by Janet Woods
‘I don’t know. Perhaps once I get settled in the new house ...?’
‘I won’t push you, I promise, but you won’t forget I’m your agent?’
He was so transparent she began to laugh. ‘How could I, Dev, you wouldn’t let me? Besides, if it wasn’t for you ... ‘
‘If you’re about to lather me with gratitude, don’t bother,’ he warned. ‘I’m not into sentimentality.’
‘I’ll let you get back to your guests, then.’
‘It’s Sandy. She’s brought a crowd of actors over and they’re eating me out of house and home. Do you want to say hello to her?’
‘Just tell her I said happy Christmas. Keep well, Dev. Once I get sorted out, I’ll be having a house warming party. You’re top of my guest list.’
‘Forget it! I have no intention of tramping around in cow dung and squeezing myself into a rustic cottage with blackbirds twittering in the roof and no running water.’
‘House martins.’
‘Same difference.’ He chuckled, then smacked her a kiss down the line. ‘I do miss having you around,’ he said, and hung up.
She couldn’t get hold of Griff, but a message was relayed back to her. ‘Doctor Tyler is in emergency. He’s unable to come to the phone, but said he’ll contact you as soon as he’s able.’
‘I hope you have a happy Christmas,’ she said. ‘I tend to forget there are people like you who have to spend Christmas at work.’
‘Thank you, that’s very kind of you. The job has its compensations.’ A smile came into her voice. ‘A child’s life has been saved tonight.’
Janey waited until midnight before she went to bed, then lay awake marveling about the dedication of people like Griff and the nursing sister she’d spoken to. It made her feel humble.
* * * *
At Coombe Cottage the light in John’s study burned into the early hours.
It had been easy to get Mary Yates talking on their walk over the hill to the beach, though it was she who broached the subject.
‘I’m surprised Jack’s decided to build a boat at his age.’
‘He can’t be more than sixty, surely.’
‘Fifty-eight.’
‘That’s not too old, besides ... ‘ and he chose his next words carefully. ‘It’s always been his dream, I believe. The ocean represents freedom to him. I understand the boat is a replica of the one your father built.’
A smile twisted her lips. ‘Both Jack and my father were crazy about that boat. She was called ‘The Maggie’ originally. My father took her across to Dunkirk. It ... a stray bullet killed him. Jack renamed her Margaret Jane after Janey was born. I’ve never seen him so upset as the night the boat was burned, except perhaps when Janey ...?’ She shrugged, and took a deep steadying breath. ‘He still thinks Eddie Renfrew had a hand in destroying the boat, though nothing could be proved.’
John’s eyes narrowed. ‘Eddie Renfrew?’
‘Janey’s stepfather. They used to live in the cottage you bought. He’s a bad bit of work. No wonder his wife left him. She works up at the big house now, a nice woman, and good to our Janey. I don’t know how she put up with him all those years.’
‘I’ve met her.’
Mary bit her lip and flicked him a sideways glance. ‘I think Pamela must know more than she’s telling.’
‘In what way?’
‘About what Eddie got up to. After all, she was ... is married to him. It wouldn’t surprise me if he committed the crime that put Jack in prison, or those crimes against young girls at the time.’ She suddenly put her hand to her mouth. ‘You won’t tell anyone I mentioned this? Douglas said I’ve got to keep my nose out.’
‘I know how to be discreet.’ He took a punt, because Mary had grievances she needed to unload, and he had an insatiable curiosity that needed fuelling. ‘I’ll let you into a confidence, Mary. I used to be a detective before I retired, so crime is a hobby of mine.’
He could almost hear her mind ticking over. In a hopeful voice and without looking at him, she asked. ‘Would you be interested in helping me clear Jack’s name? I couldn’t pay you.’
‘I might, if the evidence is there.’
Her face fell. ‘I haven’t got any evidence except the word of Janey. She knows he’s innocent ... she said so. And I think she knows who attacked her. But I daren’t ask her. Jack has made it very clear she’s off limits in that respect.’
