Anchored

by Hoffmann, Tracey

  “Judy, I don’t want you to get any ideas. I needed to talk to you about a number of things.”

  “I have a few things to tell you too. You look good by the way.” Her eyes devoured him.

  “Thank you.” Dropping his gaze Jonathan coughed into his hand. When his eyes snapped back to hers she caught her breath. His direct gaze unnerved her.

  “I’m sorry for hurting you, Judy.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I treated you badly. Strung you along and blamed you for my weakness in not being able to end it.” Jonathan nervously took a sip of his coffee. “I wasn’t being fair to you or Margaret.”

  “Don’t mention her name to me. She stopped us from being together. It’s not your fault.”

  “You’re wrong, it was my fault. I was her husband and it was my job to be faithful to her. I also stood in the way of you ever finding a husband, a man who could commit to giving you everything. I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am about Po—”

  Judy cut him off. “It’s okay, darling, we can be together now. I don’t regret a moment of our time together.” A smug look settled on her face as she looked around them. Soon everyone would know they were a couple.

  “I’ve become a Christian. I want to get my life right with God and what we did was wrong. I can’t make it up to you and I take full responsibility for what happened.”

  Judy glared at him. “It was not wrong—we love each other.”

  “I don’t love you. I used you. Forgive me.”

  His words tore at her heart and she looked at her chest, expecting to see a gaping tear where his words had ripped.

  “You do love me, why else did you keep coming to me?” She cupped her chin in her hand and allowed her eyes to move suggestively down to his chest. “I know you miss me.”

  Shaking his head, Jonathan licked his lips. “I’ve been to the police and told them about our affair. They are questioning everyone about the threats against Mia.”

  “Do you think I would do such a thing?” She looked outraged.

  “Of course not, but I needed to tell them, needed to come clean. I’m sorry.”

  “Stop saying sorry.” She swore at him and her eyes filled with venom. Her hand plucked nervously at the tablecloth.

  “You can find the peace I’ve found. Jesus loves you—let me—”

  “Don’t talk such rubbish. It’s a crutch you’re hiding behind and I won’t listen.” Noisily she pushed her chair back and leaned forward. “Are you coming with me or not?”

  Jonathan silently shook his head and his eyes pleaded with her to understand.

  Her hand whipped across his face leaving a red handprint. The sound of the slap drew the eyes of other customers.

  Jonathan gasped in shock.

  Judy raised her chin and stormed out of the café.

  Chapter 38

  Detective Ian King drummed his fingers impatiently on the steering wheel. Alex was late. Reaching over, he picked up the file and began reading.

  Judy Anne Barton, both parents killed when she was five years old in a house invasion, which Ms. Barton witnessed. Shuffled around foster homes, twenty in all. Finally settling in Blue Bay when she was fourteen years old. The foster family changed her name to Klara Anne Duncan to match theirs, believing this would give her a fresh start. She became their daughter.

  That was all the information they had on Klara Duncan. No offenses not even a parking fine.

  Ian looked up as Alex arrived and parked alongside him. His eyebrow lifted as he noted Alex flicking pastry off his shirt.

  “You could have waited until we finished up here before you stuffed your face,” he muttered.

  Patting his stomach Alex mooched over to the house. Ian scowled as he followed, irritated he’d been kept waiting because of Alex’s pie addiction.

  Before they knocked, the door swung open and a petite woman stood staring at them.

  Alex launched straight in. “Ms. Klara Duncan?” Alex surveyed her face, looking for any sign of surprise or stress. He noted her smile and relaxed pose.

  “Yes. Come in, I’ve been expecting you.”

  Mildly surprised by her answer, Ian followed her into the lounge room and took a seat opposite her.

  Klara sat with her hands loosely folded in her lap and smiled.

  Alex stood surveying the room and stepped closer to a display wall of family photos. Klara with a young girl, Klara with Margaret Dawson, Klara, Margaret and Mia, Klara and Jonathan.

