The Temptation

by Vera Morris

  The door opened.

  ‘Mr Elderkin! Stuart! What a nice surprise.’ Ann Fenner beamed at him.

  ‘Can I see Mr and Mrs Pemberton, please? It’s urgent, Ann.’

  Her smile disappeared and a hand covered her mouth. ‘Is it David?’ she whispered, moving back and letting him into the hall.

  Stuart patted her hand. ‘I need to tell his parents first.’ She tried to compose herself, but he could see she was near to tears. She must have a real soft spot for the lad.

  ‘Mr Pemberton’s in the library. Mrs Pemberton isn’t in.’

  Just my luck, he thought.

  Ann led him to the library and opened the door. ‘Mr Elderkin from the detective agency to see you, Mr Pemberton.’

  Adam Pemberton was seated in an armchair before a lively fire, a newspaper in his hands. He shot up, his face paling, the paper trembling. ‘David? Is it David? You’ve found him?’

  He moved towards him, holding out his hand. ‘I’m Stuart Elderkin, Mr Pemberton. Frank Diamond would have come to give you the news, but he—’

  Adam Pemberton grasped his arm. ‘My boy, where did you find him? Where was he buried? Was he murdered?’ His body was shaking, his eyes filled with tears.

  Stuart took hold of him and held him firmly by the shoulders. ‘Hold on, sir. We have found David, and he’s alive. He’s been taken to the hospital in Ipswich. I’m here to take you to him.’

  Adam Pemberton stared at him, his mouth open, he shook his head from side to side. ‘No. It’s not possible. Are you sure? Is it really David?’ His chest was heaving and he staggered backwards, taking Stuart with him.

  Stuart manoeuvred him back to his chair, looked around, saw a whisky decanter on a sideboard and poured out a good measure into a glass. He gave it into the shaking hands of Mr Pemberton, hesitated, then poured one for himself. He wasn’t driving.

  The glass chattered against Mr Pemberton’s teeth as he swallowed the whisky.

  ‘I helped myself, hope you don’t mind, but we’ve had a hell of a time today.’

  Adam saluted him with his glass. ‘If what you say is true you can have as much whisky as you like.’

  He’d remember that.

  ‘Why is he in hospital? Is he injured? Where did you find him? What has he been doing all this time? Why didn’t he contact us? Does he want to come home? Dear God, how I’ve prayed for this day. A day I never thought would happen. I was sure if we ever found him, it would be his body.’ He put down his glass and buried his face in his hands, great sobs shaking his body.

  Stuart put an arm round his shoulders and blinked back a few tears himself. ‘He’s alive, and as far as I can see, he’s in pretty good shape. He couldn’t contact you. He’s been imprisoned all the time he’s been missing. He’s looking forward so much to seeing you and his mother.’

  Adam Pemberton looked up, tears still running down his face. ‘Imprisoned? Who did that?’

  Stuart stepped back. ‘Why don’t you get ready? There’s a police car waiting to take us to the hospital. I’ll tell you as much as I can on the journey there.’

  Mr Pemberton found a handkerchief and wiped his face. ‘Yes. Yes. Let’s go at once.’

  ‘What about Mrs Pemberton? Can you contact her?’

  He shook his head. ‘I don’t know where she is.’

  He decided not to pursue where, and who, Carol Pemberton was with. ‘Would you mind if I told Anne Fenner about David? She’s thinking the worse at the moment.’

  Adam Pemberton’s expression was changing as the news finally sank in. There was a smile on his lips and a laugh came bubbling up from his chest. ‘No, ask her to come in. I want to tell her. I want to see the look on her face.’ He was hysterical with happiness.

  Stuart found her in the kitchen, sitting on a chair, her head in her hands. She’d been crying.

  ‘Ann, Mr Pemberton wants to see you.’ It seemed cruel not to tell her, but it was Adam Pemberton who wanted to make her happy.

  She wiped her face, straightened her hair and silently followed him into the library. When she saw the look on Mr Pemberton’s face, she turned to Stuart. ‘What’s happened?’

  He shook his head.

  Adam Pemberton came up and took her hands. ‘Ann. They’ve found David and he’s alive.’

