THE COMPLETE TRILOGY, COMPENDIUM OF THE HEART: An epic love story

by RJ Hunter

  Laura had completed eighteen months of her three-year nursing course, and was based at London's prestigious, Westminster Hospital. Like the other nurses in her group, she was moved around to various other hospitals within the health authority to complete certain aspects of her training. Laura was now into her third week at St. Mary Abbot's Hospital, in Kensington, which specialised in the care of the elderly. However, before the recent health cuts by the government, the hospital had been able to provide several more facilities, like a bone marrow laboratory, an X-ray department, and a hearing-aid unit.

  There was something special about Kensington, which Laura loved, and after the initial shock of the back-breaking work, and the endless rigours of washing, feeding and toileting the patients, she soon developed a soft spot for the friendly, old hospital. Probably, the busy High Street, with its wide variety of shops, parks, wine bars and restaurants, also helped contribute to Laura's love of the area.

  That afternoon she hadn't planned to return to the nurses home with the other girls on the coach. Instead, she had arranged to meet her brother, Jonathan. Being away at university, she didn't get to see him very often, but the row between Jonathan and their mother, Sally last Sunday, just couldn't be swept under the table. Laura had to talk to him, and try to clear the air.

  Once free of the hospital, Laura slowed her pace, and her mood lifted somewhat. She wasn't due to meet Jonathan until five thirty, which gave her a chance to browse in some of the shops. She desperately needed a new pair of shoes. She had been putting this off for weeks, but now, it would seem, she'd have to bow to the inevitable, especially after the porridge incident earlier that morning.

  Stopping at one shop, Laura gazed longingly at the beautiful shoes on display, then, after noticing the price tags, she sighed, and swallowing her pride, walked towards a more modestly priced establishment. The bored-looking assistant gave Laura a well-practised smile, as she returned from the back room, with a pair of plain, black shoes, and watched disinterested while Laura paced up and down, testing out her new work wear. The assistant began to smirk, and Laura realised what a sight she must look, in her light cotton dress, and wearing such ugly shoes. Finally, with her mind made up, she begrudgingly took out her cheque book and guarantee card. The area health authority did not provide for nurse's shoes, and the twenty five pounds she had to pay would leave quite a dent in Laura's meagre salary for the month.

  "I just can't believe you've got a hangover, Jonathan - it's five thirty in the afternoon!" Exclaimed Laura, staring in amazement at her dishevelled brother, whom she had now met.

  With thirsty gulps, he quickly downed the can of coke he'd brought on route to Holland Park.

  "Coke's supposed to be good for hangovers, you know!" He said, burping loudly and throwing the empty can in a bin. "Plenty of fluids and plenty of sugar, that's what the body needs!"

  "Vitamin C is also quite handy," replied Laura, somewhat sarcastically. It annoyed her when Jonathan was like this, and the fact that he knew he was getting on her nerves, just made him act even worse.

  They stopped at a cafe, and Laura waited until their cappuccino's had been served, before launching into the subject of why she was angry with him.

  "I want you to apologise to mum, Jonathan, you had no right to speak to her the way you did."

  He fiddled with the teaspoon on his saucer, as he tried to think of an adequate reply.

  "Did you know that on the continent they drink cappuccino's in the morning, like a breakfast drink, rather than at other times."

  "I don't believe you sometimes, Jonathan. How many A levels have you got?" Replied Laura, with a hint of anger in her voice.

  Jonathan apologised, before taking on a more serious tone.

  "Listen, Mum has no right to sell our home, it's not what Dad would have wanted, besides, she didn't even ask our opinions - she just went ahead and made the decision. It's our home Laura, it's our memories, it's all we've got to keep us together. Anyway, where would we go?"

  Laura sipped her coffee.

  "I feel as strong about it as you do, but there are ways of thinking this thing through, without losing your head. You know how we've all suffered. Don't forget, we nearly lost Mum at one stage, you have to be patient with her."

  Jonathan produced a packet of cigarettes, lit one, coughed, then immediately stubbed it out using the heel of his Dr. Martens boot.

