Stolen

by Susan Lewis

  Grabbing the shaker, Sarah led the way out on to the terrace where they all sat down at the table and managed to release a protracted, satisfied sigh in unison.

  Laughing, Michael gazed out at the first crimson smudges of sunset edging the clouds as he said, ‘God, it’s good to be here again. Sometimes I feel as though my whole childhood was spent in this house and garden.’

  ‘Funny, because that’s how I remember it too,’ Simon told him.

  ‘You two were always like brothers,’ Sarah smiled.

  Simon’s expression was ironic as Michael’s eyebrows rose.

  ‘So let’s hear about this ring,’ Simon said. ‘Do you think it’s real?’

  Michael grimaced. ‘I certainly think we have to assume it is for now, given the dreaded Maureen’s threats against Lucy’s mother, and her failure actually to deny its existence. However, apart from a few letters from disgruntled clients, or their solicitors, we don’t actually have anything to go on yet.’

  ‘The biggest concern is protecting Lucy’s mother,’ Sarah added.

  Simon nodded thoughtfully. ‘And you’re absolutely sure she’s not involved?’

  ‘No way,’ Sarah cried.

  ‘If she is,’ Michael said, ‘I’m pretty sure it’ll be against her will.’

  Puzzled, Simon said, ‘So why don’t you ask her?’

  ‘Lucy doesn’t want to,’ Sarah told him. ‘She thinks it’s what’s causing her mother’s ill health at the moment, and she’s afraid if she starts quizzing her and bringing it all out into the open, it’ll make her mother worse.’

  ‘So it’s being swept under the carpet?’

  ‘As far as her mother’s concerned, yes, but we can’t let it go on, because it could end up having a disastrous effect on the business.’

  Simon looked at Michael. ‘So how are you going to play it?’ he asked.

  ‘I’ve already got someone checking out the freelance auctioneers,’ Michael replied, ‘and Sarah’s going through the company records, but this is an incredibly tricky problem to pin down. Almost everything will happen by word of mouth, so there’s not likely to be any documentation to help us, and once an item’s sold that’s where its connection to Cromstone’s ends. No one follows its trail afterwards, because there’s no reason to.’

  ‘So how does anyone know they’ve been cheated?’

  ‘Usually they don’t, because detecting a ring is almost as impossible as breaking it, but occasionally when a scammed item goes to auction somewhere else in the country it’ll fetch a ridiculous price, whereupon it’s reported in the trade press. Then, should the likes of Mr Beadle, or one of his family, happen to pick up that particular paper or magazine … Well, you can see how random it is, and you’ll understand why the Beadles of this world, if they do get to find out, are none too happy.’

  ‘But they still don’t know for sure that they were scammed,’ Simon pointed out. ‘It could just be a combination of bad timing and bad luck.’

  ‘Of course, which is why it’s all so hard to prove, and why I’m planning to enlist the help of another lawyer who’s more familiar with this sort of thing than I am. You might remember him. Teddy Best?’

  Simon frowned thoughtfully, but shook his head. ‘I don’t think I do,’ he replied.

  ‘Well, he’s a good few years older than us, but he’s not only a great chap, he also happens to be a knock-out morris dancer.’

  Simon looked askance as Sarah bubbled with laughter. ‘And that’s supposed to recommend him because?’ he said dubiously.

  Michael’s expression was wry. ‘I take it your dear sister hasn’t yet told you about our date with humility.’

  Simon’s eyes narrowed as he turned to Sarah. ‘Maybe now would be a good time,’ he suggested.

  Sarah was grinning happily. ‘You and Michael are going to join the morris dancers at the summer fete,’ she informed him.

  Simon’s face dropped.

  ‘I thought,’ Sarah pressed on, ‘that it was a great idea, now that I’m learning to laugh again. Watching you two hopping and slapping about could make up for at least the last two years.’

  Simon turned to Michael.

  Michael shrugged.

  ‘I won’t be here,’ Simon decided. ‘I’ll be back in Paris …’

  ‘I shall insist you fly over,’ Sarah informed him.

  ‘What I’d like to know,’ Michael said, ‘is what you and Lucy are planning to entertain us with.’

