Before the Storm

by Di Morrissey

‘You mean time to renew the lease?’ Ellie confirmed.

  ‘That’s right. Remember I told you that if Seamus doesn’t respond to the renewal letter and renew the lease before it expires, the land becomes the property of the council?’

  ‘I remember,’ Ellie said. ‘You said if that happens, council can do what they want with it.’

  ‘Quite. And, given the rumours swirling around, one might take a pretty good guess at what they’d like to do.’

  ‘So you think someone has plans in the wings, ready to submit an application to develop the caravan park?’

  ‘Seems a logical move to me. The timing couldn’t be worse for Mr O’Neill to still be away. But, like I said, there’s still just enough time.’

  Ellie saw her chance. ‘So you haven’t heard the news?’

  ‘What news?’ asked Russ.

  ‘Apparently Seamus O’Neill’s cruise has been affected by a severe storm – a hurricane, actually. So no one knows

  how or when he’ll get back. He’ll probably miss his ­mother’s birthday party this weekend.’

  ‘Oh! I hadn’t heard. Well, that is a shame.’ Russ sounded genuinely surprised. ‘So . . . Seamus could be away for quite a while yet?’

  ‘That’s right, which from the sounds of things might make the timing of the lease renewal very tricky. When does the lease expire, exactly?’ she asked.

  There was a long silence. Ellie began to think Russ wasn’t going to answer, then he cleared his throat.

  ‘This is confidential information, of course. The lease expires on Tuesday next week.’

  ‘What?’ Ellie gasped, unable to keep the surprise out of her voice. ‘So soon!’

  ‘I truly thought Seamus would make it back in time,’ Russ said apologetically. ‘As I said, I’ve sent out several renewal letters for the lease over the past few months. He should have received at least one of them before he left. But if it’s not signed by next Tuesday’s deadline, the land becomes the property of the council.’

  ‘Are you sure there’s no way of reaching him?’

  ‘I have tried all the avenues that were available to me. Also, there’s a limit on how far the council staff can and will go to track him down,’ Russ said.

  ‘I understand,’ Ellie said, although she wished Russ had told her about this before now. ‘Is there anything else you can tell me? Or any documentation you could show me?’ She knew how much she was asking of Russ but she figured it was worth a shot.

  ‘I wish there was more I could do for you,’ Russ said. ‘But I can’t risk losing my job.’

  ‘Of course,’ Ellie said. ‘We’re so grateful for your help so far.’

  Thanking Russ, Ellie finished the call. Wanting a moment to think, and finding herself outside Patrick’s favourite café, she decided she’d have a coffee before heading back to the office and telling them Russ’s news. She was about to order when she heard someone call her name.

  ‘Hey, Ellie!’

  It was Dave.

  ‘Hi, Dave.’ She turned towards him as he hurried over.

  ‘Just the person I want to see. Got a minute?’

  ‘Sure, I was just about to order a coffee.’

  ‘Mind if I join you?’

  They sat at an outdoor table and Dave ordered two slices of cheesecake. ‘You have to have a piece, it’s delicious.’

  They chatted amiably and then Dave leaned back.

  ‘Now, the reason I wanted to see you is about the paper,’ said Dave.

  ‘What about it?’ asked Ellie.

  ‘Don’t go on the defensive, I think everything the Chronicle does is terrific. Especially that story about

  the mayor. Go Meredith,’ he said.

  ‘Yes. I saw you earlier at the rally. Good on Tommy for getting it organised so quickly. It might really turn things around,’ said Ellie.

  ‘Common sense will hopefully prevail. People should actually read the article before jumping to conclusions.’ Dave sipped his coffee. ‘Now, I have a client, a small group actually, who have an idea that I think is smart and important. It’s more than an idea. It’s to do with a development –’

  ‘No! Not the caravan park!’ Ellie dropped her cup in its saucer with a clatter.

  Dave held up his hand. ‘No. Not at all. What’s going on at the caravan park? I thought that talk was just gossip?’

  ‘So you don’t know of a development at the river where the caravan park is?’ asked Ellie.

  ‘Only what I’ve heard from a few tradies at the pub.’ He frowned. ‘Some talk about townhouses. But I swear this new project is nothing like that.’

