‘Certainly not. Everything was fine.’ He smiled but Julia had the impression it was less than genuine. It somehow missed his eyes. The man was certainly an enigma.
‘Good. Now, let’s get down to business.’
She listened to a string of plans he was making for developing properties in the area. It seemed he had acquired a large number of the houses and cottages in the road and was always expanding his holiday letting business.
‘I need to reorganise the lettings. A lot of changes will be happening soon. More developments in the pipeline’
‘Doesn’t that mean more staff?’
‘True, but, with the current state of unemployment, I can staff it a hundred times over. I’ve got a good team anyway. Minimum wages are no problem in Cornwall. People are glad of work at any price. I shall need you to make calls to various other agents and so on. We may even expand the website. Can you do things like that?’
‘I can try. I have done a bit but I’m probably out of date. I’m willing to learn though.’
‘Great.’ The conversation moved on to salary and working hours. He was not offering as much as she hoped but it would certainly be manageable. ‘I enjoyed last evening,’ he said finally.
‘So did I. Thank you again. I should have said it when I first came in.’
‘Perhaps we can do it again soon. To welcome you on board and become even better friends.’
‘Thanks. I’d like that. I assume you have no ties. Wife or anything?’
‘I have a number of friends. Females among them. Don’t worry, you won’t be treading on anyone’s toes.’
‘Good. I don’t like complications. Right then. I’ll leave you to it and see you next Monday. I assume you’ll break the news to Lucy? I somehow don’t think she will be very pleased.’
‘I’ll give her a payoff in lieu of notice, in a week or so. She’s getting married soon so no problems.’
‘All right then?’ Lucy asked as Julia left the office.
‘Fine thanks. Be seeing you.’
She left the building and drove back to the cottage. She would enjoy walking to work each morning. A stroll along the beach would be a great way to start the day. But for now, boring things like the washing needed her attention. Then she must make arrangements for her trip home. Once she began the new job, she would be too busy. She planned to call Ryan and see how the land lay with her father.
There you are, hanging out your washing. You’re not even aware I’m here, are you? Dark glasses, baseball cap pulled down. Just like anyone else sitting on the beach. You’d never pick me out from the crowd, even if you knew why I watching you so carefully.
Now I’ve got my orders to employ my special scare tactic on my new target … you … the job’s got interesting again. I’m getting remarkably good pay for this and luckily, it doesn’t bother me if it’s a bit dodgy. Don’t worry, girlie … I’ve got strict orders this time not be violent.
Like I said, the old lady was just a mistake. It was self-defence, I told the boss straight. Her fault entirely. If I hadn’t hit her, she’d have hit me. Then where would we all be, eh?
There’s plenty of access this time. This cottage is a dead easy target. There’s that side entrance, well hidden from the road. It’ll be a cinch to remove enough things to cause you massive aggro.
Even better, all the goodies I took have been kindly replaced by you and your brother. I could hardly miss all those boxes you brought back yesterday. Delighted to see it, I was.
And what a bit of luck that brother of yours has gone. That was a bonus for me. It’ll be so much easier to put the frighteners on you … all alone as you are. You won’t be there for much longer, I’m pretty sure. The boss should be well pleased. I’ll be getting the bonuses he promised very soon now. Then it’s sunshine all the way for me.
Chapter Seven
Ryan was reaching the end of his first day at his father’s company. It had gone without a hitch, though being in a relatively protected office environment, he had made little contact with the other workers. He liked it that way, though this was possibly just a temporary arrangement until his future was agreed. He wondered how Julia was managing on her own and more interestingly, how her dinner with Bryce had gone. He gave her a call.
‘I’m fine but thanks for worrying about me. And, I’ve got a job. PA to Bryce. The lovely Lucy isn’t thrilled but I expect it will work out. How was your day?’
‘Not bad actually. But I suspect I’m being broken in gently. Dad’s been sort of OK since I got back. Bit of tension but it’s all right. Sorry, hang on.’
