by Karen Aldous
He saved his work, slipped on his flip-flops and slid out of his door and onto the beach. With so much going on in his head, he just hoped, the stroll would clear it. The heat was intense, however, and the sand scorching. Weaving his way through the bathers, he found the shore and kicked off his shoes, bending to carry them. Splashing through the edge of the water, his skin cooled and he trudged aimlessly, occasionally dodging kids and elderly people standing idly in his path.
‘You look grumpy.’ A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.
‘Sam, Hi. You ok?’ Instinctively, Ben wanted to keep walking but Sam appeared to have stopped and seemed to want to talk. She slipped one side of her hair behind her ear as she hovered, waiting for him to face her. Her lips thinned as she attempted a smile.
‘No, not great. Hungover and pining a bit. You’re in love with her, aren’t you?’
Ben wasn’t too surprised. She’d been trying to make her point last night. ‘I like her but that doesn’t matter, she is in a relationship. And I didn’t really appreciate your drooling accusation. It has nothing to do with you, Sam. We were finished before Evie came along.’
‘Sorry. I can’t help it if I still have feelings. I’d had a bit to drink and I suppose I’m a teensy bit jealous that you feel so deeply about her. Well, maybe quite a bit more than teensy. I miss us.’ Samantha swung round towards the sea, and held her hand under her nose as though to block any emotion from seeping out.
‘We just didn’t work in that way, I can’t work and be in a relationship, Sam. It’s going to be difficult at times, but don’t read any more into it than what it is. It’s a professional relationship that Evie and myself have, like us now Sam, nothing more. Yes, she’s a lovely girl, but so are you. Let’s not spoil that.’ He slipped a hand onto her arm. ‘We have a film to make. For the first time we are going to be at the top of the credits. I need you, Sam; and I need Evie, she’s a great asset. She could, and don’t take this the wrong way, could possibly help you with Wollstonecraft’s story. She questions everything and, I swear would single-handedly dig a mine on the moon if she thought it would give her that grain of evidence to convince you.’
Samantha released her hand from her face and met his eyes. ‘Oh, she is lovely. That’s my problem, I think.’
Thinking back to his own insecurities when he was younger, Ben understood. Six years ago, he’d fallen for his sister Hannah’s friend Chloe when she came to stay at the family home after university. Seeing her each day was painful enough for his young heart but then when his older and worldly brother began dating her, it became torture. In his mind he’d claimed her as his own and, as pathetic as it seemed now, he knew exactly how Samantha felt. And now, with Evie so close, yet so far from his grip, it was gruelling when feelings got in the way of everyday life. He understood heartache.
‘I think we are both professional enough not to let our personal lives get in the way of our dreams. What’s the point in chasing non-starters?’
Burying her chin into her chest, Samantha stared at the sand. ‘I know. I’m sorry.’ She flicked her head up, a smile spread across her mouth and she raised a hand for a high-five. ‘Friends?’
‘Of course, we are a team. Our hearts will have to wait, we have films to make.’
Chapter 22
‘Hi sis.’ Evie burst into the house, full of energy considering she had been up most of the night writing, but fuelled by the alcohol and euphoria of the evening. Seeing her sister put her finger to her lips, Evie sealed her own.
‘Shh,’ Cally whispered, closing the door. ‘I saw you on camera.’
‘Oh, right, of course.’ Evie tiptoed into the sitting room, closely followed by her sister who closed the door behind her.
‘Hey, how did it go?’
Evie kicked off her shoes and slumped herself down on a sofa. ‘It was lovely. I’ve so much to tell.’
‘Cool. Can’t wait to hear all about it. Wait, you look in need of a cup of tea. Let me get one for you and you can get me up to speed.’
‘Do I look that bad?’
‘No, but I need one. I was dozing off just now. The CCTV woke me with you opening the gate. Oh, and I’ll talk about that in a minute. I’ll get the tea.’
With a hot mug of tea in hand, Evie relayed the evening’s events, watching Cally’s eyes gleam as she mentioned Ben’s excitement about the research, the beautiful location, the food, and the actors she’d met.
