Tell Me I'm Dreamin' (17 page)

While they ate Nadine noticed that some couples were dancing. Like shadows they emerged from the hidden tables around them, finding refuge in movement to soft, rhythmic music. There was a variety of sounds ranging from tuk band to reggae. It was an interesting combination, an appropriate background for the unique meal. Everyone but Claudia had traditional sweets, coconut sugar cakes and tamarind balls.

“I don't know if I'll ever get accustomed to the foods here. They are so unlike the dishes we cook back home.” Claudia's expression reflected her discomfort. Nervously she glanced back and forth between the two men seated beside her. “But I guess it just goes to show how different people can be,” she added, trying not to fuel the tension that already existed at the table. For the first time Nadine found herself in the peculiar position of agreeing with Claudia.

Donning his most dashing smile, Mr. Richarde downed his fourth glass of rum and agreed,
“C'est vrai.
How boring life would be without variety.” He cast a meaningful look in Nadine's direction. “Mademoiselle, would you care to dance?”

The slow, rhythmic island tune made her hesitate. It was smooth, alright, and music as smooth as that would give the most well-intentioned male ideas. But Nadine saw a look of utter apprehension surfacing on Dr. Steward's features, so she complied with her escort's wishes.

Despite all the space on the almost vacant dance floor, Mr. Richarde chose to lead Nadine to a secluded spot that received little light from the tables behind it or the pendulum-shaped lamp that hung above the circular area. Immediately, he enfolded her within both his arms, and put pressure on her lower back, attempting to make her body flush with his.

“Mr. Richarde, I don't mean any harm, but I'm not comfortable like this,” Nadine protested, trying not to turn it into an ugly situation.

“
Ma chérie,
it is because you are being difficult. It would not be so bad if you would simply amuse me a bit. I am not a hard man to please. You know as well as I do that money, power, and sex make the world go round. I happen to have plenty of money. I wield a little power in my circle. And as far as sex goes,” he brought his rum-laced breath closer to her ear, “it is one of those things that one must constantly do to obtain excellence. That's what makes it all the more exciting.”

Nadine pressed her palms against Mr. Richarde's chest. She decided to be more forceful in her reproach. “Sorry to tell you this, but I didn't take this job to find
this
kind of excitement.”

“But that's what I mean, mademoiselle. You took this job because of the money, and let's not forget the power or prestige it gives you amongst your colleagues. It just so happens sex is the one thing that can keep you in the treasured position you find yourself in now.”

Nadine's eyes flashed angrily as she looked into the pale-blue ones eyeing her like a cat with a mouse in an easy-to-capture situation. “Are you telling me my position on this project would be threatened if I didn't take you up on your . . . offer?” Her voice rose with astonishment as she freed herself from his clasp.

“Mais non.”
An icy chill coated the patronizing words. “I am only advising you of how precarious of a predicament a woman like you could find herself in so far away from home.”

“And you, Mr. Richarde, what brings you to this side of the island?” a low, male voice inquired. “Far from your loving wife, Jean, and two wonderful girls, Lisa and Elise?”

Stunned, Nadine and Mr. Richarde both turned to see the interloper. Mr. Richarde was too jolted to reply, and Nadine was having the strangest feeling of déjà vu. The voice was all too familiar and reason fought with what her feelings told her was true. The battle did not last for long as Ulysses stepped out of the shadows.

Chapter
14

Nadine and Mr. Richarde said Ulysses' name in unison, then looked at each other.

He bowed his dark head slightly in greeting. “Nadine. Etien.”

Quickly, Mr. Richarde regained his composure and extended his hand to Ulysses.
“Mon Dieu.
Imagine meeting you here. It has been over a year, hasn't it, since I've seen you? Have you seen Pamela lately?”

“As a matter of fact she is here with me this evening,” Ulysses replied. “She stepped out to the ladies' room.”

Mr. Richarde had to work to keep his composure. Removing a handkerchief from his dinner jacket pocket, he dabbed at what Nadine assumed to be perspiration on his forehead. “I saw John Castle earlier today at his office. You see, I've got several business deals working on Barbados and John's legal advice is indispensable.” Mr. Richarde took a deep, cleansing breath. “What brings you to Barbados?”

