Bloody Valentine - James Patterson [6]
‘Enjoy your break, Mrs Zee. You’re leaving early for lunch.’
‘I’ll do some baby shopping on the way.’ Zee was too proud to admit she hoped Jack’s brother or sister would invite her in for coffee before she left the apartment block. She needed to convince them that she loved Jack and was looking forward to becoming the mother of his child. The first of many she and Jack had planned.
*
Zee took the lift to the next floor and knocked at Michael and Anni’s apartment. When there was no reply, she walked down to the artists’ studio. It was locked. She left two roses and the Valentine cards she’d written for Michael and Anni outside the door.
She heard music coming from Leila and Mamie’s apartment, but no one answered her knock. Suspecting Leila was avoiding her, she left rosebuds and cards there as well.
She didn’t knock on Bruno and Adrian’s door because she assumed they’d be in the restaurant. She left flowers and cards for them too and took the lift to reception. Ted the porter looked up from the desk when she entered the foyer.
‘I’ve been watching you on CCTV. All I can say, after you’ve made everyone else’s Valentine’s Day special, is: Happy Valentine’s Day, Zee.’
Zee gave him his card and rose. ‘I’ve a card and rose for Damian as well.’ She took them from her bag and left them on the desk.
‘I’ll give them to him when we change shift. It’s more than my life’s worth to disturb him when he’s writing or sleeping. Enjoy your day.’
‘I will.’ Zee smiled at the thought of going to Cornwall. They chatted for another few minutes, then Zee looked at her watch. ‘I’d better get on, Ted,’ she said, smiling a farewell.
‘Button your coat,’ he warned. ‘The sun may be shining but it’s freezing out there.’
She took Ted’s advice, wrapped her scarf around her neck and walked out of the door.
Zee checked her watch. She wanted to buy an extra present for Jack. Something he’d use every day. A wallet? A key ring? One he could slip a photograph of their baby into, after he or she was born.
The heart-shaped gold cufflinks she’d wrapped were nothing compared to the roses and romantic weekend Jack had planned. She knew from experience that when Jack organised a surprise for her, it was perfect to the last detail.
She turned right, towards the shops. A van was parked outside the florist’s. A young man was filling buckets with blooms. She stopped to admire a display of red and gold roses.
The side door of the van slid back. She heard her name. She turned and stared in surprise.
‘Hello. What are you doing in there dressed like that?’
There was an answering smile. ‘Climb inside and you’ll find out.’
Zee stepped in. The door slammed behind her. Suddenly afraid, Zee shivered.
Chapter Five
Jack’s telephone rang. He picked it up.
‘It’s the doctor you asked to call on Bruno, Jack,’ Alice announced.
‘Put him through.’
‘Jack?’
‘Peter, how are you?’
‘Fine. And so’s your chef.’
‘Bruno’s not dying?’
‘A couple of days’ rest and he’ll be back to normal. I’ve given him a leaflet on alcohol abuse and left a couple of aspirins for his headache.’
‘Thanks, Peter. I owe you one.’
‘Next round of golf at the club is on you. Wednesday at three?’
‘I’ll be there.’
‘Do you want to speak to Bruno?’
‘Not until Monday. I intend to enjoy my weekend.’ Jack replaced the receiver and saw Alice watching him. ‘Save me from over-dramatic chefs.’
‘Is there any other kind?’ Alice returned to her own desk.
*
Lamplight flooded the back of the van.
‘Stand back, Zee. I don’t want anyone to see what I’m about to show you.’
‘You’re being very mysterious.’ Zee forced a smile. It was ridiculous to be afraid of someone she knew so well.
The light was strong. Zee blinked, opened her eyes, and saw it.
Black, larger than a mobile phone, it touched her shoulder and she instantly felt weak. Too sick to move or think. She slumped