by El Edwards
“Sorry, can’t help you. But if I hear anything, you’ll be the first to know.”
“Thanks Bill.” I shook his hand then headed back out to the van.
My tummy grumbled, reminding me I’d not eaten for hours and that a certain pair of teenagers would be waiting for me. It was time to go home and write up my notes from the day. If I didn’t write it down, it didn’t happen, and it had been a very long day. I didn’t want to forget any of it. I glanced at my phone for any new messages and saw a missed call from Rob. He’d expect me to ring him back but he could sod off. He was not in my good books and if he thought I was going to be jumping through any more of his hoops in exchange for a few scraps, he could think again.
I was about to put the phone down and start the engine when I noticed I also had a missed call from Beverly. She’d left a message so I put the phone on speaker and listened as I drove home.
“Hi Charlie, it’s Beverly.” Her voice was animated. “I know you’re probably on your way home or something but I need to see you. Well actually, we need to see you. Maybe tomorrow? There’s someone I’d love for you to meet. Call me when you can.”
NINETEEN
I slammed the front door shut and rested my body against it. It had been a very long day and I was ready for a nice quiet evening with my two darling daughters.
“And what time do you call this?” Grace said, a smile on her face. “Your dinner was ready hours ago. I almost sent out a search party.”
“Very funny. Sorry I’m so late. Have you had a good day?”
“The best!”
“Oh?” I couldn’t remember the last time I’d heard Grace so excited about school. “Who is he?”
“As if.” She rummaged in her bag and pulled out a badge. “You’re looking at the newly elected captain of the school football team.”
“Football? Since when?”
Grace pulled a face. “Charming!”
“Sorry love but, I didn’t know you were even into football, let alone playing for the school team.”
“Ask her about the coach,” called Louise from the kitchen.
“Piss off!” Grace scowled.
“Grace!”
“Got nothing to do with her.” She stamped into the kitchen. “I don’t know why you have to butt your nose in.”
Louise, apparently choosing to ignore her sibling’s outburst, kissed me on the cheek and then turned to face Grace. “So it’s not true then?”
“What?”
“I heard one of the girls say coach has the biceps of an Amazonian god.”
“Oh per-lease. As if anyone our age actually talks like that!”
The bickering continued back and forth for a couple of minutes until I couldn’t take it any longer. I was about to snap at them but decided to instead retreat to the peace and quiet of my bedroom. I walked in, closed the door behind me, and lay on the bed with my eyes closed, blessing the day I’d chosen to insulate the house. Thanks to the wonder of fibreglass, the sound of their arguing barely travelled upstairs and I could pretend to be somewhere else entirely.
Seconds later I felt myself wake with a jolt. I wasn't sure what had woken me but it was colder than it had been when I'd closed my eyes. Darker too, I thought. I glanced at the clock and quickly realised why. I'd slept through dinner, the whole evening in fact, and it was now close to 3am. So much for a nice quiet evening with the girls. Despite my earlier exhaustion I now felt wide awake. I lay in bed for a few moments, listening to the sounds of the house shifting and creaking, mentally willing myself to go back to sleep. If I didn’t I knew I’d regret it in the morning. The more I fretted about it though, the more elusive sleep became so I decided I might as well make good use of the time and get some research done.
I slid my feet into my slippers, pulled a hoodie over my head, and padded quietly along the landing and downstairs. Having lived in this house for so long, I knew exactly where a misplaced foot would cause a creak and I successfully navigated the course with ease. As soon as I walked into the kitchen I instantly regretted it. The girls, apparently unimpressed with their mother’s level of care, had chosen to show their disgust by leaving all the dishes in the sink. What once might have been warm soapy water had now turned cold with the scum of dirt from the plates floating on the top. I decided that 3am was definitely not the best time to be dealing with such scenes and instead made myself a coffee and left again as quickly as I could.
I curled up on the sofa with my laptop and started investigating which local newspaper might be the best for my next line of enquiry. Thanks to Jill, I was excited at the prospect of submitting a story to whichever publication I deemed most appropriate. I felt certain they’d jump at the chance to include something from someone as illustrious as a private investigator. And my middle of the night delusions didn’t stop there. By the time I’d found the contact details for the editor of the local paper, I’d talked my way into a weekly column. Award ceremonies and glittering trophies awaited me, if only in my own head.
I knew the first step had to be the article about Beverly and Tortoise so, after researching some facts about dachshunds, I opened a new document on my computer and started writing. My high school English teacher would be horrified by my grammar, of that I was certain, but when I read over my opening paragraphs, I did so with a certain sense of satisfaction. If this didn’t get more key leads to come forward, I didn’t know what would. After one more quick check of the spelling I attached the whole piece to an email to the editor and before I could talk myself out of it, hit send. For the briefest of moments I’d considered copying Rob in but I disregarded that thought as quickly as it arrived. I was done with giving Rob all my best information. If he wasn’t going to play ball, that was his look out. I’d follow my email up with a phone call in the morning but, for now at least, I knew there was nothing else to do but wait. I yawned and stretched before heading back upstairs to bed. The light was starting to creep in through the curtains but if I could get another hour of sleep I knew I’d be glad later.
As I lay back in bed with my head on the pillow, I started thinking about the following day. I couldn’t begin to imagine who had got Beverly so animated. I knew she didn’t have any children for me to meet and I’d already introduced myself to her favourite neighbour. