I Know the Truth

by M A Comley

  Lucy and Matthew stared long and hard at each other. He seemed as shell-shocked as she did, even though he’d never met Shirley before.

  Lucy turned her attention back to Trisha. “She’s dead!”

  Trisha fell back in her chair as if she’d been hit in the chest by a speeding bullet. “What? How? Oh my God, that poor woman. Where did it happen?”

  “At the agency. I received a weird call from her. Heavy breathing and a woman’s scream. Matthew and I rushed back to the agency to see if we could help. Matthew found her inside. That was around an hour ago. We had to wait for the police to arrive, and SOCO.”

  Trisha sat upright, her eyes widening. “Dear Lord! Dead…”

  Lucy nodded as fresh tears bulged and stung her eyes. “Yes. I didn’t see her. Matthew said her throat had been cut.”

  “Oh fuck! This can’t be happening. Was it a robbery? Do you even keep cash lying around there?”

  Lucy stared down at her drink. “No, the police doubted that was the case. We keep a small amount, nothing special, though.” She covered her face with her hands and sobbed. “Why her? She was such a sweet lady. Why would anyone want to hurt her, let alone kill her?”

  Trisha left her chair to comfort her. “It’s all right, love, I’m sure the police will find the person responsible.”

  Lucy dropped her hands and stared at Trisha. “You don’t think…?”

  “Think what?” Trisha asked, perplexed.

  “This has anything to do with the incident the other day?”

  Trisha shook her head, slowly at first until it gained momentum. “No, don’t think like that. It’s not possible, is it?”

  “Why? How do you know that?” Lucy countered, her head filled with a tornado of reasons both for and against.

  “Ladies, please, don’t overthink things, not yet. Let the police try and piece what happened together, first.”

  “Matthew’s right. The last thing we should do is make any outlandish assumptions. We need factual evidence, right?” Trisha agreed.

  “Okay. I’ll try not jump ahead of things. But she’s dead. She was such a lovely lady, and now…I can’t believe I’ll never see her again. She’s been like a second mother to me since I joined the agency. We grew close really quickly. She was thrilled I’d met you, Matthew. No teasing when you sent me gifts, pure pleasure lit up her face. Dare I say it, a proudness that only a mother usually radiates. I’m going to miss her so much. I dread to think where this is going to leave me now. I know I shouldn’t really consider that at this moment…”

  “You have every right to be concerned about your job.” Trisha returned to her seat. She took a large swig of her brandy and shuddered.

  “Trisha is right, you have a right to know where you stand.”

  “I don’t want to think about it now. I’ll contact Keith over the weekend, or should I ring him tonight? Oh God, I don’t know what to do for the best. What will he think of me if I don’t call him?”

  “I’m sure you’re overthinking things. He’ll welcome a call at the right time,” Matthew assured her.

  “When is that likely to be?”

  “And now my question is going to seem just as selfish,” he replied.

  “Go on, ask it anyway,” Lucy prompted.

  “Are you still on for tonight?”

  She ran a shaking hand over her flushed face. “Oh, shit! I forgot all about the dinner with your family. What would they think of me if I cancelled? I couldn’t do that, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. On the other hand, I’m not going to be in the mood to sit there with a permanent smile on my face either. What would you do, Trisha?”

  She held her hands up. “Whoa! Leave me out of it. You have to do what’s right for you. I’m sure Matthew and his family will understand if you decided to pull out at such short notice.”

  “Of course we would. Lucy, there’s never any pressure from me.” He left his chair and placed an arm around her shoulders then pecked her on the cheek. “Why don’t I leave you two girls to debate the pros and cons? You can give me a ring with your decision in half an hour or so. I’ll make arrangements for my driver to pick you up at seven, if you decide to come.”

  She glanced at her watch. It was already six o’clock. “Shit, that doesn’t leave me much time to get ready.”

  “I’ll leave it up to you. Ring me when you decide.”

  Lucy saw him to the front door. They shared a comforting kiss, and she waved him off then stepped back into the kitchen to discuss the issue with Trisha. “What do you think?”

