The Matchmaker

By Helene Fermont

Perfect Lives Don't Come Cheap. 

 

Marcia Bailey has it all: a passionate marriage to a rich and handsome man who is utterly devoted to her; fame and success as London's premier matchmaker; a beautiful home in a posh neighbourhood, and fabulous holidays in exotic places.

 

But her perfect life turns into a nightmare overnight when a mysterious caller suddenly threatens to reveal secrets from her past she thought she had left behind forever. Who is he and what does he really want? He says he wants three million pounds to keep quiet, and she's willing to pay. After all, she has already sacrificed so much, and perfect lives don't come cheap.

 

But Marcia has a hunch her caller wants more than money from her. He wants to hurt and humiliate her. But why?

As police investigate a brutal murder in a wealthy London neighborhood, they untangle a web of lies, violence, sex and jealousy surrounding Marcia Bailey and the group of wealthy and powerful men who have secrets of their own to keep.

 

The Matchmaker is filled with unexpected twists and turns — and characters that will haunt you long after you've read the last page.

• Language: English
• Publisher: West Harbour Books
• Release date: Apr 14, 2021
• ISBN: 9781916354395

Helene Fermont

Born into a bilingual family (Swedish/English), Hélene Fermont enjoyed an idylic childhood on the outskirts of Malmö, Sweden’s third largest city and major cultural hub. Growing up in the 1970s, she had a brief musical career on Swedish TV and radio prior to pursuing a career in teaching and a practising psychologist. Hélene lived in London for over 20 years but has recently returned to Sweden. She is currently working on her fifth novel, The Matchmaker.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Beauchamp Place was buzzing with locals and tourists on a sunny late afternoon in July. Walking on the crowded pavement, browsing expensive boutiques and famous household names, talking among themselves, laughing at some joke and looking ahead to the evening’s events.

Marcia smiled and waved at some of them. This was her neighbourhood and part of London she fell in love with years ago and where she lived a five-minute walk from Harrods. It was a lovely day, blue sky, and a perfect time to have lunch in one of her favourite Italian restaurants across the street from her offices, Marcia Bailey Bespoke Matchmaker.

Scalini was as trendy to meet and socialise as she recalled the first time Marcus invited her there to dinner. Since then, they regularly returned, always insisting on being seated at the same table by the window in the front part of the restaurant. They had recently celebrated their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary there, and this morning he told her he couldn’t wait to spend the afternoon with her just like they always did every Thursday, no matter how busy both were in their respective positions. The mere thought of him and what they’d engage with later that day, made her feel warm and happy.

She’d done very well after relocating from her past life to London, initially working five jobs in nightclubs in Kensington where she’d shared a small flat with other girls, eventually investing in a bedsit which she’d sold for a decent profit. The only thing that had kept her sane was the dream of opening her own exclusive matchmaking bureau. Men came and went without making a lasting impression. Over the years, and from her own experiences, she learned a lot about them, their habits and the type of women they were attracted to. Significantly, who they viewed as marriage material or mistresses safely tucked away in some bedsit or luxury apartment from a spouse or partner.

After almost twenty-seven years as matchmaker to the rich and famous, she knew exactly who to match with whom and never failed to give her clients the services they paid huge amounts for. Suddenly, and completely unexpectedly, mutual friends had set her up on a blind date with Marcus, who was the only man she ever fell head over heels in love with the first time they met. He was truly the remuneration she deserved for a tough childhood and upbringing, and the soulmate neither of them believed they’d find and marry.

Just thinking about him made her wish she could be at home awaiting him but she had to wait a while longer before taking the rest of the day off. Crossing the street, she entered the Italian restaurant, the head waiter immediately escorting her to her and Marcus’ usual table. You look as beautiful as always, Mrs Bailey. Will your husband join you later?

Thank you, Carlo, regrettably, Mr Bailey’s attending important meetings but he told me to have lunch on my own and sends his best wishes. After some polite conversation, the waiter pulled out a chair for her, left and returned with the menu. Browsing it, Marcia ordered her favourite dish, linguini with Gorgonzola cheese and a side salad accompanied by a glass of house white wine. She’d have preferred a whole bottle but had long since adopted a rule of not drinking while working and today was no exception. Wishing her handsome husband could have joined her, she started to think about meeting a new prospective male client.

He’d called just as she was about to leave her offices last night, requesting they book another in-depth phone call this afternoon, claiming he was too busy to talk further that evening, refusing to give his name and tell her what he wanted. His strange request to talk again and refusal to discuss details made her wish she’d declined his request and instead recommended he turn elsewhere. Racking her brain to figure out who he was and the reason he wanted to talk to her again, Marcia wished she’d followed her instinct and not agreed to another call.

