False Friends

by False Friends (retail) (epub)

  ‘I have the key,’ he said, holding it out, although he wasn’t certain it was the correct one.

  Tommy looked at it and shook his head. ‘That might have been the padlock key, but it’s been changed. The place was repaired a while ago, some birdwatchers wanted to use it and they tidied it up. There’s a proper lock now but I don’t have a key yet.’

  Dic looked outside the hut but there was no way of getting inside. A new lock had been fitted and the door strengthened. He found the discarded padlock in some debris but the key didn’t fit.

  Ken had arrived when he got back to Badgers Brook. Lowri was taking his coat and Katie and Sarah-Jane were tucking into some sweets he’d brought. Dic greeted the man, hiding his disappointment behind a smile. Ken would ruin the atmosphere built up by the others. He didn’t belong there.

  It wasn’t until he was on his way home that he admitted the feeling engendered by Ken’s arrival and Lowri’s warm welcome, was jealousy.

  Five

  Ken stayed after Dic had taken the tired little girls home and Betty had gone with them, glad of a lift back to The Ship. Colin went into the garden with a torch to find some onions Bob had offered him from those hanging in the shed. While the women sorted out which dishes belonged to whom, Ken said to Bob, ‘I find it strange that Lowri accepts Dic Morris as a friend, when he was the one who put her father in prison.’

  ‘Lowri isn’t the sort to bear malice, even over something as important as this. She knows that the investigation he undertook was expected to find Ellis Owen guilty of fraud. After all, it was Lowri’s father who asked him to look for evidence. He had no control over where the investigation later led, especially once the police took over.’

  ‘It was Jimmy Vaughan who asked for an investigation of the accounting? But doesn’t that suggest he was innocent?’

  ‘Sadly not. What was found was well hidden, and it was only Dic’s thoroughness that unearthed it.’

  ‘Double bluff, you mean?’

  ‘That’s what the police based their case on.’

  ‘And the money?’

  Bob shrugged. ‘From what I’ve learned, the police believe Jimmy has it and will serve his sentence happily, knowing it’ll be there when he comes out.’

  ‘You believe he’s guilty?’

  ‘I don’t know the man, so how can I tell? From what I read in the newspapers and what Lowri has told me, Ellis Owen seems the most likely, and if he stole the money it might never be found now the man’s dead. There’s no sign of the money, which means either Jimmy is guilty and has hidden it somewhere, or Ellis’s wife is being very careful not to spend any of it. But again, Ellis could be the thief and Terri Owen know nothing about it. Ellis could have hidden it so well that no one will ever find it.’

  ‘And Emily, Lowri’s mother?’

  Bob shrugged again. ‘I imagine the police will still be watching her, perhaps Lowri as well. The appearance of unexplained money would confirm that their case against Jimmy Vaughan was sound.’

  ‘Or not? Depending where it turned up?’

  ‘I don’t think it’s kind to give Lowri and her mother hope. Too many experts are convinced that Jimmy stole from his own company.’

  Standing in the hall, hidden by the half-open door, Lowri listened and felt the weight of unhappiness increase with every word. She stepped back into the kitchen and said brightly, ‘All the dishes washed? Pity, because I think we’ll dirty them again. I feel the need for another cup of tea.’

  Colin, discarding his boots on newspaper spread just inside the door, enthusiastically agreed. Like many people, he found the atmosphere of Badgers Brook a happy one and was always willing to stay a while longer.

  *

  Dic was in his shop a few days later, serving customers and in between working on a model of a leaping fish which he intended to enhance by tipping some of the scales with silver. He missed his wife, whose skills as a silversmith had been far greater than his own, even though they had both attended the same course. Working with wood was his greatest joy but he occasionally used silver to add sparkle to some of his better pieces.

  The comical cartoon boat with its captain, was in the centre of the window and the interest and amusement it gave to passers-by, was satisfaction enough for the time spent. One day, when the moment was right, he would give it to Lowri. Perhaps when she saw him as more than a doting brother? He shook his head, dismissing the thought. Now he was hoping for miracles!

