Someone Else's Conflict

by Alison Layland

‘Try anything? What do you think I’m going to try?’ He felt weary of it all, and irritation flooded his voice. Not a good start. Try again. ‘Though I don’t blame you for being wary. Thank you for coming.’

  As they sat down, he offered his condolences, which she quickly brushed aside.

  ‘I don’t think it’s really hit me yet. I’m doing my best to keep it that way, at least until…you know, until the police find out who did it.’

  She gave him a piercing look.

  ‘Would I be here if I were guilty of anything?’

  She laughed. ‘You could be bluffing. I imagine that’s something you’re good at.’

  He felt as if either straight denial or lighthearted response would be equally damning and they sat in an awkward silence until the waitress came to take their order. As they waited for their teas and scones, he found himself asking what she was doing these days. She had a son and a daughter, and worked as a receptionist and secretary. She had a few days’ compassionate leave and the three of them were staying with a friend as she didn’t feel safe at home; Jay had been lucky to catch her as she called back to the house to check the post. When he told her in return how he made a living, he found her nostalgia-tinged laugh irritating and cosy in equal measure.

  ‘To tell you the truth I’d always assumed you’d be touring war zones as an aid worker for one of those relief agencies.’

  She made him feel guilty that he wasn’t.

  ‘I thought about it,’ he said half-truthfully, wondering what to add that didn’t sound cowardly or heartless. Her reply surprised him.

  ‘Actually, Jay, yours sounds like an interesting way of life. Very you.’

  The waitress arrived with their order. As she left, Vesna gave him a smile that dissolved the years. ‘You know I always had a soft spot for you?’

  Taken aback by her directness, he didn’t know whether to laugh or protest.

  ‘There, I can say it now. I used to spend nights dreaming you’d both come back one day and you’d realise it wasn’t just Ivan’s kid sister who’d been under your nose all that time.’ He felt a strange desire to apologise on behalf of his young self for never noticing a thing. Her expression hardened. ‘Until I heard you were actually having an affair with my aunt.’

  He stared at her. ‘What?’

  She brushed a lock of still-dark hair over her shoulder. ‘Don’t try and deny it. Ivan wrote to me once or twice. You know he was terrible at keeping secrets.’

  He shrugged. ‘You could hardly call it an affair.’

  ‘No?’

  ‘Young innocent loses virginity to attractive older woman? Of course I didn’t see myself as a cliché at the time – it felt way more important.’ He felt himself reddening. His ability to hide behind flippancy seemed to have deserted him. ‘So Ivan kept in touch with you?’

  ‘Not much, certainly not later on. He mentioned it when he did – in passing – because he was worried about you.’

  ‘Really?’

  She smiled. ‘Especially as Zora was spoken for. I worried more that he seemed to idolise that guy – sounded like a bit of a gung-ho hard case from where I was sitting. But what could I do anyway? I’d probably got it all wrong and was overreacting.’

  Jay shook his head. ‘Trust your feminine instincts,’ he said. ‘We’d probably all be better off if Zora had.’

  She smiled. ‘You would say that, wouldn’t you? I remember being totally unsurprised when I heard you’d left. I can’t imagine Lek was the sort to let something like that go.’

  He stirred his tea, disturbed by the way the conversation was going. ‘What do you know about Lek?’

  From her reaction he must have managed to sound normal. After the last few days he was getting practised at this. Vesna shook her head. ‘Not much. Except my mother used to say he was the reason Zora turned bad.’

  ‘You think she turned bad?’

  ‘I didn’t know her. It was, you know, received family wisdom. Ivan too. He was a nice boy, all set for a happy, successful life until she and then Lek got their claws into him. You know the sort of thing. They even said it about you, too, you know.’

  ‘What, led astray or doing the leading?’

  ‘The first, of course.’ She looked away. ‘Sorry, you must think I’m totally crass talking like this after… after what’s happened. But, like I said before, I need to pretend it’s happening to someone else right now.’

  She paused, tears welling in her eyes, struggling to regain control.

  ‘I understand. I know that feeling.’

  ‘And, you know, just seeing you… Sorry if I’m saying all the wrong things. It’s just…’

  ‘Difficult. I know.’ He reached across the table and put a hand gently on hers, waiting until the ghost of a smile returned. This had run away from him; he’d intended to start by telling her about Vinko. But now, after the phone call he’d just had, he had no idea how. ‘Did you hear from Ivan after I left?’

