Behind a Closed Door (The Estate, Book 2)

by Mel Sherratt

  ‘I mean…. it’s….’ She sighed. How could she explain to Jay, of all people, that she couldn’t get used to having Scott around again? ‘I mean that it’s weird. I suppose things will settle down eventually.’

  Jay nodded. ‘I thought you seemed low. You don’t seem your usual sparkly self.’

  Another silence fell between them. Kelly wound down the window to let in some air but it wasn’t simply the sun that was making her feel warm. Here she was talking to a man who two weeks previous had told her that he loved her and then picked up his best mate from prison. A man who she now couldn’t get off her mind; a man, she was mortified to grasp, who had moved on to someone else to forget her.

  Kelly wanted to ask him everything about this new woman. She wanted to know what she looked like, how old she was. Did she have any children? Did she live local; did he share pizzas with her and laugh at episodes of Hot in Cleveland? She wanted to know if they had the same tastes in music, if she made him smile.

  Kelly wanted to know everything, but she wasn’t going to ask – although she couldn’t resist asking one question. She kept her tone as even as a friend to a friend would.

  ‘So, this woman you’re dating, is she nice?’

  ‘You mean Lisa?’ Jay laughed. ‘That’s my baby sister’s way of saying I’m a saddo. As if I’d want to be with anyone at the moment. She’s okay, I suppose, but I need to sort my head out first.’

  Kelly studied the gardens again, not knowing if she was relieved or jealous. Either way, she had no right to be feeling like that. She was going home to Scott.

  Jay pulled up outside the flat and got out of the car.

  ‘Coffee?’ Kelly checked her watch to see that it was almost eleven o’ clock. ‘Scott will probably still be in bed though, but if you come in he’s bound to get up.’

  Jay shook his head. ‘I’d better not. I’m...’

  Emily rushed around and threw herself at his legs. ‘I miss you!’ She squeezed Jay as hard as she could.

  Jay picked her up and hugged her back. ‘I miss you too, my little angel. I hope you’re looking after your mum.’

  ‘When are you coming to see us again?’

  Jay glanced at Kelly long enough for her heart to skip a beat.

  ‘Jay’s a busy man,’ she told her. ‘He can’t keep calling on us every two minutes.’

  Emily shrugged herself down Jay’s body. She tugged down her red T-shirt that had risen up to expose her midriff. ‘He used to,’ she said with a sulk.

  As Jay ruffled Emily’s hair, Kelly gathered up her shopping bags. ‘Come on, Em.’ She held out a hand.

  Emily huffed. Watching her reach up to Jay for a goodbye kiss, Kelly only wished she could do the same. Jay caught her eye and she felt her cheeks burning.

  ‘I’ll see you, then.’ She left him standing there, in case the urge to follow through took over.

  Across the estate, Josie had other things on her mind as she tried to concentrate during their staff meeting. All the housing team had crammed into one of the tiny cubicles to have their monthly catch up session. It was the one time they’d be guaranteed to see the office manager.

  Unlike the others, it wasn’t on the tip of her tongue to let Kay know that the staff rota system she’d come up with was pathetic and wouldn’t work in a month of Sundays. Josie was thinking about Stewart. She’d finally received contact from him, in the form of a handwritten letter delivered through the post. She fingered it in her skirt pocket as she recalled his words. During the first few paragraphs, he wrote that he was sorry, that he wanted to try again, but then his tone changed. It was as if he knew she wouldn’t agree to him coming back so he wanted to turn the knife. Maybe it was time to get in touch with a solicitor.

  ‘Finally, I’m sure you’ll all be pleased to hear – especially you, Josie – that the local council have given the go ahead to convert the old sheltered housing block into an enterprise centre.’

  Josie sat forward in her chair as she heard the words she’d been longing to hear for ages. ‘How many units have they agreed to?’

  ‘Let me see.’ Kay flicked noisily through her paperwork. ‘Ah, here it is. There will be twenty-seven individual offices. That’ll be easy to plan as the building was originally self-contained flats. The designers thought the idea to rip out the interiors was a waste of time. They think the fact that each unit will come with its own tiny bathroom and kitchen area will be a good rental point. I happen to agree. I think people will like that.’