  “You’re going to have to meet them sometime. I know the timing is bad, however, sitting around here moping about Shirley all night isn’t going to help you either.”

  “Yeah, I get that. Would you go, if you were me?”

  “With the caring Matthew by my side, yes, I would. He’ll be there if things get tough, sweetie. Come on, I’ll help you get ready, if that’s what you want.”

  Against her better judgement, she allowed Trisha to sweep her up in the excitement. Before she knew what was happening, she was standing naked under the shower with Trisha sitting on the toilet, discussing what dress she should wear.

  Thirty minutes later, she bit the bullet and rang Matthew to arrange for the driver to pick her up. He was thrilled that she’d decided to attend this evening’s soirée, as he’d put it.

  She sat on a chair at the kitchen table while Trisha applied her makeup, the results of which took Lucy’s breath away. “My God, is that really me?”

  “You’d better believe it, girl. Matthew is a hell of a lucky bloke. If I wasn’t straight, I’d be in there, no kidding.”

  Lucy couldn’t help but chuckle at that. “You crack me up. What would I do without you by my side? I love you dearly for what you do for me, tonight and all this, opening up your home to me.”

  “Don’t you dare start blubbing, not now I’ve completed your makeup. I love you, too, and it’s my pleasure to always help out when I can. You’re like a sister to me. I think we’re closer than sisters most of the time, if that’s possible. You’re going to knock Matthew’s family sideways tonight. They’re going to love you as much as Matthew and I do.”

  “Maybe even Jake will see me in a different light this evening, or is that going to be too much to hope for?”

  “Who cares what he thinks? Come on, princess, upstairs. Let’s get you tarted up and ready. Crikey, look at the time.”

  9

  The driver arrived on the dot, just as Trisha was slipping the gold sandals onto Lucy’s feet near the front door. He knocked and inclined his head.

  “Miss Brent, are you ready?”

  “I am. I’ll be right out.”

  He nodded, took a step backwards, spun around and headed back to the car.

  “Well, this is it. You look amazing. Matthew, or any man, come to that, would be the proudest man in the room with you accompanying him. Have a wonderful time. Try and put aside what’s happened today, you hear me?”

  “That’s going to be so difficult. I’m glad I didn’t go in there and see her, I would’ve definitely backed out of this evening. Thanks for everything, love. Don’t wait up.”

  “What? I have to…at midnight your dress will turn into rags and…”

  Lucy laughed. “Shit, don’t say that. I’m going to have enough on my mind already without that added stress.”

  “Knock ’em dead…shit, me and my big mouth, you know what I mean.” She squeezed Lucy tightly.

  “Life goes on, eh? I wish I didn’t have to do this, of all evenings. Wish me luck.” She exited the front door, feeling posh in the sparkly black evening dress Trisha had insisted she wore.

  “You’re not going to need it. They’ll love you. Just be you.”

  “I will…well, maybe not the true me,” she whispered back, her ugly past rearing its head. Shit! Why did I have to go and spoil things by mentioning that?

  Trisha tutted and shook her head. “I expect to hear all about it when you get ho
me.”

  “Don’t wait up, it’ll probably be a late one.”

  The chauffeur smiled and opened the back door for her. She slipped inside. There was a bottle of champagne on ice and a long-stemmed glass.

  The driver started the engine and peered in his rear-view mirror. “Help yourself to champagne, ma’am.”

  “Oh, I couldn’t. I think I need to keep a clear head for what lies ahead of me, but thank you for the offer.”

  He nodded again and closed the little window between them. There was no getting away from it. Lucy surveyed her surroundings and found it impossible not to be impressed by the limo’s luxurious interior. The smell of new leather had always seemed an extravagance to her. She remembered when Patrick and she had bought their first car together and he’d taken her for a celebratory ride out to a country pub. That was when they had first got married, when he worshipped her, before things had gone drastically wrong between them. She closed her eyes, blocking out the image.

