Opposing Forces (11 page)

“The man obviously had strong feelings for you or he would not have gotten himself arrested.” Steffen could not understand why he was suddenly defending that idiot.

“But not strong enough,” Maisie sighed. “Now enough about Frankie. Tell me what sports you’re in to?”

“I like to ride. There is a good stable up in the hills near here.”

“Western or English saddle?”

“Western. It’s a lot more comfortable for a man.” That wonderful smile appeared again.

“And for a woman too. What else?”

The main course arrived.  They were having Fera, a local freshwater fish that was served as tiny fillets, fried lightly in tarragon butter. With a wild leaf salad and some super skinny French fries, it was nothing short of delicious.

“I ski, of course, and I have been known to white water raft.”

Maisie’s mouth dropped open.  From having absolutely nothing in common, it seemed they shared an interest in the same sports.  “Me too. I love rafting. It can be such an adrenaline rush.”

“The best place in the country is Susten.”

“Yes, Phil….Officer Thevenez is taking me there this weekend.” 

Steffen nearly choked on his food.  The thought that Thevenez would be spending time with Maisie, getting close to her wearing a wetsuit that would highlight every lovely curve of her body, did not sit well with him at all.  He could always make sure Thevenez was called in to work that weekend, but that would be highly unethical. 

“So what do you do to relax after a busy day at the station?  I, for one, can’t see you hitting the clubs.”  Maisie tried to dig deeper beneath the surface.

“Very little of my time is my own as I don’t work a strict eight hour day.  I have many social functions I need to attend so there is not much time to relax.  My residence does have a pool, so I swim most days.” He looked at her with a mischievous grin.  “That’s what gives me my fairly muscular torso.”

Maisie felt a little colour rush back to her cheeks as she recalled his wonderful bare chest.  Bastard had obviously clocked her admiring it. “You must at least have some down time on Sundays?”

“Not really.  I’m expected to attend church quite frequently, and by the time I’ve caught up on my reading or dealt with your latest disastrous arrest, there is very little left of the day to enjoy.”

“You definitely need to get out and play more, Chief Grundberg.”

“Are you offering to save me?”

“My life would probably have you catatonic within two days,” Maisie laughed.

“Do you get back to England much?”

“Only for business.  As you might have gathered, I don’t have a particularly close relationship with my parents.”

“No old school friends to catch up with?”

“I went to a boarding school which means my friends are scattered all over the world.  When I am in a city where they are, yes I do meet up with them.”

“Why did you choose to come to Lausanne?  It seems a strange choice after the bright lights of Paris.”

“I’ve always loved the city because it’s so compact and diverse. Don’t take this the wrong way, but because of the University and various International businesses based here, it has a great mix of different nationalities. It gives the city a wonderful vibe and international flavour.”

“So it’s the foreigners you love not the Swiss?”
 

“You’re more intelligent than you look, Chief,” she responded cheekily.
 

“You mentioned you travel excessively. What’s your favourite city?”

Maisie pondered that one for a moment.  “Venice, closely followed by Marrakech.”

“Venice is understandable, it is unlike any other city. But Marrakech?”

“I always find it so exotic with the souks and the exquisite riads. How about you?”

“It has to be Vienna for me.”

“Yes, I can see that suiting you. Do you get much holiday?”

He shook his head.  “I don’t get away very much.  It’s not that sort of a job.”
 

“But you are entitled to take a vacation, aren’t you?”

“Obviously, but to be honest, I only ever take short breaks if I need some down time.”

It dawned on her that he didn’t take long holidays because he had no-one to go with. That and the fact he was probably a workaholic.  For a moment, she felt quite sorry for the Chief of Police; he seemed to live a very solitary life.

Maisie was almost a little sad when they were driving back into the city.  The evening had been quite an eye opener for her.  It seemed like they were miles from anywhere, just two people opening up to each other, well as much as Steffen would.  She glanced at him sitting next to her, his icy façade was quickly returning.   To her surprise, he got out the car when it pulled up behind her apartment block. 

“There is no need to see me to my door. I can manage,” she smiled.

“I insist,” Steffen said gruffly, opening the front door of the building for her. “And don’t look so worried, I’m not going to attempt to kiss you goodnight.”

“That’s good to hear.  Anyone who tries to kiss me without my permission usually ends up with a black eye or sore groin. Sometimes both,” she snickered.

Steffen winced. “Thanks for the heads-up.”  He took her key and opened the door.

“Thank you for a most enjoyable evening.  I hope I have not caused any long term damage to your mental state from making you talk about yourself.”

“I’m sure I’ll get over it.” He pulled a card from his jacket.  “If you ever need my help, I can be reached on this number day or night. Don’t hesitate to call me.”

Maisie watched him depart down the stairs a little bemused.  Not so much as a thank you for your company or admittance that he might have enjoyed the evening.  She stared at his card.  Need his help for what?  Change a light bulb or trap a spider?  She slipped it inside her bag.  Well, not many people had a direct line to the Chief of Police.

