The morning had flown by, with eventually hordes of customers coming in and out of the store, and every assistant run off his or her feet.
It was now midday, and time for the first shift to take their hour-long lunch break.
‘Come on, Anne, let’s get off before Tony asks us to work through our break.’ Sally had already managed to collect their coats.
A minute later they were headed off down the High Street.
‘Phew! What a morning.’ Sally was glad to get out of there.
They went carefully across the busy road, then through the arcade and on to the café, which they found half empty.
‘Good!’ Sally made a beeline for the table in the far corner. ‘I think you’ve got something to tell me, and if people start coming in, we won’t get overheard back here.’
‘Who says I’ve got something to tell you?’
‘Well, let’s see. Firstly, you’ve been acting strangely, such as telling me you’re getting your life in order. Added to which, it’s been ages since you wanted to come down here for your lunch.’
‘Huh! You know me better than I know myself.’
When Sally continued to hover, she informed her, ‘Go on then! I’ll have a cheese and salad sandwich … and a pot of tea, please.’
‘OK, but it’s your turn to pay.’
Anne plucked a note from her purse and pressed it into Sally’s outstretched palm. ‘Go on then.’
She watched as Sally went to the counter, and a warm smile crept over her pretty features. Sally had been by her side through all the troubles. And whichever path her life took from now, Anne knew that she would never be able to thank Sally enough.
Within minutes, Sally was back. ‘Oh, dammit!’ She took off again. ‘I forgot the sugar!’
Meantime, Anne was thinking how best to tell Sally what she’d done. She was wary of saying too much in case nothing came of it. She was also very afraid that it could all go wrong, with her caught in the middle, wishing that she’d left everything as it was.
Sally returned with the sugar bowl. ‘Now then, lady!’ Seating herself, she poured out her tea and plopped two heaped spoonfuls of sugar into her cup, stirring so vigorously the tea slopped over the brim. ‘So, come on, Anne. What are you up to?’
‘You’re a mucky pup.’ Anne laughed. ‘Worse than a kid.’
‘Never you mind about me, and stop trying to change the subject.’ Sally was like a dog with a bone. ‘We’re here, just the two of us. There are no prying eyes and no one to overhear what you have to say. What’s ticking over in that brain of yours? And don’t tell me it’s nothing, because I know you’ve got something you’re itching to tell me, so come on. Spit it out!’
Anne told her, ‘I’ve been thinking a lot lately, about my life, and everything. You and Mick have given me good advice and so far I’ve done nothing about it. But, do you remember what Edward Carter said to me, when he trapped me in the house? I told you and Mick about it, and you both said it was imperative that I should seek legal guidance, sooner rather than later.’
‘You mean when he made reference to your house, and he said what was yours was his?’
Anne nodded. ‘You and Mick were right. I should have done something about it then, and I didn’t. But I’ve been thinking more and more about it lately, and it really worries me. That house was Aunt Ada’s home. She and Uncle Bart moved there when they got married, so they enjoyed many good years in that little house. Aunt Ada left it to me, because she wanted me to love it the same way they had.’ Her voice dropped to a whisper. ‘It really hurts me to think that Carter might get his hands on the house. I don’t want that to happen, Sally, and I don’t want any link with him any more.’
Sally was delighted to hear Anne talking like this. ‘So, have you got a plan?’
‘You and Mick were right about a lot of things,’ she admitted, ‘so I’ve made an appointment with a solicitor. It’s time I stood up and faced the truth. Edward Carter wants to ruin me. He wants to keep me frightened and take everything I have. I know what Aunt Ada would say: she’d say the same as you and Mick. “Fight him!” And that’s what I’ve decided to do.’
Sally was thrilled. ‘Good girl! So what did the solicior say?’
‘Well, we haven’t met yet, but I told him the situation on the telephone, and I gave him as many details as I could. He said he would make a start looking into things, and we arranged a meeting.’
‘So, what exactly did you tell him on the phone? What kind of details did he ask for?’
