The Debt Collector

by Chris Taylor

  She’d always enjoyed his company in high school. As Jacob’s twin, more often than not, he could be found by his brother’s side. As best friends, Jacob and Luke spent a lot of time together and by default, that included Toby. Hannah hadn’t minded. Toby always wore a friendly smile and had time to say hello. His childish delight in everyday things was endearing and she was never irritated to have him around.

  Some of her high school girlfriends used to wonder out loud whether she ever got sick of Jacob’s brother hanging around.

  ‘He’s soft in the head, Hannah.’

  ‘How can you stand to waste your time talking to him?’

  ‘He doesn’t understand. He’s stupid.’

  Hannah would immediately take umbrage at their mean and nasty words and would defend Toby long and loudly. She didn’t care what the others thought. He was a nice guy and always treated her with courtesy and respect. She didn’t care about anything else.

  In fact, she probably spent more time talking with Toby than she did his twin. Jacob and Luke had often been training or doing practice runs on the river. As champion rowers, they spent many hours with their coach and crew and Hannah and Toby were often left on the riverbank as spectators.

  “Does Jacob still row?” she asked without thinking.

  Toby shook his head. “I don’t think so, but I haven’t seen him for years. I don’t know what he does.”

  “When did you meet up with him again?” she asked, feigning ignorance. Not that she doubted Jacob, but she was interested to hear Toby’s side of the story.

  “He came across me in the emergency room last week. I’d been taken to the hospital. I got cut.”

  He lifted his left arm and for the first time, Hannah noticed the white bandage that covered part of his hand. She frowned.

  “What happened?”

  He lowered his gaze. “I was asleep in the bus shelter, in my usual spot. Minding my own business. I wasn’t bothering anybody. The next thing I knew, some guy was coming at me with a knife. I put up my hand to stop him and he got me across the fingers. A bystander called an ambulance. I ended up at the Sydney Harbour Hospital.”

  “Where you found Jacob,” she finished. “Did you know he was a doctor there?”

  “No. I hadn’t seen him since… Well, a long, long time ago. I didn’t know where he was.”

  Hannah shook her head slowly, back and forth. “Wow, Toby, that’s amazing. I mean, it’s awful that someone stabbed you, but to find your brother as a result. That’s wonderful.”

  Toby smiled softly. In that moment, despite the dirt and grime, he looked so much like his twin, it snatched her breath away. Of course, they’d been close to identical in high school and from a distance, it was hard to tell which was which. It was only when you got closer, or spoke to them, that it became clear which one you had.

  The years of neglect and living on the streets had widened the gap between their physical appearances but every now and then, she caught the slightest hint of the good-looking man Toby Black had once been—and could be again with a decent bath and some regular, nutritious meals.

  Earlier, he’d told her both Lane and Jacob had invited him to stay with them. Apparently, Rusty would have extended the same invitation, but he was already sharing a tiny apartment with three others and there simply wasn’t room. But Toby had turned both his brothers down and she couldn’t help but wonder why, and whether he’d feel the same way about an invitation from her.

  Her condo overlooking Bondi Beach was sleek and modern and large. With three generous bedrooms, it had plenty of space, particularly because she lived there on her own. The apartment had once been owned by her maternal grandmother. As the only grandchild on her mother’s side, Hannah had been fortunate enough to inherit the place and she loved it. With glorious views all the way down the coast, she sent a little prayer of gratitude heavenward to her grandmother every morning when she woke to the sound of the surf. She decided to sound Toby out.

  “It’s been so lovely having you around to help out today, Toby. I hope you’ve enjoyed it.”

  He nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, it’s been great, but I’m wondering when I get to see the bodies. Isn’t that what you do here? Take care of dead bodies?”

  She laughed at his frankness. “Yes, that’s exactly what we do here. I’ve kept the bodies in the fridge today. I didn’t want to scare you off on the first day!”

  Toby smiled and shrugged. “It’s okay. I don’t mind dead people. It’s not like I know them—and they’re not really there, anyway, are they?”

