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

  “Ach, he’s having a grand old time isn’t he?” she said as she sidled up to Kate.

  Kate laughed. “Hi Janice. Yes he is.” She stepped back from the swing now that Joe had a good rhythm going by himself. She folded her arms and walked back over to the bench, Janice following her.

  “How’s Jack doing?” she asked.

  “Oh, he’s doing great, thanks for asking.”

  “That’s good to hear. And are you busy in the café?”

  “It’s slowed down a bit now but it’s not too bad.” Kate wondered where this was going.

  “Ryan seems to spend a lot of time there.”

  ‘Bingo,’ thought Kate. “Yes, he’s been a great help.”

  “Shame he doesn’t spend as much time at the pub.”

  “Oh, I’m sure he’s there more often than not.” Kate refused to be drawn in.

  “Aye, well he only shows himself when he has to that’s for sure.” Janice was clearly pissed off with Ryan. “Take yesterday for instance. Off he’s gone for a few days, who knows where. I dare say Len would have a thing or two to say about it.”

  Kate’s ears pricked up at the mention of Len: another thing that had been on her mind. “Have you heard from Len?” Kate tried to keep her tone casual.

  “No, not a word. He’s staying with Molly by all accounts, Ryan’s sister in Inverness? I was only telling Jack the other day...”

  Kate interrupted. She’d heard of Molly but had never met her and she didn’t know that she lived in Inverness. A thought occurred to Kate. “I’m sorry Janice, I’ve just remembered we have to be somewhere.” She stood up and shouted to Joe that it was time to go. She could hear Janice mumbling something under her breath but she paid no attention to her. Grabbing a hold of Joe’s hand they headed for Jack’s cottage.

  She knocked on the door and tried the handle, it was open. “Jack?” she shouted as she and Joe entered. The living room was empty. “Jack?”

  Jack and Fiona came out of the kitchen, each holding a cup of tea.

  “Kate, what are you doing here? ” asked Jack.

  “I was just about to ask the same of Fiona,” replied Kate, mildly taken aback to see her sister here. She hadn’t mentioned it earlier.

  “Oh, I just popped in to check on him after I’d called at the shop.”

  Fiona looked flustered, and had always been a terrible liar. Kate decided to ask her about it later. Right now she wanted to tell Jack what she had found out. She shook her head, clearing her thoughts. “I’ve just seen nosey parker Janice at the park. She mentioned that Len was staying with his older daughter Molly in Inverness. For some reason it’s been stuck in my head that Len seems to have been out of the picture for a while. Do you know anything about it?”

  Nobody spoke. Fiona and Jack looked sideways at each other.

  Kate spotted it. “What’s going on?”

  Jack shifted uneasily in his seat, whilst Fiona went to sit on the sofa. “You’d better sit down.”

  Kate was completely confused but did as Fiona told her. “What is it? What’s happened?”

  Jack made a harrumphing sound in his throat, so Fiona took up the tale. “Jack and I were talking the other day, and as you know he’s had some trouble remembering things.”

  “Go on.” Kate was impatient to get to the point.

  “Well, he’s been making a list of the short memory bursts that he’s had and he shared it with me.”

  Kate looked incredulous. “Shared it with you? Why?” Sibling rivalry was never far from the surface. It always happened with Fiona and it infuriated Kate.

  Jack looked decidedly uncomfortable. “Now Kate, it’s nothing like that. Fiona just called in on a day when I wasn’t feeling my best and I thought if I shared some of the jigsaw pieces with someone it might help me.”

  “So go on then, what’s the big reveal?” Sarcasm dripped from Kate’s lips and somehow she just knew that this would end up all being Ryan’s fault.

  “Don’t be like that Kate. We’re just trying to help Jack get his memory back,” said Fiona in that patronising tone she used, noted Kate.

  “So where’s this list then?” she asked.

  “Joe, would you mind going into the kitchen and getting the piece of paper please?” asked Fiona. She could tell that Joe had picked up on the sudden change of atmosphere and didn’t want him upset by it. Joe did as he was told and passed the list to Kate. She read through it, and sure enough there was Ryan’s name.

  “Is someone going to explain this to me?”

