Till Daph Do Us Part

by Phillipa Nefri Clark

After pushing herself to her feet, Daphne followed him in. “How would she do that?”

  He leaned the pole in a corner and reached for a solid plastic container with a spout. “Pool dye. Well, it also has some other ingredients to make sure it stays opaque and it’ll play havoc on the filters, but it does the job.” Replacing it, he gestured to a row of smaller bottles. “Lisa initially wanted everything black but there was no way to make it happen in time. And not a lot of black flowers to match.”

  “And Lisa likes to match colours.”

  Dempster grinned. “She does. At least with white she’s made everything look nice for the wake. I guess it is like a wake?”

  Bob stuck his head through the door. “Got you a bottle of water. Demps, can you find Bertie?”

  “Wasn’t he just here?” Daphne followed Bob outside and accepted the chilled water. “Thanks for this.”

  “He’ll be in the other garden. Probably thinks the ceremony is there because the wedding was.” Dempster jogged out of the gate, turning in the direction of the area through the hedge.

  Bob muttered something about Bertie needing to go to an old folk’s home.

  “Once he’s here, shall we start?” Daphne asked nobody and everybody. It was more a public service announcement to remind people there was a purpose for her presence. She opened her bag to get the ceremony book, readying herself to take centre stage on the podium when everyone was in place.

  “Actually, I want to voice my objection to this entire circus.”

  Hand on the book, Daphne let it slide back into her bag as Gina stepped onto the podium as if she was the celebrant.

  “The poor boy died in this pool.” Gina pointed at it. “In there, Lisa. Yet you glorify this as though he was a prince instead of one of the thieving Tanning family.”

  “Now, Gina, let’s not go there—” Margaret began.

  “Go there? Should have gone there before the first wedding. Stopped the nonsense before it began. You should have raised your daughter better.” Gina directed this at Margaret, who shrank back, almost stepping into the pool had Bob not steadied her. “And you should have stood up for your family. Your real family.” This was to Bob.

  A riot of angry voices broke out. Lisa burst into tears. What a surprise. The bridesmaids and groomsmen snuck off to a table near the string trio where champagne and glasses were set out for later. The music stopped.

  Daphne stalked away, through the gate and up the path. Her heart pounded in her ears and if she didn’t get away from this toxic situation she’d fall over in a faint. Just as Lisa had the other day. No. This was where she drew the line. This was enough.

  A Parting Shot

  “Should never have come back here.” Daphne stomped her way towards the front of the house. The arguing continued behind her and she had no intention of ever looking at one of this particular family again. She’d find John and they could exit this town early.

  “Daphne. Daphne, please wait!”

  If that was Lisa following her then she could stop and go back to her quarrelling relatives.

  “I might as well die as well!”

  With a glance to the heavens, Daphne came to a halt.

  “What does any of it matter? My husband is dead. All my husbands are dead. And I can’t even say a proper goodbye because I have the worst family in the world.” Lisa managed to add a sob at the end.

  “I’m sorry, Lisa. I just can’t be around this kind of nastiness anymore.” Against her better judgement, Daphne turned around.

  The sad figure in front of her tugged at something deep inside. It shouldn’t, knowing many of Lisa’s reactions were a performance, but there was a hollowness in the younger woman’s eyes. No tears. No more sobs. But a deep sadness which might have been genuine. And there was something about the way Lisa wrapped her arms around herself which reminded Daphne of another woman. Much younger and long ago.

  “Wouldn’t it be best if you abandon the ceremony until people are prepared to respect your grief?” Daphne asked as gently as she could.

  “But then you’ll be gone.”

  Daphne crossed the distance between them and gave Lisa a hug. “I can leave my words for someone else to read. But I don’t think I’m able to do this, not when people are yelling and pointing fingers. And your great-aunt Gina really doesn’t like me.”

