Page 32 - double revenge 3.

I Laughed, ‘Having breakfast. Tom cooks the best full Monty breakfast in England.’

‘And who took all the things from my flat?’

I shrugged; I could only think it was to remove traces of Arnold Warner, not this girl.

As I drove back to Perivale I was aware of a Silver Volvo Estate in my rear view mirror, sometimes

two cars behind me, sometimes more, textbook tailing manoeuvres. As I turned into my
apartment’s car park, it went past and I recognised Alfred Barker.

I cannot ever remember spending such an enjoyable time.

We spent the whole day talking or to be more exact, I spent the whole day listening. Gabriela was
so fascinating.

She told me about her childhood growing up in the poor district of Guatemala City and of how
many of her school friends and their families had disappeared. The URNG, Unidad Revolucionaria
Nacional Guatemalteca fought against the government’s anti insurgency army but knew they were
never going to win a war. She quoted Nobel Peace Prize winner Oscar Arias who said, “We’ll be
secure when we hear that knock at the door at 6:00 a.m. and know it’s only the milkman.” I
shuddered to think how she had lived in constant fear. I felt so protective towards her. I could
understand how anyone could fall instantly in love with her and for a moment, I was jealous of
Arnold Warner.

Now there was peace in her country she felt the URNG had an important role to play in fostering
trade with the World. She explained she was playing her part by letting them use a villa in Spain she
had rented long term, paid for with her modelling fees.

She suddenly stopped as though she had just thought of something.

‘I wonder if that is where Arnold has gone.’

‘Does he have a key?’

‘Yes. We were to meet there later but why has he not telephoned me? I think I must go there.
Would you please come with me in case anything has happened to him?’

‘Of course. Do you have your passport or was that taken from your flat?’

‘Yes, I always carry it in my purse.’

‘In that case I will arrange a flight for tomorrow.’

I rang the Cottage duty officer and arranged for two tickets to be left at the Iberian Desk.

Now I am on my own, Tuesday is a poor food day. Whatever I had left over from Sunday I finish on
Monday and Tuesday I starve unless I call in for a take away on my way home but somehow