The Secrets Of Mead

by Michaela James

  Craig nodded. “He’s been through, well … too much.”

  “Mike told us about the scene in the Duck,” Edward replied with a grimace. “Cynthia informed the Sunday lunch crowd they were living amongst an incestual couple. I suspect she lost most of her audience at that point. Nonetheless, she went on to say half of this couple was Mead’s illustrious mayor.”

  “Poor, angry Cynthia. She was rather in the middle of it all.”

  “We were surprised to see her driving around in Jude’s sports car,” Edward said.

  “The story, as I heard it,” Craig explained, “was Jude used to drive an old Golf GTI. Soon after he and Cynthia started dating, she convinced him to buy a new Porsche. Coincidentally, her ex-husband, Mark, owned an older version of the same car. I imagine Jude, despite having good cause, felt bad for ending their relationship. It was a nice gesture to will the car to her, and I suspect quite appreciated. I’ve seen her in it too. She looks like the cat that caught the canary.”

  Grace laughed. “Ruth from the post office told us, she’ll circle the pub and shop until she’s able to park right next to Mark’s car.”

  Craig shook his head. “Let’s hope that gets old before too long.”

  “Mark is Ashley and Jude’s son,” Grace said, eyes wide. “It might take a while before that sinks in.”

  “Sperm donation is something we’ve all heard of,” Edward said. “Until you’re caught up in its long-reaching tentacles, you don’t give it much thought. Ashley never knew Jude. She’d never set eyes on the man, and yet he’s the father of her son. Is there anything more binding, more intimate, than sharing a child?”

  Grace clasped her husband’s hand. “If we’re finding it hard to contemplate, imagine how the children feel.”

  “After Tracy learned the truth about her parentage,” Craig said, “she joined a support group. She said many there confessed to wishing their conception resulted from a drunken romp rather than the reality. They felt their start in life was sterile and impersonal. The romp, they explained, would at least have involved some passion. The connection of two people, at the very least.”

  “We met Tracy’s parents,” Grace said. “Her father illustrates children’s books. He's thrilled with the inspiration Mead's giving him.”

  “It’s still not decided if they’ll move here,” Edward added. “You could certainly feel some tension between them.”

  “I imagine the deception is hard to get over,” Craig responded. “Many parents, understandably, choose not to disclose the truth. But then if it does come out, it makes things so much harder on all concerned.”

  Grace and I weren’t able to have children,” Edward confided. “Perhaps Mark, in time, might permit us to fuss over him a little.”

  Craig smiled. “I think there’s a very strong likelihood he will.”

  73

  Two months later

  The Vicarage

  “He came to Mass a few times. Looked at the hymns but never sang them.”

  “Jude?” Craig enquired.

  “Yes. Syd’s a regular, so I presume she convinced him to give it a try.” Rubbing the fingers of one hand over the knuckle of his other, George continued, “I wish I’d known he was in pain. Wish I’d been able to offer him some words of encouragement. Such a small village and yet we’re unaware of each other’s struggles.”

  “Do you think?” Craig asked, “it was fear of what’s to come?”

  “Partly, I would imagine,” George replied. “Syd, I believe, he considered a blessing. I understand it was a while before she told him about her marriage to Mark. I think that was too hard for Jude to reconcile. Certainly, the odds of half-siblings, meeting, let alone marrying are low. But it happened, and Jude felt responsible for what Syd and Mark went through. The odds of many more children looking for him, wanting answers, those were high.”

  “And we’ll never know how many more are out there,” Craig stated.

  “I should have told you about those boxes the first time you mentioned a thirty-year-old mystery,” George admitted.

  “You’d forgotten they were there,” Craig responded kindly. “And even if you had remembered, it was impossible for you to know their significance.”

  “Did Claudette admit to burning them in the old barn?” George enquired.

  “She was evasive, but I'm certain those were the clinic’s records. Claudette is adamant; she provided an invaluable service and wants nothing said to the contrary.”

  “As we’re painfully aware,” George said. “Thank you, Lord, we got to Syd in time.”

