Rosie sighed. ‘If I’m not allowed out with Brad, how am I going to get to know him? From the way Dad was talking, he intends to be there with us all the time.’
‘That is so un-cool.’ Casey traced a pattern in the carpet several times, then said slowly, ‘We need to get cunning.’
‘We?’
Casey rolled over and looked up at her. ‘Well, you can’t do it on your own, can you? How about you and I pretend to go to the cinema tomorrow evening, but only I go and you take off with this Brad guy for an hour or two?’
She considered that, head on one side, then shook her head. ‘I don’t like to lie to Mum and I don’t want to get you into trouble. And if they found out, they might stop me seeing him ever again. But I think what Dad’s done is wrong. In fact, it stinks.’
‘Mum and Dad have quarrelled a few times lately.’
Rosie sighed. ‘I’ve caused some of that.’
‘I think it’s mainly because Dad’s so upset about losing his job.’
She looked at him with tears in her eyes. ‘I don’t know what to do, Casey.’
‘Me neither. We’ll have to think of something.’
‘Like what?’
He shrugged, gave her one of his wordless hugs, muttered something about ‘science project’ then walked out without looking at her again. He always did that after he’d hugged her, as if he was embarrassed by what he’d done. She smiled. He was OK, Casey was. Not like some younger brothers.
But her smile soon faded. This wasn’t working out as she’d hoped. Only – she couldn’t abandon Brad, she just couldn’t.
Why was Dad acting as if he was the only person who mattered in the world? She was disappointed in him. Very.
* * *
Jane went to the Women’s Wellness Centre. There was a meditation class starting that evening. She’d decided to give it a miss so she could be at home for Stu. Only if he was going to act like this, picking on poor Rosie, questioning Jane’s loyalty to him, not to mention drowning his sorrows in drink, she needed to escape and do something for herself now and then.
She was a bit early, so registered for the class and went to wait in the big room at the rear. There was another woman sitting there and Jane introduced herself. The woman looked at her as if she didn’t understand English then gave a little gasp.
‘Oh, sorry. I was miles away. I’m Peggy. Have you – um – done this before?’
‘No, but I’ve always wanted to. I’m hoping it’ll have a calming effect because my husband is being an unreasonable sod at the moment.’
The other woman stared at her, then said in a near whisper, ‘So is mine. I’ve just left him.’
‘That must be hard. Mine’s not that bad, but I have to get out of the house for a bit. I’ll be glad when he’s over this bad patch at work.’
Two other women came in then and there was no more time for confidences. But Jane found Peggy staying near her, looking so nervous that the instructor assured them all she’d never killed a student yet.
In the event, it was a very pleasant hour, soothing and relaxing, just as she’d hoped.
When it was over Jane smiled at Peggy. ‘They’re holding the classes twice a week. I think I’m going to come to both. Are you?’
‘Yes. Well, I think so. I’m not sure what’ll be happening.’
Jane had heard other women dither like that. ‘It’s up to you to make things happen, Peggy. Now that I’ve calmed down I’m going home to have a nice big row with my husband. I’m not putting up with his bad temper without making a protest or two of my own.’
But when she got home, she found Stu asleep in the den, an empty wine bottle beside him. If he wanted to booze, he could just stay there and live with the consequences tomorrow. She hoped he would have a very bad hangover.
She went to see the kids and found Rosie asleep with tear stains on her cheeks and a half-eaten sandwich on a plate beside her.
When she peered into Casey’s room he was playing some game or other on his computer.
‘Where’d you go, Mum?’
‘To a meditation class. Did you get something to eat?’
‘I did, but Rosie wasn’t hungry.’
‘Did your father come out of his den?’
‘Nope.’ Casey looked at her. ‘He’s being a total shit about this Brad guy.’
‘Tell me about it.’ Jane sighed. She and Stu had an unbreakable rule that they backed one another up when it came to the kids, whether they agreed or not with a decision. But it was going to be very hard to keep that rule this time, because he was being unfair and hurting Rosie badly. ‘I’d better get to bed. It’s going to be a difficult day tomorrow.’
