Chloe came into the kitchen and got to work on the dinner, while her father poured a beer for Ben, chatting to the younger man as he did.
‘So what are you lot doing to my little girl at that law firm of yours? Not had an easy start there has she?’ He said it with a smile but he was interested to hear the response.
‘Dad! Ben isn’t here to talk about work.’
‘It’s okay Chloe, I’m sure your dad’s worried about what’s been going on. Actually sir, I don’t really have much to do with the things that Chloe works on, so I can’t really tell you anything. But I know she’s a damn good lawyer and things will settle down soon I’m sure.’
Chloe could see her father’s look and knew he was about to push it.
‘Dad. No more about work, okay?’
‘I couldn’t help noticing your limp, sir,’ said Ben as Chloe’s father hobbled back to the table with his beer. ‘Do you mind me asking what caused it?’
Chloe was surprised by the question but didn’t read too much into it. She was just pleased that the conversation had moved on.
‘Not at all son, it’s no great secret. It happened in the army, a good while back, but it still gives me trouble now and again when it flares up.’ It was a natural instinct now for him to rub his leg whenever he thought about it.
‘So did you get shot or something?’ Ben sounded almost too interested.
‘Aye son, I did. But not whilst being a hero or anything like that I’m afraid. Got shot by one of our lads on the training ground. First time this boy had used live rounds and he forgot everything he’d been taught. Somehow managed to fire his rifle in my direction. Next thing I knew I was on the floor and I couldn’t get up and that was more or less the end of my army career. They moved me to desk duties for a while but eventually I had to leave. That was about seven years ago now.’
‘I’m sorry to hear that,’ said Ben. ‘So how’s your mobility now? Do you struggle to get around?’
‘Oh I manage. Just don’t expect me at the next Olympics, that’s all.’
Ben smiled. ‘Thanks Chloe, that looks great.’
Chloe had served the dinner and she sat down at the table with them.
‘You’re welcome. I hope you like pasta?’
‘Yeah, it’s one of my favourites. So, just the two of you live here do you?’
Chloe looked across at her father, who smiled and nodded subtly at her.
‘Yes, it’s just us two isn’t it, dad? My mum died when I was young, and my brother lives down south.’
‘I see.’ Ben seemed very matter of fact about it and for a moment Chloe felt the conversation had become a little like an interrogation. Ben seemed to notice the look she gave him and changed the subject. Soon the three of them were chatting about all kinds of things, laughing and joking as they did, and Chloe forgot all about the incident.
At the end of the evening Chloe showed Ben to the front door. She helped him with his coat, which had dried in the warmth, and again he gave her a hug, thanking her for the invite and the meal.
As he walked out into the night, Chloe couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed.
When is he going to kiss me?
66
Chloe woke a little later than usual. She was due at the local authority’s offices by eleven this morning, but wanted to check on Chelsie at the hospital on her way. That still left her plenty of time for a rather leisurely breakfast.
On arrival at the hospital she approached the reception desk with caution, knowing that she wouldn’t be allowed to see Chelsie, and she certainly wasn’t going to start lying about who she was again.
‘Good morning,’ she said to the receptionist, accompanied by her widest smile. ‘I’m a friend of Chelsie Swanson and was wondering how she was. I know you probably can’t tell me much, but is there any change in her condition? Please, I’d be grateful for anything you can tell me.’
‘Yes, I remember you,’ said the receptionist icily. ‘I thought you were sisters.’
‘Yes, I’m really sorry about that. I just needed to see her, to make sure she was okay. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.’
The receptionist could see how concerned she was and her attitude seemed to thaw a little.
‘Listen, we have rules. It’s strictly family only in this department. But I can tell you that I heard the doctors talking earlier. It seems she is still in a serious condition but stable. It could be a lot worse, you know.’
Chloe thought about it for a moment. She knew she was in a bad way, so the important part was that she was stable. That had to be a good thing. It sounded like she was out of danger, at least for the time being.
