Whipped: An Arthur Beauchamp Novel(60)
THE SIERRA FILE
Wednesday, October 9
Dear Arthur,
I have just returned to my empty flat on rue de la Visitation from a fortnight in the Gatineau hills, where I made forays from a comfortable little hostelry in a village delightfully called Kazabazua, near Lac Vert.
Kazabazua (called Kaz locally) is the Algonquin word for underground river, and one does in fact disappear for several metres before surfacing and passing under a pretty bridge near my inn.
Residents are bilingual and very friendly. Those I chatted with in the restaurant and tavern found me rather fun and charming, I believe. I was a retired gentleman seeking to buy a chalet for my family. My children and grandchildren were skiing enthusiasts, unlike me, a clumsy oaf.
For what it’s worth, I now have one confirmed sighting of a blue Miata, this from a bartender who once owned a similar model. (As did I, I lied.) He recalled that about mid-morning one day last March or April it accelerated past his vehicle heading north on the Laurentian Highway, not far from Kaz. In his rear-view, he glimpsed a lone woman at the wheel. Une fumelle blonde.
Not very probative, I agree, but every bit counts. Of greater interest is that Emil Farquist has put his holiday home up for sale. Discreetly. No realtor’s sign is posted at his entrance road, no advertising of any kind.
My cover turned out to be un coup d’eclat, giving me access to area realtors, a talkative lot from whom I learned that the scene of the crime, as it were, is being shown by a private broker in Ottawa.
Her name is Rhoda Plumb, who, my inquiries revealed, is also a Conservative fundraiser. I met her by appointment at her downtown brokerage office. She was wary, fearing perhaps I was some kind of spy or investigator. But she recognized the names of the Gatineau realtors who had tipped me off, and seemed comforted to learn I had prospered through the private gem trade. I said I was interested only in a cash deal and her ears perked up.
She was careful not to mention the name of the vendor, but gave me a brochure with the specs on his property, described as “a stunning, private lakeside chalet on four pristine acres.”
Offered at $750,000. The owner was motivated.
Ms. Plumb advised that the property is encumbered with a $200,000 mortgage, and here I must admit to a horrendous lapse. I’d been aware of that mortgage — it’s recorded on the Quebec Land Register — but only on gong back to it online did I realize it was taken out on May 25, just a few days before Svetlana Glinka, according to Mr. Sabatino, suddenly lost interest in destroying Farquist’s political career. Telling, yes?
A few days later, Ms. Plumb picked me up at my inn and drove me to the chalet. I would love to say that I found various bondage implements lying about, but there was only furniture, nicely arranged for show. All personal possessions had been removed to storage. Photographs of the interior are being couriered by separate package.
I realize this doesn’t get us very far, but I think we can assume that Mr. Farquist’s legal fees are not being covered by the government, let alone whatever substantial sum was paid to Ms. Glinka.
Meantime, in my role as prospective neighbour, I made several fruitless attempts to connect with the other two property owners on this stretch of the lakeshore. They have not been out to the lake since summer. A groundskeeper serves the three properties but he seems to be avoiding my attempts at contact. I shall return.
As to Svetlana Glinka, I now have a lead, through various brain-deadening efforts on search engines, to a woman of that name who has recently opened a business on the French Riviera.
My flight leaves on Sunday.
Wish me well, as I wish the same for you.
Francisco
THE CLIPPINGS FILE
The Bleat, Wednesday, October 16
by Nelson Forbish
Almost our entire island and much more turned out at Starkers Cove for the Thanksgiving fundraising barbecue for Margaret Blake. Counting about 60 boats anchored in the cove, I’d guesstimate at least 400 locals and visitors came by to meet and greet her and enjoy the Transformation Mission’s homegrown chickens, ham, lamb, and veggies.
Margaret made a spirited talk asking voters not to believe in the polls and predicting that the Greens would surprise everyone on Monday. She accused the Conservative government of making an under-the-table deal to get Russian financing for the Coast Mountains Pipeline, saying it stinks. (See her Report from Ottawa, page 2.)
Margaret has just returned from the East on her cross-country “Train Campaign,” and, with five days to go before the election, she will be swinging up through Vancouver Island with a final weekend rally in Victoria.
Several fellow journalists from the mainland were on island enjoying our traditional hospitality, and despite a few complaints of overcooking from a cynical few, especially the ones from Ontario, this reporter had no beefs and even rejoined the line for seconds.
I learned the feast almost decimated the Transformers’ flocks and herds, and when asked about this, Spiritual Leader Jason Silverson said, “We believe in giving back. Whatever bounty we are blessed with, we share with all.”
Music was provided by the Fensom Family Singers, backed up by the Garibaldi Highlanders. Guided tours helped acquaint off-islanders with the Transformers’ program for sustainable, healthy living, and included a Q and A with the Eastern mystic Baba Sri Rameesh in his tent.
Your intrepid reporter dared approach His Grace after that session and got him to agree graciously to an interview and a profile. Expect a front-page exclusive in the next few weeks.