Normally, clients showed up in person unless extremely busy, in which case she arranged initial calls. This man sounded weird, as if he’d deliberately sought her out. There was something about him she was unable to identify. For a start, his voice sounded familiar. Incapable of recalling if they’d met before, she pushed aside disturbing feelings of mistrust and finished her meal and wine. Asking the same waiter for the bill, she quickly paid adding a generous tip, saying she and her husband would visit again soon.

She couldn’t wait to return to her offices and get the call over and done with, telling her husband about it later that day. For some reason, the man whose call she dreaded seemed to harbour ill feelings towards her, unlike her clients who constantly complimented her services and ability to find the right matches. Walking to her offices, Marcia felt ill at the prospect of talking to that man and finding out the reason he’d requested another call. Who was he and why did he refuse to give his name?

Life was good, everything she had dreamed of came true, her marriage and business. How come she felt queasy thinking about that man? She’d left the past behind years ago. Surely, that man wasn’t out to get her for something she wasn’t guilty of? Perhaps, he knew something about her no one else was aware of. It was such a long time ago, and she’d come so far away from how things used to be then.

Panicking, she unlocked the front door of the building, locked it, and ran upstairs to her offices. What if he knew something no one else did about her? If that turned out to be the reason he sounded so hostile, she’d risk losing everything she had accomplished. Everything that meant something to her, her husband, marriage and business. Hands shaking, Marcia seated herself at her desk, waiting for his call.

CHAPTER TWO

She’d been waiting for almost an hour, furious he’d not called on time. He’d insisted to call her mobile number like yesterday, claiming he’d seen it on her website. Problem being she didn’t have a website, since years ago and after she became the most sought out matchmaker. He must have known about her for a long time, perhaps a client informed him of her services?

She’d kept the same mobile number and wondered again the reason he contacted her. Last year, she’d published her memoirs, titled Matchmaker Extraordinaire. The book sold out everywhere and was an immediate success with former, current and new clients. The only people detesting it were the competition. She out rivalled and caused irreparable damage to other matchmaking and dating services when their clients left and became members of her exclusive club. They did their best to ridicule and ostracise her from their upmarket agencies but lost out to The Matchmaker’s consistent matchmaking successes compared to their dismal efforts to match the right people.

The memoir gave insights into her professional and personal lives, the obstacles she’d overcome to pursue a dream of becoming the authority and expert on love and finding the perfect soulmate. She gave personal views on everything from infidelity to best practises when throwing a party, favourite dinner recipes and much more. Marcia Bailey was a huge success yet very few people knew the real woman behind the successful facade. Her willingness to share private views and insights into her life made her memoirs stand out from the other generic biographies of rich, famous people and matchmakers whose fees didn’t justify the bad services and lack of genuine matches.

Her worst critics voiced their outrage each time her memoirs were serialised in the media and whenever some wealthy socialite expressed a bad opinion of her membership-based services which they deemed ridiculous since matchmakers rarely expected clients to be members, only individuals wishing to meet a special person. As members, Marcia’s clients weren’t permitted to date among themselves, yet were perfectly positioned to mix socially as long as they didn’t reveal personal details. Unlike the competition, clients had to sign a contract stating they must under no circumstances, give out information of other members to the media and people in high positions.

Furthermore, Marcia Bailey was held in high esteem for giving an insight into the real woman behind the glittering facade. She’d worked harder than her rivals to get to where she was now, with a thriving business and happy, fulfilling personal life.

Unlike some of the local agencies, whose fortunes were part of their backgrounds, she’d worked hard to achieve recognition and praise. For her, that meant never giving up on what she believed she was capable of, and sacrificing weekends, holidays and time to herself and her husband if need be. She paid a high price for success and never looked back, insisting Perfect Lives Don’t Come Cheap each time a journalist, radio and podcast host asked about her spectacular successes.

Giving her personal advice on the perfect marriage, claiming respect and friendship aren’t enough to sustain a fulfilling relationship without great sexual chemistry and passion, she insisted, saying love grows deeper over time and knowing the other person in good and bad times. With over five hundred marriages under her belt, The Matchmaker was talk of the town, expert on love and relationships and trusted by her clients so much that they never questioned her reasons for matching them with people she believed were in their best interest.

Interrupted by the sound of her mobile, Marcia looked at her watch; it was five p.m. and an hour past the time they had agreed to talk. Answering on the fifth signal, she heard a muffled voice say, I was delayed, something came up which I had to deal with. I’ve got a few queries, after which we’ll arrange a time to meet in person and move forward.

