ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Evelyn was born in Western Australia and raised on a vineyard in the Swan Valley grape-growing region of Perth. She now lives on the Gold Coast in Queensland. 

The Atolls Share their Secrets is the third novel in her delightful trilogy of the Bordoux family with a modern-day theme. The cast of main characters are again portrayed with panache and pacey expertise. The same can also be said of the repartee between her colourful new and previous supporting characters. Evelyn is an intensely visual writer, she has a talent for creating realistic business ventures and time-out exploits with pipedream destinations. This cocktail of events is skillfully combined with humour, affairs and intrigue.

CHAPTER 1

LONDON NEVER SLEEPS

Stepping away from the noisy traffic of London’s CBD into the modern reception foyer of Clarke’s Theatrical Booking Agency, Georgette checked her appearance and attire. Approaching the desk she stated her name to the receptionist; who in turn announced her arrival. “Mrs. Bordoux is in reception for her appointment Dayna.”

Within seconds a smartly dressed Dayna entered with her hand outstretched in greeting. “Hello Georgette. Glad you could join us. Clarke is just finishing a phone call, he won’t be long.” Her English accent tapered off as Georgette accepted her cordial greetings.

“It’s very nice of you and your husband to ask me. A chat over lunch sounds wonderful.”

“You don’t visit London very often. With Leon tied up in a business meeting, it’s a great opportunity for us to catch up.”

“Oh how true. When I shifted from my home at Scarborough Beach – a suburb of Perth – to live in Paris I thought I was going to slow down. But it never happened. There’s never been a dull moment since settling there.”

Dayna then turned to lead the way into her office, with conversation continuing. “Those words sound familiar to me. You now have a grown up daughter, your Cleo has become a famous singer and musician, and she tells me her twin brother Nathan has achieved great recognition as a chef managing the Henri Theatre Bistro in Paris. It’s no wonder you never have a dull moment.”

“We are very thrilled both are excelling in their chosen careers. I must also mention Leon’s daughter, Piaf, she is also achieving recognition in her career as a fashion designer. The House of Rolando fashion house in Paris have just given her another bonus; and a business trip for both her and Travis is being planned. Travis is Rolando’s marketing manager, as well as her husband-to-be.”

“Fantastic! Absolutely fantastic! Some years back I attended one of their fashion parades, excellent gear. I must say I’ve always admired Cleo’s business outfits whenever she comes to London – so smart and trendy. She indicated they were mostly acquired through Piaf’s connections.”

“Thanks for that compliment. Yes, there’s no doubt about it, Piaf keeps us all completely up-to-date with the latest fashions.”

“How do you like your tea Georgette?” Dayna asked, already pouring from a very fine English teapot.

“If that cup is mine, it looks just right. Thanks.”

The door opened and Clarke entered into his wife’s office. “Georgette! How marvellous to see you again my dear, that husband of yours should bring you to London more often, it gives us an excuse to get out of the office and have a decent lunch. A pity Leon is not joining us today. By the way, you look absolutely stunning as usual.”

“It’s wonderful to see you both again too.” Georgette stood to shake Clarke’s hand and accepted an enormous hug at the same time. “I love visiting London; we have been experiencing some of her charm.”

“You mentioned on the phone hubby was still with the Holland Fleur Auctioneers and Exporters; what an incredible billion dollar industry that is. His industry is what I call the ‘quiet achievers’, beautiful flowers going all over the world, and yet not many would think twice as to where they come from. Talking about charm, your daughter is a young woman of that, and more. We have been keeping Cleo busy, and we assume the engagements we’ve been assigning her to have met expectations?”

“They have been very enjoyable she tells me. After finishing the nine months on the musical play of Suddenly There’s a Valley in Paris, I was pleased she made contact with you again. It was sensible for her to take on short bookings. It helped her settle back into the routine of variety. Performing the same role for months was a wonderful experience, but very demanding. Virtually no time for any of her other interests.” She began to observe how dynamic Clarke’s presence was, a man in his prime, smartly dressed, with great entrepreneurial skills. Clarke would be a striking man to most women. She watched him ease himself into a chair, before replying.