‘That’s understandable. If Renfrew was the culprit, there are many other people whose lives could be affected. Janey’s sensitive. She’d have had enough to cope with just being the victim. Jack loves her. He knows if she destroyed the happiness and well-being of the people she loved, it would live in her conscience forever. I’m sure you wouldn’t want that.’
Mary flushed. ‘I wouldn’t do anything to hurt her. I love her too.’
‘Tell me about the other crimes you mentioned?’
‘Three young girls were lured into a man’s car, then drugged and ... and ... interfered with. They all said the car was blue. Eddie Renfrew had a blue car at the time. The police weren’t even interested when I pointed this out to them.’
Her indignation made him want to grin, but he suppressed it as he allowed her get it all out of her system.
He’d sifted through what she’d said, finding bits and pieces amongst the conjecture that could be useful or relevant. Now he stood in front of his chart and stared at it. He didn’t like loose ends.
Picking up a pen he put a question mark against the name of Pamela Renfrew. An uncomplicated woman, but she could hold the key to everything.
Persistently, the unsolved rapes ran through his mind. Mary Yates was right. It was an area worth investigating. Through fear or shame those types of crimes often went unreported, or were dropped before charges were laid. It wasn’t easy for a young woman to face her attacker in court and prove his guilt. More often than not, her own reputation was irreparably damaged in the process. It might prove useful to compare the three reported cases in the New Year, and see what he could make out of it.
He yawned as he went downstairs. Making himself a cup of chocolate he turned Nellie out of her basket by the fire and sent the reluctant dog into the cold night to relieve itself.
Hands wrapped around the mug of chocolate, he sat in front of the fire and stared into the flames. One thing was certain. Janey had to be protected. He
usually managed to avoid emotional involvement with his cases, but the sudden murderous rage he felt rocked him.
He could only imagine what she’d gone through as a child, and if he could bring her attacker to justice he would – whoever he was! Would he be able to forgive himself for what he’d done to her, though?
Chapter Sixteen
Janey had just finished painting a circus on the walls of the children’s bedroom. She stood back to take a look at it.
A red and white striped tent was painted around the window, which represented the entrance. She intended to hang matching curtains at either side. Elephants trumpeted, seals balanced balls on their noses, lions roared. There were jugglers and clowns, trapeze artists and dappled ponies with plumes on their heads. It looked good against the sunny yellow background.
‘You’ve forgotten the ring master.’
Heart thumping, she spun around. ‘Griff! What are you doing here?’
‘Visiting you. I was taking Gypsy for a walk and saw the light was on. I brought her into the hall. I hope you don’t mind.’
‘Not in the least.’ She glanced at her watch. ‘I didn’t realize it was so late. I wanted to get this finished before the bedroom furniture is delivered tomorrow. We’re moving in at the weekend, the day after the children’s birthday.’
One dark eyebrow rose. ‘Children? Did I miss something, or were there two of Saffy to begin with?’
She laughed. ‘Ah yes, of course ... didn’t your father tell you? Linda’s son is living with me now. Justin’s so sweet, you’ll adore him.’ Her eyes searched his dear, familiar face. ‘It
’s so good to see you, Griff.’
His smile came then, slow and infinitely beautiful. His eyes had a teasing light. ‘What are you waiting for? Come and give me a hug, then.’
She stopped breathing for a second, and then she was in his arms and squeezing him tight. There was an aura of cold night air clinging to him.
He kissed the top of her head, and then held her at arm’s length, making his own inspection.
Clear green eyes, her mouth peachy soft and kissable – and best of all, the tension she’d displayed the last time they’d met was gone. A smudge of green paint decorated one satiny cheek. She looked good enough to eat, he thought, and made a superhuman effort to prevent himself from running his finger down her cheek. ‘You look great.’
A shy laugh dismissed his observation. ‘Your eyes need testing. I’m wearing a pair of my father’s overalls cut off at the ankles, my hair’s a mess, and I’m covered in paint. You, on the other hand, look wonderful – and more rested than I’ve ever seen you.’
