Fear Has Long Fingers

by Jeanette Taylor Ford

  They nodded in reply. She knew they would be okay without her – they were all well-trained. They weren’t to be busy that evening anyway so she could afford to take a few minutes. Donning her coat, scarf and gloves, she stepped out of the back door. Head down, she hurried through the passageway that led to the road from the back garden and hastened up the road, past the village shop, which was closed, and on to the lane. The village was dark and looked deserted and her flat shoes made no noise on the pavement.

  A street lamp on the road illuminated the entrance to the lane but as she walked beyond the orange glow, the darkness felt more intense. She shivered, hoping she wouldn’t have to go far up the lane. She jumped when a shadow detached itself from the black hedgerow.

  “Sal! Shush, it’s me!”

  “Jimmy!”

  Arms went around her, and for a moment she allowed him to snuggle her close, then pulled away from him.

  “I couldn’t believe it when I realised it was you,” she whispered.

  “Nor could I. I had to see you, have a chance to talk with you. So many years I wondered about you, if you were alright and happy.”

  “I am happy, very happy, Jimmy. More than I deserve. I have a good life here with Alex, he’s a wonderful man.”

  He took hold of both her arms in his hands, looking down at her.

  “You do deserve it, Sal. Never think you don’t. The things that happened weren’t your fault. I’m glad you’ve found happiness. I had to see you, to tell you that you must not worry. I’ll never let anyone know – anything. I have as much to lose as you do.”

  “I know, Jimmy. You know I always trusted you.”

  “I know you do, Sal, and I trust you.”

  “But – George?”

  “I am George James, Sal. Everyone called me Jimmy because my stepfather was George too, so I got called by my second name. I’ve just reverted back, that’s all.”

  “Ah, I see.” She nodded.

  “I wanted rid of the association.”

  “I can understand that.”

  “Netta knows nothing about you so she won’t recognise you at all. I’m the only one, so you’re completely safe. We can live as neighbours and, as far as anyone knows, we are strangers.”

  “Thank you. It’s hard to be strangers with you, Jimmy. I owe you so much. But I’m grateful, you know that?”

  “I do. Now, we both need to get home before we’re missed. You go first. I’ll stay here a few minutes so we don’t appear to be together.”

  Stephanie stood on tiptoe, put her arms around his neck and kissed his lips lightly.

  “Thank you. I’ll never forget what you did and now you’re doing more for me. You’re a wonderful man, Jimmy.”

  Then she turned and hurried away. When she arrived back in her kitchen, she felt as if a great burden had been lifted off her shoulders.

  *****

  George watched Stephanie as she was briefly illuminated under the street lamp and then she turned the corner and was gone. He gave a deep sigh; she never did realise how much he loved her. Holding her in his arms so briefly and her soft kiss bruised his heart. Although it had been many years since he’d last seen her and she’d changed her appearance since then, she still had the power to melt him. He’d risked so much for her and he knew he’d risk as much again if it was needed.

  He sighed again and headed for home, hoping that Netta wasn’t wondering where he was.

  *****

  Two people silently watched them, one behind them up the lane and another hidden in the shadows thrown by the hedging on the country road in the opposite direction to where the pair had gone. A car’s engine started up and a dark saloon silently passed out of the village.

  Chapter 16

  A few minutes after the pair in the lane departed, Kenny came in through the kitchen door, shedding his thick coat and gloves and looking thoughtful.

  Lucy immediately picked up his mood.

  “What’s the matter, my love?”

  “I dunno. I just saw something but I’m not sure what.”

  “Would you care to run it by me?”

  “I walked home as usual along the river path but as I was by the gate leading to it from the lane, I suddenly sensed someone there. I walked past the house and down the lane and I saw a shape . As I crept closer, the object split and I saw it was two people. They’d obviously been hugging or kissing. It was dark so I couldn’t see clearly but, as I stood there, one of the figures walked away and under the lamplight I’m pretty sure it was Stephanie because the figure was not very tall and I was sure she had blond hair. I stayed where I was and the other one waited a few minutes and then walked away. I only saw him from the back but as you know, I know my men very well and I’m almost certain it was George.”

