The Anita Waller Collection

by Anita Waller

  Around four o’clock, Claudia woke, demanded more pain relief and drifted off again. Heather kissed her and said she was going home via the cemetery and would be back the following day. Claudia gave a weak smile and slept.

  ‘She’ll be at the bloody cemetery,’ James mumbled. After all, he wasn’t speaking to anyone, just himself. He checked his watch. She normally went Saturday afternoon, so he reckoned if he went around half past twelve, waited in the top car park that looked down onto the children’s area, he would see her car arrive and head for the small parking spots down the hill, closest to the graves.

  He filled a flask with coffee and fifteen minutes later was pulling in to the cemetery. He had a perfect view of the lower parking area and hoped she would be there sooner rather than later. He took out his phone, clicked on Marilyn in Messenger, and chatted for half an hour, his eyes never leaving the cars entering and exiting.

  After disconnecting, he poured out a coffee. ‘Come on, woman,’ he growled. ‘Where the hell are you? Any other Saturday you’d be here by now…’ And his voice faded away as he realised she was going to come later, precisely because she knew what time he would be waiting for her.

  He laughed aloud. He could wait just as long as it took. He opened the car window, rested his head against the doorframe and settled in for a potentially long wait.

  The irritation set in around half past three, and when the little dark blue car pulled into the car park he raised the window and left his vehicle. His view of the lower area was obscured as he walked down the curving road, but he knew she was always there for at least half an hour. He wasn’t sure of the exact location of the grave, but apart from Claudia’s car, the small car park was empty, indicating no other parents were there; she would stand out.

  He reached the bottom of the hill and looked on the slope towards where he remembered the grave to be. There was only her.

  He walked up quietly; she was kneeling with her back to him and sorting out the flowers she had brought.

  ‘I knew you’d come,’ he said quietly, when he was about ten feet away.

  Heather jumped and turned to face him.

  ‘What the…?’ he growled.

  ‘Hello, James. I thought you’d forgotten where the grave was. Do you want me to leave you on your own? I can come back later.’

  ‘You know very well why I’m here. Where’s Claudia?’

  ‘Oh, come on, James. I’ll leave you to guess why she’s not here.’ Heather picked up the scissors she had used to shorten the flower stems, and while James had never revealed his nasty side to her, she was aware there was always a first time.

  ‘So where is she?’

  ‘Recovering.’

  ‘Recovering from what?’

  ‘You.’

  He took a step back. ‘What the hell do you mean, woman?’

  ‘Don’t woman me, you sanctimonious git. I’ve known what’s been going on for years, and I’ve supported Claudia through all the beatings, but rape, James? That’s a whole new ball game.’

  ‘Rape? What the hell do you mean?’

  ‘You don’t know what rape is? It’s when sex is forced upon somebody who has clearly said no, or when someone has been hit prior to the act, after they’ve said no. The operative word is no.’ She held the scissors tighter.

  He blanched. Christ, had Claudia told this bloody woman everything? ‘I’ve never raped anybody. She’s my wife.’

  ‘You think there can’t be rape in marriage? You raped her two weeks ago. And don’t forget I know, and both Zoe and David saw the red mark on her cheek from where you’d hit her. And we’ve got the blouse where you ripped off the buttons. Put all that together, with Claudia’s story, and you’ve got rape, pal. Now back off, ‘cos I’m not telling you where we are. And I don’t want to see you at Owen’s funeral, not anywhere near it. Make your excuses to your kids as soon as you like – you’re good at making excuses for not coming home, aren’t you?’ She raised the scissors. ‘Piss off to Marilyn. Maybe she wants you, but Claudia doesn’t.’

  James took another backwards step, and without saying another word, turned and walked down the slope heading for the road.

  Five minutes later she saw his car go past, and she dropped to the edge of the grave and sobbed.

  Heather finished off making the flowers look pretty, gathered up all the rubbish and knelt by the graveside. She told Ella about her mummy, explaining she wasn’t well and for the next few weeks Aunty Heather would be visiting, but it wouldn’t be long before Mummy was well again. Heather quickly wiped down the headstone, finger-kissed it, and headed back down to the car, disposing of all the rubbish in the wire crate.

