Closing In

by Sue Fortin

  ‘Amanda.’

  ‘Donovan.’ Their usual minimalistic greeting. ‘I’m in the UK this week. In fact, I’m going to be in the UK a lot more. Sebastian and I are relocating to London.’

  Donovan’s eyes snapped to the handset as if it would confirm what he had just heard. ‘London? Permanently?’ He tried to keep the surprise out of his voice. It never did to let Amanda think she had the upper hand on anything.

  ‘That’s right. Now, I expect to be able to see Isobel far more often. In fact, it’s something my solicitor will be writing to your solicitor about. I envisage joint custody, Isobel to spend equal time with both of us and in the long term, I’m looking to her living with me.’

  Donovan brought the car to halt worthy of emergency-stop status. ‘What?’ He managed to grind out. Joint custody. Izzy living with Amanda. No way.

  ‘It’s really quite simple, Donovan,’ replied Amanda, her tone clipped and matter of fact. ‘I’m Isobel’s mother. I’m going to be back in the UK and I want her living with me. It’s how it should be. An eight-year-old girl living with her father may be nice now, but as she grows up she will need her mother for all sorts of reasons. You’re an intelligent man, Donovan, use your brains.’

  ‘Wait a minute. When did you decide all this? What’s wrong with France and lover boy’s chateau all of a sudden? You can’t just announce you’re coming back and Izzy is going to live with you. As I have sole custody I don’t think it’s a case of simply handing her over. She’s with me for a very good reason.’ Donovan manoeuvred his car over to the side of the road.

  ‘All that’s in the past now,’ snapped Amanda. ‘I’m not going to get into an argument with you, Donovan. I’ll be in touch about seeing Isobel soon.’

  The line went dead.

  Donovan cursed out loud. Amanda back on the scene. Great. Exactly what he could do without. He pinched the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes for a moment. Then taking his usual pragmatic approach, Donovan decided there was little he could do about it tonight. He needed to get home. It had been a long day and he was shattered. However, Amanda’s words refused to fade from their continuous loop replaying in his mind.

  Chapter Three

  Toby squeezed the remote key to his Audi TT, the clonk of the central locking reassuring him it was secure. As he approached Kate’s front door, he caught sight of his reflection in the glass panel. He looked dishevelled, his hair was ruffled and his tie dragged to one side, where he had snatched at his top button to undo it. He hated looking a mess. The front door swung open before he reached it.

  ‘Toby. What are you doing here?’ Kate’s voice was wary. She stepped into the doorway and pulled the door tightly to her body. Entry most definitely denied.

  ‘Hello, Kate. How are you?’ His voice sounded lifeless.

  She gave him a quizzical look. ‘I’m fine, thanks.’

  He nodded and cast a downward look, shuffling from one foot to another. ‘Good. That’s good.’

  ‘Are you all right?’ she asked.

  Toby shrugged. ‘Yeah. Well, no. Not really.’ He looked up, raking his hand through his hair. ‘It’s Helen’s birthday next week and I … er … I wanted …’ He threw a glance down the road. ‘Oh, look, I shouldn’t have come. Sorry to bother you.’ He turned and began a slow retreat down the path, shoulders slumped.

  ‘Toby! Wait.’ He paused to give himself time to keep his composure. Facial muscles under control he returned to the front door. Kate had the door wide open now and was standing on the step. ‘What’s up?’

  ‘Helen.’ Even to his own ears, he sounded monotone. ‘I thought I’d got over her leaving but I can’t stop thinking about her. I’m worried about her, Kate. Really worried. I thought she would be in touch by now. I know the police told me she was okay and that she didn’t want to be contacted but …’ He sniffed and wiped at his eyes. ‘I miss her. I need to speak to her. I want her back, Kate. So badly.’

  ‘After what happened? She didn’t run away without a reason.’ He winced at the incredulous tone in her voice and took a moment before answering.

  ‘It wasn’t like she said. You know that.’

  ‘Do I?’

  ‘Yes, you do.’ He looked her straight in the eye and held her gaze. She broke away first. He pushed on, sensing she was faltering. He pulled out an envelope from his jacket pocket. ‘Can you give this to her, please?’

  Kate kept her arms folded and eyed the envelope. ‘I can’t.’

