by El Edwards
Knowing that it would be pointless to discuss the matter any further, I changed the subject and we chatted about inane nonsense instead. He declined to stay for dinner so half an hour later, he was back out the door and on his way. If he noticed my new car on his way out, he didn’t mention it, apparently satisfied that in destroying the address, he’d keep me grounded.
Had Rob been in less of a rush to get home, if he’d actually talked to me about what I was up to instead of making assumptions, he’d have remembered my meticulous note keeping. Having secured what I hoped might be Shona’s address there was no way I was going to take any chances. Usually I’d have taken a photo of her address as a backup but instead I’d had to satisfy myself with copying it into my file. No matter what Rob thought, tomorrow I’d be taking a little road trip and there was nothing Rob, or anyone else for that matter, could do to stop me.
FIFTY-EIGHT
I dressed carefully the following morning, keen to strike the right balance between comfortably inconspicuous and professional who knows what she’s doing. I wasn’t planning on confronting Declan or Shona right away, hence the need to look inconspicuous, but should the occasion arise and I found myself having to actually speak to either of them, they had to know I meant business. The idea of the latter still made me feel a little uncomfortable, every run in I’d had with Declan so far had not ended well, but I had a job to do and it was time to pull on my big girl knickers and get it done. Not that I actually had a specific item of underwear for days like today, it just made me feel brave and more badass to give myself a little pep talk.
The girls had already left for school by the time I was ready. Like Rob, they were keen to remind me of the need to rest and I nodded obediently, before stripping off my dressing gown as soon as they were halfway down the path. They were very sweet, Rob too for that matter, but I couldn’t let a little thing like recovering from a head injury stop me from bringing Declan, Shaun and maybe even Shona to justice. I owed it, both to myself and on behalf of women the world over, to teach those masochistic dickheads a lesson.
Girl power! I high-fived the air and walked confidently out to the car. Crossing my fingers that the car wouldn’t let me down, I turned the key and was delighted when she burst into life.
“Good girl.” I gave the dashboard a little pat and I could have sworn I heard her purr.
She wasn’t as solid as my van but being back behind my own steering wheel, mistress of my own destiny, free to go wherever I wanted, it felt really good. I opened the window on the passenger side and let the air rush round me as I drove towards the address Norma had given me. The sun was shining. I felt like today was going to be a good day.
Four hours later and I was beginning to regret my decision not to get a new phone. I’d read and re-read the same newspaper so many times I could recite the headlines backwards. I knew the address I was interested in was a white house on a street with thirteen other white houses, seven blue ones, and a dirty grey pebbledash on the end. There were exactly three trees, approximately seven dogs, and countless number of birds. There was no getting around it, I was bored and my suspects were nowhere to be seen.
I was about to go and find somewhere local for lunch when a tap on my window made me jump. I looked up to see Beverly standing at the window, her face a picture of misery. I’d never been more delighted to see another human being.
“Can I have a word?” She asked. Her eyes were red.
“Get in.”
I leaned across to unlock the passenger door and she climbed in.
“How did you know I was here?”
“Rob told me.”
“You’ve spoken to Rob today?”
She nodded.
Oh boy. “How did he know I was here?”
“When I couldn’t get hold of you I rang the number on the card he’d given me. He gave me your home number but you weren’t there either so I rang him back and he gave me this address.”
I winced. “Did he sound mad?”
“Let’s just say he wasn’t happy.”
“But he didn’t mind you coming here?”
She shrugged. “Declan’s my boyfriend’s brother. I guess he thought me being here wasn’t a problem.”
I smiled. “Well you’ve found me, so what can I do for you?”
“It’s Shaun. I think he’s cheating on me.”
“The little rat! What did he do?”
“I don’t know if he’s done anything, yet, but one of my girlfriends rang earlier, said they’d seen him with a woman.” She burst into tears, giant sobs making her body shake.
“Oh Beverly, I’m sorry.” I patted her arm and made reassuring sounds, waiting for the crying to stop. When she’d calmed down a little I pulled a tissue from my bag and handed it to her. “Have you asked him about it?”
She shook her head. “I’m afraid what will happen if I do.”
“What do you mean?”
“What if he says yes and dumps me?” She spoke quietly.
“Isn’t it better to know?” I asked gently.
It was then that I remembered where I was and why. “You know, he might not be having an affair.”
Her face brightened. “You think?”
“It could be Shona.”
“You’re right! I didn’t think of that. I could ask him and it’ll give him the perfect opportunity to tell me about her. I’d love to meet her, we could go for coffee or something ….” She sounded animated. “Thanks Charlie!”
“I’m sorry Beverly, but you can’t ask him. Not yet at least.” I couldn’t tell her everything, for her own safety, but if I was right about his sister, forcing Shaun to talk about her could back him into a corner. I didn’t like to think how he might react under such circumstances.
I turned to face her, taking her hands in mine. “Do you trust me?”
“Of course but …”
“Then I need you to do me a favour. Just give me some time. But please, don’t ask Shaun about this woman.”
She nodded. “On one condition.”
