Double Trouble

Double Trouble

Lois Edmonds

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2011 Lois Edmonds

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Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter One

"Hey, Sis? I have a really big favour to ask of you…"

Lori’s heart sank.

If she had a penny for every time she had heard those words from her twin sister, she would be rich.

The Sherrington twins were identical in appearance. Same height, same long legs, same eyes, same glorious hair.

But in character the Sherrington twins were like chalk and cheese.

Lori had always been the quiet, sensible one.

She had studied hard, graduated with a degree in Art and Art History, and for the past three years she had been a Tutor in Art History at the London School of Art.

Lana on the other hand had never taken life too seriously. Instead of studying she had played hard, and dropped out of Business School half way through the first year. After spending a few years flitting from one dead-end job to another, she had astounded everyone by charming her way to the position of Assistant Sales Manager for Barrard’s, one of London’s most exclusive jewellers. Even more astounding, was that despite her flighty nature Lana had proved herself to be an extremely capable salesperson.

Yet, she still managed to get herself into all sorts of situations that had her sister coming to the rescue. Running out of petrol on the M3 after a midnight dare to drive to the coast for a moonlight swim. Ending up in a police cell after joining in a protest march for more pay for nurses. (Well - as Lana had tried to explain to her disgruntled twin at 5 o’clock in the morning - she sympathised with them, they were really hard workers after all. It seemed like a good idea at the time to support them...)

Lori had spent her childhood years getting her wayward sister out of trouble – and even now in their twenties, things hadn’t really changed.

Lana tucked her long legs under her on Lori’s big couch and smiled sweetly at her sister, who was sitting upright on the opposite sofa. Listen Sis… you are on holiday now, for the summer break, right?

Lori answered warily. Yes…

So... could you please spare a few days to help me out?

Lori sighed.

I don’t know, Lana -what is it this time?

Well…you see, I have this very rich customer, and he had asked me to deliver a diamond necklace to him in Monte Carlo, personally. He must have it delivered by tomorrow night –

Is that usual? To deliver in person, I mean?

Well, it’s not uncommon – it’s the safest and quickest way when client needs something in a hurry. Which this guy clearly does.

Lori was getting impatient. So – what has this got to do with me?

I want you to deliver it for me!

Why on earth –

Lana rushed on. Lori, you remember me telling you about Eric, this dishy security guard I have been trying to get to notice me for weeks?

Yeah…I remember.

"He has finally asked me out – this Saturday! I really want to go; I can’t put him off now! He might not ask me again…"

So, you want me to impersonate you - with a customer?

Umm…yes…

You are out of your mind! What would your boss say?

Lori… he will never find out! It’s not as if you haven’t done it before…

That was true enough. When they were younger, it was something they did quite often! They could fool anyone when they swapped places – teachers, boyfriends, even their mother.

But it had usually only been for an innocent prank!

Lana, this is different. You want me to take responsibility for a valuable necklace, pretend to be you, and deliver it to one of your most important customers?

Lana’s tone became even more persuasive. Oh, come on, sis – live a little! This guy is very rich – and a real hunk to boot! He is offering first class air tickets, and four days on his swish boat in Monte Carlo harbour!

"You mean I would have to stay there for three nights?"

"What would be so bad about that? This is just the distraction you need to help you forget that ‘rotter’ James, once and for all. Just think – all that luxury at your disposal, and a hunky guy to enjoy it with – just for delivering a little package…please, Lori. I really want this date with Eric…"

Oh, Lana…I don’t know. Lori could think of all sorts of reasons to refuse. But her sister could be very persuasive when she turned on the charm.

"Please - no one will ever know…"

Lori sighed again, with resignation this time. What else did she have planned, anyway? She only had term papers to mark, and some research to do, and that could wait.

Whether or not it would help her forget that ‘rotter’ James though, was debatable.

It would take more than a three-night diversion on some rich man’s fancy boat, for her to forget what he had done to her.

Lori had always preferred her own company. She was happier in the countryside with an easel and paintbrush, than she was partying and spending hours in inane conversations in noisy rooms. She admitted to herself that in the eyes of her – not very numerous - male friends, that probably made her pretty boring!

Not that she had lacked potential dates –her striking looks had always attracted plenty of male attention and her quiet nature only added to her allure. Men seemed to find her reserved nature a challenge, a conquest to boost their male egos. Yet, none of these men had succeeded in penetrating her reserve – until she met James.

Only James had succeeded in getting close to the real Lori.

She had really thought he was the one. For two years, their relationship had been moving inexorably closer to marriage.

Or so Lori had thought.

He had been a guest speaker for one of her lectures on Picasso. Not only was James an expert on the Picasso period, he was a very talented and well-respected artist in his own right.

Lori had been immediately attracted to him – not only for his blonde good looks, but because they had so much in common. She didn’t come across many attractive men who understood her passion for art history, let alone one that shared the same obsession. They were much more likely to be nerdy, or gay. Great to talk to, but not exactly husband material.

She had thought James and herself were so well suited. Their relationship wasn’t intense or exhilarating, but it was comfortable and uncomplicated. They liked doing the same things, even to preferring cosy nights in rather than socialising in smoky bars. They were great friends as well as comfortable lovers. After a few short months of dating, it had been an easy decision to move in with him in his inner city loft. She populated his sparse furnishings with pieces in her own distinctive style, and he seemed happy for her to make the large, empty space more homely and comfortable.

She could see them settling down together, with a couple of kids and an art studio they could share. A nice, safe, uncomplicated life.

