by S M Mala
A few phone calls later, Ruby perked up and got stuck in, forgetting about her troubled heart and the murder case.
Just as she was leaving, she noticed Annette was walking quickly behind her.
‘Ruby! Why are you walking so fast?’ the elderly woman asked.
‘I have to get home and make lunch for the ex,’ she sighed for a moment, shrugging. ‘I’m only going to give him quiche and coleslaw from Marks and Spencer and, if he’s lucky, I’ll open a bag of salad.’
‘I’ll come with you. I need to get some bread,’ she replied. Ruby forced a smile. ‘How are you? You’re not your perky self.’
‘I’d never described myself as ‘perky’.’
‘How’s your man?’
‘What man?’
‘Oh dear. That bad?’
‘That bad,’ Ruby replied and tried to put on a winning smile. ‘Actually, it’s really bad.’
‘What happened?’
They turned the corner and headed towards the shop.
‘He told me he loved me then changed his mind a few days later, saying he didn’t mean it,’ she said, feeling devastated. The pinprick tears came immediately. ‘He wanted to nip us in the bud.’
‘Was he gardener?’ the woman asked sarcastically.
‘I thought…’ she hesitated for a moment, knowing the true humiliation she was feeling. ‘You see, I fell in love with him. I thought I’d been given a second chance and now I feel so stupid.’
‘Ah well Ruby,’ Annette said, grabbing her arm. ‘Old and stupid go hand in hand, believe me. I should know. Eighty six and counting. Though, I did have fun at my party last year!’
‘That was funny and a bloody big cake to put all the candles on! I’m surprised it didn’t start a fire,’ she laughed.
‘It’s was good to get everyone together.’
‘A room full of Samaritans and we still managed to have a laugh without ‘talking about it’,’ sighed Ruby. The pain of losing Scottie felt immense when she remembered Sebastian’s get together. ‘That’s one of two parties I’ve been to since I split with the bastard.’
She felt Annette squeeze her arm gently and give her a sympathetic smile.
‘Is it that awful?’
‘I believed him,’ Ruby said, hearing her voice crack and Annette clutched her arm tighter. ‘I fell in love with him and I thought he meant it. Why would he lie to me?’
‘That’s just typical,’ she sighed. ‘People talking utter bollocks.’
Ruby started to laugh through her tears.
‘He’s your son, of course he’s worried,’ said Hugh quietly. They were in Ruby’s garden, later on that day, eating lunch. ‘Can’t you stop doing it?’
‘I spoke to Theo and said I was fine. You’re the one’s that’s getting your knickers in a twist,’ she laughed for a moment, seeing her son play in the garden, firing his Nerf gun at the tree. ‘I’m in no more of a dangerous situation than you.’
‘I’ve had my moments,’ he grinned, taking a sip of his tea. ‘But this is really strange. Two people who work for the Samaritans. It’s peculiar and they’re linked, whether the police want to admit it or not.’
‘‘Samaritan Slayer’? Were you thinking about me at the time? Wondering if you got rid of me how happy your life would be?’ she grinned, taking a swig of her wine.
‘And you drink too much,’ he said quietly. ‘That hasn’t gone amiss by our son.’
‘I only drink when I’m miserable and I’m a useless drunk. I fall asleep before I get really plastered.’
‘Are you worried about all this publicity?’
‘Why aren’t they saying everything? Why won’t you tell me? I know you know?’
There was a flicker in his face and she knew she was right.
‘Hugh?’ she said, leaning closer. ‘If you care about me, you’d say.’
‘Sleep with me and I’ll tell you.’
‘No!’
He burst out laughing and shook his head.
Ruby examined him and, more than anything, she wanted someone to make her feel better, just to forget about Jonathan Scott. Then she let out an unhappy sigh, realising she might be drunker than she thought before sinking back into her miserable mood.
‘Why do you look so sad?’ he asked quietly. ‘I’ve not seen that face for a while.’
‘Honestly?’ Ruby took a breath and knew she had nothing to lose. ‘I met a guy. I thought it was something real and it wasn’t.’ She shrugged and avoided looking at Hugh for a few seconds. ‘Vulnerable divorcee, you were right. I was taken advantage of.’
