“Tell me everything,” said Fiona, assessing her sister and noticing how much weight she seemed to have lost. “See you’ve still not tamed that hair.”
Kate smiled and ran a self-conscious hand over her red curls. “No chance of that up here, the weather plays havoc with it.”
“So come on, how is everything?” asked Fiona again.
“Oh it’s just perfect Fi. Joe is completely happy, Jack has been such a good friend and I finally feel settled.” Kate adjusted herself on the sofa so that she was facing her sister.
Fiona was grinning. “That’s so good to hear. I know we write and phone but it’s not the same is it?”
“No. I’m so glad you came, and I’m sorry I haven’t asked you before. It just never seemed the right time.”
“Hey. It’s OK.” Fiona patted Kate’s leg. “I get it. Don’t apologise.” She took a sip of her tea and realised that Kate was holding something back. “So who’s the one that’s put the twinkle in your eye?”
Kate blushed. She hadn’t wanted to let Fiona know about Ryan straight away. She had never told her about her fling with him, and thanks to Ryan’s reputation in Leeds she wasn’t sure what Fiona knew about him. “Oh there’s plenty of time for that. How long are you staying?” she asked, deflecting the question.
“Not sure. I’d planned a week or so but to be honest there’s not much going on at Uni until the new year so I can stay longer if you need me.”
“How’s the studying going?” Fiona had qualified as a nurse years ago and had recently decided to study further and specialise in Pediatrics.
“Yeah fine, wish I’d have done it years ago but you know how it is. But I don’t want to talk about me, what’s your news? How’s Jack?” Kate had told Fiona about Jack’s accident the other day and although they had never met, Fiona knew what Jack meant to Kate and Joe and was shocked to hear about his fall.
“He’s home, so that’s something but he still has no memory of the fall.”
“That’s understandable, it will come back in time,” said Fiona, reassuringly. Joe came tearing into the room clutching his artwork books.
“Aunty Fi, do you want to see my drawings?” He plonked himself in between them on the sofa.
“Of course I do.”
Joe opened his books and introduced each drawing with a detailed explanation of what each bird was and where it lived and Kate knew he would ramble on for hours if she let him.
“Joe, Aunty Fi might be tired after her long drive. Why don’t you leave it until later? ”
Joe looked sloughed.
“No, honestly it’s fine Kate, I’d love to see them. They’re really very good.” Joe had developed a close eye for detail and it came out in his pencil drawings. His schoolteacher had even suggested that he sell them in the café, something Kate wasn’t too keen on, thinking it might be a distraction from the rest of his school work.
She left them to catch up and headed back down to the café. She felt guilty at throwing Mairee in at the deep end but she seemed to have coped well and Gill had no complaints.
“Gosh, doesn’t your sister look like you?” commented Mairee as she cleared tables.
“Haha, yes it has been said. I got the curly hair from dad though.” She helped her carry the full trays into the kitchen. It had quietened down somewhat so she took the chance to have a quick chat with Mairee.
“How are you settling in? I’m sorry I haven’t been around much.”
“Ach, it’s no bother. Gill’s been great and I think I’m doing OK?”
“Oh yes, I’m delighted to be honest. Gill?”
Gill looked up from the bread she was currently making. “Aye, you’ll do far me lassie.”
“That’s great then Mairee, as long as nothing is bothering you?”
Both women went silent and started making themselves busy with other things. Kate picked up on the atmosphere straight away. “What is it?”
Gill spoke. “It’s probably nothing, and I really hate to bother you with it.” She fidgeted awkwardly with some dough that was stuck to her fingers.
“Go on.” Kate folded her arms across her chest as she braced herself.
“It’s just that the till’s been a wee bit short a couple of times.”
“The till?”
“Aye. I’ve been doing the cashing up and on the odd occasion it’s been anywhere between ten pounds and fifty pounds short,” Gill said, almost apologetically.
“But how?”
“No idea. As you know it’s been me and Mairee most days recently and I know it’s not either of us.”
