Chapter 18
It is nearly midnight. Inland, the air is still soupy with warmth. Only the distant cry of a gull or the occasional tang of the sea reminds Marcus that he is by the coast. That and the distinct lack of cars, now that most of the locals and holidaymakers are tucked up in bed.
He has parked by the renovation and is now quietly stealing into the garden, picking his way over the rubble and refuse left on site.
God, some of these guys they have working for them are a bit slapdash, he thinks.
Using his phone light as a torch, trying not to ruin his leather loafers, he sees empty cans, used vapes and yes, even a spanner left out on the ground.
Who leaves their tools out unattended in all weathers?
Not that they’ve had any rain lately. The earth is dry and cracked; the recent heatwave threatening a hosepipe ban.
As he reaches the door he takes out a key – a spare one Tobias and Olivia have granted him for work purposes – and eases his way carefully inside.
He is mindful of the dangers, but he knows this place like the back of his hand and expertly manoeuvres his way around the build.
Tonight he foregoes his usual precautions and does not wear a hard hat.
In a few moments, as expected, there is a soft tap at the door and he opens it to find Bella standing in the semi-darkness.
The golden hue of her skin seems to glow in the moonlight, as do her white teeth when she smiles broadly at him.
‘Working overtime?’ she says with a grin.
‘Come on, get inside,’ he says, not without humour. ‘Before we’re both seen.’
‘Okayyy,’ she drawls. ‘Someone’s edgy.’
‘Are you sure your parents didn’t see you leave?’
‘Nah,’ she says nonchalantly and he is reminded again of how annoying he finds the youth of today. ‘I just told my little brother I was nipping out for a fag. Mum and Dad went to bed ages ago. Bless them. All this sea air and they sleep like babies at their age.’
Marcus smiles at this vision of Tobias and Olivia, how the young seem to believe that anyone over the age of thirty is ancient and decrepit.
‘And anyway,’ she continues, ‘Drew is far too distracted trying to impress his new-found besties: the Taco Lads. He’s completely in love with them. I think he was planning to meet them for a drink on the beach later.’
Marcus raises his eyebrows at this. He wonders how Olivia would feel to know her precious son is out after hours, drinking alcohol by the waterfront with a bunch of wide-boy yokels.
And if Tobias knew his darling daughter was here with him?
Well, he’d probably have a heart attack.
The thought gives him an extra little thrill of satisfaction.
Bella takes out a cigarette and lights it, the orange tip glowing in the darkness.
‘You know, you really shouldn’t be doing that on a building site, it’s not safe,’ says Marcus. ‘Also, someone might see the glow from the road and come and investigate …’
But she is not listening, instead pushing past him and leading the way up the stairs to the next level.
‘Relax, would you?’ she calls. ‘Come on, I’ll show you where my new bedroom is going to be.’
He follows her upwards, watching the coquettish sway of her hips; the slim brown stalks of her legs. When they reach the next floor, Bella spins around so that her face is already very close to his, her hands resting on his chest as if to steady herself. He can smell alcohol on her breath.
‘As a matter of fact, I already know where your bedroom will be,’ he says. ‘Don’t forget, I designed this whole place. In spite of what your mother and father would have you believe.’
She gives a small giggle.
‘What’s this? Dissension in the ranks? Do I detect a note of insubordination?’
He can tell she thinks she’s being clever and he tries to see the funny side. He can take a joke, after all. But still, it rankles.
‘I’m not your parents’ subordinate,’ he says. ‘I’m their colleague. Their consultant, if you will.’
Bella giggles again, less sure of herself.
‘But you are their employee, yeah? They are paying you, right?’
‘Yes, but …’ He starts to protest before she cuts him off mid-sentence.
‘Which is why it would be even more inappropriate for me to do this.’
Suddenly, she drops to her knees and begins to undo his belt buckle, nimble fingers working expertly.
‘Woah, wait, what are you doing …?’ He gasps, breathing heavily through his nose, senses firing.
Taking a clump of her burnished hair and resting his other hand on the side of her head, he tries to gather himself.
It is all happening so fast and even though he had wondered what exactly she had in mind when she arranged this clandestine meeting, things seem to have progressed beyond his control.
He tries to pull away and she senses his reticence.
‘What’s the matter?’ she asks and as he looks down on her upturned face, he sees the look of hurt in her eyes, all the cocksure confidence wiped clean. God, he thinks, she’s just a kid. Albeit a spoilt, precocious one.
Gently, he pushes her away before turning to do up his flies.
‘Nothing,’ he says. ‘It’s not you, it’s me.
Must be because I’m on work territory. Can’t get the thought of your parents out of my head.
’ He gives a half-hearted laugh, then takes her chin in his hand and lifts it up again.
