With an enormous amount of relief, Harry steered the Mercedes out of Nice and onto the main coastal road taking them in an easterly direction, bound for Monaco - then onwards reaching Menton still in France, a charming coastal resort lying just across the border from Italy. The temptation to visit San Remo was tantalizing - more so the feeling uppermost in their minds which was to turn in a northerly direction for Switzerland and not return to France for a while. Italy now lay in close proximity from the French border, as they drove higher against the rocky cliff face, traversing through scattered homes and small villages.
There remained a certain amount of tension in the air after the ordeal both men had left behind in Nice. This vacation was shaping up to be one of unexpected surprises, whether pleasant or not.
Plenty of dark blue and grey clouds streaked the sky, the air fresher which by no means daunted their progress, in fact they welcomed the shade from the fierce September sun beating down for days at a time. They cared not to have lingered in Nice any longer, as it left an aftertaste in their mouths of intrusion upon their vacation. They wanted to be helpful to the French police in any way they could, at the same time hoping to extricate themselves as soon as possible and not get mixed up with this serious crime that had been committed - although they both felt a sense of sadness for a life lost. Filled with a fresh sense of direction after the last few days, they ambled around the many twisting, turning roads high up overlooking the Mediterranean.
Tony's attention was intent on the map he held awkwardly in front of him. 'I'm very relieved we didn't have to mope around Nice any longer. I wonder why we were put up in a five star hotel?' He was half talking to Harry and half muttering as he studied the coastline on the map.
'Goodness knows. It did seem a bit odd to me too, but we weren't exactly complaining, were we?' Harry gave Tony a quick look filled with mirth as he continued concentrating on the winding road ahead. It was becoming quite spectacular and higher above the sea below, where enormous yachts were either moving slowly or at anchor.
Although more clouds gathered, the sun managed to send shafts of silvery light onto a sparkling Mediterranean - its rays shimmering across the surface, stunning.
Harry wondered where he could stop to get a better view, as he was only able to glance quickly when they rounded certain bends in the road.
More time had passed before Tony finally looked up from his map reading and chuckled. 'Nope! In fact I slept rather well. Pity it wasn't for longer, but I'm pleased we left when we did. In some ways I could have stayed there a lot longer.' He buried his face in the untidy map on his lap again.
Harry frowned for a moment, wondering what Tony was talking about, then grinned in acknowledgement, still looking for somewhere to stop the car, but finding parking places few and far between. His mind started wandering again. 'You know..., I think I remember where I saw that chap's face; you know, the one I spotted making haste after we discovered that body lying there. He was glancing over his shoulder and that's when I started thinking. It was all too brief, but I have just remembered.'
'Remembered what exactly?' Tony put the map down, his attention immediately diverted, beginning to become more intrigued with what his friend was saying than studying the map of the French coastline.
'That chap's face and some of his other features. Weren't you listening a moment ago?'
'Yes, of course I was listening. Carry on will you?'
Harry took a deep breath first, steering the car carefully around a tight bend in the road. 'Do you remember when we went to Monroe's pub with the others soon after we arrived in Port Grimaud?'
'Of course I do. How could I forget?' Tony grimaced with the memory of their first night in the lovely yachting resort of Port Grimaud, thinking they would have the place to themselves - but in fact it was full of other people - owned by Christine, an ex-wife of one of Tony's other friends. Although they were not able to stay in Avignon beforehand, needed to drive down to the coast, thereby turning up a few days early at the house, much to everyone's surprise. 'Do go on Harry. Don't stop now!'
'Well... remember Vanessa's father Luca?' His friend paused for a moment, thinking.
'Yes yes... what about him?' Tony frowned deeply, becoming impatient to hear more.
'It was him that I thought I saw. Same face and colour of hair, dark eyes...'
Tony shifted in his seat, sitting bolt upright with this new revelation. 'Nooo! Are you sure?' he asked, his eyebrows lifting with amazement.
'Fairly sure,' said Harry, starting to pull into a small parking place on the side of the road.
'But what about the police? Surely we need to contact them about this. Might be important.'
By now, Tony's mind was racing from one thing to another. 'Although... I don't know...' He was beginning to get his head around this unexpected development, thinking ahead a great deal. 'Hmmm...' he pondered out loud, 'perhaps not.'
Harry brought the car to a standstill, his expression darker with his thoughts beginning to trouble him. 'I don't know,' he mumbled, thinking along the same lines as his friend. 'Think of the consequences. The police released us, content with what we have told them when we signed those statements. They must be fairly convinced we know no more. Why stir the pot?'
'I hope you are right, dear boy. We don't want to end up as witnesses in a long standing murder case, do we? After all, we didn't witness the murder, if indeed it was a murder - just the aftermath and what you thought you saw.' He sighed, wondering if they were doing the right thing in the eyes of the law.
Harry got out and stood on the side of the road, stretching his legs. 'What would Luca be doing there anyway?'
'I have no idea. The plot thickens... and what would his motive be I wonder?'
'Hmmm,' thought Harry, glancing down at his feet. 'It does seem very odd, but the more I think about what I saw, the more I'm convinced he was involved somehow.'
Tony's face darkened with scorn. 'What do we do now then - go to the police? This could have a lot of bearing on the case - throw new light on things.' His tone was lowered in case anyway should hear, but the only people nearby were the ones passing them on the road.
They wandered to the edge of the cliff overlooking a beautiful bay. 'I'd rather not if it isn't necessary,' Harry added.
They were both aware Monaco wasn't far away. 'Do you really want to see those casinos and hotels in Monte Carlo?' asked Tony, hesitantly. 'Don't know about you, but I'd rather crack on to see Menton. Perhaps we could have a nice relaxing lunch there.'
Harry turned back from the view momentarily. It was refreshing to see such a lovely land and seascape as what met their eyes, so high up from the sea. 'I think that's a good idea. We've lingered long enough today, but this scene is great, isn't it?' He placed one hand up shading his eyes from the sun's glare upon the sea, then wandered over to the car.
Tony answered with a vague hint of regret. 'It is, but let's drive on. We can see Monte Carlo anytime.' He wondered if 'anytime' would ever be on the agenda in future years, as they were both well into their seventies already. He turned away from the view, and as he did so, suddenly caught his foot in the half buried roots of a tree. His other foot gave way on some rubble, causing him to slide a few meters down a steep slope. 'Oh dear God...!' he uttered with shock - then became silent.
Harry turned from opening the car door and couldn't see his friend. 'Tony... where are you?' But only silence met his ears. His heart almost stopped beating in his chest with fright, his breath becoming short. 'Tony?' he asked again, before walking to the edge of the cliff-face in sheer panic - then heard a faint voice.
'Here...I'm here...help me.'
Harry was immediately aware of the danger his friend was in. He looked over the steep incline with utter horror. Tony was only just managing to hold on to an overhanging branch that looked none too stable. He wondered for a long moment what was to be done - his mind racing. Then he quickly collected his thoughts and as he did so, a police car was driving towards them, on the same side of the road. Becoming short of breath with worry, Harry hailed it down immediately indicating there had been an accident. It pulled in directly behind his own car. Two police officers approached him, asking in French what the problem was. Harry tried to remember his French, but gave up hastily pointing down the cliff to where poor Tony was still dangling.
'Try and hold tight Tony, there's help on its way,' he called, face tense hoping to put Tony's mind at rest - but there was only a faint moan in answer.
The two policemen acted quickly. For some unknown reason, they had a long piece of rope in the boot of their car, much to Harry's enormous relief. They hooked it up firmly to the back of his Mercedes and threw the other end over the cliff to where poor Tony managed somehow to grip onto it. They indicated to Harry that he drive the car very slowly out to the center and along the road, while one of them stopped the traffic. The other policeman aided Tony as he was brought slowly up to the level of the road. Luckily the rope held, although it was pulled tight to capacity and dragged across the edge of the cliff. He grabbed the tiring elderly man quickly, as it looked as though Tony was on the verge of collapse. His fait was sealed at that moment, his life saved in the nick of time. He was slowly brought to his feet with care, as his legs wobbled beneath him. The policeman smiled briefly, the corners of his mouth twitching. Then they sighed with relief that the plan had worked. It was a miracle the two policemen were on the scene at just the right moment. Neither wished to think of what could have happened otherwise.
The Mercedes was parked again at the side of the road and Harry shot out to attend his friend, who looked thoroughly exhausted after his ordeal and trying to catch his breath. He was shaking and none too steady on his feet.
'Just as well I'm still a little bit fit,' he gasped at the waiting men, their faces still wearing a worried expression. 'All that exercise at the gym has paid off, eh?' He gave a slight chuckle in recognition of what he'd managed to achieve at his age.
'Good Lord man, you could have been killed!' Harry said, starting to brush Tony down, at the same time propping him up.
Tony smiled briefly. 'Well I wasn't, was I?' he retorted with a cheeky grin, beginning to straighten up. Harry thought a good stiff whisky might help, but thought better of it looking at the policemen. Besides there wasn't a drop in sight.
'Merci beaucoup messieurs. Nous honorons votre presence avec gratitude,' he said, with a deep, slow nod of the head. Harry shook hands with both policemen, hoping his words of gratitude were adequate. Tony smiled politely as he also held out his hand and shook each one of the policemen's hands, thanking them for saving him from what might have been disastrous. What they would have done without their help is anyone's guess.
'You are most welcome,' one of the policemen said in English. 'Only too happy to oblige. Then he frowned slightly. 'Haven't I seen you somewhere before?' It was time to move on.
Harry turned back to them from helping Tony walk towards the car. 'It was a miracle you were in the area. Thank you so much for your help.'
'We'll be on our way if the gentleman needs no more assistance,' one of them added. 'I thought he might need to go to a hospital to be checked over. Are you sure he'll be alright?'
'Oui monsieur et merci encore,' replied Harry, hoping to get Tony into the car and on their way before any more questions were asked..
The policeman shrugged and soon their car took off in the same direction as they were going. Harry breathed a sigh of relief. 'You gave me such a scare Tony, falling over the cliff like that!'
His friend leant back in the seat with his eyes closed, while Harry secured his seat belt around him. 'I didn't do it on purpose you know...'
'Of course not!' replied Harry, walking to his side of the car. 'Will you be alright soon? I don't like the look of you.'
'You wouldn't look too bright either, having just fallen down a cliff-face, he sneered.'
Harry glanced over at his friend, his lips drawn over his mouth. 'Sorry old friend, but I'm so bloody relieved you survived. It was a nasty experience for us both.'
'Me too!' croaked Tony, pulling a face. 'It wasn't much fun either.'
'Then let's get going. There's been enough drama lately to last us a lifetime.'
Tony sat up a little more, realizing with relief that he was alive and nothing untoward really happened. He didn't want to make a mountain out of a molehill. He was still intact and thankfully nothing broken - then winced as he reached for the map again.
Harry glanced over as he started to pull out onto the road once more. 'Are you sure you are alright?'
'Yeah! I'll live. A few bruises in the lower regions, that's all,' he smirked.
'Oh! Is that all,' replied Harry. 'Well you won't want to be thinking of charming the ladies for a while huh?'
Tony only muttered in reply.
Harry wondered if they should use Miss Madam, the sat/nav, as he began reaching over to turn her on and program their journey, but remembered they'd have to stop again, so changed his mind.
'She is the last thing I wish to deal with today.' Tony gave a slight groan.
