by Anna Jacobs
‘Me neither. But she knew him and she was definitely scared of him. Did you see her face?’
‘You never know who that bugger’s watching. He’s a law unto himself. Glad he’s not my sergeant.’
‘Me, too. A couple of my pals work under him and they hate his guts. Ah, here are the others. We can hand over to them now. This Gainsford lad is causing a lot of trouble. ’Bout time he was picked up.’
Nicole followed the police officer into her flat, relieved to see that it hadn’t been touched. Then everyone helped lug in the things they’d brought from home. She wanted to tell Kieran to leave it to the others, because he was looking tired and his limp was worse, but she bit back the words. What he needed most at the moment was to feel useful and normal.
And she felt better when he was around. Much better.
‘I don’t know if I’ll ever feel safe in that house again,’ she murmured as she set down the last bundle. She didn’t realise she’d spoken her thoughts aloud until one of the officers answered.
‘You’ll probably be safer here, Mrs Gainsford. This is a fairly secure building, but nowhere’s completely safe because windows can always be broken and you’re on the ground floor. So … you’re not going to go back to the house?’
She couldn’t help shuddering. ‘No way.’
‘We’ll keep an eye on it, then.’
‘You and Paul can stay on with me, if you like,’ Kieran offered.
‘We can’t trespass on your goodwill.’
‘It’s been nice to have company.’ He lowered his voice as he added for her ears only, ‘It’s doing me good to make friends again. We are friends now, aren’t we? Perhaps … more than friends?’
She smiled. ‘Oh, yes. You’re very kind, Kieran, but I think we’d better stay in my flat. I don’t want William thinking he can walk all over me.’
‘Why not get a cheap security system?’ one officer suggested. ‘One with a siren that screams loudly if anyone tries to break in while you’re out. There are plenty of neighbours within earshot.’
‘Are they expensive?’ She was already starting to worry about money, because Sam hadn’t been with that company for long and she didn’t know how much sickness entitlement he’d have accrued or how his superannuation stood. He’d refused to discuss that with her when he changed jobs, saying by the time he retired, they’d be rich.
‘Security systems aren’t that expensive if you get a do-it-yourself kit. Are you at all handy? They come with full instructions.’
‘I could have a go,’ Paul offered. ‘I like fiddling with computers and electronic stuff.’
‘I could help him,’ Kieran volunteered. ‘I’ve got a system fitted at my flat and I watched how they installed it. Paul can climb up and down ladders, and I’ll play foreman.’
Paul grinned at him and Nicole felt pleased at how well the two of them got on.
The police left her to sort out her possessions and Kieran sagged against the door frame. ‘Look, I need to get something to eat so that I can take a painkiller. I’m only taking halves now, so it’s even more important that I take them on time. I can come back and help after that.’ He didn’t tell her that he’d reduced his dosage so that he’d be more alert to help her. But the doctors had told him to start doing that when he felt he could cope.
‘Why don’t you have a rest and we’ll come down about two o’clock, then you can help us buy a security system?’
‘If you’re sure you’ll be all right till then?’
‘I’m sure.’ Pretty sure. She hoped.
‘I’ll program our phone for the police so you only have to hit one button to get that number they gave us,’ Paul said. He watched Kieran leave and drive off down the street. ‘He’s a nice guy, isn’t he?’
‘Very.’ She saw her son looking at her speculatively. ‘Hey, watch what you’re thinking. I only met him a few days ago.’
Paul gave his mother a very solemn look. ‘But there might be … possibilities. He looks at you as if he’s attracted.’
‘And what do you know about that?’
‘I’ve got eyes, and I have my moments, too, you know. You may not realise it, but geeks are cool these days and I’m a bit of a babe magnet.’
‘You are?’ She tried not to hide her surprise.
He shrugged. ‘Yeah. Not many girls go for dumb beefy types. And William’s acne was a big turn-off. Besides, Dad’s been treating you like shit for a good while now. I think you deserve better, so you should go for it. Get a life.’
‘It was the tumour that made him so lazy.’
‘Mum, he was lazy long before he got the tumour. You’ve had to nag him to help in the house for as long as I can remember.’
‘That tumour could have been developing for years.’
‘Don’t fool yourself, Mum. Just because he’s ill doesn’t mean he was a saint.’
‘You don’t sound very – upset.’
‘I am, but not as much as I could have been. He’s not been a very hands-on father, has he? He always put his best effort into his job. He just – wasn’t there for me.’
‘But that was to earn money for us.’
He rolled his eyes. ‘Mum! Get real. You’ve always had to earn money too. If his job was as hot as he boasted, you wouldn’t have needed to work.’
She gave up protesting. How could you argue against the truth?
Paul came and gave her a quick hug, something he did so rarely she’d not got over her surprise before he moved away.
‘It’s all right, Mum. I always knew you were there for us, even if I didn’t show it.’
‘You’ve not talked to me like this for a long time.’
He bit his lip, shrugging. ‘I’ve been keeping out of everyone’s way since William went aggro, hiding out in my room a lot. He could have beaten me into a pulp if I’d upset him.’