  ‘Only once. He mentioned you were on your way back. But you never turned up, did you? Till now. God, this feels weird. Anyway, a couple of years later we got a letter from a woman, Marta, who told us she was his wife, broke the news that he’d been killed. She said she was expecting his baby. Mum tried to trace her, but got nowhere. It broke her heart, on top of hearing of his death, to know she’d been cut off from such an important part of his life. Marta never wrote back. We heard more about what happened from Mihal – my ex, though of course he was nothing to do with me back then. We first met him when he came over to bring us the news. It had all sounded so exciting to begin with, the lives you’d made for yourselves there. I didn’t care what Mum and Dad said; I’d always dreamed of joining you one day. But then there was the war and my big brother was killed.’

  ‘And I wasn’t. I couldn’t help feeling I should have been there too. Sounds trite, I know, but it’s true.’

  He swallowed as he noticed the boy sitting quietly at a nearby table.

  ‘You were the sensible one.’

  He looked at her incredulously. ‘You don’t mean that – what about Zora?’

  ‘Oh, all young men get infatuated. I mean you got out.’ She waved a hand. ‘Don’t worry, I’m not going to ask. But I know enough from reading between the lines.’

  ‘I’ll just say – though I’m sure you know – it did my head in, the way Ivan and I parted.’ He noticed he was stirring his tea again. As he gazed at the dwindling vortex in the middle of the cup he reminded himself this wasn’t about him. ‘Listen – Ivan’s son. That’s the main thing I wanted to tell you. I know him. Vinko.’

  ‘Vinko? Isn’t that the one the police are looking for? Up in the Dales somewhere?’

  Jay nodded.

  ‘He’s Ivan’s boy? Mihal never mentioned him.’

  ‘Marta left for Germany before Vinko was born. Your Mihal probably didn’t know anything about him.’

  ‘You’re sure it’s him?’

  ‘As sure as anyone could be under the circumstances.’ He glanced up at her. ‘Even more so looking at you. The resemblance is uncanny.’

  ‘But what’s he doing in the Dales?’ Her face clouded. ‘How on earth could he be involved in this?’

  ‘I wish I could tell you he wasn’t.’

  He started to tell her about meeting Vinko, and their visit to her parents’ house.

  ‘How did you know about the money?’ she interrupted.

  ‘I was the one brought it to them, last year.’

  ‘You?’

  ‘It was Zora’s money, but me who brought it.’

  ‘My parents never said.’

  ‘Boris wanted nothing to do with me. Your mum was more welcoming, but we still kept strictly to business. Hardly a happy reunion. I’m not surprised they didn’t tell you.’

  ‘Just a minute. The police traced the account the money came from. I can’t remember the name, but it wasn’t yours.’

  ‘You could say that. Actually, Dan Freeman’s the name I’ve lived by since I came
back to England.’

  She stared at him. ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘It was the name we used…when I was sorting things out for Zora. And it stuck. You know me. Not bad at keeping up a pretence.’

  ‘So what should I be calling you?’ She looked at him quizzically, playing with a lock of her hair.

  ‘What you’ve always called me – idiot, say?’ He laughed. ‘Good old bad old Jay. I had a change of heart recently, dragged Spinney back out of obscurity. Decided I needed to sort myself out. I thought I was doing quite well – I’ve even met a wonderful woman who seems pretty keen on me, too. Though that’s another thing I could have got wrong. My past keeps insisting on catching up with me.’

  He resolutely refused to look at the table from where he knew the boy was still watching him.

  ‘Vinko, you mean?’

  ‘Partly.’ He shook himself mentally. ‘Sorry, yes, I didn’t finish, did I?’

  The previous Saturday night and their trip to Winchester felt like a distant memory as he told her.

  ‘He seemed genuine, as if he wanted friendship. Wary, yes, but that’s understandable. Anyway, one thing I found out is that he’s been mixed up in something – he wouldn’t tell me what, but he referred to the guy he’s involved with as Novak. So when I read your married name I put two and two together and thought I’d better find out what sort of man your ex is. I hope I’m not talking out of turn.’

  ‘Not at all!’ she said vehemently. ‘It was never a happy marriage, and by the end…’ she shuddered. ‘What are you thinking? What’s Vinko told you?’

