The Lie She Told: All Kate wanted was a peaceful life, all Ryan wanted to do was destroy it. (Thornes series Book 1)

by Catherine Yaffe

  THE LIE SHE TOLD

  By

  Catherine Yaffe

  Copyright © 2020 Catherine Yaffe

  The moral right of the author has been asserted.

  All right reserved.

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and intended by the author.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  ISBN-13:B08F9YZRW

  ISBN-10: B08BPJCV77

  For Mum and Dad, with love and gratitude

  1

  Leeds Magistrates Court 1998

  “This isn’t over, BITCH! I want my son,” shouted Darren as he was led away. He struggled against the restraints around his wrists and tried to pull away from the guards leading him from the courtroom but they were too strong for him, despite Darren’s huge frame. Spittle flew from his mouth as he continued his threats: face burning with rage.

  Kate stared at her ex-husband as he was led from the dock, before grabbing her bag and fleeing from the oppressive courtroom.

  “Kate, wait,” called DI Ziggy Thornes but Kate wasn’t stopping for anyone. Her desire to escape was all-encompassing, and drove her forward. Racing down the courthouse steps, she faltered for a second as she saw Ryan leaning against a plinth, cigarette hanging from the corner of his mouth. He casually waved but she ignored him.

  “Kate!” Ziggy was still chasing after her, urging her to stop or at least slow down but Kate continued on her way, ignoring the shouts. She hurried to the main road and jumped into the car that was waiting.

  Once inside she let out a deep breath. She turned to her son strapped into his booster seat. “You OK sunshine?” she asked, leaning through the gap and rubbing his leg. Joe nodded his head as he sucked furiously on the lollipop that was rammed firmly in his mouth.

  “Are you OK?” asked Fiona. Kate didn’t answer her sister immediately, not really sure what to say as Fiona pulled away from the kerb.

  Kate loosened the scrunchy that was holding back her unruly red hair and tried with little success to neaten it up. “I’m fine, I just need to get home.” Kate slumped down in her seat, breathing deeply in an attempt to calm her racing heartbeat and stop her hands from shaking.

  “So, what did he get?”

  “Four years.”

  “Shit, did you know?”

  Kate was instantly alert. “What do you mean ‘did I know’?”

  “That he would get that long?”

  Kate exhaled. “Oh right, yeah his solicitor said it might be longer though.”

  Fiona turned onto the ring road, heading towards North Leeds where Kate and Joe currently lived. “So, what happens now?”

  “I’m not sure. I need to get home. Ziggy is meeting me there.”

  With little traffic around, Fiona made the journey in no time and pulled up outside the two-bedroomed terrace that until recently had been home to Kate, Joe, and Darren. Fiona was shocked with how quickly events had progressed, but she fully understood Kate’s reasons for needing to leave.

  The three of them exited the car and made their way to the front door. Kate hesitated and turned to Fiona. “I think it’s best if we say goodbye now.”

  Fiona was taken aback. “Really? Don’t you want a hand?” She was reluctant to leave until she knew her younger sister and nephew were safe.

  “Yeah, honestly Fi. You’ve been brilliant and I can’t thank you enough but it’s for the best.” Kate was fiddling with the front door key, torn between wanting to enter the house and prolonging the goodbye to her sister. “Joe, give Aunty Fi a kiss, she has to go now.”

  Joe had been standing in the front yard, hopping from foot to foot. He was desperate for a wee, willing his mum to open the door. He stepped forward and threw his arms around his Aunt. Fiona leant down and kissed the top of his head whilst returning his cuddle.

  “Be a good boy for mummy OK?” She squeezed him a little tighter and Joe feared he would wee right there and then.

  “OK, I will.” He released himself from the bear hug and looked up at his mum. “I really need to pee.”

  Kate looked down at her son, smiled and opened the front door. Joe pushed past her and headed straight for the downstairs loo. She turned back to her sister. “Don’t cry Fi, if I start I’ll never stop.”

