One Moment At Sunrise

by Karen Aldous

  ‘The door is broken darling,’ she told her. ‘We’ll play in here.’ Clutching a bunch of hair, she sighed. She couldn’t lock her in. That wouldn’t be fair. None of this was fair. And what sort of life would it be – constantly on edge and watching your back. The house was as secure as it could be. She picked out her phone from the side of the rucksack and texted Seb.

  Bad news Seb. I’m being watched and followed. I don’t think it’s the press. Would it be possible to organise more security? E x

  Charlotte was now pulling at her leg. ‘Jamp-pline, Mummy.’

  ‘Oh, sweetheart,’ she cooed stroking her head. ‘No, tomorrow.’

  Charlotte shook her head. ‘Mummy come in garden?’

  Evie closed her eyes for several seconds. ‘Ok I don’t suppose anything would happen in daylight. Twenty minutes.’ She unlocked the door. ‘I’ll pull the trampoline over so you’re closer to Mummy.’

  As soon as they were outside, Evie dumped her things and took her daughter’s hand. ‘Come and help Mummy.’

  Together, they hauled it, turning it gradually until the trampoline was in place.

  ‘Brilliant.’

  She searched around as Charlotte began climbing on the chair and into the trampoline.

  ‘Boing, boing!’ Charlotte sang out.

  ‘That’s better isn’t it.’ Hurling her leg over the bench under the shade of the vines, Evie spilled the books onto the table, then piled hers separately from Charlotte’s. She sat down and began scanning the pages of the book she’d so determinedly sought. Immediately it got her wriggling on the bench. This was just what she needed. There was so much she could get her teeth into later. She began reading.

  ‘Boing, boing.’ Charlotte sang again.

  ‘Clever girl,’ Evie looked up and grinned, then continued reading. ‘Oh, wow, just what I wanted,’ she chirped.

  As she read on, the excitement skipped inside her. She dashed sideways into the kitchen and, keeping an eye on her child, unlocked the cupboard containing her journals and notebooks. Taking out one marked ‘Riquet’, she grabbed a pen and dashed back to the patio. Charlotte was running in circles around the trampoline chasing a ball and giggling each time she kicked it. Evie smiled to herself, so grateful her darling little girl was such a treasure when it came to amusing herself. Then, poising her pen, she looked back at Charlotte. Immediately, she jumped up towards the trampoline, her mouth dry. She tossed her book and pen aside.

  ‘That’s not your ball.’ She turned to the gate, running towards it, her fingers fumbling with the lock as she opened it to search the area outside. Nothing.

  Rushing back to the trampoline, she collected a chair and thrust it between shrubs, bashing the fence to the neighbouring property as she did so. The chair was too low, so she placed a foot in between two branches and hauled herself up. A slight, elderly gentleman with a mop of dark greying hair was hosing his terrace. She called.

  ‘Monsieur,’ she then took a deep breath, ‘MONSIEUR,’ she bellowed. He glanced towards her. She waved. He waved and, turning off his hose, came towards her. ‘Pardon,’ she continued in French. ‘Did you just throw a ball over here?’

  ‘Yes, it is the child’s? It was in the bushes.’

  ‘Thank you.’ She waved and climbed down, holding her thumping chest. ‘Brilliant shot.’

  With panic over, she returned to watching her child. The ball must have been there for years. It certainly wasn’t Charlotte’s but her heart, she decided, had taken enough of a bashing for one day.

  ‘Come on, poppet, let’s get you ready for dinner.’ She unzipped the trampoline. ‘Your mummy needs to chill, she’s becoming paranoid, or insane.’

  ‘No, stay tram-pline, Mummy.’ Charlotte moaned in protest.

  ‘Aren’t you hungry? Mummy has pish. Tch, fish.’

  ‘Pish.’

  Evie swept her damp hot hair back from her forehead. ‘Yes, salmon. Then, bath, story and then you can say hello to Auntie Suzanne before you go to bed.’

  ‘Suzy.’

  Needing to unload the increasing weight from her shoulders and tell someone before she did go insane, she confided in her friend. Suzanne listened as Evie explained the antics of the stalker and suggested she was well placed to also keep an eye on the villa. She would keep her eyes peeled she said, but also urged Evie to check her CCTV for any sightings.

