Into the Belly of the Beast 4 page

Peri’s grey Maserati MC12 Cora waited for them. Kate felt exhilarated as Peri drove them along the coastal road to a beautiful restaurant situated over the water.

“But doesn’t your company make many necklaces in the course of a year for your store?”

“Of course. Each necklace and setting is chosen with the value of the pearl in mind. There are five basic qualities to a pearl. It’s size, shape, lustre, colour and how few blemishes it has. When a necklace is made, the jewellers will try to match the pearls as closely as possible. The closer the match the more expensive the set.”

“I see. So this pearl will finish a well matched set?”

“Oui. They are large, perfectly round pearls and the rarest rose in colour. Their lustre is deep and nearly unmarked by any blemishes. It has taken twelve years to make this necklace.”

“Twelve years!”

“Oui. From a small irritant that enters into the tissue of an oyster or mollusk, a pearl will grow as nacre is secreted over time to build up layers around the foreign substance. For a large pearl, this process could take twenty years. A pearl is part crystalline and part organic substances. It is the sea’s treasure. Once, they were found only in the wild. Now almost all pearls are cultured. In the late 19^th century the great Kokichi Mikimoto of Japan developed a method to insert several irritants into mollusk or oysters so that pearls could be farmed. But still, what happens inside the shell is random and takes years to develop. One never knows what is inside until the shell is opened. Perhaps it is a treasure, perhaps it is not. Every pearl is different, therefore, to find enough pearls all the same to make a perfect necklace is very rare.”

Their salad had been cleared and the waiter had brought an appetizer of Portobella mushrooms cooked in fresh butter and cream with just a hint of garlic. The wine that was served was a Gewurztraminer from Alsace. Kate’s taste buds were in ecstasy.

“Then this is a night to celebrate. Congratulations Madam Peri.”

“Peri.”

“Peri.” Kate smiled. “So if I was to buy a pearl, how would I know it was real and not plastic or whether it was natural or cultured?”

“Plastic is just a cheap imitation of the real thing. It lacks the colour, weight and quality of pearls. The easiest ways to check if you have real pearls are to run the pearls gently against your front teeth or rub two pearls together. A real pearl will feel rough while a synthetic imitation would feel smooth. If you buy a pearl today chances are it is cultured. Natural pearls are very rare and usually not of the same quality. The only way to tell if a pearl is natural or cultured is to x-ray it and see what is inside.”

The appetizer finished, an egg-shaped, tangy, mango sherbet was served to clean their palettes in cut-glass egg cups. Kate sighed. “Thank you for sharing all this with me.”

Peri smiled. “You are welcome.”

Peri’s handsome face became beautiful when she smiled, Kate thought.

The main course was red snapper served on a bed of lemon rice with sauteed vegetables. The wine was a German Reisling, fresh and clear.

They walked then along the restaurant’s docks and stood by the railing watching the night sky. The Milky Way shown with the pin picks of millions of stars and the waves washed gently around the pilings bringing with it a gentle, warm breeze and the scent of tropical flowers and the sea. Peri made sure there was a safe distance between them but they talked and laughed easily mellowed by the wine, good food and the beauty of the night.

Later, they went back and had a tropical, fruit flan and finished it off with a plate of French cheeses and cognac. Kate was not used to eating and drinking so much and she felt quite light headed. Their meal, eaten slowly, had taken most of the evening so it was passed midnight when Peri drove them to her pearl store.

It was an elegant place nestled among palm trees close to the beach. As they drove up two uniformed guards came out of the darkness. Seeing that it was Madam Peri’s car, they relaxed and each opened a door for the two women.

“Bon soir, Madam Peri.”

“Bon soir, Tiotim and Henri. You are both well, I hope.”

“We are, thank you Madame.”

“Bon. You will please open the side gate for us and then lock it again.”

“Yes, Madam Peri.”

The fresh air rather than clearing Kate’s head had made her acutely aware that she had drunk and eaten too much. Inside the gate, a path led through a garden of tropical flowers and over bridges and docks. In the water below, the oysters and molluscs were attached to strings row after row. Seeing that Kate was a little unsteady on her feet, Peri took her arm and showed her how the beds were set up with six shells to each string.

“We are able then to lift them out and check their condition and clean their shells. This maintains a healthy population and reduces the chance of any foreign body getting in that we don’t want in the shell. Each string is dated so we know when and if we want to harvest the pearls.”

They moved on and Peri opened the door to the pearl factory using a code. They entered a large area with metal security gates down each side. Within were areas were the pearls were sorted and cleaned by apprentices. On the other side, the master craftspeople, would drill and string the pearls adding the clasps and get them ready for display.

“In the past, we had about ten per cent of our pearls that we sold to other companies whose standards were not as high as ours. They were pearls with uneven colour, too many blemishes or irregular shapes. Now we have started a laser etching process. These poorer quality pearls are etched with patterns making them quite charming. Parents often buy them for their children or as gifts as they are quite reasonable in price.”