  "Why on earth does she want to go back and study in Wales again anyway, I thought she had already done the degree thing? I sometimes think that Dad's death has seriously affected her powers of reasoning."

  Laura felt her anger building up again.

  "Haven't I just said that, Jonathan, in not so many words. Of course its affected her, you idiot! Falcondale is where Mum and Dad first met. I suppose she feels a certain affinity with the place. If she thinks you're against her, it might really push her over the edge."

  He lit another cigarette, and turned to face his sister.

  "I know I can be an utter moron at times, and I think this is one of them. I know I speak out before I've had time to think, it's something I inherited from Dad."

  Laura smiled at him, Jonathan reminded her of her father so much, with his tall, leggy build and craggy complexion. He even had William's hazel eyes, and unkempt dark hair.

  "The last thing I want is to be cross with you, Jonathan. I'll tell you what, if you make it up to Mum, I'll have a word with her about selling the house. She's got her interview in Wales coming up soon, and she's asked me to go with her. Perhaps, just being back at Falcondale, for a day or so might just get it out of her system, and anyway, we've always got Lizzie as a secret weapon!"

  "You're a genius, maybe you should be the one at university?"

  "No, Jonathan, I'm just a woman!" Replied Laura, laughing. "Now, the very least I expect you to give her, is a decent box of chocolates and some nice flowers, and Jonathan - do it soon!"

  Laura was amazed she had managed to get through to him so easily, and wondered what the catch might be. She didn't have to wait long to find out.

  "Listen sis, what's the chance of me crashing out in your room tonight. I don't feel up to apologising and all that just at the moment."

  As they waited for the Circle Line train at High Street Kensington, Laura couldn't help thinking about what Tina had said earlier that morning. It had gone from something merely preying on her mind, to something that was now deeply disturbing her. The last thing she wanted were ghosts from the past suddenly turning up, and causing her mother further, unnecessary distress. Perhaps, she should say something to Jonathan about it, but what would be the point? He wouldn't do anything and just think she was being paranoid. Besides, Tina's request was perfectly innocent and harmless. Laura, decided in the end to mention it to her mother on the trip to Wales, and if there was a problem, then she could always explain the situation to Tina.

  Tina thanked the girl on the other end of the line, but declined to leave a message. It had been the third time, she had tried to contact Laura that evening, she just had to tell someone the good news. There were others who Tina spoke to, but these were few and far between. One girl, Sonia, who lived on the same floor as Tina in the nurses home, would always pass the time of day with her, and would wake her if Tina's nightmares began to disturb the others. Sonia, however, was still working that evening, and probably wouldn't get back until some time after nine o'clock. Walking back down the corridor to her room, Tina was still far too excited to settle, and get to work on her written assignments, she needed to complete in order for her to catch up with the other students in her set.

  Still dressed in her pale blue nurses uniform, Tina decided to get changed and go to the off-licence to buy something to celebrate with. Surely, Laura would be back soon, she re-assured herself, then she could walk the short distance over to Vincent Square, where she lived, and tell her the news personally, over some wine. If Laura wasn't too tired, she might even agree to what Tina had in mind.

  She wasn't much o
f a drinker, but on this occasion, she had spent her hard-earned money on two bottles of sweet German wine, a large bottle of strong cider, and several packets of crisps and nuts to accompany the drinks.

  As it was still only eight thirty, Tina decided to phone her mother, Pauline, since she hadn't spoken to her for some time. At least this would then give her the chance to tell someone about what had happened that afternoon.

  The telephone rang for some time, and Tina was just about to replace the receiver, when her mother finally answered.

  Pauline Gant sounded distant, and said very little, but Tina was used to her mother's frequent bouts of depression.

  "Mum, I've got Laura's mother's telephone number. Remember, that woman who you said you went to university with." Shouted Tina, eagerly down the line. "And, you'll never guess what?"

  "What's that?" Replied Pauline, sombrely.