  She knew she couldn’t take the risk of going home. He could be anywhere, preparing even now to follow her. She sat and thought for a moment, then took out her phone.

  ‘Michelle? You got a couple of hours spare? I need to talk to you. There’s a problem. Don’t worry if you’re going out, I am aware it’s Saturday night,’ she laughed.

  ‘I’m not going out, but Steve’s going for a game of snooker. You’re very welcome. You know where I live?’

  ‘I know the road. What number is it?’

  ’Seventy-two. You coming now?’

  ‘If that’s okay? I can’t go home at the moment.’

  ‘Then you’ll be in time for spag bol. Is it both of you?’

  ‘No, just me. And thank you, that will be lovely. Claudia’s in hospital. I’ll explain when I see you. I’ll be there in about ten minutes.’

  Heather put the little Fiesta into drive and left the cemetery, looking all around for the larger Kia. She didn’t see him but knew of old just how devious James Bell was. She looked into her rear-view mirror far more than she looked through the windscreen on the drive to Michelle’s, cursing James all the way.

  Michelle came out of her front door, accompanied by Steve, as Heather pulled up. Steve walked around to the driver door and opened it.

  ‘You okay?’

  ‘I’m fine.’ She smiled. ‘I didn’t see any sign of the car I was worried might be following me, but he’s that bloody clever…’

  ‘Then let’s get you inside, and you can relax,’ Michelle joined in.

  ‘What car is it?’ Steve asked.

  ‘Kia Sportage, same colour as this Fiesta.’

  Steve nodded. ‘I’ll look out for it later.’

  The spag bol was delicious and Michelle had already insisted that Heather stay there for the night.

  ‘If he has followed you to here, and hidden the car, it’ll be a long night for him. We’ll sort you out in the morning, get you back home. And you might want to give thought to using the garage, instead of leaving the car out on the road. He’s less likely to spot it by accident then.’

  ‘I’d decided that on the way here. We need to be a lot more careful. I suspect Claudia isn’t going to be physically capable of handling him for a few weeks at least. He was pretty scary in the cemetery, and I made it obvious I’d a pair of scissors in my hand. Whether I could have used them is another matter, but he didn’t know that.’

  Steve came through to them and bent to kiss his wife. ‘Won’t be in late. And ring if there’s a problem. There are a couple of bottles of wine in the fridge if you’re thirsty.’ He grinned.

  Michelle walked with him to the door and slid on the bolt. She knew he would do their pre-arranged knock when he returned.

  ‘So, Claudia. Is she okay?’

  Heather shook her head. ‘Far from it. This is in confidence now, Michelle. Just the three of us will know about this.’

  And Heather began to talk, and to cry. She left nothing out of the events over the past two weeks, and when she had finished Michelle went to the fridge and brought the wine through.

  ‘We need this,’ she said. ‘And what you’ve told me, stays with me. Will you tell Claudia I know?’

  ‘Yes, I’ll tell her tomorrow.’

  Michelle handed Heather a glass, and then sat down by her side. ‘I saw
my ex today. George Ullyat he’s called, just in case you ever cross swords with him. I thought he was going to come into the shop, but he didn’t. He just stared through the window at me, and then pointed. It’s such a threatening thing, but I don’t worry now as much as I used to. He does it all the time, and he knows Steve would hammer him if he laid a finger on me.’

  ‘What’s wrong with men that they feel the need to beat women? Is it just because we’re physically weaker and mentally stronger? They know they can’t win in the brains department, so they shut us down using fear and pain as starting points. I know Owen wasn’t violent, not normally, but his behaviour drove me away, and it was the same with both you and Claudia. Did you once love your ex? I know Claudia loved James until he changed after Ella’s death, and I loved Owen. They destroyed that love. Not any of us. It baffles me.’

