Sitting patiently whilst those around him fussed and fidgeted, he reflected that at times like this it was easy to spot the more practised travellers, who just waited calmly as par for the course.
Finally, he exited the plane, his feet touching solid ground, and he slung his rucksack over a shoulder. He dutifully stood in the long queue, showed his passport, then got in one of the taxis lining up outside the airport. Dry, warm air filled his lungs, a far cry from the dewy mist he’d inhaled that morning.
‘Jumeirah, Tiara apartments please,’ he informed the driver and sat back, staring out of the window. Tarmac and sand, with a skyscraper backdrop. For the first time, he wondered what all the fuss was about. Perhaps it was because of the comparison to the lush, green hills and verdant forest of Lilacwell.
Character, he thought, the Forest of Bowland had real earthy character, whereas Dubai was… superficial, manmade.
Within half an hour, the taxi was pulling up outside his apartment. With weary effort, Jasper paid the driver and made his way in. The last time, he promised himself. This would be the very last time he’d have to make this trip. Then he pulled out his mobile and texted Adira. He kept it short and sweet, ‘Back safely’.
Chapter 27
Zara was at fever pitch, paying meticulous attention to her beauty regime. She’d thought long and hard over which perfume, hairstyle and accessories to wear. The new dress was perfect. Whilst black and formal, it still hinted at a touch of hidden promise beneath the soft, silky material. Finally, she opted for Black Opium, her hair down – falling rather sexily, she thought, past her shoulders – and the thick gold chain necklace and matching bracelet her father had presented on her last birthday. She smirked with intention at the large, lit mirror. How could he resist?
Jasper woke with a dull, throbbing headache. Reaching for the glass of water on his bedside table, he frowned, noticing the drawer wasn’t fully shut. It was unlike his cleaner to leave a drawer partially open. His frown deepened. Why would she even need to go in it?
Leaning back against his pillow, he took a long drink and contemplated the day ahead of him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a long, black hair on the bed’s pristine, white sheet. Where had that come from? An uneasy sensation edged inside him. He pictured his cleaner in the brown uniform and bandana she always wore, constraining her grey hair. She’d never let a hair stray out of place, such was her attention to detail; Nesima was a perfectionist, not to mention trustworthy, which was why he could rely on her not to nosey in his drawers. His eyes narrowed in thought.
Zara arrived at the office early. She made sure the coffee she had recently bought was brewing, ready for Jasper’s entrance. As she heard the door open, she whipped round with a huge, beaming smile on her face.
‘Jasper, good to see you.’ She wanted to sound professional, yet warm.
‘Zara,’ he nodded and sat down at his desk.
OK, not quite the welcome she’d expected.
‘Good holiday?’ she tentatively enquired.
He didn’t appear to hear her, as he fired up his computer.
Never mind, he’s obviously tired, she placated herself. Then she quickly made his coffee and placed it at the side of him. ‘It’s your favourite,’ she said, almost gloating.
Jasper looked down at the white cup and saucer, then his gaze turned on her. Her heart leaped at seeing those deep brown eyes, pulling her in.
‘How do you know what my favourite coffee is?’ he asked impassively.
Zara stalled. ‘Err… I remember you ordering it once,’ she stumbled, thrown completely off guard. This wasn’t going according to plan at all.
Jasper had clocked the way she had leant over to put his coffee down, ensuring he’d catch a glimpse of her cleavage, and he found it rather vulgar. He couldn’t help but inhale her potent aroma, which was practically stinging his eyes, as was the brash bling of her jewellery. Sighing wearily, he swivelled his back to her and looked out of the window to the panoramic view before him. Still, even this couldn’t raise his spirits.
‘I’ve arranged to speak to Abbas,’ he told her. ‘Could you let him know I’m here?’ It was more an order than a request.
‘Certainly,’ she replied primly, feeling well and truly affronted.
The rest of the morning was spent in silence as Jasper pored over his emails. Clearly Zara hadn’t been privy to many of them, which further niggled her. And why did he need to see Abbas so urgently? Her vexation started to build – first not seeing him for weeks, then being brushed to one side and excluded.
At midday, Abbas called the office to summon him. Jasper walked through the smoked-glass walled corridor and knocked quietly at the office door. Abbas was sat behind a huge desk covered in open files.
‘Hello, Jasper,’ he smiled. ‘Take a seat.’
Jasper noticed the chair was slightly lower than Abbas’s. Was this deliberate, reminding the visitor of their status?
Abbas clasped his hands together and sat ready for Jasper to speak.
‘I’ll get straight to the point. I want to hand in my resignation.’
Abbas continued to look calmly at him, waiting for Jasper to elaborate.
‘I know I signed an extended contract, but my uncle needs me, Abbas, he’s eighty-five, in failing health and I have to run his estate. He cannot manage without me.’ There, he’d said it.
