exception of your Uncle Barry, the two of us are the only family we have left.”

Jacqui wondered how Brian would feel when he finds out that he does have other family, perhaps uncles, aunts and a whole string of cousins.

The afternoon passed pleasantly with Jacqui and Brian talking about their childhood and current activities. Anna came to ask whether she should set the dining room table for them and Jacqui agreed, telling her it would be fine provided Anna and Jackson joined them for dinner. Anna readily agreed and promised to go find Jackson and ask him.

Jackson arrived just before dinner dressed in casual pants and a blue open necked shirt. He looked rather handsome and Jacqui wondered whether it had anything to do with Brian’s presence or whether it was for Anna’s benefit.

As the evening progressed Jacqui became more and more aware of Jackson’s changed attitude. He was jovial, attentive and proved to be a rather intelligent informative person. As they finished their meal Jacqui noticed that Brian was stifling a yawn and when Anna offered coffee Jacqui asked Jackson whether he would take Anna home after they had their coffee.  Anna protested saying that she had to wash up, but Jacqui would have none of it.