“Indeed, Cleo’s experiences from earlier years, plus her time as resident musician and singer on the cruise ship for several months sailing the Mediterranean. Well, what can I say? These marvellous experiences have taken her in the right direction. The musical in Paris just added more honey to the pot. Yes indeed, a very knowledgeable young twenty-year-old at that time. Now, as time moves on, we are watching her mature well.”

Dayna enquired. “Georgette, what’s all this other excitement about? Cleo rang and filled us in briefly; something about filming with a chap called Lyell. I believe that’s Rolando and Rochelle’s son?”

“Yes, he is their son. Lyell went to America studying for a few years, and then returned to Paris full of enthusiasm about turning professional and creating feature films. The clips he has produced so far, we thought, were most entertaining. Having proven his worth, a television network has contracted him to produce a variety of features. Not necessarily about fashionable clothing, which his family are well known for in Paris, but, short pieces featuring live and roving stories, plus an on-going series; a weekly ‘soapy’. A format has now been established for that, in fact several episodes have already been filmed.”

“That sounds like a humdinger of a contract for Cleo,” Dayna enthused. “Is it going to be a current day drama?”

“I understand it to be a whodunnit. A private detective has an office next door to a restaurant which has evening entertainment, light cabaret style. The detective enters these premises regularly to dine and Cleo’s position is the resident singer and musician. She is featured in each episode, with dialogue and singing. Also, as a highlight, from time to time, guest artists will be invited. She envisages they will perform duos in what ever fits their genre.”

“Wow, how groovy.” Dayna was bubbling with interest and continued to enquire. “So will Cleo have to be available each week, or can they pre-film her performances and then slot them in where required?”

“Definitely pre-filming, she didn’t want to be at their daily beck and call. Lyell is setting it up for her to record several weeks’ episodes in one batch. She is very happy with that.” Georgette sipped her tea before continuing. “If it’s well rated, it could go on for a year or so. The story line is not really new, but their series will have a very French flavour. Mixed nationalities will be slotted in as clients of the detective to spice it up.”

“So this talk on the grape vine about Cleo and Lyell. Eh? May I ask, are they really more than just good friends?” Clarke posed cautiously.

Georgette’s face portrayed bewilderment. “Where on earth did you hear that? Not to my knowledge. Lyell may like it to be, but from what I have seen, and been told, they are purely business friends just producing a soapy film series together.”

Eyes darted between Clarke and Dayna. On observing this, it immediately sent signals of concern through Georgette.

“I’m pleased to hear that.” Clarke sighed quietly and tactfully. His face however showed extreme relief. “It would be a shame for such wonderful talent to be lost to nappies and kitchen chores so early. You know what I mean?”

Swallowing back a nervous lump, which had crept annoyingly into her throat, Georgette simply replied, “I agree.” She had decided not to dwell on her daughter’s partners.

Cleo, now twenty-three years of age, had achieved status as a very experienced artist in her field of entertainment. These days, if Cleo glanced sideways at a male, a highly motivated editor interpreted this as a possible match. This situation of paparazzi magazine chatter had been more uncomfortable for the family than Cleo. She, however, had become very astute and learnt very quickly how to manipulate publicity write-ups to her advantage.

“It’s none of our business of course Georgette, but Clarke and I both hope one day she will fall for someone in the same field of entertainment as her own. We’ve had oodles of experience in this industry; we know the chances of a woman continuing to thrill audiences depends heavily on her partner. If she chooses one whose career is in a different field altogether, then usually the woman is under pressure to give up her career for home duties and children.

“Going out to entertain at night, when the hubby is just coming home from a hard day’s work, usually creates a very disruptive relationship. In fact, many don’t last and unfortunately for some, there can be a couple of children caught up in the tangle.”

