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

  She jumped up and down and cheered as Joe’s strike hit the back of the net and he was lifted onto the shoulders of his fellow teammates. She was so proud of how he’d coped with everything and relished the freedom that she was able to give him. There had been none of that down in Leeds. Darren had insisted on knowing where they both were, every minute of every day. Joe hadn’t had many friends, only his cousin Ted. Thinking of home made her realise, not for the first time, how much she missed Fiona. With only eighteen months’ age difference, they had always been close, and Fiona had been distraught when Kate left, even though she knew some of what Darren had put her through.

  ‘Maybe it’s time to reach out to her,’ thought Kate. They’d kept in touch with Christmas and birthday cards, and she knew Fiona would love to see them both again. Kate had hesitated in inviting her to stay until she felt herself and Joe were settled. Her thoughts were interrupted with an over-excited Joe, as he came tumbling over to her.

  “Can I have a drink please?”

  Kate passed him the bottle of water she kept in her bag. “Are you winning?”

  “Haven’t you been watching? We’re 3 nil up!”

  “Of course I’ve been watching. I saw your goal, well done,” she congratulated him.

  “Thanks,” said Joe, thrusting the water bottle back into her hand as he tore off down the pitch again. She felt a hand snake around her waist.

  “Oh hey, where have you been?” She turned and kissed Ryan.

  “Oh you know, out and about.” He returned the kiss half-heartedly.

  “What are you doing later? I was going to see if you fancied a trip to the cinema and maybe pizza after?”

  “Can’t tonight. Got plans.”

  “Oh, OK. Anything interesting?”

  Ryan tapped the side of his nose. Kate took that as the end of that conversation and knew not to ask any more.

  “Joe scored earlier. You should have seen it.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  Kate took her eyes from the pitch for a second and looked at Ryan, but he was busy with his phone. He waved Kate away as it started ringing.

  “Need to take this. See you later,” he said, turning his back and walking away.

  “Nice to see you too,” she called after him, laughing as he over-exaggerated blowing her kisses before climbing into his car.

  “Now then mate, how’s it going?”

  “Got a release date. Four weeks today.”

  “Good stuff. Plans are all coming along nicely here.”

  “Cool.”

  “And the money?”

  “As agreed. Paid on delivery.”

  “Sweet.”

  End call.

  21

  Jack waited at the bus stop for the 700 service to Inverness. It had been a long time since he’d used public transport, yet here he was using it twice in as many weeks. He had considered telling Kate where he was going but she was so prickly and defensive when it came to anything to do with Ryan that he had decided against it. He hadn’t been able to shift the niggling doubt he had about Len being discharged from hospital – he felt sure he would have heard from him. He’d managed to wheedle Molly’s address from Janice without giving anything away. She’d made it clear that Len was expected to return to the pub which only heightened Jack’s concerns. He had thought about phoning Molly, but he figured that if Len really was recuperating at Molly’s he’d kill two birds with one stone.

  As Jack boarded the bus he noticed it was practically empty, but he knew it would fill up as it made its way through Poolewe, Aultbea, Laide and Dingwall. It was a long trip, just over two hours so he knew he would be gone for the day. As he settled into his seat, he let his mind wander over recent events. He couldn’t understand why Kate couldn’t see Ryan for what he was; controlling and manipulative. He’d witnessed it first-hand with the way he spoke to Kate and some of the regulars in the café. At times it raised Jack’s hackles. Part of him thought it was Kate’s life to do with what she would, but he also knew Kate wasn’t a fool. Maybe he’d never understand women, he thought as he rifled through his pocket for a mint.

  When he finally disembarked at Inverness bus station, he checked the address that Janice had given him and figured it was close enough to walk. Thirty minutes later, much longer than he expected, he arrived at Annefield Road. He knocked on the door of number 21 and patiently waited. He looked around the neat suburban semi-detached, noting the well-kept gardens and hanging baskets. There was no car on the drive, and he began to wonder if anyone was home. He knocked again, hoping it wasn’t a wasted a trip. He’d considered phoning but what was he supposed to say? “Is your dad there?” What if he wasn’t? What if there was a perfectly simple explanation and he’d let his imagination run away with him.

  Finally, he saw someone approaching through the frosted glass panel. His heart began beating at an alarming rate. The door opened slightly and a harassed-looking middle-aged lady peered out.

  “Yes? Can I help you?”

  “Oh, hello. Sorry to bother you. You don’t know me... well you do but you might not remember...” Jack knew he was waffling. He hadn’t given a great deal of thought as to how he would explain his sudden appearance. The door began to close.

  “I don’t buy from the doorstep, sorry.”

  Jack thrust his arm forward and pushed the door gently back. “Sorry, this is about your dad, Len?” he blustered. The door opened fully as Molly looked at Jack askance.

  “My dad? Len? Is everything OK?”

  “Well, that’s why I’m here.” Jack took off his cap, sweat forming on his brow. He took his hanky out of his pocket and wiped his face. “I’ve made a bit of a hash of this. My name’s Jack Bruce, I run the Harbour Café in Gairloch…” He hoped the mention of his hometown would bring some recognition to Molly.