  Fiona shook her head and wiped her face with her coat sleeve. “Well I guess I’ll see you soon then?”

  “I’ll let you know when we’re settled.” Kate took a step forward and held onto her sister tightly not knowing when or if she would see her again. “Come on, go. You know we both hate goodbyes.” She playfully pushed Fiona away.

  “Please take care of yourself,” she whispered as she returned Kate’s hug then turned away.

  Kate pushed the front door open and stepped inside, closing it slowly behind her. The glass pendant light in the hallway flickered into life, illuminating the narrow corridor which housed myriad shoes and discarded coats. The house felt empty, lifeless. She walked down the hallway and trailed her hand along the flowered wallpaper. The smooth journey of her fingers along the wall was interrupted with the fist-sized hole that had torn the paper and dinted the plasterboard. She studied it, as though it was the first time she’d seen it, which of course it wasn’t. It had been there for the last seven months. A lifetime ago, she thought.

  “Mum, I’ve finished,” came a little voice from the end of the hallway.

  Before Kate had a chance to respond there was a loud banging on the front door. “Just a second sunshine.”

  “Kate? Kate, are you there?”

  Kate recognised the brusque voice and the slight Liverpudlian accent and threw the front door open. “Of course I’m here, where the hell else would I be?” Tension and stress spilled over into her voice. She took a step back, allowing the imposing figure to enter.

  “Mum, I’ve finished!” demanded Joe again. At the sound of her son’s voice she softened.

  “OK sunshine, wash your hands then.” She turned back to the visitor and gestured for him to enter, closing the front door behind him. Kate led the way into the kitchen.

  “We don’t have much time I’m afraid,” said Ziggy.

  “Yeah, I figured,” replied a resigned Kate as she leaned her back against the cool granite worktop. She hadn’t realised how clammy her hands were. The cool surface felt good, providing an anchor to reality. Having removed her coat and hung it on the back of a chair she tugged at either side of her woollen grey cardigan and wrapped it around herself, hoping to find a sense of comfort and security.

  “How long do we have?” she asked.

  “30 minutes.”

  “Oh wow, you’re kidding me right?” Her Yorkshire accent coming out stronger for some reason. She wanted to slam the brakes on this rollercoaster ride she had unwittingly boarded with her son. Everything she thought she knew, everything she had believed in had been tipped on its axis and if she wasn’t careful even the tiniest piece of control would escape her grasp.

  “Fraid not,” said Ziggy. “You’ll just have to grab the basics and replace the rest but it’s imperative that we get a move on. There’s a car waiting outside for you.”

  Joe, having wandered into the kitchen, looked up a
t his mummy. “Where are we going?” he asked.

  “Good question sunshine,” said Kate as she pulled him to her and held him tightly.

  2

  Gairloch, Spring 2000

  Kate waited at the community school gates for Joe to finish his day. She said hello to some of the other mums and looked for her son’s face which was always beaming at her as he ran across the playground. He’d started at the school a few months after the relocation and he had taken to it instantly, making new friends and had even starting to speak with a soft Scottish burr. His comfort in his new surroundings had gone a long way to helping Kate feel settled.

  “Look mum!” shouted Joe before he had even reached the gate. He was waving a piece of paper over his head and grinning like a Cheshire Cat. “Can I go, can I go?”

  “Whoa there, hang on a second.” She braced herself as he threw himself at her legs and thrust the paper into her hands. “Let me see it first.” She knew exactly what it was, it had been the talk of the school gate for about a week and she had also overheard conversations from the regulars in the cafe. The annual school day out to Applecross was due over the Easter holidays, and it was the highlight of the school year.

  “It’s a trip to Applecross. Can I go?” asked Joe excitedly.

  “Well, we’ll have to see won’t we?” Kate took hold of her son’s hand, knowing full well she would let him go but she couldn’t resist the urge to tease him.

