Duras: James and Miceal, #3

By d.s. Eliot

Behind a nonagenarian door, a surprise welcome and a party for Monsieur Dubois reveals a dark 'art world' secret worth killing for. From Duras to Paris to Sydney to London to New York and Chicago, the hunted somehow stay a stride ahead. Few holy cows survive on the aviation tarmac's of the world, neither do the reputations of some art scholars and scoundrels alike. Love. Monsieur Dubois does something quite unexpected. In the end a small team knits into a formidable unit. Unanswered questions remain yet many are answered. Love blossoms and the future holds much promise, if they can survive the action and adventure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: d.s. Eliot
• Release date: Dec 19, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463090978

Book preview

Chapter 1

A knock on a door well familiar. A brief pause and Monsieur Dubois opens the door. Dieu! Immediately his immense frame embraces the two lads. Entrer! He quite delightfully declares. Straight to the small lounge. A near identical conversation. The lads a little reeling after the Frenchman’s embrace.

Miceal, Une semaine combinée?

Monsieur Dubois, On condition that I will pay you ten Euros to accompany me to this bloody dinner my granddaughter is throwing for my nintieth birthday. It’s in two days time. Now what have you too faggots been up to? In his gruff French accent.

James takes the lead, Monsieur Dubois it is a long story.

Monsieur Dubois, Well then wait. He retrieves a bottle of port imported from Portugal. A little un-French like. He pours three small glasses, Now you can tell me.

So simply, with not too much detail James relates the events of the past weeks. We landed at Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport. We just needed a bit of a break after the events of the Austialian Scandal with Cate Mulroon and her cronies. Keeping our heads down.

Monsieur Dubois smiles as the fond memories of Rome flood into his mind, Yes, I remember it well. It was at the end of the war. The city and myself a little worse for wear. I met my first wife there. She was beautiful with a temper to boot. He reminisces.

James, "Well, we did all the site seeing. We then get invited to a party. We go. The place is filled with very, very young kids. Boys and girls alike. So we called in the cavalry. People we trust. We have told you about some of them. We then meet with all the important Capo’s in Italy. Some friendly and two of them die. Pity that, although not with L’animale. We finally get back to Rome. We nail him in the Vatican, Capo di Tuti that is. The Pope excommunicates Cardinal Francesco, a.k.a. Capo di Tuti. It appears that The Pope is Knowles’s father and that Alley, who worked for The Pope is Knowles’s daughter. Cardinal Francesco pulls out a firearm and shoots at The Pope. Alley dies saving The Pope by taking a bullet through the heart as she threw herself in front of her grandfather.  Alice is part of our team and she never misses. Cardinal Francesco dies instantaneously. They bury Alley in the crypt meant for The Pope, on her side. When The Pope dies he too will rest on his side. General Knowles agrees to be interred just above The Pope and Alley. A family, finally complete.

Monsieur Dubois, Wow! You have done well. The bottle of port is well spent. Let’s rest. We must replenish the port. That was my last bottle from Portugal and I am not going back for more. The travel kills my back. I shall have a case couriered to my very doorstep.

They all retire. James and Miceal hand in hand, love like a butterfly to lavender. The banter between them is very playful and does not end. 

Chapter 2

They wake up in the morning to the smell of coffee, bacon and eggs. A very quick shower is shared and then straight to Monsieur Dubois’ breakfast table. Bonjour, dormez bien? Morning, Sleep well. Monsieur Dubois grins.

James, Merci beaucoup. Smiling back and sitting down. So too does Miceal. Coffee arrives. Strong, with the aroma preceding the arrival. Both thank Monsieur Dubois. James takes a spoon of sugar, Miceal doesn’t, but Monsieur Dubois lobs three spoonfuls into his cup.

Silencieux! I am not going to live another ninety years. I have a sweet tooth, he grumbles. The eggs and bacon and toast with marmalade, orange at that, are wolfed down.

Miceal, Monsieur Dubois, why is that so wonderful? As he polishes off his plate.

Monsieur Dubois, That is a very well kept French secret. He pauses with dramatic effect. Okay, I will let you in on it. Grate a little truffle into a mestle and porter and grind down. Sprinkle just a touch on the egg and Voila! He states.

The rest of the day is spent in his garden. The garden is near overgrown. Tomatoes, onions, beans, peppers, habanero chilli, even asparagus. Not to mention the herbs. Monsieur Dubois places his frame right and centre. This is his passion.

James, Quelle? Those.

Monsieur Dubois, Récolte. Harvest! He hands them each a basket. In this one, tomatoes, onion, peppers, chilli’s, asparagus and beans. In the other, herbs. Couper là. Cut there! I will be back. He turns and heads towards the woods.

Two hours later he returns, Now, Couper là, he points. James and Miceal happily comply. It is after all refreshing work. The sun warm on their backs, the rest of the day is spent working and cleaning. At the end a hearty stew for supper with some of their days work making it into the pot. The trick to making a good French stew, wash it down with a heavy red cabernet sauvignon.