Listening to him, the smug tone in his voice, dictating how things would proceed, Marcia responded in a cold voice, I don’t work like that. Tell me what you want and we’ll arrange a meeting in my offices and discuss details. I’m not sure whether we’re the right fit. She felt the same apprehension she had the first time he called and was reluctant to continue with the conversation.

His response made her freeze inside. You’re in no position to question my motives, Madame Matchmaker! Just answer my questions or you’ll regret messing with me! Overcome with dread and the sinking feeling he held something back from her, and out of her mind worrying he somehow had found out about her past, Marcia was about to end the call when hearing him say, I bet you’re pleased Brighton’s in the past? Especially the man enabling you to be where you are now. I know everything you’ve done to achieve your dream, successful business and personal life! Unless you answer my questions, you’ll live to regret it.

Feeling nauseated and dizzy, the room starting to spin around her, she asked in a faint voice, Who are you and what’s the real reason you’ve contacted me?

She heard his laughter, and he took a deep breath, saying, I know your real identity. The media and your clients would have a field day knowing it as well. My, my, The Mighty Holier Than Holy Matchmaker… and all your dirty little secrets! Let’s face it, you’ve got quite a few skeletons begging to come out! Would you like me to elaborate further?

Close to collapsing at her desk, head aching and throbbing, she wondered whether now would be a good time to press the direct line to the local police station. It was installed when she opened her business taking many bookings to meet in person in her offices. Marcus had insisted she must prepare and protect herself from potential stranger assaults if the risks presented themselves. Anger bubbling up inside her, she shouted, For your information, I’ve no tolerance with bullies! This conversation ends here and now, Mr…? If you persist in calling and threatening me I’ll get the police involved!

To her chagrin, the man laughed, a hollow laugh that made her shiver inside. The name’s Bond, just like in James Bond. I warn you: Don’t mess with me or you’ll live to regret it, is that clear?

Thinking he was deranged, she dared to ask, Since you claim to know everything there is to know about me, tell me one thing no one knows of me, I dare you!

Convinced he’d been bluffing, she nearly fainted hearing his response. Okay. I didn’t expect you to believe me. Who put you up for life? Your old Brighton lover! Who left you enough money in his will financing your new life? HE did! Now, listen carefully to my questions and give me the right answers or your rich precious husband will find out everything about what you did to get to where you are now! Not forgetting your so admiring and grateful clients!

Too upset and scared to speak, Marcia whispered, Who are you and what do you want from me?! She was close to crying, realising this stranger was capable of ruining her life. She had managed to put the past and man who had used her behind and get on with her life. Her own perfect match appeared in her life years later and she wasn’t prepared to lose him and everything they shared because of some strange lunatic claiming to know things about her that, if revealed, would destroy her. She’d die before letting that man destroy everything she had built. She put her face in her hands, one hand gripping the mobile so hard she nearly screamed in pain.

He started to ask the questions he’d called about. Will you be able to find me the perfect match? You’d better live up to your reputation. Question number two, can you deliver the love of my life?

Marcia took a deep breath, desperate to give him the right answers. What’s the reason you wish to meet the perfect partner? And will you leave me alone if I find her for you?

Laughing, the stranger replied, That’s none of your business! And, perhaps, if you deliver, I’ll not bother you further.

Marcia was desperate to end the call and confide in Marcus. But how could she? Her husband knew nothing of her past. They’d met, fallen in love and never questioned each other’s past lives, relationships and backgrounds. Yet, he’d willingly told her he was divorced, no kids, on their first date and introduced her to his closest friends, and some colleagues in the real estate firm they were partners in. Marcus was director of the company but over the years, sold shares and after nearly thirty years confided in his wife he was thinking of selling up and retiring from the profitable yet demanding real estate portfolio he accumulated years ago.

With no children, he wanted to spend more time with her, travelling and exploring the world. Extremely proud of everything she accomplished, lately, he’d reminded her of how precious she and life were to him and how much he wanted her to devote more time to him and their marriage. But Marcia wasn’t as keen to retire yet. In her late forties, and nearly fifteen years younger than him, she wasn’t ready to retire and sell her agency just yet. Perhaps, in another five years but not now.

She’d worked too hard to sell it to some young girl who’d no doubt turn it into another bland dating agency catering to her equally shallow friends. Marcus told her he understood and promised to hold out a while longer until she was ready to retire.

As if he’d been reading her mind, the man said, IF by chance, you don’t deliver on what I demand, I’ll settle for a one-off lump sum to keep my mouth shut! You don’t want to risk having your real identity disclosed to the media and everyone else, do you? Three million’s not an unreasonable sum to pay for my silence.