  Lucy was startled. “George? Harry’s dad?”

  “Yes. Thing is, I can’t be sure what they were doing but they were very close.”

  “That’s odd.” Lucy sat down suddenly. Kenny pulled a chair from the table and sat too, pulling John, who was clamouring for his attention, onto his lap.

  “Very. Surely they’re not having an affair?” he said.

  “I just can’t imagine Steph having an affair. She loves Alex so much, you can see it in her eyes when she looks at him.”

  “Do you remember Christmas Day when we were at Sutton Court?” Lucy was thoughtful. “Steph went home early, looking very pale. Do you think it was because she’d just seen George? She may not have seen him before.”

  “Perhaps he’s an old boyfriend? I remember him asking who they were.”

  “It’s possible, I suppose. But why meet him in secret?”

  “Well, George is in enough trouble with Netta already, after what happened to Harry. I can’t imagine her being happy about discovering he has an ex-girlfriend living in the village!” Her husband laughed. “I wouldn’t be happy if Jim came to live here!”

  “Neither would I!” Lucy laughed too, rising to kiss him tenderly. “I’m hoping he’s still safely locked away. In any case, I’m sure he wouldn’t dare show his face here after what he did. I’ll get your tea on the table.”

  As she set his meal before him, she said, “I would imagine that they met to assure each other that they wouldn’t let anyone know about the past. I think George wanted to make sure she wouldn’t say publicly that they’d known each other before. As you so rightly said, he’s in the dog-house already. He wouldn’t want any more trouble.”

  Later, when John was in bed and the pair relaxed together, Kenny’s arm around her and her head on his shoulder, watching television, Lucy’s mind wandered back to the earlier conversation. Try as she might, she couldn’t imagine George and Stephanie being an item. Although she was sure they weren’t having an affair, there was something about it that didn’t feel right, although for the life of her she couldn’t have said what it was.

  **********

  George ate his dinner stoically. Netta never had been a great cook but he’d grown used to it over the years. She never said a word about him being late, although he hadn’t been that late, only a few minutes and she didn’t take much notice of his comings and goings anyway. She already had her coat on, car keys in her hand as he walked in, ready to visit Harry at Sutton Court

  He was convinced he could have an affair and she wouldn’t have any idea…

  He grinned inside at the thought but he had no desire to do any such thing. In spite of everything, he loved her and he loved his son and daughter, even though Harry wasn’t actually his son. The boy was two years old when he married Netta and Rowena had come along in the first year of their marriage. He thought Netta was wrong not to tell Harry that George wasn’t his father; he felt the boy had a right to know. But he had to respect Netta’s wishes. In any case, he was Harry’s father in every way except conception. He loved Harry as if he was his own son and it would always grieve him what his recklessness had done to their boy.

  Netta was visiting Harry alone that evening because George kne
w that sometimes she needed time with her son without anyone else. She was still working at the nursery shop because it was January sales time but she would finish in a couple of weeks and then she’d be able to visit Harry during the afternoons again. He was sorry really because she loved working for Baxter’s, had made friends and enjoyed the work. She’d said it made her feel like a real person, someone of worth. He understood that because working at Baxter’s had made him feel the same. He loved working with plants and learning more about them and how to grow things successfully. It wasn’t just a job for him, it was a passion. He would be sorry when he had to leave, although when that would be he had no idea. Everything depended on Harry’s progress.

  Having finished his solitary meal, he put his plate in the sink and looked out of the window. Flakes of snow were drifting here and there and he hoped Netta would be sensible and not linger too long at Sutton Court. If snow was on its way, it might be difficult getting through the village. She wouldn’t be happy if she couldn’t visit Harry. He sighed, and wandered into the living room, where Rowena was engrossed in a television programme. She looked up as he came in.