Thrusting his hands into his pockets he went to stare out of the window with his back to her and she guessed the confidences were at an end for the moment. ‘I’ll go and do some unpacking, then make lunch.’
‘When’s lunch?’
‘About half an hour. I want to unpack the things that will crease first. There are some apples in a bowl in the kitchen if you’re feeling hungry.’
He loped off to get one, then hoisted up two large bundles of clothes and disappeared into the smaller bedroom.
She carried some things into her own bedroom, feeling sad that Paul felt like that about his father, especially now, and also a bit flustered by his far too perceptive comments about their new friend. She did like Kieran … and trust him … and was attracted to him. It had happened quickly. But it was good that Paul also seemed very much at ease with their new friend.
And her son was right. Although Sam had reluctantly done his share of household chores, he’d always acted as if they were her responsibility and waited for her to tell him what to do. It was years since he’d talked to her properly. He’d not only worked long hours, but had always been the active sort, going out playing sports at weekends (‘networking’), working extra hours (she hoped that’s what he’d been doing), leaving her to look after the children.
She hadn’t minded at first, because she’d been thrilled to be a mother and too busy to think straight. But later, she’d started to resent Sam’s attitude, wanted a more willing partner in raising their family.
Had Sam’s attitude influenced William? Was his behaviour the result of taking anabolic steroids or was he mentally ill? Who knew?
She got angry with herself. Why was she going over all this old stuff about Sam and the family? She had unpacking to do, then food to provide.
But before she started, she rang work and explained what was going on, asking for emergency leave. Michael was once again very understanding.
A short time after she’d got off the phone to him, Helen rang to find out exactly what was going on and the two friends had a short chat.
‘We’ll go to the hospital first, then buy a security alarm,’ she said l
ater, as she and her son ate lunch. ‘I’m sure Kieran won’t mind.’
‘I’m sure he won’t.’ Paul gave her another smug smile and she could feel herself blushing. Honestly! At her age!
‘Anything you need for your computer while we’re at it?’
‘Well, I do need a new connecting cable, if that’s OK. William cut mine into several pieces.’
‘I think my budget could stretch to that.’
‘Thanks, Mum. You’re the best.’
Warmth filled her. At least one of her sons was normal, and loving.
Once Janey had left, Dan smiled at Winifred. ‘Is it all right if I go over the garden. I can pace it out and start thinking how many plots we can make – if you’re all right about sharing it? Don’t let anyone dragoon you into this if you’re not.’
‘I think it’s an excellent idea. Shall I get some paper? You can call out the number of paces and I’ll put them on to a diagram. That at least I can do.’
‘Good. It’ll speed things up.’
They worked together for an hour, then she realised she was hungry. ‘Would you like something to eat?’
He stopped, head on one side. ‘Are you sure? After all, I’ve been dumped on you. I do have some sandwiches back at my allotment.’
‘It’s nice to share a meal. It’ll just be ham and lettuce sandwiches and cake. I need to go and do some shopping later.’
‘Sandwiches will be great. Can I help?’
‘No, thanks. It won’t take me a minute.’
He sat down at the table, watching her. ‘I hope you don’t mind me asking, but you’ve never been married?’
‘No. And you? Are you on your own?’
‘My wife died recently. Alzheimer’s, poor love. In the end, it’s a relief when they go.’
‘My mother suffered from dementia for the last few months of her life. Then she had a heart attack. I looked after her as best I could, but oh dear, she could be very difficult at times. In the end, they took her into hospital.’
‘I had to put my Peggy into care in the later stages. Eh, we never know what’ll happen to us, do we? I try to enjoy each and every day. A friend of mine used to say, “As long as you’re on the right side of the grass.” Now he isn’t, poor chap. But I still am.’
‘My friends have all died and I’ve been doing most of my living through books. Recently, thanks to Dawn, I’ve met Hazel and I bumped into that nice young girl one day in the street, or rather she came to my rescue when I was trying to bring back too much shopping.’
‘Janey’s a lovely lass.’ He smiled. ‘And that’s a cracking baby. Widest smile I’ve ever seen, little Millie has.’
‘I’m going to teach Janey to bake cakes.’
‘You couldn’t teach me at the same time, could you?’
She looked at him in surprise.
‘I miss home cooking.’ He gestured to the piece of cake on his plate. ‘This is delicious.’
‘I’d be happy to.’
Somehow she found herself telling him about her nephew and he grew upset. ‘How can he try to rob you like that? Family, too. Have people like him no consciences?’
‘They don’t understand how deeply we care about our homes, do they? And they think any place is good enough for the elderly, as long as there’s no obvious cruelty and the inmates have enough to eat. They don’t even allow room for people to take many of their possessions with them. I’ve visited friends in such places. One wasn’t too bad, and the staff were lovely, though she’d still had to get rid of most of her treasures, but the other place was awful, three people to a room.’
When Dan had gone, taking his rough plan of the garden with him, she sat for a while thinking. Her life was opening up in so many ways. She must go to church and say thank you properly for that.
And surely Bradley would leave her alone from now on? He had nothing whatsoever to gain from pestering her now. She’d made sure of that. It occurred to her suddenly that he didn’t know that. Well, if he came near her again, she’d tell him straight out that he’d get nothing under her new will.
