The SPECTRE Of The VATICAN ©

Chapter 43 - Flight to Paris.

Time: Present Day
Location: HereAfter

As soon as Layla and the others had left the room Carter saw Tony check what the girls had been watching. He used the tablet computer to rerun everything they had done. He watched as they had zoomed in on the priest, then on the money transfer, then on the ring. Carter was taken aback when he heard something Tony had said to himself, it was very faint, he had to struggle and concentrate to hear, and even then he couldn't make out all of it. Carter then realised Uncle Tony hadn't said anything at all, Carter was able to read his mind. He had thought something about he should have destroyed some of the evidence.

He hit the edit button, highlighted the section and pressed delete, the computer said "Are you Sure". Fuck yeah, he thought to himself . . . and Carter. . . and pressed the 'YES' button.

Outside as Amanda and Monique went to the police car park to find their car, Amanda said, "When are you going to tell Layla? I think she has a right to know."

"Maybe when I get back from Paris. I want to go see Margot, she's struggling a bit with the shop and everything. I want her advice, I've been thinking that I should tell Peter. I probably should have told him years ago, when Amelia died, but I was too embarrassed and scared to. I think Peter should be the first to know the truth, then I'll tell Layla everything. Can you do me a favour? When you go to David and Trish's wedding on Saturday could you ask Father Dan for Peter's contact details including an address for him in Vatican City. If I decide to do this, it might need to be done in person.

"Yeah, sure Mum, I think it would be good to come clean with Pete. He's a nice guy, he didn't really deserve what happened to him. Father Dan likes a drink, as you know so I'm sure he'll stay on a bit at the reception. I'll talk to him then, and get Pete's details. I wouldn't mind seeing him again, myself some day. If not just to see what he's turned out like."

"Just remember, I'd like to know how to contact him before I fly out on Sunday morning. Just in case mind you, I'm not saying I'm going to contact him. I don't think the Margates would mind, but Jean will be furious, I think, if I do. Whenever I've broached the subject he's shut me down, often saying no good can come from telling Peter, after all these years.

Anyway, I'll discuss all the pros and cons with Margot. It's the twentieth anniversary of losing Amelia while I'm there, we're going to Le Balajo to drink a toast to her. Collette and Louise will be there. Louise has arranged for us to get into the VIP lounge. It's not the same one you girls went to, the place has been renovated and extended several times since then of course. Louise is still a major shareholder though, through her father's legacy."

"I'll handle it Mum, say hello to Louise and tell her again how sorry I am to hear about her Dad. You never know do you, a fit man like him having a massive heart attack. So soon after we lost Amelia too."

Mal came up the aisle of the church and told Father Dan that the bridal party had arrived. Trish was stunning in her white bridal gown but Mal couldn't take his eyes off Layla as they arrived and got out of the stretched limo.

"Where's Dave?" Mal asked.

"He's in the vestry, I think he's having second thoughts," Trevor said.

"Shit, er sorry Father. I'll get him," Mal said as he made his way from in front of the main altar to the vestry. Dave was pacing up and down in front of an array of priests' vestments. When he turned to see Mal he asked, "Mal, do you think I'm doing the right thing? I wish Carter was here he'd tell me what to do."

"Gee, thanks. Stop it Dave. I'm sure Carter is here somewhere, though not here in the vestry, he didn't care for churches that much . . . did he?" Mal asked rhetorically. "Now, get your act together, Trish and Layla are waiting to come down the aisle. There's no going back now Dave, and once you see her you'll know you're doing the right thing, she looks gorgeous!" Mal said, thinking more of Layla than Trish as he said it, and wishing it was him, and Layla tying the knot instead of sneaking around behind Amanda and Monique's backs. He went over to Dave and began straightening his bow tie.