“I really appreciate your concerns and fully understand many artists are lost because of relationships. Leon and I do keep a discreet eye on the group of friends Cleo socializes with. We know this career is very important to her. After so many years of training, I really don’t think she would just let it slip. Especially not to a young man whose career was completely out of line with her own. We have found her to be sensible so far.”

Clarke then emphasized. “I’ve found Cleo very mature for her years. My dear, she is a delightful young woman. If we’d had a daughter, both of us would love to have her as our bonny lass, but it didn’t work out that way did it my sweet?” He glanced across toward Dayna, then back to Georgette. “We had two burly sons; they are doing alright. We couldn’t be happier,” he chuckled.

Checking her watch, whilst agreeing with Clarke, Dayna then added. “We should leave now, as we do have a booking at a restaurant.”

After riding the lift, the three, on approaching the busy street, found the weather had turned to cloud-bursting rain.

“Oh, bollocks!  It’s raining cats and dogs.” Clarke cursed. “Okay ladies, it’s only two doors down, shelter all the way. Let’s make a dash for it.”

Soon they were in the comfort of the restaurant, enjoying fine wine and appetizers. After their conversations covered many subjects; it now returned to Cleo, with Clarke asking, “You’ll remember when Cleo finished her contract on the Mediterranean cruise ship; her next engagement was to have been in the Caribbean on a more luxurious cruiser. Unfortunately that didn’t transpire with Nathan’s accident. Georgette, I need to ask, the boating accident her brother had; is that the reason why she hesitates in accepting holiday cruise ship work now?”

Clarke’s question was loaded, and Georgette in turn covered up her surprise in not knowing Cleo was declining such engagements.

“I assumed you had given her a few choices, suitable to her experience, and she had simply chosen from them. I wasn’t aware any work had been declined.”

 Clarke turned to Dayna. “Pass me the salt and pepper please lovey.” He then turned back to face Georgette and continued to explain. “Please understand, we are not demanding agents, we try to please – much better results and harmony all round, but speaking openly to you, she has declined this work. We suggested short sector contracts. You know, five, ten days – fly in, fly out. But nope, ‘not at this time’, she told both of us.”

“I wasn’t aware she had made such a comment, and I don’t think Nathan and his girlfriend Maria’s boating accident off the Isle of Capri would be the reason. That’s not mentioned very much these days. Perhaps it’s more a case of her wanting to enjoy her two younger brothers growing up.

“The twin boys turn ten years of age this coming September. In fact, we are all finding them most interesting these days. Lyell did include Stefan and Fabion in one of his short feature films for children. That generated a lot of excitement; Cleo really enjoyed helping produce that, it included singing and explanations on how to play various musical instruments. It was all in very simple terms, to help children decide on which instrument they could choose to learn.”

Hesitating as her plate was cleared away; Georgette decided it was best to not speculate when unsure. “I don’t know the answer directly to your question. I do know she still communicates with others who were on that cruise ship, in particular Todd Kent, the lead singer and choreographer. She was impressed with his cabaret shows on board, including the dance troupe. Actually, it was Todd who suggested she use your company for future work.”

“Indeed, a great chap our young Todd.” Clarke nodded, whilst savouring the rich velvet liquid just sipped from a glass of wine. “He thinks Cleo is a magnificent diva. He keeps chipping away at me to get her into Las Vegas. I reckon, as a team, those two in concert would have more than the roulette wheels spinning! Aye, the show would be a pearler.”

Dayna then predicted. “I’m sure she will tell us when she is ready to break the ice, and then, wow!  We can all fasten our seat belts, because we’ll see Cleo soaring into international stardom overnight.”

Georgette’s mind was racing; Cleo had not said a dickey-bird about declining certain engagements, let alone the enormous interest in her performing with Todd Kent. She decided to play down these comments, not wanting to put her foot into it and comment upon Cleo’s hidden reasons. Discretion was the best for now, she could delve later. “Of course she’ll inform you Clarke. Just let her determine the pace. As a mother, I’m very thankful she is still using our home as a base. We are all home at the same time at least once a week.”