Julia heard a door open and someone came into the room. She heard her father’s voice and hung up.
‘Are you speaking to your sister?’
‘Well, yes,’ Ryan admitted.
‘Give me your phone. I need a word.’ Helplessly, Ryan passed his phone to his father, knowing Julia would be furious.
‘Hello? Damn her. She’s hung up.’
He fiddled with the phone for a moment and found the number. He took out his own phone and copied the number with a cynical smirk on his face. ‘Nobody gets one over on me.’
He stormed out of the room and Ryan redialled immediately. The number was busy. His father must have dialled immediately. She would recognise the number and refuse to answer. He hated this antagonism. He hated the fact that he was forced to do what his father told him. He would not really have chosen to be here at all but would much prefer to be in Cornwall. He was simply not brave enough to follow his sister’s lead. He knew he could probably be happy with a simple life but his father’s hold over him was so much more than money. He sighed and tried Julia again. This time she answered.
‘Sorry about that, Sis. Dad came in and snatched the phone. What were you saying about a job?’
‘Working for Bryce. I start on Monday. The thing is, I need to come and collect some of my stuff. Clothes and things. Do you know what Dad’s plans are over the next few days?’
‘Does anyone ever know?’
‘He hasn’t said anything? Only I’d like to come up soon. Once I’m working, I’ll be tied to weekends only.’
‘I’ll see if I can find out and let you know. Any more dastardly goings on in Porth Bay?’
‘Not that I know of.’
‘Better go. I’ll text when I have any news. Bye.’
He closed his empty briefcase, a gift from his father and carried mainly for effect. The evening stretched ahead with nothing to interest him. There would be a meal provided by the temporary housekeeper his father had employed and stilted conversation with his father over the meal. Then he could escape to his room and watch television or maybe do some painting. Anything to avoid being alone with his father.
‘So, how is your sister planning to organise her life now?’ Gerard asked. Ryan frowned. Admitting he knew anything would be recognised as being in contact.
‘I expect she’ll manage. The cottage expenses for some time are taken care of with what Mum left us. She’s got a job.’
His father sneered. ‘Doubt she’ll stick at anything for long. She’ll come snivelling back when I stop her credit card next week.’
‘Is that really necessary? Strikes me as just being vindictive. I don’t think you really know your own daughter at all.’
‘You’d better behave yourself and watch what you say. You know what could happen if you cross me.’
‘Very well, Dad. But this isn’t going to last for the rest of my life, is it? You can’t hold things over me for ever.’
‘Depends how well you settle. I have to go away for a few days. Till the end of the week anyway. Conference that could be useful.’
‘Where’s that?’
‘Milan. Don’t worry. Mrs Jenkins will still be coming in here so you’ll get your meals organised. I’ll be leaving before eight tomorrow morning. Have to pick up my secretary on the way. She’ll be accompanying me, of course.’
‘That’s convenient for you.’
‘What do y
ou mean by that?’
‘Just that it’s convenient for you that she can get away so easily. She must have a very understanding husband.’
‘She knew the demands of the job when she took it.’ His father was brusque. Ryan gave a slight smirk. He knew exactly what the pretty blonde secretary meant to his father.
‘It’s an early flight from Heathrow.’
‘Fine.’
Ryan waited till his father left the room then quickly dialled Julia’s number. He passed on the information and she agreed to drive up to collect her things the following day. She would stay overnight and drive back the day after. That would give her ample time to collect everything she needed.
Ryan couldn’t avoid his father for the entire evening. Conversation was at best slow and at all times very difficult.
‘Settle down to working for me, my boy, and you could do well. I’ll put you in charge of a department. After all, you must have inherited some of my business acumen, even if it doesn’t show yet. And make sure you get a bit of a social life going. You’re far too reclusive. I’ve arranged a dinner party for Saturday evening. Jeremy’s daughter is coming, among the guests. She’s a lovely girl and has great prospects. You could do a lot worse than teaming up with her.’