“Business . . . with John.” Ulysses replied to Mr. Richarde's question but his attention had become focused on Nadine's lowered head.

“So, I see.” Mr. Richarde rubbed his hands together nervously. “Well, obviously, there is no need for me to introduce you to Ms. Clayton.” Mr. Richarde looked from one of them to the other. “Small world, isn't it?”

“Yes. Small world.” Ulysses' voice was nearly a whisper.

“May I be so bold as to ask how you two met?”

Nadine's full lips rounded to form the word “We” but was cut off by Ulysses' quick reply of “Business.” Then he turned the spotlight once again in Mr. Richarde's direction, pushing his marital status to the forefront. “So how is Madame Richarde?”

“She's fine. So are my girls. They were here vacationing about two months ago. They stayed with Chloe and John.”

“It's remarkable how much Pamela resembles her Aunt Jean,” Ulysses commented as the young woman approached.

“Uncle Etien! How delightful to see you.” Pamela kissed him on both cheeks. “Goodness, this has been a day for reunions. On our way over Ulysses and I bumped into Mr. Tim Johnson, the tutor who taught him and the Sharpes. Mr. Johnson and my dad attended Georgetown University together. You wouldn't happen to know him, would you?”

“No, I can't say I do,” Mr. Richarde said with contrived gaiety.

“Oh, please excuse me for being so rude. I'm Pamela Williams,” the winsome young woman addressed Nadine.

“Nadine Clayton,” Nadine replied, her smile genuine despite the circumstances. Pamela radiated a sincere air of friendliness.

“What brings my favorite uncle to the Sly Mongoose tonight?” Pamela asked.

“You know how Jean and I are always supporting charities and the arts.” Mr. Richarde straightened his tie with a nervous jerk. “Tonight I'm dining with one of the directors of the World Treasures Institute and two of the consultants assigned to the Caribbean islands. Ms. Clayton is one of them.”

“Isn't he wonderful? He's always been so freehearted.” Pamela beamed a trusting smile in her uncle's direction.

Placing a light kiss on Pamela's cheek, Mr. Richarde attempted to bring an end to their little chat. “Well, we don't want to take up any more of your time. I'd invite you to join us, but I'm sure you're enjoying your evening alone.”

“On the contrary,” Ulysses protested, “Pamela and I were thinking about leaving. We'd be glad to join you for a few minutes and hear more about the institute.”

Nadine's eyes widened as she looked at Ulysses and then Pamela, whose flawless features displayed a small trace of disappointment.

“That's right. If my memory serves me correctly, Ulysses, you are quite a lover of the arts,” a thwarted Mr. Richarde replied. “Well, right this way. I'll introduce everyone.”

The introductions were made while the waiter provided two additional chairs. Dr. Steward was pleased to find out that Ulysses had expressed an interest in the institute.

“This is such a wonderful bonus for the evening.” His eyes began to shine. “Perhaps, before the evening is over, you may consider becoming a benefactor for the institute as well, just like Mr. Richarde.” He nodded appreciatively. “If I may say so, it is a wonderful organization, and I'm sure with your being an art lover you can truly understand the importance of our work.” Dr. Steward leaned forward dramatically. “We want to ensure that years from now the majority of the world's treasures can be located with little effort. It is our goal to make the treasures of the world available to everyone.”

During the entire exchange Nadine remained very still and quiet, never once looking at Ulysses, who sat to the right of her.

“Nadine,” her first name seemed to hang in the air like a specter, “so this is the institute that you were working for when you stayed at Sovereign?” Dark, fringed eyes pinned her to her seat.

Before Nadine could respond Dr. Steward threw two more questions in her direction. “You two know each other? And it was his estate that you stayed on while you were on Eros?”

“The answer to all three questions is yes,” Nadine replied, the picture of composure.

The entire table waited for a more elaborate response, but she was determined not to give one. Her mind and feelings were still reeling from the fact that Ulysses Deane had once again entered her life, but she wasn't
even
about to show it.