  “OK, and what’s that to do with my dad?”

  “Well...” Where to start? “I wonder if he’s still here? He was recently in hospital and I was led to believe he was recuperating with you?”

  “Sorry, I’m confused. Isn’t he at the pub?”

  “That’s just it, he isn’t there, but I know he’s been discharged from hospital.” Jack’s shirt was damp with sweat under his coat and having walked quite a way his knees were aching. Right on cue, Molly invited Jack in. He thanked Molly and followed her into the kitchen. It was as neat and tidy inside as it was outside. He could hear voices of children playing upstairs. Molly pulled out a chair for him to sit on, and he gratefully rested his legs.

  “Shall we start again?” asked Molly, busying herself with the kettle and cups.

  “Aye, that’s probably a good idea. I hadn’t really planned what I was going to say.”

  “Right, start at the beginning.” Molly joined him at the table and poured tea.

  Jack explained how he came to be there and his suspicions that all was not as it seemed with Len and Ryan. Even as he spoke the words, he knew he must sound like an hysterical old man.

  Molly was quiet whilst she digested the information. “Well I can tell you that dad was in hospital but only for five days. He discharged himself and headed back to the pub as far as I know. I did give him the option to recover here but he’s a worrier and insisted on going back to the pub. It was a while ago since I spoke to him, he’s a stubborn so and so and I figured that if he needed anything he would call. I have no idea why Janice would say he was here. I thought he was getting extra help whilst he was recovering.”

  “Janice can be a bit of gossip as you know, and Ryan has been helping out, but I just wondered if maybe there had been a change of plan.”

  Molly’s head lifted at the mention of her younger brother. “Ryan? What’s he got to do with any of this?”

  “Ryan showed up in the spring. He’s been running the pub, didn’t you know?”

  “I had no idea. I thought he was still in Leeds.”

  “Well that’s another reason for my concern. Ryan.”

  “Oh God, what’s he up to now?” />
  “To be honest, I’m not 100% certain, and forgive me, I know he’s your brother, but I just don’t trust him and I don’t think Len does either.”

  “Ha, you’re right not to. He leaves a trail of havoc behind him for everyone else to clear up.” Molly was shocked and concerned by Jack’s appearance. She too shared his worries about Ryan.

  “Jack, I’m sure there must be some simple explanation for all this. Let me speak to Janice and see if she says anything different.” Molly reached over for the handheld phone and walked into the hallway to make to the call. She returned a few minutes later, looking pale.

  “You were right, he’s no there.”

  “Do you have Ryan’s mobile number? He might tell you what’s going on?”

  “I’ve already tried it but it went to answerphone. I’ve left a message with Janice to get Ryan to ring me as soon as he returns. I’m not sure what more we can do.”

  “It’s all very strange I have to say. How can someone just disappear?”

  “Do you think we should just call the police?” asked Molly, voice full of concern.

  “Nah, I wouldn’t just yet. Let’s see if Ryan will tell you more than he told me.”

  “You’re right.” Molly stood up and rinsed the pots. “Will you stay for some lunch Jack?”

  Jack looked at the time and worked out he had a couple of hours before making the return journey so he said he would gladly stay. The children joined them at the table and they all spent an hour listening to Jack’s stories of their mum growing up in Gairloch.

  As 3pm approached he bid everyone farewell and thanked Molly for her hospitality. Walking back to the bus station he reflected on his conversation with Molly. He felt somewhat lifted that she had taken him seriously, and for the first time in days, the heavy weight he had been carrying, lifted off his shoulders slightly.

  22

  The whole trip had taken a lot out of Jack. By the time the bus pulled into Gairloch he was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to get back to his cottage and have a wee dram before heading to bed. He resolved to catch up with Kate the next morning, and share what he had learnt once he heard back from Molly.

  As he disembarked, pain shot through his arthritic legs and took his breath away. He leant against the wall, waiting for the pain to pass before setting off. Finally, he reached his front door and fumbled in his pocket for the key, and let himself in. After removing his coat and hanging it up, he made his way into the small living room and antique dark wood sideboard where he opened the liquor cabinet and poured himself a healthy measure of whisky. He slumped into his well-worn armchair and rested his feet on the foot stool. He closed his eyes and was just drifting off when there was a knock on his front door. Somewhat reluctantly he placed his glass on the side table and heaved himself up to see who was outside. Opening the door, he was taken aback to see Ryan Albright standing on his doorstep. Before Jack could say anything, Ryan pushed the old man backwards and walked into the house. Jack had just about recovered and pulled himself together when Ryan turned to speak to him. He was clearly angry. Ryan’s whole demeanour was intimidating.

  “Where are you been old man?” snarled Ryan, getting right up into Jack’s face.

  “Wh...What... I...” Jack stammered, trying to back away and put some space between himself and Ryan. He was right up against the living room wall and had nowhere to go. He could smell Ryan’s ashy breath he was that close.

  “Lost for words? You weren’t so dumbstruck earlier were you? ” Spittle landed on Jack’s face as it flew from Ryan’s mouth.

  “I...I...” Jack was really struggling and could feel adrenaline pumping through his veins.