‘Who was he?’
‘Just a man.’
‘How long were you seeing him for?’
‘Eleven weeks but I met him two weeks before then.’ She wasn’t going to tell him about what they got up to within a few hours of meeting. Even she knew Hugh wouldn’t be happy about her behaviour. ‘A drop in the ocean compared to us.’
Ruby bit her lip for a moment, trying to hide her unhappiness.
‘When did it finish?’
‘He dumped me three weeks ago. Hated the idea I used to be a scummy journalist. I told him, ‘you think I’m scummy, you should meet my ex-husband.’ Ruby flicked him a glance, knowing he’d get the arse. ‘I’m moving on, like you have.’
‘You’re not bringing any old shit into my home,’ he said quietly.
‘It’s my home or have you forgotten?’
‘Tell me this guy’s name.’
‘Hugh, it’s not important. And where are you going today, all dressed up on a Friday?’
‘I’m actually going to a press conference regarding the new structure in the police force, if you really want to know.’
The word ‘police’ was like a sharp blow to her chest. She immediately thought about Scottie.
‘Will you be meeting up with any old friends or am I not allowed to ask?’ Ruby mumbled into her wine.
‘Let it go.’
‘Like I did to you,’ she said, looking into her glass, noticing Hugh’s stony expression from the corner of her eye.
She thought of Scottie and her heart slumped once more.
Thirty eight
Scottie couldn’t bear the press conference, with the constant cameras flashing and the comments about his good looks and physique.
It pissed him off they weren’t talking about his achievements.
But the only saving grace was that Riley and Charlie were there, looking on proudly at their father. Katya had a horse riding competition, so her mother said.
Even Nana Gwen made an appearance, though her lack of love for the police force was evident.
‘What a load of stuff and nonsense,’ she said, giving him a kiss. ‘All this fuss for what? You? Waste of tax payer’s money. Get me a top up, Jack.’
His father rolled his eyes and went in search of another glass of red wine.
‘It’s like you’re the second coming. If you lot can’t find out why those two bloody do gooders got taken out, then you’re not that good, are you? The press are vying for your blood and I don’t blame them.’
‘Thanks Nana,’ Scottie said and grinned. ‘Are you having a good time?’
‘No, but your mother forced me to come, saying she wouldn’t pay for my bingo or manicure next week if I didn’t. Being held to ransom and forced to attend a sausage factory.’
‘Is she still moaning?’ his mother asked, looking proudly up at Scottie, gulping back her tears and brushing invisible fluff from his collar. ‘I’m so proud of you and you look very handsome in your uniform.’
Scottie flashed his Nana a look, knowing she was bound to say something but noticed the old woman grinned, muttering, ‘Why didn’t they wrap you in bacon? Get it? Pigs in blanket. Talking about that, where’s the food?’
‘Mother, can you just behave for one moment?’ huffed Jean. ‘We’re going out for dinner later.’
‘I’ll die of starvation.’
‘Jonathan, please look after her for a moment while I n
ip to the ladies.’
His mum walked off and he noticed his Nana Gwen was glaring at him.
‘What?’ he asked, recognising her usual quizzical stare.
‘Why’ve you been a miserable little sod for weeks? Don’t tell me you haven’t as that would just insult my superior intelligence.’
He didn’t know how to reply and glanced down at the ground.
‘I’ve been nervous about this,’ he lied. ‘It’s a big thing.’
‘It’s only a job!’ she hissed. ‘I know you Scottie and something’s up. Aren’t you happy? This is what you wanted, isn’t it?’
For a moment he looked at her and was going to tell her all the crap he was repeating to everyone else. But he stopped.
‘Happiness is the most important thing in life. Being with the people that bring you joy. All this rubbish comes and goes but love never does,’ sighed Nana Gwen.
‘Why’d you say that?’ he asked, getting agitated, immediately thinking about Ruby.
‘You’re just like your grandfather Percival,’ she sighed, stroking his face gently. He smiled. ‘Full of shit. I’m going for a slash.’