‘Both were very gracious and also liked the idea of the peasant women.’ Evie told her.
‘Evie, it sounds wonderful. I’m so glad you went. This could lead to more work and possibly more of your own income.’
‘I hope so. For the first time in my life I felt I was contributing to something, like, I have a purpose.’ She cleared her throat hesitantly, wondering if she should reveal Ben’s confession. It was probably best not to. It would only encourage her sister to tease.
Cally tucked her feet up in her chair. ‘Duh, you’ve brought up a child successfully. There’s no bigger purpose. Mind you, doing it under such a controlled regime… I mean Seb’s had such a psychological hold on you, you probably don’t feel you have the autonomy. That’s the difference.’
‘Yes, well that’s what I’m working on. I know child rearing is highly important, but I’ve come to realise so is nurturing yourself. Work is kinda giving me my own identity, if that makes sense. Evie the researcher. Ok, not quite the journalist I’d hoped a few years back, but it’s definitely given me a start. And payment.’
‘I’d say.’
‘I’ve put a few articles together on the laptop you gave me and,’ Evie sat straight and pouted her mouth, pondering. ‘I think I’m brave enough to send a couple out. I won’t send any which are related to the film, I’ll keep them general. I reckon I have as good a chance as others. Ok, I lack of contacts, but I can build them. I think what I’m trying to say is, it’s given me belief in myself.’
Cally bobbed her head in agreement. ‘And if you were to mention in a covering letter the work you’ve done – such as “film research” – that would add credibility to your name.’
‘Good point, Cally Grant. I’ll bear that in mind. I remember covering that in my journalism course.’
‘And what about Ben? Any signals romance wise?’
The answer fired too quickly. ‘No.’
Cally’s eyes immediately widened as she bent forward. ‘Whoa, I don’t believe you.’
Evie focused on her mug of tea and leaned over the arm of the sofa, placing the mug on a side table.
‘All he said was that he liked me. That was it,’ she said, her heart pumping as she relived the moment.
‘Well, it must have come about somehow. In what context did he tell you that?’
Lifting her long legs and stretching them out on the sofa, Evie reached for a strand of hair and caught herself just in time as she realised once more, it was neatly tucked into a chignon.
‘The crew keep tormenting him about liking me and he just admitted it. He knows I’m with Charlotte’s father though, so he respects that.’
‘So do you think he’d be making a play for you if Seb wasn’t on the scene?’
‘I’ve no idea. It sounded that way but then perhaps some men just want what they can’t have. You know, the forbidden fruit.’
Cally smiled. ‘As you like him, it’s quite reassuring… but don’t be hasty and put yourself at any risk.’
‘No, I know, I’ve been questioning myself. I need to think about the best way to get my independence back, without…’ she paused, ‘sending Seb into the ozone, denying Charlotte of her father or creating any press attention.’
Cally snorted. ‘A thousand-mile journey begins with a single step’? I’m rooting for you. Just be cautious. Seb Wilde can be a dangerous man. I think you deserve better and I want to see you happy.’
Evie shuffled. As if she needed reminding. ‘Anyway, what was this about the CCTV?’ Evie asked.
‘Oh, yes. I went thro
ugh some footage and have several clips of your stalker. In fact, he was there when you went out but he disappeared. He may have followed you with Ben.’
‘What, on his bike?’
‘I don’t know. I haven’t seen him. He often hides behind the…’ Cally jumped to her feet. ‘I’ll show you.’
‘Oh, Cally, please, not now. Can we look in the morning? I’m so tired, and you must be.’
Cally shook her head. ‘You still don’t take this seriously, do you? All right. Yes, we’ll look tomorrow.’ She finished her tea. ‘I must admit, I’m in need of sleep too.
After breakfast, Evie made an effort to look at the footage whilst Cally played with Charlotte. Cally had saved several clips of the stalker which Evie found really embarrassing. She’d obviously not operated it correctly. She flicked through Cally’s editing, seeing some very good close-ups; several which would easily identify him. Then, as she flicked forward, one of them caught her particular attention. Was that Seb talking to the stalker? The hairline was certainly familiar. She zoomed in but the image became blurred. She left her bedroom and the image on the TV, and went downstairs.