  ‘Yes. I must do that. If I can work the thing! I’ll do it later when Charlotte’s asleep. I’ve been making sure all the shutters are locked.’

  ‘Yes, be sure to stay locked up. It isn’t very nice, especially when you are on your own so often.’

  Evie placed two mugs on the kitchen table and continued the conversation. ‘But following me too. And, coming into the library. I mean why? It’s becoming so scary. What does he want? If it was Charlotte he wanted, he could have easily just knocked me off the bike coming back along the canal?’

  Suzanne flicked tresses of red hair back over her shoulder, picking up her mug of tea. ‘Yes, I suppose it wouldn’t be difficult, my dear. It is not like you are large enough to fight him off. You should ring the gendarmerie. They could at least patrol the area and warn him to stay away.’

  Evie shook her head. ‘Do you think? No, they will…’ She wanted to tell her they would invite the press. ‘Maybe. I will think about it. I’ll speak to my partner. Maybe he can deal with it.’ Evie was now so tempted to ring the police. Their safety was more important than Seb Wilde’s bloody reputation. She had to act.

  ‘Yes, you must get help, and of course Bram and I will help to look out for him ‘It’s not good being alone so much.’ Suzanne examined her thoughtfully. ‘This may or may not be the right time, but I think I should mention it as it has come up.’

  ‘Oh. What?’ Evie twitched and watched Suzanne as she brought her elbow to the table and leaned her head on her hand.

  ‘A part-time job. It would do you good, you know. Getting away from this house.’

  ‘Oh God, no. S… my partner, would go mad. We had this discussion last time he was home. I’d love to but…’

  ‘But it would get you out of here, even for a few hours a week, especially so with this going on.’

  Evie sat back in her chair, about to rule it out. Suzanne continued.

  ‘I was going to ask you if you would be interested in two mornings a week teaching English. The language school I used to work for have asked me, but I have enough to do. However, I would be very happy to have Charlotte on those two mornings, if you want. They want someone for Tuesday’s and Wednesdays, eight to one. What do you think?’

  Evie drew in her breath, searching her friend as she pondered. ‘It’s a great idea Suzanne and sounds perfect, but I don’t think I should or that Charlotte’s father would approve. Also, I’m not sure I could teach or that it would pay enough. I would want to pay you, too.’

  Suzanne appeared disappointed and looked down at her hands. She then picked up her tea mug. ‘Dear, can you find any more reasons not to? I’m not asking you for money. I think it would be very good for you to get out. Meet new people and get your confidence back. It would give Charlotte a change of scenery too. The job is quite easy. I have a couple of books you can read and can train you here. And they’ll train you. Please. Think about it.’ She put down her mug and headed for the hall. ‘I brought some literature with me you can read.’

  Evie leant on the table and cupped her chin. Her friend was so concerned. So thoughtful. Seb wouldn’t approve… but the hours sounded perfect. Her chest heaved as Ben’s words rang through her ears ‘focus on what’s best for you’. Just two mornings. Seb would never know. And Charlotte would be safe as well as happy with Suzanne. It was tempting, but should she even be contemplating work, let alone teaching a class of foreign students? Could she stand in front of a class? Her mind wandered to her sister, so confident and natural in front of an audience. Could she do it? But this wasn’t about her. This, of course, was about Seb. God, why couldn’t she just think of herself
for once?

  Suzanne breezed back to the table and laid down a booklet. ‘You can read it later.’

  ‘I will, thank you. You are such a good friend.’

  Evie bolted the gate as Suzanne left. She returned, scanning through the booklet which Suzanne left, but wasn’t entirely comfortable with the idea now. Seb was bound to find out. Oh damn him. She looked down and couldn’t resist returning to her library books and seeking out the delicious facts she needed. At least Seb was unlikely to discover any of this – as long as she was careful. She began making notes of her findings. Nearly everything she could ask for had been meticulously researched. It was three hours before she realised it was gone midnight and her legs had gone numb.