  Why did he insist on cropping up? Was it because she’d found true happiness at last with Matthew? Or was there something else going on here? Was it her subconscious warning her to be careful? Reminding her of how things used to be between Patrick and herself until things had gone drastically wrong? It was all so confusing, and she was having trouble deciphering what her feelings and thoughts truly meant.

  Putting an end to her dodgy thoughts, she sat back and tried to relax on the short trip out to Matthew’s place, or should she say, Matthew’s parents’ place? The driver entered a large sweeping drive. At the entrance was a relatively small hexagonal gatehouse. It was cute. She wondered if Matthew would allow her access for a nose around and then laughed off the idea, thinking it was probably home to some of the staff who cared for the magnificent-looking mansion that had come into view ahead of them. She’d never laid eyes on something so grand before, except on the TV screen, of course. Her nerves rattled her bones, and her mouth immediately dried up to the point she now regretted not having a glass of the champagne on offer.

  Matthew was waiting for her at the top of the grand steps. He raced down them and opened the back door as soon as the driver brought the car to a halt. He leaned in, kissed her gently on the lips and offered her his hand. “You look…well, words fail me, and I assure you, that’s never happened before.”

  Her cheeks warmed up. “You’re just saying that. You look pretty dapper yourself in your tuxedo.” Once she got out of the car, she whispered an admission, “I’m scared. How do I overcome my fears of meeting your parents? Any tips?”

  “There’s no need for you to feel that way. They’re human, we have the same colour blood running through our veins, I promise. You’re not scared of me, are you?”

  “Of course not. I love you. That’s different, though.”

  He pecked her on the cheek. “I love you, too. Don’t be scared, don’t let your wayward thoughts spoil the evening ahead. I’ll be by your side every step of the way, you have my word on that.”

  “Phew! That’s a relief. Have they said anything about me?” she whispered as he led her up the steps.

  “Only that they’re thrilled to be finally meeting you.”

  “Finally meeting me? It’s only been a few weeks since we started out on this incredible journey together.”

  “I know. Maybe they’re keen to meet the girl who has stolen my heart where so many have failed in the past.”

  “You’re adorable. I can’t imagine my life without you now.”

  “Ditto. Deep breath. Are you ready for this?”

  “No. But with you by my side, anything is achievable.”

  He placed his arm through hers and laid his other hand over hers to reassure her everything was going to be okay. A butler was standing on ceremony in the hallway ready to greet them. He dipped his head at Matthew.

  Lucy smiled awkwardly at him, unsure of what the protocol should be with the staff as a guest. Matthew pointed out a few of the portraits on show going up the staircase, not dissimilar to the one in Gone with the Wind. They were of his ancestors who had previously owned the mansion. She was in awe of the grandness and was totally overwhelmed by the time he showed her into the drawing room where his parents were waiting for them.

  Her steps faltered. Matthew sensed her apprehension and squeezed her hand to keep her calm, and together they continued to walk towards the two people she imagined could make or break their relationship.

  Matthew introduced them. “Lucy, this is my father, Arnold, and this is my mother, Cynthia.”

  His father took a step forward, gathered her hand in both of his and shook it exuberantly. “It’s so wonderful to finally meet you, my dear. Matt has been a different person since you came into his life.”

  “That’s wonderful to hear. It’s so lovely to be here and to meet you both. Thank you so much for having me. You have a magnificent home.”

  “Thank you. We can’t take any credit for its structure. Our input, since taking over the upkeep, can be seen in the grounds. Although I have to credit my darling wife for her contribution in that area. She has an expert eye for things of that nature.”

  Matthew’s mother held out her slim hand for Lucy to shake. “I’m delighted to meet the girl who has stolen my son’s heart. You’re a beautiful young lady. I admire his taste, this time.”

  “Thank you. I’d love a guided tour one day, if you’ll allow me?”

  Cynthia tilted her head. “How charming. Of course. Not this evening, some other time perhaps.”

  “Oh yes, that would be super. Have you lived here long?” she asked, already searching for something interesting to say.

  “Since my father passed away, around fifteen years ago,” Arnold replied. “Come now, take a seat.”