‘Well, firstly, he wanted me to bring along a marriage certificate, but I couldn’t because I never had one. Edward was such a secretive man. He kept everything squirrelled away. I never knew what he was up to from one minute to the next. I do have the deeds to the house, though. I told the solicitor that I’d get them from the bank, and bring them to the meeting together with anything else that might seem relevant.’
‘So, what else did he say?’
‘When I asked him about getting a divorce from Edward Carter, he said he would have to make enquiries and such. Beyond that, he said there was much to be done, and that we would discuss the details at the meeting.’
Jubilant but highly nervous, she leaned back in her chair. ‘So, what do you think, Sal? Do you think I’m doing the right thing? Or have I opened a Pandora’s box? Have I let myself in for more trouble than I can handle?’
‘Listen to me, Anne. I won’t lie, because even a normal divorce is never easy. But that man has made your life a misery. He’s vicious and cruel, and he doesn’t give a tinker’s cuss about you. Yes, it might get nasty, and when he’s served with divorce papers, he won’t be best pleased, but who cares? You and I both know he’ll move Heaven and earth to rob you of half the value of your home.’
‘He will!’ Anne was sure of it, ‘I know he will.’
‘OK. But everything is in your favour. It will all come out: the beatings he gave you when you were married to him … causing the loss of your baby. Then there’s the way he tracked you down and held you prisoner, in fear for your life. Don’t you worry, the Courts will have a field day with it.’
‘I know all that, and I’ve told myself over and over that if it comes down to it, the Courts will be on my side, but I’m frightened, Sal. You don’t know what he’s like, not really. You have to live with him before you realise what he’s capable of. I’ve always believed he’s a bit wrong in the head. A madman!’
‘But he can’t hurt you while he’s locked up – don’t you ever forget that, Anne – and now that you’re fighting back, he knows his track record will not serve him well.’
‘Yes. Now I’m doing what I should have done years ago. But the thing is, Sal, I’m really frightened it will all blow up in my face.’
Leaning forward, Sally placed her hand on Anne’s shoulder. ‘It won’t. Yes, it’s true, divorce is never easy. But you really are doing the right thing, Anne. After you’ve told the solicitor everything, he’ll understand. I know you’re worried, but now that you’ve found the courage to fight back, you must be strong and see it through. You obviously know that, or you would not have called the solicitor in the first place. And always remember, you’re not on your own.’
‘I do realise I have to do this, Sal. I’m so weary of being afraid. I just want it over.’
‘I know. And I’m proud of you, and if you want me to come to the solicitor with you, I will. I’ll tell him everything I know. Calling that solicitor can’t have been an easy thing to do, but you did it. Now, like I said, you need to see it through. Mick and I will be right behind you.’
She was greatly relieved that Anne had found the courage to fight Edward Carter. But like Anne, she was nervous of how Carter might react when he discovered that Anne was now taking the initiative and refusing to be the victim.
At the end of the working day, the two of them made their way to the car park. ‘Are you sure you won’t change your mind and come to the dance with me and Mick?’
�
��No, but thanks all the same.’
‘It seems such a pity, especially as you’ve made the hard decision to shape the direction of your own life.’
‘I know, but I need some quiet time. I intend making a list of every little thing that man has ever done to me. I’m determined that people should know what he is.’
‘That’s good, but it doesn’t mean you can’t go to the dance.’
‘I know that, Sal, but I really don’t feel like going anyway.’
‘Is that because Tony asked you?’
‘No. Oh, I don’t know, Sal. The truth is, I don’t think I’m ready for dating.’
‘It’s not really a date, is it? I mean, it’s just the annual staff dance. We’ll all be there.’
‘I know, but Tony particularly asked me to go with him, and from what I can remember, that’s a date. And like I say, I’m not ready for it.’
‘OK, but where’s the harm in coming along with me and Mick? Just see how it goes. If Tony does ask you to dance, you can always say no.’
Anne could see the reasoning behind Sal’s suggestion. ‘I suppose it would do me good to get out for an evening,’ she agreed. ‘Sometimes, the house does seem like a prison. All right then, I don’t suppose there’s any harm in coming along with you and Mick.’
