‘Major Sir Percy and Lady Yvonne,’ Rafi said. ‘It is my pleasure to introduce to you my long lost grandfather, Major Charlie Staveley, my little sister, Saara, and her partner Dr Steve Morris.’
Introductions complete, their conversation started slowly, then the two majors found that they had several interests in common.
Rafi noticed Kate standing hand in hand with her brother, Marcus, who caught his eye and beckoned him over. ‘Rafi, you’re so elusive. I’ve been meaning to thank you all evening; I’ve never seen Kate look this happy. You’re a real tonic for her.’
Rafi smiled. ‘I think it is I who should be thanking her. Without her I’d be languishing in some grubby cell, whilst the country had next to no electricity!’
Marcus looked carefully at Rafi. ‘I’m glad you’re looking after each other. Make the most of the time when happiness is in abundance. It’s such a precious gift, which few people ever get to fully appreciate. Please, for me, don’t lose it.’ The conversation changed as Saara, Steve and Susannah, came across to join them.
In a short time it was agreed that they would all meet for a Sunday lunch at Leverthorne Hall and inspect Kate’s new studio flat in the attic.
To Rafi, the next forty-five minutes flew past as lots of people came over to say their hellos.
Roger from the Immigration team made Rafi smile. ‘I did as you said, plucked up courage, and went over and talked to the Home Secretary. I apologised before I started telling him the system was run by data junkies. You know what? He’s asked me to explain my concerns to one of his ministers next week!’
After saying goodbye to Roger, Rafi at last had a moment to himself. He took a step back to look around the room and see if he had missed someone he really should have talked to, and, in that moment, literally bumped into a stunning blonde. Rafi smiled weakly. His senses picked up her evocative perfume. Then it hit him: he knew this woman. What a transformation!
‘Great party! It was so kind of your sister to invite me.’
It was the first time that Rafi had seen SJ outside her office environment.
She looked up at him from under her lashes and then casually said to Kristina, who was standing next to her, ‘I’m sorry, have you been introduced to Rafi?’
‘Yes, thank you,’ replied Kristina. Then, smiling at Rafi, she added, ‘My father tells me that you and your friends are very remarkable.’
At that moment the little group was joined by Kate.
‘Hi, SJ,’ said Kate. ‘Hello again, Kristina. I’ve been talking to David and he tells me you’re at university. Is that right?’
‘Almost finished – I have my finals next month.’
‘What are you reading?’
‘Environmental sciences with biology.’
‘Excellent – have you meet Rafi’s sister, Saara?’ enquired Kate. ‘Her contacts are fantastic.’
Kristina shook her head.
‘Let’s find her, and I’ll introduce you. We’ll be back in a moment. Rafi you’ll be OK with SJ, won’t you?’
Kate and Kristina moved off. There was an embarrassed silence. ‘You look very different…’ stuttered Rafi, realising he’d been staring at her shapely body. He was starting to blush. ‘What with your hair down and in that amazing dress.’
‘You approve?’ SJ asked with her head tipped slightly to one side.
‘I’m surprised that all the red-blooded men in the room aren’t queuing up to get your phone number. I still can’t get over the transformation.’ Rafi cast his approving eyes from head to toe. ‘You look stunning.’
SJ felt the hairs on her bare arms stand up. The visit to her friend, who was a professional hairdresser and make-up artist, had been worth the hassle.
She hesitated. ‘Forgive me if it’s private, but is it true that you turned down a six or seven figure sum from the newspapers and gave it to charity?’
‘Sort of – yes,’ Rafi replied. He sensed she was hoping for more. ‘It seemed that the money would be better used helping those suffering from radiation exposure. Hospices survive thanks to donations and at the moment they desperately need money.’
‘Have you ever visited a hospice?’
Rafi shook his head.
‘If you and Kate have a spare moment sometime, perhaps you should visit one? I’m sure we could get you good press coverage, which would help boost their donations. I could even see if the PM had a spare slot in his diary so he could be there with you.’