“Hmm, that’s interesting. Leave it with me and let me have a think. I know I haven’t touched it, and Jack’s been off the scene. How odd. You’re sure it’s not just a miscount?”
“Certain,” said Gill.
Kate didn’t know what to say. How could the till be short? She thought fleetingly of the trouble with Joe and money missing at school but quickly dismissed it as Ryan had solved that mystery.
“Can you make a note of the days you’ve noticed and keep a track if it happens again? One of the regulars might be helping themselves.”
“Aye, maybe so.” Gill didn’t sound convinced, but Kate was the boss.
Having finished the tidying up and seeing the last of the customers out of the door, Kate called it a day and sent the two women home. She was just about to head upstairs when there was a tapping on the window. She turned to see Mairee waving at her.
She unlocked the door and let her back in. “What did you forget?” laughed Kate, but she quickly saw that Mairee was close to tears. “Oh goodness, what’s wrong?” Kate guided her to a chair.
“I didn’t want to say anything when Gill was there, but I think I know who’s been taking the money.”
Kate was taken aback. “Really? Who?”
“Promise not to go mad?”
“Mairee, when have I ever gone mad, at you or anyone for that matter?”
“It’s Ryan.” The words came out in a rush, and Mairee looked up at Kate warily.
“Ryan!”
Mairee nodded.
“Oh, I think you’re mistaken Mairee. Why would Ryan take from the till?”
“I noticed the days that money was going missing seemed to be when he was either helping out in the café or keeping an eye on Joe. I didn’t want to get the blame, what with being new and everything so I kept watch and a couple of times I saw him help himself.” She started crying. “I’m really sorry.”
Kate was shocked, certain that Mairee was wrong. “What are you sorry for?”
“He caught me watching him and threatened me if I said anything to you.”
“Threatened you? Don’t be ridiculous.”
More tears. “Oh gosh, I shouldn’t have said anything. I just thought you should know that’s all.”
Kate was stunned into silence. She let the news wash over her for a minute or two, then pulled out a tissue for Mairee. “Look, I appreciate your honesty, really I do but I’m sure there’s some misunderstanding. Let me talk to Ry...”
“No! You can’t!” Mairee bolted up out of her seat. “He’ll get me sacked and I really need this job.”
Kate stood and went over to her employee. “Come on, calm down. There’s only me that can sack you, and until I’ve looked into it you’re going nowhere, trust me.”
“Oh Kate, I am sorry.”
“Now stop that. It’s important I know but I still think there must be a mix-up so leave it with me and I’ll look into it, without a word to Ryan. I promise.”
Once Mairee had calmed down, and after several more assurances from Kate she finally left and Kate locked up behind her.
Thank God she had a bottle of wine chilling in the fridge –- she needed it.
33
“Is that release date definite?” asked Ryan.
“Yeah, why?”
“We need to pull plans forward.”
“And how do you suggest we do that?”
�
��I don’t fucking know, it’s your kid. You work something out.”
“You’ve fucked up haven’t you?”
“No. I’ve just got better things to do than sit in the arse end of nowhere waiting for you to get out of fucking prison.”
“What have you done?”
“Nothing! I’ve told you.”
“For God’s sake. You had one job. How could you have possibly screwed it up?”
“I’ve told you. I haven’t. I just need to move on with my life.”
“If you bail now you’ll not get a fucking penny from me.”
“I’m not bailing. Just want it done sooner, that’s all.”
“Yeah well, it is what it is.”
“Christ I wish I’d never got into this.”
“Yeah? Well I’m wishing I’d never fucking met you.”
Ryan jabbed the disconnect button and swore loudly. Two more frigging weeks. Everything was such a mess. God knows what was happening with Jack. He hadn’t seen him yet, avoiding him at all costs. His own father was falling apart in front of his eyes, and if he had to spend any more time with Janice he wouldn’t be responsible for his actions. ‘Scratch that,’ he thought. ‘I’m in enough shit.’