‘Now you’re thinking sensibly. So, I’ll take that as a yes, shall I?’
‘Yes, why not? Besides, I’m sure there’ll be time enough over the rest of the weekend to prepare for the meeting.’
‘Right!’ Sally was delighted. ‘So now, the all-important question: have you got a pretty, girlie dress for dancing? And what about shoes? We might have to go shopping. Don’t forget the summer sales are still on. Oh, and I’ll do your hair, if you like, save you a bit of money going to the hairdresser’s—’
She would have gone on, but Anne interrupted her, ‘I’ve agreed to go to the dance, but I am not going shopping for dresses and shoes. There are so many things in my wardrobe that I haven’t worn for ages. I’m bound to find something suitable.’
‘Oh, no, you don’t!’ Sally was determined. ‘You haven’t bought anything really pretty in ages, and everyone will be dressed to the nines. So, the two of us are going shopping. We need a new dress, and shoes, and a hairdo, and I won’t take no for an answer.’
And when Sally was in that kind of mood, Anne knew there was no stopping her. In a way, she didn’t really want to.
Swept along in Sally’s excitement, Anne found herself looking forward to the dance.
More than that, she was also looking forward to a successful meeting with the solicitor, but whichever way it went from now on, she was beginning to feel like she’d been given a new lease of life.
Saturday, at the shops, swept by and the moment had arrived.
Right on time, Mick and Sally arrived to collect Anne.
When they drew up outside Anne’s house, Mick gave a gasp as she opened the door and stepped out.
Wearing a slinky, black dress and red high-heeled shoes and with a little red bag clutched in her hand, Anne looked like a million dollars.
Apart from one lock of loosely waved hair that hung down to her shoulder, her hair was swept up and gripped in a silver comb. All of this was Sally’s doing.
‘I know you said she’d knock ’em dead, but she doesn’t even look like the Anne that we know,’ Mick gasped.
Sally watched proudly as Anne neared the car. ‘You have no idea how much persuasion it took to convince her the dress was perfect for her. She’s just not used to dressing up.’
Getting out of the car, Sally held the door open for her. ‘Oh, Anne, you look lovely.’
‘So do you, Sal.’ Anne admired Sally’s tight-fitting blue dress. Low on the neckline and drawn in at the waist, it swirled out at the skirt. Her pretty blue shoes and bag topped it all off.
When they were settled in the car, Mick drove off. ‘I must be the luckiest man ever,’ he said. ‘I’ve got the two loveliest ladies right here in my car. When we walk into that room, they’ll all be asking, “Where did that ugly devil manage to find those two beauties?”’
Sally kissed him on the cheek. ‘You’re not an ugly devil. And we’re proud to be with you.’ She turned to Anne. ‘Isn’t that right, Anne?’
Anne kissed him as well. ‘We’re the lucky ones.’
‘Mmm,’ he laughed, ‘you’re only saying that because it’s true.’
Sally turned round to ask if Anne was all right.
Sally had persuaded her out of her shell, and Anne could not be more grateful. ‘I’m glad you made me change my mind about not going to the dance,’ she said. ‘I’m really looking forward to it now.’
‘Good!’ Sally was excited. ‘Just for tonight, put everything else out of your mind, and enjoy yourself.’
‘I will, I promise.’
In this moment, here with Mick and Sal, and wearing a dress she would never have imagined herself in, Anne felt very special, and more excited than she had been for a long time.
When she’d been locking the front door, however, for one fleeting second, Edward Carter crept into her mind. There’d been the slightest, unsettling niggle at the back of her mind that when she came home, he would be there, waiting for her.
But then she’d reminded herself that he was in prison, where he belonged, and that very soon, if all went well, she would be free of him for ever. All these years she had been afraid to stir up the muddy waters, but now that she had started proceedings against him, she felt optimistic. She would not completely rest easy, though, until she’d secured the official papers on which it was written in black and white that she was no longer Mrs Edward Carter.
Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the club. Music blared into the night, indicating that the party was already underway.
‘Here we are!’ Sally was already twirling as she got out of the car. ‘Time to enjoy the evening.’
As Anne followed her two friends into the crowded hall, she reminded herself of what Sally had told her: tonight was her night. It was a night for fun and laughter, with no regrets.
Inside the club, Tony McDonald had been watching for her. When he saw her coming in through the door, he could hardly believe his eyes. She looked so lovely. But then, he thought, she always looked lovely.
Anne saw him striding towards her. For one split second, she almost turned away. But something held her there; maybe his smile, or his genuine delight at seeing her.
Whatever it was, she waited for him. They chatted a while, during which his easy manner made her feel comfortable.
Later, when he swept her onto the dance floor, she went willingly into his arms.
While they danced, he held her tight, and whispered soft endearments in her ear.
Afterwards, they walked out into the terraced garden, where they strolled and talked, getting to know each other. ‘I’m so glad you changed your mind,’ he said. ‘Right up to the minute I saw you walk through the door, I wasn’t sure whether I would see you tonight.’
When he reached out to take hold of her hand, she drew away, all her old fears coming back to torment her. ‘I’m sorry, Tony …’
‘What’s wrong?’ He thought they’d been getting on so well. ‘Have I said something to upset you?’
‘No. It isn’t anything you’ve done,’ she assured him. ‘It’s just that I’m not looking for a relationship. If I gave you that impression, I really didn’t mean to.’
‘Look, Anne, I think you already know how much I like you, but I’m not looking for a close relationship either. To tell you the truth, I’ve only recently come out of a bad situation, and I’m still carrying the scars.’ His ready smile was reassuring.
‘Oh! I’m sorry if I jumped to conclusions, but the truth is, I need to steer well clear of getting involved with anyone. I don’t want to give you any wrong signals … if you know what I mean?’
‘I hear what you’re saying, and I understand.’
‘Thank you.’ When he smiled down on her, her
heart did a little skip. She was both excited and afraid; and ready to flee at the slightest opportunity.
‘I’d best go and find Mick and Sal.’ Her heart urged her to stay but her head warned her off. ‘They’ll be wondering where I am.’
Without waiting for an acknowledgement, she hurried away.
She located Sally at the bar, sipping a glass of red wine.
Mick was nearby, talking with the store manager.
Sally turned and saw Anne rushing towards her. ‘Where’ve you been? One minute you were here and then you were gone.’
She noticed Tony McDonald coming in from the terrace. ‘Oh, I see.’ She gave a naughty wink. ‘You’ve been hobnobbing with the good-looking side of management.’
Anne laughed. ‘And you’ve had one drink too many, by the look of you.’
Sally would not be silenced. ‘I want to hear all the juicy gossip.’ Taking her drink in one hand, she linked arms with Anne, marching her across the floor to the nearest free table. ‘Right, my girl! Spill the beans. I know you’ve been outside with Tony, so what happened? Did he make a play for you? Was he the perfect gentleman?’
Anne was shocked. ‘Ssh! He’ll hear you. And yes, for your information, he was a perfect gentleman.’
‘Well, that’s a pity.’ She gave a telltale hiccup. ‘I expected him to be a bit more daring that that. One little kiss at least.’
‘Well, you expected wrong because there were no kisses, and no canoodling. We just talked.’
‘Aw, Anne, I’m sorry.’
‘Why? I’m not.’ Though in a secretive way, she wondered what it might feel like for Tony to kiss her. But as soon as she thought it, she blocked it from her mind.
‘I’ll get you a cuppa coffee,’ she told Sally. ‘Sober you up a bit.’
‘Are you saying I’m drunk?’
‘No.’
‘Right! Then, I’ll have another glass of wine. This one’s half empty.’
‘Oh, no, you don’t.’ Mick arrived to collect her into his arms. ‘You owe your neglected husband a dance.’ With a knowng wink to Anne, he swept his wife onto the dance floor.
The Broken Man (Special Edition) Page 20