  ‘Okay, what can you tell me?’ Ellie asked.

  ‘I can show you all the plans and details if you want. The group want to know if the Chronicle will help them advance this idea, if you believe in it in the way they do, and I do,’ he said, smiling. ‘They’ll pay for advertising, too, but I know you’ll want to get across the ethics and concept first.’

  ‘And that is?’

  ‘I call it “Ageing in the ’Hood”,’ said Dave. ‘It’s a new model to replace the outmoded retirement villages. It’s where families, singles, retirees – anyone, really – all live in a specifically designed mini-suburb or community that is created for integrated living for all ages. Young parents with kids would live next door to a couple of retirees, near single working people, next to active stay-at-homes . . . you know, all ages, all combinations of specifically designed homes and low-rise two- or four-unit blocks set amid gardens and a park. They’ll all be within walking distance of a convenience store, a café, a chemist, a hairdresser and a play centre, with ample accessible parking and a local bus service that runs into the main town or to sports complexes and the like. A neighbourhood where everybody looks out for each other. As it should be.’

  ‘It sounds like a great idea in theory . . . but where would such a place be built? There’s no room for something like that in Storm Harbour, is there?’ said Ellie.

  ‘There’s a chunk of land designated to be opened up for development between Storm Harbour and Malonby – have you been there? – fifty minutes’ drive away. Not on the coast but inland a bit. They want to develop a satellite community from the ground up; not by completely clearing the land, but by designing homes and streets among the trees and around a small tributary that runs from the hills down to the river. Natural shade, well-maintained gardens and level paths in a clean, environmentally friendly and safe community with public green spaces. I could go on; they’ve thought of everything. I’d live there,’ he said, then took a bite of cheesecake.

  ‘Is it stuck in the middle of nowhere, though?’ asked Ellie.

  ‘Whenever you want, we can drive out there, Patrick too if he likes. It’s just off the main highway, going around hills so you hear nothing of the traffic and see nothing but greenery and birds. Listen, if development is coming to the regional areas, then let’s get in first and make it the kind of space we’d all like.’

  ‘Hmm, well, it sounds interesting. Better than townhouses blocking everyone’s view and taking away our caravan park. But we’ll have to see the detail. I’ll talk to Patrick about it. The mayor would like to see it too, I’m sure.’

  ‘She’s already seen it, and she loves the idea. She told me council needs to get in and plan the future of the whole area, not just piecemeal pop-up developments that look plonked down and not sensitively integrated like this plan is,’ Dave said. ‘I’ll send you everything. They haven’t spent a fortune on fancy presentations and stuff. But look at the plans and walk around out there, as that’ll give you a feel for the place.’

  Ellie nodded slowly. ‘I can’t speak for my grand­father, but if we think it’s a smart strategic plan, the paper will get behind it. Not just for the advertising dollar but because it’s a good idea. That’s how the Chronicle works. Ethics first,’ said Ellie. ‘We’d
have to be open to all sides of the debate about it as well, of course.’

  ‘Okay, boss,’ said Dave. ‘I wouldn’t expect less. Another coffee?’

  ‘Thanks, but no, I have a bit to do. That cheesecake was amazing, though!’

  Dave relaxed back in his seat, hands behind his head. ‘So when are you heading back to the city?’

  ‘Not for a bit. I’m helping Patrick and sorting through a few things. Suddenly the big city doesn’t appeal so much,’ Ellie sighed. ‘Used to be you’d go where the job is. Instead I intend to create my own work if I can. Be my own boss.’ She looked at him, and thought how their relationship had found its rightful place, as a strong friendship. ‘What are your plans?’ she added. ‘Do they give you much notice about where you’ll be moving on to?’

  ‘Well, actually, I’ve asked for an extension here. Thought I might buy a place. That’s always a good investment.’

  Ellie looked surprised. ‘Just an investment? Will you stay here?’

  ‘I’ve lived and worked in a lot of different places. This place has a really strong community spirit and I like the lifestyle. Maybe I’ll stay here for a while.’ He smiled. ‘You met Lauren, she’s an old friend from uni, a single mum with a little girl. She’s interested in moving here too. We might even buy a boat of our own.’