  Between them, Fiona and Jack ran through each of the points and waited whilst Kate digested the information. “So what does this prove then?”

  “We’re not trying to prove or disprove anything. Jack is just trying to make sense of the memories.”

  “But why is Ryan’s name on there?”

  Jack spoke before Fiona had the chance to jump in. “I’m not sure but when I saw him the other day I had a sense of déjà vu and thought I’d add his name.” It even sounded lame to Jack. “But if, as you say, Len is staying with Molly then it makes sense for me to have gone there.”

  “Gone where?” asked Kate.

  “Inverness,” replied Jack.

  The room fell silent.

  “And did you see him? Len, I mean?” asked Kate.

  “I can’t remember, hen.” Jack looked defeated.

  “Well have you spoken to Molly and asked her?”

  It seemed so obvious but neither Jack nor Fiona had done so. “Jack, do you have Molly’s phone number?” asked Fiona.

  “No. Just an address that I got from Janice.”

  “Well surely Janice has her number?” ventured Fiona.

  “I don’t know. It’s all too confusing.”

  “Look, before we all get our wires crossed, why don’t we get Molly’s number and give her a ring? At least you can cross that off your list?” Fiona looked at Jack.

  Kate snorted. “Or maybe Fiona, we just call Ryan and ask him? Or did that not occur to you?” She knew she was being defensive but she was so annoyed at her older sister right now it was all she could do not to rip her head off.

  “Kate, don’t be like that. No one is blaming Ryan for anything.”

  “No, not yet but you would, wouldn’t you? Given the chance.”

  Joe looked up from the book he’d been reading at the change of tone in his mum’s voice.

  “Kate, I’m sorry but I’ve told you before, I don’t trust Ryan. I have no real idea why he’s even up here and don’t you think it’s all a bit strange that...”

  “Oh shut up Fiona. You just can’t help yourself, can you? Interfering in everyone’s business. Why can’t you see that for the first time in years I’m actually happy? I’ve built a new life for myself and Joe, and I’m finally happy. Why would you want to go and spoil that.” As Kate spoke she took a hold of Joe’s hand and headed for the door. “You’re here on MY invitation, and I knew it was a mistake.” Kate stepped onto the outside porch. “And as for you Jack, after all we’ve been through together and you go behind my back? Some friend you are.” And Kate slammed the door, hard, making the little door knocker shake on its fixings.

  39

  Kate stormed down the harbour path, heading back to the café. She was furious with Jack and Fiona. How dare they conspire against her, she fumed. What the hell had she ever done other than try and be happy. Tears of frustration ran down her cheeks, and she wiped them away.

  “What’s wrong mum?” asked Joe as he struggled to keep up with his mum’s rapid pace.

  “Nothing Joe, it’s fine. We just need to get back to the café.”

  “But why were you shouting at Aunty Fi and Jack?”

  “It’s grown-up stuff Joe, honestly and nothing for you to worry about.”

  “Was it about my dad?”

  Kate stopped in her tracks. “No. Why would you ask that?”

  Joe shrugged his shoulders. “Dunno, you just used that voice that you use when you and dad argue.” />
  Kate was floored. They might have been gone for two-and-a-half years but clearly the memories stayed with Joe. She knelt down so that they were eye to eye. “It wasn’t anything to do with Dad, and it’s not something that you need to worry about sunshine. It was just a silly argument, that’s all. ” She pulled him in close for a hug, guilt coursing through her body. She took his face in her hands and kissed him on the nose, much to Joe’s disgust.

  “Eeeew mum, that’s gross.” He wiped it away.

  Taking a hold of his hand, she carried on walking at a slower place. “Come on, let’s go see if Gill has any sausages left.”

  Once they were back at the café she left Joe in Gill’s care and headed up to the flat. Taking off her coat and boots, she flicked the kettle on and stood staring into space waiting for it to boil. She knew she had snapped at Fiona and Jack, but her emotions were riding high and her head was all over the place. She took a few deep breaths and closed her eyes, focusing on her breathing to calm her down.

  The door to the flat opened slowly, and Fiona walked in.

  “Kate, I...”

