A Small Town Affair

by Chrissie Loveday

  ‘Nothing. I’ll call the police again and then I’m hiring something.’

  ‘You seem to have been very unlucky lately. Look, if it’s of any help, I can offer you a more permanent position here. One of our receptionists is leaving soon. You’re very good. I was impressed the times you stood in. It would mean you could stay in the caravan for a while longer, if you wanted to. I don’t recommend it in the winter though. You might get a long let in one of the holiday places.’

  ‘It’s an idea,’ she said gratefully. ‘Thank you.’ She left the office feeling a little more positive.

  She telephoned the police but there was no further news of her car.

  ‘I reckon they’ve got hidden away somewhere, thinking the pressure will drop soon.’

  ‘And will it?’

  ‘Well, there’s still a call out for the number and model. We’ll be alerted if it’s seen of course but they’re sure to have changed the number plate by now. Might be worth looking at one of the on-line auction sites.’

  ‘Thanks. I will. I’m going to get a hire car for a while.’

  She switched off her phone and looked for the details her mother had given her. It was almost closing time for most garages but she called anyway to see if they had cars available. She gave her details and arranged to call in the next day. She called Audrey again and asked if she was needed the next morning.

  ‘No really, dear. I think maybe we can call it a day now for the season. If you call in when you’re ready, you can collect your pay. I’ve enjoyed working with you Gina. You’ve been a wonderful help to me. Just another week or two and I shall think of closing for the winter. It’s hardly worth keeping open after September.’

  ‘Seems as if everything’s coming to an end,’ she said sadly.

  ‘Oh we rather like getting our county back to ourselves again. The roads stop being quite so busy and life is much more peaceful. I’m lucky that my husband’s in a permanent job. Means we can take things easier.’

  ‘Thanks. I’ll call in tomorrow when I get back.’

  With a few more options in place, Georgie began to feel better. She was also hungry and looked to see what there was in the fridge. The meal she had prepared with loving care the previous evening had become dried up and horrible so she threw it in the bin. Another pang of sadness hit her and she remembered the positive thoughts she had when cooking it. She boiled an egg and made toast. She opened the bottle of wine and poured a large glass for herself. Then she remembered. She took a sip and poured it down the sink. Wine drinking days were over, at least for the next few months.

  Jenny called during the evening.

  ‘How are you now?’ she asked.

  ‘A bit better. Still weepy and emotional.’

  ‘He’s not back I take it?’

  ‘No. Nobody’s seen him. He’s also been fired. He’s missed too many shifts.’

  ‘Heavens. And does that mean the caravan’s ending? Do you have to move out?’

  ‘Well yes. Unless I take a permanent job at the hotel. He’s offered me a receptionist job. Says he’s impressed with the way I handle things.’

  ‘I should bloody well think so. You’ve been in the business since you could walk. So, will you take it?’

  ‘I’m not sure. Rather too many memories. I was thinking I might go the Cornish Hetherington for a spell. I needn’t tell them anything more than my father asked me to visit for a while. Eventually, I’ll have to put my tail between my legs and go back. But I still need time to come to terms with things.’

  ‘Did you find any information from Jay’s things?’

  ‘Only that he pays a regular sum out of his bank account each month. Don’t know where to, of course but it’s standing order. The manager said I wasn’t the first woman to live in the caravan with him,’ she added sadly.

  ‘I bet he was delighted to discover you were worth something.’

  ‘Didn’t make him stay, though did it? He still ran out on me.’

  ‘I’ll call you again in the morning. Try to get some sleep.’

  ‘I will. Thanks again Jenny.’

  She went for one last look outside and watched the last bus of the day draw in and leave the passengers.