  Ray burst into laughter. ‘If you’re talking about people living on the Mitchell Estate, you must be joking.’

  Kay shot him a filthy look. ‘As usual, you see the brighter side of things. It will give people on the estate something to work towards, something to aspire to.’

  Ray slid further down into his seat. ‘You’re forgetting one thing. There’s no work in anyone who lives on the Mitchell Estate. That’s why they live here.’

  ‘That’s why you work here,’ Doug mocked. Even Ray laughed at that.

  But Josie hadn’t been listening to the bickering. She’d wondered why the gates had been open the other day as she’d driven past the site. She’d been meaning to report it to one of the community wardens so that they could check it out but, once back in the throes of the office, she’d forgotten all about it. All of a sudden, her mind had gone into overdrive at the possibilities of things to come.

  The Workshop had been something Josie had been passionate to move forward. About six months ago, the local council had approached Mitchell Housing to see if they were interested in helping out with funding or expertise when the centre was open. Josie had been chosen as a representative to speak on behalf of the association. With every meeting she’d attended, she’d come away more enthusiastic than the last. This could be a perfect chance to get the estate a better name for itself. Never mind what the likes of Ray thought, there were lots of people who wanted to work but, with all the factories and skilled jobs disappearing at a steady rate, there were less opportunities. This centre could be a lifeline for a lot of them, and Josie would see to it that one of her tenants didn’t miss out on her big break. This was perfect for Kelly.

  ‘Josie?’ Kay clicked her fingers.

  Josie shook her head and had a guess at what she’d been asked. ‘I’m not sure?’ she attempted.

  Kay grinned. ‘I asked you if you’d like to represent us still. Yes?’

  Josie nodded, looking a little sheepish. She checked her watch and made a mental note to try and concentrate on what was being said for the rest of the meeting. It was eleven-thirty: they’d be finished by lunch, and then she could nip around to see Kelly. She had some seeds to plant.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  ‘Bloody hell, Josie, I thought you were going to bang the door down,’ Kelly cried. ‘Where’s the fire?’

  Josie followed her up the stairs. ‘I’ve got some fantastic news.’ She paused as she set a foot on the landing. ‘Scott isn’t in, is he? I forgot to check.’

  Kelly huffed. ‘I haven’t spoken to him since last night. He went out after he’d eaten and I was in bed by the time he came in. He was in bed when I went to the shops this morning and gone by the time I got back. Passing ships we are, but it’s better than arguing, I suppose.

  ‘So, what’s got you so excited?’ she asked, after Josie had shared an imaginary cup of tea with Emily. Kelly swapped it for a mug of coffee and sat down next to her.

  ‘You know the old housing block on Davy Road?’

  Kelly shook her head.

  ‘No, I don’t suppose you would. Anyway, it’s been empty for over a year now. It used to be a sheltered housing block until the local authority deemed it too expensive to maintain. All the residents have moved out now into another purpose built block – Poplar Village, it’s a fabulous place – which leaves the whole building for developing. I’ve just been told that the council have finally agreed to develop the site into business units for the people on the estate. All the units will com
e with reduced rates and a grant to set up any new business for the first twelve months.’

  Josie paused for breath as well as dramatic effect, but it was completely lost on Kelly. She pointed at her.

  ‘You,’ she said, ‘could open your own secretarial business. There will be room for twenty-seven individual businesses. Those businesses will all need letters typing, telephone calls answering, photocopying, filing etc. You could provide all these things at a low cost. You could do it on a part time basis until all the units are full, which will give you time to learn your skills and gain confidence. You’ll be able to –’

  Kelly held up a hand for Josie to stop. ‘Slow down, will you? Emily, turn the television down for a minute, please?’

  ‘But I’m watching –’

  ‘Dora the Explorer will have to wait, sweetheart. Mummy needs to hear this.’

  With the volume lowered yet Emily still engrossed, Josie slowed down long enough to explain it all to Kelly again.