  “What do you mean?” she asked softly, intrigued.

  “My mom always told me when you die, your soul goes up to heaven. It’s only your body that’s left to rot in the ground and a body without a soul is nothing but an empty shell.”

  A lump of emotion clogged Hannah’s throat and tears burned behind her eyes. Toby’s simple explanation touched her heart. It was exactly how she felt about the people who found themselves on her table. She cleared her throat and responded.

  “Your mom was probably right, Toby, but I still like to spend time over each body. I like them to go to their final resting place looking their best.”

  She looked across at him and found him frowning. “What’s the matter?” she asked.

  “So, you believe the soul and body go up to heaven. Is that what you’re saying? Is that why you want them to look their best?”

  Now it was Hannah’s turn to frown. “No, I don’t think the body goes up to heaven. I think the bible’s quite clear on that. I guess… I guess I like to think the dead are looking down on me and I want to do my best. I want to give them that gift. I want them to know they departed this life looking great for those they leave behind. To remember them that way. Do you know what I mean?”

  He smiled and nodded. “Yes, I know exactly what you mean!”

  One look at his beatific face and she was certain he did.

  “Would you consider coming to stay with me for a while?” she blurted, wanting so much to help him out.

  He fell quiet and appeared to consider her question. She tried again.

  “I know you told me you said no to your brothers, but you didn’t tell me why. Besides, I’m not your family. I’m a friend. I wouldn’t interfere in your business. You’d be free to come and go. It’s just that I’ve really enjoyed the time we’ve spent together and I’d like to help you out. You need a place to live and I have plenty of room. I also have a cat. Her name’s Pepper and she’s the sweetest thing. What do you say?”

  It took him awhile, but finally he turned to face her and nodded, a smile slowly spreading across his face. “I love cats! Do you mean it?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  His smile widened. “I think I’d like that, Hannah. You always were a good friend.”

  A surge of pleasure rushed through her and she smiled back. “So were you.”

  The door to the embalming room swung open and Hannah and Toby looked up from what they were doing. The owner of the funeral home strode inside, his thick white hair all askew. Upon spying Toby, his rounded face and rosy cheeks became wreathed in smiles.

  “Toby! How lovely to see you again! I’m so glad you took me up on my offer.”

  Toby looked pleased at Max’s comments. “Of course. I’m very grateful for the job, Mr Grace.”

  “I’m sorry it’s taken me all day to come and greet you. I’ve been stuck for hours in the front room with grieving relatives. It’s been a treacherous weekend on our roads, with several unexpected deaths. That makes for a busy week.”

  Hannah acknowledged her boss’ comment with an understanding nod. “It’s all right, Max. I’ve shown him the ropes.”

  “Good, good. I knew I could rely on you. Unlike someone else I might mention.” Max’s expression darkened. “Where is that lazy, no-good nephew of mine?”

  Hannah shrugged. “I’m not sure, Max. I haven’t seen Bobby since lunchtime Friday.”

  Max’s frown deepened and
he shook his head. “I don’t know why I keep him on. I’ve done everything I can to help him. I gave him a job when he had nothing; I paid him above what I have to. I even found him an apartment close by and helped him with the rent. And how does he thank me? By not bothering to turn up to work. He’s probably sleeping off another big weekend, like he did the weekend before.”

  Hannah remained silent. It wasn’t her place to speak ill of Max’s nephew. Besides, she didn’t have to. Max knew exactly what Bobby was all about. Her boss might have the kindest heart in the world, but he was no fool. It was to Bobby’s detriment that he underestimated his uncle’s insight and clarity of mind.

  “So, how has your first day gone?” Max asked in a more cheerful tone, turning back to Toby.

  “Great, it’s been great,” Toby smiled. “Hannah’s been showing me what to do.”

  “She’s a lovely girl, isn’t she? And so pretty!” Max followed his declaration with a cheeky wink, gazing at Hannah with fondness.

  She laughed back at him. Max might be well into his seventies, but he was still an outrageous flirt.