He had been stood outside, at the back of the pub, somewhere he seemed to be a lot recently. Between the pub, the barn, and the café he wondered why he ever thought the plan was a good idea. All for ten grand. Sure, it would buy him a plane ticket out of there but the stakes had become too high. He had to figure out a way of restoring some order, some kind of calm, but he was damned if he knew how.
34
Jack reached for his crutches and heaved himself off the couch. Tired of being stuck indoors he decided to try and make his way to the café. Stepping outside, he was pleased to see that although there was an autumn chill in the air, the day had been blessed with sunshine. It felt good being out in the bracing fresh air, and it reaffirmed his determination to make the short walk. He felt much better; stronger inside and out. The bruising had finally faded and his ribs had settled, unless he moved too quickly. He was even getting to be a dab hand on his sticks though he had high hopes that from tomorrow they would be a thing of the past. The journey would have been much quicker but for the few friends he bumped into wishing him well. The small community had really pulled together and Jack would be eternally grateful.
Having finally arrived, he pushed opened the door, the familiar jingling of the bell letting everyone know he’d arrived. He was greeted with calls of hello and very nearly landed on his back when Joe spotted him and hurled himself at his legs.
“Steady on there wee man,” Jack laughed, thrilled to see his wee pal again. Joe went bounding off towards the kitchen, no doubt to let his mum know that he was there. Sure enough, Kate came out of the kitchen wiping her hands on her apron.
“Jack! How did you get here?” She was grinning from ear to ear.
“I walked. Well, limped anyway.” He sat gratefully in the chair Kate had pulled out for him.
“You must be exhausted. You’re supposed to be resting,” she scolded, but was secretly thrilled to see her old friend up and about. “Here, let me fetch you a cup of tea.”
As Kate hurried off, Joe came over to inspect Jack’s plaster cast leg. “Does it hurt?” He asked with the morbid curiosity of a nearly eight-year-old.
“Not anymore but it itches like crazy.”
“How long is it on for?”
“Not much longer, I hope. Back at the hospital tomorrow so keep your fingers crossed.”
“Do you get to keep the plaster?”
Kate came back over with the tea. “Joe, that’s gross. No he doesn’t.”
Joe looked suitably wounded and sat beside Jack. “Will your leg look funny? Henry in my class broke his leg and it looked weird afterwards.”
Jack laughed and ruffled the boy’s hair, “I have no idea.”
“Joe, why don’t you go and let Aunty Fiona know that Jack’s here. I’m sure she’d love to meet him.”
Joe went tearing off so Kate joined Jack at the table.
“Fiona?”
“Yes. I haven’t had chance to tell you but my sister has come to stay for a while.”
“Oh aye, I remember you talking about her. That must be nice?”
“It is. I haven’t seen her for so long so we’ve had lots of catching up to do.”
Fiona came down the stairs with Joe tugging on her arm. “This is Jack.”
The three adults laughed and exchanged greetings. “It’s nice to finally meet some of Kate’s family.”
“I know, but it had to be the right time for Kate,” answered Fiona, instantly warming to the old man. “Besides, you seem to have taken good care of her and Joe anyway.”
Jack blushed. “Nah, it’s a pleasure.” He took a sip of tea as the café door opened. He looked up to see who had walked in and felt the blood drain from his face. He didn’t need anyone to tell him who it was.
“Ryan!” shouted Joe as he rushed up to greet him. He took a hold of Ryan’s hand and pulled him over to the table. “Look who’s here,” he announced, clearly pleased that all his favourite people were together.
Ryan nodded a hello to everyone and Kate did the introductions.
“Your sister? Now that’s a surprise,” he said.
Fiona felt uncomfortable as Ryan stared down at her. She stood so that they were almost eye to eye. “Nice to meet you Ryan, I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“All good I hope?”
“Maybe,” she answered. Turning her back, she bent down to speak to Joe. “Why don’t we go and get your drawing book so you can show Jack your artwork?”
