Still Waters

by Linda Kavanagh

  She racked her brain. Was anyone missing from the area? She couldn’t think of anyone, and no one in the village had ever mentioned a disappearance to her. But of course, the body mightn’t belong to a local person – assuming they’d been murdered, the body could have been transported hundreds of miles. For a few moments, that idea enabled her to feel a sense of relief. But then another thought struck her. How would a stranger to the area know about the car and the body already in the lake?

  Ivy shook her head vehemently. No, it couldn’t be true – she was simply imagining the second body. She’d been so spooked by what she was doing that her imagination had run riot. Anyway, all she’d really seen was a dark shape in the passenger seat. It could have been anything, maybe a clump of weed, or some kind of debris. Yes, that was it – her mind had gone into overdrive. In the dark and murky water, it would have been easy to imagine.

  Yet deep in her heart, Ivy couldn’t deny what she’d seen, its skin dissolving just like Joe’s. Who was it and, worse still, was the murderer watching her? Was there someone out there who could overturn her life in an instant?

  Ivy felt a desperate need to tell somebody. Otherwise she’d go mental from the stress. Besides, since the second body was undoubtedly there as a result of foul play, hadn’t she a responsibility to do something for that person? After all, they might have family who were missing them. Tears filled her eyes. Hadn’t she herself deprived the Heartley family of closure, simply because she was afraid of being blamed for Joe Heartley leaving the village and meeting his death? She was a hypocrite as well as everything else.

  But who could she tell about the extra body? She couldn’t talk to Danny – in fact, she couldn’t talk to anyone, since they’d want to know what she’d been doing at the bottom of the lake. Maybe she could let the police know anonymously? No, she couldn’t risk that either – not as long as her possessions were still in Fred’s car.

  Ivy bit her lip. She needed to think but, more importantly, she needed to work. She was due back on set of Bright Lights within days, and she still had lines to learn for the coming week’s episodes. Since she was one of the main characters, she spent more time on the set than most other cast members, and she appeared in the majority of plotlines. Well, she thought bitterly, that’s why I’m so highly paid. But sometimes money isn’t everything. Right now, she needed more time off to return to Willow Haven. Despite being free at weekends, there was no point in visiting the lake then – people would be out walking their dogs beside the lake, and anyway, Danny would probably want to accompany her.

  Well, if I don’t do something quickly, she thought, my career will be over anyway, because it wouldn’t survive the scandal that would occur when the lake was drained.

  Maybe she could get the Bright Lights writers to leave her out of several episodes? She’d need to request another break soon, since the Council could start draining the lake at any time.

  On her last evening in Willow Haven, Ivy dropped in to say goodbye to Peggy, to whom she was extremely close. Well, as close as she could ever allow herself to be to anyone. Her relationship with her sister-in-law was tempered by guilt at having deprived Peggy of closure over her eldest brother’s death.

  But Peggy noticed that Ivy wasn’t herself.

  “Is something wrong, Ivy?” she asked, looking concerned. “You seem a bit preoccupied – is everything okay?”

  “Yes, fine,” Ivy lied. “To be honest, I’m just a little worried about going back to Bright Lights – there’s a complicated storyline coming up, and I hope I’m able to do it.”

  “You’ll be terrific! You always are!” Peggy said warmly.

  Ivy felt a total fraud. Peggy was always kind and supportive. How could she dare to call herself Peggy’s friend when she’d already robbed her of so much? And was continuing to do so?

  “By the way,” Ivy said, as nonchalantly as she could manage, “you said in a recent email that the Council was planning to drain the lake …”

  Peggy nodded. “Yes, they’ve decided to fill it in, with the aim of eventually building on it. The village is very divided on the issue – some people think the lake is part of our local heritage, and should be left alone. Others, like me, think it’s probably a good idea.”

  Ivy tried to sound casual. “Have you any idea when they’re going to start?”

  “I heard from Mrs Evans that they’ve put the project out to tender, so I suppose they’ll get going when they’ve agreed a price with a contractor.”