‘Thank you so much for your help. I don’t suppose there’s any chance I could just take a quick peep through the window?’ She knew she was pushing her luck.
‘I’m sorry but I can’t let you do that. It’s probably best that you leave now after the events of the other day.’ She said it in a friendly voice and Chloe appreciated it.
‘Yes, of course. Thanks again.’
Chloe left the hospital and as she travelled into town to the offices of the local authority she thought about George. She still couldn’t believe that they were going to put him into foster care. He was happy and safe at his grandmother’s house. In fact, he was safe anywhere now that Chelsie’s ex-boyfriend was dead. Nothing seemed right to Chloe about this, and she intended to find out exactly what was going on.
On entering the offices of the local authority, she rang the buzzer and a lady appeared from behind a wooden door blazoned with the word private. Smartly dressed with neat grey hair and half-moon spectacles, her mannerisms reminded Chloe of a timid animal.
‘Hello, how can I help you?’
‘Hi, my name is Chloe Webster. I’m a solicitor from Anderson, Gormley and Drake and I’m here about George Swanson. I think I need to speak to a Mr Lightbody?’
‘Oh yes, please come with me, they’re waiting for you upstairs.’
Chloe followed the lady through the private door and up a flight of rather ornate wooden stairs. They led up to a wide hallway with several offices around, all with large windows looking back out into the hallway. It reminded her a little of her own offices in its layout, but it was all rather old-fashioned. Wood panelling sat below and around the windows into the offices, and vertical blinds were fitted to each window, some of which were pulled across, although they weren’t in a good state of repair and Chloe caught glimpses of the occupants as they passed behind gaps in the blinds.
The office in front of her had the blinds pulled apart and she could see two suited men sat at a desk deep in conversation. Her eyes were attracted to the corner of the room and to a young boy dressed in a bright orange fleece. He was knelt over a large cardboard box, digging deep inside to find his next toy.
That must be George, thought Chloe, immediately feeling protective of the small child. She could see a clear resemblance to Chelsie.
One of the men beckoned them through the glass and the lady opened the door to allow Chloe to enter the room.
‘This is Miss Webster. Would you like a cup of tea, dear?’
‘No thank you,’ said Chloe. She walked passed the desk and over to the young boy. Kneeling down beside him, she managed not to show any reaction to the bruises that were still evident on his face.
‘Hello George,’ she said. ‘My name’s Chloe. I’m one of your mummy’s friends and she sent me here to make sure you’re okay. Have you found some good toys in there?’
George looked at her and held out a wooden tractor he had retrieved from the box. She instinctively took it from him and rolled it along the floor.
‘I’d love to play, George, but I just need to talk to these men first. I won’t be long.’ She smiled as he dived back down into the box for another toy.
Chloe walked over to the desk, sat down and looked across at the two men. ‘So gentlemen, who is going to tell me just what the hell is going on here?’
67
Jack stood outside the offices of Anderson, Gormley and Drake. Although the question had occupied his thoughts for the entirety of his journey here, he had yet to convince himself why he was here or what he was going to do once he was inside, but what he did know was that his daughter was having a very tough time in this place, and he needed to convince himself that everything was okay.
He hobbled over to the main entrance, a patient queue forming behind him as he shuffled steadily along with the rotating door. He approached the reception desk and eased his weight against it for support. An efficient looking lady noticed him and came over smiling.
‘Good morning sir, how can I help you?’
‘Good morning. Erm, my name is Mr Webster. I’m Chloe Webster’s father…’
‘Oh hello, it’s nice to meet you, sir. Chloe seems to have settled in very well. Did you want to speak to her? She’s actually out at a meeting at the moment. She’s due back here around lunchtime I think, but you’re very welcome to wait for her.’