  No sign of the one person she was desperate to see. She shivered and wrapped herself in the duvet that still held traces of Jay’s unique scent. She inhaled deeply, trying to recapture the magic she felt when he was lying next to her. Exhausted with crying, worrying and indecision, she drifted into a deep sleep. It was hazy dawn when she roused and she sat up, wondering where she was for moment. Reality came flooding back as did the feeling of nausea that went with her condition. When she had recovered slightly, she sat and ate yet more toast. She knew she must begin to eat a sensible diet but she needed to recover herself a little. She looked at her reflection. Lank hair. Bleary eyes. She looked dreadful. She had a shower, washed her hair and put on some make up. She was determined not to cry again and risked some mascara. Today was a day for making decisions. She took a deep breath and went down the hill to catch the bus.

  Georgie sat in the hire car. It was modest little car which would use less petrol and be economical to run. Now she had it, she couldn’t quite decide where to go. On a whim, she drove into Redruth and stupidly drove round the streets, thinking she might see Jay. She went back to Poltoon, realising she was wasting her time. She parked outside the caravan and went inside. Someone had been there while she was away.

  ‘Jay?’ she called out hopefully. ‘Jay, are you in there?’ She flung open the bedroom door and saw the wardrobe on Jay’s side had been cleared. She looked in the drawers. They were empty too. ‘Damn, damn damn,’ she called out. Why did he have to come when she was out? It was a disaster, the whole thing. He must have known she wasn’t there. So where had he been hiding? He must have seen her leave the village on the bus and come straight here to collect his things. Someone must have driven him. He couldn’t have carried everything without transport. What a coward. He could at least have spoken to her. Furiously, she took out her phone sent him a text.

  Why did you do it this way? You might have said goodbye. I’m sorry your child will never know you but it will be your loss not his or hers. You’re not the man I thought you were. Coward.

  She pressed send and sat down and cried all over again. Her phone rang and she snatched it, not looking at who was calling.

  ‘Jay? Is that you?’

  ‘Sorry love, it’s Jenny.’

  ‘Oh, hi. Sorry. I just sent Jay a text and thought he was responding. Stupid me. He’s gone Jenny. Cleared his stuff out and gone.’

  ‘Didn’t he say anything?’

  ‘He did it when I was out. I went to collect a hire car and he sneaked in right at that very time. I suspect he must have been watching and waiting. Someone must have driven him. He’d never have carried everything.’

  ‘Oh my dear, I’m so sorry. But, at least you’re mobile again. Are you going to come and stay?’

  ‘I’m not ready to leave just yet.’

  ‘I’m worried about you. You’re sure you won’t do anything silly?’

  ‘What, like driving round the streets of Redruth looking for him? I did that already. Silly me. I know.’

  ‘You are in a state aren’t you? Look, I’ll take the afternoon off tomorrow and drive down. I’ll be with by early evening. We can talk things through and maybe I can help you reach some sort of decision.’

  ‘That’s kind of you but I can’t disrupt your life as well.’

  ‘Rubbish. That’s what friends are for. I can stay in the caravan, can’t I?’

  ‘Well, yes, I suppose so. Thanks Jenny. I’m sure it will help to talk.’

  ‘Make sure you eat properly and take care. I’ll see you soon.’

  ‘You’re a good friend.’

  Feeling a little more cheerful, she walked down to the village and went into the Beach Café. Audrey was delighted to see her.

  ‘Come and sit down. I’ll make us a pot of tea. Would y
ou like a sandwich too? I bet you haven’t been eating properly.’

  ‘That would be lovely. Thank you. Oh, I’ve just realised, I’ve still got the tee shirt and cap. I’ll wash it and bring it down later.’

  ‘Don’t worry. Drop it in sometime and I’ll wash it when I do the rest of the things. Been very quiet here since you left.’

  ‘As you say, the end of the season.’

  ‘Now, tell me what’s been going on? You don’t look your usual cheery self.’

  ‘Things haven’t been going too well. Jay’s left.’

  ‘I did wonder. Got the sack has he?’

  ‘Well, yes, I suppose so. We had a row and well, he just went off somewhere.’

  ‘I thought I saw him in the village this morning. He was doing some shopping and then he drove up the hill. He was in a van. I didn’t know he had one.’

  ‘He doesn’t. He must have borrowed it. He cleared his stuff out of the caravan.’

  ‘Leaving you homeless I presume. My offer of a room still stands if you want time to sort yourself out.’