Ryan looked uncomfortable. Apart from his sister, women terrified him. He never knew what to say or what was expected of him.
‘Right. I see,’ he mumbled.
‘Oh, for God’s sake. Don’t look like that. You look as if I’m offering you a jail sentence, instead of a pleasant social occasion.’
‘Sorry. I’m sure it will be fine.’
‘And if you speak to your sister again, you can tell her that I’m terminating her credit card from Monday onwards. She’d better buy anything she needs before then.’
‘I paid for all the replacement stuff for the cottage on my card. I suppose you’ll have to do an insurance claim. We’ve got all the receipts.’
‘When I get round to it. Don’t worry, I’ll pay off the cards this time. You’re earning for yourself now so that will be the end of that one too. Right, I have things to do. Goodnight, my boy.’
‘Goodnight, Dad.’
Saturday night would probably loom large in his thoughts for the next few days. If he didn’t make an effort to get on with Jeremy’s wretched daughter, his father would be taunting him about being gay. Maybe he was but he’d never dare admit it. Thank goodness Julia was coming back tomorrow. Maybe he’d try to talk to her about it. At least she was broad-minded. He mooched about for the rest of the evening, watching television and hoping he would soon find something interesting to occupy his life.
Work next day went smoothly. Without the threat of his father dropping by his office, he was more at ease and accomplished his tasks early. With the prospect of Julia’s company for the evening, he felt decidedly more cheerful. Just in case his father had delegated someone to spy on him, he stayed at his desk until the normal finishing time. He didn’t want the reputation of being the boss’s son who could get away with anything. He needed to build up his own reputation as a good worker, if only to show the other members of the company. Whatever he wanted from life eventually, this was just a means to an end. He had to find a way through the threats his father held over him and until then, it seemed he had to submit to Gerard’s demands in everything.
Julia was already home when he stopped outside. He was met by an angry Mrs Jenkins.
‘You might have told me there’ll be two for dinner. Mr Renton said nothing about Julia coming home.’
‘I’m sorry. I didn’t know myself till late yesterday. You’d left by then.’
‘Well, it’s not good enough. Taken for granted I am. Expected to put up with all the comings and goings around here without any warning or any consideration.’
‘Like I said, I’m sorry. We can always go out for dinner this evening then it won’t be a problem to you.’
‘But I’ve taken the trouble to prepare something for you.’
‘Then we’ll share it. Don’t worry.’
‘There isn’t enough for two.’
Ryan sighed. He really couldn’t care less about the wretched meal.
‘We’ll manage somehow,’ he said wearily. ‘Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to go and see my sister.’
‘I suppose you’ll manage to let me know your requirements for tomorrow?’ the woman muttered. ‘Or maybe someone else’ll turn up at the last minute.’
Ryan went upstairs, leaving her still grumbling.
‘Where are you, Jules? In your room?’ Ryan called.
‘Hi. Yes, come in.’ She was surrounded by the contents of her extensive wardrobe. ‘Just trying to decide how much I’ve got room for both in the car and at the cottage. Good to see you.’
‘Not exactly a long parting. How’s it going?’
‘Not bad. Gradually making plans and getting my life sorted.’
‘Dad said I had to tell you that he’s cancelling your credit card from next Monday. I’d suggest you make sure you’ve got everything you need before then. He’ll pay for this one anyway.’
‘Tempting. I’ll give it some thought. So how’s life at the factory?’
‘I’m closeted in an office. Largely doing admin and stuff. If I behave myself, I’ll be given a department of some sort. Seems very strange really. I’ve not got much inkling about what goes on there. Oh, I know he deals in electronics and manufactures various office appliances but that doesn’t account for everything. There’s a whole range of other things I’m not party to.’
‘He’s always played things close to his chest but he’s clearly making a packet. I suppose he has a companion for this trip away?’
‘The lovely Maisie of course.’
‘So, are we eating out this evening? Mrs Jenkins wasn’t too happy at my appearance.’