  “That was terrifying for Sydney,” Craig agreed, “but I don’t believe Claudette had a chance there. I’m inclined to give her insanity plea more credit when I think about that day. Did she really imagine Sydney would drink anything she handed her?”

  “My wonderful housekeeper, Maude, overhead Norman in News and Food the other day. He was telling people how he’d been right all along. Jude did, in fact, take his own life.”

  Craig shook his head. “If that helps him sleep at night, let him have it.”

  “You’ve made an impression on this village, Craig. You won’t be forgotten.”

  “Thank you, George. I had planned on living out my days here. But I think a broken heart heals faster when not surrounded by people who are acutely aware of what broke it.”

  “Your presence in Saint Andrews tomorrow is most certainly a step in the right direction.”

  Smiling, Craig responded, “I’m looking forward to it.”

  74

  Saint Andrews Church

  Unable to stop himself, Craig turned as Sydney entered the church.

  Feeling an alarming inability to breathe, he watched her walk towards him.

  “Keep calm,” his friend Henry urged. “You can do this.”

  Sydney, her dark hair held loosely in a low bun, smiled at his expression of uneasiness.

  Margaret swiveled in her seat to get the same viewpoint as Craig. “No wonder it took him so long to solve dear Jude’s passing," she whispered to her husband. "He was too busy swooning over Sydney Bennet.”

  His eyes on the altar, Lloyd, replied, “He’d have solved it a darn sight quicker if certain people had been honest.”

  “Well I hope you’re not referring to me,” Margaret retorted. “I am always honest and extremely discreet. I could have revealed Claudette’s whereabouts at any time but chose not to.”

  Lloyd changed the subject. “The new doctor’s working out well. He said his wife loves Mead.”

  “She must have money,” Margaret said. “How else could they afford Andrew Beauchamp’s place. Their children are very well behaved. It’s good to have some youngsters in the village again.”

  “She’s the young lady who taught you to ride,” Mrs. Paulson said as Syd took her place at the front of the church.

  “Yes,” Tracy replied. “She also gave me a pig and two horses.”

  “That’s very kind. I hope you two stay in touch.”

  “Of course, we will,” Tracy responded. “She’s my sister, and I’m extremely fond of her.”

  Lifting her chin towards a man sitting in the opposite pew, Tracy’s mother asked, “And your brother?”

  “Mark,” Tracy said with a smile. “He’s wonderful. I’ll never need therapy now I’ve found him. We talk, laugh, drink and cry and then drink some more and laugh some more.”

  Mr. Paulson suppressed a chuckle. “Sounds ideal. He’s invited me to use his sunroom so I can sketch that incredible bluebell field.”

  Nodding, Tracy said, “Shush, the vicar’s about to start.”

  Mark felt Grace’s hand squeeze his. “I’m okay,” he assured her.

  “When a child is in the womb,” George began, “they hear their mother’s heartbeat. Studies now suggest they also hear their mother’s voice. The moment a child is born, they hear new voices and numerous sounds.”

  Cynthia leaned in towards her boyfriend. “This is why I don’t come to church. Vic
ars prattle on too much. Do you think it’s a requisite to the job? The head vicar dude says, do you like the sound of your own voice? You do. Great, you’re hired.”

  “I like him,” Cynthia’s new beau retorted. “I want to hear where he’s going with this theme.”

  Cynthia scowled before returning her attention to the altar.

  “Our life begins in a very solitary fashion,” George continued. “But God doesn’t intend for it to stay that way. We are nurtured by our mothers in preparation to nurture and care for all the souls we meet.”

  Chalmers Dixon let out a loud howl. Smiling towards the baby, George continued, “Today is a perfect day for acknowledging how much love we have to share. It’s abundant in all of us. Give it freely and don’t hold back. Now, I ask everyone present if there is any reason in law why this couple should not marry.”

  “I’d check the groom’s had a blood test first,” Cynthia hissed to her boyfriend. “Might want to make sure they’re not related.”

  The best man stepped forward and handed the vicar two gold rings.