  “Don’t apologise Fiona, it’s fine.” Kate took a cup from the mug tree. “Want one?”

  “Erm... yes please. But look, I’d like to explain.”

  “There’s really no need.”

  “I don’t want you to think we were going behind your back, that’s all.”

  “Well you were a bit.”

  “Yes but not in the way you think. This isn’t about Ryan at all.”

  Kate turned from the worktop and looked at Fiona. She knew that as sisters they could be as stubborn as each other, and for Fiona to back down must mean that she felt bad about the fight. Kate had to confess that the last thing she wanted to do was fall out with anyone. She’d had enough of that in the past. “Look, we’re not two stroppy teenagers anymore so let’s sit down and talk it through cos I still don’t really understand what’s been going on if I’m honest.”

  The relief on Fiona’s face was evident, and it was all Kate could do not to laugh. A few years ago an argument would have ended in days of not speaking. She stepped forward and held out her arms. “Let’s not fall out, eh?” Fiona fell into her arms and they both laughed.

  Over several cups of tea and an unknown quantity of biscuits, Fiona started at the beginning and explained to Kate what Jack had found out. She didn’t hold back on her own feelings for Ryan, and was surprised when Kate didn’t respond as she would have expected.

  ‘Maybe little sis has grown up,’ she thought to herself and smiled.

  “So where does this leave us then? ” asked Kate.

  “I’m not sure. It might all be nothing. Until Ryan gets back there really isn’t much more we can do. I don’t want to go phoning his sister and worrying her unnecessarily.”

  “No,” said Kate, “I agree. I’ve tried Ryan on his mobile again but it’s still going to voicemail. He said he’d be a couple of days so if there’s still no word tomorrow I’ll go see Janice again and see if she had any other numbers for Ryan or Len.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Now, where’s that nephew of mine?” Fiona placed her cup on the coffee table and stood up.

  “Oh he’s filling his face with sausages I imagine.”

  “Right, well I’ll pop and see him and see if he wants to help me with that cake.”

  Kate took the cups into the kitchen and rinsed them off. She was glad she’d made it up with Fiona, and even though she still had lots of unanswered questions it felt good to know that she wasn’t on her own.

  Later that same night, Joe piled out of Fiona’s car and hurtled towards the Scout hut. Fiona watched him as he was greeted by his friends.

  “It’s Fiona isn’t it? Kate’s sister?”

  Fiona looked around. “Yes, that’s right.” She put out her hand towards the man who’d spoken to her. A rather tall, thin gentleman, he took it and they shook.

  “I’m Mr Wheeler. Temporary Cub leader and Kate’s friend.” He beamed at her, and Fiona wondered if there was anyone in Kate’s new life that didn’t give off a sense of belonging.

  “Oh, lovely to finally meet you. Joe talks about you all the time.”

  “Does he really? Well he’s a lovely wee chappy and me and the wife think the world of him, and Kate of course. Is she no here tonight?” He looked around the car park which was teeming with noisy young people.

  “No, she’s gone to see Jack so I volunteered to drop Joe off.”

  “How is Jack? Wasn’t he at the hospital today?”

  “Yes he was, he’s had the plaster taken off and just has a boot on now so he’s much happier. You were there when Kate found him weren’t you?”

  “Aye hen I was, dreadful business.”

  Just as Fiona was about to reply a shrill whistle was sounded behind her, making her jump.

  “Well, that’s my cue,” said Mr Wheeler. “Will you be picking him up?”

  “Yes, I would have thought so.” She looked round for Joe and spotted him lining up with his pals. “See you Joe, have fun.” She waved and climbed back into the car. She was still feeling guilty for the argument with Kate, even though they had made friends again. The last thing she wanted to do was upset her sister. Arriving at the café, she let herself into the flat and saw Kate was fast asleep on the sofa. Not wanting to disturb her, she went into the spare room and opened her book to read for a while. It was pleasant laid in the warmth, listening to the relentless wind and rain batter the window outside. She felt her eyes closing and dropped the book from her hand as she fell into a deep sleep.

  Both girls were rudely awakened by someone banging loudly on the door to the flat.

