Fear Has Long Fingers

by Jeanette Taylor Ford

It wasn’t to be, for, an hour later, it was obvious that Lucy was in labour. The young couple now had their own drama to deal with.

  **********

  Alex and Stephanie held hands, Alex’s touch light on her fingers so as not to hurt her. He listened as she told him all about her former life, how she grew up the daughter of a prostitute, was raped at fourteen and taken over by Lucian Avery who forced her to marry him. Once married, he treated her appallingly. At times he behaved as though she was the most precious thing to him, showering her with expensive gifts and their house was the lap of luxury. But it was a gilded cage, for in return he expected her to ‘entertain’ men that he wanted to persuade to partner him in some shady deal. She became expert in the art of using her body to get what Avery wanted, for if she failed he meted out sadistic punishment.

  Normally a kind and gentle man, Alex wanted to put his hands around the evil man’s throat and squeeze the life out of him, or beat him to death with a cricket bat or something. In a way, he was sorry the man was dead because he deserved to live out the rest of his life in prison, although he realised that that sort of man would likely build an empire for himself within inside. No, it was better than he was dead; Lucian Avery would never again be able to hurt Stephanie or anyone else. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

  When Stephanie had finished her story, Alex just sat, shaking his head slightly, tears dripping down his cheeks.

  “Do you hate me now?” she eventually fearfully asked in a small voice.

  His head went up.

  “Hate you? My darling, how could I hate you? I love you and will always love you. But I’m hurt that you never told me all this before – before we broke the law and got married when we shouldn’t have done.”

  “I couldn’t tell you. I’m so ashamed of my past, of what I was.”

  “But why?”

  “I was a prostitute. Oh, I was married, but that’s what I was, a glorified prostitute, used by my husband for his own ends. You wouldn’t have wanted me and I loved you so much, I couldn’t bear for you not to want me once you knew.”

  “Oh Steph, how would I ever not want you? I fell in love with you the first time I saw you. I understand now why it took so long to persuade you to marry me. I thought it was because you’re older than me. If you’d only told me, we could just have lived together, no one would ever have known.”

  She nodded and blinked slowly in recognition of the sensibleness of what he said. He carried on, “I suppose I understand really. But people who truly love each other should have no secrets, Steph. And I suppose I should call you Sally really now. In some ways, I don’t really know who you are. It’s going to take a while to get my head around it all, you know.”

  Her eyes widened in alarm. “You won’t leave me, will you?”

  “Of course I won’t leave you. My life is nothing without you. As I’m looking at you now, you’re a mess! But I love you. You’re more than looks, you are my heart. I admire you for getting out of your bad situation; I’m just sorry that he found you and put you through all this. He’s an evil man, I’m glad he’s dead.”

  “I am too. When Lucy told me he’d been killed, it was like a dark malevolent cloud lifted from me and I felt light, in spite of the state I’m in. I’ll probably go to prison for bigamy, you know. Are you sure you’ll still want me once I’m a jailbird?”

  His hand moved from her delicate fingers to her shoulder and he squeezed her gently.

  “Whatever happens, we’ll face it together. I’m not letting you go again, you can be sure of that. If you go to prison, so be it. When it’s all over, we’ll get married properly. How about that?”

  Her eyes were bright with tears and she lifted her poor, bruised face so he could kiss her lightly, taking care not to hurt her swollen lips. “It sounds wonderful, my love.”

  “And then we’ll go back to normal. Right now, you have to get well.”

  **********

  Lucy waited as long as she dared before she let Kenny take her to the hospital. Sheila had already taken John to sleep at their house. That was okay because he was used to it.

  The evening wore on slowly, until they finally left for Hereford about twenty past nine. Rosemary Elizabeth Baxter entered the world at eleven forty-seven.

  Kenny, cradling his new daughter, fell instantly in love as he gazed at the small face and watched the starfish little hand opening and closing on the waving arm. He laid her in Lucy’s arms and put his arm around his wife, kissing her tenderly.

  “Clever girl. Now I have two princesses. I wonder what John will think of his new sister?”

