“So many flowers,” she remarked as she read the messages on the floral tributes.
“He was quite a popular man,” Jake nodded.
“This is Will Barrett,” Marney introduced him.
Jake shook his hand. “I’m Jake Nevin, Lydia’s ex-husband, and this is Lydia,” he smiled.
“It’s nice to meet you at last Will, but I didn’t think it would be at a funeral,” Lydia remarked.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t make it last weekend, I had to work a late shift.”
“It’s O.K., we understand Perhaps another time,” Lydia said.
A few minutes, the vicar approached them.
“Thank you for such a lovely service,” Marney smiled and held out her hand.
“He was quite a character,” she returned the smile.
“Will you be staying for the wake?” she asked.
“Yes, but we don’t know where the room is.”
“Just follow me, I’m on my way there now.”
Marney, Heidi and Will walked on ahead while Lydia and Jake trailed behind.
“What was the phone call about?” Lydia took the opportunity to question him while they were alone.
“It was Maria, she’ll be back here next week. Apparently, my solicitor has been in touch with her and pointed out that she has taken Olivia out of the country without my permission. She’s going to live in our house, so I’ll have to take it off the market,” he frowned.
“Well at least you’ll get to see your daughter now,” Lydia attempted to smile, but the thought of Maria being so close was daunting. They had reached the venue now, and Lydia decided not to pursue the conversation. The room was situated at the back of the nursing home in a small recently constructed red brick building. Inside, a long table in the centre of the room was laden with sandwiches, smoked salmon, chicken, a side of beef, pork pies, sausage rolls and a selection of cheese and salad. A dozen bottles of sauvignon blanc stood in the centre with a tray of wine glasses.
“This looks lovely,” Marney smiled.
“Please help yourself,” the Vicar announced.
Taking two plates, Marney filled one for Heidi and one for herself.
As the rest of the mourners enjoyed the buffet, the Vicar poured the wine and passed them around.
“I’d like to propose a toast to Earnest,” she raised her glass.
“To Earnest,” they replied in unison.
For the next half an hour, the room was filled with chatter and laughter as the guests enjoyed the food and wine until one by one they began to drift way. As Marney turned to leave, Jean Ambrose approached her.
“Could I have a word with you in private Miss Stephens,” she asked.
“Of course,” she replied passing Heidi over to Lydia.
Marney followed her to the back of the room where a door led to a small kitchen area.
“Sit down Miss Stephens”
“I’ll come straight to the point. We are all aware of your position regarding Earnest’s will. Before you came along, he was leaving all his wealth and property to the nursing home in recognition of our good work,” she paused.
“I thought he paid for his care,” Marney replied shrewdly.
“You know what I mean Miss Stephens,” she continued.
“No, I don’t know what you mean. My daughter is his only living relative and is entitled to every penny left to her.” She stood up.
“There’s nothing more to be said Miss Ambrose,” she turned to leave.
“All I’m asking is a donation to the nursing home in Earnest’s memory.”
“I’m not in a position to sanction that. My daughter is the sole benefactor,” she pushed open the door and marched back to the function room.
“Come on, let’s go,” she took Heidi in her arms and strode ahead as Will, Lydia and Jake followed behind. Outside Marney stopped and turned around.
“I can’t believe the cheek of that women,” she spoke through clenched teeth.
“What’s wrong?” Lydia asked.
“She has the audacity to ask for a donation from Earnest’s will, can you believe it?” she scoffed.
“Perhaps he has left provision in his will,” Jake suggested.
“I don’t really care Jake. She claims that he was leaving everything to the home before Earnest learned of Heidi’s existence from Daniel,” she was still angry.
“That’s not true Marney, he was leaving a small legacy for the home but nothing more than that,” Will explained.
“What a bloody nerve, I should report her.”
“It’s not worth it sis, just wait until the reading tomorrow and see what happens,” Lydia suggested.
“We’ll be leaving shortly Will,” Marney. turned to face him.
“Are you free at the weekend, I’m not working,” he smiled.
“Why don’t you come over, if that’s alright with you Lyds?” she glanced over her shoulder.
“Of course.”
“O.K. I’ll give you a call on Friday,” he planted a kiss on her cheek,
Without replying, Marney turned and headed towards the car followed shortly by the others. The short journey continued in silence until Lydia spoke.
“Will seems nice,” she glanced in the mirror at her.
“He is, I knew you’d like him,” she smiled, her anger seemed to have appeased.
As Jake turned into the drive of Lydia’s house, Tom Anderson was enjoying the privilege of an hour lunch break away from the office premises. This freedom was in recognition of his exemplary behaviour during his work in the community. The decision to allow him such freedom would be regrettable, and their misplaced trust would have unforeseen consequences.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Tom Anderson took the escalator to the ground floor and left the Council offices through the front entrance. In his jacket pocket he had fifty pounds, a mobile phone and a packed lunch kindly prepared for him by the Council offices catering department. Over his shoulder, he carried a small rucksack which contained a change of clothes from his highly visible prison fleece to jeans and a dark jacket. Glancing at his watch it was just after one o’clock and he decided to walk to the train station which was a ten-minute walk away. His train journey should take no more that fifteen minutes leaving just enough time to eat his lunch before he reached his destination. By the time his presence was missed, he would be within walking distance of Lydia’s home. However, he did not intend to approach or contact her until he was certain it was safe to do so. The police were certain to inform her of his abscondence and her home would be under surveillance. During his incarceration, he had grown a beard, which had altered his appearance somewhat and with a pair of spectacles, he was not as readily identifiable.
