Page 78 of The Wedding Proposal
Chapter Twenty-Six
The centre had quite a different vibe now the schools had shut for summer. The attendance of younger children had increased and the atmosphere became more about play.
Carmelo was hanging out in the computer room when Elle finally arrived, and his face lit up. ‘You are not here this morning,’ he accused.
Elle grinned. ‘No, I had to do something. Nothing to worry about, though. So, what are you doing on the computer, today?’
‘I make an e-mail to Mr Bernie Ecclestone.’ Carmelo sat back, indicating the screen.
Startled, Elle read the e-mail over his shoulder. ‘You’re asking Mr Ecclestone to arrange a Formula 1 race in Malta?’
Carmelo beamed. ‘I think it is a good idea. I like Formula1. I’m for Ferrari.’
‘Good choice.’ She wondered quite where in Malta Carmelo envisaged a Formula 1 circuit being built. Maybe it could be added to the sports facilities at Ta’ Qali or The Marsa. ‘Where are you going to get Mr Ecclestone’s e-mail address?’
‘I don’t know.’ Carmelo’s expression became expectant, deep brown eyes fixed on her.
She pulled up a chair. ‘So we probably need to find out more about him, don’t we? Where do you think you might find information? Where do you find lots and lots of information?’
‘Wikipedia.’
‘OK. Let’s start there.’
While Carmelo found the relevant page, Elle signed into the vacant machine beside him. Then she was drawn back into trying, without success, to find an e-mail address for Mr Bernie Ecclestone through various companies of which he was the CEO. He proved elusive.
‘Not there.’ Carmelo sighed despondently.
Elle didn’t want to discourage Carmelo from his aims by suggesting he do something easier, even though she didn’t think that Mr Ecclestone would base a decision about where to hold a race on the wishes of a small boy who would never be able to afford to go to a grand prix anyway. ‘What about the Maltese government?’ she suggested. ‘It’s probably their job to make the request.’
Carmelo brightened. ‘And then I will nikteb e-mail bil-Malti.’
‘Write the e-mail in Maltese? That would be much easier, wouldn’t it?’
It didn’t take long for them to find the website for SportMalta and the contact details of the offices; then Elle was able to leave Carmelo to his e-mail, writing Maltese not being within her skill set, and turn her attention to what she needed to do. E-mail Simon.
To: Simon.Rose
From: Elle.Jamieson
Subject: News about Charlie
Simon,
Just to let you know that things have changed a bit on board the Shady Lady. Charlie’s got a concussion and a broken leg after falling off the flybridge last night.
She gave him the details of Charlie being an idiot and Lucas a hero.
He’s going to be OK but Fiona and Geoffrey flew straight out here. Loz and Davie kindly offered me accommodation on Seadancer so I’ve jumped ship (ho ho) to make room for Fiona and Geoffrey.
No need to explain that Loz and Davie made the offer weeks ago and Elle only took them up on it once she knew Fiona and Geoffrey were en route. It could be viewed that she’d done a nice thing by moving out so that Fiona and Geoffrey could enjoy the comforts of the master cabin.
Or it could be viewed as cowardice. She hadn’t completely made up her own mind.
She finished with an airy Just to update you as I’m in front of a computer and the others probably all have plenty to do.
How are you doing with the bars and the women? ? xxx.
Simon’s reply came a few hours later. She was still in the computer room, making up for missing the morning session. Or knowing it was a safe hidey-hole where her path wasn’t likely to cross with Fiona’s. Take your pick.