  Simon immediately looked interested. ‘I think we should insist on something of the burlesque variety,’ he suggested. ‘Or hang on, I haven’t met Lucy yet. Good idea?’ he asked Michael.

  Michael’s eyes shone with laughter as he nodded.

  ‘This is a fete that includes children,’ Sarah reminded them, ‘so no room for old men’s fantasies.’

  ‘We’ll think of something,’ Michael warned her.

  ‘We’ll look forward to it,’ she replied with a teasing smile. ‘Meanwhile, I hope you can still make our drinks party tomorrow night.’

  ‘Of course, wouldn’t miss it.’

  ‘Who else have you invited?’ Simon wanted to know.

  ‘Lucy, obviously, and the Mckenzies.’

  Simon looked less than thrilled.

  ‘You’ll like them,’ she assured him.

  Appearing surprised, Michael asked, ‘Is there some reason why you wouldn’t?’

  After bringing him up to speed on the Mckenzies’ ambiguous connection to his family, Simon added, ‘Not that a party’s going to be a good time to ask the man how he fits into my mother’s life. Have you met him?’ he asked Michael.

  ‘Only briefly,’ Michael replied. ‘He seems a nice enough bloke.’

  Turning back to Sarah, Simon said, ‘So who else? Or is that it?’

  ‘I guess Joe, Lucy’s husband, will come if he’s still around,’ she told him. ‘You might remember him from that soap, Costa del Crime, that ran for a while. Years ago now. He was Alan something or other, I’ve forgotten the name, but the baddie heart-throb chap.’

  ‘I do vaguely,’ Simon responded. ‘So what’s he like?’

  Sarah gave it some thought. ‘Actually, he’s not unlike the character he used to play, good-looking, full of cockney charm … I don’t think he’s worked much since that series, but you never know, he might get a call from Mr Spielberg or one of the Camerons – Mackintosh, James – and have to go zooming back to London, so we won’t end up seeing him tomorrow night after all.’

  Simon’s eyes went to Michael. ‘I have plenty of contacts in that world,’ he reminded them drily, ‘maybe I’ll make a few calls, see what I can arrange.’

  ‘Or maybe you won’t,’ Michael retorted, and raising his glass he winked at Sarah as he took a sip.

  Chapter Fourteen

  ‘MUM! STOP SHOUTING at him,’ Hanna cried angrily. ‘He only did what he thought was best.’

  ‘Keep out of this,’ Lucy told her. ‘They’re my parents,’ she raged at Joe. ‘How dare you send them off without allowing me to see them?’

  ‘Because we all know what a basket case you are with goodbyes,’ he reminded her, ‘so we decided …’

  ‘No, you decided …’

  ‘… that it would be easier on them, and you, if they went off quietly before you were up.’

  ‘And you seriously believe it’s what they wanted?’

  ‘They went, didn’t they?’

  ‘Because you told them to. You know what they’re like. They hardly ever put up a fight if they think it’s going to upset someone …’

  ‘And waiting to say goodbye to you wouldn’t be upsetting? Why put them through it when you don’t have to? This way they’ve gone off without all the drama and nonsense, which, frankly, is something they can do without when they’ve got a long drive ahead of them. Or long for them, anyway.’

  ‘So you get to give all the orders and the rest of us have to obey?’

  ‘Lucy, you’re being unreasonable, and you know it.’


  ‘No, what I know is that you ordered them out of their own home …’

  ‘He did no such thing,’ Hanna protested furiously. ‘I was there when everyone agreed …’

  ‘No, not everyone agreed, because no one asked me and there’s …’

  ‘It’s because of you and your bloody phobia, or paranoia, or whatever the hell you want to call it, that an agreement had to be made at all,’ Joe told her irritably. ‘It was done with your best interests at heart, whatever you like to think, and with theirs too.’

  ‘And anyway, they’ve gone now,’ Hanna added, ‘so why don’t you stop having a go at us and start feeling thankful that we …’

  ‘I’ve had enough of this,’ Lucy snapped, and grabbing her mobile and keys she stormed out of the kitchen and across the yard to the barn, where John was strolling round from the front to find out where everyone was.

  ‘Good morning,’ he greeted her cheerily. ‘I’ve collected the garden furniture and Carl, so we’re ready to unload as soon as the barn’s unlocked.’