‘Think she’s busy dividing a solitary chop as we speak.’
The pair chatted as Julia packed as many of her clothes as she could carry. She updated him on the events at Porth Bay, Trengillyn particularly. She made him laugh about the expectations of her new role with Bryce.
‘Talk about nouveau riche. I’d love to know his background. I even wonder about his name. Bryce is hardly Cornish, is it? Doesn’t suit him. I shall enjoy probing his past a bit. Still, he seems to have done all right for himself. He must have a backer hiding away somewhere. He isn’t the sort to have family money and apparently, he owns half of the village. Watch this space. I’ll let you know if I find out anything interesting.’
Mrs Jenkins had produced a reasonable meal so they stayed home for the evening. Feeling relaxed after a bottle of decent wine from their father’s cellar, Julia broached the subject of her mother’s death.
‘Seems strange us being here on our own. Must be almost the first time without Mum or Dad. Was it very terrible at the end?’
‘I can’t talk about it, Jules. I’m sorry but I just can’t.’
His sister was anxious when she saw the effect her question had. Ryan went white and began to shake slightly. It was little more than a tremor but obviously she had raised a violent reaction from him.
‘I’m sorry. I thought you might be ready to tell me a little more. Not if it upsets you.’
He sat tight-lipped as if speaking might cause him to collapse into something he didn’t want to face.
‘Sorry,’ he muttered. ‘You want a brandy? I’m in need of one.’
He went to the drinks cabinet and poured a large measure each.
‘Ryan, you mustn’t blame yourself. I know it was terrible for you and I feel guilty as hell that I wasn’t here for you and Mum. But it’s in the past now.’ She paused, wanting to think of something to break the sudden tension. ‘So, have you got plans for the weekend? I assume Dad will be back from wherever he’s gone?’
‘Another dreaded daughter of someone being wheeled out for my approval. Jeremy something. This one would it seems, be a useful contact for me to “team up with”. Talk about dy
nastic marriages from the past. The old man is working on continuing the notion into the twenty-first century.’
‘She’s probably a delightful prospect for any man. Actually, I think I remember meeting Jeremy Williamson and his daughter. She is a nice girl. Bit young maybe but nice enough.’
‘I never know what to say to women. I even manage to blush when I talk to Mrs Jenkins.’
‘You’ve got to stop stressing over it, Ryan.’ She paused and stared at her brother’s unfathomable dark eyes. ‘Tell me to mind my own business but maybe you actually don’t like women much?’
‘What the Hell are you implying? Are you trying to say I might be gay?’
‘Well, maybe.’
‘How could you, Jules? How could you suggest that?’
‘What’s wrong with being gay?’
‘Everything. In this house, at least. You heard the way Dad went on. “Nancy boy” comments and stuff. Don’t ever mention it again, especially not in front of Dad.’
‘OK. Calm down. It was only a thought.’
‘Well forget it. I’m having another brandy.’
‘Pour one for me too. I suppose you have to work tomorrow?’
‘Of course. I’m not letting anyone think I have any sort of privileges. But you’re leaving tomorrow aren’t you?’
‘If you’re sure he’s not coming back tomorrow, I could stay on and leave Friday morning.’
‘Please yourself. He said Friday … at least I think he did. End of the week maybe.’
‘Crofters seems a million miles from here. I don’t think I’d better risk staying, in case he does come back earlier. I want to be well clear before he gets here. I’ll have to leave some stuff behind. I can’t fit everything into the car. Maybe you can bring it when you come down again?’
‘Tell me what you want and I’ll bring it. Might be a while, though. I suspect I’ll be kept pretty busy. Look, sorry if I ranted a bit. Sensitive subject.’
Julia stared at him but wisely made no further comment. She knew she was right. If her brother was gay, he hadn’t totally discovered it yet and certainly hadn’t come to terms with it. He was a seething mass of conflicts and his sensitive soul was torturing him on a whole raft of levels. She downed the last of her brandy and stood up.
Dangerous Secrets Page 7