He had reached the station where he quickly entered the gent’s toilets and changed his clothes. Stuffing the prison fleece into his rucksack, he hurried to the platform where he purchased a ticket and boarded the train. It was now twenty-five minutes past one, and he unwrapped his packed lunch and looked out of the window as the train pulled out of the station. The sensation of freedom was exhilarating and the thought of seeing Lydia again empowered him as he watched the scenery flash by. The short journey soon came to an end and pulling his collar around his neck and slipping on his spectacles, Tom Anderson alighted the train and left the station. Eager to be away from his fellow human beings, he increased his step to a brisk walk, but continually glanced over his shoulder every few minutes. Shortly, the noise of the railway faded as he approached an uneven path that led to fields and open countryside. Pausing to take a breath, he inhaled deeply and glanced in both directions before continuing along the path. After about half a mile, the scenery changed. Derelict farm buildings and empty barns lay amongst rusting equipment matted with weeds and grass. Hoping to find shelter, he began to inspect the deserted buildings in search of somewhere to conceal himself until he was ready to make his move.
As Tom Anderson climbed an unstable ladder to a haybarn, Marney knocked on
the door of her solicitor’s office and waited for a response. As the door closed behind her she knew her life would change forever.
At twelve thirty, Marney left the solicitors office and walked slowly along the corridor towards the exit. Her mind was in turmoil as she replayed the conversation and details of the will in her head. She had not been prepared for the vast amount of money and property her daughter would eventually inherit. In a dazed state, she drove home and pulled into the drive. Lydia was waiting in the doorway as she stepped into the hall without speaking.
“Well, how did it go?” Lydia asked as Marney made her way to the lounge where Jake was sitting on the sofa with Heidi on his lap.
Sinking down into an easy chair, Marney looked up at her sister and smiled.
“Earnest was very rich,” she began.
“That’s a good start,” Jake nodded.
“He owned three properties, one in Cornwall, another in France and Fern Lea House.”
“That was Dan’s house, wasn’t it?” Lydia asked.
“Yeah, he’s left that to me, but I don’t think I could ever live there though,” Marney replied vacantly.
“It’s huge inside and a bit old-fashioned,” Lydia re-called her visit to the Gerrity’s home.
Jake looked up. “I think you’re being a bit hasty Marney. That house belonged to Heidi’s father,” he raised his eyebrows.
“And Ellen Gerrity,” she added.
“Why don’t you take a look at it before you make a decision?” Lydia suggested.
“You could let the houses if it’s allowed in the will,” Lydia suggested.
“Perhaps I will.”
A few minutes of silence followed as Marney took Heidi from Jake and sat her on her knee.
“You’re a very rich lady,” she cooed to her daughter.
“How rich?” Lydia asked.
“Well, there’s just over two million in investments, with interest paid every six months,” she paused.
“How much?” Jake sat upright.
“It’s a fortune, I wasn’t expecting anything like that,” Marney grinned.
“That’s not all. There’s another eight hundred and fifty thousand for Heidi’s education, plus the proceeds from the sale of paintings and antiques from the three properties if I decide to sell Fern Lea House.”
“That’s incredible sis.”
“I know. There are conditions though. Neither of the two properties can be sold before Heidi reaches her eighteenth birthday, and there’s a collection of jewellery in a safe-box that must remain in the family. Earnest also set up a fund to pay for the up-keep of the properties. He has left me five hundred thousand pounds to spend as I like,” she fell silent.
“You’re rich Marney,” Lydia finally managed to speak.
“I can’t take it in, it’s surreal.”
“It’s real Marney,” Jake smiled and stood up to hug her.
“To celebrate, we are all going for a meal tomorrow night. I’m going to phone mum and tell her the good news,” she passed Heidi to Lydia and left the room.
When she was out of ear-shot, Jake leaned forward and spoke quietly to Lydia.
“I never thought Earnest would have that amount of money,” he whispered.
“I know, I don’t think Marney will be coming back to the café now,” she frowned.
“It’s not going to be easy for her. She’s never had a lot of money and she loves spending it.” Jake looked concerned.
“I hadn’t thought about that, but she can get some help from a financial advisor,” Lydia looked up as Marney entered the room.
“What are you two whispering about?” she asked with a smile.
“Nothing, what did mum say?”
“She thought I was joking, I haven’t told her how much money there is yet, but she’ll come for a meal with us tomorrow night. I’m going to phone Will and see if he’s free,” she turned to leave then paused in the doorway.
“We’re going shopping this afternoon Lydia, no excuses. Would you be able to look after Heidi for a couple of hours Jake?” she cringed.
“Of course,” he smiled.
“I hope she’s not going to spend too much money Jake.”