'I'm not a thing,' came the reply.
Both men rolled their eyes while Harry kept driving.
Not too long after Tony's ordeal, they began entering the vicinity of Menton, as the sun shone through a scattering of fluffy white clouds. Soon they would be needing to park as Harry slowed the car to a dawdle along the beach front with expectancy.
'I'm ready for some lunch,' announced Tony.
They wandered through some narrow streets towards the center of town where a street market was in full swing. Several people were eating in an outdoor café under umbrellas as the sun shone through a canopy of leafy trees. A lone guitarist was playing a beautiful and haunting piece by Segovia nearby.
Harry stopped dead in his tracks to listen and whispered to Tony. 'That is one of the loveliest pieces of music ever written and this chap can really play it!'
After it had ended, he stood still a few more moments, then leant down to add to the gathering coins in the man's hat, thinking it was well worth it. He turned back to Tony who was now looking over his shoulder at a menu outside the café. 'Right then! Let's have a cold beer, shall we?'
Tuesday 30 December 2014
Sunday 28 December 2014
Lady with the white umbrella
Seed heads were dancing upon a soft summer breeze, quivering with sunrays through daubs of flowery meadow, where with a lightest of touch her black skirts and petticoat, fell amongst the richness of colours red blue and white. Listing to the wind or was it listening, she walked through Renoir's summer with pink cheeks glowing, her white umbrella gently resting on one shoulder, so ladylike with its pleasure and elegance.
In the fullness of time that is summer's glory, not a voice to be heard in the heat-haze that hovered. Bees were busy with mischief and buzzing, in the flowers ripe like corn on the cob, lavender gathering most of the attention, as wildflowers were strewn to the edge of the field, growing haphazard scattered amongst grasses.
I saw the magic in a painting hung at eye level, as it stood alone but not lost then in a Swiss gallery, nestled into a Rhone river valley of the Valais near hills - but never lost.
Away in the distance to the sound of the wind, a chirping of birds above the meadow of flowers, winged its way across sweet-smelling grasses and colours more beautiful than a rainbow in autumn, and into an airless moment of my mind I saw this graceful lady in a long black dress black hat to match, walk so slowly before me as to take an endless hundred years on to reach the edge of my life, but the heart was full of Renoir's lady, who will remain as infinite until the sky ceases crying, the hay stops ripening.
When all the living air raised its voices, she gave me a notion that rested with ease and in the hourless time drifted with Renoir's hand across the pallet she dwelt there well.
A lake lay yonder along a shaded path, where a stream flows willingly, endlessly after rain and into the waterlily pond, pink and green vibrancy against a lowering sun.
The rose hips were heavy as they watched her glide by, like a swan through birdsong and soft summer breeze, drifting aimlessly into the distance of time. They nodded their modesty when she smiled upon them, the lady with the white umbrella.
In the fullness of time that is summer's glory, not a voice to be heard in the heat-haze that hovered. Bees were busy with mischief and buzzing, in the flowers ripe like corn on the cob, lavender gathering most of the attention, as wildflowers were strewn to the edge of the field, growing haphazard scattered amongst grasses.
I saw the magic in a painting hung at eye level, as it stood alone but not lost then in a Swiss gallery, nestled into a Rhone river valley of the Valais near hills - but never lost.
Away in the distance to the sound of the wind, a chirping of birds above the meadow of flowers, winged its way across sweet-smelling grasses and colours more beautiful than a rainbow in autumn, and into an airless moment of my mind I saw this graceful lady in a long black dress black hat to match, walk so slowly before me as to take an endless hundred years on to reach the edge of my life, but the heart was full of Renoir's lady, who will remain as infinite until the sky ceases crying, the hay stops ripening.
When all the living air raised its voices, she gave me a notion that rested with ease and in the hourless time drifted with Renoir's hand across the pallet she dwelt there well.
A lake lay yonder along a shaded path, where a stream flows willingly, endlessly after rain and into the waterlily pond, pink and green vibrancy against a lowering sun.
The rose hips were heavy as they watched her glide by, like a swan through birdsong and soft summer breeze, drifting aimlessly into the distance of time. They nodded their modesty when she smiled upon them, the lady with the white umbrella.
Friday 26 December 2014
A detour after an unpleasant discovery - Chapter Six
After much careful deliberation and with the first chapter of his book firmly under Harry's belt, both friends thought it was time to move on. Nice was an enjoyable town, but as irritation sparked his ageing eyes, Harry sniffed with distaste at the sight that now caught his attention. 'What on earth is that?' he said, pointing to what at first glimpse looked like a scruffy bundle of rags. It was hunched to one side of the narrow laneway as they began driving out of the hotel car park. Harry had engaged the gear stick into drive and started to pull out of the garage when he looked out of the side window. The site that met his eyes was immediately troubling. The bundle of rags was partially covered in blood and started to resemble a body as he looked more closely. The unfortunate person could have been badly beaten because of the way he was lying. His legs were tucked up and his back curved as though defending himself. There was also a small pool of blood lying beside what was now obviously the body of a man - unmoving. Harry's face clouded over with realization as he started to shake inside.
'I don't know dear boy, but you need to turn right here,' Tony wasn't really paying attention at first, hoping his friend was concentrating on them departing the town of Nice on the correct roads. He indicated with a nod of the head which way they needed to go - but Harry's mind was now fixed on what lay before them, nudging and trying to draw Tony's attention toward what he had just noticed.
At that moment, two people were approaching the bundle, curiously - it was lying hunched against the doorway of a small restaurant. The pair stood motionless for a moment, then looked down wondering with equal distaste what it was, and what to do about it. Then immediately one of them became animated, agitated with concern. The young woman looked shocked.
Harry almost ran into the curb.
'Hey... careful!' cried Tony, grasping the door handle on his side of the car in sudden fright, a worried look on his face.
Harry braked immediately, staring horrified at the sight before them, noticing at the same time someone disappearing down a narrow lane up ahead. He sat stunned momentarily, then turned to face his friend. 'Did you see that man running away just now? he asked, while frowning, then turning back to gaze out of the front windscreen at the gathering crowd. 'I just saw a suspicious looking older man hurrying off - looking over his shoulder like a scared rabbit. For a moment I thought he looked familiar.'
'Yes, I did too, come to think of it, although not paying a great deal of attention at first. We should call the police immediately.'
Tony started fumbling with his mobile phone - then looked up surprised. 'How familiar...?' he asked. But his question faded into the background as life around them was no longer normal, but taking on an air of alarm and curiosity.
In a very short time the scene began to buzz and hum with movement. This sort of thing just didn't happen in their town. Nice was on the French Riviera, supposedly chic with tourists and local people going about their every day activities.
Two more people had wandered up wondering what was amiss and more being attracted by the frenzied activity. The area near the hotel was filling up quickly with onlookers.
They didn't need to call the police. Two burly men in uniform stood barring their way, trying to discipline the gathering crowd surrounding the body.
Tony's face twisted in a grimace. 'Oh dear, I don' think we will be leaving for a while. This looks serious.' He sat back in his passenger seat sighing, mouth taught.
Harry looked out of the driver's window briefly, still frowning. 'Think you're right, I'm afraid. This doesn't look good and I hope we don't get caught up in it either,' he added somewhat ruefully.
The two policemen ordered the crowd to stand well back as they called for back-up. No doubt the area would be sealed and questions asked very soon. One policeman turned, noticing them waiting to exit the car-park. At first he spoke in French, then realized they were English because of their registration plate. Although both friends spoke some French, the conversation was directed in English.
'Did you happen to see anything suspicious earlier?' asked the uniformed policemen, bending down to Harry's side of the car, looking very serious, his eyes penetrating. Harry had already opened the window immediately and responded cautiously at first, becoming considerably nervous. 'Err...well yes, yes I think I did,' he answered, worrying about the consequences of his answer. 'It appears we both did.' The policeman's expression was one of serious consideration. 'I'll need to ask you more questions, I'm afraid.'
Tony's insides lurched, knowing where this was leading - hearing the policeman address Harry, his heart sinking low.
'You'd better come with me. This is a serious matter and looks as though a crime might have been committed.'
'Damn and blast', thought Tony. 'That's torn it! Now we'll never be able to leave.' Luckily they didn't have anything booked for the next few days, so resigned himself to staying in Nice until this business was dealt with. Goodness knows how long it would take.
It was obvious they couldn't leave the car in the hotel car park, but the policeman instructed them to follow him to the police station. He took a few details first, before walking off to his car nearby. Harry was beginning to shake more as he was directed where to drive. His heart was pounding as they pulled out of the hotel car park. They'd only driven a short distance before this discovery was made.
'It's a pity we can't answer his questions here in the laneway. Then we could leave. Bad timing I call it.' He was starting to despair.
By now, Tony's look was one of resignation at what they were letting themselves into. 'Oh well,' he sighed again. 'Never thought we'd see the inside of a police station when we got up this morning.'
'Let's hope it won't take long, eh? All we need do is tell them exactly what we saw and didn't see and hey presto, we'll be on our way again,' Harry said hopefully.
'By the way, why did you say you thought that chap who was running away, looked familiar?'
Harry pondered for a moment. 'Oh, I don't know, there was something about his eyes, height and colour of hair. It was not for long really.'
'So you did see his face then?' Tony asked, amazed, as he had only caught a brief glimpse of the man himself.
'Not for long,' repeated Harry, still wondering exactly what it was he did see. 'He disappeared fairly quickly around the corner of that narrow alley, a bit further up,' he indicated with a quick jerk of his head. 'The one with a small shop on the corner.'
They followed the policeman around several narrow one-way streets before reaching a long road, winding around several corners before arriving at the police station. Above clouds were gathering, a certain gloom blocking out any late summer sun.
Harry pulled into a spare park, bringing the Mercedes to an abrupt halt. 'I'm not going to enjoy this,' he told his friend, unbuckling his seat belt.
'Me neither, but let's get it over with as soon as possible, eh?'
Harry thought for a moment. 'It might not work like that Tony,' he replied, scratching the back of his head and grimacing. 'We might be stuck here for some time.'
'I certainly hope not! Don't know about you, but the quicker we leave here the better.' This is a nasty business and I for one, don't want to get too involved.' Tony wasn't at all happy about the unplanned interruption to their holiday.
They followed the policeman through the main doors, down a long corridor and into an interviewing room. He shut the door firmly behind them. Tony shuddered slightly with the suddenness of it.
'Please have a seat gentlemen.' The tall, burly, serious-looking policeman gestured to the seats on the opposite side of his desk. He had a brisk, business-like manner as he took out a clean sheet of paper from his desk - then made a few adjustments on his computer screen. He looked directly at Harry first. 'So you admit to seeing someone running from the scene? Is that correct?'
Harry gazed back at the policeman, immediately wrong-footed at the bluntness of his question. 'Y...yes sir.' He thought it best to come clean straight away - get it over with, then move on.
'And can you describe this person? Male or female?'
Harry felt suddenly nervous, the palms of his hands beginning to sweat. Tony steepled his fingers in the chair beside him, in order to master his thoughts on how this might resolve itself.
'Male...definitely male - and possibly an older man.' Then he hesitated.
'An older man you say? So you did see his face?' The policeman was unrelenting. Harry gritted his teeth before answering.
'Err...yes...yes I did, but only briefly.' He shifted in his seat, as the policeman's stare began unsettling him.