  Ian had his notebook out and pen poised. “Ms. Duncan, are you aware Jonathan Dawson called in and gave us a statement concerning your affair with him?”

  “Yes, he told me.” Klara dropped her head and looked up at them through her eyelashes. “I’m so ashamed, but I love him.”

  “When did your relationship with Jonathan begin?” Ian questioned.

  “I’m sure Jonathan has already answered these questions, Detective. Why ask them again?”

  “It helps get a picture from your perspective.” Ian answered.

  Klara shrugged and shifted slightly on her seat. “I was seventeen. I started going out with Jonathan after he broke up with Margaret.”

  “Were you also friends with Margaret at that time?”

  “Yes. Maggie and I became best friends when we were both fifteen.”

  “Best friends? Yet you went out with her boyfriend?” Ian lifted his eyebrow to indicate his confusion at her answer.

  “Jonathan had broken up with Maggie—I wouldn’t have considered seeing him if they were still going out.” Klara’s voice held a hint of steel and Ian scribbled in his notebook.

  “Yet you had no problem having an affair with Jonathan while he was married to Margaret?” Alex asked joining the conversation.

  Klara lifted her chin, and stared at Alex without blinking. “When Jonathan and I started going out Maggie was not in the picture. I was devastated when Jonathan told me Margaret was pregnant and that he was going to marry her. He saw no other option. I pleaded with him to tell Margaret we were in love, but he refused.” Klara blinked several times as if trying to control tears.

  Ian could tell fake tears when he saw them, he instantly disliked the lady. “You said Margaret was your best friend. How did she take you going out with Jonathan?”

  “She never knew. Margaret was so hurt by Jonathan dumping her that I kept putting off telling her. I didn’t want to lose her. I’ve often wondered what she’d have done if she knew.”

  Alex leaned forward and squinted his eyes. “What happened once Jonathan told you he was marrying Margaret?”

  “I was upset, confused. I loved them both. I had no choice but to support Margaret. She was pregnant and Jonathan had made his choice.” Klara sighed and fluttered her hand in a gesture of impatience. “I did not plan to have an affair with Jonathan. He would come to me and complain about how hard it was with Maggie. He needed me.”

  “Did Margaret also come to you to talk about her marriage? How did you keep up the deception throughout so many years, Ms. Duncan?” Ian heard the steel in his partner’s voice and knew he too had a bad feeling about this woman.

  “I loved Maggie. She was my closet friend. I don’t expect you to understand. But I loved both Jonathan and Margaret.”

  “The girl in the photos. Your daughter?” Alex asked.

  “Yes.”

  “How old is your daughter, Ms. Duncan?”

  “Not long turned thirteen and enjoying the teenage status.” Klara laughed.

  “Who is the father of your daughter?” Alex lifted his eyebrows as he enquired.

  Ian glared at him for jumping the gun, but Alex ignored him. This was one smooth lady and he wanted to ruffle her feathers.

  Klara’s eyes darkened before she looked away. Standing, she moved to pick up a photo of Polly laughing into the camera. “Polly’s father let me down. He didn’t want to be a father to her. He rejected her a long time ago. I don’t see how he has any relevance here.”

 
“I’d appreciate you answering the question,” Alex stated.

  “No. I’m happy to answer questions about my relationship with Jonathan and Margaret but I will not bring Polly into it.”

  “When was the last time you saw Mia?” Ian asked.

  “I’m not sure. I spoke to her a couple of days ago. She told me about the threats and asked if I could be on a roster to make sure she’s not alone. I’ll do anything to help protect her. She’s like my own daughter. I loved her mother.” Klara perched on the front of her seat.

  “Forgive me, gentlemen, can I offer you anything? Coffee, tea?”

  “No thank you.” Ian tapped his pen on his chin and then silently started to scribble down notes.

  Klara watched and her eyes narrowed slightly.

  “There are a few things we need to verify with you, like where you were at certain times, dates. We are asking these questions of a number of people, so please don’t be offended.”

  “Of course—anything to help.”