  ‘Please … It’s a birthday card and, here, a small present too.’ He took the slim brown box from his other pocket. A solid-gold bangle with Italian Murano glass beads. Blue ones. Her favourite colour. He pushed the case into Kate’s hand.

  ‘I can’t give these to her because I don’t know where she is. I don’t see her and that’s the truth,’ insisted Kate.

  He believed her. It was what he suspected. He also suspected that she did keep in touch, even if they didn’t actually see each other. If he could just get into Kate’s house and have a poke around, he’d be sure to find something. Drastic times called for drastic measures.

  Making it seem as though he was indecisive and didn’t know whether to stay or go, Toby schooled his face into the bleakest expression he could muster, looking at Kate, then down the path and then back to her again. He went to speak, stopped and then ran his hand down his face in what he hoped looked something like desperation. Sensing Kate’s resolve weakening, with a flourish he flung his arm up against the wall of the house and buried his head in the crook of his elbow. This was followed by a loud and drawn-out exhalation of air, which morphed into a groan.

  ‘Why don’t you come in for a moment,’ said Kate. He felt her tug at his sleeve and allowed himself to be taken indoors. Her voice was softer. The ice maiden was thawing. ‘You can’t stand out there in that state. Mrs Howard, next door, is already twitching at her curtain to see what’s going on.’

  ‘Sorry, Kate. Really, I don’t want to be any trouble.’ He followed her into the lounge.

  ‘Sit there, I’ll make you a coffee but then you’ll have to go.’

  He nodded and sat down on the sofa. The TV was on and although Toby had no interest in the soap, he feigned interest. Out of his peripheral vision he noted Kate hastily scoop up an envelope from the coffee table. He pretended not to notice. He gave it a couple of seconds before turning to look over his shoulder. His timing was perfect. Kate was just placing the envelope between two hardbacks on the bookshelf. A look of guilt swept over her face and she hurriedly pushed the novels back into place.

  ‘Sugar?’ she asked as she went into the kitchen.

  The bookcase was by the side of the doorway to the kitchen. Toby got up and leaned against the door frame, making small talk with Kate while she made the coffee. It wasn’t going to be easy getting hold of that envelope but, with a bit of luck, he should manage it. He took out his phone, and whilst pretending to check for messages, he switched the camera on and muted the sound, all the time continuing to bemoan the loss of Helen. He placed his phone on the bookshelf and while Kate was pouring the boiling water into the cups, he reached out and gave the envelope a quick tug so it was sticking out further from the books.

  Kate passed his cup to him. Right, this was it. Time to sacrifice a good suit but it would be worth it. Toby fumbled with the cup and dropped it onto the tiled kitchen floor. Obligingly the cup broke and coffee spewed everywhere, splashing his trousers in the process.

  Kate gave a small yelp and hopped back out of the way.

  ‘Oh shit! I’m so sorry,’ said Toby, surveying the broken china and the rapidly spreading brown liquid. Kate grabbed some kitchen roll and began tearing off sheets and laying them on the floor, first as a dam and then to soak up the mess. ‘Here, let me.’ Toby offered. Fortunately, Kate refused.

  ‘No, it’s okay. I’ll do it. Don’t worry, it’s only a cup.’

  While she was distracted, Toby moved back into the living room as if trying to stay out of Kate’s way. Standi
ng at the bookcase, he pulled the card out from between the books, laying it flat on the shelf. Checking Kate was still preoccupied, he picked up his phone and took a couple of shots of the address on the envelope. He didn’t have time to study what it said, but if his hunch was right, this was something to do with Helen. ‘I’m so clumsy,’ he said as Kate retrieved a dustpan and brush from under the sink. ‘I’m like it all the time now. A bundle of nerves. This business with Helen, it’s really getting to me.’ He turned away from her, so she couldn’t see his face. Glancing at the envelope, he slid it back between the books and then dropped his phone into his pocket. He wanted to get home. All thoughts of coffee were relegated. ‘I’d better go. I’m sorry about the mess.’ He fashioned a regretful smile, which was met by a nod.

  Once sitting in the safety of his car, Toby looked at the photos on his phone. Shit. The first one was a bit blurred and the second one had completely missed the address. He flicked to the final one. It was slightly out of focus, but he could make out the writing. A frown folded across his face.