“Just go along with her love,” he was concerned, but there was no point in trying to reason with Marney. She was euphoric, and he was not going to spoil the moment. After a hurried lunch of sandwiches and salad, Marney and Lydia left Heidi in the trusted care of her uncle Jake. The sisters were both in high spirits at the prospect of their afternoon of unrestricted retail therapy and blissfully unaware of what was about to unfold before the day ended.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
An hour after Lydia and Marney had left the house, Jake received a call on the land-line. The caller identified himself as Inspector Gordon and asked to speak to Lydia. After being informed of her whereabouts, he ended the call saying he would ring back later. Jake was not too concerned and continued to read the newspaper. Heidi had fallen asleep on the sofa and he picked her up and carried her upstairs to her cot. As he returned to the lounge his mobile phone rang and Lydia’s name was flashing across the screen. With a sense of trepidation, he answered the call. Her voice was edged with alarm as she began to explain.
“Tom Anderson has escaped from prison,” she began.
“What are you saying Lydia?”
“Aren’t you listening to me Jake?” she asked impatiently.
“Of course I am; I just don’t understand how you know he’s escaped.”
“It’s on the news Jake, on the T.V. and phones, switch them on.”
“I’ll take your word for it love, I don’t want to wake Heidi. How long will you be?” he asked.
“We’re leaving now.”
“O.K. don’t panic, he’s not a dangerous murderer,” he replied regretting his words the moment they left his mouth.
“He killed our son Jake; how can you be so flippant?”
“I know what he did, I don’t need reminding,” he spoke quietly.
“This is getting us nowhere, I’ll see you soon,” Lydia was about to end the call.
“Oh, I almost forgot, an Inspector Gordon phoned and asked to speak to you,”
“Why didn’t you tell me Jake?” she raised her voice.
“I just did Lydia, don’t yell at me.”
The line was silent for a few seconds before Lydia spoke again.
“I’m sorry Jake, but Tom Anderson is deranged. He will come after me,”
she emphasised her words.
“You’ve got nothing to worry about love.”
“I’d better go, we’ll be back in ten minutes,” the call ended.
Dropping his mobile on the sofa, Jake ran his hands through his hair and sighed deeply.
“Dam that bloody man,” he spoke aloud bringing his clenched fist down hard on the arm of the sofa.
Although he was aware of Tom Anderson’s fixation with Lydia, Jake had not envisaged him escaping from prison to be reconciled with her. This was something that was never going to happen, he would make sure of it. The sound of a car turning into the drive diverted his attention and he dashed into the hallway to open the front door. Lydia hurried into the house and dropped her bags in the hall as Marney followed closely behind.
“At least we got to finish our shopping,” she closed the front door and turned to face Jake.
“That’s O.K. then Marney,” he forced a smile.
Lydia, who was obviously indignant towards Jake, stormed off in the direction of the kitchen and flicked the kettle on. With her hands tightly clenching the granite surface she turned her attention to Jake.
“I really don’t think you understand how deluded and dangerous Tom Anderson really is Jake,” she breathed deeply.
“I hear what you’re saying Lydia, but he’s not exactly a deranged murderer,” he took a step forward.
“Don’t patronise me Jake, if you’re going to ridicule me then we have no future together,” she folded her arms tightly across h
er chest and glared at him.
Realising that their future together depended on his next choice of words, he paused before speaking.
“I’m sorry Lydia, in fact I’m bloody sick of saying I’m sorry. That was the reason we split up, because of your temper and mood swings I couldn’t talk to you,” he raised his voice.
“You know that’s not true Jake, you really are cruel,” Lydia’s anger had not relented.
Before Jake could respond to Lydia’s vitriolic rantings, the land-line rang out.
“Saved by the bell, eh Jake?” Marney whispered as Lydia left the room to answer the call.
“This isn’t funny Marney,” he scowled.
“Oh yes it is Jake, it’s bloody hilarious. You two love each other, but all you can do is keep picking at one another and dragging up the past. If you live in the past Jake you’ll have no future,” she shook her head.
The truth of Marney’s words hit hard and Jake sank down in a chair at the kitchen table.
“What are you going to do now Jake? Are you just going to sit there and let everything go?” Marney continued to press him.
“I know what I’m doing Marney, leave Lydia to me,” he avoided her stare.
“You don’t know what you’re doing Jake, you’re a typical man,” she stood up as Lydia back came into the room.
“He has escaped, as if I thought he hadn’t,” Lydia gritted her teeth and took a seat opposite Jake.
“Can we start again Lyds? I do understand how you feel about Tom Anderson, but you have me to protect you,” he looked across the table at her.
She held his stare, then spoke. “O.K., but I don’t think he’s violent Jake, he’s obsessed with me. He seriously believes we’ll get back together as if nothing has happened,” she frowned.
“You did send that letter to him, didn’t you Lyds?” Marney asked, alarm registering on her face.
“No, I bloody didn’t. I took it with me when we went to the café, but I forgot to post it,” she shook her head.
“I don’t think it would have made any difference sis.”
“What letter was that?” Jake asked.
The Truth: sequel to I Will Find You Page 21