  ‘Baffles me, too. The first time George hit me was because he was drunk. I used to dread him going out. He made sure he never touched my face, just hit me where the bruises wouldn’t show. One day I collapsed in pain in a supermarket and they sent for an ambulance. They took me to hospital. It was appendicitis, needed an urgent operation. Then they saw the bruises all over my body. They got someone to come and see me who could help me and I went straight to a hostel when I got out. The police got involved, and that was when he got the eighteen months stretch. It wasn’t his first offence, but I hadn’t known that when I met him. He stalks me now, threatens me, but I think he knows better than to approach me.’

  ‘They need to die.’ Heather smiled at Michelle, the smile softening her words.

  ‘They certainly do.’

  ‘Claud and I were going to buy a gun till we realised we didn’t know anybody who sold them. We were going to bump both of them off.’ She paused and sighed. ‘Sadly, Owen did it himself, the idiot. But to be fair, the drink would have killed him eventually anyway.’

  ‘I’ve got a gun.’

  ‘Really? Wow!’ Heather didn’t know what else to say.

  ‘I did know somebody who sold them, and I got one because I knew George would come for me when he got out of prison. And if he got me, I wouldn’t survive. But I met Steve before George was released, so I never needed the gun.’

  ‘You never fired it?’

  Michelle shook her head. ‘No, it’s up in the attic, out of harm’s way. I know how to load it and fire it, but I’ve never done it.’

  ‘Good job it wasn’t in my bag this afternoon, because I’d have blown James Bell’s head off. What he’s done to my best friend is unbelievable. I’ve watched her deteriorate since the baby died, but he’s not supported her in any way. He went the week after the funeral to the grave, and today is the first time since then, the first time in seven years. It’s like his grief twisted his brain. He stopped being the affable bloke we all knew and loved and turned really cold and unfeeling. Claudia coped with everything on her own, until two weeks ago.’

  ‘What a mess. Shall we get drunk?’

  Heather laughed. ‘No thanks, I’ve an early start tomorrow. I’ve a desk to build, shopping for a new suite, then off to the hospital for two.’

  ‘You’ll give her my best wishes? It must be such a worry for her, let’s pray they’ve got it all in those lymph glands.’

  ‘The consultant was hopeful, Claudia said.’

  They sat quietly for a while, occasionally chatting, until Heather asked if Michelle minded if she went to bed.

  ‘Not at all. Emotion and worry exhaust you – I really understand that. I’ll show you to your room.’

  Heather had a quick shower and was in bed within a quarter of an hour; ten minutes later she heard a strange knock on the front door and guessed Steve had returned home. It was only half past nine; she also guessed he had been concerned for her well-being.

  She returned to reading her book on her eBook app on the phone, and slowly felt her eyes closing.

  Steve bent and kissed his wife. ‘I won,’ he announced.

  ‘You’re home early?’ she said.

  ‘Didn’t fancy drinking. I’ve only had orange juice all night. Perhaps that’s why I won, I was the only one who could see the pockets.’

  ‘You didn’t drink because you’re worrying about the two of us back at home.’

  ‘Guilty.’

  ‘We were fine.’

  ‘I know. I just didn’t want there to be any trouble. I’ve driven all around the area looking for a dark blue Kia, but I’ve seen nothing. Let’s hope he went straight home and didn’t hang around to follow Heather. Tomorrow I’ll find out where he lives, go up and check his car is there, and then she can get hers home and in that garage. If she rings me when she’s safely inside the flat, I’ll come back home.’

  ‘You’re a good man, Steve Baldwin. I bless the day I met you.’

  ‘I know,’ he said. ‘I’m an absolute star. Superman Steve, that’s me.’

  She threw a cushion at him. ‘Numpty.’

  ‘You certainly know how to bring a guy back down to earth,’ he grumbled. ‘Is Heather okay? She gone to bed?’

  ‘She’s shattered. I’m hoping she’s asleep by now, she looked as though she needed to be. We’ve had a long chat, and she needs some support at the moment. I don’t think she’ll mind me telling you that Claudia is ill, in hospital currently, and that, combined with losing her own husband this week, has flattened her. Instead of her friend supporting her and comforting her, she’s having to be strong for Claudia.’

  ‘She seems nice.’

