Archie the Royal Hot Water Bottle

  Chapter 13

  Crystal's illness had created a small problem for Richard: she was in the city, not in Botswana where he thought she was going to be. If she had been in Africa he would have visited her there for a few days or a week and then returned to his usual life. The break would have caused narry a ripple in the pond of self absorption he lived in. 

  He rearranged his schedule so he could be with her and as the days passed found it a delight to chat to her. Although still young, Crystal had been exposed to many things and had many cultured interests, a fact she kept well hidden from her social circle who were the rich and idle: clubbers, race goers and polo enthusiasts.

  So Crystal's relationship with the musical Richard allowed her to display a depth he hadn't expected. They talked of music and gradually, other things. He found it easy to be with her and looked forward to his visits. It was a surprise to him that they had so much in common. It was obvious their relationship would deepen and develop and this pleased him because he intended to marry Crystal as soon as he could. 

  Their marriage would be a happy one; they'd have children and a life at the pinnacle of society. It was all decided, at least by Richard. All he had to do was get through this difficult period of courtship but Richard was a coper, so he coped. He was disciplined so he brought discipline to bear on his schedule.

  Sessions with his teacher, practice and rehearsals for the small concerts he was beginning to give were not affected. It was his time for relaxation that caused him the most difficulty.

  In the first weeks he found he had little time to unwind as he was spending that time at the Palace. He was exhausted most days with the effort of establishing a non sexual relationship with Crystal and the exhaustion helped him to sleep but as time passed and he relaxed in Crystal's company he began to long for a return to his usual, after hours, routine.

  All of this was watched of course. As a royal Crystal had twenty hour protection. When Jeff started the deep background check on Richard his detail was increased. Richard didn't know it but he enjoyed round the clock protection as well: he was discreetly accompanied by a variety of officers wherever he went and, being sure he'd left his past behind in New Zealand, never suspected.

  Watchers watch and they report. Jeff read the daily reports and built up a picture of Richard's life that for a time was not out of synch with what he related to Crystal. When Richard returned to his usual routine Jeff was the first to know. He waited for a few days until a pattern was established, he had the pattern checked by other watchers and then he was sure. Richard was leading a double life.