‘You’re lovely. Now, how about you give me one of those cigarettes of yours and we can go up and sit on the roof.
I’m sure we can risk it at this time of night. ’
‘The roof?’ she says in a small curious voice no longer so thick and husky.
‘Well, the scaffolding, anyway. I reckon if we’re careful we could sit outside and shoot the breeze for a bit. And you can tell me all about how your mum and dad don’t understand you.’
Bella gives a small huff followed by a sheepish smile.
‘Okay, why not? I did bring refreshments.’ With this, she produces a bottle of vodka from her shoulder bag.
‘Good girl,’ says Marcus. ‘Now you’re talking.’ He takes her hand to guide her upstairs and he knows she must find it romantic. ‘This way. Watch out for that. That’s it, just follow me.’
She allows him to lead her through and up the house, feeling their way in the dark, following the sound of each other’s voices. Eventually they reach the upper floor and Marcus heaves up one of the old sash windows and steps out onto the landing board of the scaffolding.
‘So, you’re freelance yeah? A one-man band?’ asks Bella, inching out of the window after him. ‘Something of a lone wolf,’ she adds with a giggle.
‘You could say that,’ answers Marcus into the dark as he settles his back against the wall, well away from the edge.
‘So, why did my dad choose you as his architect?’ she asks. ‘He usually does everything by the book. I’m surprised he didn’t go with some big fancy London firm.’
‘Ah well, Bella,’ he says playfully. ‘In truth, I chose him, really. You see, I’ve actually known your father for a very long time.’
‘Really? How?’
‘Oh, we go way back. It’s a long story that I won’t bore you with now. But safe to say he’s the wolf, not me. A wolf in sheep’s clothing anyway.’
‘Oh ha ha! Like I haven’t heard that joke about a million times already. I went to a private school you know. It’s always your name – the thing other kids pick on first.’
‘And is your father notorious in those circles too?’
She eyes him steadily.
‘Not really. No more than most other rich dads who are self-made men, I suppose.’
Marcus turns away, hiding his annoyance with a pull on the vodka bottle.
‘No, in truth, I expect I’m all your dad can afford. I’m cheap in comparison. All the expertise without the overheads. A bargain, in fact.’
‘Sounds about right. My dad has always been careful with his money. Well, he used to be until he bought this dump. Are you sure it’s safe out here?’ asks Bella, dangling her legs precariously over the edge of the wooden board, one arm hooked around a metal pole.
‘Yes, of course. Safe as houses,’ quips Marcus. ‘I’m building it, aren’t I?’
‘Well no, those hairy-arsed locals are. You just came up with the pretty drawings.’
‘You are very outspoken aren’t you, for one so young?’
She sniggers again.
‘My father’s daughter. Anyway, you better make sure this place is the shit. My parents have got a lot riding on it.’
‘Oh, I know how important this is to your mum. Trust me.’
Bella tuts.
‘No, it’s not just about her. She takes it all for granted and has no idea what’s really at stake. My dad’s sunk everything into this house. His life savings, the lot.’
‘What?’ He turns to her now, appalled. ‘Wow, I mean I know the budget’s a bit tight but I always thought it was a drop in the ocean for Tobias Woolf.’
She shakes her head.
‘I’ve heard him on the phone to his accountant, in his study at home. When Mum’s out and he doesn’t think anyone else can hear him.’
‘Quite the little eavesdropper aren’t you?’
She shrugs.
‘Knowledge is power, as they say.’
‘He’ll be insured though.’
‘I expect so. Yes, he must be. But they’ve had to remortgage our home in London to help pay for all of this. School and uni fees don’t come cheap either. But Dad believes this place is the perfect investment and he’ll make his money back three times over when they eventually sell it.’
‘I don’t know that your mum will ever want to do that. She already seems quite attached to the idea of settling down here.’
‘She’s clueless. Never worries about where the money’s coming from. Just lets my father pay for it all.’
‘That’s a little harsh.’
Bella rolls her eyes at him. ‘Oh don’t fall for the dippy-hippy act.
Look, I love my mum but she wouldn’t last five minutes on her own in the real world.
She’s just like my brother; too soft, too idealistic.
’ She takes the bottle back from him and swallows a swig before wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.
‘Thankfully I’ve inherited my dad’s head for business and I don’t intend to be financially reliant on anyone. ’
He nods thoughtfully, pursing his lips.
‘Fair enough. Well, we’d better be getting you back to the hotel.
I don’t want to be in trouble with the big bad Woolfs.
’ He stands now, inching his way back along the platform towards the open window and Bella follows him reluctantly.
She wobbles, the alcohol or the fresh air going to her head suddenly.
He reaches out a hand to steady her. ‘Watch your step,’ he says into the night.
She looks at him and grins.
‘Oh, I will. Don’t worry about me.’