‘Sounds like a good idea,’ agreed Rafi. ‘Unfortunately though,’ he quickly added, ‘Kate and I aren’t in the UK very much these days.’
‘No problem, I’m not going anywhere,’ said SJ casually, hoping that this wasn’t going to be the end of the conversation.
There was a pause. ‘I’m sure I should know, but is Sandy Jane your Christian name or your full name?’ enquired Rafi.
‘Jane is my surname. I know, it sounds silly.’
‘It’s a nice name, better than Smith or Khan; there are hundreds of thousands of us,’ said Rafi with a grin.
Kate returned to Rafi’s side. ‘Sorry, we had to wait a bit before I could introduce Kristina to Saara,’ she said with a smile. ‘What have you two been chatting about?’
‘I was suggesting to Rafi that the PM might be able to help you in your efforts to raise money for the hospices.’
‘That sounds like a great idea,’ replied Kate enthusiastically. ‘Rafi’s sister works next door to you; she tends to know when we’re over in London. If you come up with a plan perhaps you could liaise with Saara, so we can find a convenient time to meet up.’
SJ couldn’t believe what she’d just heard. Surely Kate must sense that she was attracted to her boyfriend? It wasn’t fair that the man she thought was gorgeous just happened to have a charming, self-assured girlfriend – who she even liked.
‘I’ll speak with Saara and line something up. Nice chatting to you both,’ said SJ. She turned and made eye contact with Kate. ‘I’ve been meaning to ask… Wherever did you find your dress? You look absolutely gorgeous. Rafi is very lucky.’ Before Kate could reply, SJ had left and was on her way to the bar.
‘SJ seemed particularly pleased to see you this evening,’ commented Kate. Then she added, while smiling to herself, ‘She’s taken a fancy to you! She’s stunning, isn’t she?’
‘Yes, but she isn’t you!’
Kate lent forward and kissed him.
Over in a corner, Emma and Aidan were deep in conversation.
Kate squeezed Rafi’s hand. He followed her look. ‘They enjoy each other’s company, don’t they? From all Emma tells me, she’s having a great time being wooed by Aidan.’
‘I can’t say I’m surprised. Emma would be a great catch for any man with a half-decent IQ,’ Rafi replied.
Kate was about to comment, when the last of the politicians came by to say thank you and goodnight. It was almost 1.30 a.m. Only a few guests remained.
A beaming Pete Lockyer came over to thank Kate and Rafi for the great party. ‘It’s been an exceptional evening. The boys at the office will never believe who I’ve met tonight!’
Kate grimaced.
‘Don’t worry! I know this was a social; the evening is all off the record. Thanks again. You know where to find me if there’s anything I can do to help.’ And with that Pete left with a broad grin.
Kate left Rafi’s side to chat to Emma, who was preparing to leave.
It had been the best party Rafi could remember. Standing thinking to himself, he felt the presence of someone behind him. A deep, quiet voice started talking to him from behind, so that no one else could hear. It was the unmistakable voice of Colonel Matlik. ‘Rafi, my friend, thank you for this evening; Kristina and I very much enjoyed ourselves. By the way, I’m keeping track of all the work you, Kate and Jorg’s unit are doing in Luxembourg. You have an impressive team around you. I know your colleague Bernhard Michalak – he is a good Pole.’
The colonel’s whisper became quieter. ‘Some shadowy figures are coming out of the woodwork. My sources inform me that a number of racketeers and other undesirables from Russia and Central Europe were caught up in Maryam Vynckt’s investments and suffered massive losses. Rafi, dear boy, a hornets’ nest has been stirred up. Several of the large criminal organisations are seriously short of cash. They are furious, and intent not only on replenishing their coffers but also on revenge. To complicate matters, their competitors have noticed this weakness. A new playing field is being created. Former allegiances have been shattered and a war of attrition has started.’