  Not wanting to take her bad mood out on him, Lucy summoned a smile as she handed him the keys. ‘You’ve got the alarm code?’ she said, as her mobile started to ring.

  Tapping the side of his head, showing it was stored safely inside, he gave the keys a quick toss and left her to her call.

  ‘Sarah, hi,’ Lucy said into her phone as she turned towards the office. ‘How are you this morning?’

  ‘I’ve had better starts,’ Sarah replied groggily. ‘One too many Martinis last night, but never fear, I shall be with you in about half an hour for the fond farewell.’

  ‘I’m afraid you’re already too late for that,’ Lucy said tightly. ‘Joe packed them off at the crack of dawn because he couldn’t face how sad I’d be to see them go.’

  ‘Oh,’ Sarah responded carefully, ‘and you’re obviously not thrilled.’

  ‘Far from it, but it’s done now so I suppose I have to let it drop, which might be easier if I wasn’t going to have to put up with him for the next two days. Anyway, let’s change the subject. There’s a lot to get through today … No, first tell me how it went with Simon and Michael last night – or is it all lost in a Martini haze?’

  ‘Absolutely not. A great reunion, but we ended up talking about this ring for most of the evening. Michael’s already on the case, but I expect you know that, and apparently he’s consulting another lawyer who specialises in fraud. And who also … wait for this, happens to be a demon morris dancer. So how’s that for killing two birds with one stone?’

  Managing another smile, Lucy said, ‘Sounds good to me. Hang on, I need to unlock the door,’ and putting her mobile on the ledge, she quickly let herself into the office and grabbed the phone again. ‘Back with you. Did you get a chance to ask Simon about John Mckenzie?’

  ‘Yes, but he’d never heard of him. He definitely wasn’t too thrilled by the possibility that Mummy might have had an affair at some point, though.’

  ‘I guess it’s the most obvious assumption. Does it bother you that that might have happened?’

  ‘Yes, I suppose it does, but if it helps explain her depressions … Except it’s awful to think of her pining away for another man when Daddy loved her so much. It might turn me against John, if that were the case.’

  Starting to switch on the computers, Lucy said, ‘Let’s not jump to conclusions, because the last thing we want is to start condemning him for something he might not have done.’

  ‘Of course, and I promise I’m trying to keep an open mind. Anyway, Simon mentioned something last night about taking us both to lunch today, but I told him we’re too busy.’

  ‘I’m afraid we are.’

  ‘But you’re still on for tonight, I hope?’

  ‘I certainly am,’ Lucy responded, flipping through the paperwork she’d left on her desk ready for attention first thing, ‘but I’ll have to bring Joe,’ and feeling annoyed with him all over again, simply for existing, she said, ‘So who else are you inviting?’

  ‘I think I’ll keep it to just us six, seven,’ Sarah corrected. ‘Simon’s really keen to meet you, by the way. Oh, I forgot to ask, how did your dinner go last night?’

  ‘It was fine. Mum and Dad were in their element having us all there, and Ben rang when we got back as a surprise for them. I just wish I’d seen them before they left this morning. Anyway, no point harping on about it. I’ll see you in half an hour, yes?’

  ‘Complete with two coffees from Moonkicks.’

  After ringing off, Lucy was about to make a start on her emails when Joe tapped gently on the door and waved a white hanky before asking if he could come in.

  Annoyed, but amused, she said, ‘If you must, but I’m really busy.’

  ‘I know and I won’t hold you up, I just wanted to say I’m sorry and that I hope we can be friends again.’

  ‘We’re friends,’ she told him, keeping her eyes on the screen as she typed.

  ‘That’s good, because I’d like to take you to lunch, if you can spare the time.’

  ‘I can’t, I’m afraid, and I’ve already turned down one invitation today, so it wouldn’t look good if I suddenly accepted another.’ She wasn’t entirely sure why she’d added that, since there had been no reason to, and the tone of his response proved that she should try to keep her mind on one thing at a time in future.

  ‘So who was the other invitation from?’ he asked sourly.

  ‘Simon, Sarah’s brother,’ she replied, still typing. ‘Which reminds me, they’ve invited us for drinks this evening.’