She then sauntered off, purposely barging into all the important officers, while pretending to be a fragile little old lady.
Shaking his head while he watched her, he spotted Sebastian and Gemma walking towards him.
They hugged each other as Sebastian started to laugh.
‘God, look at you. All shiny and covered in things,’ his friend said proudly. ‘You certainly do look the part.’
‘Can’t wait to get this off and cool down. It’s bloody hot,’ Scottie said, pulling at his collar. ‘All these people asking me questions I don’t know the answers to.’ He leaned forward and kissed Gemma. ‘Hello there.’
‘You’re going to be the pin up boy of the police,’ she laughed and looked around. ‘Is Ruby here?’
Scottie’s heart slumped when he heard her name.
‘Didn’t Seb tell you? We broke up. Wasn’t working out.’
‘Really? You looked so happy together,’ Gemma said, looking a little confused, glancing at her husband. ‘And I expect this had nothing to do with you, did it Sebastian Hartley?’
‘I had to tell him,’ whispered Sebastian. ‘Could you imagine if she was here what would happen?’
‘He’d look less miserable,’ his wife sighed and Scottie knew she was right. ‘Will you excuse me? I need to freshen up.’
Sebastian grimaced. Scottie shrugged his shoulders.
‘It was for the best,’ Scottie said unconvincingly, noticing Charlie walk towards him, his hair covering his eyes which instantly cheered him up. ‘And thanks for coming.’
‘Hey dad, this is just not cool,’ Charlie said, shaking his head, nodding to Sebastian in acknowledgement. ‘You’re both so ingrained in the establishment. Feels stifling.’
‘Your mother was involved with the police,’ Scottie said gently. ‘You don’t say things to her like that, do you?’
‘That’s different. She was helping victims and their families. Mum wasn’t entrenched in the hierarchy like this.’
‘How’s working in the field? Dealing with the youth of today?’ Sebastian asked. Scottie knew he was intent on winding up Charlie. ‘Are ya at one with ya broders in arms?’
‘Not all of them carry guns and knives or speak like rude boys,’ sniffed Charlie. ‘There are some good kids out there, troubled souls so they need a focus. It’s great being part of that. I was thinking about volunteering for the Samaritans like Auntie Diane but mum said ‘no’ considering what happened.’
His mind went straight to Ruby, wishing she could be there with his family.
Sebastian was staring at him then glanced away.
‘Charlie, would you mind getting us two beers? I just want to speak to your dad alone for a second, is that okay?’ asked Sebastian quietly. ‘Pep talk for the old man.’
‘Are you sticking around, Charlie? We’re going out for dinner so no lame excuses you need to head back East,’ he said, grabbing his son and kissing his forehead.
‘Sure,’ he grinned and walked off. ‘But make it sooner than later, please.’
‘Are you okay?’ his friend asked. Scottie knew what Sebastian was getting at. ‘Been a few weeks and I’ve not heard or seen you in that time after you made your decision.’
‘Working hard, preparing for world domination, you know how it is.’
‘Do you think you made the right choice?’
‘What choice?’ he replied, avoiding eye contact.
‘Ruby? You did speak to her, get her side of the story before you ended it? Didn’t you?’
‘I didn’t see the point,’ he shrugged, noticing his friend’s alarmed expression. ‘She did what she did and I did what I had to do.’
‘That’s not what I told you to-.’
‘Scottie!’ shouted out Helen Trott, walking towards them. ‘I want you to meet a friend of mine. Hello Sebastian.’
‘Oh shit,’ he heard Sebastian mumble. ‘Hello Commissioner Trott.’
Scottie turned and looked at his friend, who was putting on a forced grin. He noticed a very handsome man walk towards them with a bright smile.
‘This is one of the editors for a paper we, hope, will give us some credible publicity one day,’ she said flirtatiously.
Scottie caught Sebastian raising his eyebrows.
‘Hello,’ the man said, holding out his hand. ‘I’m Hugh Yates.’
He was stunned for a second realising it was Ruby’s ex-husband.