  He wondered whether a talk with Ellis’s wife Terri, might unearth some glimmer of hope which he could offer to Lowri. He hadn’t known Ellis well, having met him only a few times when he had called at the office to see his father. Thinking about the man now, months after his tragic death, he tried to bring back to mind something of the man’s character, but all he could remember was his enthusiasm and energy, his quick movements, his sharp wit and the ease with which he conversed.

  Not a man to hide anything, he mused. Ellis had been open with everyone, always a ready smile, quick to make friends, no pretence or guile. He couldn’t see him in the role of fraudster and cheat, but unless the jury were correct and Jimmy was guilty, his charming smile had hidden his true character remarkably well.

  On Wednesday afternoon after the shop had closed, he ate a sandwich and went to see Terri Owen. She stared for a moment as though trying to place him, then opened the door wide and invited him in.

  ‘Dic, what a pleasant surprise.’

  ‘No reason for the call,’ he admitted. ‘I’ve been wondering if you are all right, coping, you know.’

  ‘I’m managing well enough,’ she replied, as they sat beside the roaring fire. ‘But an event as horrifying as this doesn’t end when the court case finishes and the jury go home. Everything that happens leads to something else and an event as horrific as this, well, I don’t think I’ll ever recover.’

  Dic offered soothing words and waited for her to go on.

  ‘There are so many threads to unravel, things that need an explanation but with Ellis dead there’s no one to give them. It goes on and on.’

  ‘It’s worse than a natural death, I can see that,’ he said, following her as she went into the kitchen to make tea.

  ‘I’m having to sell the house and move to a small flat, and even then I’ll have to find a job to help me to manage,’ she said.

  ‘You mean there’s no money?’

  ‘Of course there’s no money!’ She stared at him in horror. ‘You think that…’

  ‘No, Mrs Owen! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean the stolen money – that didn’t enter my head. I was thinking of insurances and savings,’ he said quickly. ‘Most men provide for their family.’

  ‘I’m sorry. I’m so touchy these days. You’d be surprised at the number of people who expect me to move to a grand house and live a comfortable life, imagining there’s a stash of money hidden in my mattress!’

  He took the kettle from her shaking hands and filled it. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said again.

  ‘If there had been any money the police would have found it,’ she added sadly. ‘Searched the house, they did. Every inch. It doesn’t feel like my home any more. In fact I won’t be sorry to leave.’

  ‘But you’ve lived here all your life, isn’t it possible for you to wait a while, see if things will settle?’

  She stared at him, her eyes bright with unshed tears as she set out cups and saucers. ‘I might as well tell you the truth – we were going to sell it anyway. Just before he drowned, Ellis had asked me for a divorce.’

  Dic’s first thought was regret for the sad woman facing him, but it was immediately followed by disappointment. There wasn’t the slightest chance of Jimmy Vaughan being freed. Terri’s grief and humiliation seemed so genuine, she couldn’t be holding on to the stolen money.

  ‘Do you know his reason?’ he dared to ask, sensing in her a need to talk.

  ‘Usual sordid reason, there was another woman, but I have no idea who she is.’

  ‘He didn’t give y
ou all the facts?’

  ‘Oh, he intended to. He’d promised to tell me about a girl who was going to have his child, and said he hoped that when I’d thought about it I’d understand. Understand? How could he do that to me?’

  ‘I’m so sorry, Mrs Owen. I had no idea. You were remarkably brave, through the investigation and court hearing.’

  ‘My mind was all over the place, thinking about his death and of how I’d have lost him anyway. I won’t be at peace until I find out who this girl is. And there’s another thing. With the continuing murmurings about my having the money, I won’t be free of this until the money is recovered. I only know that I don’t have it, and, you know, I don’t believe Jimmy Vaughan has it either; the fight that ended with Ellis’s death was for nothing. So where does that leave us?’

  He asked why she hadn’t told the police that Ellis had been planning to leave her.

  ‘How could I? They’d have said it was more likely to have been Ellis, stealing money to support this girl and her child. I couldn’t face that, people whispering, laughing at me.’