‘That’s because I’m no longer burning the candle at both ends.’ A self-conscious grin spread across his face. ‘I’m now a fully qualified surgeon, and a member of the Royal College.’
‘Oh, Griff, I’m so proud of you.’
‘Stop sounding like a mother. How have you been?’
‘Who’s talking like a doctor?’ she retorted, knowing exactly what he was referring to. ‘I’m fine. How long are you here for?’
It seemed as if they couldn’t stop grinning at each other.
‘A couple of days ... but in February I’ve got a whole month off.’
‘Good, you’ll be here for my birthday and house-warming party. I intend to invite all my friends, both old and new.’
‘Stephen and Dion might come as a bit of a shock to the locals,’ he murmured, giving a chuckle as he slipped his arm around her waist. ‘Show me around the house, and then I’ll walk you back to Canford cottage. It’s getting late.’
‘I have a car. It was a Christmas present from my father.’ Eager to show off her driving skills she offered to drive him home.
‘I didn’t realize you had a driving licence.’
She gave a small, ashamed grin. ‘I haven’t quite got my licence yet, so I only drive myself here at night, when nobody can see me. Will you wait while I bank up the Aga? I want to keep the chill off the house so it’s warm for the children when we move in.’
‘I’ll do it.’
He kissed her goodnight when she dropped him off, a small friendly kiss she couldn’t read anything into. ‘Can I give you a hand with the furniture tomorrow?’
‘That would be lovely. It’s arriving about eleven. If you come earlier and help me hang the curtains, I’ll cook you breakfast.’
He gave an easy laugh. ‘How can I resist.’
It was almost pitch black when she drove away, her headlights a small friendly tunnel showing her the way. There were no stars, no moon and the cold was bitter. The warmth of her breath steamed up the window. She rubbed it away with her palm before it turned to ice.
A light in Coombe Cottage burned in the distance.
She would be glad to get home. The high hedges either side of the lane seemed to curve in over her. A panicky terror suddenly took a grip on her. She’d avoided coming this way since she’d been back.
She began to perspire as the cow shed came into view. Sweat trickled between her breasts in a clammy stream, and soaked through the underarms of her overalls. The erratic thumping of her heart was startlingly loud in her ears.
This is where it happened! This is where she’d been beaten and raped by the man she thought was her father. Her throat dried up and she began to feel sick. Her foot pushed the accelerator to the floor.
Then she was past it – her mouth salty with adrenalin, her blood pumping against her ears and tears streaming down her face as she raced by her former home with its unhappy memories. Only then did she slow down, and she was trembling all over when she finally drew the car to a halt.
A few minutes later she was safely inside Canford Cottage and retching violently into the toilet bowl.
Her father was waiting for her when she emerged. His concern made her want to cry. He’d spent years in prison paying for someone else’s crime. He should hate her, not stand there looking at her with love in his eyes.
‘I passed the spot where ... where it happened.’ She took a deep breath. ‘It made me feel sick, that’s all.’
He made her a hot drink, and added a dash of brandy. Seating her by the fire, he said, ‘Would you like to talk about it?’
Talk about it – how could she? Eddie Renfrew was too ill to even consider bringing to justice. She didn’t want to be responsible for causing his death. Then there was Pamela and Susie ... Linda even, who loved her father. How would they feel if she told them? Even if they believed her, she might lose Justin. What good would talking about it do except make everyone else’s life miserable? It wouldn’t give her father back his lost years.
I’ll beat this fear, she thought. I’ll go back there one day in the daylight, walk right into the cowshed, face my ghosts and say boo!
She pulled herself together, summoning up a smile for her father’s benefit. ‘There’s nothing to talk about. I was just being foolish.’ Her hand covered his. ‘I’m all right now. Go back to bed, dad. I’m sorry I woke you.’
‘You’re sure?’
Why didn’t he just go, she thought wearily. Couldn’t he see she wanted to be alone? ‘I’ll be going to bed myself in a minute. I’ve got a busy day ahead tomorrow. Griff’s coming over to help and Susie’s promised to keep an eye on the children for me.’