  She raised her head, a look of astonishment on her face, then she threw back her head and laughed and cried at the same time. ‘Praise be to God. Where is he?’ She turned to him. ‘How can we thank you for finding him?’ Then back to Mr Pemberton. ‘Oh, sir. I’m so happy for you.’

  Adam Pemberton regained his composure as Ann lost hers. ‘There, there, Ann. I’ll have him back as soon as possible, and you can make him one of the puddings he loves so much. I’m going with Mr Elderkin to the hospital in Ipswich. There, don’t look worried. Mr Elderkin says he’s well. I’ll tell you everything when I come back. If I decide to stay in Ipswich, I’ll phone you.’

  She withdrew her hands from his. ‘Thank you, sir. Will you give him my love?’

  Adam smiled. ‘I certainly will. Right, Mr Elderkin, shall we go?’

  There was no mention of Mrs Pemberton.

  Chapter 37

  Laurel was propped up in her hospital bed in a single room; David was next door and an armed policeman was positioned outside guarding both of them. She wasn’t sure what the threat was as Hager and Tucker were dead, but she supposed the police knew what they were doing. She’d been x-rayed, and her various injuries treated; the main damage was to her throat, where Hager had hit her, but an unpleasant internal examination had shown there was no lasting damage, and the ice-cream she was eating not only tasted delicious, but was soothing as well.

  A nurse smoothed her already smooth bedcover. ‘Is there anything else I can get you?’

  Laurel took the spoon out of her mouth. ‘That was lovely,’ she whispered. ‘Any chance of a cup of tea? I’m really thirsty.’

  ‘Certainly.’ The nurse disappeared and returned a few minutes later with the tea. ‘Are you up to seeing anyone? David Pemberton is back in his room, and Mr Diamond is with him. They asked if you were fit enough for them to pay a visit.’

  ‘Do I look awful?’ she croaked.

  The nurse raised her eyebrows. ‘Considering what you’ve been through you look amazing. Would you like me to comb your hair? I’ll try and miss the stitches.’

  ‘Please.’

  The nurse fussed round her for a few minutes. ‘There, it’s the best I can do. I’m sure they’ll understand if you’re not your sparkling best. Shall I bring them in? I think just half an hour, then you must rest.’

  Laurel smiled at her. Everyone had been so kind, praising her courage and resourcefulness. ‘Thank you.’

  ‘They’ll be glad to see you. David’s been really worried. We can’t believe he’s been found alive, it’s as though he’s back from the dead. I remember reading about his disappearance in the papers, and feeling so sorry for his parents. I know how I’d feel if any of my kids went missing.’ She left the room.

  Laurel knew she was still in shock. She hadn’t fully come to terms with all that had happened, but the main feelings were relief and joy. Relief she and David were still alive and joy he’d be reunited with his parents. The way he’s worked with her as they prepared for Hager, his courage, his boyish camaraderie; she would treasure those memories always. His fears for her and his relief when he realised she was alive were touching. She desperately hoped he’d be able to cope with the stress of the attack and long captivity, and he’d be able to have a happy life ahead of him.

  The door opened and Frank and David, dressed in hospital pyjamas and dressing gown, came in. They stood on the threshold staring at her.

  She beckoned them. ‘It is me. I know I look awful, but I’m OK.’

  Frank strode to her bedside. ‘I’d give you a kiss, but I’m not sure which bit of you is injury-free.’

  She pointed to her right cheek. ‘Try that bit.’

  Frank bent down and put
his lips gently on the spot. He whispered, ‘Laurel, you frightened me to death. Please don’t accept any more lunch invitations from mass murderers.’

  She laughed, then winced at the pain in her throat. ‘It would have helped if you’d got to me a bit sooner. How did you know I was in danger?’

  ‘It’s a long and complicated story and there’s a young man who wants to talk to you.’

  Frank stepped back and ushered David towards the bed. He shuffled forwards, looking shy and hesitant.

  She held out her hand. It was a calculated risk. She knew he didn’t like being touched, but during the danger they’d shared, he’d shown he cared for her.

  He reached out and grasped her hand briefly. ‘Laurel. You look awful.’

  Frank laughed. ‘A ladies’ man.’

  She and David giggled, then she started coughing.

  Frank held out a glass of water. ‘Try this.’

  David brought a piece of paper from behind his back. ‘This is for you. I drew it in the bathroom when we were waiting for Hager to come.’ He handed it to her.

