by RJ Hunter
An eerie silence pervaded, there wasn't even a groan. Frank, now breathing hard and perspiring inched closer to the crumpled body. He saw blood trickling from Albert's ear, and bent down to see if he was still alive. A decision had to made there and then. Perhaps, this was a better solution, he thought. Pauline would stand to get the money in Albert's will, but it would just take longer, but at least it would be legitimate, in a sense.
Lifting up the old man's body, Frank carried him like a baby to the top of the staircase, where he then stood Albert up, supporting him under the arms. As they swayed on the landing, the old man's head lulled back and forth. Frank was then taken aback as Albert emitted a long groan, and looked up slowly. For a moment, their eyes met, as they stood face-to-face once more.
Then, with alarming coolness, Frank gave Albert the gentlest of shoves, and watched as the old man fell backwards.
Wiping his brow, Frank stepped slowly down the stairs. He could see a vast pool of blood forming on the hard tiled floor below.
Kneeling down, he checked to see if Albert still had a pulse. He felt around for nearly a minute, until he was finally satisfied the old man was dead. Frank, then calmly stepped over his grandfather-in law's body and let himself out of the front door, pleased that things had gone so smoothly
.
22. THE VISIT
The drive back from the supermarket had taken nearly forty five minutes. Road works and heavy traffic had conspired to add half an hour to a journey that Sally would normally have completed in ten minutes.
She checked her watch, it was almost one in the afternoon. Lizzie was dropping by with some champagne and caviar that she had brought a couple of days ago while on a trip to France, and to make matters worse, Sally had arranged to have her hair trimmed later that afternoon.
As she lugged the shopping bags out from the back of the car, she wondered if she'd chosen the right thing for dinner with Frank later that evening, at least there wouldn't be too much to prepare she consoled herself. But, there was still the dreaded housework. This remained a bone of contention since Sally would insist on doing it herself, except on the days when Penny was good enough to help out. Today, however Penny wouldn't be back from school. She was going to a friend's birthday party and had arranged to stay overnight with another girl who had also been invited. It worried Sally a little, and she probably wouldn't have let Penny go until she had spoken with the friend's mother and received adequate assurances that everything would be above board. Thankfully, Penny was a thoughtful girl and understood her mother's fears, plus she had promised to telephone during the evening and be back by lunchtime the following day.
Sally was still putting away the month's groceries when Pepys began barking and wagging his tail excitedly. She was pleased to see Lizzie's familiar smile at the back door. Having not seen her friend for some time, Sally felt she needed to sit down and have a good heart-to-heart chat with someone she knew well and trusted. She had of course spoken with Lizzie on the telephone about the Tina incident, but still had the need to discuss it on a more personal level.
"Sally darling, you have got yourself behind with things haven't you? Look, you haven't even done the washing up from last night, you are slipping!" Remarked Lizzie, puffing as she placed a heavy box on the kitchen table.
"It's not funny, Lizzie. I've still got so much to do, and get my hair done this afternoon."
"Your hair looks just fine as it is, silly woman. Why go and waste good money for nothing. It's pretty obvious the effect Frank is having on you. Besides, you should have used my hairdresser, she would have come out to you here, she brings all her own stuff you know."
"Now you tell me. Maybe I should save myself all this work and give her a call, then just order a Chinese take away instead!"
"Don't worry, it'll be worth it, Sally. The cooking is half the excitement of it all. I'm sure Frank will love it. So what are you going to cook him anyway?"
"Well, it was a bit of a problem. As you know, I rarely eat meat, but Frank is quite a carnivore. So I'm going to compromise and cook him a fillet steak."
"Oh, right, so that's it?" Replied Lizzie tartly. "Well, I suppose that's simple enough. He likes steak does he?"
"Yes, he loves it. Anyway, the supermarket was so full, I just got flustered and had to get out. So I didn't have much chance to really look around. I can't seem to cope with crowds these days, but I'm sure he'll like it."
"I expect so," said Lizzie, a little concerned. "Sally, I do believe all this Tina business has set you back a bit?"
