The Broken Man (Special Edition)

by Josephine Cox

  He tried to allay Adam’s fears. ‘Listen to me, son. It might not be what you think. Girls have a habit of playing tricks. It’s just their way. They seem to get a laugh out of it, but I’m sure it doesn’t mean she wants you out.’

  Adam gave another shrug. ‘Well, it feels like it to me.’

  ‘But she’s never actually said it to your face, has she?’

  ‘No, but she will. I just know it.’

  Phil continued to smooth over the situation. ‘It might just be that she’s a bit jealous of you.’

  ‘Why would she be jealous of me? What is there to be jealous of? She’s far better off than I am. She’s got her mother and father. And she’s got a little sister. Before I came to live there, Alice had them all to herself.’

  ‘Ah! Well, there you go. I think you’ve hit the nail on the head.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘That could be why she’s playing tricks on you. Maybe she’s jealous. Like you said, before you came along, she had her family all to herself, and now she has to share them with you. Like when Jim gave you a lesson in playing golf, she might have felt a bit left out.’

  Phil felt for the boy, but he could also see Alice’s side. ‘The tricks she played on you, they didn’t do you any real harm, did they?’

  ‘Don’t suppose.’

  ‘So, maybe you should try and forgive her. Just like you, she’s trying to adjust to a new and strange situation. She might be worried that the family haven’t got enough love and attention for all of you, and that she might be the one to lose out. It doesn’t mean she wants you out of the house. It just means she’s desperately trying to hold on to what she’s got. It’s difficult for her … as it must be for you. So can you understand what I’m trying to say, Adam?’

  Torn in his thoughts, Adam chose not to answer.

  Phil persevered. ‘Listen, Adam, try not to worry about it. She’s just a little girl, playing silly, childish pranks. It’s probably all very innocent.’ He lightened the atmosphere with a throaty chuckle. ‘You’ll find out soon enough that women and girls have a very strange sense of humour compared to us men.’

  Adam was curious. ‘How d’you mean, Phil?’

  ‘Oh, yes. It’s a well-known fact. Women and girls are not at all like men and boys. They get all these silly, immature ideas, and sometimes, no matter how hard we try, us men don’t know what to make of ’em.’

  He was pleased to see a smile on Adam’s face. ‘Try and ignore it if you can, son. I reckon she’ll soon get fed up of playing tricks.’

  He thought it wise for the moment to play down the business of Alice. At least now he had a plausible reason for Adam’s sorry little moods.

  Though he’d advised Adam otherwise, Phil wondered if the boy might be right. Maybe, Alice really did want him out of the house. If that was so, and it wasn’t nipped in the bud quick enough, there might be a real danger that the situation could escalate.

  He wondered if he might have a word with Jim and Liz Dexter, but then he instantly thought better of it, because there was still a chance that it really was innocent game play on their daughter’s part.

  Over the next couple of hours, Phil and Adam enjoyed each other’s company. Adam caught three fish, and seemed more like his old self. He made no further mention of Alice and her little tricks, and Phil decided to let sleeping dogs lie. For the moment, he turned his thoughts to giving the boy a memorable outing.

  Having secured a good catch of fat, juicy fish, the two of them washed their hands in the water, and wiped them on the towel Phil had thoughtfully put in his old canvas bag.

  Then they set about enjoying their sandwiches, before heading back.

  ‘Can we go the long way back?’ Adam liked that particular route. ‘We can get an ice cream and stop at the ruins.’

  Phil had no objection whatsoever. In fact, he was about to suggest it himself.

  It wasn’t long before they arrived at the ice-cream van.

  Parked beside the canal, the van and its colourful owner were a welcome sight to any weary traveller.

  ‘Hello, you two!’ Dressed in his blue-and-white-striped overall, the ruddy-faced man was a familiar figure hereabouts. ‘Been fishing, I see?’ His beady little eyes latched onto the two fishing rods protruding from the cart. ‘Hello! What’s that contraption, then?’

  ‘It’s a purpose-made fishing cart.’ Phil liked to wind him up. ‘Good grief, have you never seen a fishing cart before?’

  ‘No. Can’t say I have. Is it any good?’

