by Tina Clough
“Let’s walk round to the front and go in the front door, so you can see it as it’s meant to be seen.”
The front garden was just a strip of lawn between the front of the house and the picket fence. Wide steps led up to the front door. A deep veranda ran the full width of the house and continued down one side. The posts and rails were curvaceously turned and there was a clear-leaded fanlight window over the front door.
“It was built in 1909 and it’s never been altered much. Someone did something fairly awful in the kitchen, probably in the 1970s, and I’ve had the veranda floor re-piled and replaced right along the front and halfway down the side stretch, where things were a bit suspect. And the ceilings are insulated – the height of the rooms makes it hard to keep the place warm.”
The central hallway was generously wide and ran right through the house from the front door to the back door. “That’s lovely!” Mia was delighted. “Classic Edwardian grand villa.”
“That’s exactly what I said, when the real estate agent first showed it to me. I love this type of house. The only thing is that just after I bought it the business - it was new then - got really busy and I never set aside the time to fix the horrible bits. And then I kind of got used to it, I suppose. Remember that I’ve warned you! I’ll show you the worst things first.”
The kitchen was dreadful; he had not exaggerated. It was dark and painted in dreary brown and dull yellow, with fake tile pattern vinyl on the floor and a hideous ‘feature wall’.
“Right!” said Mia, looking round the gloom. “This does need fixing. I think you’re right – the only rational thing would be to rip the lot out and start again.”
“But wait! You haven’t seen the bathroom – much worse, truly horrible.”
“Good lord! How on earth have you lived here and used this bathroom every single day? It’s atrocious.”
“I know,” he said meekly. “I told you it was bad. I just had so much to do for a couple of years and then I stopped noticing. Let’s rip this out too and have a splendid bathroom – at least it’s plenty big enough to do things with. But the rest is rather gorgeous and I think maybe we could take the odd wall out to open it up.”
“One idea could be to make a big open space of the kitchen and the dining room – a sort of kitchen, family room/dining room? It would make a lovely big space and it would make it a lot lighter.”
Before they knew it they’d been there an hour and it was half past eleven. Thomas looked at his watch. “Good lord, we’ve forgotten Carl again! Let’s go over right away and have that cup of coffee. He always has his lunch at 12.30 and then he has a siesta, so you can’t visit him until about three o’clock.”
When they were sitting down with coffee and pastries Carl said calmly. “So what have you two got to tell me?”
Mia suspected that he’d phrased it so they could either tell him something relating to the two of them or just say whatever came into their heads. But Thomas was ready for him. “Well let’s say that last time we three were in this room we were three friends and now we’re one couple and a shared friend.”
Carl was delighted. “Well done, Thomas. I’ve just won one hundred dollars, because that’s where I thought you’d been the last two nights. Bet you rang me from Mia’s place last night?”
“How on earth did you suspect we were together?” Mia was amazed. “And more importantly, who did you have a bet with?”
“I had a bet with myself. The only person I ever have a bet with is Thomas, and I couldn’t do that this time, could I? I sort of felt when we were at your place for dinner that Thomas was so keen he hardly dared look at you. Am I right, Thomas?”
Thomas looked at Mia. “I can’t fool Carl. Most times when I think I’ve got something to surprise him with he guesses it. But of course you’re right! The only totally surprising thing is that Mia feels the same way - it’s like beauty and the beast, a real fairytale.”
Mia got up from her chair to stand behind Thomas with her hands on his shoulders and shook him gently. “I never ever want to hear you say that again – we’re not like beauty and the beast at all! You are the most wonderful and gorgeous man and I have been attracted to you from the very start.”
She was pleased an opportunity to say this had come up with Carl present. Thomas’ assumption that he was repulsive and not fit for anyone to love had worried her, but she hadn’t had a chance to bring it up in a natural way. Carl agreed with Mia. “I always thought it must be that he wouldn’t let the girls get close to him, not that they weren’t interested.”