  She stretched. Damn. She hadn’t yet checked the CCTV. She yawned. It would have to wait for tomorrow.

  With Charlotte jumping on her at what felt like the middle of the night, but was actually seven the next morning, Evie leaped into the shower to wake herself before setting out to the bakery for bread. Spending the previous afternoon watching for the stalker and drinking with Ben and the crew, she’d completely forgotten why she’d been heading to the supermarket in the first place. She decided, as the day looked to be hot, she would take a ride along the canal before it became insufferable, and get back to work on her notes for Ben before reading through the booklet Suzanne had left her. She set off with gusto, grateful she had so much to fill her day; it felt amazing, probably because it was so far removed from the last few years.

  Yes, those memories were both blissful and bleak. She couldn’t for one moment imagine going back, however. Although she’d had her beautiful baby to love and look after, once Seb had returned to his music, the loneliness had rapidly set in. Long days waiting for his return. There were days when she hadn’t even washed or dressed. Days she cried endlessly and just stared at the walls, and even days she could barely move herself to see to Charlotte. So much time wasted in downward spirals of hopelessness, feeling worthless and spilling tears of self-pity.

  That had frightened her. When she finally told Seb she wasn’t happy, he was unsympathetic but on his next visit, some months later, brought along her bike. Cycling gave her new scenery to look at and spurred her from the house. It made her trips to the library so much easier, as well as shopping, rides to the beach and with it, exploring the area and practising her French. And above all, it made her a better mother to her child – giving her the much-needed energy that took. It had been a pit that had been so dark, but not now. Somehow, Ben had let in the first shard of light. Courage was growing and if she could work, and now she had the opportunities, she could at least build up some extra funds and think about what was possible. She didn’t have to rely solely on Seb. She thought of Ben. Not so she could be with him, she would never be disloyal to Seb, but for her. She would have a purpose so that she and Charlotte would have a happy home. Ben didn’t realise just how much he was shaping her thoughts.

  As she cycled along the canal to the next bridge, stretching her limbs, her mind was stretching too. Allowing the warm air to rush through her, she could almost feel wings sprawling out from the tops of her arms, and like the chrysalis of a butterfly, the twine of Seb’s silk was unravelling and the wind was lifting her wings, preparing her to take the first flight.

  Deciding her new mood called for something special, she arrived at the bakery in the village, wearing a smile. This stalker could potentially be dangerous. Collecting her bread and a fresh cream pastry to share, she shuddered at the thought but breezed back out to the sunlight and strapped Charlotte back in before setting off down the hill, towards the canal. It was probably better to appear confident so that the stalker didn’t see her as a victim. She’d read about how looking like a victim could actually invite trouble.

  Steering her bike back on to the canal, her heart leaped as she caught sight of Ben and Samantha standing on the other side of the bridge. A few steps ahead of Samantha, Ben’s arm was outstretched as if he was imagining a shot or scene taking place along the stretch of a wide, clear flat path and grassy bank. He appeared so focused, whilst Samantha held a clipboard against her waist and was jotting down notes. Tempted to ride across to them, Evie decided it was best to leave them to their work; not only was Ben acting strangely yesterday, but she did have a lot of work to do herself.

  Ben then glanced across the canal, and instantly her heart purred. He seemed perfectly fine. He waved. ‘Morning Evie.’

  ‘Morning,’ She thrust a wrist into the air, resisting a magnetic force pulling her towards him. ‘I won’t stop. Got lots to do as I’m sure you have.’

  ‘Sure. See you later.’

  Steering steadily, she tried to maintain composure on the narrow track. Approaching the narrow alley to her villa, she slowed, carefully dismounting and throwing a final wave as she steered her bicycle and tiny passenger along the enclosed path. Within a few feet, she took her concentration off the steering and, with trepidation, checked ahead. She increased her pace, creating a mantra. ‘Be Confident Evie.’ But her heart pounded with fear. What if they wanted Charlotte? Her world would fall apart. Reaching the end, and expecting him to appear up the track, she paused. Was he hiding? Don’t be a victim, she reminded herself, and hightailed it to her gate.