  75

  The Dying Duck

  “I confess it feels strange being back here after so many years.”

  Grace smiled. “If I remember correctly, you kept to your room but did accept a sandwich for the train ride back to London.”

  “I hope I wasn’t rude,” Ellen Bennett replied. “I was on a mission and had this bizarre notion people may try to change my mind.”

  “You weren’t rude,” Grace assured her. “It’s such a pleasure meeting you again as Syd’s mom.”

  Ellen looked towards her daughter. “I was more than a little hesitant about her moving to Mead. While understanding her desire to know Jude, I’d always hoped she wouldn’t feel the need. We imagine, or just delude ourselves that we’re enough. If I give my child ample love and attention, it’ll fill the void from the missing parent.”

  Grace placed a hand on Ellen’s arm. “You did a wonderful job raising your daughter. She is so loved and respected here in Mead.”

  Tracy put her arm around Sydney’s shoulders. “Why didn’t you tell me Craig had two handsome brothers?”

  Sydney smiled. “I didn’t know myself until recently. My husband doesn’t talk about his family much.”

  Tracy scrunched up her nose. “Good point. Where are his parents?”

  “They divorced when Craig was very young,” Sydney explained. “Once the boys were grown, their mum moved to New Zealand. A few years after that, their father died.”

  “That’s sad,” Tracy mumbled while sipping on her Pimm’s. “Are the brothers married?”

  “Just the one. Come on; I’ll introduce you.”

  Blushing at the thought, Tracy replied. “First you need to meet my parents. They’ve been driving me mad with questions about you.”

  “How are things going there?” Sydney enquired.

  Playing with her straw, Tracy replied, “We’re not happy families yet. They want to be, and I guess I do too. I can’t completely forgive them for what they did because I don’t think it’s right or fair. But, I can understand it more now and well; they're my parents.”

  Mark handed Craig a beer. “You’re a lucky man.”

  Looking towards Sydney as she chatted with the Paulsons, Craig replied, “The luckiest.”

  “I promise I won’t follow you,” Mark joked.

  “You’re not the reason we’re leaving. Sydney came here for Jude, and now he’s gone, she wants to make a fresh start somewhere new.”

  “I don’t think I ever really understood how much she loved the man,” Mark confided.

  “I’m with you,” Craig agreed. “I was so focused on solving his murder; I couldn’t see her heart was broken.”

  “We were all closely guarding secrets. I’m surprised you could see anything.”

  “It did make my job difficult,” Craig admitted.

  “But you’ll still miss us?” Mark asked with a grin.

  “I will. Once you get past that initial crusty exterior, the residents of Mead are lovely people.”

  “Come now Detective,” Mark urged. “I think your recent nuptials have distorted your view. Some crusty exteriors will reveal an equally thick layer of selfishness and greed.”

  “Are you referring to your dear old grandfather?” Craig enquired.

  “I looked for him in the church,” Mark replied. “Not a huge surprise, he stayed away.”

  “Sydney and I didn’t invite him,” Craig explained. “We knew his presence would be uncomfortable for another attendee. At Sydney’s request, we’ll stop by tomorrow morning and say goodbye. She suspects it may be the last chance she has. Lloyd Atwell says Reginald’s health has taken a downward turn lately.”

  Mark studied his beer bottle. “I suppose I could pay him a brief visit. Thank him for all the cash he’s put into the cricket club.” Meeting Craig’s eyes, Mark added, “I appreciate you remembering my mum’s story. Edward and Grace told me how you put the pieces together. Turns out, not only can the Clarks cook a great Indian curry, but they love Jazz, too. We’ve had some great evenings and bless them; they attend every cricket game.”

  “Did someone mention cricket?” Sydney asked with a smile.

  Turning and opening his arm to her, Craig replied, “When your brother’s in the room, cricket will always be mentioned.”

  Sydney looked at Mark. “A little bird told me, the club finally has a name.”

  Eyes narrowed, Mark replied. “See, this is why I didn’t tell you. I knew you’d make a big soppy deal out of it.”