Cally was playing a horse, with Charlotte on her back.
‘Giddy up, horsey.’ Evie played along with Charlotte. ‘Doesn’t she go any faster, Charlotte? I think you have a mule there, not a horse.’
Cally’s head sprang up. ‘Excuse me, my knees are now as rough as hooves. I think it’s Mummy Mule’s turn.’
‘No, you carry on. I just wanted to ask you if you saw that image with Seb in it? It looks like he was talking to the stalker. Great images by the way.’
‘Is it Seb? I wasn’t sure.’ Cally’s neck twisted.
‘Giddy up.’ Charlotte demanded, kicking Cally in the ribs.
Evie raced to rescue the poor horse, lifting Charlotte up off Cally’s back and swinging her around. ‘You mustn’t kick the horse like that, Charlotte. You kick gently or better still, say “walk on”.’ She perched a protesting daughter on her hip. ‘Sorry. I didn’t realise you were taking such a bashing.’
Cally began to straighten her back, gripping one side with her hand. ‘I’m fine. Really. She wasn’t kicking hard. It’s the knees that are suffering.’ She staggered upright. ‘We did have fun though, didn’t we, Charlotte. Here, come and have a cuddle with Auntie Cally,’ she said taking her from Evie. ‘Oh, I can’t stop myself from squeezing her. She is such a doll.’
‘Feel free, she doesn’t get this fuss every day. I think it’s about time you started match-making yourself, forget about me. You’d make a lovely mummy.’
‘Oh, there’s no point me looking for a match in my line of work. I’m going back to find a career in England and… oh, that’s my phone.’
She sunk Charlotte into her hip and leant down to the coffee table. Evie quickly grabbed her daughter whilst Cally answered.
‘Da–, oh Mum. Hello, how are you?’
Cally looked at Evie with a frown, clasping the phone to her ear. Evie watched Cally’s face as she listened, her colour draining.
‘Oh, oh, Mum. What does the doctor…? Ok. I think it’s best too. Ok. That’s good. I can come over. Are you sure? Yes, let him recover first before you fly. Yes, I’ll ring you later. Don’t worry, I’m with Evie. I’ll let her know. Love to you both. Bye.’ She pressed the screen of her phone and gazed at Evie.
‘Don’t panic but Dad may have had a heart attack. Mum said he’s stable now and doing fine. They’re doing x-rays now. Naturally, they want to get back to the UK as soon as he recovers.’
Evie’s mouth gawped. She sat down, letting Charlotte down to wander to her toys. ‘Dad? But it was Mum who wasn’t well.’
Cally began pacing the floor. ‘I know, I was shocked too and Mum was wheezing with every breath down the phone. I’m really worried. Ok, so Dad’s a bit porky but I wouldn’t have had him down as a heart attack waiting to happen.’
‘Me neither. So, I take it he is in the hospital?’
‘Yes, they’ve been there four hours. Once he has the all-clear and a week or two to recover, Mum says, they’ll organise a flight and get back home, wherever that is. She’s going to ring Aunt Janet, stay with them until they sort out details.’
‘That’s so sudden.’
Cally stopped pacing and sat down opposite Evie. ‘Well, let’s sieve this a bit. Dad’s recovering. If Mum’s with him at the hospital and has an asthma attack, she’s in the right place. Once they are both fit, they have friends who are going to help them, and Aunt Janet and Uncle Brian to help them in the UK. Mum’s right. There’s nothing for us to do and she said if there was anything, she would let me know. I can stay in touch but I’m sure it will be a few weeks before they get back.’
‘I feel so helpless.’ Evie said. ‘What can we do? I can’t afford…’
‘Don’t beat yourself up. They weren’t exactly the perfect parents when you were in need. Same as I haven’t been the best sister and auntie. We all make choices, Evie, including them.’