  The sketch showed her standing, legs astride, dressed in David’s t-shirt, bare legs tensed for action, hair flowing out as though caught in a wind, a warrior look on her face and right arm raised, the stiletto clenched in her fist. Gosh, she did look fierce. Her chest swelled with pride. She felt much better already, and waved the paper at Frank.

  ‘What do you think about that? David’s a genius!’ She turned to the boy. ‘That’s the best present you could have given me, David. I was feeling a bit wimpy, but you’ve made me feel one hundred per cent better.’

  David flushed and grinned at her. ‘You saved my life. If you hadn’t come, I’m sure Hager would have killed me.’

  Frank turned to him. ‘I haven’t got it clear yet. Why did Tucker keep you a prisoner? How did he get hold of you?’ He pulled two chairs from near the wall and positioned them near her bed. He sat on one and waved to David to take the other.

  David pulled the chair near to the bed and reached out for her hand. She smiled at him and took it. ‘I went to the school after I ran away from home. I went there to rescue Peter. I knew they were doing horrible things to him. I went into the sick room and he was lying on a bed, his face covered. He was dead. I think I must have cried out. They came and she stuck a needle in me.’

  ‘The matron?’ Frank asked.

  David nodded. ‘And Salmon. When I woke up I was in the room at Tucker’s house. Tucker was kind to me but he wouldn’t let me go home. At first, when he gave me everything I needed to draw and paint, and I got anything I asked for, it wasn’t too bad. I thought Tucker had saved me. Which he had. I didn’t know he’d anything to do with Peter or John. But Hager started coming at night. He didn’t touch me, but he’d stand close to the bed and tell me all the awful things he’d done and what the men had done to Peter and John. Then I knew Tucker must be bad as well. Worse, because he was Hager’s boss.’ He pursed his lips and blew out a long breath. ‘That’s the most I’ve spoken in two years.’

  From everything she knew about David, his inability to talk at length, his dislike of being touched, it appeared that somehow, during his captivity, he’d changed. Could she ask him about it? ‘David, thank you for telling us that. It makes a lot of things clearer.’ He smiled at her, still holding her hand. ‘You can speak very clearly now. How have you managed to do that? It seems like a miracle to me.’

  David blinked and gave a wry smile. ‘When I was young, I could speak quite well, but I wouldn’t do it. I don’t know why.’ A frown clouded his face. ‘Are my parents coming?’

  ‘Yes,’ Frank said. ‘Stuart Elderkin has gone in a police car to fetch them. They’ll be overjoyed. They didn’t give up on you, David. The police investigated your disappearance, then when they couldn’t find you, your parents hired a detective agency. They weren’t successful and so they came to us.’

  David frowned. ‘I don’t want to see my mother.’

  She shot a glance at Frank. She couldn’t ask David why, but if she didn’t, perhaps he’d guess they knew the reason. Frank made a slight inclination of his head.

  ‘Why is that, David? She never gave up hope of finding you alive. She’ll be overjoyed to have you back,’ she said.

  David stuck out his lower lip. ‘I can’t tell you. I haven’t told anyone, not even Daddy.’

  She didn’t know what to say without giving away their knowledge of his mother’s infidelities. She could see Frank was feeling indecisive, wanting to say something to help the boy, but unsure of his words.

  ‘David, your mother has obviously done something which has upset you,’ Frank said. ‘I don’t know if what she did was right or wrong, but she does love you. What you’ve been through for the past two years is unimaginable. Your parents have suffered, too. Perhaps you’ll be able to forgive your mother, talk to her, now you are older and more mature. You’ll be able to make a fresh start as a family.’

  David glared at him. ‘You don’t know what she did.’

  Frank didn’t reply.

  There were the sounds of voices approaching. She could hear Elderkin and another man. The man was laughing.

  David stood up, his eyes widening. ‘That’s Daddy!’

  The door opened and Adam Pemberton burst into the room, followed by Stuart Elderkin.

  Adam, laughing with joy, opened his arms and David flew into them.

  ‘My boy! My boy!’ Adam buried his face in David’s hair and David hugged his father as though he’d never let go of him. Adam’s shoulders started to heave as laughter turned to jagged bursts of tears.

  David raised his head. ‘Don’t cry, Daddy, I won’t ever leave you. I promise I won’t run away again.’