Tony was almost certain this was going to take some time. He was resigning himself to the fact that any chance of them moving on along the coast today was diminishing with every passing minute. He sat motionless, eyes fixed on the policeman opposite.
Rain had begun to beat upon the window of the interviewing room - as persistent as the policeman's questions. There was a sudden boisterous melee going on outside, momentarily taking his attention off the tension surrounding them. He was filled with unease, as the weather turned autumnal for a while, the wind waving through a tree outside, a gloom hanging in the air when the policeman turned to face him.
'Did you see this person running from the crime scene?'
'Perhaps, very briefly,' Tony replied.
The policeman turned back to Harry. 'Could you describe this man for me?'
There was a considerable pause while Harry thought carefully, then proceeded to answer what it was he saw - again thinking he may have seen this person before somewhere. It puzzled him, but he said nothing, preferring only to describe any features he remembered.
The interview went on for a considerable time before they were allowed to leave after statements were signed. They were told not to leave Nice for the time being, as more questions might be ongoing. Both men groaned to themselves, wondering where they would be staying. They had checked out of the hotel this morning. Then as they were almost at the car, the same policeman caught them up, informing them of a hotel he'd managed to book for a few days.
'Bet you it's only two star,' muttered Tony, grimacing at the thought.
Harry shut the car door before replying under his breath. 'All bets are off. I agree, but let's find out first.'
They followed the brief instructions they had been given, slowly making their way across Nice.
Some time later they were amazed to find the hotel was actually five star. They had checked in looking somewhat astonished at their surroundings.
Sinking into a sofa in the middle of the room, Harry chuckled. 'I should have held you to that bet. This isn't going to be quite as gruesome as we thought, huh?'
'But we only have one room,' moaned Tony. 'Oh well...at least there are two beds! Don't think I could put up with you again as per Port Grimaud.'
Harry was indignant. 'What about Port Grimaud? You were the one to avoid...all that nakedness. Ugh! Never a night like it old boy.'
'Don't "old boy" me,' replied Tony, raising his eyebrows. 'You are the most frightful snorer!'
Harry extracted himself out of the comfy sofa. 'Alright, you win,' he said, pulling a face then grinning at his friend, who started to unpack a few things into a large cupboard. Tony was always particular about his clothes, taking care to look smart as often as possible.
Through one of the large windows beyond some elegant curtains, Harry spotted a balcony. 'Hey, look at this grandeur,' he said, with a sweep of an arm. 'This room gets better and better. I wonder if the hotel has a decent bar,' he added, wandering through the doorway onto the balcony.'
'There's only one way to find out.' Tony was still unpacking a few more items in the ensuite bathroom. 'I wonder how much longer we'll be stuck here for?'
Harry returned to their room, his mouth tight. 'Your guess is as good as mine I suppose. At least we have somewhere decent to stay. Could have been far worse.'
'Yeah,' admitted Tony, but I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the coast road and over into Italy before we need to turn north for Switzerland.'
Harry reluctantly began unpacking a few things also.
His friend suddenly stopped what he was doing. 'Why do you think you had seen that man before. Where exactly?'
Harry thought for a long moment, his mind going back into the past. 'I don't think it was all that long ago actually,' he considered. 'Mmm, something about his eyes and hair colour...' His mind kept returning to those particular features and why, he wasn't sure. He pondered still further - then shrugged. 'It possibly has no bearing on this crime anyway.'
'Not a pleasant thing to happen in Nice of all places. We were at the wrong place at the wrong time,' Tony concluded. 'What about we find somewhere nice to eat lunch? Put this business out of our minds for a while. What do you say old friend?'
'Definitely! I'm with you there. After that grilling earlier in the police station, I could do with a cold beer.' Harry finally finished organizing the contents of his suitcase and sighed heavily. 'Phew! glad that's done. We've only just packed this morning.'
The rain had eased considerably as patches of blue showed through the last of some grey scudding clouds, turning paler as the sunshine washed them whiter. Shadows slanted through the streets of Nice below, while both men took the lift to the ground floor.
Not really in the mood to do anything else, they managed to find a nice little restaurant not far away. After ordering a beer, the main topic of conversation was what had occurred earlier that morning. Tony sat forward in his seat looking directly at Harry opposite. 'I don't know about you, but this business doesn't look good. Could be very serious you know. Perhaps a murder even!'
Harry leant towards his friend and in low tones, answered dubiously. 'Quite possibly, and I don't fancy getting mixed up in it. Maybe we are already involved, although only witnesses to seeing a man looking suspicious - that's all,' he said with a shrug.
'That's all?' Tony wasn't convinced. 'If there was a murder committed, we could be here forever, witnessing what we did. He was beginning to feel nervous again, but when the beers arrived each took a long mouthful. 'Ahhh...that's better,' he said, sitting back licking the froth from his lips. 'Good for the nerves, eh?' As he took a further sip, Tony was noticing two rather good-looking women as they brushed past him to sit at a nearby. table. They turned and smiled. His thoughts turned briefly from the subject in question that had been troubling them.
Harry remained concerned, mindful of their present situation, his brain at present far from being able to concentrate further on his book he'd begun to write recently. Although he was an expert in procrastination, he'd hoped to return to it very soon.
The next morning they had a further summons to report at the police station by nine o'clock. After a certain amount of dithering over breakfast, they set off to arrive at the appointed time.
'What now?' grumbled Tony, as they pulled into the car park.
Harry went through the motions of locking the car. 'Don't know, but we're about to find out.' He sounded more than apprehensive.
After being met at the door and passing through a form of security, they followed on the heels of the same burly police officer, where once again they were ushered into an interview room. Harry was immediately aware of his lack of preparedness.
'Gentlemen, be seated please.' The policeman sat down opposite them, straightening his back and looking no less serious than the day before. 'I trust you have slept well?'
'Thank you,' answered Tony politely - 'yes we have.'
The policeman's expression looked grave, fingers thrumming on the paperwork littering his desk - 'it appears there's been a murder committed. We have been making many enquiries as you can imagine...' Tony worried where this was leading, meeting his hard stare, wondering if their previous answers had been adequate enough. The policeman opposite continued. 'This business will be ongoing until the person responsible is apprehended. We have your statements and if there is nothing further to add, you are free to leave Nice.'
Both friends were stunned learning this news, not at all expecting to be off the hook quite so soon. They tried hard not to look relieved, the tension leaving their faces. 'We also know where you can be contacted and if there are further questions...'
Tony couldn't help intervening. 'Of course sir, we will be pleased to answer any further questions - won't we Harry?'
'Of course - absolutely! It is alright to leave Nice then?' he asked quietly, needing reassurance. He was almost shocked with their immediate dismissal - which was most unexpected.
'That's correct.'
Feeling utterly relieved, they were shown out of the main door which was closed behind them.
'Phew! That's a relief.' grinned Tony, looking over at Harry as they reached the car. 'Most unexpected, eh old friend?'
'Definitely! And here we are thinking we'd be here for the duration. Let's head along the coast without further delay.'
Tony clicked into his seat belt. 'There's a little matter of checking out first.'
'Ah!' laughed Harry, 'so there is.'
'I don't know dear boy, but you need to turn right here,' Tony wasn't really paying attention at first, hoping his friend was concentrating on them departing the town of Nice on the correct roads. He indicated with a nod of the head which way they needed to go - but Harry's mind was now fixed on what lay before them, nudging and trying to draw Tony's attention toward what he had just noticed.
At that moment, two people were approaching the bundle, curiously - it was lying hunched against the doorway of a small restaurant. The pair stood motionless for a moment, then looked down wondering with equal distaste what it was, and what to do about it. Then immediately one of them became animated, agitated with concern. The young woman looked shocked.
Harry almost ran into the curb.
'Hey... careful!' cried Tony, grasping the door handle on his side of the car in sudden fright, a worried look on his face.
Harry braked immediately, staring horrified at the sight before them, noticing at the same time someone disappearing down a narrow lane up ahead. He sat stunned momentarily, then turned to face his friend. 'Did you see that man running away just now? he asked, while frowning, then turning back to gaze out of the front windscreen at the gathering crowd. 'I just saw a suspicious looking older man hurrying off - looking over his shoulder like a scared rabbit. For a moment I thought he looked familiar.'
'Yes, I did too, come to think of it, although not paying a great deal of attention at first. We should call the police immediately.'
Tony started fumbling with his mobile phone - then looked up surprised. 'How familiar...?' he asked. But his question faded into the background as life around them was no longer normal, but taking on an air of alarm and curiosity.
In a very short time the scene began to buzz and hum with movement. This sort of thing just didn't happen in their town. Nice was on the French Riviera, supposedly chic with tourists and local people going about their every day activities.
Two more people had wandered up wondering what was amiss and more being attracted by the frenzied activity. The area near the hotel was filling up quickly with onlookers.
They didn't need to call the police. Two burly men in uniform stood barring their way, trying to discipline the gathering crowd surrounding the body.
Tony's face twisted in a grimace. 'Oh dear, I don' think we will be leaving for a while. This looks serious.' He sat back in his passenger seat sighing, mouth taught.
Harry looked out of the driver's window briefly, still frowning. 'Think you're right, I'm afraid. This doesn't look good and I hope we don't get caught up in it either,' he added somewhat ruefully.
The two policemen ordered the crowd to stand well back as they called for back-up. No doubt the area would be sealed and questions asked very soon. One policeman turned, noticing them waiting to exit the car-park. At first he spoke in French, then realized they were English because of their registration plate. Although both friends spoke some French, the conversation was directed in English.
'Did you happen to see anything suspicious earlier?' asked the uniformed policemen, bending down to Harry's side of the car, looking very serious, his eyes penetrating. Harry had already opened the window immediately and responded cautiously at first, becoming considerably nervous. 'Err...well yes, yes I think I did,' he answered, worrying about the consequences of his answer. 'It appears we both did.' The policeman's expression was one of serious consideration. 'I'll need to ask you more questions, I'm afraid.'
Tony's insides lurched, knowing where this was leading - hearing the policeman address Harry, his heart sinking low.
'You'd better come with me. This is a serious matter and looks as though a crime might have been committed.'
'Damn and blast', thought Tony. 'That's torn it! Now we'll never be able to leave.' Luckily they didn't have anything booked for the next few days, so resigned himself to staying in Nice until this business was dealt with. Goodness knows how long it would take.
It was obvious they couldn't leave the car in the hotel car park, but the policeman instructed them to follow him to the police station. He took a few details first, before walking off to his car nearby. Harry was beginning to shake more as he was directed where to drive. His heart was pounding as they pulled out of the hotel car park. They'd only driven a short distance before this discovery was made.
'It's a pity we can't answer his questions here in the laneway. Then we could leave. Bad timing I call it.' He was starting to despair.
By now, Tony's look was one of resignation at what they were letting themselves into. 'Oh well,' he sighed again. 'Never thought we'd see the inside of a police station when we got up this morning.'
'Let's hope it won't take long, eh? All we need do is tell them exactly what we saw and didn't see and hey presto, we'll be on our way again,' Harry said hopefully.
'By the way, why did you say you thought that chap who was running away, looked familiar?'
Harry pondered for a moment. 'Oh, I don't know, there was something about his eyes, height and colour of hair. It was not for long really.'
'So you did see his face then?' Tony asked, amazed, as he had only caught a brief glimpse of the man himself.