  “Gina dislikes everyone. Well, everyone who isn’t a real Brooker. She never welcomed me. Or Mum.” Lisa gazed back at the pool where a calm had fallen, at least for the moment. “Even though I made sure Granddad had a nice place to live and no more debt, his own sister reminds me constantly how outsiders took everything from him. But he thought Dad was wrong about Toby stealing from his company and it was all a misunderstanding, so when Sam asked me out on a date I figured marrying a Tanning man would help heal things.”

  Not the selfish person everyone painted her as. Not entirely.

  Margaret was watching from near the gate. Her shoulders were slumped and all Daphne could do was take pity on the two of them. They weren’t killers. Just outsiders trying to fit in with a difficult family whose past controlled their present.

  “If you really want me to do this, let’s go and do it.”

  “You mean it?” Lisa grabbed Daphne’s hand. “I will never forget this.”

  Walking back to the pool with all eyes on her, Daphne had a feeling that she would also never forget today.

  Without doubt this was the strangest ceremony Daphne had attended, either as a participant or celebrant. Nobody spoke, which was a relief, allowing Daphne to finish reading her prepared words, albeit faster than normal.

  The milk-white swimming pool barely rippled as Lisa lowered her wedding gown into the water. It didn’t sink immediately, but floated for a while creating a bizarre imprint on the surface. Everyone carried a wreath with white flowers and lilac ribbons and these were slipped into the pool as well. All the time, Daphne stood upon the podium clasping her book against her chest. And all the time, Gina’s eyes bored into her.

  When all the wreaths were in the pool and the dress was little more than a layer of lace and all of Daphne’s words were done, the string trio began to play. In an odd turn of events, it was the same song Steve’s band played at the Tanning ceremony although without the words, screaming, and tempo. The families had more in common than any of them would admit and it was sad they couldn’t come together to share their grief and memories. At least Lisa had extended an olive branch. Several times.

  Daphne dabbed her forehead with a handkerchief. The reflection from the tiles and pool accentuated the heat of the afternoon. Her bottle of water lay unopened on the chair she’d briefly used earlier so when the mourners drifted into small groups, Daphne abandoned the podium for the shaded alcove between the two buildings.

  Both doors were closed. Dempster was outside the pool fencing as though keeping an eye on Bertie. The latter gave little away. He’d not got involved in the earlier argument as far as Daphne had seen. Did he even understand what was happening today?

  “You can leave now.”

  Although her heart sank, Daphne didn’t look at Gina as she returned her book to the briefcase. Was it even worth responding? If there was another crack about her weight or eating habits, there might be an unfortunate addition to the swimming pool. Almost made her smile.

  “Take our money and go off to wherever you want to cause mayhem next.”

  “I believe Lisa is paying for the ceremony.” Daphne straightened and removed the lid of the bottle to sip some water.

  Gina opened her mouth but was cut off by Bertie’s arrival. He pushed in front of his sister and put his hands on Daphne’s shoulders, staring her straight in the eyes.

  “You’re a good woman, Mrs Jones. Thanks for helping Lisa say goodbye.”

  “That’s very sweet of you to say.”

  “And a load of crock. Robert, why don’t you do one of your famous disappearing acts? Your little helper over there can go with you.”

  Bertie wink
ed at Daphne and released her. “Ignore Regina. She doesn’t have a kind bone in her body and has a problem with anyone she’s not related to and many she is.”

  Behind Bertie, Gina’s eyes widened and her faced turned a peculiar shade of red. This was about to become an ugly situation fast. Daphne collected her handbag and briefcase.

  “If you’ll excuse—”

  “Perhaps you need to reconsider how you speak to me, big brother.” Gina hissed. “Remember I know all the torrid secrets this family tries so hard to conceal.”

  With her back to the change room door, Daphne stepped sideways like a crab but Bertie closed the gap between his body and the corner of the building, his attention on his furious sibling. Then, Daphne aimed for a narrow opening around Gina but just as she moved forward, Gina put her hands on her hips, making it impossible to go around her without touching the woman.

