The Girl Who Never : A twisted crime

by HC Michaels

  “I hope so.” Logan ran a hand through his hair, wondering if it would be rude to take off his shirt. “I wanted to be there for Roberto. I confess I’m a little scared of Elvira, though.”

  Tessa seemed to find this amusing. “I didn’t realise you’d met her yet.”

  “I haven’t. Or Tino.” He grimaced. “I know it’s bad, but I’ve been holding back a bit. I don’t think they like me. I’m invading their territory. Even though they haven’t given their parents the time of day before now.”

  “They were the ones who left,” Tessa pointed out. “I’m pretty sure it’s Elvira who thinks her parents haven’t given her the time of day.”

  Logan thought about this. He hadn’t really looked at it that way before.

  “You’re right to be scared of her, though,” said Tessa, adjusting the strap on her sundress. “She can be a little abrupt at times.”

  Deciding he may as well make the most of the afternoon sun, he pulled off his shirt and tucked it behind his head as a pillow. “She probably thinks I’m trying to steal her inheritance.”

  “Are you?” Tessa sat up, her eyes darting to his chest then back up at his face.

  “Would I tell you if I were?” He raised a brow.

  Her eyes widened and he realised how bad this sounded. It’s true he’d borrowed a small sum that Roberto was now refusing to take back, but inheritance was a whole new level.

  “I’m joking.” He held up his palms. “I’m not the kind of person who’d go after things I’m not entitled to.”

  She nodded.

  “Do you like your job?” She shifted position, not seeming to be able to get herself comfortable around him.

  “I love it,” he said. “Why? Are you looking for work?”

  She shrugged. “Not really. But I do wonder sometimes if it’s time for me to move on for my current role. It looks like fun to work here.”

  “Don’t you have to go back to England?” he asked. “I thought they were pretty strict on visas.”

  “I have dual citizenship.” She waved her hand. “My Dad’s Australian. My brother and I were actually born here. Not that we can remember it. We’ve been living in London since we were young.”

  “In that case, I can ask around, if you like?” He didn’t mind the idea of her spending more time around here. In fact, it sounded quite good.

  “It’s okay,” she said, seeming to regret having opened up to him. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”

  “I won’t tell Scary Elvira.” He laughed. “So, what’s Tino like? Have you met him?”

  Tessa looked startled.

  “What did I say wrong?” he asked, wondering what could have provoked such a reaction.

  “We have…” She swallowed. “History.”

  “Oh.” He swung his legs off the lounge to face her. “Is that why you stood me up?”

  “Our plans weren’t definite!” She threw up her hands. “I told you I might have to work. And no, Tino has nothing to do with that. We’re finished.”

  He nodded, believing her. “So, what’s he like?”

  “I’d rather not talk about him if you don’t mind.” She crossed her arms, closing off not just the topic but her entire body to him.

  “Sorry.” He touched her on the arm, then stood. “I didn’t mean to pry.”

  She gave him an apologetic smile. “You don’t have to go.”

  “I have to get back to work,” he said. “It was nice seeing you again, Tessa.”

  “You, too. I’ll see if I can make it to the tavern tonight.” Her arms slowly uncrossed as she looked up at him.

  “I’d like that.” He left, remembering far too late that he’d forgotten to get her number.

  Paul watched Amelia fly into Tessa’s arms when they returned to the apartment.

  It worried him how much she loved Tessa. How would she react if Tessa were to leave their employment? She’d be devastated.

  It had been a long day for Amelia today. A long day for everyone. The boat ride home had been a very quiet one. They were all exhausted.

  He was just happy there’d been no major arguments. There had been potential for things to blow up a few times, but somehow, he’d managed to successfully deflect the conversation away from all those sensitive topics.

  Everyone knew what he was doing, of course, but he didn’t mind. As long as he didn’t have to hear them shouting at each other then he was happy.

  “I might go and check on Dad,” said Elvira.

  “But we just got back.” He frowned. He’d been hoping to convince her to go for a walk with just the two of them, instead of his usual run.