“Go on.”
“Follow him. If he’s cheating on me, I need to know. And in return, I promise I won’t do anything or say anything until you tell me to. Do we have a deal?”
“You’re on.”
All I had to do now was figure out how I could tail Shaun at the same time as watch this place. What I really needed was Rob’s help and, thanks to Beverly, I realised I might have the perfect excuse to get him back on the case.
FIFTY-NINE
I got back to my house in record time, keen not to miss any more phone calls from Rob. If I was going to be successful in getting him to work with me, I needed him to believe I was trying my best to stick to what we agreed. I checked the answering machine. No more missed calls and no messages. Perfect! I changed back into my PJs before dialling Rob’s number. It went to voicemail but I left a message, confident he’d phone back.
“Rob, it’s Charlie. I’ve just spoken to Beverly and she needs our help with something. I’m at home resting. Could you give me a ring?”
While I waited for Rob to phone back, I pottered round the kitchen making coffee and tidying up the breakfast things. Coffee in hand, I sat in the living room reading a book, sure that he’d phone back soon. When I got to the bottom of my coffee cup and he still hadn’t rung, I started to get irritated.
I dialled his number again and yet again it went to voicemail. I was about to leave another, firmer message, when there was a knock at the door. I opened it to find Rob standing there, a frown on his face. I held the door open to let him in.
“I thought we agreed you’d be resting today.”
“We agreed no such thing.”
“Well maybe not explicitly, but that was definitely what I meant when I tore up that address yesterday.”
“I thought you just didn’t want to help.”
“Nice try Charlie. So what happened when you went round there? I take it Beverly found you?”
I nodded. “She
did yep. She’s a bit upset. One of her girlfriends saw Shaun with another woman.”
“Oh the cad!” He grinned. “You know that’s not an arrestable offence, right?”
“This is serious. She’s gutted. Or, she was until she spoke to me.”
“Why, what did you say?”
“I told her it was probably Shona. Asked her to give me some time to find out.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“I can’t, but look at it this way … if I’m right about Shaun, backing him into a corner with accusations about infidelity aren’t likely to persuade him to play nice, are they?”
“Fair point. Where do I come into all this? You said she needs our help?”
“I kind of promised we’d tail Shaun for a bit, keep an eye on him to make sure the only other woman on his mind is his sister.” I crossed my fingers before I spoke again. “And all this excitement, I really need to rest. Will you keep a look out for him while I nap?”
Rob sighed. “If I follow Shaun, you promise you’ll rest?”
I nodded, neglecting to mention that I’d be doing the majority of my resting from the back seat of my car. “Promise.”
“Alright then. I’ll see what I can find out then you can report back to Beverly.”
“Thanks Rob. You’re the best!” I gave him a quick hug before we said our goodbyes and he headed out to find Shaun.
Ten minutes later I was out of my PJs and in the car, headed back towards the address Norma had given me. I’d only been gone an hour. I just had to hope Declan and Shona hadn’t chosen that hour to leave. I parked up and, in keeping with my promise to Rob, climbed into the back seat of the car where I could stretch my legs out. For all his fussing, Rob was right about one thing. I did need to remember not to do too much. Too long in one position and I knew my poor body would complain. I got settled in the back with my feet up and opened the snacks. This time I’d also brought a paperback from home, although I chose one I’d read before so I wouldn’t get too hooked and lose sight of my real agenda.
The minutes crawled past at an agonising pace. Once or twice I thought about getting out and stretching my legs but I didn’t want to draw too much attention to myself. Although I could see no movement from inside the house, there was a car on the drive. I had to assume that someone was in there and they’d probably see me if I started pacing up and down the pavement.
My thoughts turned to Rob and Shaun. I felt a bit guilty for having deceived Rob, yet again, but if he’d known the truth he’d never have agreed to help. It was massively reassuring to know I couldn’t accidentally bump into Shaun and that if I did, Rob would be there too. I didn’t like to take threats too seriously but the memory of my most recent trip to hospital was still fresh enough to keep me on my toes.
An hour went past, then two. The sun was moving across the sky and if they didn’t come out soon, I knew I’d have to pack it in for the day. The girls would be home by now and making dinner. I’d left a note explaining where I was but I didn’t put it past them to give my dinner to Missy if I was too late home. I couldn’t blame them, I’d threatened the same fate more than once when one or both of them had missed dinner without warning.
I put my head back into my book and if it hadn’t been for the glint of sunlight on the driver’s door as it was opened, I might have completely missed the driver’s exit until it was too late. Just as the sunlight caught my attention, I heard an engine start and before I could even try and see who was in the car, it was reversing off the drive. I had no time to waste. I waited until they’d pulled away then started my own engine and followed at a respectable distance. I crossed my fingers that Shona or Declan were in the car, if I was following some random visitor I would not be happy, but when the car made the tight turn up the hill towards the hotel, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.