  “Well, we’ll find out tomorrow. I’m bushed – what a day!”

  “What a day indeed. Come on, young lady, you’re going in your cradle. Your mummy needs to sleep and so does your daddy.”

  He gathered up the baby, he kissed her tiny forehead and laid her gently in the cradle at the bedside, covering her firmly. He watched her for a moment, then reluctantly turned to kiss Lucy goodnight and took himself wearily down the corridors and out to his waiting car. Tired, he drove home carefully, elated too, and as he climbed into his bed thankfully, aware he was alone in the house, he felt at peace and fell asleep immediately. Tomorrow, he would have time to spread the good news and celebrate.

  Chapter 45

  Kenny brought Lucy home the following afternoon with baby Rosemary. Sheila and Tom were there waiting with little John. Sheila made Lucy sit down on the sofa and gave her a drink.

  “Mummy!” John ran to Lucy and climbed onto her lap. Glad to be home, she cuddled him to her and kissed him.

  “I’ll have a meal ready in a jiffy,” Sheila said. “Let’s have a look at our new granddaughter then.”

  Kenny handed her the baby, who was all bundled up in a shawl.

  “Oh look, Tom, isn’t she beautiful?”

  Tom admired the baby. “She is indeed.” He hugged his daughter and kissed her. “Congratulations, love. How are you feeling?”

  She smiled wanly. “Thank you, Dad. I’m okay, just tired.”

  He patted her shoulder. “Of course you are, love. You must rest. We’ll look after you. We’ll stay and help you with John and the meal, then leave you in peace.”

  They did indeed look after her. It meant that she had time to not only look after the baby but have time for John as well, although Sheila took on most of the care of him until Lucy felt strong enough to cope.

  After three days, Lucy realised that she’d been so occupied with the baby that everything else had gone out of her mind.

  “Do you know how Steph is doing?” she asked Kenny. “And what about George? I feel out of touch with everything.”

  “Well, I spoke to Alex earlier and he said Steph is recovering well. As to George, I haven’t a clue. I don’t even know where the Thompsons are. I don’t know what they we’ll do now after the fire.”

  “I don’t suppose they know either. They will have lost everything. I have Rowena’s number in my phone. I think I’ll call her. Tell her about the baby.”

  As the result of the phone call to Rowena, on aSunday afternoon, Kenny drove his family to Castle Farm because they’d been invited by Margaret and Dave Blackwood for dinner. It was Harry’s sixteenth birthday. They were joined by Linda and Dan Cooke and Ron Smethwick.

  It was a joyful reunion and they were pleased to meet Lord Smethwick, Dave and Margaret at last. Leaving the women to chat, the men went took Kenny to see the vintage car collection.

  Much fuss was made of John and the baby. Rowena cuddled Rosemary and looked at her mum.

  “Isn’t she sweet, Mum? Just look at her tiny hands! I’ve never held a baby this young before.”

  Netta duly admired the baby and even had a cuddle herself, her eyes going dreamy, clearly remembering when Harry and Rowena had been babies.

  Margaret chuckled when she saw the look on her face.

  “Oh Netta, you look like you’re going all broody! You’ll be having another one next!”

  Netta laughed
. “Not a chance! Although I don’t mind having a cuddle now and then with someone else’s. No, I’ll wait until I have grandchildren.”

  “Don’t look at me – I won’t be having babies for a long time! There’s things I want to do first.”

  “Very wise, dear.” Margaret patted her hand. She had become fond of Harry and Rowena; it was like having grandchildren. She was still waiting for hers to come along.

  “Oh well, I’ll have to hope that Harry won’t be so long before he provides some!”

  The company chuckled because Harry arrived in the room just in time to catch the last phrase.

  “I’ll be providing what?” he asked, as he sat down.

  “Me with grandchildren,” giggled Netta.

  Harry’s eyes opened wider and he groaned. “You see what you’ve done bringing your baby here, Lucy? Mum’s set to nag me now for the next few years.”