'Not for long,' repeated Harry, still wondering exactly what it was he did see. 'He disappeared fairly quickly around the corner of that narrow alley, a bit further up,' he indicated with a quick jerk of his head. 'The one with a small shop on the corner.'
They followed the policeman around several narrow one-way streets before reaching a long road, winding around several corners before arriving at the police station. Above clouds were gathering, a certain gloom blocking out any late summer sun.
Harry pulled into a spare park, bringing the Mercedes to an abrupt halt. 'I'm not going to enjoy this,' he told his friend, unbuckling his seat belt.
'Me neither, but let's get it over with as soon as possible, eh?'
Harry thought for a moment. 'It might not work like that Tony,' he replied, scratching the back of his head and grimacing. 'We might be stuck here for some time.'
'I certainly hope not! Don't know about you, but the quicker we leave here the better.' This is a nasty business and I for one, don't want to get too involved.' Tony wasn't at all happy about the unplanned interruption to their holiday.
They followed the policeman through the main doors, down a long corridor and into an interviewing room. He shut the door firmly behind them. Tony shuddered slightly with the suddenness of it.
'Please have a seat gentlemen.' The tall, burly, serious-looking policeman gestured to the seats on the opposite side of his desk. He had a brisk, business-like manner as he took out a clean sheet of paper from his desk - then made a few adjustments on his computer screen. He looked directly at Harry first. 'So you admit to seeing someone running from the scene? Is that correct?'
Harry gazed back at the policeman, immediately wrong-footed at the bluntness of his question. 'Y...yes sir.' He thought it best to come clean straight away - get it over with, then move on.
'And can you describe this person? Male or female?'
Harry felt suddenly nervous, the palms of his hands beginning to sweat. Tony steepled his fingers in the chair beside him, in order to master his thoughts on how this might resolve itself.
'Male...definitely male - and possibly an older man.' Then he hesitated.
'An older man you say? So you did see his face?' The policeman was unrelenting. Harry gritted his teeth before answering.
'Err...yes...yes I did, but only briefly.' He shifted in his seat, as the policeman's stare began unsettling him.
Tony was almost certain this was going to take some time. He was resigning himself to the fact that any chance of them moving on along the coast today was diminishing with every passing minute. He sat motionless, eyes fixed on the policeman opposite.
Rain had begun to beat upon the window of the interviewing room - as persistent as the policeman's questions. There was a sudden boisterous melee going on outside, momentarily taking his attention off the tension surrounding them. He was filled with unease, as the weather turned autumnal for a while, the wind waving through a tree outside, a gloom hanging in the air when the policeman turned to face him.
'Did you see this person running from the crime scene?'
'Perhaps, very briefly,' Tony replied.
The policeman turned back to Harry. 'Could you describe this man for me?'
There was a considerable pause while Harry thought carefully, then proceeded to answer what it was he saw - again thinking he may have seen this person before somewhere. It puzzled him, but he said nothing, preferring only to describe any features he remembered.
The interview went on for a considerable time before they were allowed to leave after statements were signed. They were told not to leave Nice for the time being, as more questions might be ongoing. Both men groaned to themselves, wondering where they would be staying. They had checked out of the hotel this morning. Then as they were almost at the car, the same policeman caught them up, informing them of a hotel he'd managed to book for a few days.
'Bet you it's only two star,' muttered Tony, grimacing at the thought.
Harry shut the car door before replying under his breath. 'All bets are off. I agree, but let's find out first.'
They followed the brief instructions they had been given, slowly making their way across Nice.
Some time later they were amazed to find the hotel was actually five star. They had checked in looking somewhat astonished at their surroundings.
Sinking into a sofa in the middle of the room, Harry chuckled. 'I should have held you to that bet. This isn't going to be quite as gruesome as we thought, huh?'
'But we only have one room,' moaned Tony. 'Oh well...at least there are two beds! Don't think I could put up with you again as per Port Grimaud.'
Harry was indignant. 'What about Port Grimaud? You were the one to avoid...all that nakedness. Ugh! Never a night like it old boy.'
'Don't "old boy" me,' replied Tony, raising his eyebrows. 'You are the most frightful snorer!'
Harry extracted himself out of the comfy sofa. 'Alright, you win,' he said, pulling a face then grinning at his friend, who started to unpack a few things into a large cupboard. Tony was always particular about his clothes, taking care to look smart as often as possible.
Through one of the large windows beyond some elegant curtains, Harry spotted a balcony. 'Hey, look at this grandeur,' he said, with a sweep of an arm. 'This room gets better and better. I wonder if the hotel has a decent bar,' he added, wandering through the doorway onto the balcony.'
'There's only one way to find out.' Tony was still unpacking a few more items in the ensuite bathroom. 'I wonder how much longer we'll be stuck here for?'
Harry returned to their room, his mouth tight. 'Your guess is as good as mine I suppose. At least we have somewhere decent to stay. Could have been far worse.'
'Yeah,' admitted Tony, but I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the coast road and over into Italy before we need to turn north for Switzerland.'
Harry reluctantly began unpacking a few things also.
His friend suddenly stopped what he was doing. 'Why do you think you had seen that man before. Where exactly?'
Harry thought for a long moment, his mind going back into the past. 'I don't think it was all that long ago actually,' he considered. 'Mmm, something about his eyes and hair colour...' His mind kept returning to those particular features and why, he wasn't sure. He pondered still further - then shrugged. 'It possibly has no bearing on this crime anyway.'
'Not a pleasant thing to happen in Nice of all places. We were at the wrong place at the wrong time,' Tony concluded. 'What about we find somewhere nice to eat lunch? Put this business out of our minds for a while. What do you say old friend?'
'Definitely! I'm with you there. After that grilling earlier in the police station, I could do with a cold beer.' Harry finally finished organizing the contents of his suitcase and sighed heavily. 'Phew! glad that's done. We've only just packed this morning.'
The rain had eased considerably as patches of blue showed through the last of some grey scudding clouds, turning paler as the sunshine washed them whiter. Shadows slanted through the streets of Nice below, while both men took the lift to the ground floor.
Not really in the mood to do anything else, they managed to find a nice little restaurant not far away. After ordering a beer, the main topic of conversation was what had occurred earlier that morning. Tony sat forward in his seat looking directly at Harry opposite. 'I don't know about you, but this business doesn't look good. Could be very serious you know. Perhaps a murder even!'
Harry leant towards his friend and in low tones, answered dubiously. 'Quite possibly, and I don't fancy getting mixed up in it. Maybe we are already involved, although only witnesses to seeing a man looking suspicious - that's all,' he said with a shrug.
'That's all?' Tony wasn't convinced. 'If there was a murder committed, we could be here forever, witnessing what we did. He was beginning to feel nervous again, but when the beers arrived each took a long mouthful. 'Ahhh...that's better,' he said, sitting back licking the froth from his lips. 'Good for the nerves, eh?' As he took a further sip, Tony was noticing two rather good-looking women as they brushed past him to sit at a nearby. table. They turned and smiled. His thoughts turned briefly from the subject in question that had been troubling them.
Harry remained concerned, mindful of their present situation, his brain at present far from being able to concentrate further on his book he'd begun to write recently. Although he was an expert in procrastination, he'd hoped to return to it very soon.
The next morning they had a further summons to report at the police station by nine o'clock. After a certain amount of dithering over breakfast, they set off to arrive at the appointed time.
'What now?' grumbled Tony, as they pulled into the car park.
Harry went through the motions of locking the car. 'Don't know, but we're about to find out.' He sounded more than apprehensive.
After being met at the door and passing through a form of security, they followed on the heels of the same burly police officer, where once again they were ushered into an interview room. Harry was immediately aware of his lack of preparedness.
'Gentlemen, be seated please.' The policeman sat down opposite them, straightening his back and looking no less serious than the day before. 'I trust you have slept well?'
'Thank you,' answered Tony politely - 'yes we have.'
The policeman's expression looked grave, fingers thrumming on the paperwork littering his desk - 'it appears there's been a murder committed. We have been making many enquiries as you can imagine...' Tony worried where this was leading, meeting his hard stare, wondering if their previous answers had been adequate enough. The policeman opposite continued. 'This business will be ongoing until the person responsible is apprehended. We have your statements and if there is nothing further to add, you are free to leave Nice.'
Both friends were stunned learning this news, not at all expecting to be off the hook quite so soon. They tried hard not to look relieved, the tension leaving their faces. 'We also know where you can be contacted and if there are further questions...'
Tony couldn't help intervening. 'Of course sir, we will be pleased to answer any further questions - won't we Harry?'
'Of course - absolutely! It is alright to leave Nice then?' he asked quietly, needing reassurance. He was almost shocked with their immediate dismissal - which was most unexpected.
'That's correct.'
Feeling utterly relieved, they were shown out of the main door which was closed behind them.
'Phew! That's a relief.' grinned Tony, looking over at Harry as they reached the car. 'Most unexpected, eh old friend?'
'Definitely! And here we are thinking we'd be here for the duration. Let's head along the coast without further delay.'
Tony clicked into his seat belt. 'There's a little matter of checking out first.'
'Ah!' laughed Harry, 'so there is.'
Saturday 13 December 2014
The vacation takes on a whole new meaning. - Chapter Five
Before long, warm autumn sun was beating down on the two ageing friends sitting side by side on some large rocks watching a glistening sea splashing up, washing over their craggy surface. Then it returned constantly, lapping into small crevices where tiny fish were feeding, as two people walked nonchalantly along the beach behind them, chatting as they kicked up some seaweed.
Harry took a large bite of the succulent roast chicken they bought at Port Grimaud market, earlier that morning. The chickens were known by many of the locals to be always popular, hence it was necessary to queue early on a Sunday, much to the dislike of both men. They were not normally early rises.
'Nice spot here,' he managed between mouthfuls.
They were relaxing after passing St Maxime along the coast from Port Grimaud, enjoying the chicken and all that went with it, sipping wine from sturdy glasses balanced on the rocks beside them.
A few more people strolled toward the nearby beach, with not much more than what appeared to be a towel and something to lie on.
All of a sudden Tony nudged Harry and grinned. 'Do you see what I see?'
'What's that?' asked Harry, far too interested in his chicken.
'Look! Over there.' Tony nodded in the direction he'd been gazing for the past few minutes, slowly sipping from his wine glass.
Harry stopped eating for a moment, following Tony's gaze across to the beach.
'Good grief! I do now,' he replied, wiping his mouth with a serviette. 'Well well well - nudists huh?''
'Thought my eyes were deceiving me at first,' chuckled Tony.
'Nope! Don't think they are somehow. I guess the weather is hot enough for them. When in Rome..., and it is France I suppose. Must still be popular here,' he continued. 'Thought that sort of thing had died out - maybe not.'
Harry returned to his chicken after shrugging it off lightly, taking a bite from a leg, before licking two fingers.
'Don't think it will somehow, but you won't catch me parading around like that,' Tony said with a slight shudder.
His friend took one more glance over his shoulder towards the beach, where several more people had gathered, then bit into a roast potato. 'Me either. Many people do it you know - all ages too. I blame the parents - its how they think, what they believe in bringing up their offspring. But ...'
Tony stretched his legs, dipping his toes into an oncoming sea. Small waves washed over his ankles. 'Crumbs it's cold!' he cried, moving higher up to another rock, interrupting Harry mid sentence. 'Sorry old man, what were you saying?'
