Mallorcan Magic – Episode 37
BACK at the villa, Eira called Señor Cervantes and swiftly relayed the information. Danny’s lawyer rang off at once but Eira spent an anxious couple of hours after lunch, using the time to eliminate all traces of the police search.
Helen rang at four o’clock. Eira, while touched by her friend’s concern, kept the conversation brief.
“I promise to let you know what happens but it could take a while, what with fingerprints being checked and stuff like that,” Eira said.
Eira had decided not to tell anyone about Manolo’s tip-off. Raoul could have moved on, if indeed he was ever hiding on that farm.
She knew a lot depended on finding him, but wasn’t that typical of Danny, giving a job to a young man others might consider unsuitable for a position of trust? Her boss would be sad when – if – Manolo’s informant was proved right and the chauffeur was arrested.
That evening, when Desi brought Louise and Richard home, Eira greeted them.
“They’ve had a good day,” Desi said, beaming. “They are, I think, a calming influence on my unruly crew!” His expression changed as he drew Eira aside.
“No news?”
“Not yet. It must be horrible for Danny, shut up on his own.”
“They have to charge him soon or release him,” Desi said.
Eira jumped as Isabella called him.
“Telephone!”
Eira raced into the hallway and grabbed the phone. She’d been hoping to hear from Señor Cervantes but, recognising the voice on the other end, her whole body trembled so that she needed to clutch the receiver with both hands.
“Is it really you?”
“Yep, the proverbial bad penny, I’m afraid. Any chance of a lift home?”
“I think that could be arranged.” She still felt numb.
Isabella offered to supervise the children’s bedtime and Eira set off, having told Lulu and Richard she needed to run another errand for their father.
She focused on the road and drew up in the quiet avenue where Señor Cervantes’ office was located. She rang the front doorbell, thinking most of the staff would have left for the day.
Señor Cervantes let her in.
“Danny won’t be long.” He smiled at her. “This is a huge relief for us all and no small thanks to you.”
“I was only the messenger girl, Señor. So is Danny really free to go home now?”
“Charge dismissed, yes, indeed.”
Danny stepped from the downstairs cloakroom, carrying a wash bag.
“I was freshening up.” He looked down at himself. “I’m afraid I’m rather crumpled.”
Señor Cervantes tactfully slipped into his office though he left the door open.
Eira longed to walk into Danny’s arms but felt strangely shy. Don’t assume anything, she told herself.
“You look fine,” she said, swallowing a huge lump in her throat. “The children don’t know you’re coming home so they’re going to be over the moon.”
“No presents from this particular business trip,” he said ruefully. “Just a sec, Eira, while I have a word with Señor Cervantes.” She watched him cross the room.
“Do you want me to come in tomorrow and sort a few things out?” Danny asked.
“Only if you feel up to it. You’ve been under a lot of stress so it is permissible to wait a day or two.”
“Thank you. I’ll be in touch, Filippo.” Eira stood by the door, waiting.
They walked to the car, side by side, each taking care not to touch the other.
“Would you prefer to drive?” she asked.
“Yes, that’d be good. Thank you,” he said. For moments he stood, staring at her.
His gaze held so much tenderness she felt the sting of tears but tried not to show her emotion. Danny unlocked the car and she got into the front.
“I hope my little scamps have been behaving themselves,” he said as they left the city’s business area behind.
“They’ve been very good. I’ve tried to shield them from – from what’s been happening.”
“Thank you, Eira.”
“It’s part of my job,” she said, unable to resist a sideways glance.
“Do you think we can play truant a little bit longer? I could murder a bottle of Spanish beer.”
“I doubt Isabella would object.”
“In that case, shall we call at José’s and sit outside on the terrace, soaking up the view? I’ll give Isabella the day off tomorrow.”
“Good idea.” Eira would have agreed to anything, she felt so relieved.
“We can manage without a housekeeper and a chauffeur for a couple of days. What do you think, Eira? Or would you like the day off, too? You darned well deserve it, from what I’ve heard.”
“I don’t want a day off, Danny.” She spoke softly as she reached across and touched her fingers to his hand on the steering wheel. At once he lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed the palm.
Shivers travelled round her body. She wondered if he realised exactly what feelings she held for him.
“Next turn off.” He released her hand.