Bettina had a good tour of the townhouse, it was just perfect.  Three bedrooms, so room for Sabina and Heinrich if they needed to stay, plenty of space for entertaining, a small garden but most important of all, spectacular views over the river.  It was exactly what she wanted.

“I’ll take it,” she said to the estate agent. “At the full asking price.”

The agent looked at her a little dubiously.  “Are you sure, Madame Laroque?”

“Quite certain.  I would like to complete the purchase as quickly as possible.”

“No problem, I will have the offer drawn up and presented to the vendor.  Do you have finance in place for the purchase?”

Bettina gave the irritating little man her most condescending smile.  “I have the cash sitting idly in a bank account.”   She gave him her mobile number.  “I will be staying at the Hotel President for the next few days so you can reach me there.”

She sat on the terrace of the Hotel President sipping a glass of champagne.  It was her way of celebrating her house purchase.  Sabina was suitably thrilled, it meant they could move their plans forward for her to relocate to Lausanne.  The last thing Bettina wanted to do was to leave Sabina alone with Hubert in their Zurich home.  Now it would be full steam ahead with the divorce.

She looked up to find the rather distinguished-looking gentleman at the table opposite staring at her intently.  She gave him a polite smile back.

“Bettina Grundberg?” he asked curiously.

“Yes,” she responded pleasantly.

“We met at a party in Zurich earlier in the year.  I’m Councillor Pierre Rosselin from Lausanne.”

She eventually recalled which political party they had met at.  “Of course, Councillor Rosselin, we met at the Grossman event.”

“Are you here visiting friends?”

“No. I’m actually moving back to Lucerne. I grew up here.”

“Your husband is leaving his office in Zurich?” Pierre sounded suitably shocked.

“No,” she smiled.  “I’m leaving him.”

“My apologies, Madame Grundberg, I did not mean to pry.”

“No apology necessary, Councillor Rosselin. And I use Laroque now instead of Grundberg.”

“It looks like you are celebrating?”

“I am. I bought a new house today.”

“Well, I can’t possibly have you celebrating that alone.  Would you care to have dinner with me in the hotel tonight?”

Bettina thought about it for a moment.  Pierre Rosselin was an attractive man and she recalled reading somewhere that he had sadly lost his wife to cancer last year.  Why not?  “I’d like that very much,” she smiled.  “I’ll meet you down in the bar around 8pm tonight.”

She glided away from the terrace, she was walking on air.  Almost a date.

Bettina was a mass of nerves as she took the elevator down to the hotel bar.  She had chosen to wear an elegant black dress and minimal jewellery.  She did not want to attract attention.  Much to her relief, Pierre was already seated in a quiet corner when she slipped into the bar at 8pm sharp.  He rose as she approached and kissed her on the cheek.

“Beautiful and elegant as always.” He ran his eyes over her appreciatively.

Bettina smiled, Pierre was so very charming and in a dark suit, he looked annoyingly handsome. He produced a bottle of Bollinger champagne.  “I take it we are still celebrating your house purchase?”

“Yes, I can’t wait for it all to go through.”

“Tell me more about it.”

“It’s a three bedroom townhouse overlooking the river.  Quite exquisite.”  She could not mask her enthusiasm when she spoke about her new house.

“Will you miss your home in Zurich?  It is said to be quite substantial.”

How delicately put, she thought. “To be honest, I am looking forward to something decidedly smaller.  The house is Zurich was big even when all the children lived at home.  Now it is just an empty shell.”

“When is the final move going to be, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“I hope to have the purchase go through in the next couple of days. Then it’s just a matter of packing up what I want shipped here.”

“And Hubert, will he sell the Zurich mansion?”

Bettina gave a wry grin.  “If he wants to eat, I imagine he’ll have to.  My settlement was rather extensive.”

Pierre winced.  “That smacks of infidelity.”

“Many times over, I’m afraid.  The last was forty years his junior.” She could not keep the bitterness out of her voice.

“I cannot understand why some men feel it necessary to ignore the beauty and experience they have at home and risk everything for a cheap thrill; one which most likely they have paid for.” Pierre was genuinely perplexed.

“That is because you truly loved Simone, Pierre.” Bettina patted his hand.  “How are you managing without her?”

“The first few months were the worst, but now it has been over a year since she died, I am finding it much easier.  I will always miss her but I can now see there is a life without her.”

“Do your children live in Lausanne as well?”

“My son does.  My daughter lives here in Lucerne, which is the reason for my visit.  I became a grandfather last week.”  The joy in his face was evident as he pulled a picture from his wallet.  “My grandson.”

Bettina studied the photo. “Congratulations.  He is quite the handsome chap already.” She took a long sip of champagne.  “The chance of me becoming a grandmother is rather remote at present.”