'Oh, nothing important...' Harry turned, just as a young couple paddled into the water nearby. 'Good Lord! Tony...!' But Tony had noticed too, finding it difficult to look anywhere else. The young woman was beautiful, from the tip of her long blonde hair, to her toes. Her figure was perfection and skin gently tanned. Her pert breasts were softly rounded, with hips shaped like a goddess. She reminded him of a Botticelli painting he'd seen in Paris, finding it difficult averting his eyes from her.
Her husband or partner, was holding her hand, laughing as the waves splashed up and over part of her writhing body. Harry too, watched, as small droplets fell from her breasts back into the rising sea. The young woman laughed with him, moving her body evocatively to avoid the cold water. It glistened deep golden in the early afternoon sunlight, long strands of fair hair becoming wet and clinging to her graceful body.
Tony swiveled back toward the remains of their lunch, they'd spread out amongst the rocks. 'Phew! It's getting hot here without any shelter. What do you say to moving on old friend, eh?'
'Hmmm,' mumbled Harry. What were you saying Tony?'
'I said we might think about moving on. Harry...are you listening to me, or...?'
'I heard, yes...errr, perhaps we should,' he said, slowly. Alright old man, yes, you're definitely right. Let's do that.'
'There's still plenty of driving to do today,' Tony interjected, gathering up the last of their lunch before standing up carefully, his knees aching for a time after staying in one position.
They were both well into their seventies and long retired, not particularly looking forward to the next decade.
Harry joined him and together they wandered off back to where the car was parked. 'What's it's like to be young eh' he murmured, half to himself.
'Yeah, but you still wouldn't catch me in a public place without my clothes on.' Tony opened the car door on his side, dipping his head inside. 'It's blazing hot in here!'
'It'll soon cool down when the air conditioner gets going.' Harry stripped off another layer before starting the engine. 'Do you think we should bother Miss Madam, the sat/nav? After all, she might be in need of her 'after lunch' siesta.' He was in two minds.
'Certainly not!' retorted Tony, very firmly. 'I''ve had enough of her for a while,' he concluded.'
'Think you're right. It can't be too difficult to continue along the coast road, can it?'
'I guess not.' Tony sounded, halfheartedly. He settled into the car seat, hot as it was, and sighed. 'Nice spot for lunch, though,' he remarked with a chuckle.
Harry was turning onto the main road that took them in an easterly direction. 'We left at the right time,' he said, before hearing a sudden cry coming from the dashboard area.
'What about me! You might get lost you know,' grumbled Miss Madam.'
'I wish she would,' Tony replied under his breath, pulling another face at Harry, who was trying to concentrate on his driving.
'I heard that!' An indignant voice moaned outwardly.
Harry bit his bottom lip, trying not to smile. 'You were meant to.'
Miss Madam wouldn't give up easily. 'You'll be sorry!'
'Not that line again,' sighed Tony, gazing out of the window at a particularly handsome woman, dressed in nothing more than a piece of fabric loosely draped around her bare shoulders.
'She's at it again.' Harry was approaching a multi exit roundabout. 'Which way? I didn't see a sign, did you Tony?'
'Told you so!' Miss Madam mocked. 'You can't go far without me, can you?'
'We'll see about that!' Tony replied, sounding defiant. 'Maybe we should extract her entirely,' he said with a sideways sneer.
'I wouldn't do that if I was you,' came the answer.
Both men ignored her, as Harry appeared to make the correct decision at the roundabout, carrying on the main road, heading for Cannes.
The coast was magnificent in the afternoon light. Glimpses of sea met their eyes as Harry manoeuvred the Mercedes around tight bends, before entering the town. 'We haven't really got a lot of time to spend here, if we want to push on for Nice. What do you think?'
'Right again old man. Yes, think we should keep going. It's a bit early to stop here for the night. I've been here before and I'm looking forward to Nice. Can't say I remember much, though. It was so long ago when I last saw the place.
'Me too,' replied Harry. 'Nice it is then.'
The car wound around cliff faces not far from the sea, while afternoon light filtered through trees, in and out of branches and onto the car bonnet - flickering over the road to where villas, half concealed with large gardens richly adorned in flowering shrubs, nestled into hills overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean.
The afternoon sun was lowering toward the west, when Tony began thinking of their hotel. Nothing had been pre-booked.
'Might be a good idea to find a hotel soon. You know what the car parks are like late into the evening. They fill up quickly and there's nowhere to park.'
'Quite right old man,' replied Harry, beginning to fade slightly. 'Hope we can find one soon,' he added. 'Don't know about you, but I'm almost ready for a cold beer. Perhaps when we've settled into our rooms, we could seek out somewhere for an aperitif, then some supper.'
'My thoughts entirely!' sighed Tony, stretching his legs under the dashboard.
'Hey! Watch where you're putting your feet,' came a sudden impertinent voice.
'It's her again,' frowned Harry, before turning the car into a likely looking hotel with parking available. 'Perhaps she'll disappear in a puff of smoke one day,' he said, hopefully.
Tony was looking at the barrier in front of them. 'Unless she can wave a magic wand and lift that! he suggested, pointing at the wooden obstacle in their path.
'I very much doubt it,' laughed Harry incredulously, opening his door to try and see how to remove the barrier barring their way - when a strange thing happened. The barrier suddenly lifted, so he quickly scurried back into the driver's seat.
'Perhaps she did wave her magic wand.' He added, grinning at the idea that it could actually happen. 'She's been reprieved then!'
Later that evening after they had eaten, the weather remaining warm and balmy with a light breeze, a stroll was decided upon towards the beach. They thought back to when they'd visited years ago, trying to remember if it was sandy, but rather thought it may consist of small pebbles instead. Both had decided that shorts were preferable, though the weather had to be hot before this was acted upon - and it was hot. Polo shirts and lighter shoes were now worn, as the evening became humid and sticky. Many other people were dressed in a likewise fashion.
On the way, they spotted a large area containing fountains which, at choreographed intervals, shot water high into the air - with a park and seats in close proximity.
Nearby an odd tram trundled up the center of the piazza, winding around a corner further on, before it disappeared into the city streets.
Several people walked through or on the edge of the fountains, enjoying the coolness of tiny droplets.
'I can't be bothered with the beach,' remarked Tony.
'Me either.' Let's check out this park. Those fountains look stunning in this light.'
Harry was still feeling hot after the long drive and the late evening remained very warm indeed. He wiped his brow with a spotted handkerchief. 'Phew! I don't fancy this humidity.'
Heading over to the fountains, they marveled at the glowing lights upon the glistening surface, shimmering with reflected amber hues from nearby buildings. Many lights shone from what appeared to be under the water's surface, creating a spectacular scene of tranquil beauty. Beyond, was a magnificent view of surrounding hills, dotted with villas. An old church was perched a short distance behind the fountains, its steeple appearing to rise out of the mistiness.
Inquisitive, Tony ventured into the water, walking on the surface resembling a shallow lake. He held out his arms as the watery mist embraced his face - enjoying the deliciously fresh coolness so much, that in time he became wet through.
Harry sat on a nearby seat, a garden behind, with people strolling along the path between him and the fountains. 'What on earth are you doing Tony? Do you realize you are soaked through?' he remarked.
'Indeed I am and enjoying every moment of the exquisite sensation immensely,' Tony replied with a laugh. He hadn't felt like this for a long time.
'Remember those people on the beach today and what you said?' Harry reminded him. 'Something about, "you won't catch me naked like that!" he added, raising his eyebrows, noticing just how wet his friend was.
'You ought to try this Harry. It's delicious!' Tony was ignoring the comment, laughing at the intermittent fountain jets, shooting high in the air. Several other people of various ages were doing the same.
But Harry shook his head in reply, still feeling uncomfortably hot. He looked longingly at Tony enjoying himself, like a child discovering a new toy - and grimaced slightly. His friend beckoned him one last time from a misty haze, rising mysteriously from the depths of the fountain. It wafted about ghostlike, almost obliterating him.
Several people walked slowly through it, amazed, while others simply stood still, the only part of them visible being from the waist up, or even just their legs showing.
Harry began having second thoughts, feeling the cooling mist wafting over his face and limbs, enjoying the sensation. Standing up, he walked slowly upon the water, mirroring the water jets and soft golden night lights surrounding them. He couldn't believe how different and alive he felt, obviously influenced by those around him. Old and young alike were enjoying the light, refreshing feel.
Tony squatted down to take a closer look where the water jets sprang from. Some had turned off, while others merely squirted water halfway up from their original position.
With a grin on his face at the picture Tony presented, Harry did the same, but suddenly there was a whoosh and a full blast of water shot up into Harry's face, almost drowning him. He gasped, looking incredulous and more than a little surprised - completely soaked from head to toe.
His old friend couldn't help laughing at the sight, as where he stood, nothing at all had happened. 'You do look a sight Harry! What was that you were saying about being naked?' mocked Tony. 'I think you'd win the prize for the wet T-shirt look.'
There was nothing Harry could do about it and laughed in answer to his friend's observations.
'Oh alright then. Yes...it does feel great!' he admitted, grinning; then remembered it was Tony who mentioned something about not being caught parading naked - but said nothing, not wishing to stir the pot.
Tony almost replied with, 'I told you so,' but thought better of it.
They played like children for a while longer, arms outstretched enjoying the coolness all over, feeling much revived, before thinking it was time to return to the hotel.
'I can't go back looking like this!' remarked Harry, looking down at himself with a certain amount of disgust.
'It's not all that bad,' Tony replied. 'The night is still awfully warm. We would be dry by the time we strolled back. In the meantime, how about a nightcap at that interesting outdoor restaurant we passed earlier? They won't even notice,' he chuckled.
Harry was convinced, not needing more time to consider the suggestion. 'Right then! A good end to a perfect day, eh?'
'Exactement!' Tony sometimes resorted to French when in a good mood. 'Une journee parfaite!'
All was well with the world as they wandered off in search of the restaurant, leaving droplets of water in their wake; Harry feeling a lot better after his unexpected 'shower' in the fountains.
'I might begin on my novel tomorrow...,' he was thinking to himself.
Harry took a large bite of the succulent roast chicken they bought at Port Grimaud market, earlier that morning. The chickens were known by many of the locals to be always popular, hence it was necessary to queue early on a Sunday, much to the dislike of both men. They were not normally early rises.
'Nice spot here,' he managed between mouthfuls.
They were relaxing after passing St Maxime along the coast from Port Grimaud, enjoying the chicken and all that went with it, sipping wine from sturdy glasses balanced on the rocks beside them.
A few more people strolled toward the nearby beach, with not much more than what appeared to be a towel and something to lie on.
All of a sudden Tony nudged Harry and grinned. 'Do you see what I see?'
'What's that?' asked Harry, far too interested in his chicken.
'Look! Over there.' Tony nodded in the direction he'd been gazing for the past few minutes, slowly sipping from his wine glass.
Harry stopped eating for a moment, following Tony's gaze across to the beach.
'Good grief! I do now,' he replied, wiping his mouth with a serviette. 'Well well well - nudists huh?''
'Thought my eyes were deceiving me at first,' chuckled Tony.
'Nope! Don't think they are somehow. I guess the weather is hot enough for them. When in Rome..., and it is France I suppose. Must still be popular here,' he continued. 'Thought that sort of thing had died out - maybe not.'