All the work sets them to bed early, Monsieur Dubois being an early bird always.

Next morning starts at 04h30 with a brief wrap on the door. En haut, he echo’s through the door. A little bleary eyed the boys stumble into Monsieur Dubois’s kitchen. Immediately two cups are pressed into their hands. Strong and a little bitter. We have much to do today. All we harvested yesterday needs to be processed, preserved and dried. Of course we then have that infernal supper tonight. Get showered.

They scurry off and back in no time. The smell of vinegar drifts towards them. Monsieur Dubois is busy adding sygar to the boiling pot of vinegar. He pauses, looks up, Please place the tomatoes on those trays and into the oven on the right. It is set to very low. It will take the whole day to dry. We are going to bottle the onions, peppers, chillies and beans. The asparagus is going to my granddaughter, Jacquess for tonight. It’s her favourite. He smiles. They set to it. They soon have the tomatoes drying.

James finishes up as Miceal joins Monsieur Dubois preparing the peppers. James joins them with a smile to Miceal. Now what, Monsieur Dubois?

Monsieur Dubois, In the cupboard in the pantry are the glass jars for the preserving. Put them onto the sink over there.

Chapter 3

The day passes with a few touches as they help Monsieur Dubois squirrel away his garden produce.  At 17h00 Monsieur Dubois, Get showered. I will clear up the rest. They do as they are told. When they arrive back downstairs Monsieur Duboisis dressed in a bespoke tuxedo, his bowtie loosely untied around his neck. The boys are in jeans and matching T-shirts. This way, Monsieur Dubois points. Down a set of stairs, Which one of you can drive the best?

Both James and Miceal answer in unison, Me!

Monsieur Dubois smiles, Miceal, you to the castle. James, you can bring us back. He grapples with keys to a basement door. There to their complete surprise is a white 1955 Silver Cloud Rolls Royce in immaculate condition.

The boys in unison again, Monsieur Dubois?

Monsieur Dubois, Qui!

Miceal, What the fuck! He blurts.

Monsieur Dubois, I bought it the day it came out. It has only thirty thousand kilometres on it’s clock. Again a smile, I can’t drive it anymore. When I was young I invested wisely. Now Miceal, start Audrey. Let her warm up. I will get the garage door, it is a little tricky to open.

James jumps to his assistance, Let me, I will need to let Audrey in tonight when we get back.

Monsieur Dubois, Turn the key, then press the door on the left, then on the right and then gently in the middle it will open. In the rainy season it requires a real shove. James does just as he is told and Monsieur Dubois, Voila!

Miceal on the other hand starts Audrey’s motor. It booms into a purring thunder. Most chuffed he guides the spectacle of a vehicle into the short driveway. Monsieur Dubois waits patiently for a full two minutes, then he quietly enters Audrey. Monsieur Dubois, Turn right out of the driveway. He orders. A kilometre later, Left. The Rolls barely fits into the thin street. Miceal is very nervous at this point. It is after all a vehicle of great value. Twenty metres in, Monsieur Dubois, Stop. Miceal does exactly as he is told. Within a second the vehicles door is opened. Monsieur Dubois, Francois!

Belying his age he embraces the equally grey haired gentleman. Monsieur Dubois, Ça fait des lustres. It’s been ages. The normal cheek kisses are foregone and they embrace as only friends from a long gone era can. Monsieur Dubois, Merci! To James and Miceal, Now get along the night is nearly over. Not sure what he is talking about they get out of the Rolls. Monsieur Dubois introduces them, Francois, this is James and Miceal. James and Miceal, this is Francois, my younger brother.

James and Miceal simultaneously, Pleased to meet you Sir.

Francois, Likewise, Jean has told me all about you. This way please. A small door leads them into a very neatly dressed display area. Francois promptly produces two tuxedos. Dress, Jean and I need to catch up a little. They follow his direction to the dressing room. They enjoy the visual as they change into the tuxedos. The footwear is a little tough but still bearable. When they finally return the two brothers are deep in conversation. A smile from Francois as he produces two very pink bowties. He then most adeptly ties them and adjusts them to perfection.

Monsieur Dubois, Now we are going to be late. To Francois, Don’t you be late for the party Francois. Boys! Monsieur Dubois strides through the nondescript doorway and straight into the back seat of the Rolls. Miceal takes the steering wheel.  Monsieur Dubois, Left at the end of the alley and now we will see if you can drive. Watch the turn it is very tight.

Chapter 4

Miceal pays attention to the wise voice. With a guiding voice Monsieur Dubois winds them up a hill to what turns out to be a castle. Right on top of what would have been an easily defendable hill in the early centuries. Monsieur Dubois, Park over there. He points with a familiarity. Miceal does exactly that. Once they are all out, Monsieur Dubois straightens both their bowties. A smile between the two lovers.

James, Monsieur Dubois, what about you?

Monsieur Dubois, Attendez. Wait.

Before they get to the castle door it flies open and a pretty dark haired girl, Grand-père! She jumps into his arms.

Slowly my love, not being eighteen anymore.

She defers, Them?

