by Diane Ezzard
He moved the chair as if to sit down, then changed his mind. “I’d stay and have a chat with you Sophie, but you know how things are with Linda.”
“It’s ok, I understand.” I didn’t.
“So how is Linda?” I asked.
“Linda’s fine. We’ve just dropped Daniel off at his friend’s mum and dad’s. We take it in turns each week to take him and his mate to karate so that we get a Saturday to ourselves. It’s a good arrangement. It works well because it means we both get some free time.”
Simon got his phone out and scrolled through his photos. He stopped when he found a picture of Daniel to show me. I leant forward.
“Oh, that’s a lovely photograph.”
“It was taken on his last birthday.”
“Hasn’t he grown. He’s developing your good looks, Simon. How old is he now?”
Simon’s face was full of pride. “He’s six going on sixty. He’s into everything, loves all sports and anything to do with technology. Says he wants to be an astronaut. We’re always at the Science Museum.”
“That’s good that he’s got an enquiring mind,” I said.
“Yes, he’d spend all day on the iPad if we let him.”
“That’s kids for you.”
“Yes, they’re all into computers from a young age.”
“So how’s work?” I asked.
“It’s never been the same since you left. I was sorry to lose you.”
“I’m sure you understood why I left.” He thought for a moment, then nodded.
“Yes, but it didn’t stop me missing you. I mean, it didn’t stop everyone missing you.”
It hadn’t gone unnoticed that he’d corrected himself.
“It was a big decision for me, Simon.”
“And have you regretted it?” I didn’t answer.
“No, I shouldn’t ask you that. I did really worry about you though, Sophie.” We remained silent for a few more uncomfortable seconds.
Simon looked sad. I scoured his face to question the sincerity of his words but his expression looked genuine. “So, tell me about you. What are you up to these days?” he asked. His tone was brighter.
“I got my counselling degree and I’m now working in a women’s centre. It keeps me busy.”
“Good for you and what about your love life?” His face was searching mine. My heart thumped. I wanted to scream, Oh please don’t ask, Simon. It was my turn to look sad.
“There’s been no one since you.”
“Oh, oh, I see, so what happened to Kyle?” he asked.
“I don’t know. We went our separate ways,” I said in a hushed voice. Simon brought up memories from the past that were better left there. I jolted back into the moment. “So, do you still live in Bury then?” I asked.
“Yeah, we’re still up Brandlesholme Road, and you?”
“I moved from Unsworth and I have a flat up Manchester Road now.”
“And do you like it there?”
“Well, it’s only small, but it’s adequate for me and it’s handy for work. It’s a lot different from your huge place.”
Simon nodded. “The trouble with having a large house, there’s always things need doing. We’re having an extension built. Linda thinks we need more room,” he said raising his eyebrows.
My lips tightened, and I subconsciously clenched my fists. I wasn’t interested in Simon’s home or what Linda wanted. I could feel anger bubbling up inside as I thought of them playing happy families together. Why was I making polite conversation like this?
“Simon, do you want to sit here, I need to get going?” It had upset me he hadn’t sat down and joined me. I finished my coffee and stood up to put my coat on, ready to leave. Simon placed his drink on the table and helped me get my arms through the sleeves. I felt the strong weight of his body on my shoulders.
“It’s good to see you, Sophie,” he said.
“You too, Simon.” I wasn’t so sure. Trying to hide my discomfort, I picked up my bag. He moved to kiss me on the cheek and I had to look away. I didn’t want my feelings to betray me. We said our goodbyes. As I walked towards to the door, I didn’t look back.
Just as I approached the exit, a slim woman with long, dark hair and steely-grey eyes brushed past me. She glanced at me for a moment too long. Did I know her? Her eyes glared at me. Her serious expression made me feel uncomfortable. I thought I recognised her from somewhere. I reached the door and opened it wide, putting my bag over my shoulder. The cold crisp chill in the air hit me. I looked back at where I had been seated and saw Simon deep in conversation with the woman. Ah, so that’s the lovely Linda, I thought.