‘What’s he like?’
‘Who?’
‘Rosie’s father.’
‘Tall, older than me and your father, wearing well. Has a friendly sort of face. You’d like him.’
‘She’s really upset.’
‘We’re all upset.’
‘I can’t see why Dad’s getting so het up. She doesn’t even call the other one “Dad”, she calls him Brad. Can I meet him next time he comes?’
‘Yes. Why not?’ Unless Stu objected to that as well. Jane tried to hold back a yawn and failed. ‘Well, I’m going to bed. Don’t stay up too long.’
But tired as she was, she couldn’t get to sleep for a long time. She kept expecting Stu to join her. Only he didn’t.
Was that because he was too drunk or was he deliberately staying away from her?
CHAPTER 21
England
Jake heard something drop through the letter box on to the hall floor and went to see what the post had brought. He shuffled through two bills, three advertising brochures (did these people think he was made of money?) and found an aerogram letter from Lou, which he opened eagerly. He was glad to hear that she’d arrived safely, but her final paragraphs upset him.
I’ve found some relatives. I’m sorry, but your father died recently. I’m really sad that I missed him. But he had another daughter (Gina) so you’ve got a half-sister. She’s about Mum’s age and I really like her. I know you would too if you gave her a chance. Her husband was killed a couple of years ago by a drunken driver and she gets a lost, lonely look on her face sometimes.
She’s got two daughters, Mel and Lexie, who are older than me. Rick and I are staying at Mel’s house now, so you can ring us at this number if you want. Mel’s pregnant and very sick, so we’re helping Gina look after her. Rick’s got a job doing sketch portraits in a shopping mall.
I’m not sure whether to tell Mum about Gina and her family or not. You know what she’s like. Perhaps you could mention it to her? She must still be busy settling into her new house. You know how fussy she is. I’ve sent her a couple of postcards, but she’s probably still mad at me.
Oh, and could you tell Aunt Peggy about it too, please? I’m not on the sort of terms with her where you send postcards. And this is a bit of a touchy subject.
He re-read the letter slowly. It was cheerful and positive, so typical of Lou. Where that girl got her sunny nature from he’d never understood, because her mother was always very sharp and critical about the world, had been even as a child. Poor Mary had never been the same after her mother left them. He’d definitely give Lou a ring once he’d worked out the time difference. There’d be something to do that on line, no doubt.
As for telling his daughter about her relatives, he wasn’t sure about that, though he felt obliged to tell Peggy. In his opinion life was too short to let hatred fester, especially over something which was long over and done with.
Only it wasn’t over and done with now, was it? There were relatives down under, and he’d always believed blood was thicker than water. Family connections mattered.
Peggy came in from hanging out some washing. She looked so lost and unhappy, he kept wondering what would become of her. He already knew that he didn’t want to live with her permanently. He had organized a pleasant life for himself now that he was retired, even if he did h
ave to live on a rather small income, and it didn’t include living with anyone else.
She looked at the letter in his hand.
‘I’ve just heard from Lou in Australia!’ He held it out to her. ‘Do you want to read it?’
She looked at him in surprise. ‘Don’t you mind?’
‘Mind what?’
‘Me seeing it? Hartley used to—’ She broke off and her lips wobbled for a moment.
‘I wouldn’t have offered if I minded.’ He passed it across to her.
She read it through, stopping on the second page to exclaim, ‘Well! I can’t believe she’s done this.’ After she’d finished, she shoved the letter across the table to him with such force that it floated to the ground. ‘It’s disloyal!’
He decided to play dumb. ‘What is?’
‘Going to see those people, staying with them. How could you have let her go looking for them, Jake?’
‘How could I have stopped her? Lou’s grown up now and makes her own decisions. I wasn’t keen but I’ve changed my mind. Actually, I’m glad she’s got some family down there in Australia to turn to if anything goes wrong.’