  ‘Well, o’ course it is. That little cart is carrying two bags, two nets, a haul of fish and two fishing rods. So you tell me if it’s any good.’

  ‘Hmm!’ Leaning forward, he peered so hard over the counter, the other two were sure he would fall out. ‘I wouldn’t mind one o’ them for myself. In my spare time I like to do a bit of fishing, but I reckon you could use that little cart for anything and everything.’

  ‘That’s my thoughts exactly!’ Phil said.

  ‘Oh, yes! I could use that little cart to carry the vegetables home from the allotment. I’ve got a good strong wheelbarrow, and it’s served me very well over the years but it’s only got the one wheel and it gets stuck in the ruts when it’s wet underfoot. That little cart, with its four wheels, is perfect for the job. So tell me, how much did it cost?’

  ‘Jim Dexter made it,’ Adam answered. ‘He drew up a plan, then he measured the rods, and he built the cart in his garage.’

  The ice-cream man was really impressed. ‘Does he sell ’em?’

  Now it was Phil’s turn. ‘He might.’

  ‘Well, if you let me know how much he charges, I might buy one. I know one or two friends up the allotments who would love a little cart like that, too. Does it fold up so’s you can hang it in the shed?’

  ‘He can make them any way you want,’ Phil said. ‘We’ll have a word with him and we’ll let you know.’

  The ice-cream man was so thankful he refused to take payment for two large, chocolate-topped cornets.

  ‘That’s what you call drumming up business.’ Phil felt proud as he and Adam set off, happily enjoying the biggest ice creams ever, which were all the more tasty because they were free. ‘By, I reckon Jim could make himself a small fortune with that little cart.’

  On the way home, Adam seemed content enough. When they reached the house, Phil was pleased to see how Adam ran on in front, as though he couldn’t wait to tell Jim about the interest his cart had created.

  It was as though the worrying conversation about Alice and her pranks had never happened.

  Being a belt-and-braces man, however, Phil decided to keep Adam’s comments firmly in the back of his mind.

  Jim was home. When Adam told him about the ice-cream man and the interest he’d shown in the cart, Jim was most impressed. ‘Well, isn’t that a turn-up for the book?’

  He told Phil how he came to build it. ‘Whichever way you look at it, those fishing rods can be a bit awkward to carry,’ he said. ‘I just thought the cart would make life easier for the two of you, when you’re off on your treks.’

  Phil thanked him. ‘Well, it certainly made an impression,’ he said. ‘We even got two free cornets.’

  ‘Yes!’ Adam spoke up. ‘Extra large, they were, with chocolate on top an’ all.’

  Jim was bemused. ‘Maybe I should copyright the design for the future, for when I’m old and worn and I need an income on the side.’

  Liz playfully thumped him. ‘Don’t say that! You’ll never be old and worn in my eyes.’

  She asked Phil if he’d like to stay to dinner, ‘being as you and Adam caught the fish?’

  Phil respectfully declined. ‘I promised I’d be back by a certain time. Pat, my next-door neighbour, very kindly offered to look after the dog till I get back.’

  Liz understood. ‘Another time then?’

  Phil thanked her. ‘Yes, another time. I’d like that.’

  ‘Good! Meantime, you must take the biggest of t
he catch home to Pat as a thank-you for looking after your little dog … Rex, isn’t it?’

  ‘That’s right. I think I told you … I named him after my late father because they’ve got the same straggly beard.’

  Liz chuckled. ‘Well, I’m sure Rex would love a bit of fresh fish as well, don’t you think?’ Without waiting for an answer, she hurried into the kitchen to sort out the biggest fish in the catch.

  A short time later, with the fish gutted, cleaned and packed up, Adam accompanied Phil to the bus stop.

  ‘Tomorrow’s Sunday,’ Adam reminded him. ‘I’ve already got Mum’s flowers.’

  Phil had not forgotten. ‘You’re a good boy, Adam. You never forget, do you?’

  ‘No.’ Adam’s voice shook. ‘And I don’t forget what Edward Carter did to her.’

  Phil understood Adam’s bitterness, but nonetheless, he was saddened. ‘Justice prevailed and he’s being made to pay for his wickedness.’ He knew that was not much consolation to Adam.