"Maybe you're right, it has, but there's more." Sally suddenly looked very distressed and agitated.
"What is it, Sally?" Asked Lizzie, concerned.
"I think Frank may be Tina's father."
"Oh my god. You mean when he raped Pauline?"
"Yes, I'm not a hundred per cent sure, but I'm going to try and get it out of him tonight."
"Sally, what on earth are you getting yourself into. Have nothing more to do with him, say you're keeping the house. Do anything, but just get out of this mess."
"I need to find out, if only for Tina's sake. I was foolish to think he had changed."
"I would cancel tonight. We can go out, just the two of us. There's a new wine bar that has opened in Richmond, I've heard it's very nice."
"I owe it to Tina, Lizzie. You should have seen the poor girl. It was so dreadful." Sally sighed, and went over to put the kettle on. "After William, I didn't think that anything would ever shock or hurt me again. I suppose I've just been putting up some sort of facade, a very fragile facade that has just shattered, and shown me as I really am, just teetering on the brink."
"Don't speak like that Sally, you were doing so well. Look, we all put on an act. I do it all the time. How else are we able to cope? Okay, it was a terrible thing to have happened in your home, but Tina isn't dead is she? In time she'll get over it, and so will you. Just see it for what it was, Sally - a step backwards, that's all."
For the first time in their long friendship, Sally wanted to shout at her friend. She detected a callousness in Lizzie's words. She had always been renowned for her sarcasm, but this was different. The cynicism upset Sally, as it appeared like Lizzie was belittling what had happened with Tina. However, she chose to ignore her friend's remarks on this occasion.
"I see you've brought the champers and caviar?" Asked Sally, changing the subject.
"Certainly have, and that's not all. Here, I've got you some Chanel perfume, a nice hunk of brie, and a few bottles of Chablis. So you can forget the coffee and bring a couple of glasses instead."
"No, Lizzie I'm having coffee. I need to have a clear head in order to get the truth out of Frank tonight."
"Be it on your head, Sally Peddlescoombe."
Pauline had spent considerable time earlier that day trying to make herself look her best. After much deliberation she finally chose the outfit for her visit. She wanted a smart, casual combination, but it had to be something that exuded a certain style and finesse. The problem was, Pauline had piled on a few extra pounds recently, and most of her clothes were not particularly flattering to her fuller figure. She then noticed the silk blouse hidden away at the back of the wardrobe. it had been covered by a polythene dry-cleaning wrapper for over eleven years, and now she felt herself grow excited about seeing it again.
It was decided. She would wear the black and purple striped blouse over her black slacks. After quickly checking the garment still fitted, she put it on and stood in front of the bedroom mirror, gazing at herself from different angles. It was a tight fit now, but she didn't think anyone would notice, especially if she wore her thick, patent leather belt over the top. Her mind drifted off, and she recalled the last time she had worn the blouse, and how lucky she was to still have it. Although, it held a mixture of both good and bad memories for Pauline, she was determined not to allow her emotions to get in the way today. There was however, nothing she could do to prevent herself from thinking of Mark. Was it really
that long ago she had a fling with him?
As she turned into the drive and walked beneath the canopy of overhanging trees, that led to Sally's house, she became aware of the clicking sound her shoes were making. It was a noise she detested, as it made her feel so self conscious, and made the choice of footwear she had chosen play on her mind. Noticing the small, wooden gate that would lead her right up to the front door, Pauline could feel herself tensing up. She slowed her pace, and out of desperation, began to practice her breathing exercises again, the ones she had been taught for moments exactly like this.
The situation reminded her of a trip she had made to Bristol some twenty years or so ago. It was the trip she had made to Frank's parent's home, shortly after they had both been expelled from university back in early 1963. She had been nervous then, probably even more so than now. She recalled lying to Mrs. Gant about her relationship with Frank. Irene Gant had appeared as a terrifying figure to Pauline on that occasion, and even to this day, she wondered how on earth she had managed to pull off such a deception. However, it had proved to be a very worthwhile visit, for in the years following Tina's birth, Pauline had to rely on Irene's help many times over, even if it had been in total defiance to her husband's wishes.