But she didn’t want to be alone with him when she said it.
Chapter Sixteen
Janey went off happily to college. Was it only a few days since her first visit here? So much seemed to have happened in the meantime.
Today she felt more confident about leaving Millie in the crèche and found her way to the first class easily. She recognised some of the people from last time and smiled at them, though she couldn’t remember their names.
At lunchtime she again went and sat in a quiet corner of the gardens, thankful it was fine, not wanting to spend money in the canteen.
‘Mind if I join you?’
She looked up to see the lad who’d asked her out for coffee, and suddenly her mouth felt as if it was made of wood and unable to form words. She still wasn’t emotionally used to the idea that she could sit and chat to anyone she wanted without getting into trouble. She managed a nod and he sat down beside her, pulling a plastic box of food out of a bulging backpack.
‘I bring my own lunches. It’s much cheaper. I’m Al Bevan, by the way, short for Alexander not Alan.’
‘I’m Janey Dobson and I’m doing the same thing as you: saving money.’
They were both holding sandwiches so he mimed shaking hands.
‘How’s your baby? Millie, isn’t it?’
She was amazed he’d remembered that. ‘Millie’s fine. She’s in the crèche at the moment. It’s such a help being able to go and study in the library as well as come to classes.’
‘Must be hard sometimes.’
She shrugged. ‘Worth it.’
‘My mum brought me up on her own. My dad ran off soon after I was born.’
‘Do you wish now that you’d had a father?’ It was one of the things that concerned her for the future. Would Millie resent not having a father, not even knowing who he was? Janey hoped she’d never have to tell her how she’d been conceived.
‘I don’t know. I never had one, so I’m used to being with Mum. We get on really well these days, though I gave her a few hassles when I was younger. She’s only thirty-nine so I keep telling her to start dating, but she says she’s too set in her ways to put up with another man.’
Maybe being with his mother had made him more communicative than other lads she’d listened to. And he certainly had a good appetite. She watched in amazement as he started on another round of doorstep sandwiches. How could someone so thin eat so much?
He swallowed his mouthful and grinned as if he understood what she was thinking. ‘I get hungry.’
She picked up the piece of the cake Miss Parfitt had given her and started telling him about the cookery lessons and the garden sharing. After that they chatted more easily, though he knew nothing about gardens. It seemed natural to walk to the next class together and sit next to one another, but she was glad when he left after the class.
She didn’t want to get involved with anyone. Involved! As if! He was just being friendly, because his mum was a single mother. No guy of her age would be interested in dating a single mother with a child to bring up.
In the library she settled down to some serious study and was amazed when it was time to collect Millie and leave.
She kept a careful watch as she walked home, but she didn’t see him. She felt better immediately she got into her flat, because there were people all round her there, especially Kieran. She was so lucky in her landlord.
Perhaps Gary had just been looking at where she lived or wanting a glimpse of his daughter. Perhaps now his curiosity was satisfied he’d leave her alone.
And pigs would fly! He liked causing trouble, laughed with her father about nasty things he’d done.
The worry of it all niggled at her and in the end she wrote a letter in case anything happened to her. She’d ask Kieran to keep it safe and open it if anything went wrong.
That settled her mind enough for her to fall asleep and to her relief, Millie slept righ
t through until five o’clock.
Several pieces of mail fell through the letter box that day. As Winifred picked them up, she saw that one was from her friend Molly’s solicitor. No doubt it’d be a reminder to make an appointment to see them. She’d completely forgotten that she was supposed to get in touch about a bequest.
Another letter was from an estate agent, offering to sell her house for her. She was about to rip it to shreds when she saw that it was the same company for which Ebony worked. Was Bradley still trying to get her to sell? Or was Ebony working on her own? Whichever it was, they’d get nowhere with her. She tore it into tiny pieces, taking out her annoyance with her nephew on it.
A third letter was from a social care officer, not the one who’d provided her with the pendant. She frowned and reread it. Following her phone call to ask for help, they would be happy to come and assess her home, and were sure they’d be able to help her to cope. Would she please ring to make an appointment?
She rang up, all right, but it was to ask why they thought she’d contacted them.
She was passed from one to the other, then a woman with a soft, cooing voice said gently, ‘Perhaps you’ve forgotten, dear. We have a record of a call from you on Monday and we responded quickly, since you sounded distressed. There was no answer when we rang and you don’t seem to have an answering service.’
‘I didn’t phone anyone on Monday.’
Silence, then, ‘Perhaps you’ve forgotten.’
‘No. I’ve not forgotten anything. I’m old but not losing my wits, thank you very much. Please make a note in your records that I did not make that call, and in future, you should check back with me. This is the second time someone has tried to contact the council, pretending to be me.’
‘There’s nothing to be ashamed of in forgetting things, and—’
‘If you won’t do as I asked, I’ll get my lawyer to contact you on my behalf.’ She put the phone down, furiously angry at the way that woman had talked down to her.
She might check with Dawn later about what she could do. For the moment, she had some shopping to do, just a few bits and pieces, then she was going to walk over to Hazel’s house for coffee.