  "I got asked out on a date this afternoon, by this handsome young porter at the hospital. I think he's Spanish, or Italian!" There was nothing but silence on the other end, and Tina soon realised what was wrong. "Mum, are you still there, is Dad with you?"

  "No, he's gone out, Tina - I don't know where. He can rot in hell for all I care."

  "What's happened?" Called out Tina, loudly. "Has he hurt you again? Please, Mum, say something. I need to know if you're okay?"

  There was a long pause, before Pauline did at last reply.

  "It's alright, Tina - it wasn't quite so bad this time. Please, you mustn't worry about me."

  "I'm going to tell the police. I know I've threatened to before, but this time, I'm really going to do it. I hate him!" Screamed Tina tearfully.

  "No, Tina, just keep out of it. You're free from him now."

  "I wont. He's got to be stopped before he kills you. Why do you let him get away with it?" Tina closed her eyes, and gripped the telephone tightly, as she tried to summoned up the strength of her convictions. "This time, I'm going to tell them everything, all about Mr. Bloom too. We're shielding a murderer. We can't go on like this Mum, it's insane."

  Tina was wasting her breath. Pauline had already hung up the phone. Back in her room, her elation had quickly evaporated into despair. She opened the cider, and poured herself a tumbler. She downed this immediately, and poured herself another, and another. Tina knew what her father's beatings were like, always brutal, and always after he'd been drinking. Usually, it was Pauline who bore the brunt of Frank's savagery. He would only start on Tina, is she started screaming, or happened to get in the way. As he rained blows down on his wife and daughter, Frank would shout obscenities, and tell them how much he hated them for making him a prisoner. In Tina's younger years, the beatings were often so severe, she had to take weeks off school at a time. During those years, Pauline became very adept at hiding her husband's brutality. She found she could come up with the most imaginative of excuses to explain the mass of bruises covering both her daughter, and herself.

  Finally, when she was old enough, Tina left home. This was even with her father's blessing, for it was he, who had suggested she take up nursing, and now, to her great relief, she found she could be independent, and live a more meaningful life. She would become a nurse, and have nothing more to do with him ever again. She had begged her mother to leave Frank, and go to the police, but Pauline would always stay loyal, and stick by the man, she claimed to love.

  It had turned rather chilly now as Tina closed the door and stepped out onto the street. She breathed in the cool, night air, in an attempt to clear her fuzzy head.

  She was in two minds as to whether she should confide in Laura about her father, or just simply mention about her forthcoming date with the young man at the hospital. However, by the time she had reached her destination, her mind was already made up. Tina was determined to put on a brave face in front of Laura, after all, it was a trait, she had got from her mother.

  The main door to Empire Nurses Home, where Laura lived was open. It usually was, despite there being an intercom system in operation. Tina went over and pressed the button to summon the antiquated lift, in the centre of the lobby.

  The noisy contraption stopped abruptly on the third floor, startling Tina, and making her lose her balance and crash the bottles against the sliding door. Fortunately, there didn't seem to be anyone around, and she crept along the corridor towards Laura's room without any further ado. Knocking lightly, Tina stepped back, expecting her friend to open the door.

  "Oh, I'm sorry, I was looking for Laura, I didn't realise she had company," remarked Tina shyly, not knowing where to look.

  "It's okay, she wont be long, Laura has just gone for a bath. Why don't you come in and wait for her?" Replied, the bare-chested man standing in the doorway.

  "No, I wouldn't want to disturb you, I'll see her tomorrow. Just say, Tina called." With that, she turned to leave, but the slim, dark-haired man called her back.

  "Please, it's not what you think - I'm Laura's brother, Jonathan. She's letting me crash on her floor tonight!"

  He had a kind, understanding face that appealed to Tina, and she immediately felt relaxed by his laid-back attitude.

  "Yes, alright, I will come in and wait, if you don't mind?"

  Jonathan smiled, and kicked the sleeping bag, he'd just laid out under Laura's bed, before pulling on his T-shirt.

  "Is that booze, you've brought with you Tina?"

  Jonathan could tell by the look on Laura's face that she wasn't at all impressed.