  “Yes!” Toby shouted. “Beautiful.”

  “It’s nice of both of you to say so,” she replied with a grin. “And on that note, it must be time for us to clean up and get ready to leave.” She looked across at Toby and gave him a smile. “Our time here is done.”

  “For today, anyway,” Max added.

  “I’ll show you to the showers, Toby,” Hannah said. “You can get out of those scrubs and clean up.”

  A look of embarrassment washed over him and she frowned in concern. “What is it, Toby? What did I say?”

  He stared at his feet. “I… I don’t have anything else to wear. Only the clothes I arrived in and they’re…dirty.”

  Understanding dawned on her and she was quick to reassure him. “Don’t worry about it. We have plenty of scrubs. I’ll find you another pair. You can put them on after your shower. We’ll take your clothes home with us and put them through the wash.”

  Max gazed at them quizzically. “What’s this? You’re moving in with Hannah?”

  Hannah nodded. “Yes. Toby and I have known each other for a long time. We went to high school together. He’s…looking for a place to stay.” She shrugged. “I have plenty of room.”

  “You could always stay here,” Max offered. “There’s room out the back.” He shot a glance in Hannah’s direction and murmured, “Christopher won’t be needing it anymore.”

  Toby looked from one to the other, appearing a little overwhelmed. Once again, Hannah hurried to reassure him.

  “It’s all right, Toby. I have more than enough room and it would be fun to have some company. That’s if you still want to come.”

  Toby smiled widely. “Thank you, Mr Grace, you’re very kind, but I think I might stay with Hannah. She’s a good friend.” He turned back to Hannah. “I really want to come.”

  She shrugged off his gratitude, a little embarrassed by his eagerness. “It’s no problem, Toby. I’m happy to help.” Turning away, she headed in the direction of the showers.

  “What about Jacob?”

  Toby’s words halted her in her tracks. She’d forgotten that his brother had promised to collect him after work. She turned back to face him.

  “Do you have his cell number?”

  “No. There’s no need. I don’t have a cell.”

  Hannah bit her lip in indecision. They couldn’t leave without waiting for Jacob to arrive and explaining to him about the new arrangements. It would be plain rude, especially when he was going out of his way to stop by and collect his brother. She could try and reach him at the hospital, but if he intended to collect Toby on time, he’d more than likely have already left. There was nothing for it but to stay put.

  As much as the thought annoyed her, her heart skipped a beat. She was still angry at him, but after spending the day with his twin, she’d come to realize she wasn’t the only one who’d suffered because of that night.

  “It’s all right, Toby. We’ll wait for Jacob to arrive. It’s a pity he’ll make the trip for nothing, but if he lives near the hospital like he said, he doesn’t have to come too far out of his way. I’m sure he’ll understand.”

  Once again, Toby’s face lit up with a smile and his handsome looks were clear to see. “Thank you, Hannah. See, I said you were a good friend.”

  She smiled and nodded her head in acknowledgement of the compliment and then headed toward the showers.

  Toby was still in the shower when Jacob arrived right on the dot at five. At the sight of him dressed in a suit and tie, Hannah’s heart picked up its pace. Nerves fluttered in her stomach at the thought of telling him his brother was coming home with her. She wasn’t sure how he’d react—whether he’d be angry or pleased. She sucked in a quick breath and blew it out. In a moment, she’d find out.

  “Hi,” Jacob murmured, his blue eyes cool and assessing.

  “H-hi,” she stammered and blushed. Cursing under her breath, she got straight to the point.

  “I’m sorry you made the trip out here, because I’ve invited Toby to come and stay with me in my condo. I live near Bondi Beach and have plenty of room. He… He’s agreed.”

  Jacob’s gaze narrowed. “What do you mean, he’s agreed to stay with you? I asked him a week ago to move in with me and he refused. Why would he want to go with you?”

  Hannah suppressed the urge to snap back at him. He hadn’t meant his comment as an insult. He’d just discovered his twin preferred her company to his. It was understandable that the idea might upset him.