  He was proud of Elvira today. She’d done well. The speech she gave at the funeral must have been difficult for her, especially given most of what she’d said had been untrue. Well, maybe that was a bit harsh. It wasn’t untrue, more that she left so many things out. She was lying by omission. Not to say that wasn’t necessary. There was nothing to be solved by standing up after someone had died and speaking of everything they’d done to disappoint you. Some things were better left alone.

  “I heard Dad tell Tino that Logan was going to visit,” said Elvira, revealing the truth behind her intentions. “I want to meet this guy for myself.”

  “Do you want me to come with you?” he asked, curious about this mystery guy himself.

  She shrugged. “Sure.”

  Not quite the response he’d been hoping for…

  “I’m just going to take a quick shower first,” she said.

  “Okay.” He nodded, knowing she wouldn’t be quick. When it came to Elvira and warm water, she could take hours. At least she hadn’t said she was taking a bath.

  “How was the funeral?” asked Tessa, setting Amelia down on the floor.

  “It went well.” Paul sat down on the sofa and stretched out his legs. “As well as these things can go.”

  “How did Millie cope?” Tessa ran her fingers absentmindedly through Amelia’s hair.

  “She was a very good girl.” He smiled at his daughter, knowing she was listening. “It was hard for Elvira, though.”

  Tessa nodded. “When are you scattering the ashes?”

  “Tomorrow. Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that.” He picked at a loose thread on the cushion beside him.

  Tessa was shifting uneasily on her feet. She must’ve already figured out what he was about to ask.

  “Millie, why don’t you go and find me a book to read to you?” she suggested.

  Amelia smiled, then skipped off down the passageway.

  “Would you like Millie to stay behind with me?” Tessa raised her eyebrows hopefully.

  “Roberto wants her there.” He grimaced. “He was very insistent about it.”

  Tessa nodded.

  Paul took a deep breath, hating to ask her to do something she so obviously didn’t want to do. That really wasn’t a very good way for them to hang onto their nanny for the future. But what choice did he have?

  “Elvira and I spoke, and we wondered if you’d be able to come along on the boat with us tomorrow?” He smiled, trying to take the sting out of his request. “Just to help keep Millie out of Elvira’s way. She’s always so much calmer when you’re around.”

  Tessa winced.

  “I’ll make sure Tino won’t go near you,” he added, pushing away the image of that photo Elvira had shown him.

  “Does he know about this?” She crossed her arms.

  “It was his suggestion, actually.”

  Tessa looked genuinely surprised. Or horrified. He couldn’t tell which.

  “So, Elvira told you about…what happened in Greece?” Her cheeks flushed to a deep pink as she ran a hand down the length of her ponytail. She looked like a young girl.

  “She mentioned it, yes.” He nodded, trying to pretend this wasn’t a highly uncomfortable conversation, especially given he’d seen evidence of exactly how far things had gone between them. “Just that you met him in Mykonos and things didn’t work out so
well.”

  “I didn’t know who he was. I wouldn’t have gone near him if I knew.” She threw her hands out wide. “Is Elvira very upset with me?”

  “No, of course not,” he reassured, even though the opposite was true. “It’s Tino she’s upset with.”

  Tessa seemed relieved.

  “Can I ask you something?” Tessa chewed on her bottom lip, her fair complexion having returned to her cheeks.

  Amelia wailed from down the hallway, sending Tessa running to her. It wasn’t the kind of wail to be ignored. Paul jumped from the sofa and followed.

  She’d jammed her fingers in the bedroom door and Tessa was gently trying to prise them out.

  “It’s okay,” she said, over and over as Amelia’s hand came free.

  “What happened?” Elvira emerged from the bedroom, still dressed but her shirt unbuttoned to the waist.

  “Her fingers got stuck in the door. She’s okay,” said Tessa over the noise of Amelia’s tears as she rubbed her little hand.

  Elvira crouched down and pulled Amelia onto her lap.

  Amelia immediately wriggled free and wrapped her arms around Tessa’s neck.

  Tessa whispered something in her ear, which if Paul had to guess was an instruction for her to go to her mother.