Peri gave Kate an etched pearl and a magnifying glass so she could see the beautiful and intricate work of the engraver.

“This is wonderful,” Kate smiled.

Peri took one of the rings that had been finished and stood on a wood rack waiting for packaging. She signed a receipt and then took Kate’s right hand and slipped the ring into place.

“A souvenir of your evening.”

“Peri, I can’t take this. The wonder meal and evening was enough. This is beautiful.”

“Then it should be worn by someone beautiful. I must insist. It gives me pleasure. And when guests ask where you got the uniquely etched pearl ring, you can send them to my company, non?”

“Oui. Merci.”

“You are welcome.”

Peri took a step back putting some space between them and let go of Kate’s hand. There was a second of awkward silence and then Peri managed to pull herself together.

“Please come this way. I will turn on the lights in the main display room and you can see some of our pearl jewellery.”

Again, Kate waited while Peri used a code to open the locked, metal door and disarm the alarm system before switching on the lights. The glass cases of the show room were tasteful and the displays of jewellery beautiful. Pearls set in gold, silver and copper in beautiful art forms graced the silk cushions on which they were nestled or were draped over colourful and intriguing pieces of coral or driftwood. There was simply some amazing pieces. Kate noted that there were no prices on the jewellery at the main counter. I guess if you have to ask, you can’t afford it, Kate mussed.

While Kate was looking around, Peri opened a wall safe and brought out a blue velvet box. She placed it on the counter in front of Kate and opened it. Inside was a string of rose pearls so beautiful in their uniformity of shape, size and colour that Kate gasped in delight.

“Oh Peri, this was worth waiting for twelve years to celebrate. It is simply breathtaking.”

Peri smiled with pride. “Merci. I am very pleased with it. All ready there are several buyers interested in it.”

“It must be very expensive.”

“Oui. If there is no bidding war, it will sell for $50,000 American dollars.”

“Oh my God. Put it away, Peri. It makes me nervous just looking at it.”

Peri looked thoughtful as she closed the box and put it away in the safe. She came from behind the counter and took Kate’s arm.

“I thought we might have a coffee out on the terrace and watch the sunrise if you would like?”

“Sunrise. How late is it?”

“It is very early. Only four o’clock.”

“But I need to get some sleep before work.”

“No work today. Zenie will not be expecting you. Come.”

Kate, feeling now sleepy and very mellow followed Peri through what must be her office. It certainly was magnificent with its cherry wood deck, Persian rug and panelled walls. They went through a back door onto a private balcony over looking the sea. Kate curled up on a double lounge and looked out over the lagoon while Peri busied herself at a small bar making coffee and putting together a plate of sugar cookies. She brought the tray over and sat it on a teak table by the lounge. Kate was dozing. She looked incredibly beautiful, soft and vulnerable.

Peri leaned over and kissed her feeling Kate’s soft lips starting to respond. Kate raised an arm and pulled Peri down to her.

They both knew it was wrong but desire easily dominates over sense when the hour is late and the wine good. Kate moaned at the feel of Peri’s hard, lean body over her. She opened her lips and felt Peri’s tongue stroking her own. Desire ached between her legs. It had never been like this with Rick. This was a sweet fever flowing through her being.

They undressed each other slowly. Taking the time to savour each revealed moment. Kissing, feeling, exploring. When Peri finally lowered her naked form on Kate’s the rush of excitement brought a gasp from her lips. Kate followed Peri’s lead, still unsure about this new and exciting love making. She realized now only a woman knew how to really please a woman and Peri was an expert. The Tahitian slipped down Kate’s body teasing and tantalizing her senses until Kate’s nibbles were swollen, hard and sore with need. Peri slipped farther and did things with her tongue that had Kate breathless as she arched her body into a climax coming on Peri’s lips.

Peri slid up her form once again leaving a trail of kisses and claimed Kate’s mouth. Kate could taste her own excitement on Peri’s lips. She ran her hands along Peri’s form. She felt hard muscle beneath the softest, warm skin. Peri’s breast were full in her hand and her hard nipples under Kate’s finger’s felt wonderful. Kate liked what it was doing to Peri. Now as the dawn broke and the first rays of light touched their bodies, Kate could see the desire in Peri’s eyes.

“Mon amour, I want to enter you. To be one with you,” Peri whispered.

“Oui.”

Kate felt Peri’s long, strong fingers parting her sex and entering her being. The moment was electrifying. The steady movement like the tidal waves below made Kate wild with desire. She reached and found Peri’s sex warm and wet with need and moved her hand over her lover’s most sensitive places. Together they came and exhausted they slept in each other arms naked and sated.

Kate woke to find Peri naked beside her.

“Bonjour Kate,” she whispered and kissed Kate gently.

Kate froze. She was naked. It was bright daylight. They were outside and she’d made mad love with Peri Dubois last night.

“What is the matter?”