“Yes, we strive for that too.” Dayna concurred. “We are both Londoners during the working week, then on Friday night we depart our living quarters here, and train up to Cambridge. We have an adjoining property with our sons. Like you say, usually once a week we are a family. We both love that.”

Puffing his chest out with pride, Clarke bounded in. “Our sons married young, both to country girls, so we are grandparents already.”

“That sounds a wonderful set-up. What do you use the properties for?”

“We have a few horses of our own, plus others who are agisted. That means they are owned by others, but we maintain them. Our lads enjoy the country lifestyle; both born to the saddle. Aye, Dayna’s older sister and husband also live in the vicinity.”

Persuasively Dayna asked, “We often travel up to the races at York. When you’re over here next time, why don’t you both join the throng? We’d enjoy your company.”

“I’ll certainly talk to Leon about that. We’re not really into race horses, but the occasional flutter we have had in the past was a lot of fun.”

“Jolly good show! With our new tunnel under the channel between London and Paris finally completed, and with it being touted by the end of the year the new international station at Ashford will also be completed, well this means you have a choice. You needn’t choose to travel by ferry, you could drive your vehicle on board the Eurostar train in central Paris, and be zipped across here within three hours. No need to drive to the coast to board a ferry. In my opinion, tourism is about to boom beyond our imagination with this quick access. I’d even place a bet on that.”

“Clarke, knowing you that is exactly what you would do. Georgette, as you probably have already gathered, this husband of mine enjoys a bet or two, especially on the gee gees.”

The extended lunch sped by, as they continued to enjoy fine food. The gossip flowed, as did the wine. Georgette eventually returned to the hotel where they were staying in a very elated mood. This extremely turned-on frame of mind continued and when Leon entered their suite a short time later, he found a very seductive wife in a gossamer gown, floating romantically toward him. A flame ignited instantly in the pit of his stomach.

“Wow! Ma cherie, you look radiant. That must have been a grande lunch, oui?”

“Hi darling, yes it was very nice. Have I told you I love you today?” Georgette didn’t expect the question to be necessarily answered; this was the cheeky style of banter which passed between them often. Instead she curled her arms around his neck and kissed his lips passionately.

Leon responded eagerly, thrilled to find his attractive wife full of l’amour. Delicate fingers, with nails the colour of mulberry were now loosening his tie, as his suit coat slid off as if oiled. “Geor’gee you are turning me on woman. I think you’re about to show me how much you love me. Not just tell me oui?” His hands began to gently caress her nipples, now protruding through fine magnolia pink fabric.

      “I believe that was my idea,” she purred.

Soft music floated around the room as the discarding of trousers and shirt were completed. Georgette then passed him a glass of tomato juice chaser. He sipped on one side of the glass as she sipped on the other side avoiding the lemon decoration. Their eyes met, their smiles grew and the delicious thought of lovemaking heightened between them.

Glancing toward the large bed, Leon decided it looked extremely inviting and proceeded to pull back the linen. Watching his familiar approach, Georgette smouldered, following his lead. He watched her black curls bounce on the turquoise-coloured pillow covers, at the same time he manoeuvred his well-kept body into her side and began to flirt. He ran his fingers through the long strands of her hair, in turn she moved away the dishevelled black locks from his forehead. There had been a touch of grey showing near the temples two days prior, now they had disappeared. Maintaining appearances, including body fitness at the gym each week, Leon never looked his age. The fact he was ten years older than Georgette, was a non-event.

“You realize my moonlight lady our plan of coming back later for a so-called ‘roll in the hay’ has completely thrown our dinner plans out the window!”  He chuckled whilst smooching into the nape of her neck at the same time.

Smiling and soaking up the tingles from his caresses, Georgette replied to his dinner comment. “That television advert says it all, it can be more exciting to stay IN, than to go OUT, if you have all the right ingredients so…” She teased by kissing his nose. “When you rang and confirmed we had no commitments tonight; I was admiring the view outside our window. My immediate thought was, let’s have supper sent to our suite later; we can both relax not having to go out again and enjoy it at our leisure. It’s all arranged; we just have to phone room service, and tell them when we are ready. Just like I surprised you back in Singapore a few years ago, remember?”