‘No, no. Thank you. I actually wondered if Ben was in. I can’t remember his surname I’m afraid, but he knows me. He works with Chloe, or at least, in the same department as her. Is he around? I won’t keep him long.’ He winced as pain started to reverberate up his leg; standing still for too long always caused him discomfort.
‘Are you okay? Would you like to take a seat over there and I’ll see if I can find him?’ She pointed to some rather low looking chairs surrounding a coffee table piled high with newspapers. Jack smiled and limped over to the waiting area. He sat down and it crossed his mind that he might not be able to get up again from such a low starting point. Looking around the reception area, he was impressed by the image it presented. His daughter had certainly done well to land a job here, and as he watched people come and go, pride welled up inside him.
‘Hello Mr Webster, my name’s Ray. I work with Chloe. I’m afraid Ben’s tied up at the moment. Is there something I can help you with?’
The name was familiar and he was sure Chloe had talked about someone called Ray. If he remembered correctly, she didn’t like him much, although he had to admit he couldn’t instantly see why that would be the case. He seemed like a very pleasant young man.
‘You might be able to, although I really wanted to speak to Ben.’
‘Well, perhaps we can go into a meeting room and have a chat until Ben comes down. I’ve left a note on his desk.’
Jack nodded and tried to stand up but his leg wasn’t having any of it.
‘Sorry, I can’t… these chairs are a little low…’
‘Oh right, yes of course, here, let me help.’
Ray held out his hand and pulled Jack firmly to his feet.
‘Thanks. I shouldn’t have sat there in the first place.’ He smiled and Ray laughed.
‘I struggle myself to be honest sir. My knees aren’t what they used to be.’
Ray showed Jack over to the meeting room and chatted politely about the weather, and football and one or two other things. Jack found himself really liking this lad, and if he was one of the worst things about this place, then it couldn’t be that bad. After a while, he felt comfortable enough to broach the subject of his daughter.
‘Ray, the reason I’m here is that Chloe seems to be finding things a little tough. I can’t really believe I’m here and I know she’d kill me if she found out, but it’s worrying me. I planned to just speak to Ben, because I’ve met him, but I didn’t know how to get in touch with him.’
‘Mr Webster, Chloe’s doing really well here. I like her. She has a great attitude and she tells me where to go if she doesn’t like something. I just want to do the best job I can for my clients, and Chloe has the same outlook. We’ll never be best friends, but we make a good team. In time, I’m sure Chloe will see that.’ He smiled. ‘Please don’t tell her what I’ve said.’
Jack laughed just as there was a knock at the door. Ben came in and looked at Jack.
‘Thanks Ray, I’ll deal with this.’
‘Oh, okay Ben. You know Chloe’s father don’t you?’
‘Yes I do,’ he snapped, and held the door open for Ray.
68
‘Miss Webster, allow me to conduct some introductions. My name is Nigel Lightbody and I work here at the local authority. I think we spoke on the telephone yesterday.’ Chloe didn’t like him already. He was too self-assured; too confident for her liking. He had perfectly groomed hair which looked oily, and a suit which seemed far too expensive for someone in his job. Chloe felt like she was struggling for clean air over the smell of someone’s aftershave.
‘Yes, we did, but…’
‘Please, let me finish. This is my colleague Colin Higginbottom. Colin, this is Chloe Webster from Anderson, Gormley and Drake solicitors.’
Colin looked friendly enough, and he reached a hand across the table which Chloe decided would be churlish to ignore. He had a good, firm handshake and she decided he was probably a decent bloke.
I must stop going on first impressions.
‘Right, thank you. Now, why on earth do you think it’s necessary to move George away from his grandmother? In my experience that would be really unusual. Surely he’s better off with his family?’ Chloe was determined to get a full explanation for what was happening here. She thought again of Chelsie lying in that hospital bed and knew that she was Chelsie’s voice at a time when she could not speak for herself. She couldn’t fight for her only child and so someone had to do it on her behalf, and that someone was Chloe.