  Ellen Newman

  The Lodge,

  Sea Lane,

  Felpham,

  West Sussex.

  It wasn’t the name he was expecting. He’d got it wrong. What a waste of time and a good pair of trousers. He thumped the steering wheel in frustration.

  Chapter Four

  Donovan parked his black Range Rover outside his house. He looked up at the top-floor windows. All was dark. Izzy would, of course, be fast asleep by now. He let out a long sigh and promised himself that he would make time to take her out at the weekend. Entering the house, he was greeted by Carla.

  ‘Good evening, Donovan.’ She smiled, taking his coat from him and handing him the day’s post. ‘Have you had a good day?’

  ‘It was okay, thank you.’ He turned to Carla. ‘How is Izzy?’

  ‘She’s fine. The new nanny arrived today.’ Carla followed him into the study. ‘Ellen Newman.’

  ‘Great, she turned up then. That’s good. And what do you think of her?’

  ‘Too early to say yet.’

  Donovan didn’t miss the coolness in Carla’s voice. He wondered if they were going to regret taking on a new nanny without actually interviewing her and purely going on the recommendation of the agency. He sat at his desk, dropping the unopened envelopes onto the lacquered walnut. ‘You don’t sound very convinced.’

  ‘As I say, it’s early days. Now, I’ll get you a coffee and see what Mrs Holloway has left for supper. Would you like to eat in here?’

  Carla was fussing too much. He didn’t want to offend her, he’d be lost without her most of the time. She was a fantastic PA and a loyal friend but, sometimes, he felt as though he was married to her.

  ‘I’ll sort supper and coffee out for myself. Thank you, Carla. I don’t think I will be doing much work this evening, I’m too tired. You go home now.’

  ‘As you wish, Donovan,’ replied Carla. ‘Just one thing, the new nanny. When would you like to meet her?’

  ‘Where is she now?’

  ‘She took Izzy to bed and said she was going to her room afterwards.’

  ‘Okay, don’t disturb her now. I’ll see her in the morning at some point.’ Donovan smiled up at his PA. ‘You look tired, Carla. Let me call a cab for you.’

  ‘Thank you but I can do it.’ Carla went to leave, but paused in the doorway. ‘You should get some rest too, you look very tired yourself. I’ll see myself out. Goodnight.’

  ‘Goodnight,’ he said as he flicked through the pile of letters. He went to open one, then changed his mind and tossed it back onto the pile. He was too tired for all this tonight. It was past ten o’clock. Far too late to be reading referral letters and police reports. He lent back in his chair and closed his eyes for a moment, letting the thoughts of the day drift to the back of his mind. He needed to stop thinking about Amanda. He breathed deep and slow, concentrating on relaxing his mind, body and soul. Relax. That was better.

  Donovan wasn’t quite sure how long he had sat in his chair for and suspected he had probably drifted off into a near-sleep. He checked his watch. It was almost eleven and his stomach was complaining at the lack of food.

  ‘Right, something to eat,’ he said out loud, as he loosened his tie and undid his top button.

  Stopping in the hallway, Donovan thought of Izzy asleep in her room. Slipping off his shoes at the foot of the stairs, he began the ascent of the oak staircase.

  Reaching the landing, he padded lightly down the hall to the first door. It was slightly ajar.

  Izzy was fast asleep, as he’d expected. Her toy teddy, Mr Snuggles, was on the floor. Donovan picked up the well-loved bear and slipped it under the cover. Izzy stirred, her eyes fluttering open.

  ‘Daddy?’

  ‘Yes, it’s Daddy,’ whispered Donovan. He leant over and dropped a kiss on her dark hair. ‘Go back to sleep, angel. Daddy loves you.’

  Donovan stayed for a minute, just watching her, drawing on the feeling of contentment to soothe away the sourness of the day.

  Less frayed, he made his way back downstairs to the kitchen; his appetite piqued now he felt more relaxed.

  He hadn’t expected anyone to be in there and was startled to see the back of a woman at the sink. It didn’t appear that she had noticed him, his stocking feet making no announcement of his arrival. He took the moment to cast his eye over the slim figure, encased in jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt, with fair hair resting on narrow shoulders. The new nanny, he presumed. Donovan gave a subtle cough.

  Startled, she spun round.