Harry returned to his chicken after shrugging it off lightly, taking a bite from a leg, before licking two fingers.
'Don't think it will somehow, but you won't catch me parading around like that,' Tony said with a slight shudder.
His friend took one more glance over his shoulder towards the beach, where several more people had gathered, then bit into a roast potato. 'Me either. Many people do it you know - all ages too. I blame the parents - its how they think, what they believe in bringing up their offspring. But ...'
Tony stretched his legs, dipping his toes into an oncoming sea. Small waves washed over his ankles. 'Crumbs it's cold!' he cried, moving higher up to another rock, interrupting Harry mid sentence. 'Sorry old man, what were you saying?'
'Oh, nothing important...' Harry turned, just as a young couple paddled into the water nearby. 'Good Lord! Tony...!' But Tony had noticed too, finding it difficult to look anywhere else. The young woman was beautiful, from the tip of her long blonde hair, to her toes. Her figure was perfection and skin gently tanned. Her pert breasts were softly rounded, with hips shaped like a goddess. She reminded him of a Botticelli painting he'd seen in Paris, finding it difficult averting his eyes from her.
Her husband or partner, was holding her hand, laughing as the waves splashed up and over part of her writhing body. Harry too, watched, as small droplets fell from her breasts back into the rising sea. The young woman laughed with him, moving her body evocatively to avoid the cold water. It glistened deep golden in the early afternoon sunlight, long strands of fair hair becoming wet and clinging to her graceful body.
Tony swiveled back toward the remains of their lunch, they'd spread out amongst the rocks. 'Phew! It's getting hot here without any shelter. What do you say to moving on old friend, eh?'
'Hmmm,' mumbled Harry. What were you saying Tony?'
'I said we might think about moving on. Harry...are you listening to me, or...?'
'I heard, yes...errr, perhaps we should,' he said, slowly. Alright old man, yes, you're definitely right. Let's do that.'
'There's still plenty of driving to do today,' Tony interjected, gathering up the last of their lunch before standing up carefully, his knees aching for a time after staying in one position.
They were both well into their seventies and long retired, not particularly looking forward to the next decade.
Harry joined him and together they wandered off back to where the car was parked. 'What's it's like to be young eh' he murmured, half to himself.
'Yeah, but you still wouldn't catch me in a public place without my clothes on.' Tony opened the car door on his side, dipping his head inside. 'It's blazing hot in here!'
'It'll soon cool down when the air conditioner gets going.' Harry stripped off another layer before starting the engine. 'Do you think we should bother Miss Madam, the sat/nav? After all, she might be in need of her 'after lunch' siesta.' He was in two minds.
'Certainly not!' retorted Tony, very firmly. 'I''ve had enough of her for a while,' he concluded.'
'Think you're right. It can't be too difficult to continue along the coast road, can it?'
'I guess not.' Tony sounded, halfheartedly. He settled into the car seat, hot as it was, and sighed. 'Nice spot for lunch, though,' he remarked with a chuckle.
Harry was turning onto the main road that took them in an easterly direction. 'We left at the right time,' he said, before hearing a sudden cry coming from the dashboard area.
'What about me! You might get lost you know,' grumbled Miss Madam.'
'I wish she would,' Tony replied under his breath, pulling another face at Harry, who was trying to concentrate on his driving.
'I heard that!' An indignant voice moaned outwardly.
Harry bit his bottom lip, trying not to smile. 'You were meant to.'
Miss Madam wouldn't give up easily. 'You'll be sorry!'
'Not that line again,' sighed Tony, gazing out of the window at a particularly handsome woman, dressed in nothing more than a piece of fabric loosely draped around her bare shoulders.
'She's at it again.' Harry was approaching a multi exit roundabout. 'Which way? I didn't see a sign, did you Tony?'
'Told you so!' Miss Madam mocked. 'You can't go far without me, can you?'
'We'll see about that!' Tony replied, sounding defiant. 'Maybe we should extract her entirely,' he said with a sideways sneer.
'I wouldn't do that if I was you,' came the answer.
Both men ignored her, as Harry appeared to make the correct decision at the roundabout, carrying on the main road, heading for Cannes.
The coast was magnificent in the afternoon light. Glimpses of sea met their eyes as Harry manoeuvred the Mercedes around tight bends, before entering the town. 'We haven't really got a lot of time to spend here, if we want to push on for Nice. What do you think?'
'Right again old man. Yes, think we should keep going. It's a bit early to stop here for the night. I've been here before and I'm looking forward to Nice. Can't say I remember much, though. It was so long ago when I last saw the place.
'Me too,' replied Harry. 'Nice it is then.'
The car wound around cliff faces not far from the sea, while afternoon light filtered through trees, in and out of branches and onto the car bonnet - flickering over the road to where villas, half concealed with large gardens richly adorned in flowering shrubs, nestled into hills overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean.
The afternoon sun was lowering toward the west, when Tony began thinking of their hotel. Nothing had been pre-booked.
'Might be a good idea to find a hotel soon. You know what the car parks are like late into the evening. They fill up quickly and there's nowhere to park.'
'Quite right old man,' replied Harry, beginning to fade slightly. 'Hope we can find one soon,' he added. 'Don't know about you, but I'm almost ready for a cold beer. Perhaps when we've settled into our rooms, we could seek out somewhere for an aperitif, then some supper.'
'My thoughts entirely!' sighed Tony, stretching his legs under the dashboard.
'Hey! Watch where you're putting your feet,' came a sudden impertinent voice.
'It's her again,' frowned Harry, before turning the car into a likely looking hotel with parking available. 'Perhaps she'll disappear in a puff of smoke one day,' he said, hopefully.
Tony was looking at the barrier in front of them. 'Unless she can wave a magic wand and lift that! he suggested, pointing at the wooden obstacle in their path.
'I very much doubt it,' laughed Harry incredulously, opening his door to try and see how to remove the barrier barring their way - when a strange thing happened. The barrier suddenly lifted, so he quickly scurried back into the driver's seat.
'Perhaps she did wave her magic wand.' He added, grinning at the idea that it could actually happen. 'She's been reprieved then!'
Later that evening after they had eaten, the weather remaining warm and balmy with a light breeze, a stroll was decided upon towards the beach. They thought back to when they'd visited years ago, trying to remember if it was sandy, but rather thought it may consist of small pebbles instead. Both had decided that shorts were preferable, though the weather had to be hot before this was acted upon - and it was hot. Polo shirts and lighter shoes were now worn, as the evening became humid and sticky. Many other people were dressed in a likewise fashion.
On the way, they spotted a large area containing fountains which, at choreographed intervals, shot water high into the air - with a park and seats in close proximity.
Nearby an odd tram trundled up the center of the piazza, winding around a corner further on, before it disappeared into the city streets.
Several people walked through or on the edge of the fountains, enjoying the coolness of tiny droplets.
'I can't be bothered with the beach,' remarked Tony.
'Me either.' Let's check out this park. Those fountains look stunning in this light.'
Harry was still feeling hot after the long drive and the late evening remained very warm indeed. He wiped his brow with a spotted handkerchief. 'Phew! I don't fancy this humidity.'
Heading over to the fountains, they marveled at the glowing lights upon the glistening surface, shimmering with reflected amber hues from nearby buildings. Many lights shone from what appeared to be under the water's surface, creating a spectacular scene of tranquil beauty. Beyond, was a magnificent view of surrounding hills, dotted with villas. An old church was perched a short distance behind the fountains, its steeple appearing to rise out of the mistiness.
Inquisitive, Tony ventured into the water, walking on the surface resembling a shallow lake. He held out his arms as the watery mist embraced his face - enjoying the deliciously fresh coolness so much, that in time he became wet through.
Harry sat on a nearby seat, a garden behind, with people strolling along the path between him and the fountains. 'What on earth are you doing Tony? Do you realize you are soaked through?' he remarked.
'Indeed I am and enjoying every moment of the exquisite sensation immensely,' Tony replied with a laugh. He hadn't felt like this for a long time.
'Remember those people on the beach today and what you said?' Harry reminded him. 'Something about, "you won't catch me naked like that!" he added, raising his eyebrows, noticing just how wet his friend was.
'You ought to try this Harry. It's delicious!' Tony was ignoring the comment, laughing at the intermittent fountain jets, shooting high in the air. Several other people of various ages were doing the same.
But Harry shook his head in reply, still feeling uncomfortably hot. He looked longingly at Tony enjoying himself, like a child discovering a new toy - and grimaced slightly. His friend beckoned him one last time from a misty haze, rising mysteriously from the depths of the fountain. It wafted about ghostlike, almost obliterating him.
Several people walked slowly through it, amazed, while others simply stood still, the only part of them visible being from the waist up, or even just their legs showing.
Harry began having second thoughts, feeling the cooling mist wafting over his face and limbs, enjoying the sensation. Standing up, he walked slowly upon the water, mirroring the water jets and soft golden night lights surrounding them. He couldn't believe how different and alive he felt, obviously influenced by those around him. Old and young alike were enjoying the light, refreshing feel.
Tony squatted down to take a closer look where the water jets sprang from. Some had turned off, while others merely squirted water halfway up from their original position.
With a grin on his face at the picture Tony presented, Harry did the same, but suddenly there was a whoosh and a full blast of water shot up into Harry's face, almost drowning him. He gasped, looking incredulous and more than a little surprised - completely soaked from head to toe.
His old friend couldn't help laughing at the sight, as where he stood, nothing at all had happened. 'You do look a sight Harry! What was that you were saying about being naked?' mocked Tony. 'I think you'd win the prize for the wet T-shirt look.'
There was nothing Harry could do about it and laughed in answer to his friend's observations.
'Oh alright then. Yes...it does feel great!' he admitted, grinning; then remembered it was Tony who mentioned something about not being caught parading naked - but said nothing, not wishing to stir the pot.
Tony almost replied with, 'I told you so,' but thought better of it.
They played like children for a while longer, arms outstretched enjoying the coolness all over, feeling much revived, before thinking it was time to return to the hotel.
'I can't go back looking like this!' remarked Harry, looking down at himself with a certain amount of disgust.
'It's not all that bad,' Tony replied. 'The night is still awfully warm. We would be dry by the time we strolled back. In the meantime, how about a nightcap at that interesting outdoor restaurant we passed earlier? They won't even notice,' he chuckled.
Harry was convinced, not needing more time to consider the suggestion. 'Right then! A good end to a perfect day, eh?'
'Exactement!' Tony sometimes resorted to French when in a good mood. 'Une journee parfaite!'
All was well with the world as they wandered off in search of the restaurant, leaving droplets of water in their wake; Harry feeling a lot better after his unexpected 'shower' in the fountains.
'I might begin on my novel tomorrow...,' he was thinking to himself.
Tuesday 9 December 2014
Harry and Tony's vacation almost ends in disaster - Chapter Four
As the sun sizzled into the gold-dust sprinkled sea, evening softened with the remaining balminess of a breeze, threading its way this way and that through palm trees, across the sandy beach reaching the many various size yachts moored alongside private jetties. It blew out across the bay as far as St. Tropez in the distance and back closer throughout Port Grimaud, where people dined late in restaurants, enjoying good food, wine and each other's company.