Let’s continue, now we are on this subject, thought Mia. “So how did you get that scar anyway?”
Thomas hesitated, then cleared his throat. “I was sixteen at the time and tried to help a friend, who was attacked by a maniac wielding a broken bottle outside a school dance. That’s why it’s so jagged. And because I heal with those bumpy scars it’s created real tension across my cheek.”
“What happened to your friend?”
“Oh, he was fine, nothing happened to him. I tried to grab the bottle, and the guy turned on me, so I was sort of between them. After I was slashed I got him down on the ground – that’s the crazy guy, not my friend – and the others got the bottle off him.”
“My god, real hero stuff! You could have been killed.”
“Yes, I know. I had nightmares afterwards. I used to wake up in the night terrified, thinking I was on the ground with this maniac and he was going to cut me again and finish me off for good. Horrible experience.”
Carl said gently: “You are a handsome man, Thomas, scar or no scar. And for those who love you that scar is more like a medal.”
Carl was amazed at all they told him. “I can’t believe the things that are happening to you, Mia. I don’t like that journalist saying she’ll write about you whether you want it or not. I suppose she could name you too. I’m glad you have people with legal knowledge to guide you.”
“I don’t want any publicity at all, you know. I want my life to be private, not debated by strangers. We’re meeting with the others tonight to discuss what the consequences could be if Miles really has told that journalist everybody’s names.”
Carl was thoughtful and sat silent while Thomas and Mia continued talking. Suddenly he interrupted. “You know, you should really think about where you would go, if your name gets into the paper – I mean if you feel you’re at risk from some criminal or whatever. Once your name’s printed in the paper they can find out where you live and work. And the others can be found too so you can’t stay with them. Where would you stay to be safe then?”
Mia was taken aback. Why had she not thought of this before? “I don’t know, Carl. I hadn’t thought of it like that. I hope it won’t come to that – it’s a bit farfetched, I think. And I couldn’t stop going to work anyway - I have to be able to live a normal life and I don’t want to go into hiding.”
“I’m not saying it’s likely to happen, but it might. And I’m not talking about staying in hiding for a year or anything like that.” He frowned as he collected his thoughts. “But say you found out that someone was following you or watching you, where would your safe place be? You can’t stay at Thomas’s house, because that Miles person might have told people Thomas’s name. You can’t stay with me, because I live on Thomas’s property, so that’s just as bad.”
Thomas and Mia looked at each other and had no answer. “We’ll discuss it with the others tonight. We’ll make sure we have a plan in case it’s needed, but I think the risk is very remote.” Thomas was trying to keep the discussion from becoming too scary; he could see that Carl was getting agitated. He had understood right from the start that Carl had formed a genuine bond with Mia and now he was apprehensive on her account.
Mia smiled at Carl and reinforced Thomas’s views. “I’ll let you know what arrangements we make, so you know I’ll be safe.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear that. You’re very important to me, even though we haven’t known each othe
r long. We share a very weird experience and as far as we know we might never meet anyone else like us. We have to look out for each other!”
At Parnell that evening they found Paul just getting out of his car and they walked along to John’s place together. John opened the door for them just as Paul was saying: “Lorraine’s here more than she’s at the flat these days - I have to cook for myself all the time – it’s like living alone.” John just smiled and ignored Paul’s grumble.
“She’s making dessert, which is something I never do. I must say it’s strange to share the kitchen – not that I’m complaining, mind you.”
“You’d better not,” said Thomas. “I’ve cooked for myself for twenty years now and I think the bliss of having sole possession of the kitchen is over-rated.”
Lorraine pointed an eggbeater at John. “See, there’s someone who knows you’re really lucky to have me to trip over. Thank you Thomas!”
The discussion over dinner was intense and everyone had ideas of what would be the best solution to Mia’s problems. By the time Lorraine served the dessert they had worked through the options and agreed on a basic plan. Lorraine volunteered her mother’s place. “Mum would be happy to have you any time you need a place to hide. She loves company and she’s got a spare room that’s never used.”