  Ivy nodded, relieved that she’d gained at least a short reprieve. Hopefully the tendering process would be slow, and it might take weeks – maybe even months – before work could begin.

  “Won’t you miss the lake?” she asked her sister-in-law. “I mean, it’s been part of our lives for so long.”

  Peggy nodded. “The village will feel very different, but perhaps it’s for the best. Since Harper’s Lake is such a sheer drop, I often worry that a child will fall in and drown – the kids still go there after school, despite all the warnings.” She smiled at Ivy. “Remember how we used to hang out there when we were young?”

  Ivy nodded again, then changed the subject. “How’s your dad?” she asked. “I called to see him on Wednesday evening, but he didn’t seem in the best of humour.”

  Peggy’s face darkened. “He’s never been the same since Joe disappeared. I think the shop gives him a reason to keep going – but I don’t think he really cares whether he lives or dies.”

  Ivy nodded guiltily, knowing there was little she could say. Because of her lies, the Heartleys had been subjected to a life of torment.

  And now the second body in the lake was complicating the situation even further. Ivy was terrified of going down into the murky depths again. But she didn’t have any choice – she’d have to make another dive. There was just too much at stake.

  Chapter 16

  The following morning, Ivy woke to discover that nothing had changed overnight. Joe’s tragic drowning the previous day was still fresh in her mind, and her head was throbbing and her stomach was heaving. Downstairs, her parents were discussing what had happened at the Heartleys’ party.

  “You’re not going to believe this, Ivy –” her mother said, as Ivy entered the kitchen. “Joe Heartley never turned up for his own birthday party last night!”

  Ivy tried to look surprised, but inside she felt sick and she wanted to cry. How was she going to keep on pretending for the rest of her life?

  “Anyway, why weren’t you there, love?” her father asked, as he buttered a piece of toast. “I thought you liked the Heartleys. And isn’t Peggy a good friend?”

  Ivy nodded. “I meant to go, but I had a terrible headache,” she lied. “I climbed into bed, and I must have fallen asleep.”

  Her mother looked at her closely. “Hmm, you don’t look well, Ivy – your eyes and your nose are all red. Maybe you’re getting a cold – hang on, I’ll get you something that will ease the symptoms.”

  Eleanor quickly prepared a concoction of honey and lemon in a glass and handed it to her daughter. “I’ve already had to supply your brother with paracetamol this morning,” she added acerbically. “He’s still in bed, nursing a hangover from the party last night. I warned him to go easy on the beer, but did he listen to me? Of course not!”

  Ivy nodded her thanks as she took the glass, thinking that at least someone had enjoyed the events of the previous night. She doubted she’d enjoy anything ever again.

  “Where were you earlier yesterday?” her mother asked, disapproval in her voice. “I called you for lunch, but you weren’t in your room. And your bedroom door was locked when we were leaving for the party.”

  “Leave her alone, Eleanor, she’s not well,” her father intervened, enabling Ivy to avoid answering her mother’s question.

  Ivy threw him a grateful glance, wondering what he’d think if he knew she hadn’t expected to be here in Willow Haven today, or any other day, ever again.

  “I’m going back to
bed, too,” she said, hurrying out the door again. If she stayed in the kitchen any longer, she felt certain she’d break down and cry.

  “Don’t you want to hear what happened?” her mother called after her, disappointed that she’d lost her audience. She’d been bursting to tell Ivy all that had transpired the night before, but her daughter didn’t seem interested. Maybe she was coming down with flu …

  Upstairs in her room, Ivy climbed into bed again. All she wanted was to experience the oblivion of sleep. She’d freak out if she didn’t get a break from all the thoughts that were swirling around in her brain. Yet sleep wouldn’t come, nor could she escape from the horrific images of Joe trapped in the car, and the muddy water all around them. Ivy was beginning to understand why people resorted to alcohol or drugs to blot out terrible events in their lives. Right now, if she had whiskey or gin to hand, she’d drink the entire bottle.