  ‘Thank you but I can stay till next weekend.’

  ‘Come on, now, eat up. I’ve got some nice fruit cake as well. Can’t have you starving yourself.’

  The kindly woman chatted on and Georgie half listened but was grateful for her offers of help. When the teapot was empty, she got up to clear the tray away.

  ‘Leave it, dear. I’ll see to it. Now then, hang on a minute and I’ll get your envelope with your wages. I put it ready last night in case you called in.’ She went round the back of the counter and handed over a bulging envelope. ‘I’ve put a bit of a bonus in. You’ve been such a good worker. If you want to come back next year, I’ll be delighted to see you again.’

  ‘Thank you very much. You’ve been lovely to work with. I don’t think there’s much chance I’ll be this way again though.’

  ‘Well the offer’s there. And if you need a reference any time, just ask.’

  It was a generous bonus under the circumstances and Georgie felt her emotions rise once more. She had at least proved one thing. She could stay with a boring job for a few months without a problem. She tucked the notes away safely and went back to her temporary home. There was a strange car waiting when she arrived back.

  ‘Can I help?’ she asked.

  ‘Miss Hetherington?’

  ‘Who’s asking?’

  ‘D C Thomas. I have some news for you about your car. Well, we have arrested the person behind the theft. We haven’t recovered the vehicle yet but we hope to have the information soon.’

  ‘Is it anyone we know?’

  ‘I’m afraid so. It’s your partner. Jay Jacobs. Perhaps he is your ex-partner?’

  ‘No. I don’t believe it. He wouldn’t do such a thing. Surely not. In any case, he was with me when the car was stolen.’

  ‘I’m sorry Miss. But he was definitely involved in the theft. He took a spare set of keys and passed them to a friend of his, who then carried out the actual theft.’

  ‘Life just gets better and better, doesn’t it?’ she muttered.

  Chapter Twelve

  After the detective had left, Georgie slumped down and tried to come to terms with this latest blow. Her baby was going to be the child of a criminal. A memory of his face drifted across her imagination. How could someone like that be guilty of hurting her so much? She tried to hate him but each time a wave of anger crossed her, she melted again into a misery that was so new to her, she almost felt it in her very pulse beats. He couldn’t have done this. Not her Jay. Not the Jay she loved. There must be some terrible mistake. But then, she tried to reason, did she know him at all? Was the man she had fallen in love with, someone else entirely? How well did she really know him? It had only been three months or so. Could you ever really know anyone in so short a time?

  She cooked some food and did her best to eat it, knowing her baby could suffer if she allowed herself to continue to wallow in misery and self pity. She tried hard to make herself angry knowing that was a more positive emotion than feeling victimised. It worked briefly but not long enough to allow her to rest. There was a knock at the door. It was the duty manager.

  ‘Hi Georgie. I was wondering if you are free to do a shift for me tomorrow? Our regular receptionist is off sick. You’d be helping me out. Unless you’re working at you other job.’

  ‘I’m not working but I’m not sure I can do the job. I’ve been unwell.’

  ‘I know you’re upset. I also heard from the police about Jay. I was surprised actually. I hadn’t got him down as dishonest on that way. Occasionally a bit devious but not a thief.’

  ‘Yes, well it’s hard to tell everything about a person at the start.’

  ‘I hope you’ll come in tomorrow. It might help distract you a little. Unless you have other things planned?’

  ‘You’re right. I need to do something. I have a friend coming down tomorrow evening. I hope it’s okay if she stays with me?’

  ‘Of course. I’m glad you have someone with you. We’ll speak tomorrow. Thank you. Try and get some rest. You look worn out.’

  In a way, tomorrow’s work was almost something to look forward to. What else was she to do? Drive round aimlessly, looking for signs of Jay? At least if she was occupied, she couldn’t spend the day feeling so sorry for herself. If he did come to the hotel, she could see his approach from the reception desk. Not that she believed he’d show his face here again. She had no idea where he’d gone to or where he was living. If he had been arrested, it didn’t necessarily mean he was being detained by the police. On the other hand, if he was being detained, she might be able to see him. Did she want to? A moot point.