Peggy got out her handkerchief and mopped her eyes. ‘I’ve never forgiven him for leaving Mum, never!’
Jake sighed. Not that old stuff again. ‘I’ve noticed.’
‘Don’t you care?’
‘I did at the time, but I’ve got on with my life since.’
‘Did you ever open that letter from our father?’
‘No. I’ve still got it, though.’
‘Hartley destroyed mine. He said the man didn’t deserve a daughter.’
‘I thought you chose to destroy it.’
She sighed. ‘No. I’ve always been curious about what was in it. But I don’t want anything to do with this female, half-sister or not.’
‘You’re never likely to meet her, so I don’t see why you’re getting so upset.’
Peggy flourished her handkerchief, obviously settling in for a good weep so he stood up quickly. ‘I’ll just go and do a bit of weeding. You’ve got to keep on top of it.’
‘But I—’
He whisked outside, pretending not to hear her. Out in the garden he breathed in the fresh summer air with relief and bent to thin the new row of radishes.
A little later Peggy called out, ‘Jake! There’s someone at the door.’
With a sigh he went to answer it, knowing how afraid she was that Hartley would return. A courier’s van stood outside.
‘Box for Mrs M Wilkes. Sign here.’
‘What sort of box?’
The lad indicated the back of the van, where a large cardboard box stood ready to be unloaded.
‘Peggy! Could you just come out here, love?’
When he explained what it was about, she went over to stand near the box but not touch it. ‘It’s Hartley’s handwriting.’
‘Well then, I suppose he’s sent some more of your things across.’ Jake signed the piece of paper and helped the man carry it inside.
‘Aren’t you going to open it, Peggy?’
‘You do it.’
He went for a knife and cut through the plastic tape, looking in puzzlement at the contents. ‘It’s all rags.’
Peggy came to join him, clapped one hand over her mouth, letting out a little mew of pain. ‘Those are my embroideries. Look! He’s cut them into pieces. He must have done it to all of them to fill this box.’ She backed away from it, sobbing unrestrainedly.
Jake looked at the rags grimly. ‘The rotten sod.’ Then he frowned. ‘I’m just going to fetch Bob from next door.’
‘I don’t want to see anyone.’
‘Well, you’ll have to because we need a witness.’ He’d seen Bob peering out of the window at the van.
‘Could you come and be a witness to something else for us, please?’ he asked when the door opened.
Bob brightened up. ‘What’s the matter?’
‘My sister’s husband sent the box that arrived a few minutes ago. I want a witness to see the contents before we go any further.’
‘Always happy to help a neighbour.’
And happy to find out the latest gossip, too, Jake knew. He led the way back into his house and waved one hand at the box. There was no sign of Peggy.
Bob peered into it, frowning. ‘What’s this?’
‘Pick them up, have a good look.’
Bob fingered through the shreds. ‘It’s embroidery – or it was. Looks like someone’s cut it up.’
Jake smiled grimly. ‘Spot on. Peggy loves embroidering. She’s been doing it for years. Her husband’s cut all her pieces up and sent them over.’
‘Nay, never!’ Bob was silent, then let the pieces drop back into the box. ‘I said he was a nasty piece of work when he came around here threatening you, didn’t I?’
‘You did indeed.’
‘But this is worse. He must be sick in the head to do this.’
Jake nodded.
‘You’d better watch your back, lad.’
‘I shall. That’s why you’re here. I need a witness who’ll tell the truth about what he’s seen. I haven’t had time to cut them up since the box arrived, have I?’
Bob straightened up. ‘No, you haven’t. And I’m not afraid to speak up if needed.’
‘I know. Thanks.’
When his neighbour had left, Jake went to find his sister, who was sitting in her bedroom, weeping silently, rocking backwards and forwards. He kept patting her shoulders and making soothing noises, but it was a long time before she stopped crying.
At intervals during the day, she whispered, ‘What’ll he do next? Oh, Jake, what’ll he do next?’
At teatime she looked at him. ‘Could you burn them, please? I don’t want them around.’