  ‘What the hell,”’ thought Fiona, rousing from her impromptu nap. She sat on the edge of the bed, shaking the sleep from her head.

  “Kate? Fiona?” It was Jack.

  “Yes, yes I’m here, hold on.”

  Kate opened the door just as Fiona walked out of her room.

  “What on earth is wrong?” asked Kate.

  Jack burst in the minute the door opened, hobbling on his boot. “Where’s Joe?” he demanded, clearly out of breath and agitated.

  Kate and Fiona looked at each other. “He’s at Cubs,” answered Fiona.

  “What time is it?” asked Kate, still disoriented from her sleep. Her head seemed to be full of fluff. She went into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of water.

  “Did you send Ryan to pick Joe up?” said Jack impatiently.

  Kate gulped the water down and scraped her hair back from her face into the scrunchy that she kept around her wrist. A few shakes of her head and the fog was clearing.

  “What? No!” She looked around for Fiona. “Fi?”

  “I’m just in the bathroom. Hang on.” They heard the chain flushing and Fiona came out, tucking her shirt into her jeans. “What is it?”

  “Ryan picked Joe up from Cubs,” said Jack.

  “What? But he’s not due to be picked up… Oh shit, what time is it?”

  “It’s 8:15pm.”

  “Oh shit, Kate. I’m so sorry I must have fallen asleep.”

  “But Ryan isn’t here.” Kate looked at Jack.

  “He wasn’t but he’s back and Mr Wheeler saw Joe climb into a car with Ryan.”

  “What? How do you know?” asked Fiona.

  “Mr Wheeler called in on his way home. He said that Fiona had dropped him off but Ryan turned up early and bundled Joe into the car before anyone had chance to say anything to him.”

  Kate was reeling. She pulled out a kitchen stool for support as she felt her legs buckling from underneath her. “But... what... I don’t understand.”

  “I’m worried Kate. If Ryan wasn’t supposed to be there and he hasn’t brought him home, where the hell is he?” Jack was pacing the best he could up and down the corridor. Kate had never seen him so fretful.

  Fiona stepped in. “Look, there may well be a very logical explanation. Kate, why don’t you try Ryan’s mobile?”

&
nbsp; Kate fumbled in her bag for her phone and dialled Ryan’s number. “Voicemail.”

  “Right,” said Fiona. “Is there a chance he could have taken him for a pizza of something?”

  “Not without checking with me first,” replied Kate.

  “Jack, did Mr Wheeler say anything else?”

  “He mentioned that Ryan was in a different car, a new-looking one. He thought it might have been an Audi but Ryan pulled off at such a speed no one managed to get a clear view.”

  Fiona ran her hands through her hair. “Right... right. Well let’s not panic just yet. Let’s give it some time and see if he brings him home.”

  It was clear that Jack didn’t agree with Fiona, and he didn’t hesitate in saying so. “I have a nasty feeling about this.”

  The three of them stood and looked at each other. Fiona broke the silence. “Do you think we should phone the police?”

  Kate immediately went on the defensive, “No, absolutely not.”

  “But Kate...”

  “No Fiona. I know you and Jack have some kind of conspiracy theory going on but not the police. No.”

  “It’s not a conspiracy theory Kate,” Jack spoke so quietly they barely heard him.

  “What was that?” she asked.

  “I think it was Ryan that pushed me down the cellar steps.”

  “What!” Kate was incredulous. “What the hell do you mean?”

  “I remembered last night. I didn’t want to believe it at first, but it was too detailed for me to have imagined it. When he slapped me on the back in the café the other day it triggered something in my head and I couldn’t let it go. I remembered that I’d been to Inverness to see Molly and Len but when I got there, Molly hadn’t seen Len. I hadn’t been home long when Ryan turned up at the door. Molly must have called the pub after I’d left and Ryan found out that I’d been to see her. He was threatening me and as I went into the kitchen to get something, he followed me. I opened the larder door to get the milk and that’s when he pushed me.”

  Kate and Fiona stood and stared at Jack in complete shock. Kate’s mind frantically ran through the scene that she had found when she had first discovered Jack; the second cup, the spilt milk. She started shaking and rubbed her eyes. Her left thumb and index finger pinched her forehead.