SIXTY
It took less than a minute for me to decide to dump my car at the bottom of the hill and follow on foot. Any hope I might have of making a surprise entrance would be totally thwarted by pulling up in a car. The car would always be faster than me on foot but it was having to go slow because of the poor surface on the track so I ran as fast I could up the hill, ducking into the undergrowth with every corner, just in case they’d chosen that moment to ditch the car and walk the rest of the way. When I rounded the final corner I was out of breath but my effort was rewarded when I saw the driver’s door open and a leggy brunette stepped out. She was tall, just like I’d been told she would be, with a tattoo that stretched all the way down her calf. It had to be Shona, I was convinced of it, but it seemed she’d tidied up her act since Beverly had seen her. Her hair was loose round her shoulders and all hint of her previous quirky look was gone.
I held my breath, waiting for Declan to get out of the car and join her but it seemed she’d travelled alone. She closed the car door and walked towards the front of the hotel. She paused and took a quick look around her before pushing open the heavy front door and going in. I waited a moment, trying to decide what I should do. My natural instinct was to call Rob so at least someone would know where I was, just in case I got into trouble, but I still hadn’t replaced my phone. I knew I couldn’t get this far only to turn around, I had to find out who Shona was working with, so I walked quietly up to the hotel.
The windows at the front of the hotel were the only ones not boarded up but any hopes I might have had of peering in were dashed when I remembered how high they were. There was nothing else for it, if I wanted to see what she was up to, I’d have to go in. I knew I’d have to be careful. I wouldn’t have fancied my chances against Declan but, if it came to it, I could easily take on Shona. I took a deep breath before gently pushing the front door open.
Much like my previous visit, it opened easily and I stepped into the vast hallway. As I walked, I put my hand into my pocket, feeling for my keys. I wouldn’t do it unless I had to but I knew I could inflict some damage with the pointy end of my key ring. I’d chosen it especially when I’d first started in this game, not that I’d ever needed to use it. I liked to think I could talk myself out of any situation, no violence necessary and, so far at least, that remained true.
I stood quietly in the hallway, listening for the telltale sound of voices, and was rewarded with the sound of quarrelling coming from deeper in the building. Knowing what lay beneath my feet, fear prickled at my insides. I’d been lucky last time and escaped while no-one was around. I wasn’t convinced my luck would hold. Just as I was thinking about turning around, going home and phoning Rob, I heard a door slam and Shaun’s frame appeared in the hallway.
He took one look at me and sneered. “Charlie Diamond, what a surprise.”
Before I could react, he closed the gap between us and grabbed me by my hair. He half-pushed me back the way he had come, into the room with the rotten floor, where I saw the woman sitting at a table in the corner.
“Look who I found poking her nose in.” Shaun pushed me towards the woman.
I gasped when I saw her face. “Shona?” She had a scrape down one cheek and the edge of her top was torn.
Her eyes were wide with fear. “What are you doing here?” Her voice was low and raspy, as if she’d spent the last twenty years smoking her way through forty a day.
“Coming to save your ass apparently.” I smiled, despite the seriousness of the situation. I’d been expecting Declan but if it was only Shaun, maybe together we could take him on.
“You really are the most arrogant twat I’ve ever come across,” Shaun said. “Save her? You don’t even know what she is. Why would you want to save her?”
I watched as Shaun paced around the room. I saw the area I’d fallen through had been covered with a door. It lay loosely in the middle of the floor, like a secret trap door. I’d never noticed before how agitated Shaun could get but watching him prowl around, he reminded me of a trapped animal. I thought about our options. If we somehow managed to push him down into the basement he’d only climb out again so that rul
ed out that option. I looked round for any blunt objects and came up blank.
“Whatever you’re thinking, you can fucking stop it right now. The only way you’re getting me out of here is in a body bag.”
“That can be arranged,” I said, sounding more confident than I felt.
He stormed across the room and smacked me on the side of the head. I fell into a heap on the floor and for a moment, all I could do was lie there. I knew I had to get up though so I forced my body to move, the side of my head aching as I did so. He was a nasty bastard and, not for the first time that day, I regretted my decision not to get a new phone. I glanced across at Shona. She had a look in her eye that I didn’t like. That look told me we were in deep shit, and it was only about to get worse.
SIXTY-ONE
I decided to ignore Shaun for the moment and turn my attention to his sister. For all the danger we were in, I was intrigued to know more about her. Their mother’s reaction had been odd. Given how elusive she’d been, I’d assumed she was long gone by now. Having found her still in the area, I was ready to get some answers. First though, there was one more sibling to account for.
“Are you expecting your brother any time soon,” I asked Shona.
“Stupid bitch! I’m right here.”
I ignored Shaun and looked at Shona. “Shona? Where’s Declan?”
The look that passed over her face brought a shiver to my spine. No, he wouldn’t have? Would he? I knew there was much to Shaun and Declan’s relationship that I didn’t understand but I couldn’t believe either of them would stoop to killing their own brother.
She shook her head slightly but I ignored her and tried again. “Have you been in the area long? Your mum didn’t seem to know when to expect to see you next. Beverly was amazed when I told her about you by the way.” I turned to Shaun. “You pulled a right number on her. Poor woman didn’t deserve that.”