Young couples drifted past, as the breeze caught the long glossy strands of a lover's hair, tossing the curls against her lovely face. She smiled, then turned and kissed her male companion, before they wandered hand in hand towards a party given on a large, sleek yacht. It was moored close to an outdoor restaurant on the beach, where music drifted on the perfumed air. A soft yellow glow of lights twinkled in the water, mirroring their reflections from the two and three story houses dotted around the different inlets; as did the moon when it dipped its silvery beams amongst lapping waves, slapping against the sides of yachts, rocking to and fro as the breeze caught them off the sea.
Harry sighed with pleasure, lifting his glass of red wine, heady with fruits of the vine and proposed a toast with his friend Tony.
'Here's to us!'
'To us!' replied Tony, licking his lips after taking a long draught from his wine glass. 'Let's hope the experiences of the last few days are well and truly behind us, eh dear boy?'
'Absolutely!' grinned Harry, shifting in his seat from a hip joint, that ached at times when sitting too long in one position. At last, they were able to relax and enjoy part of what they hoped to experience here in Port Grimaud, on the French Riviera. The weather was warm as they sat in an outdoor bar, situated on the beach, the breeze embracing their ageing faces. At last they were in possession of the three story house, without the 'entourage' that accompanied them to Monroe's English Pub - and they had a room to themselves, much to their delight. They soon found when visiting the pub earlier in the evening, that their friend Katy had written her address down incorrectly, for some unknown reason. So they never did stay with her for the two nights as planned in the old hilltop village of Grimaud, but found a hotel in the town with two available rooms to their liking - and relief.
Tony planned a round of golf or two at a club not far away. It was halfway up a large hill overlooking the sea on the way to St Maxime, further along the coast. The golf club possessed an excellent restaurant, both indoors and out, overlooking the practice pitch, surrounded by a well kept garden.
Harry would drive his friend there and perhaps begin his book. 'Yes!' he thought. 'That's just the place to begin. We could have a nice lunch first and while Tony hits the ball around the golf course, I'll write the first chapter. Couldn't do it on an empty stomach of course. No, that wouldn't do at all.'
Harry started to think aloud, before Tony turned and asked him with a quizzical look on his face. 'What are you thinking up now, eh? I know that mind of yours is ticking away merrily. The next glass of wine I suppose.'
'As a matter of fact, no! You're quite wrong. I was thinking I might begin my novel tomorrow when you play golf.'
'I've heard all that before,' smirked Tony, with a slight shake of the head.
'You can mock all you want. Just wait and see,' Harry retorted, indignantly.
'I'm waiting,' replied Tony, eyes lifting heavenward. And I've been waiting years! What time shall we leave tomorrow?' he asked, changing the subject.
'Not too early. Perhaps after a mid morning coffee.' Harry sipped the last of his wine. 'Think we should return to the house, its getting late - and before it fills with people again!'
'Yeah,' said Tony, extricating himself from a low chair. 'Let's get going, before I seize up completely. What a pity we don't get any younger. Might be helpful sometimes.'
'Not sure I'd like my time over again. But there again...' Harry joined his friend as they strolled back to the house; the sun having disappeared over a watery horizon, the sea glistening with a silvery glow - night clouds drawing stealthily across the sky in gathering darkness, casting deep blue-black hues across the houses and inlets, interspersed with golden streaks from the last of a setting sun.
After a pleasant lunch the next day, Harry stretched his arms out, flexing his hands. 'Well, no time like the present...! Hmmm...' he muttered. 'Now for Richard. He lead a complex life, did Richard III - and what a way to lose your life - but where to begin. At the beginning I guess - when he was young and living up north. Hmmm...,' he murmured again.
Gazing upwards, pen in hand, as if for inspiration, Harry wasn't one to use some modern tablet for writing. It had to be by his own hand. He started writing, mumbling as he went. 'To begin at the beginning... Nope! that won't do. When was the beginning I wonder? Or rather, when and where do I start with his life more like? Hmmm...'
He continued on for some time, writing sentences, pausing, thinking, writing some more - then firmly laid the pen down on the table, beside his glass of delicious red wine. Harry took a large sip, savouring its flavour on his tongue and thought some more. 'Oh dear, this will never do,' he muttered over and over. 'There are still a few aspects of Richard's life I don't know enough about - even though I've studied it for years, researching.'
At that moment, Tony saved the day, or rather eased Harry's frustration. He strolled toward the table they'd shared for lunch, wiping his brow with a large white handkerchief. 'Whew! It's a bit hot out there.'
He sat down opposite Harry and ordered a cold beer for them both from a rather pretty waitress, with bright blue sparkling eyes - a pleasant personality to go with her looks. His friend felt in need of something cold and thanked Tony.
'Ah, just what I needed. Thanks old friend!' Then remembered he was driving, but thought nothing more about it.
'Enough of the old eh? I know we are getting on, but I can still beat a few of the youngsters on the golf course.'
'Good for you!' smiled Harry, encouragingly. 'Onward and upward soon, huh? We can continue along the winding coast road as planned. I hope Miss Madam will cope. What do you think? Is she up to it?'
'Not sure if she's trustworthy anymore,' mused Tony. 'She's landed us up the creek without a paddle a few times. Perhaps we could try one more time.'
'I'll be sure and give her firm marching orders the day after tomorrow. We could buy a freshly roasted chicken at the market and take it along the coast for a picnic. Remember when we did that the last two times? They're always moist and delicious and so popular with the locals. They must do a roaring trade on market days. People have to queue up early before the chickens disappear. I love the way they roast the potatoes underneath at the same time.'
'Stop! You're making me hungry all over again,' laughed Tony.
'You can't possibly be hungry after all you've eaten at lunch time?' remarked Harry, frowning at his friend incredulously, as the young waitress appeared again.
Sipping his beer, Tony reluctantly waved her away with a smile, watching with one eye how she swung her hips to perfection. He pulled a face, eyes looking up - when Harry noticed that look, realizing only too well how charming Tony could be with the ladies. He had such a lovely manner with them.
'She's far too young Tony. You should be ashamed of yourself at your age.'
'I know, I know! Just looking.'
'Sometimes I think you forget how ancient we both are,' grinned his friend.
'Speak for yourself old boy!' replied Tony, indignant. 'We'd better think about returning to Port Grimaud soon, before we're tempted to order another drink from that waitress. Don't forget you have to drive, huh?'
'Haven't forgotten,' retorted Harry, looking over toward the door where the waitress had disappeared; then stood up a little too quickly. 'Awe...' he uttered, one hand placed on his forehead - appearing to totter slightly.
'Harry! Are you alright? What's the matter eh, old friend?' Tony was looking anxious at Harry, slumped beside the table.
'I'm...fine, Tony... honest.'
'Well you don't look so good. Have a seat for a while. There's no rush to get back.'
'Think I will,' answered Harry. Give me a moment. I must have got up too quickly after that beer. It's not like me at all.'
They remained another thirty minutes while Harry recovered and felt able to drive back safely, before walking slowly to where the car was parked. It felt hot when they entered and after starting the engine, Harry turned on the air conditioning. 'Ahhh... that's better,' he sighed, resting his head back briefly.
Tony still wasn't convinced. 'Harry..., are you able to drive alright? We could order a ta...'
'I'm okay now Tony. Don't worry,' Harry assured his friend.
Before he pulled slowly out of the car park, he 'programmed' Miss Madam to get them back to the house, just in case. Although they knew the way quite well, Harry thought it a good idea. After all, they both had been drinking a little.
They continued along the main road, back toward Port Grimaud - all was going well. Miss Madam instructed Harry in no uncertain terms, "At the next roundabout, take the second exit." Then shortly afterwards - "take the second exit at the roundabout.
'Alright, I hear you!' said Harry.
"I hope you do!" replied Miss Madam.
'Blooming cheek!' Tony frowned, looking over at Harry who was concentrating on his driving.
"I think he needs to be sure," stated Miss Madam, "He's been drinking you know!"
Harry gave a little chuckle. 'She's right you know,' he said to Tony, who's eyebrows had shot up.
"Of course I'm right!" stated Miss Madam, sounding self-assured and a little dictatorial. Then she announced, "continue on for three miles, preparing to bare left."
'Hmmm,' thought Tony. 'What do we do now?' not really believing Miss Madam.
Harry was only half listening as Miss Madam soon gave further instructions. "At the next intersection four hundred yards on, bare left."
Harry was at the intersection before he realised it and confirmation exactly where he needed to go, not at all clear. Miss Madam suddenly said, almost shouting, "now do a U-turn!" Suddenly he was confused, the intersection having several options. 'What now...?' He thought he'd missed the correct turn and swung the Mercedes quickly over to the right, noticing almost too late, it was hanging over an embankment with a sheer drop below - so turned the wheel in the opposite direction. It only just saved them from complete disaster. He was holding his breath, almost frozen.
Tony was clinging tightly to the door handle by now, his right foot flat to the floor as if applying imaginary brakes. 'Oh my God! Harry, what are you doing?' He swore blatantly, not caring who heard - but his friend was silent for the moment.
Harry was able to bring the car to a stop on the side of the road, heaving a sigh of relief they were still alive. 'Bloody hell! That thing,' he pointed to the dashboard, 'will get us both killed one day.
"It wasn't my fault!" Miss Madam corrected. "If you'd have done what I instructed, this wouldn't have happened."
Tony grunted, still holding on tight to the door handle, unable to let go yet.
'What does she mean?' Harry muttered, turning a pale shade of pink, then an odd milky white.
'Phew!' Tony replied, still short of breath - slowly recovering from their ordeal. 'I'm not sure Harry, but it's time to turn her off again I think.'
'Agreed! Think we might stay here a bit longer, while I regain some form of confidence, so we can return to Port Grimaud in one piece.' Harry leant his head on the headrest behind his seat, closing his eyes, when they both heard a loud noise coming from behind.
'Oh no!' said Tony, groaning. 'I hope its not who I think it is. We could be breathalysed.'
'But we haven't had masses of alcohol,' Harry replied. Only a glass of wine, then a beer and mainly with food.'
Tony wasn't so sure they were in the clear and before he said anything else, the police car passed them rapidly and turned left. 'Maybe we should continue more slowly, just in case,' he suggested.
'Absolutely!' said Harry, gathering himself behind the wheel, before sighing with relief and driving sedately on.
Not too long afterwards, they pulled into the car-park area near the house. They were staying for one more day, before continuing along the coast. Harry turned the engine off and sat there for several moments reflecting on the drive back. They had made it safely and later, would enjoy a light supper. No mention was made about venturing to Monroe's pub that night. It had been a close shave and neither wished to repeat the experience.
Two day's later, soon after the market opened in the town, they bought a succulent roasted chicken, some potatoes together with a few other things.
They left Port Grimaud, reluctantly making their way north east towards Cannes, Antibes and Nice. Harry had managed to do several hours of research for his novel he wanted to start, as they'd brought several books along with them; both enjoying a certain amount of reading and there were always many books on their to-be-read list.
They headed along the twisting coastal road, spectacular in parts, as it passed through small village-like towns, where various houses and villas were scattered around hills, cascading down the sometimes rocky slopes overlooking a sparkling Mediterranean, enveloped in a miasma of charm and almost non-purpose, the weather remaining warm as the sun permeated through the late morning.
They took their time, with Harry driving carefully, sedately - the windows remaining down while they breathed in the intoxicating sea air - both reflecting on their journey so far and neither could say it had been uneventful.