Chapter Three
TWO WEEKS AGO
I liked the minimalist look. Unfortunately, there were always books, papers and magazines lying in small clusters around the lounge of my flat, so I never achieved the desired effect I wanted. As I’d spent most of the day shopping, the usual household chores had been pushed aside so I thought I’d make an effort that evening. I wasn’t expecting any visitors, and I wasn’t going out but tidying up made me feel better. I moved things out of view so it was more aesthetically pleasing to my eyes. I lit three scented candles to get me in the mood for a nice relaxing evening. I breathed in the smell of vanilla and smiled. I looked around at the flat, pleased with my efforts. It was small, but it felt cosy.
I primped up my cat print cushions and sat down on the sofa. Picking up the newspaper, I had a quick look at the crossword. My chicken curry was in the microwave and I scribbled in the answer to four across whilst waiting for the familiar ping of the machine. The strong smell of coriander and turmeric took over in the fragrance battle. I sat down to enjoy my food.
I flicked on the remote control. I could view what I wanted on TV but I missed having someone to argue with about what to watch. I scrolled through the channels. Nothing there to take my fancy. After finishing my meal, I reached down and picked up my laptop. I tapped my feet and yawned.
Not wanting to give into my Candy Crush addiction, I started to scroll through holiday websites. It was just wishful thinking though. From lazy days in Lanzarote to the beaches of Barbados, it all looked idyllic, and I indulged myself. I had only just secured a paid position after my studies so I wasn’t going anywhere. I put my feet up on the cream wooden coffee table to settle down to enjoy my surfing.
I soon got to thinking that the earlier idea I’d had about internet dating could be the way forward for me. I was shocked by how popular this way of meeting people was. No longer the lonely hearts club that people used to associate it with, I thought to myself. This was the modern way to date even if I did feel a bit cringey doing it. I was disappointed at the quality of many of the pictures. If they weren’t showing off their torsos on a beach somewhere, many of them were stood so far away they looked like a dot in the midst of scenery. It made me wonder why they’d bothered. There were hardly any Hollywood heartthrobs there but one or two did look ok so I got my hopes up that I might have some success.
I’d already added my details but now it asked me to complete a profile page. The site wanted me to put information in about myself. Being of a modest disposition, I found this hard. I kept changing my mind on what to say. After an hour of adjusting words and re-arranging sentences, I settled for: slim red head (I didn’t mention the temper to match) with a dry sense of humour, loves cats, the outdoors and anything to do with food, looking for someone who enjoys good coffee and intelligent conversation.
I wasn’t so sure about the intelligent conversation. I was more likely to hold my own discussing Emmerdale rather than quantum physics but it sounded good.
I even managed to find a half decent head shot of myself to upload. I’d been promised a free week’s trial by the website but I figured I was unlikely to meet Mr Right that quickly. I begrudgingly parted with £30 for a month’s membership. I thought even if it ended up being a waste, at least it would give me something to occupy my time.
I’d been browsing for a while when there
was a knock at the door. I frowned. Who on earth could be calling this late? I couldn’t see it being canvassers on a Saturday night. I tried peeping through the curtains but couldn’t make out any details of the figures stood there.
There were three of them. Part of me knew it wasn’t a good idea to open the door but curiosity got the better of me. Slowly I turned the handle and peered out into the dark night at three young men.
Annoyance must have shown on my face as they looked uncomfortable standing there. They were scruffily dressed and weren’t the type you’d like to bump into in a dark alley. They were in their twenties, probably slightly younger than me. The one in the middle, who wore a dark anorak and dirty jeans, spoke first.
All three of them looked at each other as Anorak said, “Sorry to bother you but we’re lost.”
“Oh,” I said, frowning. I glanced at the guy at the end who kept watching the road.
“Yeah, we’re looking for Stand Lane.” Anorak eyed me up carefully.