  “Aww mum, see about what?” he said, dragging out the vowels. He pulled his hand away sulkily. “That means I can’t go,” he huffed.

  “Well, let’s see. Can you keep your bedroom tidy?”

  “Yes.”

  “What about helping out with the washing up?”

  “Yes.” His voice was rising an octave with every answer.

  “And what about helping Jack tidy the café?”

  “Oh yes, yes, yes. Please mum, please. I’ll never ask for anything ever...” He was practically begging her. She glanced down at the boy who was now walking backwards in front of her so he could see her face.

  “Hmm I’m not sure...” But she couldn’t keep it up and started laughing whilst she ruffled his hair. “Of course you can go, but you still have to do all those things I mentioned.”

  He almost tripped them both up as he crashed into her.

  “Steady on, you’ll have us both over.” She pulled him from her and took hold of his hand once more but he wriggled free.

  “Can I tell Jack?” he asked, already starting to break into a run.

  “Yes, but go carefully,” she called after him. As Joe shot off, Kate followed at a slower pace. She was more concerned about him tripping over his own feet than busy roads or stranger danger; everyone knew everyone else in the small coastal village. Smiling to herself, she took the short walk back to the café knowing that Jack would be waiting for his wee pal.

  Jack Bruce was the owner of the only café in Gairloch, a Lochside village in the Scottish Highlands. He had taken over the run-down building after the previous owners retired and although he wasn’t getting any younger, he hadn’t wanted to miss the opportunity of making a few pence for his own retirement fund. A couple of weeks after arriving in the village, Kate had spent an entire day knocking on doors at the few souvenir shops, the local pub and various tourist attractions in the area, hoping for a part-time position that would top up her savings. When she was exhausted and just about to give up, she sat on the bench overlooking the Loch, gazing out across the vast expanse. Jack had joined her on the bench and after a wee chat he had offered her a position in the café. It wasn’t much, he had said, but to Kate it meant everything. A few months later he had offered her the little flat above and she had snapped his hand off. It was small and needed updating but anything was better than their previous accommodation above The Old Inn pub.

  Now, with Jack’s health not being what it was, he had offered her the chance to take over the café full-time, on a profit-share basis. She had been beside herself and, much to Jack’s embarrassment, had kissed and hugged him every day for a week. He had sensed that Kate was looking for security and, having no children of his own, he had taken both her and Joe under his wing. With his guiding hand he had helped them settle into the rhythm of Highland life and now they were an integral part of the small community. Breathtakingly beautiful, the Lochside resort nestled on the banks of Loch Gairloch with natural sandy beaches and crystal blue waters. Kate had now lived there through every season. When they had first arrived it had been the depths of winter, infinitely bleak with persistent rain, snow and howling winds. Before spring had poked its head through the clouds Kate had been ready to quit. She had chosen Gairloch as she had fond memories of family caravan holidays spent there when she was younger. She figured it was far enough away to not attract any attention to herself but when she’d visited before it had been summer and she wasn’t quite prepared for the isolation of winter. As the surrounding mountains had woken from their winter sleep, Kate felt her spirits shifting with the weather. The gorse bushes bloomed with their spiky yellow flowers and as the purple heather sprang forward, ready to start its new life, Kate had a sense of synchronicity and decided to stick it out. Moving Joe again would be too much for him she had thought, and now she had the job and flat she could build on the foundations and create the secure, happy home that she had always yearned for.

  She caught up with Joe just as he was charging through the café door, nearly knocking one of the regulars off their feet.

  “Hey, hey, hey steady on there young man, where’s the fire?”

  “Sorry Mr Wheeler,” called Joe as he headed into the kitchen.

  Kate apologised, but Mr Wheeler brushed it off. “It’s nae bother hen, no harm done.”

  Kate shook her head and held the door open to let Mr Wheeler and his wife through. She followed Joe into the kitchen at the back of the café where Gill, the part-time chef, server and all-round life saver, was piling Joe’s plate full of sausage and chips.