  “Been to see our Molly, haven’t you? Concerned for Len by all accounts?” Though they were posed as questions it was clear that Ryan wasn’t looking for answers. Refusing to be bullied, Jack summoned his courage and pushed back at Ryan.

  “Aye, that’s right I did. Someone has to know where your dad is, that he’s gone missing.”

  “Gone missing? Ha, don’t make me laugh. Missing? Really? How did you get to that conclusion OLD MAN!” Ryan emphasised the words ‘old man’, lurching towards Jack again. Jack ducked out of his way and headed toward the galley kitchen.

  “Well where is he then?” Jack made a show of getting cups out of the cupboard and putting water in the kettle. He fumbled in the drawer for a knife or something to defend himself with.

  “It’s got nothing to do with you. You need to stop interfering in other people’s business. I thought I’d got the message through to you but clearly you can’t take a hint.” Ryan stood menacingly at the kitchen entrance.

  “You don’t scare me Ryan.”

  “Really? Why are you shaking then?”

  Jack ignored him and pushed Ryan to one side to enter the larder and retrieve the milk from the fridge. Ryan followed him into the narrow space. As Len straightened up, he was face to face with Ryan, and saw the gleam in his eye.

  Ryan started pushing Jack, poking him as he issued his threat. “Stay out of my business old man...”

  Jack stumbled backwards, foot slipping on the concrete floor. The steps leading down to the cellar were right behind him and one more push would send him flying. He dropped the carton of milk and lost his footing. His arms flailed wildly as he tried to grasp a hold of something to stop the fall. Ryan pushed him again, this time much harder. As Jack fell from the top step, he felt a kick in his ribs and knew he was hurtling downwards with no way of stopping himself. A scream escaped from his lips as his head bounced off the bottom step and landed with a dull thud.

  “FUCK!” shouted Ryan as he watched Jack’s body bounce from one step to the next before landing with a sickening crunch on the concrete floor. Ryan stood staring at the crumpled heap for a few seconds, with his hands on his head deciding what to do. He backed into the kitchen slowly and looked round him.

  “Shit, shit, shit,” he mumbled, spinning around as he took in his surroundings. “That wasn’t supposed to happen.”

  It had been an accident, he hadn’t meant to push Jack so hard. He didn’t even know the stairs were there. After pacing up and down for a couple of minutes he realised he would have to do damage limitation. Had he touched anything? Would anyone know he’d been there? He didn’t think so. He opened the front door and poked his head out, making sure no one was around to see him. He quickly closed the door behind him and headed back to The Kingfisher.

  ‘It had been his own fault,’ he reasoned as he sat on his bed. ‘If he hadn’t riled me so much it wouldn’t have happened.’ He stripped off his clothes and headed into the bathroom. ‘Well, at least he’s out of the way now.’ He had no idea if Jack was dead or alive, and didn’t care much either way. His plans were progressing and he almost had all the pieces in place. He stepped into the shower, washed his hair, and turned the temperature to freezing for the last thirty seconds. Walking back into the bedroom he reconciled himself with the fact that it had been an accident. The old boy could have fallen down those steps at any time. What mattered now was not letting on that he knew anything about it. He looked at himself in the mirror, adjusting the collar of his t-shirt and rubbing wax into his hair. Happy that he didn’t have ‘guilty’ written all over his face, he went downstairs into the bar.

  23

  “Nice of you to show your face,” commented Janice as she served the punters.

  “Mind your own,” he snapped back, taking a tumbler, and helping himself to a whisky from the optics.

  The bar was busy, but last orders were being called in an hour. He moved to a corner of the bar and stood people-watching. Janice was full of herself; chatting to the regulars, flirting with anyone that gave her the time of day. It made his skin crawl. He had to keep her sweet, knowing that she’d spoken to Molly earlier. He’d already warned her about keeping her nose out of family business but she never listened.

  Janice called last orders and thirty minutes later the bar was empty. She walked round the empt
y tables collecting the ashtrays and empty glasses, and wiping the tables.

  “How’s Molly doing then?” she called out as Ryan loaded the pot washer, clearly fishing for gossip.

  “Fine as far as I know.” His response was short and terse, hoping to discourage her from asking any more.

  “And your dad, how’s he getting on? He’s staying with her isn’t he?” She knew damn well he wasn’t, but he had no idea exactly what Molly had said to her.

  “Why don’t you call it a night Janice? I’ll finish up here.”

  Janice looked at Ryan and did a double take. Ryan never closed up but she wasn’t about to turn down the chance of an early finish. Ryan called her a cab and waved her off, relieved to see the back of her. After locking the front doors, he made his way through to the back and down the dirt trail leading to the barn.

  Len felt woozy and wondered what had woken him. He slowly opened his eyes, blinking as they adjusted to the light. It was dark and there was a constant cold draft that blew right through the barn. He shivered and felt something being pushed against his lips. As his vision became sharper, he saw Ryan leaning over him. He ripped the tape from his mouth and forced water down his throat. Len started to choke. Every cough sent his body into spasms, and he threw up any liquid as it reached his stomach. The water was taken away and he heard a laugh from somewhere in the barn. He blinked again rapidly and tried to move but it was hopeless.