“But won’t her place be as dangerous as if I was at your place? Your surname is so unusual and there can’t be many people with that name in the phone book?”
“Ah, but she’s got a different surname. Paul and I have our father’s name, but mum uses her maiden name, so there’s no obvious connection. You could stash some gear at her place, just a few spares, so if you needed to get away fast you’d be OK.”
Paul agreed. “It’s perfect, Mia, it really is. You’d be as safer there than most places. We’ll take you there once, so you can find it easily, if you need to. And if you had to go there Lorraine and I would stay away until it was safe again.”
He looked at Thomas and then at John. “Maybe it sounds a bit over the top, but the only way to make sure it’s safe is to kind of physically isolate you from everyone who knows you. I don’t suppose you have a police safe house sitting ready and waiting, John?”
John shook his head decisively. “No, that’s not an option, but your mum’s place sounds like a really good idea.”
Thomas changed the subject. “Let’s decide what we’ll say if the media get on to us. Mia and I think that complete denial is still the best recipe. If we all deny any knowledge, then Miles is the odd one out and he has no real evidence to prove his story.”
They decided that whoever was contacted would respond as agreed and let the others know. The end result was an anticlimax - when it came down to it that was very little they could actually do. Mia sensed a feeling of dissatisfaction among the others – they were so keen to help and protect her, but they could not really think of how to do it.
They talked of other things in a slightly listless way. Lorraine went to the kitchen to make more coffee and Mia joined her. Lorraine grabbed both her hands and spoke in a whisper. “You and Thomas? What’s going on? I see signals as bright as traffic lights.”
“You’re right. I wanted to tell you in person, but since we discovered how we both feel I hadn’t seen you to talk to. The most instant romance in history – we’re moving in together.”
“You’re kidding! I don’t believe it – have you lost your mind? Two or three days into an affair and you’re moving in together? You’ve hardly known him five minutes!” She was both excited and concerned. “It’s either true love with capital letters or you’re both quite mad. I don’t suppose you’ve thought of a prenuptial agreement to cover the risk of losing your trust fund? I mean, just in case it doesn’t work out?”
Mia just laughed. “Thomas has far more money than I have - he’s the one who should worry! I might just be after his money, for all he knows.” Lorraine hugged Mia tight. “Well, I am so pleased for you – he’s a lovely, lovely man and exactly what you deserve.”
The evening wound up early. “I’m think I need an early night,” said Thomas and Lorraine sent a knowing smile in Mia’s direction. They took a taxi and left the car to be picked up in the morning. Mia sat leaning against Thomas’s side, holding his hand and relishing the solid comfort of him. As he paid for the taxi she stood looking up at the sky – it was clear but the stars were hardly visible, the city lights too bright.
Later on in bed she remembered the stars. “Did you know that if you go down a really deep hole, a well for example, and look up at the sky you can see the stars even though it’s bright daylight? I’d like to do that one day – I don’t know how it works, but it seems like a miracle.”
“I think I’ve heard that too – probably something to do with the fact that light beams don’t bend. Let’s try it some time when we find a suitable well.”
Mia lay in the dark thinking of un-bending light beams and trying to picture how it worked. But it was late and scientific analysis after three glasses of wine and athletic sex didn’t seem to work. “It sounds reasonable, but I’m too sleepy to be clever – let’s park it until tomorrow.”
Mia woke to the phone ringing and got out of bed to answer. The weather had done a U-turn and a steady south-westerly wind was pushing showers of slanting rain across the city. As she picked the phone up a seagull blew past the kitchen window on a gust of wind. When she returned to the bedroom Thomas looked at her with a silent question and she said bleakly, “That was the courier firm. They’re tracing everyone who sent stuff with their firm on a certain flight. The flight the CD parcel went on. A bag was stolen from their depot at the other end – including my parcel. The bag’s been found burned in a suburban park – they apologised and told me to make a claim.”