  “No!” said Amelia, wrapping her arms around Tessa even more tightly.

  Elvira sighed. “Can you please watch her a little more closely in future? That could have been serious.”

  “It wasn’t Tessa’s fault,” said Paul, hating the pained expression Elvira’s words had put on Tessa’s face.

  “Did you speak to her about tomorrow?” Elvira asked, turning her glare to Paul.

  He nodded.

  “And it’s sorted?” She tapped her foot.

  He realised he never got beyond the actual asking part. Tessa hadn’t given him an answer.

  “It’s fine. I’ll come,” said Tessa, rubbing Amelia’s back. “Whatever you need.”

  “Excellent.” Elvira went back to the bedroom and closed the door.

  “Thank you,” Paul said to Tessa, embarrassed at his wife’s lack of manners. She didn’t do it on purpose, but that didn’t stop it from making him cringe.

  “You okay, Millie?” He patted his daughter on the head, his fingers tangling in her mass of curls.

  Amelia looked up at him with tear-stained eyes. “I’m okay, Daddy.”

  His heart melted, as it did every time she called him Daddy. He was so lucky to have this beautiful little girl in his life. God had really known what he was doing when he sent her to them. No matter what Elvira had to say about that to the contrary.

  “Would you like me to get her settled for bed?” asked Tessa. “Has she eaten?”

  “She’s eaten plenty today,” he said. “Mostly bread though, I’m afraid.”

  “Why don’t I cut you up an orange and we’ll gobble that up before your bath?” said Tessa, pulling Amelia to her feet. “Then we’ll find that book.”

  Amelia nodded. “Will it squirt in my eyes?”

  “Maybe this time it will squirt you up your nose.” Tessa laughed.

  Amelia seemed to decide this was the funniest thing she’d heard in her short life and giggled wildly.

  “You don’t mind watching Amelia tonight?” Paul asked. “You don’t have plans?”

  She shook her head. “I thought I did, but I'm pretty sure they’ve been cancelled.”

  He nodded even though he wasn’t sure what she meant.

  Amelia was still giggling as she selected an orange from the bowl of fruit, trying to decide which one had the most juice.

  They really were lucky to have found Tessa. She injected some much-needed fun into Amelia’s life. He didn’t imagine when Tessa was in Greece that Amelia had giggled with Elvira like this.

  When they got back to Melbourne, he was going to talk to Elvira about giving Tessa a pay rise. They needed to make sure she wasn’t thinking about leaving.

  It was hard enough living in a house with his and Elvira’s hearts so broken. He couldn’t stand to see Amelia’s heart break as well.

  Elvira gripped Paul’s hand as they went up the elevator to her father’s apartment, trying to draw the support out of him.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  She nodded, although she wasn’t sure that was correct. The shower had helped to wash away some of the stress of the day, but it had done nothing to cleanse the sense of sadness she felt. It was deep in her bones now and she knew when she got back to Melbourne, she was going to need to seek help.

  “Just back me up in there, okay?” she asked, hating that she felt she needed to.

  “Of course.” He looked at her strangely. “I don’t like the sound of this guy, either.”

  The lift doors opened, and Elvira marched toward her father’s apartment door and knocked.

  Tino opened it with a beer in his hand. His time of mourning clearly hadn’t lasted long.

  “My beloved sister.” He opened the door wider and stepped back. “And her beloved husband. Come in.”

  “Is he here?” Elvira whispered, as she passed him.

  Tino smirked as he nodded. “They’re out on the balcony. You know, he’s not such a bad guy.”

  Elvira wasn’t sure if Tino was trying to get a rise out of her, or if he was being serious. She let go of Paul’s hand and marched toward the balcony, shocked to find her father and Logan also with beers in their hands.

  “What is this?” she asked, stepping out onto the tiled floor. “Some kind of bachelor party?”

  Paul appeared behind her, also with a beer, still coated in condensation from the fridge.

  Bloody Tino!

  “Elvira.” Her father stood and put an arm around her. “This is Logan. It’s good you meet.”