‘Better not. They’re evidence.’
‘What of?’
‘Cruelty.’
She frowned at him, then slowly nodded. ‘It is cruel, isn’t it?’
‘Very.’
When they’d cleared up the tea she said suddenly, ‘I really fancy a glass of wine.’
‘I don’t have any in, sorry. I’ve some beer if that’s any use.’
‘Could we go out and buy some wine? Would you mind? I’ll keep track of everything I owe you.’
Before they went to the supermarket, he looked over the back fences at his neighbours, both of whom were outside enjoying the fine weather. ‘Could you keep an eye on my place, please? As Bob will tell you, we’re having a bit of trouble with my sister’s husband. I don’t want him waiting for me, even in the garden. Call the police if he tries to get into the house.’
When he escorted Peggy out to the car, she asked, ‘Do you think he’ll come and damage your things as well?’
‘No harm in being prepared. After those shredded embroideries of yours, I’d not be surprised at anything that bugger did.’
He locked the side gate carefully from the inside, shooting the bolt with a thump. At first he’d thought only of giving Peggy somewhere to live temporarily. Now he was thinking of how to protect her – and himself.
What the hell had got into Hartley?
* * *
Brad rode a tram along the promenade at Blackpool the following morning to pass the time, getting off towards the south end at the Pleasure Beach. He wandered around the rides and sideshows, though not all of them were open yet. Places like this were more fun when you were with someone. He could have brought Rosie here. They’d have had fun together, he was sure.
For lunch he bought a sandwich and ate it sitting on the promenade, keeping an eye on his watch, feeling relieved when it was time to get ready.
Stopping the car outside Jane’s house, he took a few deep, steadying breaths, feeling as nervous as a teenager calling on a girlfriend’s family for the first time.
The door was opened by a balding man with close-shaven hair and glasses. He was a bit shorter than Brad. He scowled and said nothing.
‘Stu?’ Brad stuck one hand out.
<
br /> After a moment’s hesitation the man took it, letting go almost immediately after one cursory shake. ‘I suppose you’d better come in.’
Brad followed him into the living room, where Rosie was sitting very upright and tense on a chair. ‘Hi, there. It’s lovely to see you again.’
She got up and came to give him a hug, but there was something defiant about the way she did it.
‘I’m sorry we can’t go out as planned.’ She threw a resentful glance at her father. ‘This isn’t the best way to get to know one another.’
To Brad’s dismay, Stu sat down in an armchair and folded his arms, watching them though not making any attempt to join in the conversation.
Brad tried to ignore the glowering presence. ‘Tell me more about your life, Rosie. School, what you do at weekends, hobbies, that sort of thing.’
She shrugged. ‘School is school. You have to go through it, but it isn’t much fun.’
‘What are your favourite subjects?’
‘Biology,’ she said with another defiant glance at her father. ‘It has useful applications in the real world.’
Jane came to the doorway. ‘Hi, Brad. Stu, can you just come and help me for a moment, please?’
Their glances locked then he stood up, ‘Excuse me for a minute, Mr Rosenberry. I won’t be long.’
When he’d gone, they saw Jane’s hand reach out to close the door after him.
Rosie looked at Brad in despair. ‘Dad’s not usually like this. He’s just lost his job and he’s angry at the whole world. But I don’t see why he should take it out on me. He and Mum had a row last night and he was so horrible, she walked out for the evening.’
Footsteps thudded down the stairs and the door opened again and a lad peered into the room. He smiled across at Brad. ‘I just wanted to come and meet you.’
‘You must be Casey.’ Brad stood up and held out his hand again.
This time it was pumped vigorously then the lad stared at him openly. ‘Mum was right. You do have a friendly face.’
Brad blinked at this frankness. ‘Do I?’
‘Yup.’ Casey looked at his sister, who was sending him a silent message and threw up his hands defensively. ‘I’m going, Row-zee abe. See you around, Mr Rosenberry.’ He sauntered out, grinning broadly.
Family Connections Page 16
