Time: Present Day

Location: HereAfter

As soon as Layla and the others had left the room Carter saw Tony check what the girls had been watching. He used the tablet computer to rerun everything they had done. He watched as they had zoomed in on the priest, then on the money transfer, then on the ring. Carter was taken aback when he heard something Tony had said to himself, it was very faint, he had to struggle and concentrate to hear, and even then he couldn't make out all of it. Carter then realised Uncle Tony hadn't said anything at all, Carter was able to read his mind. He had thought something about he should have destroyed some of the evidence.

He hit the edit button, highlighted the section and pressed delete, the computer said "Are you Sure". Fuck yeah, he thought to himself . . . and Carter. . . and pressed the 'YES' button.

Outside as Amanda and Monique went to the police car park to find their car, Amanda said, "When are you going to tell Layla? I think she has a right to know."

"Maybe when I get back from Paris. I want to go see Margot, she's struggling a bit with the shop and everything. I want her advice, I've been thinking that I should tell Peter. I probably should have told him years ago, when Amelia died, but I was too embarrassed and scared to. I think Peter should be the first to know the truth, then I'll tell Layla everything. Can you do me a favour? When you go to David and Trish's wedding on Saturday could you ask Father Dan for Peter's contact details including an address for him in Vatican City. If I decide to do this it might need to be done in person.

"Yeah, sure Mum, I think it would be good to come clean with Pete. He's a nice guy, he didn't really deserve what happened to him. Father Dan likes a drink, as you know so I'm sure he'll stay on a bit at the reception. I'll talk to him then and get Pete's details. I wouldn't mind seeing him again, myself some day. If not just to see what he's turned out like."

"Just remember, I'd like to know how to contact him before I fly out on Sunday morning. Just in case mind you I'm not saying I'm going to contact him. I don't think the Margates would mind, but Jean will be furious, I think, if I do. Whenever I've broached the subject he's shut me down, often saying no good can come from telling Peter after all these years.

Anyway, I'll discuss all the pros and cons with Margot. It's the twentieth anniversary of losing Amelia while I'm there, we're going to Le Balajo to drink a toast to her. Collette and Louise will be there. Louise has arranged for us to get into the VIP lounge. It's not the same one you girls went to, the place has been renovated and extended several times since then of course. Louise is still a major shareholder though, through her father's legacy."

"I'll handle it Mum, say hello to Louise and tell her again how sorry I am to hear about her Dad. You never know do you, a fit man like him having a massive heart attack. So soon after we lost Amelia too."

Mal came up the aisle of the church and told Father Dan that the bridal party had arrived. Trish was stunning in her white bridal gown but Mal couldn't take his eyes off Layla as they arrived and got out of the stretched limo.

"Where's Dave?" Mal asked.

"He's in the vestry, I think he's having second thoughts," Trevor said.

"Shit, er sorry Father. I'll get him," Mal said as he made his way from in front of the main altar to the vestry. Dave was pacing up and down in front of an array of priests' vestments. When he turned to see Mal he asked, "Mal, do you think I'm doing the right thing? I wish Carter was here he'd tell me what to do."

"Gee, thanks. Stop it Dave. I'm sure Carter is here somewhere, though not here in the vestry, he didn't care for churches that much . . . did he?" Mal asked rhetorically. "Now, get your act together, Trish and Layla are waiting to come down the aisle. There's no going back now Dave, and once you see her you'll know you're doing the right thing, she looks gorgeous!" Mal said, thinking more of Layla than Trish as he said it, and wishing it was him, and Layla tying the knot instead of sneaking around behind Amanda and Monique's backs. He went over to Dave and began straightening his bow tie.

Dave said, "Yeah you're right. Carter would say stop being a pussy wouldn't he?" Mal nodded..."Let's do this then," Dave said, like a man resigned to his fate rather than an expectant groom. Mal slapped him on the back half pushing him towards the altar.

No sooner had they got there, in front of Father Dan, than the organ started up with the Bridal music. Dave brightened up when he saw how lovely Trish looked. Mal beamed at Layla too as she entered, hoping nobody noticed how intently he was staring at her. Even so he may not have been so happy to see Carter there at her side walking her down the aisle in front of Trish's dad.

The wedding went off without a hitch, again Mal hoped nobody, especially Carter's mum, noticed how happy he was in Layla's presence, during the photo session. He knew Layla was right when he overheard Amanda tell Layla how much she missed Carter, and wished he could be by her side instead of Mal. The hurt for the family was still too raw for them to let their affair be made public. At the reception everyone had a great time, even Father Dan was more jovial than usual. His demeanour changed however, when Amanda sidled up to him and asked him for Peter's contact details. It soured further when Amanda told him why she needed them. He tried to hide his dismay as he scribbled down an address and phone number.