Pierre laughed.  “I wouldn’t be too hasty.  I have a bet on with a friend that Steffen will be married within the year.”

Bettina looked at him in awe.  “Who to?  He has no steady girlfriend, just stick thin dates.”

A large grin spread across Pierre’s face.  “There is a certain young English lady whose path keeps crossing with Steffen’s.  She is the polar opposite of him and he is quite besotted with her although he will never admit it.”

“Maisie Carrington?”

“Yes, have you met her?”

“No, I saw a picture of them at the Chateau Villette ball.  She is lovely.”
 

“She is a genuine lady and would certainly keep him on his toes.”

The Maître D’ caught Pierre’s attention.  “Councillor Rosselin, your table in the dining room is ready.”

“Are you still up for joining me for dinner?”

“Of course, I’m starving,” Bettina responded and allowed herself to be escorted into the magnificent dining room.

“Do you get down to Lausanne much to see Steffen?” Pierre asked.

“Not really. My daughter, Sabina, has now enrolled at the University in Lausanne so my visits will definitely be more frequent.”

“I’m pleased to hear it.  Do you stay at the Beau Rivage?”

“Of course.  Even though Sabina will have her own apartment, I couldn’t impose on her.”

“Somehow I think Sabina’s apartment will not be your typical student pad.”

Bettina laughed.  “Probably not.  I believe she is looking at two bedroom loft apartments in the old city.”

Pierre smiled to himself.  The Grundbergs were old money, very old money.  They were never ostentatious, just practical.  It was considered the height of vulgarity to throw money around needlessly.  Sabina no doubt drove a BMW.  She could easily afford a Ferrari or Porsche but that would be too flashy for a member of this family.

“You must promise me that the next time you’re in Lausanne, you will allow me to take you out.”

“Very well, I will hold you to that, Councillor.”

Bettina went to bed with a smile on her face that evening.  It was the first time in over a decade that she had actually felt like a desirable woman.  Pierre had been nothing short of charming, the perfect gentleman.  They had talked well into the night, no subject was off limits, it was so refreshing to finally be herself.

Bettina was feeling very nervous as she drove down to Lausanne with Sabina.  It was never easy splitting up a family but she had to do it, she could not carry on living the lie.  But at least she had her daughter’s support.

Steffen was very surprised when Sabina unloaded more than one suitcase.  “Couldn’t you decide what to wear tomorrow?”

She ignored him and let her bags be carried inside.

It was only when they were seated in the living room having coffee that Bettina decided it was time to make her announcement.

“So how long are you planning on staying, Mother?” Steffen asked politely.

“Me, just tonight, but Sabina will be here a little longer.”

“Why?” he grumbled. The last thing he needed was his chaotic sister upsetting his well-ordered life.

“Because she and Dad are divorcing, and whilst she’s moving to Lucerne, I’m trying to find an apartment here,” Sabina responded for her mother.

Steffen stared hard at his mother.  “Is this true?”

“I’m afraid it is.”

“But why?  What reason could you possibly have for divorce?”

“Your father and I have some irreparable differences.  I want to be able to lead my own life, be my own person. Not just a Senator’s wife.”

“Have you any idea how this will affect Father’s career?”

Bettina was filled with sadness.  Was that all her son was worried about?  Not her health or her future, just his father’s bloody career.  “Personally I don’t give a damn.  I’ve given him thirty-six years of marriage and he’s given me very little in return.”

“This is ridiculous, Mother. You don’t just give up on a marriage like yours.”

“We’ve not had a proper marriage for years, Steffen. Wake up,” she retorted angrily to her son. “And I’m damned and determined to enjoy my remaining years.  To finally feel like a woman instead of an appendage.”

Steffen looked at her incredulously. “Surely you’re not suggesting finding another man?”

“Oh yes, Steffen,” she flung back at him. “I want sex and lots of it. Your father hasn’t been able to satisfy me in that area for many years.”

“Ooh, gross,” Sabina squealed.  “I really don’t want to hear about my parents’ sex life. Or lack of it.”

“In fact, I’m going to check into the Beau Rivage tonight. I really don’t want to sleep under the same roof as my cold, disapproving son.”  Bettina kissed her daughter on the forehead.  “I’ll call you in a few days, sweetie.”

Steffen let out an exasperated sigh.  “This is preposterous, Mother.  You can stay here.”

“I couldn’t possibly now you have made your feelings quite clear. Besides, you never know, I might get lucky and run into a wealthy widower at the Beau Rivage.”  With that parting remark, she swept out the house leaving her frosty son behind.  She hoped one day he would wake up and actually feel for the first time in his life.

Sabina glowered at her brother.  “That went well. You really can be a dick at times, Steffen.”

“Sabina!” he exclaimed.

“Well you can.  Mum is about to embark on the scariest path she has ever taken and you’re behaving just like your father,” she pouted.

“She’s being ridiculous.”