Joe scuttled off, Fiona following. Ryan turned to Jack.
“Now then old man. How are you?” Ryan sat in the vacant chair opposite Jack.
Jack struggled to find his voice, but eventually managed a weak “Fine.” Although his memory was still shot from the accident he would have known Ryan anywhere. No one had ever instilled the sense of unease and nervousness that Jack felt the moment he had seen him. He stared into his cup of tea, avoiding eye contact.
“How’s the leg?”
“Fine.”
“Not up to speaking, old man?”
It was that phrase: old man. Jack had always found it patronising but when Ryan said it, it seemed to take on a new meaning; belittling, sarcastic, nasty. He ignored Ryan’s question, judging that it wasn’t actually a question at all.
Ryan pushed his chair back without saying anything and walked into the kitchen to see Kate. Lost in a world of confused thoughts, Jack was snapped out of his reverie when he felt a heavy slap on his shoulder.
“Right. I’m off old man. Places to go, people to see.” He leaned into Jack’s ear, “Take care of yourself, eh? Try not to have any more accidents.”
Jack exhaled as the café door slammed shut. He wiped the back of his hand across his mouth, feeling sweat on his upper lip. He took his handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped his face. His heart was still racing. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to regain his composure. There was something familiar about that slap on the back. It jolted something in Jack’s memory, but it was just out of grasp. It had been so heavy it had pushed him forward. His stomach flipped as he saw himself falling down the cellar steps.
‘Could it be... no, surely not. Why would he? He’d never done anything to Ryan. He barely even knew him, so why would he?’
35
As Jack recovered his thoughts, Fiona came and sat alongside him.
“Are you alright Jack? You look pale.”
“Aye lassie, I’m fine.” He wiped his face again and tried to still his shaking hands.
“Perhaps the walk was a bit too much for you?”
“Aye. Maybe.” Jack sat back and tried to focus. “So how long are you here for?”
“Not sure to be honest. As long as Kate needs me I guess.”
At the mention of her name, Kate, who had been taking orders, joined them at
the table. “Talking about me?” she asked jovially until she saw Jack’s face. “Are you OK?”
“I’m fine, stop fussing.” Jack still hadn’t recovered fully and hated looking weak in front of Kate. He couldn’t even begin to put into words the effect that seeing Ryan had had on him. He put his hand in his jacket pocket and felt the note that he had wanted to share with Kate. He wondered now if it was the right thing to do, but he had so many unanswered questions.
Knowing Jack, she moved the conversation on. “Ryan just came by to let me know he was away for a couple of days.”
“You never mentioned he was up here.” Fiona raised her eyebrows at Kate.
“Oh, I’ll tell you all about it later Fi. Not that there’s much to tell.”
“Hmm, OK.” Fi was skeptical. She’d seen the look on her sister’s face as he’d walked in. She’d noticed Jack’s reaction too. “Look, Jack would you like me to take you home?” asked Fiona.
“Aye, that’s no a bad idea hen.” Jack fumbled for his sticks.
Once they had said their goodbyes, Fiona led the way to her car and had Jack back at home, in his favourite chair, in no time. Though he was loathe to admit it, the walk had been too much. Fiona didn’t want to leave Kate’s friend until she knew he was going to be alright.
“That better?” she asked, pulling his footstool over so he could rest his leg.
“Aye. Not as young as I used to be.”
“Ah, no shame in needing help from time to time, Jack.” Fiona sat on the edge of the sofa. “Jack, could I ask you something, if you’re feeling up to it?”
“Sure hen, fire away but how about a wee dram first eh?”
Fiona laughed. ‘He wasn’t that tired then.’ She took a tumbler from the sideboard and Jack directed her to the liquor cabinet.
“So, how can I help you?” he asked, taking a sip and relaxing back.
The Lie She Told: All Kate wanted was a peaceful life, all Ryan wanted to do was destroy it. (Thornes series Book 1) Page 13