‘As I said on the telephone, the decision has been made. There’s nothing we can do about it now and therefore no reason to go over it all again. It’s better all round if we just…’
‘Hang on, what do you mean, go over it all again. I’m still waiting to hear it the first time. Telling me that a decision has been made doesn’t really do it for me to be honest. Who made the decision? You?’ Chloe could feel the anger building up inside her but knew that she had to remain professional, not least for the sake of George, who was happily playing in the corner, seemingly oblivious to what was going on.
‘I really can’t go into the details of the decision Miss Webster, suffice to say the decision has been made and that’s that. Now, we need to move things on. The foster parents are here and so we just need to get a few things signed.’
Higginbottom leaned over in his chair towards the other man. Lightbody moved closer and a brief whispered conversation took place which Chloe found even more irritating. Lightbody nodded and then continued talking to Chloe.
‘Yes, in fact just the foster father is here to collect the child. Now, shall we get on with it Miss Webster?’
‘George will of course be removed from foster care once his mother wakes up.’
‘If she wakes up, Miss Webster…’
‘For goodness sake George is sitting just over there. Listen to what you’re saying will you.’ Chloe was exasperated with the man. ‘Have some thought for the boy.’
‘Well the news we have from the hospital is not good, that’s all I’m saying. I suspect that in reality this will be the first step to a permanent adoption of the child.’
For just a moment Chloe found it hard to disagree with the words she was hearing. Chelsie was certainly in a bad way and from what she had seen it would be some kind of miracle if she made a full enough recovery to look after herself, never mind a young child.
‘Right, I’ll go and see if the father is ready. Please bear with me.’ Lightbody stood up and disappeared through an opaque glass door in the back of the office which closed behind him. Chloe looked across at Higginbottom, who shuffled the papers on the table in front of him uncomfortably and refused to make eye contact with her.
‘Can you tell me anything more about what’s going on here? Do you agree that it’s unusual?’ Chloe leaned on the desk and spoke in a soft voice, hoping to reason with the man who she thought was the good guy. ‘Please, I need to make sure this is the best thing for George.’
&nb
sp; ‘I don’t know the answer to your questions Miss Webster. I’m sorry but I really don’t. This isn’t exactly normal but as Mr Lightbody says, the decision has been made.’ He continued to look down at the desk and pretended to read something.
Chloe knew she wasn’t going to make any progress and pressing the point certainly wouldn’t change that. It was obvious that Lightbody was in charge around here and Higginbottom was just there to fill a chair and tick some boxes. She sat back and sighed as the door to the office opened and Lightbody marched back in. As it slowly closed on itself, she took the chance to peer past the door into the next room, hoping to catch sight of the foster carer.
And that’s when she saw something that terrified the life out of her.
69
‘Jack, what are you doing here?’ Ben sat down and looked at Chloe’s father expectantly.
‘Hi Ben, how are you?’ Jack was surprised at what he took for an aggressive display from Ben. He assumed he’d misinterpreted the younger man’s behaviour so he kept it polite.
‘I’m fine. What is it you want, Jack? I’m a bit busy right now, and Chloe’s out at a meeting.’ No smile, no polite conversation, no respect.
Jack looked across the desk. He was an amicable guy; he didn’t like to cause a fuss and he knew what he was doing here was a little out of the ordinary, but he didn’t like the attitude coming the other way. Not one little bit.
‘Okay Ben, I appreciate that, but Chloe seems to be having a tough time here at the moment and I don’t know, I just feel that something’s not quite right about it all.’
Ben checked his watch and sighed.
‘Look Jack, it’s a stressful job. Sometimes we have to do things that we don’t like. Deal with clients we’d rather not deal with. Chloe just needs time to get used to the way things are here. She’s used to a small firm out in the sticks. It’s not like that here. Our clients have different expectations. Different rules apply.’
For the Sake of the Children: The first Chloe Webster thriller (Chloe Webster Thrillers Book 1) Page 15