  “Don’t worry, son, I won’t. Sixteen is much too young to become a father. I’ll start when you’re twenty.”

  “Thanks Mum.”

  Lucy’s eyes met Linda’s and they grinned at each other. Harry was a case and Netta had certainly unwound a lot since she’d been here. Obviously, Margaret Blackwood was good for her.

  The large company sat around the magnificent, highly polished, dining table. It easily seated the fourteen adults and John in a high chair. George joined them as he could get up for a while every day.

  “Been a while since I sat at a table like this,” remarked Ron. I remember my grandparents sitting one each end of the long table at Letterton, the butler kept having to walk the length of the table to serve them. Once they’d gone, my mother wouldn’t have it. She would sit next to father at the same end. She said it was ridiculous and she was right. Then, when my brother and I were old enough, we’d all sit that end. Of course, it was wonderful for when we had guests, like now.”

  “Your mother must have been quite something. I’d have liked to know her,” said Margaret. “We hardly ever use this table – or indeed this room. I think it’s my favourite in the house. I sometimes come and sit in here, on one of the window seats, just to enjoy being here and maybe gloat a little over my china collection.”

  It was indeed a wonderful room with a dual aspect; one diamond-paned window looked out onto the back garden and the other faced the side of the house, the view from which wasn’t so spectacular. The window seat had red buttoned cushions and looked very comfortable. In between the windows were cabinets, their glass doors diamond-crossed and the dark wood that matched the table was again highly polished. The cabinets themselves were beautiful but the displayed of china within was a delight. The cabinets lined all four walls in between doors or windows. Lucy thought she could well spend a lot of time in here admiring the china tea sets, coffee cups and saucers, dinner plates and serving tureens, although some were on the table.

  “It’s a wonderful room,” said Lucy warmly. “I’m not surprised you love it, Margaret.”

  “Dave collects vintage vehicles and I collect china!” laughed Margaret. “It’s taken me years to collect all this. I only use some though, like this dinner service we’re using. Much of it is too delicate or cost me too much money to risk breaking!”

  Lucy nodded. “I can understand that.”

  “So, what did you think of Dave’s ‘little collection,’ as he calls it, Ken?” Margaret turned to Lucy’s husband.

  “It’s amazing, so much to see. And it was fascinating to finally get to see the car involved in my great aunt Rosemary’s murder. You’ve restored it beautifully, Dave,” replied Kenny.

  “It was what started me off on my collection,” Dave replied. “Ron and I have some good times going to shows, don’t we?”

  “Oh, yes indeed, my boy.”

  “And what about Ron being a real, live Lord?” put in Rowena. Everyone laughed when Ron’s bushy eyebrows lifted comically up and down.

  “I should hope I am live!” he said. “But the ‘Lord’ thing is a ‘by the way’. It’s only because my father was and I was landed with it.”

  “Don’t spoil our fun!” Rowena poked Ron gently as she was sitting next to him.

  “Ah, well then, next time you all come here, I shall expect bows and curtsies!”

  “How extraordinary that your investigation into that old crime has led to Netta, George, Harry and Rowena coming here for safety, Inspector Cooke.”

  “Oh, call me Dan! I’m thankful that it did, for it certainly solved a problem, and Dave and Margaret have been brilliant, I can’t thank you enough.”

  “We’ve enjoyed it, haven’t we, Dave? And Ron has loved having Harry here, working with him on the cars.”

  “We have indeed, my dear.”

  “You know, I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed an investigation more. It was fascinating. Of course, we got our confession eventually but I’d pretty much worked it out already. I do enjoy my job but there are often times when I have to do something that I really don’t want to do.”

  That caused a few moments’ silence, until Lucy broke it.

  “What will happen to Stephanie, do you think, Dan?”

  “Well, if she has a good representative, she may well get off lightly. I’m hoping so anyway. She’s lived through enough already, poor thing.”

  “You haven’t arrested her yet then?”

  “No, I want her to recover first. It’s a wonder she survived you know, she had some terrible injuries.”

  “He was a monster,” spat Rowena. “I was only around him a short while but what he did to Steph in front of me was bad enough. I hate him!”