  “Hi Dad.”

  “Hello love.”

  That was the extent of the conversation as Rowena turned back to the television George rested his head against the chair back, closed his eyes and allowed himself to think of Sally, how she’d felt in his arms for a moment, the sweetness of her soft kiss. His mind then played out a dark scenario – what if she was discovered by – Him? He shuddered at the thought; it didn’t do to dwell on the past. The past should never be allowed to invade the present and future. He resolved to watch over her, keep an eye out. Nothing should happen to her because of him, he’d do everything he could to protect her. He’d never forgive himself if anything bad happened to her. When he thought of what had gone on before, all those years ago…

  He shook himself mentally, trying to dispel the dark fears that threatened to invade him and purposely trained his mind to concentrate on the programme Rowena was watching.

  However, it suddenly occurred to him there was only one way of making sure Sally was safe, but he knew the family weren’t going to like it.

  Chapter 17

  “Go back to Manchester?”

  Three pairs of eyes turned towards George, showing shock. It was Rowena who had spoken.

  “But Dad, we can’t!” she wailed, “Our life is here now! I love being at Whitecross School.”

  “I want to continue working with Linda. I wouldn’t feel right about someone new,” Harry put in quietly but firmly.

  “I can’t believe you want to take us back there, George,” said Netta. “The children are right, our lives are here now. You have a job. If we went back to Manchester, you’d be out of work again. Remember how depressed you got not having work?”

  George saw the despair in her face. He thought about those times in Manchester and, as Netta prompted, about how down he had been having no job, being unable to maintain his family through his own efforts and how he’d started taking his bad moods out on them, especially Harry. With the benefit of hindsight, he could see what he’d been like and he didn’t like himself for it. Normally, he was gentle and kind, and he was becoming the opposite – grumpy and ready to snap at any provocation. No, it had not been a good period in his life. He’d had worse ones but they had not reduced him to a bear-headed father and husband.

  “Well,” he began again, carefully. “Kenny only gave me that job temporarily until Harry came out of hospital. He’s out now but not living with us! We can’t expect Cessy to keep him at Sutton Court much longer so we have to do something. And we have a house in Manchester.”

  “But that house would be no good for Harry. He wouldn’t be able to get up the stairs and there’s no bathroom facility downstairs, not even a toilet.”

  George was stumped; that was certainly true. He nodded slowly.

  “Well, we have to do something. We can’t have Harry at the bungalow and we can’t leave him here. Cessy will need the room for another resident.”

  “Perhaps we could rent a house in Hereford?” suggested Harry. We would still be in the area so Row can go to school and I can get to the hospital. If I had one of those scooter things, I could take myself instead of Mum having to take me every day, then perhaps she could find a job too.”

  “That’s an idea,” said Netta. “I’ll be sorry to leave the bungalow but perhaps it would be better to live nearer town.”

  “We still have the problem of my work. We wouldn’t be accepted for rental if we have no regular income.”

  Silence filled the room. George sat and watched the other three as they thought things through. He had been determined that the best way to protect Sal was to go back to Manchester. However, wouldn’t it work to just be a few miles away? If he was found there, she would still be safe because ‘he’ wouldn’t know she was in this village, would he? George nodded to himself. Yes, that would work if he could only find himself a permanent job. He would start searching when he got home and in the morning he would warn Kenny what they had decided to do.

  “I’ll look for houses for rent. I’ll go into the city tomorrow and do a round of the estate agents,” said Netta.

  “You can do it online you know, Mum,” said Rowena, rolling her eyes. Her mother laughed.

  “Well, if you’d like to search for me, it will give me something to start on tomorrow.”