  Elvira bristled under her father’s touch until she realised what the gesture was. Her father was proud to introduce her to his friend.

  “Hello, Logan,” she said, taking him in. She hadn’t expected him to be so handsome, but then again, most con men were, weren’t they?

  He stood and she blinked in surprise at how tall he was. Gosh, it was no wonder her mother had been taken in by him.

  But Elvira wouldn’t be.

  “Pleased to meet you.” Logan extended his hand and Elvira stared at it, not wanting to touch him.

  “Hi Logan,” said Paul, stepping forward and taking the handshake for her. “I’m Paul. Elvira’s husband.”

  Logan smiled to cover the awkwardness and Elvira shrank into her father’s side.

  Tino approached with an apple cider in his hand, which he held out for her.

  She took it with a frown. That was her favourite drink about a million years ago. Sweet that he’d remembered, but also annoying that he didn’t know she preferred a merlot these days.

  “Did you have a nice day?” Elvira took a sip of her drink and frowned at Logan.

  “I missed the ferry.” Logan sat back down and gestured for Elvira and Paul to take a seat in her own parents’ house, for crying out loud! “I’ve already apologised to Roberto.”

  “Roberto,” Elvira corrected, rolling the r’s.

  “Roberto.” Logan attempted to mimic her pronunciation, failing badly.

  Elvira had always loved her father’s name and how romantic it sounded. Not when it was butchered like that in a broad Australian accent.

  “Elvira,” her father complained. “I not care how he say my name, okay? Roberrrrto. Roberto. All same, same.”

  “I’m very sorry for your loss,” said Logan, looking between both Elvira and Paul.

  “Thank you,” said Paul, despite Elvira being fairly certain he felt no loss at all. “We’re sorry for your loss, too. I understand you were quite close to Carina.”

  Elvira gripped her cider so hard the glass was in danger of breaking. Really, Paul? That was his idea of backing her up?

  “She was a wonderful woman,” said Logan, his eyes filling with sadness. “It gets lonely living out here witho
ut family. She took me under her wing. And boy, could she cook! I think I put on at least five kilos since meeting Carina and Rob…errrto.”

  “Well, it looks like you’ll be losing the weight now,” said Elvira. “My dad can’t cook to save himself.”

  “Where do your parents live?” asked Paul, quickly.

  “What is this?” Tino shook his head. “An inquisition? Leave the poor guy alone.”

  “I don’t mind.” Logan smiled at Tino then turned to Paul. “My parents are no longer with us. But would you believe my grandparents were originally from Italy? My dad’s side of the family.”

  Elvira’s eyebrows shot up. “You don’t look Italian.”

  “I take more after my mum’s side in looks.” Logan nodded at her then shifted his focus back to Paul. “Tino tells me you work in IT.”

  Paul nodded enthusiastically and launched into a monologue about his boring job. Elvira stood and went inside to tip out this revolting cider and see what else her father had. This was just one big boys’ club! Why did men feel the need to talk about their jobs like that? Elvira had a job, too—one that paid more money than Paul’s—and had Logan asked her about that?

  Leaving the cider on the kitchen counter, she avoided looking at the staircase, still unable to bear the thought of her mum tumbling to her death. It made no sense that should ever have happened. The reality was that it probably never would.

  The plain metal urn that held her mother’s ashes caught her eye. It was on the coffee table, sitting innocently there like it didn’t hold the remains of the woman who’d been the glue between this entire family. Her father wasn’t the glue. He was more like sticky tape that had been pressed down and pulled up again too many times to be of much use to anyone.

  She went to it and hugged it to her chest, hating that she wished it had been her dad to fall instead. Actually, that’s not true. She wished it hadn’t been anyone.

  Unless it were Tino. Or maybe Logan. There were times when she wouldn’t have even minded if it were Paul.

  She looked out at the balcony. Her father was sitting loyally by Logan’s side with his beloved son across from him. Logan was staring at Tino with an enraptured look on his face while he told a story. Paul had fallen silent and was watching Elvira, his dark eyes filled with concern.