  “I understand from Robert Hanly that your daughter Polly is staying with her grandmother, is that correct?”

  “No. She doesn’t have any grandparents. I told Robert that because it’s easier than explaining Polly is with a friend of mine in Brisbane. She’s like a grandmother to Polly. Polly calls her Nan.”

  “I see. What’s her name and address please?”

  Klara shuffled in her seat and looked distressed. “Am I in trouble for sending my daughter away because I needed a break? I didn’t want Polly to see me unravel with grief. I miss Margaret so much.” Klara hunched forward and cried into her hands.

  Ian watched, unmoved by her tears.

  Alex reached over and passed her the tissue box she had on the table.

  Hiccupping, Klara dabbed at her face. “Please, detectives. Can we finish this conversation later? I’d be happy to come to the station tomorrow. I’m sure I will be more together then.”

  Ian stood and pocketed his notebook. “Yes, of course. I’m sorry if we’ve caused you distress.”

  “We will expect you at the station by 10:00 a.m. tomorrow Ms. Duncan. Would you like us to send a car to pick you up?”

  “No. I can make my own way.” Klara went to stand then dropped back into her chair. “Please forgive me, I feel so weak at the moment. Can you see yourself out?”

  Nodding, Alex led the way and Ian followed. As they reached the car, Alex dialed in and requested someone to watch the house.

  ~~~

  Judy’s mouth tightened and fury boiled within her. Shoving open the kitchen door she stormed across to the bench. Her hands slapped down hard on the cold granite surface. The noise echoed off the walls and bounced back to taunt her.

  She absently turned on the tap and filled a glass with water. Tears slipped unchecked down her face.

  Jonathan would pay for bringing this upon her. He’d used her all these years and mocked her love. How could she have been so stupid?

  Judy spun around and moved back into the lounge. Pacing back and forth she muttered words of anger and hatred. Her eyes squinted as she looked at the photos on the wall. She snatched down the photos of Margaret, Mia and Jonathan. Screaming, she flung them across the room like a missile.

  Her chest heaved as she looked at the carnage on the floor. Destroyed, like her dreams. The only photos that remained were of her and Polly. Judy’s eyes settled on her daughter’s face and her finger lovingly touched Polly’s image.

  “You are the only good thing that ever happened to me. I’m so sorry, sweetheart. Forgive me.”

  Turning her back on the photo Judy stiffened her shoulders with reserve.

  It was time.

  Chapter 39

  Patrick grinned at his lovesick brother. “This would make a good book, Dave. Man falls for beautiful princess, she doubts his integrity and shuns his every move.”

  “Cut it out, Pat. You’re not helping.” David’s hand rubbed his unshaven chin. “What I need you to do is tidy the kitchen. It looks like a bomb site.”

  “Come on, a master chef has to be creative. Was that not the best meat loaf you’ve ever tasted?” Patrick licked his lips and patted his stomach.

  “Surprisingly, yes. Since when have you been interested in cooking?” David’s lips curved slightly.

  “What with you moping around feeling sorry for yourself and Mia being in danger—what chance does a bloke have to concentrate on work?” Patrick gathered some dishes and began stacking them in the dishwasher.

  “I know what you mean. Life goes on, work commitments continue to roll in and all I want to do is be with Mia.” David picked up a towel and twirled it around his hands. “Patrick, how can I get through to her? Every time it looks like we’re progressing forward she steps back.”

  “Have you told her how you feel?” Patrick swiveled around and leaned his large frame on the bench.

  “I’ve told her I love her, if that’s what you mean. Her response was hardly flattering. Yet when she thinks I’m not looking, her eyes reach out to me with such vulnerability and longing that I have to hold onto hope.”

  “What you need is a plan,” Patrick stated. “Send her flowers, chocolates, anything. Don’t back off.”

  “Mmm. What if I’ve misread her and she’s not interested.”

  “Then you look like a fool. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. So what’s it going to be? Is the brave knight going to take up the challenge and fight for the damsel in distress or back off like a coward?”

  “He’s going to have a shave, shower and personally deliver the biggest bunch of flowers the fair damsel has ever seen!”

  Slapping his hand on Patrick’s arm, David squeezed. “Thanks Pat.”

  Patrick nodded and turned to wipe at some breadcrumbs he’d spilt earlier.