Once she had the information Amanda excused herself, went to the ladies and texted the details to her mum on her mobile phone. Monique would probably be packing, so she wanted to put her mind at rest by giving her the information about Peter as soon as she had gotten it out of Father Dan. It had been a bit like that, like pulling teeth for some reason, her investigative mind couldn't help but pick up on his, seemingly reluctant co-operation when it came to anything to do with Peter Margate. You'd think he'd be happy to talk about how well Peter was doing at the Vatican, and that he would be pleased, that the Chevals had forgiven him enough to enquire about him, let alone visit his protégé considering all that they had been through because of him. But Amanda thought it strange that it seemed nothing could be further from the truth for some reason.

When Amanda came back to the reception table she saw Mal dancing with Layla. They make a nice couple, she thought to herself, no . . . they couldn't . . . could they?

Mal pulled her close, and whispered in her ear, "God, I wish I could just kiss you, right here on the dance floor, in front of everyone."

"No, Mal, please don't. Just friends remember."

She had to smile when he retorted happily, "With benefits though."

Amanda came over and cut in. Layla vacated her hold on him gracefully and left the dance floor to get a drink, "How are you faring Mal, I haven't had a chance to catch up with you boys much since, er the accident."

"I'm going okay I guess Mrs Cheval."

"Oh please, call me Amanda, Mal. You and Layla seem to be hitting it off, anything you want to tell me?" Amanda quizzed.

"No, No, just friends talking, as a matter of fact she told me that you two might need my assistance after all. She told me what your editor said. You know I'm happy to help you find Carter's killers and put them in gaol. Anything you need, money, my time, as I said to Layla, anything I can do to help."

"That's very generous of you but I don't think Jean will . . . on second thoughts . . . Layla might be right . . . if we have to go to Paris for instance. Jean will probably pay. He gets subsidised flights to take the family home once in a while, but if we needed to go to other places, then sure your offer of help would be appreciated I'm sure. I'll talk to Jean and let you know.

Amanda went over to congratulate the bride and groom again. Dave, in his inimitable style gestured past Amanda and said, "Thanks Mrs C, looks like it might not be long till there's another wedding . . . ouch." Trish had pinched his leg hard.

Amanda said, "When are you boys going to call me Amanda? It's been over twenty years." She broke off having turned to see who Dave was referring to, only to see Mal and Layla dancing together again.

"It's no secret Mal has had the hots for Layla for years even before she started dating Carter. And it looks to me like the feeling's mutual don't you . . . ouch!"

"I hope not," Amanda simply said and moved off to join her husband.

"You had to open your big mouth didn't you?" Trish chided.

"I love you too honey. I'll have to warn Mal he's got a fight on his hands. And stop pinching me until we're in the bedroom," he laughed.

It wasn't long before Amanda and Jean were back at the bridal table excusing themselves for leaving early. Amanda said it was because she was to drive her mother to the airport early in the morning. David wasn't convinced that that was the sole reason she left.

They were closely followed by Father Dan. As soon as Dan arrived back at his office he opened the locked draw and withdrew red phone. He paused for an instant and pressed the speed dial. "Michaelus" appeared on the screen. It was soon answered. Father Dan said, "There appears to be a problem."

The response came back, "Does it call for Special Treatment?"

"No, I don't think so, but you can expect a visit from Nonna."

"Why isn't that Special?" was the response.

At that Father Dan said, "We must be careful with her health because she is still working in the media and she would be sorely missed if some accident should befall her on her journey."

There was an inordinate amount of silence then Graz said, "Alright Dan. We knew this day would eventually come and Petros is ready to hear the truth."

Amanda did drive Monique to the airport, when asked how the wedding had gone she didn't mention seeing Mal or Layla. Monique thought that was odd but oh well, her daughter could be odd at times. The conversation at the airport turned to how disappointed Amanda had been when Ed refused to let both of them off work at the same time.

"Say hello to Collette and Louise for me, and a big kiss please, for Aunty Margot and Aunty Michelle, oh and try and find out when Aunty Michy is coming back, or should I send her things over there?" Amanda joked, half seriously. Carter was shocked when he read her mind, why was she so down on Uncle Tony he wondered.

Chapter 43 - Flight to Paris.

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