  ‘That’s really good news, Dave,’ Ellie smiled back at him. ‘I’d better head back. I’ll talk to my grandfather and call you. See ya.’

  *

  Back at the Chronicle Ellie found Jon getting ready to go out on a story.

  ‘Patrick is still at the gym and Maggie’s gone to meet with the printer,’ said Jon. ‘Patrick asked if you could check with Heather about taking a photo of the portrait, to go with your article. Reckons she’s more likely to say yes to you than to me, and he’s probably right.’

  ‘Mmm, wish me luck with that! Susan said no one could see it before the unveiling event just before the party,’ said Ellie.

  Jon rolled his eyes. If the painting is already out at Craigmore, forget it. But if it’s still in the artist’s studio, it’s worth asking. It’ll make it so much easier for us if we can lay out the space for the story with the photo.’

  ‘Okay, I’ll ask,’ said Ellie. Then she had a thought. ‘If I see Kathryn when I view the portrait, do you think I should tell her about the lease?’ Quickly, she filled Jon in on her conversation with Russ. ‘Is there someone else in the family who might know what’s going on or who could sign the lease, do you think?’ she asked.

  ‘Ronan, maybe?’ Jon suggested, then frowned. ‘But Seamus is head of the family and I don’t think he would ever allow someone to make decisions without his input. I can’t believe he’s let all this go till the last minute. It’s not like him.’

  ‘He was expecting to be home a week or so ago, I suppose,’ said Ellie. ‘But Kathryn didn’t seem to know anything about all this last time I saw her. Should I tell her now?’

  Jon considered. ‘I’m not sure that’s our place, and it could get your source in hot water. Look, I’ll fill Patrick in while you speak with Heather. But he didn’t think we should say anything to Kathryn that we couldn’t corroborate, and nothing has really changed, unfortunately.’

  ‘All right,’ Ellie said. ‘I’ll give Heather a ring.’

  *

  ‘Well, hello, Ellie,’ said Heather, opening her door on Thursday afternoon. ‘You’ve arrived just in time to photo­graph Kathryn and me staring at a sheet covering the painting. I don’t think either of us is brave enough to pull it off.’ She laughed.

  ‘Oh really? Have you just finished it?’

  ‘It took a week to dry. Kathryn came into town to have her hair done for the party, and now we’re having afternoon tea. Susan isn’t coming back to pick her up for an hour or so, so we have time for a cuppa together. Please join us.’

  ‘Wonderful, thank you, Heather,’ said Ellie, handing her a white cake box she’d picked up at the bakery in town on her way over. Jon’s camera, which she’d borrowed, was hanging from her shoulder.

  When Heather ushered her through the open studio door, Ellie saw Kathryn sitting in a vintage armchair with her feet up on a pouf.

  ‘Hello, dear. Oh, how kind, you’ve brought us a little something,’ she said, spotting the box Heather was holding.

  ‘It’s a sponge cake with strawberries and cream,’ said Ellie.

  ‘It looks delicious,’ Heather said, carefully lifting the cake onto a plate and cutting them each a slice. ‘Pour yourself some tea, Ellie, I just made it.’

  Settled with their tea and cake, Ellie asked Kathryn, ‘Are you excited about your birthday party, Mrs O’Neill?’

  ‘Dear girl, please call me Kathryn. I’ve had an awful lot of birthdays, and the family are making such a fuss. But it’s lovely to have everybody together for a change. They all lead such busy lives. Of course, we’re so worried about Seamus making it back in time.’ She sighed.

  ‘Tell her about Ben,’ Heather prompted her friend.

  Kathryn smiled broadly. ‘Oh, such lovely news! Yes. Ben rang me in the middle of some event he was at to say he and Sally are moving in together! Different from when I was young, but still, I’m so looking forward to meeting her tomorrow night.’

  ‘Oh, you spoke to Ben?’ Ellie said in surprise.

  ‘Yes, Susan put his call through,’ said Kathryn.

  ‘And hovered to listen to the whole conversation, no doubt,’ said Heather.

  ‘Well, Ben did mention he’d tried calling several times.’ Kathryn frowned. ‘Anyway, it was such wonderful news, I suppose not even Susan could begrudge anyone wanting to share it.’

  ‘It is wonderful news, isn’t it?’ said Ellie.