  She was kept busy most of the next day. The manager came to ask for various tasks to be done and smiled approvingly at her efficiency.

  ‘You’re most competent,’ he told her. ‘Are you sure you don’t want a permanent job?’

  ‘I don’t think so. But thank you.’

  ‘So, where have you worked before?’

  ‘Various places. Now, do you want me to do these spread sheets on the monthly occupancy?’

  ‘If you know how to do it. Great. Thank you. But you need to take a break soon. Have you eaten?’

  ‘I’ll get a sandwich soon.’

  ‘I’ll phone the kitchen and get them to send some up for both of us. You can join me in the office in half an hour?’

  ‘Well, okay. Thank you.’ She settled back to her tasks. When the tray arrived, she went into the manager’s office.

  ‘So, how long have you known Jay?’

  ‘Just through the summer.’

  ‘You were fold of him weren’t you?’

  ‘Oh yes. We gelled completely or so I thought.’

  ‘I’m sorry you were hurt. But a clever, attractive lady like you will soon bounce back. I can sympathise. I’ve been through a break up myself not so long ago. You need to throw yourself into something absorbing and try to see there is still life to live. Think about the job I’m offering for instance.’

  ‘I need to move on really. Too many memories here, as I said before.’

  ‘You might consider creating some new memories.’ He smiled at her and reached out to take her hand. ‘Find someone to take your mind off things.’

  ‘Please, don’t say any more. I’m certainly not ready to find someone new.’ And you’d be the very last person, she thought. How could he? Her brain clicked into gear. He’d called her Georgie. He’d been on duty the day her parents had been there. He knew she was a Hetherington. That must be the reason for his sudden interest. He probably hoped she might help reach a better job. Her father had done a good job. She was suspicious of every man who came her way and even when she thought Jay didn’t have any clue about her identity, it still went wrong. She had to face it. Guy was probably the only man on the planet who would have married her for herself. Even that was suspect, she decided. It would mean a great business merger. Besides, now she was pregnant with another man’
s child, he wouldn’t want her anyway. She had to join the ranks of unmarried mothers and struggle to keep her baby in a half decent manner.

  ‘I’m sorry. That was tactless of me,’ the manager was saying. ‘I was really only trying to help.’

  ‘Okay. Thanks. I’d better get back to the desk now. Thank you for the sandwiches.’

  By the end of her shift, she felt weary. She refused to work the next day as she knew Jenny would be with her. She glanced at her watch and dashed across to the caravan. She had left it in something of a mess and her friend would be there soon. They’d have to go out to eat that evening as there was nothing in the fridge to make a meal. She tidied up and rinsed the dirty dishes. At least she looked a little more presentable today. The red eyes had calmed down and her nose looked less angry. She looked out as a car stopped and she went out to see Jenny’s car was parked sensibly.

  ‘Hallo love. How are you?’

  ‘Much better today, thanks. I’ve been working in the hotel.’ It was good to have someone to talk to who really understood. ‘Oh it’s so good to see you. No friends like old friends.’

  ‘I take it you haven’t heard anything more of Jay?’ Georgie frowned.

  ‘Not exactly. But I had a visit from the police last night. It seems Jay has been arrested for being an accessory to the theft of my car. They say he took the spare keys and handed them to someone who stole it.’

  ‘Good grief. I did ask if it might have been him didn’t I?’

  ‘Well yes, but I can’t believe he’d do something like that.’

  ‘Depends how desperate he was feeling. How much do you truly know about his past?’

  ‘Very little it seems to me. So many things are bugging me.’

  ‘Like what?’

  ‘When I told him I was pregnant, his comment was “no, not again” and then he said it couldn’t be his because he couldn’t have children.’

  ‘It gets weirder by the minute. Do you think he already has a child? Or children, even?’

  ‘I simply don’t know anything anymore. Strikes me that everyone was right. It’s because I’m Georgina Hetherington, I’m only any use as a step up into better jobs and lifestyle.’