Until the day she fell ill during a morning lecture, and arrived home much earlier than expected. She would never forget the sight of James and the diminutive blonde, with their naked bodies entwined in the bed she had shared with him for over a year. Nor would she easily forget the guilt on his face as he confessed he had fallen head over heels for Susie because she excited him, surprised him, and encouraged him to experience new things he had never thought to try – like tango dancing, and skydiving…

Lori had been devastated. With Lana's help, she found her own place and moved all of her things out of his loft, and out of his life.

In the three months since they had broken up, she had retreated even further into her own world. Lana had tried to draw out of her shell, to no avail. She had introduced Lori to men in her wide circle of friends, but her sister wasn't in the least attracted to any of them.

Lori sighed pensively; perhaps it was time to move on. She couldn't stay in her own safe world forever.

Maybe Lana was right – she should learn to live a little dangerously!

C'mon sis, what do you say…?

Lori sighed in defeat. Okay, okay. What do you want me to do…

Oh, thank you Lori! I will bring everything you need over to you in the morning. You fly to Nice at lunchtime tomorrow. Obviously, I can't go back to work after I've seen you off – which means I will have Friday afternoon to get my hair done and buy a new dress for my big date!

Lori shook her head and grinned to herself in amusement. Trust her sister to think of the important things.

What happens when I arrive in Nice?

"There will be a car waiting for you to take you to Monte Carlo, and the customer will be waiting on his boat. All you have to do is hand over the package, and then relax and enjoy yourself until your flight home on Monday night.

Just who is this special customer?

His name is Andres Romero. He is a Spanish tycoon or something, loads of money, and absolutely gorgeous! I have met him a couple of times; he has bought some very nice pieces from us in the past. I might have been tempted to go, but he is a bit on the quiet side for me - I think my security guard will be much more exciting!

Lori laughed. Typical of Lana to go for the wild one!

The Sherrington sisters were aptly named.

They shared the same long, glossy hair the colour of rich amontillado sherry, and vivid emerald green eyes. Their identical figures were trim yet shapely, set off by long legs. Apart, they were striking enough, but when seen together they were show-stoppers.

Physically, there was nothing that could tell them apart, except that Lori had a tiny mole next to her belly button. It was the only way even their mother could identify which twin was which, when they played tricks on her as children.

When they started dating, their boyfriends had soon gotten used to checking to make sure they weren’t being duped. It was all a bit of fun for the sisters when they were young – neither of them had ever gotten serious enough with a boy to mind sharing him. To be fair, the boys didn’t seem to mind that much either.

Young men clamoured to have a Sherrington sister on their arm, it didn’t really matter which one – except they all knew if it was Lana, the date would always be a tad unpredictable, a little crazy, and a whole lot longer. If it was Lori, a guy would be lucky to get a peck on the cheek at some absurdly early hour, after a nice movie or a hamburger from the local takeaway.

Lori still had misgivings about this trip, but she was packed and ready by the time Lana arrived on her doorstep on Friday morning.

Lana handed her the air tickets.

You see, the ticket is made out to Miss L Sherrington – so you can still use your own passport.

Lori looked at her sister in surprise – she hadn’t even considered not doing that! What was she getting herself into? Even she wasn’t used to duping on this grand scale.

Lana handed over a small package in plain wrapping and a leather bag with a long strap. This is the necklace. Carry it on you, in the leather pouch, worn close to the front. It looks just like a normal purse, but it had a locked compartment inside

Lori was getting nervous. I don’t like this, Lana. It all seems a bit secretive…

Nonsense! Lana passed over a plastic wallet. This contains all the documentation you need – export papers, certificate of insurance, delivery instructions – it is all above board. Keep your passport in here too – it is the safest place. We do it all the time!

Well- you may, but I don’t!

"You will be fine –‘

Just what is this necklace worth, Lana?

Lana hesitated for a moment. It’s not that much…

"How much!"

£50,000…

Good grief! You call that ‘not much’? I call that a hell of a lot!

Don’t worry – it’s fully insured.

I hope so…

Lori sighed in relief. She had experienced no problems at customs and the flight had been uneventful. The car that was supposed to pick her up at the Nice-Cote d’ Azur Airport was waiting in the pick-up bay, and she settled in the back gratefully.

So far, so good.

She looked out at the passing scenery with mounting excitement. They motored past magnificent buildings and sweeping bays full of expensive yachts and motorboats, set in a landscape that was faintly familiar from movies and TV programmes.

She had not done a huge amount of travelling in her 26 years. She had been quite content to spend the university holidays at their parent’s home near the coast in Somerset, where the time not spent studying was spent swimming, surfing or doing some other aquatic activity. Since she started her job as a tutor, she usually spent the breaks planning her lessons, painting or roaming the art galleries. A real busman's holiday!

As they drove along the coastal highway, the sun was shining on the clear blue waters of the bay, and it looked very inviting. She had always loved the sea, and the thought of spending a few nights on board a luxurious boat in the sparkling Mediterranean was becoming more attractive by the minute.

It was late afternoon when the car pulled into the parking area by the jetty. Lori looked around, not entirely sure where to go, when a big, burly man in a navy polo shirt embroidered with the words ‘Estelle de Mar’ sauntered up to her. He glanced briefly at the small leather pouch she was wearing close to her chest.

Miss Sherrington?

Lori nodded.

"I will take you to the Estelle de Mar, if you will follow me?" He spoke in heavily accented English, his face was unshaven and his arms were covered in lurid tattoos.

Lori had a fleeting thought that he didn’t look the type to be a crewmember for a millionaire, and then she shrugged mentally.

What would she know? She had never met one, let