  Chapter 14

  ‘Jamp-leen Mummy?’ Charlotte clambered into Evie’s arms as she was released from her bike seat. Evie speedily bolted the gate.

  ‘Food first. You must be hungry. And Mummy has two surprises for you once you’ve eaten your breakfast.’ Evie bent down, placing Charlotte back on her feet then, clutching the bike firmly, raised her chin and wheeled it to the side of the house.

  Evie had just placed her daughter’s breakfast down when her phone rang. She pressed the button, noticing that the device needed recharging.

  ‘Hi Cally, we’re fine but phone battery isn’t.’ Evie traipsed to the hall, pacing.

  ‘Ok.’ Cally said. ‘I’ll keep it brief. Are you around next weekend? I’m working in Montpelier on Friday night, so is it ok to come to you?’

  ‘Yes, of course. Just text me times etc.’ Evie peered out the window beside the front door.

  ‘I’ll bring the laptop too.’

  ‘Oh, brilliant. Thank you.’ Evie leaped, punching the air.

  ‘Ok. Look forward to seeing you then. Bye.’

  ‘Bye.’ Evie said, pressing the button on the phone and looking gleefully at herself in the mirror. ‘A laptop. A home for all my writing.’ She could finally organise herself and become a professional.’ She peeped through the glass again, then noticed the box addressed to Charlotte, which the postman had delivered.

  She picked it up and breezed back to the kitchen, placing it on the side.

  ‘Charger,’ she said, ‘I need my phone charger.’ The words bounced of the cavernous walls, chilling her. It wasn’t in its usual basket on the breakfast bar. Checking the French doors were locked to the patio, she ran up the stairs and stopped on the middle landing and peeked out. Clutching her chest, she continued what was now becoming routine. It was better to actually see him than to have to guess where he might be lurking or snooping’. She dashed up the next flight and into her room, glancing out the side and back windows which gave her a better view of the gate and passage, and out to the canal to the front. No sign of him. Was that good or bad? She grabbed her charger from the bedside table before returning downstairs to Charlotte.

  Entering the kitchen, she smoothed her forehead and made a mental note to check the CCTV. As much as it intimidated her, she told herself she must push herself to take on these new challenges. Both the challenge of operating the CCTV and the challenge of facing what it might reveal. She had to do it, not just for herself but for Charlotte. Being alone was the new normal, and so it was up to her to protect them. At least if she had some evidence of the man’s presence, the police would listen. She plugged the charger in and inserted the lead into her phone. Snatching her breakfast from the kitchen worktop, she sat beside Charlot
te whose bowl was now empty of cereal.

  ‘Good girl. Mummy will get your treat.’ Evie jumped up and moseyed back to the worktop, opened the prettily-tied box and took out the sweet pastry, her mouthwatering as fruit burst from its centre. With a large knife she divided it in two and, placing each piece on a small plate, she returned to the table. ‘Here poppet,’ she gave it another glance, wondering whether she should cut it up a bit more, ‘you’ll enjoy that.’

  Charlotte looked mighty pleased, eyed it for several seconds then looked at her mother.

  ‘Oh sorry, I’ll cut it up,’ Evie took the plate, dashed back to the worktop and cut it into manageable slithers. Spinning back round, she gasped and jumped simultaneously, seeing something move. She grabbed her chest. God she was living on her nerves. It was only a house sparrow which had suddenly whooshed from the fence outside the French doors. ‘Jesus,’ she said, almost dropping the plate. This was madness. An image flashed back to Cally, her assertiveness and strength.

  Don’t be a victim, she reminded herself, peering up towards the windows. She placed the now diced pastry back in front of Charlotte and returned to her seat, picking up and reading the leaflets Suzanne had left her. Immersing herself, her foot tapped the tiles as she absorbed the information. The work actually sounded fun she thought – as she imagined herself in the photograph, expressing ideas to her students – and it would certainly get her out from this cage. Teaching English could be interesting, and a new challenge. And maybe she could just apply and see how she got on. And if she did get the job, she would decide. Maybe Seb need never find out. If he did come home, she could tell him she was going out with Suzanne. Again her mind flooded with possibilities as well as apprehension.