‘Yes but I hope they are ok? I want them around, I want to see them.’
‘So do I, and I’m sure they’ll be fine. Mum said he is stable.’ Cally ruffled the back of her hair as if to reassure herself. ‘I’ll ring her later. Knowing Mum, she’ll be doing the worrying and tell us Dad is joking and laughing. You know what he’s like. Come on, let’s go out. Shall I hire a bike and then ride along the canal, or we can…’
Evie blinked. ‘Yes, a ride would be good. Let’s go and get you a bike rental from the harbour and ride up to Capestang. I need some exercise.’
‘I’ll walk along there whilst you’re getting Charlotte ready. It’s the boat office in the harbour, yeah?’
‘Ok, fine. Yes.’ Evie stood trance-like, still shocked as she watched Cally slip on her canvas pumps and tie up her laces.
Cally grabbed her purse from her bag on the floor and glanced at Evie. ‘Are you getting ready? There’s nothing we can do right now. I don’t like it either, but we all live so far apart, it’s something we have to deal with.’
Again, Evie blinked. ‘Yeah. I… I’m going.’ She headed over to Charlotte whilst her sister sauntered out the side door and through the side gate which led to the canal. Getting Charlotte’s socks and shoes on, Evie’s head still couldn’t comprehend her father having a heart attack. He wasn’t even that old. She didn’t want anything to happen to her parents. She was just finding them again. And just because they hadn’t been very sympathetic to her when she needed them didn’t give her any excuse not to be concerned and want to help them. She actually felt she should, although what could she do? They seemed to have everything organised and under control.
She pushed Charlotte’s other shoe on, trying to hold her daughter still. With the extra money she would earn, they could take a trip to England as soon as her parents returned. That would give her a few weeks to save. She made a mental note to open a new bank account on Monday whilst she visited the library or internet café. Sabine, the language school manager, was expecting her details on Tuesday anyway, as well as Ben. Although she couldn’t remember if he’d mentioned how he would pay her. Regardless, she would use the money to book a cheap flight to see them. She would need to check with her aunt Janet if there was a room available for the night. Her father may even feel a little better for seeing Charlotte again. They didn’t show too much interest when she was a baby but that was probably more their intolerance of Seb and vice versa. Seb hadn’t made them at all welcome. It was possible, like Cally, they would find her adorable now she was older, especially if she went to them without Seb.
Evie felt her eyes sting. Her poor father. Memories suddenly flashed in her mind from her younger days. Her father laying down metres of thick plastic on the lawn, creating a long extension to the slide on a hot summer’s day which, combined with the hose at the top of the slide, and a little washing-up liquid, provide hours of fun whizzing down it. He was such fun, he even got her mother on it. Not for long, because she had hay-fever and it wou
ld make her chesty. Evie swiped the tears which had run down her cheeks. Don’t go back there. Making yourself sad and dwelling on the rosy past is not what you want now. No more feeling sorry for yourself.
After splashing her face, she packed up the rucksack with its usual essentials for Charlotte and locked up the doors. Once the house was alarmed and the gates secured, she strapped her daughter into the child seat and, peering around her, as was usual nowadays, headed down the alley towards the canal path. As she reached the path, Cally was in the distance, cycling towards her.
‘Here comes Auntie Cally, poppet.’ Then, reversing her bike back into the narrow alley in readiness, her eyes glowered at the sight behind her. The stalker leaped from his bike, tossed it on to his shoulder and sped desperately towards the other end, crashing from side to side against the fence in his haste and hurtling to the ground. Feeling the urge to race over and pin him down, Evie grabbed her phone and punched in the 112 for the police, giving details. If only her phone had a camera, she could have shown them the video but, surprisingly, they reported they would be on their way. Of course, he’d disappeared from sight, but as Cally joined her, she explained and they steered their bikes back up they passage.
The gendarme’s car appeared at the top of the track ten minutes later, crawling towards them. The police officer parked the car several feet away, leaving an officer and – it seemed – the stalker in the back. They must have seen him running away and recognised him from her description.