There were two cars in the drive, a Volvo estate, and a slick-looking BMW. Pauline guessed that Sally had visitors, and maybe she should abandon her surprise visit and come back another time. However, Pauline knew she was just subconsciously looking for a reason to back out, and began to urge herself forward, determined not to be intimidated.
Why had she come here, was it really just to thank Sally and her family for helping her daughter in her hour of need? Her feelings were confused, yes she had been jealous of Sally when she used to go out with Frank. Yes, her jealousy had grown so intense that it bordered on hatred, and she could have quite easily killed her rival in love. Pauline gritted her teeth as her mind unwittingly flashed back to that evening in the hall, when Frank had placed the necklace around Sally's neck. But now, years after she had won Frank, she could even admit to spells of remorse, for not only having treated Sally so badly, but wishing her harm as well. Now she believed that to feel sorry for Sally was not only a humble act, but a gesture to be admired. After all, Pauline was the better woman - the voices she was hearing in her head were telling her so.
Pauline had only been made aware of Sally's existence, and the loss of her husband, William by Tina, who of course was on the same nurse training programme as Sally's daughter, Laura. It was quite a coincidence thought Pauline at the time, unaware of Frank's involvement in bringing this about. She began to wonder, out of sheer curiosity just what it would be like to meet Sally again after so long. She would be able to tell her that she was Frank's woman, and even offer Sally a belated apology, after all, at least she still had a man.
Now though, the situation had changed a little. Pauline was in the position of having to feel obliged, to thank Sally for saving Tina's wretched life on that ghastly night a few weeks earlier.
As she stepped into the porch, she got a whiff of freshly-made coffee. It made her mouth water and she imagined being warmly invited in as an old friend and sitting down to chat with Sally and her kin. But rather than comfort her troubled mind, Pauline's vision only served to fill her with further hatred and contempt. She looked about her at the homely porch. It was nicely painted, it was clean, in fact it was totally spotless, even the Wellington boots showed no signs of wear and tear. There were shelves on both sides, housing pots of colourful plants. The double-glazed windows sparkled and the tiled floor shone, even the door mat had not a blemish on it.
As Pauline rang the bell, she heard its easy-on-the-ear chime, then hearing a dog barking and scratching at the inside of the front door, she stepped back a couple of feet, feeling her heart beating madly.
When Sally opened the door, Pauline recognised her immediately. She took in all of her features, and couldn't help noticing how Sally had managed to keep her curvaceous figure despite having three children. Sally was still the strikingly attractive woman Pauline had known at university, and apart from having her hair shorter now, didn't really look any different. It was because Pauline was so distracted by this vision of perfection in front of her, she hadn't even noticed the look of complete shock on Sally's face.
Sally had simply froze in the doorway. Alarm bells were ringing wildly in her head, but age, experience and breeding had long taught her to remain calm.
It was Sally who spoke first, as she gazed into the puffy, bloodshot, yet frighteningly familiar eyes of her uninvited visitor.
Some people seem to keep the same appearance throughout their lives, a look that never bends or submits to the vagaries of time and changing fashion, no matter how pathetic they appear. Sally saw that Pauline was one of these people.
"Can I help you?" Asked Sally, politely but firmly.
"Hello, Sally - I knew it was you straight away." Replied Pauline, smiling awkwardly.
"I'm sorry, but do I know you? Stuttered Sally, knowing full well who Pauline was.
"Yes, I'm from your past. I'm Pauline, remember? We were both at Falcondale in the sixties."
Sally felt as if she had been kicked in the pit of her stomach, and swallowed hard as she gripped the door frame for support. She probably would have just slammed the door shut and fled back inside the house if it wasn't for Lizzie coming up to stand behind her.
"Pauline you say, well this is a surprise. I don't think I understand?" Replied Sally, her voice faltering.