  "I don't believe it, I go for a quick bath, only to come back and find that my brother is holding a party in my room!"

  Tina couldn't help laughing, and temporarily forgot about her earlier telephone conversation with her mother. She then poured Laura some wine, before producing the packets of crisps from her carrier bag.

  Laura took the glass and went to sit on the floor next to her brother. She found it hard to be angry, since Tina was so obviously enjoying Jonathan's company, and had lost much of her usual shyness.

  As the drink took its effect on Tina, she once again found her mind in turmoil. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry, as she fought to curtail the sadness that ate away at her heart.

  "Laura, I have some news," she blurted out eventually, taking her mind off her problems. "Plus, there's something I wanted to ask you."

  Laura inhaled deeply. She had heard this before, and hoped it didn't involve her mother again. Trying to put her off track, she studied the other girl critically before remarking;

  "Are you drunk, Tina?" That seemed to have the desired effect, and suddenly Tina began to giggle hysterically.

  "Why, yes, I do believe I am!" The more Tina tried to control her speech, the more she seemed to slur her words.

  "Maybe you should go back to your room and sleep it off?" Said Laura, finishing her wine.

  "No, I can't tonight, I'm far too excited!" Tina then proceeded to tell Laura about how she was asked out earlier that afternoon by the young chap in the canteen.

  Laura listened intently, and felt a pang of jealousy, when she realised it sounded like the porter who had spilt the porridge over her. She helped herself to more of Tina's wine, as her colleague continued with her story.

  "So, you've agreed to go out with him on condition that I, and one of his friend's make it a foursome?

  "Yes, I have," replied Tina, looking a bit uncomfortable. "He sounds very nice though, Mediterranean, I think. I'm sure he'll bring someone nice for you too!"

  Laura was a bit bewildered. The chap who she had the incident with earlier, was English, and certainly didn't speak with a foreign accent.

  "Look, Tina, why can't you just see him by yourself, and not involve me?"

  "I did want to, but I'm not very experienced with men, and I get quite shy. Please, Laura."

  "Go on Laura, it sounds like a bit of a laugh!" Added Jonathan, trying to help Tina.

  Laura found herself reluctantly agreeing to go, after seeing how much it meant to Tina. But, there was one condition she insisted upon.

/>   "You've got to be there, Jonathan, to rescue us, if things go wrong!"

  Jonathan later volunteered to walk Tina back, as she was now quite tipsy. However, she would only let him escort her part of the way, which made him wonder if there was anything wrong.

  "Don't worry, I'll be okay, please don't come any further." She then turned, and took a few steps, before looking back to where he was standing. "I really did enjoy myself tonight, and thanks for helping me."

  Jonathan smiled, and watched as she walked away.

  "So did I Tina, I'll see you on Friday, for your big date, but I'll keep out of the way, I promise!"

  If he were to admit it, there was something in her naivety, and innocence that not only intrigued him, but excited him as well. Jonathan waited a few moments until she was some way off in the distance, then, noticing her enter a building, he became curious, and started to follow in her tracks. He stopped when he reached the point, he had last seen her, and seemed puzzled by the fact she had gone into Rochester Row Police Station. Unbeknown to Jonathan, Tina was going to stand by her decision, and tell the police everything about her father, Frank Gant.

  16. NICK

  The alarm shrieked through Nick's ears, to totally obliterate the remnants of a pleasant dream. He looked sleepily at the luminous numbers on the clock, not quite believing that he really had to get up, and so disgustingly early. It was 05.30, and he was due to be back at the hospital in an hour. Pulling himself up to a sitting position, he sighed deeply. Outside the beginnings of daylight were taking the place of night. Once he was up and about, however, he found that he actually rather enjoyed seeing the whole of the day through. It seemed to give him long peaceful moments in which to reflect, and catch up on the more simple pleasures of life, like browsing through a newspaper, or just having a normal conversation with someone, who wasn't connected with anything vaguely academic. He wandered down to the communal bathrooms at the end of the corridor - at least they were always empty at this time of the morning, he consoled himself.