  A maid stepped forward with a tray of drinks. “Champagne, ma’am?”

  Matthew took two glasses from the tray and motioned for Lucy to take a seat on the Chesterfield sofa opposite. Once seated, he handed her a glass. She sipped her drink and resisted the threatening shudder. She’d never liked the taste of champagne, had always put that down to the quality she’d tasted in the past and, after sampling what was on offer, her opinion hadn’t changed in the slightest.

  “Tell us about yourself, Lucy. Where are you from?”

  Shit! With all that’s gone on during the day, I forgot to prepare for the onslaught of questions.

  “I’m from a little town on the east coast, near Norwich.”

  Cynthia fluttered her eyelashes and grinned. “How charming. Does this town have a name?”

  “Wadestown,” she replied, saying the first thing that came into her mind.

  “Ooo…I loved geography at university. That one is a new one on me, I’ll be sure to look it up later.”

  Nervous laughter escaped Lucy’s lips, and she took another sip of the vile drink, imagining it was the brandy she’d been fortunate to have earlier.

  “And your parents? They still live there, do they?”

  She kept her smile in place but couldn’t prevent the sadness descending. She glanced at Matthew for help. He patted her thigh.

  “Mother, can we leave the interrogation for now? I should have said something sooner. Lucy has had a rough week, and it was topped off today…well, by her boss being murdered.”

  “What? Murdered you say, how?” his father asked, scratching the side of his face.

  Cynthia’s expression was a picture of fear and dread. “How dreadful. Do tell us more, if you’re up to it. Oh my, listen to me, how insensitive of me. Of course you wouldn’t want to talk about it.”

  “I’m fine. It was a shock, that’s all. Matthew gave me the option to back out of tonight’s dinner. I dug deep; I couldn’t let you all down at such a late stage.”

  “Nonsense,” his father said adamantly. “We wouldn’t have thought any less of you, dear girl. Rough week? What exactly has that entailed?”

  Matthew spoke on her behalf again. She loved him for that alone. His support meant the world to her.r />
  “She was in an accident; her car was a write-off. We went out this afternoon and replaced it.”

  “Oh my, what a devastating thing to happen, all in one week.” Cynthia shook her head, her gaze fixed on Lucy.

  Lucy placed a hand on Matthew’s thigh. “If it hadn’t been for Matthew’s support, well, I’m not sure what I would’ve done. Today has been an emotional roller-coaster ride, what with searching for a new car and all the euphoria that brought, to dropping by the agency to find Shirley…”

  “Agency? What type of agency? Are you a model?” Cynthia asked, a weak smile drawing her ruby lips apart.

  “A travel agent’s. That’s what I do for a living, I sell holidays.” For some reason, Lucy felt the need to pull her shoulders back and announce her role proudly.

  “Ah, I see. Posh holidays, are they, dear?” Cynthia grinned.

  “Mother! Just holidays. Let’s leave it at that, shall we?” Matthew pounced.

  “I was merely asking, dear. There was no need to bite my head off.”

  “Cynthia, please, leave the poor girl alone. Don’t you think she’s been through enough as it is today?” her husband stated.

  “Pardon me for showing an interest. Consider me told. It’s nice to meet you, Lucy. Maybe you could join me for lunch at the club one day and we’ll continue this conversation without these two jumping down my throat. I really am eager to get to know you more.”

  Lucy smiled and nodded. “I’d like that. I won’t know what arrangements I can make for the week until Keith informs me if I still have a job or not.”

  “Oh my. What will you do if it turns out he no longer wants you?”

  She shrugged. “I have no idea. It’s not as if I have any formal training to do anything else.”

  Matthew leaned over and placed his head against Lucy’s. “Don’t worry about it for this evening, we’ll sort something out, even if it means me setting you up with your own business.”

  Lucy pulled away and stared at him. Her cheeks warmed under everyone’s gaze. “No! I can’t accept that, Matthew. Thank you for the offer, but I’d rather stand on my own two feet, it’s what I’m used to.”