“Stand Lane in Radcliffe?” I sounded surprised. I scanned the scene and I couldn’t see their vehicle. The one standing at the end who wore a black Harrington jacket spoke next.
“Yeah, we’re on our way to a party,” he said. Narrowing my eyes, I glanced sideways as I listened to them.
“Yeah that’s right, we’re going to a party,” Anorak reiterated. They didn’t look dressed for a party and I wondered about the type of party they might attend. I gave them a half smile.
“It’s not straightforward. You’ll need to get back onto the main road towards Radcliffe. Do you know Radcliffe?” I asked.
“Yeah, yeah,” Anorak said. He had broken into a sweat.
“Well, follow the signs, taking a left at the lights, and then I’d ask someone again when you get near the centre.” I had one hand on my hip and the other pointing in the direction they needed to go.
“Thanks.” Anorak stomped his feet. All three of them looked restless. None of them seemed able to stand still.
“Yeah, thanks,” the other two said in unison. Both of them avoided eye contact with me. The three men had started to walk away.
“No problem.”
Then I added as an afterthought, “Hey where’s your car?”
“Oh, our van’s parked round the corner.”
I crinkled my nose and with my brows creased, said “Oh, ok, bye then. Enjoy your party.”
I quickly closed the front door. My back leant against the wooden frame as I sighed deeply. With my heart pumping fast, I questioned myself whether I should do anything about the encounter. I hadn’t felt good about them. I hunched my shoulders and swallowed rapidly.
Unshaven, dirty clothes, mug shots that looked like criminals. I peered round the curtains but there was no sign of them. I was confused. I lived in a cul-de-sac that didn’t lead to anywhere. So, why would someone take a diversion off the main road and call on a property half way down a side road? Why had they not tried the end house?
Looking around, I felt confused. There were other houses with lights on inside. I frowned. Should I phone the police and tell them my suspicions or was I overreacting? If I did contact them, they would ask me for a description and I couldn’t tell them much. I thought I would look quite foolish as I didn’t think I’d observed anything concrete to tell them.
With a feeling of unease, I decided to close down my laptop. At times like this, I needed a man in my life. I went into the kitchen and thought I heard the floorboards creaking in the hall. I walked back into the lounge and listened. I heard nothing. I tentatively opened the door that led into the hall. It was dark. I was making myself nervous. I put the light on but nothing looked different. I went back into the kitchen to make a drink. The kettle clicked, and the steam poured out. I settled for having an early night with a good book and took myself off to bed. Still quizzing myself about whether I had done the right thing, I tried to forget about what had just happened.
As much as I tried, I was still feeling perturbed. I hoped the novel I was reading would take my mind off things. It didn’t. I couldn’t get to sleep that night. I kept churning over and over in my head the scene that had taken place. I couldn’t work it out. I closed my eyes but sleep didn’t come. I heard a noise, and I jolted up in bed. I listened carefully but heard nothing further. No silent footsteps. I was scaring myself. Even my heartbeat made me jump.
The next day, Sunday, was normally quiet, and I was in the bedroom changing the sheets when I heard a knock at the door. I lived in a ground floor flat with a front door that opened out onto the road. Opening the door on a Sunday morning seemed much safer than opening it on a Saturday night. I felt calmer inside although last night’s incident was still on my mind. As I unlocked the door, I was met with the sight of my next door neighbour Marvin.
Marvin lived in the adjoining ground floor flat with his wife Patience and their two-year-old son Eric. Marvin and Patience were from Zimbabwe but Eric had been born in the UK. I couldn’t have wished for nicer neighbours. I knew they would be getting ready to go to church and wondered what Marvin wanted.
“Hi, Sophie.” I noticed that Marvin’s normally permanent wide smile wasn’t present.
“Sorry to bother you but I wanted to see if everything’s ok with your flat?”
“Yeah,” I said, “Come in a minute, Marvin.”
Leading him through into the lounge, I enquired, “Why do you ask?”
“I wanted to check because we were broken into last night.”