  ~~~

  Mia lounged on the verandah in the sun. She could hear her uncle talking to the cockatoos and smiled. Uncle Robert’s sombrero shaded her face and her eyes closed as warmth seeped into her skin.

  She needed to think. Needed to sort things out in her head. Her attendance at work had been so spasmodic since her mother’s death and her plan to go back to work hadn’t happened because Jackie had said not to return. She didn’t want Mia there if there was a possibility of luring a dangerous person around the children.

  Mia sighed deeply. She missed the children and thought going back to work and getting on with life would have been the sensible thing to do.

  Lord, how long before this is over? I want my life back.

  Sitting, Mia removed the hat and squinted at the glare. Her vision blurred as she rubbed her eyes. What wasn’t she seeing? Who could hate her that much?

  Jesus, I feel so helpless—I need to do something. Mia’s hand moved to release tension in her shoulders as she lay back down. She needed to relax and trust God.

  Thoughts spiraled through her mind in chaotic disorder. Her uncle had told her a Christian was anchored to the savior.

  She pictured a small boat anchored in the bay. In a storm it was tossed and moved on its mooring. It had to endure the storm but the anchor ensured it survived.

  Swinging her legs off the lounger Mia stood and moved quickly into the house to her room. She foraged through her bag for her notebook and then sat on the bed.

  The pen tapped on the page as she closed her eyes. Lord Jesus, help me list all the things I need to think about. Help me take control of my thoughts before they take control of me.

  The pen scribbled across the page and several minutes went by as Mia unloaded herself on paper. Dropping the pen she looked at the list.

  David’s declaration of love

  Mum’s suspicious death / Threats on my life / are they linked?

  Dad’s decision for Christ / my relationship with dad?

  Work – money

  Her eyes stilled on David’s declaration of love. Mia felt the words warm her and her lips curled.

  It had been five days since she’d spoken to David. What was she afraid of? Her heart skipp
ed and she sucked in her lower lip. She’d always believed she was not lovable, that there was something intrinsically wrong with her.

  Did she think that once David got to know her, he would reject her? Was that it? Was she unconsciously trying to protect herself from being hurt? If she always shunned the possibility of love for fear of being hurt, what would her life look like?

  A glimmer of light simmered within her as she allowed herself to hope for a love that never gave up, never let go.

  Mia’s lips formed the shape of an o as she realized this was the love Jesus had for her and more. If she was worthy of being loved by God, if he called her precious, daughter, child—then surely she was worth much.

  Nodding, Mia moved across the room to look in the mirror.

  “I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I have a future in Christ Jesus. I am restored.”

  Chapter 40

  Shuffling his feet, Jonathan waited for Robert to answer the door and smiled at his brother-in-law as he welcomed him.

  “Good to see you, Jon. Come in. Mia’s in the lounge—you know the way, go through.” Robert slapped him on the arm and turned to go to the kitchen.

  Jonathan watched him go in amazement. Lord, if I can be anything like that man I’d be satisfied.

  Mia sat with a book opened on her lap; her hands lay idly on top of the pages.

  Jonathan’s hand lifted to his heart. She looked like her mother, with the same wavy hair and complexion.

  His shoulders sagged as another young girl who had similar eyes flashed into his mind.

  “Hello, Mia,” he said softly and wondered what it would have been like if they’d had a normal relationship. Would she have greeted him with a kiss to the cheek? Would he have hugged her? He’d lost the right to act as a father to her.

  Robert called out asking Mia to help him with the tray.

  Jonathan joined in on the small talk as they sipped their drinks, his nerves rising.

  Mia placed her cup down noisily and turned to Robert.

  Robert nodded and left the room after smiling at Jonathan.