  ‘She is, and so is Claudia. They’ve been neighbours and best friends for twenty-odd years.’

  Michelle stood and blew out the candles. ‘Let’s go to bed. Heather needs an early start in the morning, and I’m tired. It’s been quite draining listening to Heather, they’ve shared a bundle of troubles this past couple of weeks.’

  ‘I’ll be up in a bit. I’m going to make myself some toast, missed out on a kebab tonight ‘cos I came straight home,’ he said with a grin. ‘Toast and a glass of milk. Just what every smart young man about town should be eating.’

  ‘Numpty,’ she said again, kissed him and headed for the stairs. ‘Don’t forget to…’

  ‘I know. Bolt the door and set the alarm. Night. God bless, sweetheart.’

  Chapter 12

  Steve pulled out of the driveway and drove to James’s house. The Kia was on the driveway and there was no sign of the occupant. Steve rang Michelle, and within a minute Heather was on her way to the flat.

  She used the key to the garage door for the first time, and drove the Fiesta inside, safely away from eyes that might be looking for it. Before leaving the garage, she rang Steve, told him the car was hidden and he confirmed there had been no movement from inside the house.

  She thanked him, and he said he would head off home, but would drive by the flat.

  Two minutes later, she was sitting in a sun lounger, breathing a long drawn out sigh of relief.

  She rang the hospital and was told that Claudia was a lot brighter and was currently sitting in the chair by her bed.

  ‘Tell her I’ll be there for visiting please, and give her my love, will you?’

  She disconnected and went for a shower before changing her clothes. And then she went sofa shopping.

  She chose a beige suite, on the proviso they could deliver it the following Tuesday. Tuesday morning. Early. The salesman looked shocked and said he would see what he could do. She responded with ‘No, you will do it. I can’t sit on a sun lounger any longer, I’m paying a fair whack of money for this suite, and I want it early Tuesday morning. Can you do it?’ And he said yes.

  She went home, put the car back in the garage and built the second desk. The room looked smart. She placed the desks on adjacent walls, then slotted the two office chairs into their bases. She looked around the room now promoted to office and allowed herself a small smile of satisfaction. Job done.

  Claudia was back in bed by visiting time, looking pale but considerably brighter.

 
Heather bent to kiss her, and Claudia clutched her hand. ‘Get me out of here,’ she whispered.

  ‘What?’

  ‘I can’t stand it! If the others aren’t talking in their sleep, they’re snoring, or falling out of bed. Just take me home, Heather, please.’

  ‘When you’re better, sweetie-pie. This’ll cheer you up. I’ve been shopping.’

  ‘Well, thanks. That’s really cheered me up. I’m in here, and you’re out shopping. What for?’

  ‘A suite.’ She took out her phone and showed Claudia a picture. ‘It’s this one, and the obliging young man volunteered to deliver it Tuesday morning. Early.’

  ‘You bullied him?’

  ‘Only a little. I can’t have you coming home and sitting on sun loungers. And we have an office. Sort of – two desks, two chairs, two laptops. We need a bookcase or something, it looks a bit empty.’

  ‘And did you take me some flowers to Ella?’

  Heather swallowed, and the pause was noticeable. ‘Yes.’

  ‘Is everything okay? Heather?’

  ‘It’s fine. I took off the dead ones, and replaced them with one of those mixed bouquets, full of bright colours…’

  ‘Heather? What’s wrong?

  ‘James came about two minutes after I arrived. I thought he might try to catch you there, so I went later, after I’d left you. He must have sat waiting for you to arrive, and he saw me drive in with your car.’

  ‘Shit.’

  The word was loud enough to cause the other occupants of the ward to look over in their direction.

  ‘He didn’t realise it was me. It gave him quite a shock.’

  ‘He wanted me?’

  ‘Oh, he definitely wanted you. I let him know I knew everything; the rape, the beatings, and I even said piss off to Marilyn and get out of Claudia’s life, all the time brandishing my scissors like a dagger. I think I was too mad to be scared. Anyway, he took himself off, but I was worried he would be waiting somewhere to follow me, to find out where we lived, so I rang Michelle and went there.’