  Later that afternoon, Ivy felt she’d no option but to make her way downstairs again. She’d have to face her parents at some stage, and maybe a little food in her stomach would help to ease the queasiness she felt. She’d rejected the tray of food her mother had brought upstairs earlier, but now she was beginning to feel peckish. Of course, this made Ivy feel even guiltier – she was still alive and could feel hunger, but poor Joe would never be able to eat again.

  In the kitchen, she made herself a tomato sandwich, relieved that Owen was still in bed, since she didn’t want to talk to anyone. How could the world keep on turning when the boy she loved was dead? She was still in shock, and she didn’t know how she could keep up the deception. But it was already too late to tell anyone.

  While she chewed her sandwich mechanically, not really tasting any of it, Ivy listened to the drone of the television as her father watched a football match in the drawing room. Outside in the garden, she could see her mother pruning her beloved roses. To her parents, today was just like any other Saturday. Ivy closed her eyes and wished she could be transported back to the previous Saturday. Then, none of this would have happened. She’d insist on taking the train instead of stealing Fred Heartley’s car, and they’d arrive in London safely. If only she’d been more persuasive, she and Joe could have had a glorious future together.

  Ivy abandoned her half-eaten sandwich and left the house. She didn’t want to go anywhere near the lake, but when she reached the crossroads and tried to take the opposite turn, her feet seemed to develop minds of their own and were pulling her inexorably towards it. Soon she found herself standing on the bank of the lake and staring into its deep waters.

  She was relieved to find the lake deserted that Saturday afternoon. Normally, there would be lots of people about, but since most of the locals had been at the party the night before, they’d probably be nursing hangovers and staying close to home.

  Gazing out across the water, she found it almost impossible to believe that any tragedy could have taken place here. Was she in some kind of dream, from which she’d soon awake and everything would be as it had been before? Then Joe would be waiting for her in Johnson’s barn, and she’d feel the touch of his skin on hers as they made love among the sweet-smelling bales of hay …

  Ivy stifled a sob as reality hit her again and she felt overwhelmed by grief. If she started crying she might never be able to stop, and the lake would overflow with her tears. The lake was glass-like, without a single ripple on its surface, and Ivy felt that she could almost walk across it. Its still waters were almost hypnotic, and she felt herself being pulled towards it. Maybe she was meant to join Joe and be with him for eternity …

  Suddenly, she was woken from her reverie by a shout.

  “Ivy – are you okay?”

  Turning, she saw Danny Heartley waving as he made his way towards her. Ivy did her best to smile back at him, but the last person on earth she wanted to see right now was a member of the Heartley family.

  “I’m fine,” she said, as he reached her.

  “I thought you were swaying a bit – I was afraid you were going to fall in!”

  “It’s just a headache,” Ivy quickly explained. “I’ve been feeling weak and a bit off colour since yesterday.”

  Danny nodded. “Is that why you weren’t at Joe’s party last night?”

  Ivy could feel her face turning scarlet, but she tried to sound relaxed as she answered him. After all, this was only the first of many acting roles she’d have to play over the years, and she might as well get used to it.

  “Yes. I heard it was a great party – but is it true that Joe didn’t turn up?”

  Danny nodded. “He’s also taken Dad’s new car, so he’s going to be in serious trouble when he gets home!” Suddenly, he looked sad. “I feel really sorry for my parents, because they went to so much trouble and expense. Mum’s been crying non-stop, and Dad looks like thunder all the time. I wouldn’t like to be in Joe’s shoes when he gets back …”

  Then he brightened. “But nevertheless, it was a great party! I just wish you’d been there, Ivy.”

  “How’s Rosa – you know, your girlfriend?” Ivy asked him pointedly. “Did she enjoy the party?”

  Danny shrugged his shoulders. “She’s not my girlfriend – she’s just someone I’m seeing at the moment.”

  Ivy gave him a knowing look. “Tell that to Rosa.”