  Other people turned to look. Bob threw his hands in the air and walked off. One of the bridesmaids got a phone out and held it up as though videoing the pair. Being seen in the background was the last thing Daphne wanted so she opened the door to the maintenance room and stepped inside. She sent a text message to John.

  Can you come around to the pool area? Might need an escort out.

  Her phone went in her handbag, which she put on the floor so she could replace the lid back on the water bottle before it spurted all over her, thanks to shaky hands.

  “The only thing you know is how to offend people.” Bertie said.

  More voices chimed in. Margaret. Lisa. Pat. Even Dempster, although all he did was ask them to both stop fighting which drew Gina’s ire.

  “How dare you speak to me! What are you? The groundsman. No, that overstates your purpose. You are a glorified cleaner and babysitter of an old man.”

  “At least Dempster cares enough to look for me. Like at the wedding. Nobody else came looking.”

  “Stop it!” Lisa forced her way between them. “Bertie, if you hadn’t wandered off, Steve wouldn’t have come to the pool. Gina, if you didn’t make it so hard for his family, they would have been at the wedding and he would be alive now. You are both to blame and I’ll never forgive either of you!”

  Well, good for you. Tell them what you think, Lisa.

  She did have some spirit after all.

  There was a long silence and Daphne peeked around the doorframe. Gina still had her hands on her hips and her face was now as white as the swimming pool. Bertie grinned. He was enjoying this more than anyone should.

  “I see.” Gina lifted her chin. “Not that I need your forgiveness, Lisa. But you have all made it quite clear my contribution to this family is unwanted.”

  “Sure is, sis.”

  Gina leaned close to Bertie. Daphne had to strain to hear the words she spat.

  “When the police come calling just remember you forced me to do it.”

  Bertie didn’t flinch as Gina stormed away, out of the pool area and towards the front of the house. She passed John who was almost running in the opposite direction. He glanced at Gina and sped up. Daphne stepped out of the room. The way cleared around her as she ploughed through to meet her husband at the gate.

  “Doll?” John panted.

  “How about we go somewhere far, far away.”

  He put his arm around her and they turned their backs on the pool, the Brookers, the wedding dress sinking beneath the surface, and the dysfunction of the past few days.

  Beginning of the End

  “Dye in the swimming pool?”

  “Yup. And her wedding dress, complete with mascara stains. Flowers. Wreaths. Oh my goodness, John. It was…different.”

  They were sitting in the car which was still parked under the tree. John took Daphne’s hand and they looked at each other. Her lips quivered. How horrible this must have been for his wife. If this was the kind of experience to expect from her new career then perhaps it was time to reconsider it.

  “Don’t cry, love. It isn’t worth it.” He squeezed her hand.

  “Wreaths with lilac ribbons. In a pool filled with dye which will wreck the filters.”

  “It’s okay. You’re safe.” He almost held his breath. He should have gone with her. Insisted she have a helper, or something. How distressing this must be.

  Then Daphne laughed. She closed her eyes and laughed until she cried, tears pouring down her cheeks. “The dress…it was like a horror movie…and Lisa said it would be…as though his ghost was there.”

  “Steve’s ghost?”

  “Yup. Her dress would be at one with him. And there was a lovely string trio playing Steve’s favourite heavy metal song. And Dempster had to find Bertie again because he wandered off.”

  John found a small box of tissues in the centre console and handed them to Daphne. She took a few and wiped at her eyes. As much as she was laughing, he saw through it. There was pain there. And dismay that people would behave so badly.

  “Let’s get back to Bluebell.” John started the motor. “Where was Gina going at such speed?”

  Daphne didn’t answer and he glanced across. She stared ahead, biting her bottom lip.

  John pulled onto the road and accelerated.

  “Gina was called out by her brother.”

  “Bertie? What did he say?” John asked.

  “There was a lot of insults hurled between them and then Lisa told them both off. For once I actually liked her.”

  “Did Gina have another go at you?”