  ‘Nothing. But it sounds to me like Mihal knew or guessed about your folks’ recent windfall, and he’s using the lad to get his hands on it. If so, it went badly wrong.’

  Vesna looked away, rummaged in her handbag and produced a tissue. Jay felt a pang of guilt.

  ‘I’m sorry; perhaps we shouldn’t be talking like this.’

  ‘It’s all right. I can’t hide away.’ She dabbed at her eyes. ‘Why on earth did you take Vinko back there?’

  ‘I had no idea he was involved in anything, and he is technically entitled to a share. He seemed vulnerable, alone. I’m stupid. How many reasons do you want?’

  ‘Don’t beat yourself up.’ She gave him a brief smile then turned serious again. ‘I had my suspicions but I just can’t believe Mihal would go that far. Murder? Mum, for God’s sake? What did he think he’d achieve?’

  She sniffed and turned away again. Jay put a hand awkwardly on her arm as she wiped her eyes.

  ‘Thanks. I’m fine now.’ She smiled weakly. ‘You must think I’m the one who’s nuts, marrying a man like that.’

  ‘I don’t know him; who am I to judge? It must have seemed right at the time. Do you know what he’s doing now?’

  ‘I know where he lives. He comes – used to come; I wouldn’t let him near now – he came to see the children about once a month. But, surprise, surprise, the police found his place empty and he hasn’t been back since this happened. It looked like there’d been no one there for a while, either. He hasn’t been at work for weeks, apparently. So I haven’t a clue where he is. But I’m scared, Jay. I’m pretty sure that while the police are around he wouldn’t dare come near, but even so…’

  ‘Do you know any of his mates? Have you asked any of them where he might be?’

  ‘You’re the first person I’ve talked to about any of it. I’ve been leaving it to the police. What have you told them?’

  ‘I haven’t talked to them. I intend to, after I’ve been to meet Vinko tomorrow night.’

  ‘You’re seeing him tomorrow?’

  ‘He called me. Just now.’ He sipped his tea. It had gone cold. ‘All pretence at friendship straight out the window; I couldn’t believe the change.’

  As he gave her an outline of the conversation he’d had, he felt a creeping unease.

  ‘Do you think Mihal was behind that?’ she asked, confirming his doubts.

  ‘He insisted he was on his own. But… Shit, I could be so wrong here, but… He said something at the end about a message. I got this weird text a bit earlier. You might understand this, Vesi – what do you make of it?’

  He searched in his pocket for his phone, realised what he’d done and before he could dwell on it took out his notebook instead.

  ‘This was it. From Vinko’s number.’

  He wrote it out: Ne vjer

  ‘That’s all?’ He nodded and she studied the words. ‘Ne vjeruj – don’t believe? Jay, what if he knew he’d have to make that call and he’s telling you not to believe it? Someone’s making him do it?’

  ‘Could be all kinds of things. He could be gloating: “I don’t believe you’re such a loser”.’

  She rolled her eyes. ‘Do you have to be so paranoid? Why would he send half a message, unless he was trying to get you before…before the people that made him call you caught up with him?’

  ‘What if he simply wanted to play games with me?’

  ‘Would he? You’ve met him.’

  ‘I haven’t a clue. He was unpredictable – best mates one minute, unable to trust me the next. We’ve got to be careful. I suspect you simply don’t want to believe your new-found nephew could be bad.’

  ‘You should know – fancy yourself as a surrogate dad? Or cuddly uncle? Is that why you’re denying him – scared of your own feelings?’

  ‘Can we just stick to reality?’ He hated to admit her words struck a chord. ‘Anyway, I’m not going to know till I meet him tomorrow night, am I?’

  ‘Surely you’re not going to walk into that?’

  He shrugged. ‘I’ve got to. You might be right, he might be at risk. Even if he’s not, if there are others involved, seeing Vinko could be the only way of getting to them. If anyone other than me turns up there, they’ll know and they’ll disappear. Until next time. They’ve waited till now; they’ll wait longer. You want them at large?’

  ‘The police could arrange for you to have cover at a safe distance.’

  ‘That would mean talking to them. What if they don’t believe a word I tell them? Keep me in for questioning or whatever? Vinko and anyone that might be with him are expecting me and I’ve got to go. He’s threatened someone who doesn’t deserve it. If I find anything else out tomorrow night, then I’ll go to the police, believe me.’