  ‘Really? How nice.’

  Several minutes passed with only the sound of her fingers on the keyboard, until finally he said, ‘You’re really getting into it down here, aren’t you?’

  Still not looking at him, she said, ‘It would be a bit of a problem if I weren’t.’

  ‘Even Hanna seems to like it, which I wasn’t expecting.’

  ‘I hope you consider that to be a good thing.’

  ‘I do, except I can feel you all slipping away and I’m not sure how to keep hold of you.’

  Stilling her fingers, she quickly tried to think of the right thing to say, but no words were coming, at least none that he’d want to hear. Feeling him moving in to stand behind her, she swivelled in her chair to look up at him. ‘This is quite a challenging time,’ she told him, as gently as she could. ‘Now that Mum and Dad have gone I really am in charge, and with this problem we have bubbling under, plus the auction coming up …’

  ‘Don’t worry, I get how busy you are, but I surely have a right to be concerned about what’s happening between us.’

  Did she have to remind him again that they were supposed be having a trial separation? Why wasn’t he taking it in? ‘Joe, it’s a really bad time to be having this conversation.’

  His face tightened. ‘So when will be a good time?’

  ‘Not this weekend, I’m afraid, and probably not next either with all the clearing up there’ll be to do.’

  ‘You’ve changed already,’ he told her roughly. ‘You never used to be this … cold.’

  ‘All I am is wrapped up in what’s happening here, which is how it has to be in order for me to make a success of it. No, Joe, listen please,’ she interrupted as he started to speak, ‘I need to get on with this now, but if there’s a lull in the schedule later, or sometime tomorrow, I promise I’ll come and find you.’

  ‘Well, thank you for that. I’m happy to know that I might be squeezed in, while drinks with your new friends is a definite.’

  ‘Joe, don’t do this, please.’

  He averted his head, looking strained and pale, and clearly not knowing what to do next.

  ‘Where’s Hanna?’ she asked.

  ‘Upstairs getting ready to go and meet her friend. I hear they’re coming to help out in the barn today.’

  Lucy only looked at him, not knowing what to say. ‘You could too, if you felt like it,’ she suggested.

  ‘No, I know you don’t want me t
here …’

  ‘That’s not true.’

  He was looking at his watch. ‘I promised to take Hanna for a coffee before she meets Juliette. Maybe I could bring you back a cappuccino?’

  ‘That would be lovely, thanks, but Sarah’s picking one up …’

  ‘Of course she is.’ As he turned away Lucy got to her feet and reached for his hand. ‘Things will start to settle down soon,’ she assured him.

  He didn’t look convinced.

  ‘The weekend of the summer fete … Why don’t we make a point of doing something together, just the three of us, if you like?’ She said tentatively.

  ‘Actually, I’m not sure I can make that weekend.’

  Surprised, she said, ‘But you’ve already given Hanna your photograph …’

  ‘I know, but there’s a chance I’ll be moving into my new place on the Saturday.’

  Lucy pulled back to look at him. ‘What new place is this?’ she asked. ‘Where is it? How did you find it?’

  He shrugged. ‘It’s in East Ham. It belongs to a mate of Charlie’s he knows from the markets. He’s going away for six months so I’ve agreed to take care of things while he’s gone.’

  ‘I see.’ She was unable to tell from his tone how he was viewing this, nor was she entirely sure how she was supposed to be responding. ‘Are you having to pay rent?’ she asked.

  ‘Course I am, but it’s only a few hundred quid a month, plus bills.’ He glanced off to one side, avoiding her eyes. ‘I was thinking, if Hanna wanted to come back …’

  ‘Don’t even go there,’ she warned. ‘She’s staying here, with me, so any thoughts you might have … Please tell me you haven’t already said anything to her.’

  ‘No, I haven’t, but if it’s what she wants …’

  ‘She’s settling in here, Joe. You know that, so please don’t start spoiling it for her.’

  ‘If she’s so happy, how’s it going to spoil it if I give her other options? She just has to say no.’

  ‘She’ll see it as having to choose between us, and that wouldn’t be fair. You can’t look after her on your own, and you know it, and you said yourself, this place you’re taking care of is only for six months. What’s she supposed to do then?’