“It is quite amazing that we would bump into you like this tonight. Isn't it, Ulysses?” Pamela leaned forward to rally her companion's support. “Tell them about the book sale that you plan to hold at Sovereign next week.” She turned her attention to Dr. Steward who was seated beside her. “It is going to be one of the most extravagant and memorable evenings of this region. Ulysses' family has quite a reputation when it comes to literature born here in the islands and abroad. Sovereign is known as ‘the Protector of Eros' Treasures,' and even though I am sure he will not be parting with any of his favorite works, their collection is so large no one will be the wiser.”

“My goodness, I am definitely impressed.” Dr. Steward's small eyes twinkled behind his tortoise-rimmed glasses. “This would be a prime opportunity for the institute to catalog the rare and valuable works on your estate, and to record the new owners once they purchase them, of course. That is, if you don't mind?”

“You have my permission to catalog any of the works that are presented at the sale, but my own private collection is just that, private,” Ulysses stated flatly.

“Sounds fine to me,” Dr. Steward added, satisfied. “Nadine, since you and Mr. Deane are already acquainted, I will send you over to Eros the day before the sale to record everything. Then you can return to the island the following evening for the sale itself.”

“I have a better idea, Dr. Steward.” Ulysses drew the man's excited gaze in his direction. “I have just begun organizing the items to be sold during the event, and it would be to your and my advantage if Miss Clayton would be allowed to come to Sovereign several days before the event is held. Her knowledge of literature and art would be quite beneficial, and with her help, it will ensure that all of the pieces that can be cataloged and made available for the sale will be displayed.”

“We-ell, I don't know. I truly appreciate the hospitality that you showed Ms. Clayton while she was stranded on Eros, but we have so much work to do here.” Dr. Steward chewed pensively on his bottom lip.

Nadine gave her support to her boss' misgivings. “That's true, Dr. Steward. I am quite busy. I have several stacks of entries that I plan to finish by the end of the week.” Her leg shook uncontrollably beneath the table, the thought of spending several days working alongside Ulysses nearly unbearable.

“Dr. Steward, I would not think of using one of your workers without compensating the institute,” Ulysses pressed his point. “A sizable donation would be made to your organization from the proceeds generated by the book sale.”

“I say.” Dr. Steward squirmed in his chair with the mention of money. “How could I possibly turn down such a generous offer? It is settled then. Claudia will take up the slack where you leave off, Nadine.” Then he turned his most appeasing smile in Ulysses' direction. “When would you like for Ms. Clayton to begin her work at Sovereign?”

Nadine watched as the tension seemed to leave Ulysses' body, and he settled back in his chair. “As soon as possible. And don't worry about Miss Clayton's sleeping arrangements. Sovereign is well equipped to accommodate her.”

Chapter
15

Nadine held her suitcase close to her side as she shuffled down the exit ramp between an excited tourist couple and an islander carrying a crate full of oranges. She noticed a variety of festivities taking place on the colorful shore as she looked for Clarence among the busy crowd.

She had arrived in the office early that morning, bringing the suitcase with her. There were a few things she wanted to finish up before going to Eros, and she would not have time to go back to her room before the ferry embarked. Nadine was glad Claudia had some errands to run before coming to work that morning, and she knew Dr. Steward rarely showed his face before ten. That suited Nadine just fine. She did not want to answer any more of their prying questions about Ulysses and Sovereign.

But luck was not with her entirely. She bumped into Dr. Steward as she was leaving the building. He took the opportunity to remind her of how important her work was, and to keep her eyes open, especially for the carved onyx slab.

Getting down to the wharf in a timely fashion proved to be more difficult than Nadine had expected. Several of the streets had been blocked off, and groups of people had begun to camp out along the curbs. It was not until she overheard a conversation between several tourists that she realized today was the beginning of the Crop Over Festival. The residents and tourists were out in full force to celebrate.

Long before the ferry pulled up to Eros' shore, bright bunches of red, yellow, blue, and pink could be seen in the distance. As the gap shortened they took shape as parade floats. The parade was over, but the proud owners had parked their magnificent displays of intense work and patience along the wharf. They would be one of the first things visitors would see when they arrived on the island.