There was always a surprise up Georgette’s sleeve; Leon found her seductive evenings very endearing. She was his dream wife come true. After being a one-parent father for more than a decade, her loving presence could still have him aroused with a smile, a touch, even eye contact across a crowded room. He yearned for her in the most awkward of moments, challenging his character and self control.

Leon’s character was normally unflustered with an easy going charm. Always responsible; a man of integrity, a business man whose style claimed respect the moment he stepped into a board room.

“Do I remember?! It’s imbedded in my memory forever.   When we were in Singapore ma cherie there were many surprises that week. We married, and had our unexpected twin boys hidden away in this lovely body of yours.”

“No baby surprises this time my darling. Five children between us are ample. Ah, but there is no reason why we can’t continue our l’amour, now is there?”

He needed no further encouragement, their evening ‘in’, with many tantalizing delights, reinforced their compatibility. 

*** 

The next morning Leon was first to rise. Folding back the curtains of their hotel suite, he viewed a busy London below. His eyes skimmed back and forth across the Thames River viewing its boats, then toward the bumper-to-bumper traffic crossing the Tower Bridge.

“The weather looks okay. What would you like to do today Geor’gee?”  His French accent clearly coming through.

Feeling at ease having no other business commitments for the day, Georgette stretched and yawned, as she rose to join Leon at the hotel window.

“Oh, isn’t it a nice sunny morning for May? As we have the day to ourselves, let’s dress casually and ride around the city in some of those scenic double-decker buses. We could sit in the open top if we take our warm coats. I would like to try out our new camera. What do you think?”

“Fine,” Leon then pointed. “You mean the red bus, like that one just crossing the Tower Bridge now?”

“Yes, they are very regular. When Cleo was in London last, she rode around in them, she said it inspired lyrics for a new song. We can do the same, just hop on and off when we wish to view something.”

“Okay, let’s see what Londoners do on a sunny morn. You are right, it should be excellent viewing seated on top of a double-decker.”

“Honey, I picked up a brochure mapping out the buses’ different routes. Here it is.” She began to spread out a colourful information map. “The yellow or red route comes past the front of this hotel. We can take either, but if you want to specifically go via Piccadilly, we should take the yellow route.”

“That’s handy. Merci beaucoup.” He quickly glanced at the proposed routes. On checking the legend, he said. “I see the yellow route also goes past attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament and much more. I agree; yellow it is.”

Soon they were seated on the open top deck of a bright red London double-decker. With spring in the air, many elm trees lining the streets had already sprouted their new season’s foliage. When the bus stopped to collect other passengers wishing to experience this ancient city steeped in history, branches of green leaves fluttered over their heads.

Georgette’s cell phone rang. “Happy forty-fourth birthday!” echoed her brother’s voice; he was telephoning her from Perth in Western Australia.

“Thanks so much for the call. It’s great to hear from you any time of the day.”

“I knew it didn’t matter what time I rang, London never sleeps. Where are you at the moment?”

“You’ll never believe this,” she laughed. “We are sitting on top of a scenic double-decker bus with trees all around us, and traffic whizzing passed.”

“Man, the wonders of modern technology,” Trent Holden exclaimed. “You wouldn’t have believed such a phone connection could exist a few years back. By the way, Mum and Dad send their best once again, and they hope you had a nice evening last night? They told me you planned to celebrate the night before.”

“We certainly did. We had a spa bath, then a candle lit supper in our suite. Our window in the hotel looks across the River Thames. It has a very romantic setting.”

“Well Sis, that tells me everything. I hope you are spoiling that French husband of yours?”

            Knowing her brother would tease, Georgette was ready with her stock answer. “I certainly have been, and my dear brother, you are not going to be informed how.” Georgette chuckled over the noise of the traffic. Knowing her brother, she guessed he would not be satisfied to close the conversation without a joke.