  Adam smiled through his tears and kissed him on the forehead. He seemed too choked to say any more.

  ‘Mr Pemberton, let me introduce Laurel Bowman,’ Frank said.

  Adam, an arm still round his son, moved to the bed and shook her hand. ‘Mr Elderkin told me how you saved David. I can’t really understand everything that’s happened, but I thank you from the bottom of my heart.’

  Tears ran down her cheeks. ‘I’m so glad David is alive and with you. He deserves a lot of the credit. We worked well together, didn’t we?’

  David, leaning against his father, wiped tears from his cheeks and grinned. ‘We were prepared to fight, Daddy. We were going to throw books and records at him, and pots of paint and water and, er …pee.’ He dissolved into a fit of giggles against his father’s chest.

  Adam was looking at him in astonishment. ‘David, you’re speaking so well.’

  David pulled a face. ‘Sorry, Daddy, I was a bit naughty, I could speak but I didn’t. I’ve been practising for two years. The telly helped, I used to talk to the people on the screen. Tucker gave me a lot of books, and at first he used to help me. When I found out what he was really like, I wouldn’t let him.’

  Adam looked at him in amazement, shaking his head.

  He’s a one off, she thought. Such a strong will. That’s how he managed to survive the isolation. She looked round. In the heat of their reunion she hadn’t realised Mrs Pemberton was not here.

  David seemed to have made the same connection. ‘Where’s Mummy?’

  Adam’s face changed. ‘She wasn’t at home when Mr Elderkin came. Ann will tell her when she gets in.’

  ‘Is Ann still with us?’

  ‘Yes, she’s overjoyed. She sends her love and she’ll be making your favourite pudding.’

  David’s face split into a wide smile. ‘I’m glad she’s at home. I like Ann.’

  ‘Yes, she’s a good woman.’

  At these words David’s face darkened. ‘Daddy, I need to talk to you alone.’

  She shivered. Surely the boy wasn’t going to tell his father about his mother?

  Adam looked puzzled.

  ‘We can go to my room. It’s next door,’ David said.

  ‘Please excuse us. Once more thank you, all of you, for w
hat you’ve done. I can never tell you how much this means to me.’ Adam put a hand on his son’s shoulders. ‘Show me the way, David.’

  Chapter 38

  Monday, 5th April, 1971

  Frank held his breath and lowered his head below the soapy bath water. He blew out air, then sat up, water rolling down his shoulders. He’d escaped to his cottage, to try to make sense of everything that had happened. The last nine days had been the longest of his life.

  He, Laurel, and also David Pemberton had been questioned non-stop. One statement being followed by others, culminating in interviews with people who were obviously either in MI5 or MI6, or both. The deaths of Tucker and Hager and the operation they had run, had sent shock waves right to the top of the establishment. Frank thought he knew what they’d been up to, and he’d told his questioners his suspicions. Blackmail. From what Sam Harrop had said on the cassette tape, he’d been blackmailed into certifying death certificates of murdered children. The technique used on him was probably used on other people. People like Dr Luxton. Had he been blackmailed for money? Or more likely for information. What secrets had he passed on to Tucker? It was the contents of the envelopes addressed to the editors of the main daily papers, and others, that was causing concern.

  According to Stuart, Revie had opened one of the envelopes and immediately phoned his superior. He’d secured all the envelopes and refused to discuss their contents with anyone. Frank was frustrated by the lack of information coming back to him, Laurel and all the team. He wanted to know what had happened at the school. Had Baron been arrested? Were all the children at the school safe? And David? What had he told his father? Adam Pemberton hadn’t come back to Laurel’s room after Frank and Stuart had left the hospital. When Frank came back the next morning David had gone home.

  How was he coping? What effect would the last two years have on his future life? And Laurel? After a checkup and a night in hospital, she’d insisted on coming back to Greyfriars, but the repeated questioning about her time in Tucker’s house hadn’t given her a chance to come to terms with nearly being raped and murdered by Hager. In six months she’d been attacked by two killers. Could he expect her to be able, or want, to go on working at their agency? He was finding it difficult coming to terms with deliberately killing a human being. A terrible man. But he’d pulled the trigger and he’d dealt him a fatal blow – the post-mortem revealed he’d broken Hager’s neck.