  ‘What if that had been the case? Jimmy Vaughan might not be in prison now.’

  ‘Of course he would! There was a judge and jury who said he did it. He stole the money, Ellis wouldn’t have done that! Even if he were besotted with the girl.’

  ‘You should have told them though,’ Dic admonished softly.

  *

  Lowri invited Ken to lunch on Sunday, but he refused, eventually agreeing to call during the afternoon and perhaps stay for tea. He seemed friendly enough when she saw him at the warehouse where she had gone to pay the monthly account for Stella, his smile as full of pleasure at the sight of her as always, but there was reservation in the way he avoided touching her, keeping his hands well away from hers. He didn’t invite her into his office to attend to the business either, but brought the ledgers out into the customer’s area and stood behind the wide wooden counter where the assistants checked measurements and counted out tea towels and dusters and the rest of the varied stock.

  The edge of excitement was gone and she felt the lack of it. Was this because of Jimmy’s gaol sentence, or because she hadn’t trusted him enough to tell him? Sunday saw the end of the previous day’s rain and the sun shone brightly, adding sparkle to the dripping trees, strengthening the green of the grass to a spring-like richness and emphasizing the brightness of the berries that had survived the winter, on a few holly trees and firethorn hedges. She awaited Ken’s arrival with some anxiety. She liked him and didn’t want to hear him say goodbye. He had opened up her life in a way she had once thought had gone for ever; the thrill of dating, the warmth in his brown eyes that had promised better joys to come.

  Time passed and he didn’t appear and she began to believe this was the end. He had said nothing because, after such a brief friendship, there was nothing to say. He would just fade from her life. The thought took the colour out of the day and she knew she had hoped for so much more. So when a knock at the door announced a visitor, she ran to open the door and was unable to hide her disappointment on seeing Dic and the girls. It was only momentary but she knew Dic had seen her reaction and had been hurt.

  Making a fuss of Sarah-Jane and Katie filled the first minutes as she took their coats, admired their dresses and exchanged boots for slippers. Only then did she look at Dic and smile a greeting. ‘I’m so glad to see you,’ she said – and meant it. There was something so reassuring about him. He gave all the comfort and friendship she wanted and asked nothing in return.

  Dic didn’t talk to her but watched as she set the big oak table for tea. A cake made with the usual lack of proper ingredients was the centrepiece, and there were plates of sandwiches decorated with a few quarters of pale tomatoes. A couple of small vases containing some leafy branches and bluebells were placed at either end to make it look festive. Sadly, Dic suspected the effort had not been for him.

  This was confirmed a few moments later as the door opened after a knock, and Ken walked in. ‘Goodness, is this another party? There always seems to be a reason for celebration in this house.’

  He greeted them all, took a small box of Dairy Box chocolates from his pocket and sat down. ‘The chocolates are from my parents’ ration,’ he explained. ‘It’s a small offering but there should be a couple for each of us.’ He placed the unopened box near Sarah-Jane and Katie, for them to examine the cover and decide on their choices, promising them first pick.

  Lowri was uneasy as the two men eyed each other and they began the meal. She soon become aware that the unease was within herself and did not emanate from the men. She concentrated on the girls’ chatter and by the time they had eaten, the mood lightened. However, she was relieved when Kitty and Bob came, bringing some firewood and stayed a while.

  Perhaps, she thought later, when Marion was home after a visit to her parents and they were heading for bed, I’ve been so hurt by the way people treated me after the arrest of Dad, that I’ve lost the ability to relax and enjoy the company of friends.

  Dic had left early, having to get the children home and to bed. Ken hadn’t stayed much longer and it was Kitty and Bob who had waited until Marion returned, aware of Lowri’s need for company.

  As they washed the cups after their usual cocoa and biscuits, Lowri asked, ‘Where did you go today, to see your Mam and Dad?’

  Marion nodded. ‘They’re glad of some help on Sundays. With the kids to get bathed and settled into bed, and their clothes ready for school.’ She laughed. ‘D’you know, I spend a couple of hours ironing sometimes twice a week. I don’t mind though. My mum is marvellous and I’m so grateful to her.’