Kate looked around frantically for her clothes as she tried to disentangle herself from Peri’s long form her head pounding as she tried to organize her thoughts through a mind suffering from lack of sleep and a bit of a hangover.

“This isn’t right.”

“What do you mean?”

“Peri! You know what I mean. I...I’m married. You’re a woman. You don’t love me. You want sex. You are my boss. I owe you money. This is all wrong!” Tears rolled down Kate’s face as she sat on the edge of the bed and tried to get into her bra with shaking hands.

Peri reached out and fastened the hooks for her and then swung around so she sat naked and not the least bit intimidated beside her.

She took Kate in her arms. “Do you regret last night?”

“No. It was wonderful. You were wonderful.”

“Then?”

“It can’t happen again Peri. It can’t. I can’t take anymore heartache. And I can’t be an employee and your lover too. And what about Marau? We can’t.”

Peri fought for control. “If that is what you wish. I too had a wonderful evening. But I will respect your wishes, Kate. There is a washroom off my office if you wish to wash and dress. This balcony is quite private. You do not need to worry. Please, let us end this beautiful encounter not with tears but with companionship. If you will allow me to, I will arrange for us to have breakfast here and then we will drive back to the boat and make our way to the resort. Is this agreeable?”

Kate looked up into a handsome faced framed by a visa of sea. She leaned forward and kissed Peri. “Thank you. Thank you for last night and thank you for understanding. She gathered up her things and left the balcony.

Peri swore under her breath and hurled a coffee cup out to sea. She didn’t understand. They’d had a wonderful evening together and their love making had felt like a bonding that had touched their souls and now Kate wanted to end it all. What did you expect Peri Dubois? No one can love you. You are the shark woman.

By the time Kate had returned to the balcony, Peri was dressed and had arranged for a breakfast to be delivered. She excused herself to freshen up and left Kate standing on the balcony looking sadly out to sea.

Their European breakfast of fresh rolls, pawpaw and coffee was a bitter-sweet affair. When it was over, they left and Peri drove them back to the boat. Kate tried not to blush as the pilot cast off and they sat in their crumpled evening wear in the back of the boat.

Peri looked moodily out to sea and then turned and met Kate’s eyes.

“I need to ask you something.”

“Yes?”

“You tried to break into my quarters and lied about it. I thought at first you wanted to steal pearls but then you asked if anyone needed help. Why?”

Kate blushed. “I hear moans, groans and sometimes voices at night coming from your quarters. I thought someone might be in trouble.”

Peri’s jaw tightened. When she spoke her voice was a hiss of anger laced with bitter sarcasm.

“So you thought I was holding someone? Torturing them? Perhaps my last lover who pushed me to the sharks? I am the shark woman, am I not? The one who sold her soul to the beast to survive. Do you want nothing to do with me because in your mind I am more the predator than the lover? Do you think I will chain you up in my quarters and force myself on you each night?”

Kate glanced at the pilot to see if he’d over heard. “Peri stop. You wanted honesty. What goes on in your quarters at night? What happened to Odette?”

The reply was icy. “That is not your concern.”

Tears pricked Kate’s eyes. “And that is the problem. With you there always has to be a wall that no one can get beyond. You offer only sex not love. You offer romance but not commitment. You have chosen to be the lone shark, Peri Dubois.”

“I do not need to be judged by you. Mon Deu! Do not talk to me about commitment. Your marriage vows didn’t last very long.”

Kate paled and turned away. How could she have given herself to this cold, nasty woman?

At the dock, Kate hopped out quickly with a hurried thank you and good bye and nearly ran back to the clinic. Peri stood on the dock and watched her go and then taking up her cane she limped back to The House.

Zenie was not there yet. Kate sat in her old room and worked to get her emotions under control. When she knew Peri would be having breakfast with Marau, she slipped up to The House and changed quietly in her room then headed back down to the clinic. Zenie was sitting outside the clinic writing up reports when she arrived.

She looked up and her smile turned to a look of concern.

“I see sorrow. Why is this?”

Kate sighed and sat down on the bench beside her Tahitian friend. She took a deep breath to settle her emotions and then with a shaky voice she told Zenie about her wonderful evening and how it had ended so badly.

Zenie nodded. “I thought you were ready. You were not. As for Madam Peri, she is a fool. You are right she hides behind a wall. I blame her father.”

“Her father? Because he stole her girlfriend?”

“No, because he never loved her. He blamed her for the loss of his wife in childbirth. Have we not all heard him say it should have been the child who died not the mother. I think he wanted Odette to hurt Peri.”

“That is awful.”

“Madam Peri has had a privileged but a sad life. Always she was alone. It is not surprising that it is the shark that is her family.”

“Zenie, Peri isn’t a shark. She’s just, well hurt.”

“So have you been. You are my friend. I do not like this. We need to know what is going on in Madam Peri’s house. Non?”

Chapter Four

Date: 2015-12-18; view: 573