Hesitating for a moment, he put his hand out and shook it.
Hugh was good looking and Scottie could see some women glance over. His hair was nearly as long as Sebastian’s with grey running through it. He came across of self-assured and confident.
Knowing he had hurt Ruby when they were married, Scottie took an instant dislike to him. Then he realised he’d managed to hurt the same woman only a matter of weeks before.
‘I thought you weren’t supposed to speak to the enemy?’ asked Sebastian. Hugh smiled and put out his hand. ‘Good to see you again. It’s been a while.’
‘Good to see you,’ replied Hugh with a wide grin.
‘How’s the wife, the lovely Ruby?’ Sebastian asked and Scottie was about to choke.
He noticed Hugh’s fixed smile and the angry scowl of Helen Trott.
‘We broke up a few years back,’ Hugh replied.
‘Are you divorced?’ questioned Sebastian. ‘Really? How long ago?’
‘About seventeen weeks we officially parted, to be precise,’ replied Hugh and Scottie noticed he went a little red. ‘I thought you knew.’
‘Bugger me, I might have done,’ he replied. ‘Is it still a little raw?’
‘It’s an amicable split. We have an eight year old son, which you do know about.’
‘Your child was beauty if I remember, like his mum. Hugh, you must give me her number, I’d love to hook up,’ said Sebastian cheerfully. ‘Pity I’m not single. I’d be in there like a shot.’
‘I thought you two had a falling out because of which side you chose?’ Hugh said with a smirk. ‘She’s very unforgiving about things, my wife.’
‘Ex-wife, I thought you said,’ grinned Sebastian. ‘Excuse me. I’ve just seen my godson, Riley. Better say ‘hello’ before the kid runs off.’
He strolled off and managed to flick a glance at Scottie over his shoulder.
‘I do wonder about Sebastian sometimes,’ Helen Trott mumbled under her breath. ‘I know he knows about the divorce. I’m sorry Hugh.’
‘It doesn’t matter,’ Hugh replied and Scottie could see he was upset. He turned and smiled. ‘So, it’s a big day for you. How do you feel? Given there’s this spat of murders, you’ve certainly picked up the mantle at the most inopportune time. And you’re still so young.’
‘Leave him alone,’ Helen Trott said gently. ‘And the first rule is not to speak to the press. It lands you in all sorts of trouble.’
There was a look between Helen Trott and Hugh he couldn’t make out. Then Scottie wondered if she had been so upset with the expose all those years ago, why she was humouring this man. Something didn’t make sense.
He pondered why Sebastian would have wanted him to get Ruby’s side of the story.
Maybe he had made the wrong decision and there was a compromise, an alliance.
Scottie suddenly felt sick to the stomach realising he hated not being with her.
He was still desperately in love with Ruby.
Thirty nine
She did a double take when she noticed Theo was using the Sunday paper to do some painting on the floor. It was the previous week’s edition.
There was a picture of Scottie all dressed up in police regalia.
Ruby couldn’t breathe for a moment.
‘Can I have a look at that page?’ she asked, leaning over.
‘I’m just doing this,’ her son replied with paint brush in hand, adding something to his James Bond masterpiece.
Ruby wanted to laugh at his interpretation of the iconic tunnel shot with James Bond as a weird looking stickman but refrained.
‘Please?’
The huffing was loud. She took the soggy sheet away and dried it with a piece of kitchen towel.
Holding her breath, she read the copy slowly, taking it all in about his new role for Scotland Yard.
Everything suddenly made sense.
Scottie was the new Assistant Commissioner for Special Crimes. She realised the last thing he needed in his life was one of the people, who brought shame to his respected organisation.
Ruby felt disappointed at his choice then examined the picture. Gently blotting the paint away, she scowled seeing him standing next to Helen Trott.
‘Bitch,’ she mumbled and quickly scrunched up the paper, throwing it into the recycling bin.
It seems the Commissioner would always have the last laugh when it came to Ruby.
Forty
Meeting after meeting, that’s what he had to deal with in the first fortnight, as well as trying to find out how the investigation was going with the two helpline murders.