  ‘Grateful?’ the choice of word seemed an odd one to use.

  ‘Yes, grateful, for the wonderful childhood I had and for the way she’s always willing to help, even though her life is so full and chaotic.’

  Lowri couldn’t see how Marion’s mother helped her, it was clearly the other way round, but she smiled and agreed. ‘I’m going to ask for a Monday off and go to see my mother next week. We write, and talk on the phone, but I want to see how she is, talk about her visits and find out how Dad’s coping. She assures me he’s fine, but talking to her, I might learn more. Will you be all right on your own?’

  ‘Good idea. Of course I’ll be all right! I feel safe and secure in this house.’

  ‘Even after the break-in?’

  ‘A chance, hoping to find some money, that’s all that was. No, you go and don’t worry about me. If I do feel nervous, I’ll call on Kitty and Bob.’

  The following Saturday, Lowri went to the post office with her case already packed and left at twelve o’clock. She had seen the flat before her mother had moved in but not since the few pieces of furniture from her home had been installed. The door opened as soon as she touched the gate of the converted semi, and her mother ran out. They hugged each other tearfully, Lowri hiding her alarm at how her mother had aged in the weeks since they had last met.

  Lowri’s first questions were about her father as they walked up the path to the door. She was apprehensive about going inside, wondering if her mother had settled, or had refused to unpack and make herself comfortable, still believing the move was a temporary one, just until Jimmy was released. She sighed with relief when she stepped into the living room. It was comfortable and cosy, filled with familiar things. It was crazily overcrowded, as her mother had tried to fit in all her valued pieces, but it was set out attractively and shining with loving care.

  During the visit, she took out the small key which she had brought after Dic had given it back to her, partly out of curiosity and partly from fear of it disappearing while she was away. ‘Mam, do you recognize this?’ she asked.

  Her mother picked it up, then shrugged. ‘No, dear. What’s it for?’ It was Lowri’s turn to shrug. ‘I don’t know. I found it among my things. Could it be Dad’s?’

  ‘Unlikely. I’d recognize it if it were. We didn’t have secrets, did we? No, it’s probably for a box lon
g gone. Or your old desk, perhaps?’

  ‘That went for firewood years ago. But you’re probably right, it’s about the correct size.’ She put it back in her handbag, safe in the compartment that had an extra zip.

  Tearfully they exchanged their news and talked about Jimmy. Lowri had the impression that her father was suffering but was making light of his ordeal to help Emily – as her mother had been doing for her. She looked around the crowded room and remembered the beautiful home they had been forced to leave.

  ‘Mam, can’t you find somewhere a little better than this flat? Somewhere with a garden? I’m sure you miss it. I manage well enough and could help a little with extra rent.’

  ‘There is still some money in the bank.’ Emily told her. ‘After the sale of the house with its heavy mortgage there wasn’t much, but your father put some aside for emergencies – and the police know about it,’ she added defensively. ‘I could take a larger place, but I want the money kept for when your father is released. He’ll need some help to get started on rebuilding his life.’

  ‘The best way you can help Dad is to make your own life comfortable. You being happy has always been his main concern.’

  ‘But what if he comes out soon and—’

  ‘Mam, if that happens it will be wonderful, but it might not, and you can’t stay here for years, can you?’

  Emily lowered her head and stared at the floor with its faded carpet. ‘I have to believe he’ll come home soon,’ she whispered.

  ‘Then what better way to wait for him than in a house of your own? He has to believe in a future too.’

  ‘Houses are quite cheap in some areas,’ Emily said thoughtfully. ‘’Specially those near the prison.’

  ‘You could take a few boarders, you’d manage quite well.’ Lowri knew that having someone to look after was what her mother needed.

  ‘You’re right, darling. I must have a proper home for when your father comes back. He’d hate a small cramped place like this. I can tell him all about it, and explain what I’ve done, describe the wallpaper, ask him about the choice of paint, he’ll be involved from the very first moment.’ She smiled at Lowri as though the idea was already in progress.