Too scared to think straight, she cried, I’ve not got that kind of money in my account! Matchmaking’s not an as lucrative a business as you imagine. I’ve used most of my savings to refurbish my offices! It was evident his main intention was to blackmail her, not to meet the perfect woman. He’d been playing games and she wasn’t going to put up with it any longer.

That’s your problem, not mine! Forget about finding me the right woman! I’ll settle for the money. You’d better have it when I call you again, TRACEY! Ending the call, he’d at long last revealed he knew her real name.

Crying, she racked her brain once more, attempting to recall who he was and how he knew her name. If people… Marcus and her clients discovered who she really was and the reasons she left behind her past to start afresh in London, she’d lose everything she’d worked so hard for. She had changed her name and cut all ties with the past. Her past and the life she had then, a life that was a living hell, filled with abuse and exploitations. Tracey had ceased to exist a long time ago. No one except herself and that man knew her then, not even her beloved husband and she intended to keep it that way.

CHAPTER THREE

Marcus Bailey left his office earlier than usual that afternoon. For some reason he couldn’t put his finger on, his gut instincts told him Marcia needed him. She’d been working even longer hours lately, saying business was booming yet clients expected her to be available to them more than she already was. That week, in particular the other night, she seemed like her usual cheerful self, but he sensed something was troubling her.

They had met on a blind date arranged by mutual friends more than twenty-five years ago and knew each other inside out, were soulmates and shared the same core values, honouring their marriage and respective professional careers. She was the best thing that ever happened to him. Without her in his life, he’d be lost and lonely with no one to love and to love him back. Small, with delicate features, big brown eyes and dark hair and feminine figure, and the tiniest waist he’d ever seen in a woman, he’d been instantly attracted to her and more so when discovering how much they had in common.

Just like him, she was completely devoted to her career and very loyal. He couldn’t recall a single argument between them or falling out. Unlike some of their friends whose marriages broke down due to petty arguments and misunderstandings, theirs was as perfect a match as those Marcia provided for her clients. Yes, life was wonderful with her in it and he knew he was the envy of many men in bad relationships.

Only the other week, one of his business associates, Jules McIntyre, told him he had gotten involved with a tenant in the building he owned and lived in, the same building he’d bought from Marcus a few years ago. Jules was the typical bachelor whose idea of commitment was having casual affairs while waiting for the right woman to turn up in his life. He’d laughed at the idea of being Marcia’s client, saying he was much too attractive and sought after to resort to such desperate measures as signing up with a matchmaker.

Jules had moved to London after many years on the coast. He’d accumulated a nice portfolio of financial clients, employing his services with shares and funds and various other instruments. A nonconformist, he’d had many affairs and loathed the idea of being someone’s husband unless the perfect woman entered his life, meaning someone half his age, and a cross between a catwalk model and young actress with the usual plastic trendy body and as materialistic as the average c celebs.

In his fifties, Jules didn’t believe in graceful aging. Having the money and life to spend as he wished, he believed any woman ought to count herself lucky to be part of his life. Family and children were as alien to him as living on a remote island without access to fine restaurants, cultural events and the buzzing life he had in London. He’d had his fair share of boredom in the past and loved being free and single no matter how much Marcus tried to persuade him he’d better start looking for someone to have a serious relationship with or risk ending up alone with no one to care for him.

The two men had hardly anything in common, except a mutual desire to invest in properties which were plentiful in the capital. With a vast portfolio of real estate all over London, and many shopping centres in progress in the foreseeable future, Marcus had gradually realised he was fed up with the constant need to accumulate more money and returns on investments. An only child, his parents had left him their entire fortune, real estate, shares and funds worth more than he could ever have imagined. His parents had died after spending nearly a decade in a care home, and Marcus became one of the top ten richest men in London.

Tall and handsome, with dark brown eyes and resembling a movie star, he’d had his fair share of flings not lasting longer than a couple of years at the most. Meeting and falling in love with Marcia Henderson all those years ago was a true gift and blessing. She’d even agreed to drop her surname and take his when they got married. Even after losing his thick dark hair years ago, his eyes and strong, masculine body and facial features still made young women stop in their tracks when he and Marcia attended social events and entered restaurants and cafes.

He was completely devoted to and protective of his wife, and their love story was the envy and admiration of friends and business associates. It amused him that despite her line of work and his endless social network, she preferred to not mingle and attend parties, claiming his company was all she needed to be happy and fulfilled. She’d permitted a few media journalists to interview her for articles on matchmaking and her memoirs but didn’t welcome unwanted trespassing into her personal