  Danny smiled shyly. “Ivy, you must know by now that you’re the one I want to be with. The minute you’re ready to go out with me, Rosa is history. You only have to say the word – everyone in the village knows I fancy you.”

  Ivy tried to smile, but all she could think of was how close they were standing to where Joe’s body lay. Soon, Joe’s family would start to worry about his continued absence, and the police would eventually be notified. But no one would think of looking in the lake, and the Heartleys would spend the rest of their lives wondering what had happened to him …

  When Ivy didn’t reply, Danny touched her arm. “I’ll win you eventually – just you wait and see!”

  Ivy still said nothing.

  “Come on – I’ll walk you home,” he said, looking down at her kindly. “It’s not a good idea to stand at the edge of the lake when you’re feeling weak or dizzy. You really don’t look very well – maybe you need an early night.” He grinned at her cheekily. “I need an early night myself, after all the booze I drank at the party – maybe we could spend our early nights together?”

  Ivy gave him a dismissive look, and Danny grinned back mischievously. She couldn’t help smiling back – Danny could be tiresome, but sometimes he could be very endearing. Which made her feel even worse.

  As Danny walked on ahead, she glanced back at the still waters of the lake. Oh Joe, she thought to herself, I’ll never forget you. I’ll never love anyone the way I loved you – I’ll probably never love anyone ever again! In a way, we’re bound to each other forever …

  “Come on!” Danny called impatiently.

  She followed him through the bushes and out onto the road.

  Chapter 17

  Home again in Sussex, Ivy was relieved to be as far as possible from Harper’s Lake. She needed time to think about what she was going to do next. If there really was another body in the car, she could hardly let someone get away with murder, could she? On the other hand, she couldn’t do anything until she’d recovered her possessions from Fred’s car.

  Danny was delighted to have her back home, and hadn’t seemed to notice how preoccupied she was. He’d wanted to hear all the news from Willow Haven, but his interest had only served to set her nerves on edge. Luckily, he didn’t make any reference to the lake, because Ivy felt she’d go to pieces if it was mentioned by name.

  Dutifully, she told him about her visits to his father, Hannah Dalton and her evening with Peggy. He was amused at Ivy’s mother’s attempts to get her father fit, and laughed out loud at the thought of burly Peter Morton in a tracksuit and trainers. Of course, Ivy avoided mentioning her own jogging trips past the lake. Or her explorations of the lake bottom, or the blurry shape in
the front passenger seat of Fred Heartley’s car.

  On Sunday morning, Ivy declined Danny’s invitation to go sailing. He was keen to take the boat out as it was a beautiful day, and Ivy urged him to go without her, feigning tiredness and yawning for effect. Reluctantly, Danny left in his Mercedes for the marina down the coast at Brighton, but as soon as he’d gone, Ivy was on her feet and heading for the phone.

  Her heart pounding, she rang the home number of Colin, her producer, and waited anxiously for him to answer. While the Bright Lights overall storyline was devised up to a year ahead of filming, individual characters’ storylines were more flexible, and sometimes had to be adjusted to take account of the weather, illness or death of an individual actor. Ivy was hoping that Colin would agree to make immediate changes to Isabella’s script.

  After what seemed a lifetime, Colin answered and Ivy apologised for ringing him at the weekend, before begging for some time off, intimating, but not exactly saying, that she might need to visit a medical specialist. She hated lying to him and behaving unprofessionally, but right now she didn’t feel she’d any other choice. She had to get back to the lake as soon as possible.

  Colin reluctantly agreed to have a word with the writers and ask them to tinker with the script. “Hmmm – maybe we could have a fire at the nightclub, and put Isabella in hospital for a while,” he said at last. “How long do you need? Is two weeks enough?”

  “Yes – that would be great.”

  “I’ll talk to the writing team tomorrow – if they can figure out a way to do it, you might be able to take a break by the end of the month. Is that okay?”

  Thanking him, Ivy sighed with relief, assuring him that, if needed, she’d work extra hours when she returned.

  Colin hesitated. “Are you okay, Ivy? I mean, if there’s anything I can do –”