“Pass me over to Leon. I’ve got a good one for him.” Trent could hear laughter and other voices, as Leon took over the cell phone.

“Just a quick one … there was this couple watching a famous movie star on TV. The wife says, ‘Wow; he could casserole me any day.’ The husband replies, ‘You mean caress.’ ‘No, I mean casserole,’ she responded again. The husband says, ‘I’ll show you the dictionary.’ ‘No need,’ said the wife, ‘It says SLOW SIMMER FOR TWO HOURS’   Leon, isn’t that a classic!”

Trent left them both in fits of laughter, with other occupants on the bus staring at them in amusement, sorry they had missed out on the joke. Their day was one of ease and discovery. They walked, and viewed. Toured a distance and lunched, they even participated in a river cruise to Greenwich where they disembarked to view the meridian line. This historic establishment continues to represent the measure of time on earth with the sun’s twenty-four hour rotation. A new day continues to commence its turn in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

“This has been a grande day ma cherie. It’s a long time since we’ve had a full day to ourselves.”

“Fabulous honey, just fabulous. These few days away have been good for both of us. Let’s go back to the shopping precinct now and buy something very English for Stefan and Fabion – a keep-sake.”

As their few days’ break would soon be drawing to a close, they linked arms, strolled on and boarded yet another scenic bus; wanting to experience as much as possible. They finalized their day via another route and then enjoyed a late twilight of peering out from the hotel window.

Georgette turned to view her husband’s bare midriff; he had stripped and had his shirt in hand whilst standing at the window observing the activities surrounding a small marina and café below.

“Geor’gee!” he called. “Seeing those yachts down there reminds me; André and Chantel are interested in taking a holiday which includes the next Americas Cup yachting challenge. He’s still as keen as mustard about yachting, even though he is no longer a contender.”

“I’m sure Chantel will enjoy that, but what about Pierre and Juliette? They haven’t had a break for ages.”

“Oui. That was discussed too. Fortunately we three brothers get on well. It has all been sorted out, Pierre and Juliette want to holiday in the Canary Islands, probably at Tenerife.  They say they have had their eye on that destination for some time. These days they can go anytime, with their children quite capable of fending for themselves.” Leon and his brothers met regularly at gym, it gave them the chance to discuss business and their family matters.

“That’s wonderful. Juliette must check with Piaf for some new summer clothes. Tenerife is always hot; a break away will give her a great lift. I’ll make sure she doesn’t renege, it’s time she splashed out and enjoyed herself.”

“That subject, I will leave to you femme.” Leon shot back jokingly.

“Gosh Leon, it’s hard to believe, it’s nearly twelve years ago since the Perth Yachting syndicate won the prestigious Cup. Dad says they still talk about it at the club. It was such an exciting event, I’ll always remember it of course, the 26^th September, 1983. I’m very grateful you and I met because of Perth becoming the host city for the next regatta.”

Turning from the window, Leon folded an arm around his wife who had now joined him. “My moonlight lady, we have never looked back.”

“Yes my honey. Everything has been just peachy.”

Feeling enlightened to hear Georgette make these comments, Leon took this as an indication that he was performing up to expectations as her husband. Loving her, and their love for each other, was well entrenched, indicating no regrets in her shifting to Paris. However, he knew better than to take this for granted, a mental note was made to suggest – as soon as Travis and Piaf’s planned wedding was over – they make plans of their own to visit Perth.

Their home was always waiting on Scarborough Beach. Thoughts of the beckoning Western Australian summer of white sand and surf, swelled through his body. Day dreaming about it, created thoughts of paradise in the sun. It was his escape from the pressures of business.

As they embraced once more, Georgette’s mind scooted back to reality and she commented. “Honey, I think we had better phone Bridgette and tell her what time we expect to return home tomorrow.”

“Oui. Eh, tell her our flight is confirmed, we’ll be home for dinner.”

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