  “It’s no big deal, Jacob. Let’s just be happy for Toby—that he’s not going to spend another night out on the streets.”

  She stared at him, silently pleading with him to understand. Any minute, Toby would be out of the shower and bounding into the room.

  Jacob’s cheeks flushed and she could see he was struggling to hold back his words. She was sure he was happy his brother had found somewhere to stay, but he was likely also irritated and probably even hurt that Toby hadn’t wanted to live with him.

  “What’s he going to do for clothing? Shoes? Everything else he needs?” Jacob demanded.

  Hannah shrugged. “We keep plenty of spare scrubs here, including disposable shoes. I’m sure we’ll figure something out.”

  Jacob reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. “I’ll give you some money,” he said, offering her a wad of bills.

  She took a step back. “No, please, I don’t need any money. I can see to his needs. But thank you,” she added, seeing the protest forming on his lips.

  “Where is he?” Jacob asked, reluctantly stowing his wallet away.

  “He’s still taking a shower. A good thing.”

  Jacob’s lips compressed. He nodded. “Well, I guess that’s it then. He doesn’t need me hanging around now that he has you.”

  And with that, he turned and left. Hannah watched his departing back until the door closed and hid him from view. She was sorry it had ended like that. She didn’t want it to be a competition for Toby’s affections. She hadn’t made him the offer of a place to stay to make herself feel needed. All she was doing was looking out for a friend. There was no harm in that. Jacob would have to deal with it.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Trying to stay focused, Jacob tied off another suture in an effort to pull together the gaping leg wound of the young boy who lay on the bed in the emergency ward. His evening shift had started less than an hour earlier and he was out of sorts, still irritated about Toby going home with Hannah.

  Jacob had made the effort to collect his brother from the funeral home after his first day on the job only to discover his services were no longer required. Toby had gone home with Hannah. Was moving into her condo, no less. He was glad his brother wouldn’t be sleeping on the streets and it warmed him to know Hannah cared enough about Toby to offer him a bed, but it irked him that his twin had accepted Hannah’s invitation after declining his own. The trut
h was, he was jealous.

  “Is everything okay, Doctor?”

  The soft query issued by the nurse assisting him, penetrated his dark thoughts and he rapidly blinked them away.

  “Of course, Bridget. I was… Never mind. Can you hand me another packet of sutures? We’re going to need a few more.”

  The nurse moved to do his bidding. She looked down at the boy who lay on the bed and shot him a wry smile. “You certainly did a job on this leg, Braydon. What did you do again?”

  The woman who’d introduced herself earlier as Braydon’s mother stepped closer and replied. “He was racing his older brother on his bike at my parents’ place. Unfortunately, the bike didn’t have any grips on the handle bars. He hit a bump the wrong way and the handlebars twisted, tearing a hole in his leg.”

  “Ouch,” Bridget said.

  “I bet it was fun beforehand, though, right?” Jacob waggled his eyebrows at the boy and received a grin in return.

  “Yeah, it was so cool,” Braydon replied. “We’ve built jumps in the backyard and Jonty and I spend hours riding over them again and again. I got unlucky, that’s all.”

  His mother rolled her eyes. Jacob chuckled. “Boys will be boys, Mom. You ought to know that by now.”

  “Oh, I know it all right,” Braydon’s mother replied with a wry smile. “I’m surprised we’re not at the emergency room more often.”

  Jacob laughed again, recalling the antics he and his three brothers had gotten up to in their youth. Despite the fact they’d grown up without a father, they’d had plenty of good times and, much to their mother’s despair, it hadn’t stopped them from doing all that they could to injure one another through foolhardy, but oh-so-funny pranks.

  “I remember a time when my oldest brother, Lane, found a collection of old forty-four-gallon oil drums,” he told Braydon’s mom. “Together with some planks of wood we’d found in a dumpster, we constructed an impressive bike jump. We wedged the drums between two pine trees. Lane assured us the drums wouldn’t move and it was perfectly safe for us to use. He was the oldest. We looked up to him. We trusted he knew what he was doing.”