  “Looks like we have a plan,” said George. He wasn’t entirely happy, but could he really put Sally before his family? His Netta had never been as content before they came here and Rowena loved her school. Because of Harry’s accident, life had become good for them. If he’d only been able to tell Netta about the past, she would understand why they had to go. But he couldn’t tell her now; she’d never understand why he hadn’t told her years ago. He didn’t tell her because he wanted to protect her – and he wanted her to love him and he was afraid she wouldn’t if she knew. He never dreamed that his past would come crashing into his present.

  He thought about Sally, how lovely she’d been with her long, dark hair and remembered how his heart hammered whenever he was near her. But she wasn’t his and her life was traumatic. She was so petite and delicate-looking; so often he’d longed to gather her up and protect her from the harm she was suffering. But he couldn’t; he’d had to stand by and helplessly watch – literally watch sometimes. And his fists would curl in hate and longing to smash the face that mocked her, until at last he had been able to help her.

  Now, she was happy, married to a man who loved and respected her. She looked different with her hair dyed blonde and her dark eyes blue because of the contact lenses she obviously wore. He felt a certain pride that he’d helped to bring that about for her.

  Then, he looked at his wife and son and daughter who were his life. No, he really couldn’t put Sally above them; he’d have to hope that things would be alright.

  He stood up.

  “Well, it’s time we were away. We’ll see you tomorrow, son.”

  He ruffled Harry’s hair, Netta kissed her son and Rowena and Harry ‘high fived’, then left Sutton Court to go back to the bungalow which soon would no longer be their home.

  *****

  Harry watched them go and sat on, deep in thought. He sensed there was something up with his dad, although he couldn’t for the life of him work out what it could be. He finally concluded that his dad was worried about having to find other work. He was well aware how much the job at Baxter’s meant to George and he guessed that he didn’t want to leave and was also worried that he wouldn’t get work that he enjoyed half as much as working with the plants.

  “Hello there, young man. All alone?” He looked up at the sound of Cessy’s voice and smiled.

  “Yes, everyone has just gone. They were talking about looking for a house to rent in Hereford so I can live with them again. Dad wanted us to go back to Manchester but we don’t want to go.”

  “We lived there a long time, i
t’s the only place I remember living. We still have our house there but it wouldn’t be any good for me, the stairs are steep and narrow, I’d never manage them. Everyone loves living here, so they’re going to look for a house in Hereford. Row doesn’t want to leave Whitecross.”

  Cessy nodded.

  “I can understand that. It wouldn’t be a good time for her to move, in the middle of year nine, would it? She’ll have to choose her options soon.”

  “Yes. Mind you, I’ve missed my last year.”

  “Perhaps you’ll get the chance to do it.”

  “Maybe. I think Dad is worried because his job at Baxter’s is only temporary.”

  “Oh? How’s that?”

  “Well, Kenny said until I came out of hospital and I’m out now.”

  “I see. So your dad has to look for another job?”

  “Yes.”

  Cessy patted his knee.

  “Don’t worry, I’m sure things will work out. Don’t be too long going up. You can watch television in your room of course.”

  “No, I won’t be long. Thanks Cessy. I’ve no doubt you’ll be glad when I’ve gone.”

  “Not at all. It’s been like a breath of fresh air having you here. The residents love it. We’re all going to miss you when you move out. But it will be good for you to be back with your family.”

  “Thank you. I can’t tell you how grateful we all are to you for having me. We’ve had a lovely Christmas with you and everyone. Our other Christmasses have been nothing like this year. In some ways, I’m glad my accident happened because it has brought us here. This village is special.”

  “I think so too and it’s become even more so since Lucy came. Her Aunt Bea was a very special lady and Lucy takes after her in so many ways. It’s lovely to see a family in River View again.”

  “I wish I could see River View. My family have seen it but I haven’t.”

  “I’m sure you will. We’ll keep in touch with you and your family once you’ve moved to your new home. You must come here often. We have a summer fair in one of Lucy’s fields and it’s great fun. And you will have heard about our Halloween party and our Bonfire Night display.”