  Ron put his arm around her shoulders. “Don’t fret, girlie, the bounder is dead. Let’s hope he rots in Hell.” She sniffled and nodded against his shoulder.

  “Yes, him and Henry Smithson both,” said Dan, with feeling. “There’s so much bad around us, but there’s more good, I feel. I’m sitting here with some pretty special people now. Alex and Stephanie are good people. I’m glad she broke away from Avery and I’m sure things will work out for her.”

  “What about the two women and that awful man?”

  “Well, obviously Flora and Megan will have to stand trial for manslaughter but I think that’ll be okay. It was obviously accidental, for they acted to stop him shooting my sergeant. As for Butcher, well, he’s in a holding prison until his trial. He was refused bail because he’s such a dangerous man.

  All the men are known in London so after their trials here they’ll be taken back there. Some are known as pushers, a couple are wanted arsonists; most of them will be going down for a fair while, I imagine.”

  “There’s a lot of people involved in Lucian’s businesses.” George had been pretty quiet, listening to all the conversations.” I hope the police down there manage a good clean-up operation.”

  “I think the two women, Megan and Flora, will be invaluable there. They know pretty much everything Avery had his nasty fingers in. Butcher was just the man who did the nasty stuff ordered by Avery, along with his mate Jake, who’s dead.

  I just don’t understand the mentality of someone who goes to all that trouble to do a fancy set up like Lucian Avery did, putting pushers out on the streets of Hereford to sus out potential kidnap victims, even getting someone to keep Wiggy out all night so they could capture her daughter. Just so that he could put the wind up George and Stephanie and ultimately get at Stephanie, or Sarah, her real name. He actually bought that place where they were held – in your name, George.”

  “You’re joking!” George was incredulous. “I wonder why he did that?”

  “At a guess, it was if we investigated the ownership of the building, it would look bad for you. But we know that Avery was the person who bought it.”

  “I see. Yes, that’s just the kind of crazy thing he would do. Money was no object to him, he could afford it.”

  “So it would seem. But the property does belong to you, George. It’s all legal. You can do what you like with it.”

  “I don’t wa
nt it!”

  “You can sell it. He didn’t mean to but your brother has given you a nice little nest-egg. Sell it and buy yourself a home of your own.”

  Lucy’s heart gave a little jump as George and Netta look at each other, their faces full of incredulous delight. She smiled, happy to see things getting better for them. She hoped it wouldn’t be too long before they could settle, wherever they choose to live.

  “Have you seen Gloria at all?” asked Rowena.

  “Yes. We had to go round there a couple of days ago. The Welsh police contacted us to say that a burnt-out car had been found, oh, down South Wales somewhere and it had a body in it. There was enough left to get DNA and it turned out to be a man called Paul Engledow. Flora told us he frequented Avery’s casino. We wondered if he was the man who kept Ruby out all night, so we took a picture of him to see if she could identify him. She did. Avery must have made him do it and then neatly got rid of him. Ruby was very upset. She said he was the only man who ever treated her really well.”

  “Poor Ruby. Sad, isn’t it? Poor Gloria, having to live with a mother like that,” commented Linda.

  “Well, yes, but Gloria is very philosophical about it, takes it in her stride. She asked after you, Rowena and said she’d look for you when school started again. She goes to Whitecross too.”

  “Oh, school! What are we going to do about that? Rowena needs to go back to school after Easter.”

  George patted Netta’s hand. “Don’t worry, love. I’m sure things will work out.”

  **********

  It did indeed work out. After the Easter holidays, Rowena came to stay with Sheila and Tom so she could return to school.

  “I would have had you at River View, Rowena,” said Lucy, “but with a tiny baby in the house, I thought you should be somewhere where you stood a chance of sleeping.”

  “I’ll come over and help you, Lucy, if you’d like?”

  “That would be good. But see how you feel.”

  George wasn’t yet fit enough to leave his nurse’s eagle eye so Netta and Harry stayed on at Castle Farm a while longer.