  ‘I know how hard it must be … impossible, even, for you to put him behind you,’ Phil told Adam. ‘At the same time, I would be distressed if the rest of your life was overshadowed by a man who does not deserve one minute of your thoughts.’

  Adam hardened his heart. ‘I hate him. He hurt my mother so bad. It’s his fault she died.’

  ‘I understand how you feel, Adam. All the same, I’m sure your mother would not want you to spend your life filled with hate and revenge. Nothing good will ever come of it. And besides, if there’s any justice at all, Edward Carter will spend the rest of his life behind bars.’

  Adam was not convinced. ‘I want him to suffer, like he made my mum suffer! I want him to hurt, and be afraid, just like she was.’ His voice shook. ‘Even if he’s in prison, he’s still alive, but my mum is in the churchyard.’

  When Adam fell silent, Phil feared the boy would never feel any different. But then, why should he? After the shocking ordeal that both he and his mother had gone through at the hands of a maniac, the memories would stay with Adam for ever.

  Phil wisely changed the subject. ‘I must say your mum would have loved the many bunches of pretty pink flowers you’ve bought her over time.’

  Adam glowed with pride. ‘Pink is Mum’s favourite colour.’

  ‘I know, son.’ Many times he’d watched Adam lovingly arrange the pink flowers in the memorial case, and he did it with such tenderness it always brought a tear to Phil’s old eyes.

  ‘Now then, Adam, don’t forget to keep the flowers in water overnight. I’ll be round here to collect you about midday tomorrow. We’ll place your mum’s flowers first, then we’ll use that little hand spade we hid behind the trees, and we’ll tidy round where the rabbits keep digging. After that, we’ll go down to the canal and feed the ducklings. I’ve got half a loaf going stale at home. We’ll break it down, throw it in, and before you know it, the ducklings will come out of nowhere and there won’t be a single crumb left. So, what do you think? After we’ve been to the churchyard, would you like to go to the canal?’

  ‘Yes, Phil. I really would.’

  ‘Me too.’

  For now, at least, Phil thought the change of conversation had rid Adam’s mind of Carter. Though like Adam, Phil firmly believed that such a man should be made to pay the ultimate price for the shocking things he had done.

  As they made their way up the street, Phil and Adam had no idea they were being watched.

  Hidden from view at her bedroom window, Alice followed their progress. When the other two were out of sight, she turned away from the window. Grabbing her doll, she hugged it tight to her chest. ‘Don’t worry. After he’s gone it will be just like it was before.’ The idea made her smile.

  Collecting the tiny hairbrush from the dressing table, she sang softly as she brushed the doll’s long, auburn tresses.

  Downstairs, with the dinner almost ready, Liz and Jim were enjoying a few minutes playing with Harriet when they heard Alice singing.

  ‘She sounds happy,’ Liz commented.

  ‘That’s because she knows we’re going out for an hour or so after dinner. She seems to enjoy Maureen coming round.’ Jim smiled at the baby. ‘See that? It comes to something when your own daughter thinks more of the babysitter than she does her parents!’

  Liz laughed. ‘Don’t be silly!’

  ‘Oh, well, whatever makes her happy.’

  He made a monkey-face at the baby. ‘Listen to me, Harriet! Don’t you go shifting your affections to the babysitter, will you? Can you hear your sister singing like a canary because Mummy and Daddy are going out? Most kids would be grumbling, but not our Alice.’

  Using two fingers to create long donkey ears above his head, he waggled them at the baby, who stared at him with big eyes.

  Liz had to smile. ‘Stop it, you big kid! You’re frightening her.’

  Just then, little Harriet laughed out loud and Jim was forgiven, though there was something else playing on Liz’s mind.

  ‘Jim?’

  ‘Yes, sweetheart?’ He looked up and paid attention.

  ‘Have you noticed anything different with Adam?’

  ‘In what way?’

  ‘I mean … do you think he’s happy, here with us?’

  ‘Hmm! That’s an odd thing to ask. Yes, I think he’s happy enough. I reckon he’s fitted into this family really well. But what’s brought this on? Has something happened? Has Adam said anything?’

  ‘No! In fact, he never does say how he feels. I was just wondering, that’s all.’