Thomas lifted the duvet. “Hop back in, darling.” Mia got in beside him and lay on her back looking at the ceiling. She felt empty and sad. Thomas pulled her to him and kissed her forehead. “At least we did our best – that’s all we can do.”
CHAPTER 15
“Hi Mia, are you on for a coffee at half past ten?” Alice was bursting with news, excited and happy.
“Yes, fine - come and pick me up when you’re ready to go. Do I take it you had a great weekend?”
“Oh the wedding was perfect – really great! And guess who was there?” Alice’s eyes were sparkling with mischief. Mia realised she’d never get it right and admitted instant defeat. “I’ve no idea. Who was there?”
“Josh!”
“Good heavens! How did he get to be there?” She was alert and intrigued now.
Alice turned to make sure there was nobody around and lowered her voice.
“He wasn’t invited as such – he came as partner to one of my cousin’s friends. I had no idea he’d be there and when I asked my cousin how she knew him, she said she’d only met him once before, he’s a new attachment.”
Mia sensed that this was not all Alice had to tell. “And?”
“Well, after dinner he came over and sat down at our table for a few minutes, while some of the others were dancing – I think he just wanted to find out why we were there – Callum and me, I mean. And then he started talking about you.”
Mia’s sensors switched to red. Now she was really paying attention. “Why? What did he say about me?”
“Well, not much really. He asked if you and I were friends, and I said Callum and I both knew you outside work. I wondered if he was keen on you, but I don’t think that was it. Sorry, I don’t mean that the way it sounded! But it was odd the way he brought up your name out of nowhere, he didn’t mention anyone else from work.” She was clearly intrigued and wanting to find out what was behind it.
Mia decided this might be a good time to plant a few seeds and she leant forward slightly over the receptions desk. “Mm, yes, that’s strange. He’s been a bit funny lately and the other day I found him eaves-dropping when I was on the phone talking to a friend – weird!”
“Yeah, we both thought
it was odd the way he kept bringing the conversation back to you, but we never figured out what he was after. Mind you, he’d had quite a lot to drink from the look of him – the conversation wasn’t going in a straight line at any time! Callum got quite impatient with him.”
“Don’t worry, I’m being a bit wary of Josh at the moment, though I don’t know what he’s up to. If I find something out I’ll tell you.”
It was only a question of time now before people would be talking about Josh’s deception. She was relieved that Callum hadn’t told Alice of their evening vigil outside the office. Later on, once it was out in the open, it wouldn’t matter, but for now she appreciated his discretion.
At ten she made a quick trip upstairs to administration on the excuse that she wanted to bind some copies of a report. She grabbed a copy of an old report and headed upstairs. The large administration office on the second floor was in its normal state of concentrated activity. Lisa was busy in the workroom off to one side, where the copiers and the binding machines were. She looked up when Mia entered and noticed the papers in Mia’s hand. “Oh please don’t tell me you need something big in a hurry, I’m completely booked out this morning.”
“No, not at all, no need to panic.” Mia waved her bundle of papers vaguely in the air. “I need four copies of this bound, but I can do it myself. I know how the binding machine works. So long as I am not in your way?”
“No, go ahead! If it’s only black and white you can use the small copier right now. I’m doing 20 copies of a 48-page job at the moment on the colour copier and I won’t need the binder till later.”
“Why are you so busy on a Monday morning?” Mia put her originals on the smaller copier and turned round to speak to Lisa. “Is it because of the merger?”
“No, it’s just your typical rotten coincidence that Greg and Josh both have more than one thing on the go at the moment, and they have one deadline each first thing this week. So of course I’m the one who has to cope with the last-minute panic!”
Mia smiled. “You are too obliging Lisa, that’s what it is. Everyone relies on you getting things done even if you’ve had no warning. I didn’t realise Josh had two deadlines this week – I did some of the work for his proposal for Nicholson’s. What’s the other one?”