  ‘It’s a perfect opportunity,’ she said afterwards. ‘You’ll be able to base yourself in one of the rooms. Your clients –’ Josie noticed the hint of a smile at the word – ‘will come to you. They’ll be able to divert their phones to you so that you can take messages for them. It means that they won’t miss important calls because they aren’t in the office. You can be everyone’s personal secretary at the same time.’

  ‘Do you really think I could do that?’ Kelly latched on to Josie’s enthusiasm. ‘Wouldn’t it be beyond me?’

  ‘Of course not! I’d help you wherever I could. Once you’ve set it up, it’ll be a doddle, you’ll see.’

  Kelly certainly did see. Immediately, she pictured herself in her own office typing into a computer. She’d be taking messages for the printing firm, typing letters for the catering business, making up invoices for the plumbers. Maybe she’d need her own personal assistant as the business grew and grew. But then reality hit Kelly with a thud.

  ‘I’m not sure I can convince Scott it will be a good idea.’

  ‘Then don’t tell him until it’s too late. He’ll have to deal with it, then.’ Josie put down her coffee. ‘You can do this. It’s a perfect chance for you to get off benefits completely and run your own business. How does that sound?’

  ‘Like a bloody nightmare, if you ask me.’ Kelly stood up. ‘I can’t do it.’

  Josie wasn’t perturbed as she’d been expecting some resistance. ‘Then tell him,’ she said. ‘Tell him the truth, tell him a lie, tell him anything but don’t miss out. This could be your chance.’

  Kelly’s shoulders drooped.

  ‘I’ll be there every step of the way, if you let me,’ Josie urged. ‘Just tell me you’ll think about it.’

  But there wasn’t time to talk anymore as they heard the front door open and close. Before either of them could react, Scott came bounding into the living room.

  ‘What the fuck’s she doing here?’ he said, freezing in mid-step as he locked eyes with Josie.

  ‘Morning to you too,’ Josie replied sarcastically.

  ‘She came to bring me a new rent card,’ Kelly improvised, throwing Josie a warning glare. ‘I’ve lost mine.’

  ‘Hiya, Daddy,’ said Emily. ‘I’m watching Dora the Explorer.’

  Scott ignored his daughter and grabbed the TV remote control. ‘You shouldn’t have to pay any rent.’ The room erupted with the sound of music. Emily folded her arms and frowned.

  Josie stood up. ‘Some people like to earn their keep, Mr Johnstone. What have you done towards yours today?’

  Kelly groaned inwardly. The last thing she needed was Josie antagonising Scott. She could tell by his face that he was after a fight and, by the colour of his skin, he looked like he was still in hangover mode.

  ‘Josie was just leaving.’ Kelly nodded towards the door.

  ‘More likely she’s checking up on me.’ Scott threw Josie a look of revulsion. ‘I’m surprised to see you here at this time of day. I have housing officers for dinner.’

  ‘I’d spit the likes of you out if I had to eat you,’ Josie threw back. ‘I’m sure you’d be bitter to your core.’

  ‘Are you mad?’ Kelly whispered loudly once they were out of the room. ‘Don’t make it worse for me than it already is.’

  Josie coloured. The sight of Scott Johnstone alone was enough to make her blood boil but she hadn’t for one moment thought how her actions could affect Kelly.

  ‘I’m sorry.’ She gave a half smile in apology. ‘But sometimes I wonder what you’re doing with the likes of him. You’re far too good for him. Surely you can see that?’

  Kelly sniggered. ‘That’s rich, coming from you. You ought to try getting your own house in order before you start telling me what to do.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Oh, go, will you. I’ve got enough problems of my own to deal with at the moment.’

  ‘Call me, if you need me!’ were the last words Josie said but Kelly had already closed the door.

  For a moment, Josie stood on the step. What a waste of an opportunity if Kelly didn’t think about what she’d said. She was intelligent and determined; she had absolute faith in her. Still, she could just need a bit of time to think it over. Kelly might deduce that it was a good idea and that she did have the necessary skills to follow it through. It was only her job to plant the seed.

  Suddenly she stopped as she went back over Kelly’s words. What did she mean by getting her own house in order?

  ‘What the fuck was she doing here?’

  ‘I told you before,’ said Kelly. ‘I needed a new rent card. Where have you been this morning?’