Young couples drifted past, as the breeze caught the long glossy strands of a lover's hair, tossing the curls against her lovely face. She smiled, then turned and kissed her male companion, before they wandered hand in hand towards a party given on a large, sleek yacht. It was moored close to an outdoor restaurant on the beach, where music drifted on the perfumed air. A soft yellow glow of lights twinkled in the water, mirroring their reflections from the two and three story houses dotted around the different inlets; as did the moon when it dipped its silvery beams amongst lapping waves, slapping against the sides of yachts, rocking to and fro as the breeze caught them off the sea.
Harry sighed with pleasure, lifting his glass of red wine, heady with fruits of the vine and proposed a toast with his friend Tony.
'Here's to us!'
'To us!' replied Tony, licking his lips after taking a long draught from his wine glass. 'Let's hope the experiences of the last few days are well and truly behind us, eh dear boy?'
'Absolutely!' grinned Harry, shifting in his seat from a hip joint, that ached at times when sitting too long in one position. At last, they were able to relax and enjoy part of what they hoped to experience here in Port Grimaud, on the French Riviera. The weather was warm as they sat in an outdoor bar, situated on the beach, the breeze embracing their ageing faces. At last they were in possession of the three story house, without the 'entourage' that accompanied them to Monroe's English Pub - and they had a room to themselves, much to their delight. They soon found when visiting the pub earlier in the evening, that their friend Katy had written her address down incorrectly, for some unknown reason. So they never did stay with her for the two nights as planned in the old hilltop village of Grimaud, but found a hotel in the town with two available rooms to their liking - and relief.
Tony planned a round of golf or two at a club not far away. It was halfway up a large hill overlooking the sea on the way to St Maxime, further along the coast. The golf club possessed an excellent restaurant, both indoors and out, overlooking the practice pitch, surrounded by a well kept garden.
Harry would drive his friend there and perhaps begin his book. 'Yes!' he thought. 'That's just the place to begin. We could have a nice lunch first and while Tony hits the ball around the golf course, I'll write the first chapter. Couldn't do it on an empty stomach of course. No, that wouldn't do at all.'
Harry started to think aloud, before Tony turned and asked him with a quizzical look on his face. 'What are you thinking up now, eh? I know that mind of yours is ticking away merrily. The next glass of wine I suppose.'
'As a matter of fact, no! You're quite wrong. I was thinking I might begin my novel tomorrow when you play golf.'
'I've heard all that before,' smirked Tony, with a slight shake of the head.
'You can mock all you want. Just wait and see,' Harry retorted, indignantly.
'I'm waiting,' replied Tony, eyes lifting heavenward. And I've been waiting years! What time shall we leave tomorrow?' he asked, changing the subject.
'Not too early. Perhaps after a mid morning coffee.' Harry sipped the last of his wine. 'Think we should return to the house, its getting late - and before it fills with people again!'
'Yeah,' said Tony, extricating himself from a low chair. 'Let's get going, before I seize up completely. What a pity we don't get any younger. Might be helpful sometimes.'
'Not sure I'd like my time over again. But there again...' Harry joined his friend as they strolled back to the house; the sun having disappeared over a watery horizon, the sea glistening with a silvery glow - night clouds drawing stealthily across the sky in gathering darkness, casting deep blue-black hues across the houses and inlets, interspersed with golden streaks from the last of a setting sun.
After a pleasant lunch the next day, Harry stretched his arms out, flexing his hands. 'Well, no time like the present...! Hmmm...' he muttered. 'Now for Richard. He lead a complex life, did Richard III - and what a way to lose your life - but where to begin. At the beginning I guess - when he was young and living up north. Hmmm...,' he murmured again.
Gazing upwards, pen in hand, as if for inspiration, Harry wasn't one to use some modern tablet for writing. It had to be by his own hand. He started writing, mumbling as he went. 'To begin at the beginning... Nope! that won't do. When was the beginning I wonder? Or rather, when and where do I start with his life more like? Hmmm...'
He continued on for some time, writing sentences, pausing, thinking, writing some more - then firmly laid the pen down on the table, beside his glass of delicious red wine. Harry took a large sip, savouring its flavour on his tongue and thought some more. 'Oh dear, this will never do,' he muttered over and over. 'There are still a few aspects of Richard's life I don't know enough about - even though I've studied it for years, researching.'
At that moment, Tony saved the day, or rather eased Harry's frustration. He strolled toward the table they'd shared for lunch, wiping his brow with a large white handkerchief. 'Whew! It's a bit hot out there.'
He sat down opposite Harry and ordered a cold beer for them both from a rather pretty waitress, with bright blue sparkling eyes - a pleasant personality to go with her looks. His friend felt in need of something cold and thanked Tony.
'Ah, just what I needed. Thanks old friend!' Then remembered he was driving, but thought nothing more about it.
'Enough of the old eh? I know we are getting on, but I can still beat a few of the youngsters on the golf course.'
'Good for you!' smiled Harry, encouragingly. 'Onward and upward soon, huh? We can continue along the winding coast road as planned. I hope Miss Madam will cope. What do you think? Is she up to it?'
'Not sure if she's trustworthy anymore,' mused Tony. 'She's landed us up the creek without a paddle a few times. Perhaps we could try one more time.'
'I'll be sure and give her firm marching orders the day after tomorrow. We could buy a freshly roasted chicken at the market and take it along the coast for a picnic. Remember when we did that the last two times? They're always moist and delicious and so popular with the locals. They must do a roaring trade on market days. People have to queue up early before the chickens disappear. I love the way they roast the potatoes underneath at the same time.'
'Stop! You're making me hungry all over again,' laughed Tony.
'You can't possibly be hungry after all you've eaten at lunch time?' remarked Harry, frowning at his friend incredulously, as the young waitress appeared again.
Sipping his beer, Tony reluctantly waved her away with a smile, watching with one eye how she swung her hips to perfection. He pulled a face, eyes looking up - when Harry noticed that look, realizing only too well how charming Tony could be with the ladies. He had such a lovely manner with them.
'She's far too young Tony. You should be ashamed of yourself at your age.'
'I know, I know! Just looking.'
'Sometimes I think you forget how ancient we both are,' grinned his friend.
'Speak for yourself old boy!' replied Tony, indignant. 'We'd better think about returning to Port Grimaud soon, before we're tempted to order another drink from that waitress. Don't forget you have to drive, huh?'
'Haven't forgotten,' retorted Harry, looking over toward the door where the waitress had disappeared; then stood up a little too quickly. 'Awe...' he uttered, one hand placed on his forehead - appearing to totter slightly.
'Harry! Are you alright? What's the matter eh, old friend?' Tony was looking anxious at Harry, slumped beside the table.
'I'm...fine, Tony... honest.'
'Well you don't look so good. Have a seat for a while. There's no rush to get back.'
'Think I will,' answered Harry. Give me a moment. I must have got up too quickly after that beer. It's not like me at all.'
They remained another thirty minutes while Harry recovered and felt able to drive back safely, before walking slowly to where the car was parked. It felt hot when they entered and after starting the engine, Harry turned on the air conditioning. 'Ahhh... that's better,' he sighed, resting his head back briefly.
Tony still wasn't convinced. 'Harry..., are you able to drive alright? We could order a ta...'
'I'm okay now Tony. Don't worry,' Harry assured his friend.
Before he pulled slowly out of the car park, he 'programmed' Miss Madam to get them back to the house, just in case. Although they knew the way quite well, Harry thought it a good idea. After all, they both had been drinking a little.
They continued along the main road, back toward Port Grimaud - all was going well. Miss Madam instructed Harry in no uncertain terms, "At the next roundabout, take the second exit." Then shortly afterwards - "take the second exit at the roundabout.
'Alright, I hear you!' said Harry.
"I hope you do!" replied Miss Madam.
'Blooming cheek!' Tony frowned, looking over at Harry who was concentrating on his driving.
"I think he needs to be sure," stated Miss Madam, "He's been drinking you know!"
Harry gave a little chuckle. 'She's right you know,' he said to Tony, who's eyebrows had shot up.
"Of course I'm right!" stated Miss Madam, sounding self-assured and a little dictatorial. Then she announced, "continue on for three miles, preparing to bare left."
'Hmmm,' thought Tony. 'What do we do now?' not really believing Miss Madam.
Harry was only half listening as Miss Madam soon gave further instructions. "At the next intersection four hundred yards on, bare left."
Harry was at the intersection before he realised it and confirmation exactly where he needed to go, not at all clear. Miss Madam suddenly said, almost shouting, "now do a U-turn!" Suddenly he was confused, the intersection having several options. 'What now...?' He thought he'd missed the correct turn and swung the Mercedes quickly over to the right, noticing almost too late, it was hanging over an embankment with a sheer drop below - so turned the wheel in the opposite direction. It only just saved them from complete disaster. He was holding his breath, almost frozen.
Tony was clinging tightly to the door handle by now, his right foot flat to the floor as if applying imaginary brakes. 'Oh my God! Harry, what are you doing?' He swore blatantly, not caring who heard - but his friend was silent for the moment.
Harry was able to bring the car to a stop on the side of the road, heaving a sigh of relief they were still alive. 'Bloody hell! That thing,' he pointed to the dashboard, 'will get us both killed one day.
"It wasn't my fault!" Miss Madam corrected. "If you'd have done what I instructed, this wouldn't have happened."
Tony grunted, still holding on tight to the door handle, unable to let go yet.
'What does she mean?' Harry muttered, turning a pale shade of pink, then an odd milky white.
'Phew!' Tony replied, still short of breath - slowly recovering from their ordeal. 'I'm not sure Harry, but it's time to turn her off again I think.'
'Agreed! Think we might stay here a bit longer, while I regain some form of confidence, so we can return to Port Grimaud in one piece.' Harry leant his head on the headrest behind his seat, closing his eyes, when they both heard a loud noise coming from behind.
'Oh no!' said Tony, groaning. 'I hope its not who I think it is. We could be breathalysed.'
'But we haven't had masses of alcohol,' Harry replied. Only a glass of wine, then a beer and mainly with food.'
Tony wasn't so sure they were in the clear and before he said anything else, the police car passed them rapidly and turned left. 'Maybe we should continue more slowly, just in case,' he suggested.
'Absolutely!' said Harry, gathering himself behind the wheel, before sighing with relief and driving sedately on.
Not too long afterwards, they pulled into the car-park area near the house. They were staying for one more day, before continuing along the coast. Harry turned the engine off and sat there for several moments reflecting on the drive back. They had made it safely and later, would enjoy a light supper. No mention was made about venturing to Monroe's pub that night. It had been a close shave and neither wished to repeat the experience.
Two day's later, soon after the market opened in the town, they bought a succulent roasted chicken, some potatoes together with a few other things.
They left Port Grimaud, reluctantly making their way north east towards Cannes, Antibes and Nice. Harry had managed to do several hours of research for his novel he wanted to start, as they'd brought several books along with them; both enjoying a certain amount of reading and there were always many books on their to-be-read list.
They headed along the twisting coastal road, spectacular in parts, as it passed through small village-like towns, where various houses and villas were scattered around hills, cascading down the sometimes rocky slopes overlooking a sparkling Mediterranean, enveloped in a miasma of charm and almost non-purpose, the weather remaining warm as the sun permeated through the late morning.
They took their time, with Harry driving carefully, sedately - the windows remaining down while they breathed in the intoxicating sea air - both reflecting on their journey so far and neither could say it had been uneventful.
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