  Donovan smiled, held out his hand and stepped forward. ‘Good evening. I’m Donovan. You must be …’

  ‘Ellen Newman.’ She quickly wiped her hands on a tea towel.

  With her sleeves pushed up to the elbow, Donovan couldn’t help but notice several reddish circular marks on her right forearm. Eczema perhaps?

  Ellen withdrew her hand and pulled her sleeves down. ‘I was just making myself a coffee. Would you like one?’ Her voice was calm but her eyes were anxious.

  ‘If you’re making one, that would be great. Thank you. Black, no sugar,’ Donovan replied, moving over to the oven and lifting the lid on a saucepan. ‘Ah, butternut squash soup. Mrs Holloway’s speciality. Would you like some?’ She seemed to hesitate. Donovan sensed she probably wanted to say yes, but was too polite. He took two bowls out of the cupboard. ‘It really is delicious. You’ll love it, I promise. And I’d be glad of the company. It will give us a chance to get to know each other, seeing as you’re working for me now. ’ Without giving her a chance to say no, he set two places at the table and ladled the creamy orange liquid into the bowls.

  Getting out some bread and buttering several slices, he sat down at the table and was satisfied to see Ellen sit down opposite him.

  ‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘It does smell lovely.’

  ‘I’m sorry we haven’t had the chance to meet before,’ said Donovan. ‘I usually like to interview staff myself but it was an emergency and I know Cherubs Nanny Agency is very thorough with its checks. You came with very good references.’

  Ellen nodded. ‘Yes, I must admit it is a little unusual not to meet the parents first, but as you say, it was exceptional circumstances. The agency said your previous nanny left because of a family bereavement back in Scotland, is that right?’

  Donovan nodded. ‘Yes. She didn’t want to come back, said it was too far away from her family. I suppose the bereavement made her take stock of things. You haven’t come quite so far, have you?’

  ‘No, only from London. I’ve been here, well, West Sussex and the south coast, before. When I was a child, but not for a long time. You know, family holidays.’

  ‘And your family now, where are they?’

  He watched as she hesitated and toyed the spoon in circular motions through the soup. ‘My mum died when I was young. I’m an only child. My dad is remarried with his own young family. I don’t see him much.’

&nbs
p; He sensed she wasn’t comfortable talking about it and, not wanting to make her feel uneasy, he let the subject drop. ‘How long have you worked for Cherubs?’

  ‘Seven years, now. They have always placed me with very good families so I had no reason to doubt them this time, despite not having met you beforehand.’

  ‘And is your room okay?’

  ‘Yes, it’s really nice. Thank you.’

  ‘I know you’re a bit out of the way on the top floor, but it’s nice for Izzy to have the run of it. Downstairs isn’t quite so child-friendly. I don’t want her to have to creep around all day simply because I’m working.’ He watched her face take on a slightly surprised look.

  ‘Oh, right,’ she said. ‘It’s nice she has a big playroom on the top floor.’

  ‘Exactly. And you’ve met Carla, my long-suffering PA of over ten years?’A nod and what Donovan suspected was a forced smile. Ellen had obviously already felt the brusqueness of her colleague. ‘Carla can sometimes come across as a little starchy. Please don’t take offence. It’s just her way.’

  ‘Okay. I’ll bear that in mind.’ Ellen pushed her empty bowl away from her. ‘You were right, the soup was lovely.’

  She looked as if she was preparing to leave, but Donovan wanted to question her a bit more, call it a post-employment interview. Okay, it was probably a bit late now, but he would feel better if he knew a bit more about her.

  ‘Ellen, tell me, how was it you were able to start here at such short notice?’

  ‘I’ve been working abroad for the last six months. I’ve had a spell in France at a campsite, running their children’s club. Now the high season has finished, I’m back here in the UK. The timing couldn’t have been better.’

  It was a simple and very plausible explanation. ‘Where were you working before in the UK? Were you live-in? Sorry for all the questions.’ He smiled at her.

  She smiled back, although he still sensed a slight unease. ‘It’s okay. I was working for a family in London and, no, it wasn’t a live-in position.’ He didn’t say anything but looked encouragingly at her, allowing the silence to give a sense of expectation. A technique he often used with his clients to get them to speak. Invariably it worked. Ellen was not immune to this tactic. ‘I had a flat in North London with my boyfriend but we split up. That’s how I ended up working abroad.’