  Scott grabbed her wrist as she bent to pick up Josie’s mug. ‘Don’t change the subject. I don’t want her calling again. Do you hear?’

  ‘Yes, I hear you but it isn’t going to happen.’ Kelly shrugged her arm loose. ‘This is my flat, remember?’

  ‘No, it’s our flat. I let you stay at my house for years, now you can do the same.’

  ‘I stayed at your house to look after our daughter! A daughter you seem to have conveniently forgotten since you’ve got back.’

  Scott slouched down onto the settee. ‘Don’t bring that up again. I told you, I don’t like how she’s wary of me. It’s taking me time to adjust, too. Everything’s changed since I went inside.’ He pointed at her with the remote control. ‘You, for starters. You used to be so… so –’

  ‘Gullible?’ Kelly finished the sentence for him.

  ‘I was going to say trusting.’

  ‘Isn’t that the same thing?’

  Scott pursed his lips. ‘You’re pushing me away with all this namby-pamby, goody-goody talk. I hardly know you now.’

  ‘That’s because I’ve had to fend for myself for three months,’ Kelly snapped. ‘Where were you then? And if you’re so bothered about looking after me and Em, where do you keep disappearing to?’

  Scott refused to look at her as she continued.

  ‘How the hell do you think I felt when I was told I had to leave Patrick Street? I saw this place and thought my life was over. But do you know what spurred me on? I wanted to make it nice for when you got back. I was hoping things would be okay again.’

  ‘You put the dampers on that when you started working.’ Scott spit out the word as if it were a disease. ‘Do you know how many years it’s taken me to get the social off my back and stop sending me to job interviews?’

  Kelly shook her head in frustration. ‘What’s wrong with getting a job?’ she said. ‘What’s so wrong with having a bit of spare money?’

  Scott stared at her, wide-eyed. ‘Have you ever gone without when I was here?’

  ‘No, but –’

  ‘You had new clothes, a nice house, furniture, a flat-screen TV. Half the people on this estate will never have as much.’

  ‘I went without you! Why can’t you get that into your thick skull? I went without you for three months. I don’t want to do that again.’

  Emily’s face appeared around
the door frame, her bottom lip trembling. Kelly ushered her over, sat down and pulled her daughter onto her lap. Emily sunk into her chest and began to suck her thumb.

  ‘Look at her,’ Kelly urged Scott. ‘The only reason she won’t get close to you is because she’s frightened you might leave again – and so am I.’

  ‘I won’t get caught next time.’

  ‘And that’s supposed to make me feel better?’ Kelly eyed him with disdain. ‘There will always be one more job, and one more after that. You know there will.’

  ‘I don’t know why you keep moaning, you’ll both benefit from them.’

  ‘I don’t want your kind of handouts,’ Kelly hissed.

  ‘It’s never stopped you before.’

  ‘I had no choice then.’

  Suddenly, Scott leaned forward. ‘What’s up? Lost your faith in me?’

  Kelly wanted to tell him she’d lost faith in him a long time ago, but knew it would do more harm than good. She knew no matter what she said, he’d bite back. Instead, she stared at him. It was like looking at a stranger. How could two people change so much in three months?

  Scott stood up. ‘Fine!’ he said. ‘Have it your own fucking way.’ He glared at her for a moment before storming out of the flat.

  Only then did Kelly feel Emily relax in her arms.

  That evening, most of the Mitchell Housing Association staff had been out for a meal to celebrate Debbie’s birthday. It had been pleasant with lots of light-hearted banter, and exactly what Josie needed. She’d laughed so much that her cheeks had ached. By the time, she’d dropped Debbie and Irene off at their homes, it was past midnight.

  It had felt so good to have a night out on her own without all the feelings of guilt, knowing that she wouldn’t be coming home to Stewart’s miserable face, even though she knew she had that to contend with tomorrow. Earlier, on the way to the restaurant, Josie had called at Miles’ Factory and left a letter with his foreman to give to him. Rather than get a solicitor involved straightaway, she’d decided to offer him a lump sum.

  As she got to the front door, Stewart stepped out from the side of the garage.