The Search

Chapter Seven

ChapterSeven

"Just make yourself at home and you can stay for as long as you need."

My sister folded over the bed covers and stood back to look at the small room. The room consisted of a single bed with a patchwork quilt, a small wardrobe, a bedside locker and a pair of horrible brown curtains. Dereks's mum had bought them for her and she had always hated the sight of them.

Julie held my hand.

"Auntie, are you going to die?"

I smiled down at the gorgeous girl with her bright eyes.

"No darling, why would you say that?"

"Mummy said your heart is broken."

Becca laughed nervously and shooed Julie out of the room. She gave me a sorry glance and walked out closing the door softly.

I sat down cross-legged on the bed and hoaked the small piece of paper out of my pocket and began tracing my mind for some sort of trigger that would help me decipher the letters and numbers.

I started to think back to times when I was with Peter for anytime he had mentioned anything that would relate to these completely random numbers.

I thought of addresses and street names and number plates but nothing struck a chord. It looked like I was stuck again.

Becca called me out for dinner so I left the piece of paper on the bed and went into the kitchen. Steaming potatoes and Julie's happy, toothless smile greeted me. We just sat down when I heard someone come barging through the door.

"For frigs sake, Becca, what are you at?"

Derek came striding in and his brow deepened in rage. He lowered his head almost as if he was disappointed and upset. Julie shoved back her chair like lightning and ran towards her father with her arms wide open. Derek's whole expression changed to one of delight and love as his only daughter ran into his outstretched arms. 

"You were meant to pass Julie over to me today!"

He looked over at Becca with a sad look on his face.

"But she had speech therapy! She couldn't miss it again, and Derek this isn't your house anymore you can't just barge in anytime you feel like it."

Becca became more confident with each word and she lifted her head up to look straight into Derek's face.

"Its still in my name,honey. Its agreed that today is my day to have her, okay."

Julie still clung to her father.

'Grab your things, Jules, let's go.'

'But auntie Low is sleeping over! I want to stay.'

She dropped her lip and looked up at him innocently. Derek looked lost and rejected. He turned his head and looked towards the door.

'Fine then! Do as you please, you're as selfish as your mother, dear help you. Oh and I'll be away for the next few weeks in Paris and Jules won't even come and pay me a visit! See yas.'

Derek strunted out of the room. I looked at Becca and she sighed.

'A divorce wasn't enough, maybe a restraining order would work better.'

She laughed to herself but inside, I knew she was deadly serious.

I excused myself and went back to my room to try and crack the code. I typed the digits into Google and hundreds of pages showed up but the top one made me stop and take notice. I glared at the screen and suddenly everything cleared up.

The digits were the map coordinates for Le Serinio Hotel in Paris. A dozen thoughts shot threw my mind.

I remembered Peter telling me he always wanted to set up a hotel in Paris. He was obsessed with hotels. He loved how he felt so much luxury while feeling so at home. He loved the shower caps and the mini soaps and how important the staff made you feel.

Then I remembered how Derek had said he would be gone in Paris for a few weeks.

'Maybe I could fly with Derek to Paris and investigate the hotel for myself. Maybe Peter has left another clue there,' I thought to myself.

I grabbed my mobile and punched in Derek's mobile.

'Hey Derek, I'm sorry but I have another favour to ask...'

'Haha no problem what is it?'

'I was wondering if you would mind having company over to Paris?'

Derek laughed.

'Not at all Lowie, especially if my company is you.'

Everything about the man made my stomach churn but he was willing to help me and I would take what I could get.

'I'm leaving on Wednesday at 6 a.m. I'll pick you up, no problem. Oh and sorry about tonights display..'

'No need to explain or apologize to me, they should be saved for Becca and Jules'

Derek murmered and told me how to organize tickets.

After we hung up my brain started telling me how crazy this was and what would Becca say?

But Becca didn't have to know where I was going or who with!

I felt bad keeping everything from Becca but she had enough stress and I didnt want to cause her anymore!

I went to my wardrobe and began throwing different outfits into a bag.

'Now what do I wear to find the only man I've ever loved?'