"Sally, please - I don't mean you any harm. I'm not here to cause you trouble." Said Pauline, moving closer.
Sally's recollection of Pauline was now disturbingly vivid. She stepped back, scanning the visitor's face, noting the hurriedly-applied lipstick, the pale, plump cheeks and sagging neck. Then she gazed up into those haunting, eyes encased in black eyeliner.
"Who is it Sally, not a salesman is it?" Called out Lizzie.
"No, it's Pauline, you know from Falcondale, remember?"
There was a silence as the reality of the situation began to dawn on Lizzie.
"Oh, what a pleasant surprise. Pauline, is that really you?" Gasped Lizzie, craning her neck to look over Sally's shoulder.
Pauline nodded, she wasn't expecting Lizzie to be there, and now felt a little overawed as the two women stared down at her from inside the house.
"Look, I'm sorry, perhaps it was a mistake coming here," uttered Pauline, turning to leave.
"Wait, Pauline - don't go, look you're here now, so why not come in for a coffee?" Suggested Sally, glancing to Lizzie for support. It was a rash decision inviting Pauline into her home, but Sally's curiosity had got the better of her on this occasion.
Pauline, like many women, believed her home to be special and unique in its own particular way. But now seeing the beautiful and homely residence where Sally lived, she was quickly brought down to earth and suddenly realised the house she shared with Frank was in fact, a true reflection of herself. It was cold, clinical and boring. It lacked even the slightest evidence of imaginative, artistic creativity, despite Frank's efforts in bringing in his interpretation of works of modern art. This discovery upset her greatly, and to a large extent deflected her from the real reason she was there.
Her mind was momentarily transported back to 1962, a time when the three of them were all so much younger, when Sally and Lizzie had so much going for them, and Pauline could only watch from the sidelines. A plump, forlorn figure, eaten away by envy and self-loathing. She recalled how she tried to be like them, witty and alluring. Then came the crash diet and the new clothes she brought herself. She even found herself a job in the student's clubhouse, just so she could meet people and be just like Sally and Lizzie. Now Pauline felt like that once more. The two women scrutinising her had weathered the ravages of time remarkably well. It was as if they had some sort of aura around them, they shimmered and shined, and felt comfortable in their roles.
"Pauline, please do have a biscui
t, they are rather nice." Interrupted Sally, sensing hostility building up between Lizzie and their unexpected visitor.
Pauline reached into the tin and helped herself to a couple of the expensive-looking chocolate biscuits, before reclining back on the settee. Sally offered her a plate and racked her mind for something to say that might break the ice. Pauline appeared to be lacking social skills and looked extremely uncomfortable.
"Sally, thank-you for being so kind and inviting me into your lovely home." She whispered, almost solemnly as she placed the empty plate next to her cup and saucer. "Especially after I had been so horrible to you at the Christmas dance?"
"It was all a long time ago, Pauline. Why, I'd completely forgotten about it." Replied Sally, hating herself for lying so blatantly.
"I felt awful afterwards, and hoped that one day I would get the chance to apologise. You see, in life you only get one chance, and Frank was my chance. I wasn't going to let anyone stand in the way. I saw what I wanted, went after it, and got my wish. I became Frank's wife. Perhaps, if it were William, you might have acted in a similar way?"
Sally nearly choked on her coffee, and had to put the cup down quickly.
"You mean to tell me that you married Frank, after accusing him of raping you?"
"Yes, I did Sally, but why does that surprise you? He's a wonderful man, difficult at times, but yes, truly wonderful."
"But, Pauline, he went to prison!"
"Yes, he did, and Tina and myself waited for him."
Sally looked to Lizzie in amazement, and saw that she was just as shocked as she was.
"So let me get this correct, Pauline. Tina is Frank's daughter as a result of him raping you?"
"Please don't say he raped me. Frank is Frank, besides I must have led him on."
"Well, yes we all do stupid things when we're immature, but you had marks on your body, I saw them, and you attacked him with that broken glass?"