  ‘There might not be a “then”, Jay. Where does he live, anyway?’

  Jay forced a smile. ‘Nice try.’

  She shook her head. ‘Do you honestly think you know better than the professionals?’

  ‘No. But I don’t trust them to know better than me, either. We can join our ignorant forces after tomorrow night. Or if I can find Vinko in the meantime.’

  She sighed. ‘It doesn’t look like I could stop you without turning you in. But you will keep me posted?’ She told him her mobile phone number and he jotted it down. ‘What’s yours?’

  ‘I, um, don’t have a phone anymore.’ He felt himself reddening. ‘I’ll ring you.’

  ‘What do you mean, “anymore”?’

  ‘I had a brief flirt with carrying a mobile. But Vinko’s wasn’t the only call. My phone’s been hot this afternoon – that detective got hold of me, too. I had this vision of them tracking me and trashed it. I always was impulsive, wasn’t I?’ He laughed unconvincingly. ‘Didn’t like having the thing anyway.’

  ‘How come they’ve got your number?’

  He stared out of the window, noticing a reflection of the boy behind him and trying to ignore it. ‘Only two people know it. Vinko and Polly. It’s hardly likely to be Vinko who told them.’

  ‘Polly’s your girlfriend, right?’

  ‘I’d like to think so.’

  ‘What do you mean by that?’

  He watched the two elderly friends across the room rise and make their way to the door, then stared out of the window.

  ‘You know, trust. Respect. She goes straight off to the police as soon as my back’s turned. Is that how much I mean to her? Can
I trust her?’

  ‘You don’t know what happened. She might be scared – I don’t know how much you’ve told her, but I wouldn’t blame her.’

  ‘So she doesn’t trust me. How does that make me feel?’

  ‘Like someone who should find out what’s happened before judging?’

  ‘Ouch. You certainly know how to put me in my place.’

  He turned from the window.

  ‘Sounds like you need it,’ she insisted with a half-smile. ‘Anyway, your love life’s up to you. But if Vinko said he knows where she works, don’t you think you’d better get back and check up on her?’

  He shrugged. ‘I intend to. Though I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about yet. Imagine his situation, whether it’s just him or he’s with Mihal. If they touch her they’ve most likely lost their chance. They’ve got to wait and see what I do.’

  ‘So where does that leave her? Polly?’

  ‘It seems she’s got the police on board, doesn’t it?’

  His words were sounding increasingly lame, even to his own ears. He realised he wanted nothing more than to be in Holdwick. ‘Look, I’m sorry. I’m sure there’s loads more we – I – should have said, but I guess I should be going.’

  ‘Don’t apologise. I’m the one suggested you went.’ She looked at her watch. ‘I’ve been trying to think how to get rid of you, to be honest. Got to pick the kids up soon, see?’ He was relieved to see the sparkle in her eye and smiled back. She reached across the table and squeezed his hand. ‘The circumstances could’ve been better, but it’s been good to see you. Don’t make it another twenty years. And keep me in touch with what happens – however you choose to do so.’

  He smiled, noticing the boy’s table was vacant, and got up to help her on with her coat. Not that she needed that kind of gesture, but it was an excuse to give her a hug, and she returned it. He watched her leave, feeling strangely reassured.

  Chapter 26

  The house felt empty even before it came into view. Like the workshop had before it. Jay had arrived late. He’d known Vinko wouldn’t be at home but felt he had to try. So, after fighting the rush-hour traffic on his way out of the city, he’d got to the craft centre to find it locked up and Polly’s workshop in darkness. Trying to convince himself she’d had an offer of a lift home, he came straight to Stoneleigh, but as he drove into the yard he saw there wasn’t a single light cheering the windows in the early evening gloom. The barn door was slightly ajar and clacking in the wind. He entered the porch and tried the door. Locked. They’d never had reason for her to give him a key; the way he was feeling right now he doubted she would have anyway. And why should she? He went outside, checked under plant pots, in a few obvious niches in walls, the glove box of the car. Nothing. He knocked pointlessly. Perhaps he needed to hear the sound of his own knuckles on the solid wood, echoing through an empty house, to convince himself of her absence. Genghis appeared and greeted him with a loud meow. Gratefully, he bent to stroke the cat, who rubbed up against his legs before vanishing inside with a dismissive clack of the catflap.