Monsieur Dubois smiles, My two new boyfriends, who new at ninety!

Grand-père, you are terrible. Poor boys! The rest of the guests are waiting and be nice if you can. She leads the way.

Just at the door Monsieur Dubois turns and passes Miceal a ten Euro note, As agreed. Good luck for the night. Through the castle door James and Miceal follow. A din of applause erupts. Francois is front and centre. A huge smile welcomes his older brother. Many old friends surround Monsieur Dubois. It takes a full twenty minutes before Monsieur Dubois is settled at the head of the main table. Jacquess sits quietly next to her grandfather, quite thrilled by the event. Turns out the meal is just perfect. The wood in the huge fireplace crackles away.

Monsieur Dubois raises his hand. Silence falls. Amis, tous mes amis. Friends, all my friends. To Jacquess, Merci ma chérie. A kiss of tenderness to her forehead. Célébrez maintenant cette vieille santé de l'homme. Now celebrate this old man’s health.

The menu is not complicated. Starter, a glass of sherry. Then a green chicken salad of cucumber, tomatoes, onion and chicken. Olive oil, salt and pepper are supplied to taste. The second starter, as would be expected, escargots. Garlic snails, with a sip of white wine. A favourite of Monsieur Dubois.

The evening flowing perfectly to plan. Jacquess happy sitting ear to ear, with Monsieur Dubois, internally more happy than he can recall. She is after all the apple of his eye.

All cleared. The mains. Boeuf Bourguignon with rice and piping hot homemade bread. The wine naturally is red. Indeed, Monsieur Dubois’s standard cabernet sauvignon. With the wine flowing the din increases. The cheer and memories are recollected and retold. This one did this, this one did that.

Jacquess is even more delighted. The meal is demolished. Barely enough is left over. Monsieur Dubois’s favourite part of the evening, his sweet tooth and all. He knew his granddaughter would go there, Crepe’s with berries. James and Miceal are amazed and sit very quietly, the odd touch and a whisper of I love you, going both ways. Once this is all complete and the first glass of port poured, Francois stands and proposes a word of thanks to a life well lived. Monsieur Dubois, Thank you, you old fart. You are the best brother anyone could have wished for.

Francois, Pour ta santé! To your health! Jacquess with tears streaming down her face, near squeezes the air from Monsieur Dubois’s lungs. The talk now replaced by an even larger din of applause and congratulations, Félicitations! Finally Monsieur Dubois waves his hands. Silence. To the boys, If not for you it would not have been worthwhile. He smiles to the two boys and translates into French for the other guests. Then to James, No more port for you. You don’t drive the Rolls under the influence. Before we go let me show you one of the gems in my castle. The boys look at each other a little surprised.

Chapter 5

With Jacquess in close attendance Monsieur Dubois heads up a narrow stairway. Both boys a little sweaty from the warm tuxedos. Into a small gallery of paintings. Monsieur Dubois, My legacy to my granddaughter. A kiss to her forehead. Jacquess, Merci grand-père." The paintings are beautiful, well lit, framed and very, very rare.

James passes a Van Gogh. This is an amazing copy of ‘The Starry Night.’

Jacquess to the fore, No, this is the original!

James, No. The original hangs in The Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan in New York.

Jacquess, No it does not. It is in front of you.

A pregnant pause.

Monsieur Dubois, Boys, yes she is right. I bought it sixty nine years ago, spending nearly my entire fortune. Great investment now. It’s worth more than one hundred million US dollars today. My granddaughter is right. If you don’t believe us get an expert and let them confirm it.

Jacquess, Merci beaucoup grand-père.

Miceal steps in, Monsieur Dubois, is there anyone you know who could confirm this? This seriously seems impossible. I know you believe it to be the original but you must have been conned.

Monsieur Dubois, Qui. He lives just down the road. He is a Welsh gentleman and an expert in the field of International Art. We can call him in the morning. He will confirm what we are saying. Now let’s enjoy the rest of the evening. The band is about to start playing. All locals, Jacquess tells me.

They do exactly as Monsieur Dubois suggests. Party, party, party and a little more. Into the wee hours of the morning. Jacquess insists they sleep over. Monsieur Dubois has long since retired when James and Miceal finally hit the sack.

Chapter 6

Surprise, surprise. The team back in Australia have been busy. Ceila has gone back to a morning job under General Knowles. Alice is back at the range. Practice. Practice to perfection. At 17h00 exactly though she is closed and heads to the fond arms of her love. Blake has forced General Knowles arm to give Carlo a temporary visa and they spend their day’s waitering, together to pay the bills they have to pay. John on the other hand , again with a little help from you know who, gets him and his team a spot in the corner bunker at Royal Australian Air Force Base Wagga. General Knowles is mainly in the air. He doesn’t even suffer from jetlag anymore. They have however all agreed to meet at least once a month. Even General Knowles promises to move all of the team around. He chirps, It will cost you ten US dollars each to get to a ‘pub and grub.’ True to his word, once a month all their mobiles have rang. Date, time, collection,