‘That’s good.’ His voice contained a tiny nuance of hurt. ‘Good-night, then. I’ll see you in the morning.’
She followed shortly afterwards, crawling into her bed like a rabbit seeking the safety of its burrow. Her sleep was restless, as if she’d fallen into a deep, dark hole filled with unseen terrors. When she fought her way out of it, it was into a pewter-colored ghost of dawn.
* * * *
Linda and Martin were having an argument. Eddie could hear them from his seat in front of the window.
He squeezed the rubber ball in his hand. Squeeze and release – squeeze and release.
His strength was returning. He could walk unaided now, taking little shuffling steps. He could talk too, with only a slight slur in his voice.
Martin’s voice was cold and precise. ‘We’ll have to sell the house.’
‘What about my father? It’s his home too. We can’t just sell it from under him.’
Eddie nodded to himself in the sudden silence. Linda knew where her duty lay.
Then Martin drawled. ‘Of course, if you looked after him we wouldn’t have to pay for a nurse. That way, we could afford the mortgage, old girl.’
‘Like hell!’ Linda’s voice had a decisive snap to it. ‘I can’t stomach that sort of thing. I intend to return to London since my social calendar is full. What about the church nursing home? Perhaps they’d take him. We could sell the house, then. I’ll talk to the priest.’
The ball dropped from Eddie’s hand and rolled across the floor. Shock pounded at his temple like a hammer. How could she consider such a thing?
‘Poor Eddie,’ Margaret said in his ear. ‘Linda turned out to be a selfish young woman, didn’t she?’
‘She doesn’t mean it. She wouldn’t turn me out of my home.’
‘Wouldn’t she, when she turned her own baby out. His living with Janey ... remember her ... remember what you did to her?’
‘She had to pay for her sin – so did Jack Bellamy.’
‘We were the sinners, Eddie. I paid the price, now you must too. You have to confess.’
‘I have confessed – to the priest. There’s nothing on my conscience.’
‘God wants you to do it the right way. He wants you to clear Jack Bellamy’s name. He told me so himself.’
He was surprised she’d try to trick him into pa
rdoning her lover.
‘God must tell me that himself. Bellamy has to pay for what he did.’
‘He has paid.’ She came and stood beside him, looking as sweet and innocent in her gym slip and long socks as she had on that day long ago ... the day he’d made her his. Her eyes were sad. ‘We could go away afterwards, just you and I. You’d like that, wouldn’t you?’
‘Yes ... yes,’ he said eagerly. He loved Margaret, he’d always loved her. She hadn’t died; she’d just gone away for a while. Now she was back, and they’d be together always. ‘Tell God to come and see me, Margaret. I’ll do whatever he commands.’
‘You can’t bargain directly with God. You know the rules.’
‘An angel then; ask him to send an angel to guide me.’
The door was pushed open. It was Linda, with her painted Jezebel face and her bright, false smile. Something about her reminded him of Sarah Wyman and he glared at her.
‘I thought I heard voices.’ Linda’s nose wrinkled. You smell dreadful. ‘I can’t stay very long, I have to get back to London. Did you have a nice Christmas? The nurse said you’ve been behaving yourself lately. That’s good. We can’t afford to lose her, can we?’
A swift, pulsing rage filled him. She needed pulling into line. He began to stutter, anything to bring her nearer.
‘What is it?’ She came closer and bent her face to his. ‘Speak a bit more clearly?’
‘Traitor!’ he hissed, spitting in her face.
She screeched like a parrot as she recoiled. ‘You disgusting pig!’ Frantically, she scrubbed at the spittle with a handkerchief. ‘This is the last time I visit you. As far as I’m concerned, you can go and rot in a nursing home.’
‘Honor your father and mother!’ he thundered. ‘Get down on your knees, Linda. Repent your sins.’
‘Shut your mouth,’ she hissed. ‘I had enough of that rubbish when I was growing up.’ One venomous glare and she was gone, banging the door behind her.
From the corner of the room, Margaret gave a soft giggle. ‘My, she’s like you, Eddie. If you hadn’t been so blind, you would have seen this coming.’