  Giggling, Sydney responded, “Tell Craig what you’ve called it.”

  Through clenched teeth, Mark said, “The Jude Ryland Cricket Club.”

  Raising his beer bottle, Craig said, “I think that’s a brilliant name.”

  Eyes still narrowed in Sydney’s direction, Mark said, “Turns out my real father was a pretty decent guy. Don’t know too many decent guys, present company excluded, so didn’t have a ton of names to choose from.”

  Placing a hand on Mark’s shoulder, Sydney said, “It’s a good name and a great club.”

  In an attempt to force sadness aside, Craig exclaimed, “I think it’s time we all sat down. Sue and Mike have prepared quite the feast.”

  “Did they just push all the little ones together?” Margaret asked her husband. Lloyd took his seat at the long table.

  “I presume so, but with this cloth over them, you can’t even tell.”

  Margaret scrunched up her features. “I don’t understand why they didn’t go for a Harrington hotel. We could be sitting in one of those elegant reception rooms right now.”

  “That’s not what Syd and Craig wanted,” Lloyd replied. “They chose a small intimate wedding followed by a casual meal in their local pub. I think it’s perfect.”

  Margaret raised pencil-thin brows. “Well good luck getting the smell of grease-laden chips out of your hair.”

  Nigel, his parents either side of him, called out across the table, “Where are you going on your honeymoon?”

  “Australia,” Craig responded happily. “With a stop off in New Zealand to see my mother.”

  “And after that?” Rachel enquired from her place next to David.

  “London,” Craig replied. “At least while Sydney works on lobbying and so forth.”

  “Detective Monroe will be consulting with Scotland Yard,” David informed his friends proudly.

  “Really?” Rachel and Nigel replied in stereo.

  “It’s just a year’s contract,” Craig responded modestly.

  Norman raised his champagne glass. “If they ever need a coroner, just say the word, Craig. It’s been a pleasure working with you.”

  Curtailing a smile, Craig raised his glass. “Likewise, Norman.”

  On the pretext of bringing her daughter a jug of cream, Marcia Bell whispered, “You see that handsome man at the end of the table. He’s Craig’s younger brother and lives not far from you in the city.”

&n
bsp; “I see him,” Rachel replied. “When Lizzie stops talking to him, I’ll say hello.”

  Smiling broadly, Marcia returned to her place four seats down.

  “Do you plan to sell your lovely home?” George asked the new bride.

  Swallowing a mouthful of yorkshire pudding, Syd replied, “I probably should, but confess I can’t bring myself to do it. Luckily, Caroline was at that point of wanting her own place. We’ve agreed she’ll lease it from me, for as long as she wants.”

  “At a ridiculously low price,” Caroline declared from across the table.

  Syd shook her head. “Your rent covers the mortgage. I hope the day never comes where I need to extort money from friends.”

  Standing suddenly, Cynthia lifted her champagne glass. “I want to say that I’m sorry Jude is gone. He was too young to die, and I’m sorry I wasn’t nicer to him or understood what he was dealing with. I’m … well; I'm just sorry.” Her boyfriend looking on helplessly, Cynthia ran from the table. Rachel, after whispering something to David, followed her new friend outside.

  Pausing an in-depth conversation, she’d been having with Craig’s older brother, Tracy stated, “That was long overdue.”

  Turning to face Craig, Sydney asked, “Have I thanked you enough for your patience and understanding?”

  Gently kissing her lips, Craig said, “Have I thanked you enough for agreeing to marry me?”

  “I’m serious. You’re a brave and wonderful man.”

  Craig laughed. “Admittedly, not all wives have ex-husbands who are also their brother but hey, what a great story to tell our kids.”

  Taking his face in her hands, Sydney replied, “I am so excited to start a family with you. I’d like four. Are you fine with four?”

  “I’m fine with four,” Craig replied honestly.

  “Made with love for the happy couple,” Molly declared, placing a three-tiered pink and white cake in the center of the table.

  Exclamations of delight and praise were voiced. Guests then reached for mobile phones to capture the cutting of the cake.