  “She tried. But I was prepared and didn’t let her get to me. Although I did consider pushing her in the pool at one point, but upsetting Lisa wouldn’t have been worth it.” Daphne leaned back in her seat. “I cannot wait until this town is in the rear vision mirror.”

  John agreed. He’d have them ready to go within half an hour. “Bluebell is almost ready. Get yourself into some comfortable travelling clothes and we’ll be on our way.”

  Daphne reached over and patted his leg. “Thanks, love. You’ve been my rock through all of this and I’m so relieved we’re not spending another night here.” She settled in her seat again. “Sorry for all the emotion. I’m fine now.”

  If Daphne had needed to scream or cry he’d have understood. What a strong woman she was. John turned into the driveway of the camping grounds. A day or two away from here and both of them would be a lot happier. Nothing could stop that.

  He backed the car ready to hook Bluebell up. Everything else was done. Awning and outdoor kitchen packed away. Power and water unplugged.

  “Here we are, love.” They climbed out. “Have you got your key?”

  Daphne was ahead of him and she’d come to a halt. He thought it was to find her key until she turned with her hand over her mouth.

  “What’s wrong, Daph?”

  She pointed back to Bluebell. The tyres were flat. Slashed, with visible cuts across them. They weren’t going anywhere.

  Daphne locked herself in the bathroom.

  She’d told John she’d gone to freshen up but she was there to cry. Except no tears would come.

  This was her fault. The cost of replacing those tyres was more than she’d made for the two goodbye ceremonies which had kept them there. John wouldn’t care, but he didn’t need to be putting his hand in his pocket for something she’d made happen. If only she’d stayed out of it. Not nosed around and in such a way that other people noticed her interest. Other people who had things to hide and would stop at nothing to keep their secrets.

  Secrets about families. About her family. Her parents kept secrets. Terrible lies.

  Daphne’s throat tightened and she gripped the sides of the sink, her eyes on the basin.

  Yelling in the night. Words from behind closed doors which made no sense to ten-year-old Daphne as she cuddled her little sister to help her go back to sleep. Only years later did she understand what unfaithful meant. Let alone a much nastier word her father screamed at her mother.

  Count your blessings, Daph.

  She raised her eyes to the mirror. Those we
re memories. Not her life today. Not her life for a long time.

  “You’re a good person. You have a big heart.” She whispered.

  John loved her.

  “A bad person slashed the tyres, Daph. Not you.”

  Eyes on her face, she forced herself to smile. Her muscles relaxed.

  “You are perfect as you are.”

  Deep down she knew she didn’t quite believe it. One day she would.

  “Daphne Agnes Jones, you have a gift of seeing the truth and right now, there are people who need your help. Believe in yourself.”

  This time her smile was for real and endorphins flooded every inch of her body. Somebody had to solve this mystery and she might as well be the one to do it.

  John got off the phone, frowning even more than when Daphne had found the tyres. “Not the news I’d hoped for, love. Nobody has four of the right tyres in stock in town. Best they can do is order them which means waiting until the morning.”

  “And there’s no way to repair them.”

  “None.” He leaned down to run a hand over a gash. “Not a case of putting an inner tube in and patching the hole. These tyres are only suitable for the scrap heap.”

  A police car pulled up and Matty climbed out. “Thought you’d be well on your way by now.”

  “That was our intention. Thanks for coming to take a look.” John shook Matty’s hand. “These tyres didn’t slash themselves.”

  Daphne left the men to inspect the damage and moved to the back of the caravan, her eyes on the trees near the river. Had the vandal waited there for them to leave earlier? This felt personal.

  “Any idea who might be responsible? Noticed anyone hanging around?” Matty and John joined Daphne.

  “Area is so quiet. Barely see any of the other campers let alone strangers.” John said.

  “Except somebody was watching us the other night.” Daphne pointed at the trees. “From there, I think.”

  “What makes you say that?” Matty asked, holding his hand up to shade his eyes.