  ‘Well, I think he’s very happy here with us. Maybe the fact that he doesn’t say anything about how he feels, actually means that he’s content, and that’s all we need to know. So, stop fretting. Adam is an important part of this family now, and as far as I’m concerned, he’s our son, in all but name. If he was unhappy for whatever reason, I believe he would confide in one of us.’

  ‘That’s what I thought.’ Liz was greatly relieved.

  ‘There you are then. You’ve answered your own question.’

  From the landing, Alice was disturbed by the conversation she’d overheard. So, Adam was a son in all but name?

  Silently tiptoeing back to her bedroom, she closed the door behind her.

  Half an hour later, Liz called, ‘Alice! Dinner’s nearly ready, sweetheart. Maureen will be here soon.’

  A few minutes later, Alice came into the room.

  ‘Goodness! You’ve been up there a long time, Alice.’ Jim was curious. ‘So, what have you been up to?’

  ‘Nothing much. Just brushing my dolly’s hair.’

  Liz gave her a hug. ‘You did remember Maureen’s coming to look after you later, didn’t you?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘And you’re all right with that, are you?’ As if she needed to ask.

  ‘Yes, Mum. I like Maureen.’

  ‘Maureen will probably bring a selection of puzzles and such. So the three of you should have a good time. I’ll have Harriet already fed and changed. She’ll be that sleepy, I’m certain she’ll be no trouble.’

  Alice smiled sweetly. ‘If she cries I’ll rock her pram and she’ll go back to sleep. I’ve done it before.’

  ‘I’m sure you won’t need to do that,’ Liz said. ‘Maureen is well versed in what to do. Harriet’s been crawling all over the place today, so she’ll probably sleep well. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if she started taking her first steps very soon.’

  Jim winked at Alice, admiring the pink ribbon in her hair. ‘You look very pretty, Alice.’

  ‘Thank you, Daddy.’

  ‘Would you rather we didn’t go out tonight?’ She seemed unsually quiet, he thought.

  ‘No! You and Mummy go and enjoy yourselves. Me and Maureen will be fine.’

  ‘And Adam … don’t forget him.’

  ‘I won’t.’ She gave a slight nod of the head.

  ‘You know we’ll only be gone for a couple of hours, don’t you?’

  ‘Yes, and it’s all right, Da
ddy,’ Alice assured him brightly. ‘You and Mummy don’t have to worry about us. Maureen always takes care of us very well.’

  ‘Thank you, sweetheart.’ Thinking how Alice was sometimes like a little woman in her manner, Liz returned to the kitchen to collect the condiments. Alice had made her smile. Talk about an old head on young shoulders.

  On returning to the table, Liz sat herself down. ‘Come on, Alice. Tuck in.’ Apart from Adam’s meal, which was warming in the oven, everything was served.

  Alice’s meal was already set before her: boiled baby carrots, buttered mashed potatoes, and a slice of pink, juicy fish, gently cooked in milk, the way Alice liked it.

  ‘We’ve got Adam and Phil to thank for this lovely fish meal.’

  Liz made the casual remark as Adam arrived to seat himself next to Jim. It wasn’t long before he was ravenously tucking in.

  ‘Woah! Slow down, son.’ Jim was surprised.

  ‘Sorry,’ Adam apologised, ‘but I’m really hungry.’

  ‘I expect that’s all the fresh air,’ Liz suggested. ‘Still, you don’t want to give yourself indigestion, do you?’

  Realising he’d been wolfing his food, Adam slowed down. ‘Sorry.’

  Jim playfully ruffled his hair. ‘Aw, that’s all right, Adam. I was the same when I was your age. I remember after we’d been out playing footie, me and my brother would run home, cram our food down, and be off out again, before anyone else had finished.’

  The meal continued in a civilised if lively manner. There was much laughter at Jim’s descriptions of his boyhood pranks, particularly the one about the time when he’d gone home with the bottom of his pants worn clean through, where he and his mates had spent the morning racing each other down the slide.

  When the meal was over, Liz noticed that Alice had eaten everything except the fish, which was pushed to the side of her plate.

  ‘What’s wrong, sweetheart? You’ve always liked fish.’

  ‘Well, I don’t any more.’

  ‘Really?’ Liz glanced at Jim, ‘And why’s that then?’