  ‘So, he hasn’t proposed?’ asked Heather.

  ‘No, but I’m happy for him, anyway. I thought it very lovely of him to let his grandmother know. Kind of him,’ said Kathryn. ‘I’ve hardly seen him these last few years, except briefly at the hospital the other day.’

  She was silent for a moment and Ellie wondered why Ronan and Susan didn’t let Ben spend time with his grandmother. She’d probably never be able to understand the way this family worked, she thought.

  ‘I suppose lately he’s been preoccupied courting Sally,’ Kathryn said at last. ‘He’s always been so sweet to me. He’s a gentle and kind soul who has always walked his own path in life. And I’m proud of him for doing that, though I do miss our special times together. But he had to find his own feet, out in the world. You young people have to do that before you come back to the nest, isn’t that so?’ She smiled.

  ‘I suppose so,’ said Ellie quietly.

  Kathryn sat up straight and sipped her tea. ‘Tell me, how are you, dear?’

  Ellie smiled brightly, trying to lighten the mood. ‘I’m doing really well, thank you. I love living in Storm Harbour – I’m actually thinking about staying here a while longer.’

  ‘Oh, how lovely. Your grandfather must be pleased about that,’ said Kathryn.

  ‘Yes. I think he’s happy, but he didn’t want to let on at first because he didn’t want to influence my decision. He’s very considerate. Now, is that the portrait?’ Ellie asked, glancing at the easel draped with a cloth. ‘What do you think of it, Kathryn?’

  ‘Well, actually, I haven’t seen it yet. It’s supposed to be my big surprise gift. Susan has the whole unveiling arranged, but I’d love to take a peek.’

  ‘Are you pleased with it, Heather?’ asked Ellie.

  The artist shook her head. ‘It’s always difficult painting those you know well and feel for. We go back a long way. When I look at Kathryn I see her as I remember her in our younger days. You were such a beautiful bride.’

  ‘Boyd called me his bride till the day he died,’ Kathryn said softly. ‘Heather, do you realise we’ve been friends for more than half a century?’

&nb
sp; ‘I can do the maths,’ said Heather with a chuckle. ‘You were very shy and private at first, though. Then before you knew it, we were golfing partners!’

  Kathryn gazed past Heather, looking reflective. ‘Yes. I know. I remember the year we met almost to the day.’

  The tone of her voice caused Ellie and Heather to exchange a quick look.

  Ellie sensed Heather was about to make a flippant remark but there was something in Kathryn’s expression that made Ellie ask gently, ‘Why is that?’

  ‘I felt free for the first time in a long time. Sad. But free.’ She paused. ‘It was when my father died.’

  Heather looked at her and said quietly, ‘You told me your mother died when you were a child, and gave me the impression you were also quite young when you became estranged from your father. It seemed painful so I never asked or mentioned anything.’

  Kathryn looked at Ellie. ‘Cynthia showed me the story in your paper about our mayor. Remarkable woman. Her honesty embarrassed me. Not because of what she said, but that she was brave enough to tell the truth.’ Kathryn was still looking at Ellie. ‘Secrets steal your soul. Even those you keep from yourself. I’ve kept a secret for most of my life and now I’ve finally come to understand how it eats away at your heart, even if you don’t admit it.’

  ‘What are you talking about, Kathryn?’ asked Heather quietly.

  ‘I want you to know what I’ve ignored for decades, Heather. And what I should have told you, Ellie, when I did the interview here with you when Heather was still working on the portrait.’

  ‘I don’t understand,’ started Ellie. There was something in Kathryn’s eyes, in the tone of her voice, that was slicing through Ellie’s tightly wrapped inner self. The part of her that hurt.

  ‘Keeping some things to yourself is not brave. It eats you up,’ Kathryn said. ‘I see that now. Let me share this now with you, young woman. And Heather, I’ve kept this from you, from everyone, for decades, and suddenly I see there was no reason to do so.’

  Ellie sat clutching her teacup. This elderly woman couldn’t know how she felt and what she suffered in her dark hours. Or could she? Did she want to hear what Kathryn had to say? Ellie didn’t move, she simply stared at Kathryn, who had turned her head and was looking at the sheet covering the painting.