  “There you go wean, go find yourself a seat.” Gill was used to Joe taking over the café after school and she always had a plate of food ready for him.

  “Thanks Gill, what would I do without you?” said Kate, shrugging out of her coat and back into her work apron. “Has it been busy?”

  “Steady away, Jack’s been busy with his measuring tape and doing a lot of tutting and sighing. What’s that all about?”

  Kate laughed. “I’ve given him a list of jobs that need doing. I don’t think he’s too happy about it.”

  “Ach, yes that will explain it. Giving the place a do over then?”

  “Just a minor one before it gets busy in the summer. A new coat of paint and repairs to the floor and kitchen units, nothing too drastic.”

  “This place hasn’t changed in years. You’re a breath of fresh air Kate.”

  Kate had built a good working relationship with Gill who was as much a part of the furniture as Jack. Gill had worked at the café on and off since Jack had taken over the place years before, and Kate appreciated her hard work. She could turn her hand to anything, and the regulars loved her. Plus, her homemade cakes were a sight and taste to behold. Kate walked out into the front of the café and sat opposite Joe whilst he tucked into his tea.

  The little chime above the entrance tinkled and Kate looked up to see Jack. She smiled affectionately as he ambled into the café, wrapped up in his heavy waxed coat, cap in place and feet firmly encased in all-weather boots. He was rarely seen in anything else, even in the summer. He removed his cap and unfastened his coat.

  “Now then,” he greeted Kate in his usual brusque way, and tickled Joe on the back of his neck. Joe didn’t look up from his plate of food. He sat in the chair next to Kate and nodded his head towards Joe. “Hungry as ever then? That boy’s got a fair appetite.”

  Kate smiled affectionately. “I know, I have no idea where he puts it all.”

  Jack, not being one for mixing his words got straight to the point with Kate.
“I’ve been doing a bit of measuring and weighing things up.”

  “OK,” said Kate, bracing herself in case Jack had had a change of heart.

  “There’s more to this DIY than meets the eye,” he explained. “If we’re going to do this then it needs to be done right.” He hesitated briefly whilst he rummaged in his pocket. He pulled out a scrap of paper that was covered with measurements and numbers. “So, I’ve had a word with Adam.” Adam was the local odd job man that Jack knew. “I’ve given him the list and he’s agreed to do the work.”

  Kate was taken aback. “Oh, OK, but won’t that cost money?” Though Jack wasn’t tight-fisted she didn’t want to see him out of pocket.

  Jack rubbed his hand across his wiry beard, once a fiery red but now heavily flecked with grey. Kate knew he always did this when he was thinking. “Aye, it will cost but will save you money in the long run and you’ll turn a profit quicker.”

  “But Jack, I can’t afford to pay for the work. I had planned on doing much of it myself, with your help of course.”

  “Nah, it’s too much lassie. I’ve agreed a deal with Adam and he’s starting on Monday.” Jack was very matter of fact and Kate knew better than to argue. When Jack made a decision he very rarely went back on it.

  “Oh right, that’s good then?”

  “Aye. Now that’s sorted can I throw this to-do list away?” He crumpled it in his hand.

  Kate laughed. “Yes of course, unless you want me to write you another one?”

  “Away with ya hen, I’ve enough to do without your lists.” He pushed back from the table. “Mighty Joe and I have things to do, isn’t that right wee man?”

  Joe took the last bite of his tea and nodded his head. “Aye.” ‘That Scottish accent,’ thought Kate.

  Joe left the table and followed Jack over to the huge windows at the front of the café that looked out onto the expanse of the Loch. He climbed onto the chair that Jack had pulled up for him and the two of them looked out with binoculars firmly in front of their eyes. Bird spotting had become a habit that the two of them enjoyed, and Jack encouraged Joe to keep a notebook full of the birds that they saw. Kate knew that they would be there until the light faded, so she left her seat and started to clear the tables.