“Oh no, you’re joking.” I looked at him wide-eyed. I was shocked. I put my hand over my mouth.
“Luckily they didn’t manage to take anything. We think they must have been disturbed but they’ve made a mess of the door and the lock is damaged. Did you not hear any banging?”
“Oh, oh,” I thought.
“Come outside, let me show you what they did.” I rubbed the nape of my neck. Marvin looked dismayed. A knot developed in my stomach as I focused my attention on the vandalised door.
I said, “Oh Marvin, that’s terrible.” I still had my hand over my mouth as I spoke. He beckoned me forward showing me further damage.
“Thankfully, I’ve spent a bit of money on security for the place and it’s like Fort Knox now. As you can see, I’ve changed to mortice locks and double bolts on the door plus the windows have locks fitted. We’ve been pricing up getting an alarm and I’ve even considered CCTV because it’s pretty bad around here for break-ins.” Marvin’s words were churning over inside me. As he’d been speaking, a worrying thought came into my head about the guys who’d called on me on Saturday night.
“Oh dear Marvin, I’ve a horrible feeling I may have seen the people responsible for this.”
“What do you mean Sophie?”
“Well, there were three guys came round late last night asking for directions to Radcliffe, which as you know is nowhere near here. It all seemed very odd at the time.”
“Sophie, I believe they knocked on your door to see if you were home. Burglars do that. They’re not deterred by lights left on anymore. I think them asking for an address was just a ploy and something to say because you came to the door.”
“Now you mention it, they did seem cagey when I asked them where they were going.”
“You weren’t to know.”
“I really didn’t like the look of them. I should have done something about it.” Marvin was removing some fragments of wood from the broken edge of his door.
“I can’t believe it. I could kick myself for not phoning the police,” I said. I shook my head. My body drooped.
“Don’t worry about it. It could have been a lot worse.”
“Oh, but I could have stopped it if I’d have realised.”
“I’m just glad you’re safe, Sophie and it’s a good thing you were in or you’d have probably been broken into as well.”
“Yeah, they’d have got in easily here. I have no deterrents for thieves.” I shuddered as something came into my mind. “I’m so lucky they didn’
t try to overpower me or anything worse.”
“Let’s look at this as a warning Sophie. I’m definitely going out to get an alarm now and if you buy any locks, I’ll come round and fit them for you.”
“Thanks, Marvin, I’ll do that.”
We said our goodbyes and Marvin went back to his flat. I walked back to mine, closing the door behind me. I was in total shock. What an idiot I had been. Why didn’t I listen to my feminine intuition? It reminded me of another time when I should have acted on my gut instincts and didn’t.
A few years back, when Nan was still alive, I’d gone round to visit her. I normally went to see her once a week. She lived in a small older style bungalow in Bury where she knew most of her neighbours. Many of them had been there over thirty years like Nan. This was fortunate for Nan because she’d been on her own for over twelve years since Granddad died.
Nan wasn’t one to go out much, but she loved to chat and she would speak to anyone. From strangers passing by to young women standing at the bus stop, Nan chatted to them all. The particular day of the incident, I’d travelled on the bus and walked down towards her road when I spotted an old banger of a car. It had obviously seen better days, was full of rust with a very old number plate and it looked totally out of place for the area.
There were two guys lounging about, one leant on the bonnet and the other propped up against the passenger door, smoking a cigarette. They were talking in whispers, each one, in turn, cupping his hand over his mouth before he spoke. I raised my eyebrows as I watched them then glanced sideways. When I looked back at them, they both turned their backs towards me.
Nan normally greeted me with a handful of chocolate éclairs but not today.
She said, “I’ve had some distressing news, Sophie.”
“What is it, Nan? Has your bad back been playing up?”
“No, no, I’m fine. It’s three of my neighbours. They’ve all been burgled earlier today.”
“Oh no,” I said.
“It was awful Sophie; they’ve put poor Mr Grindle in hospital.”
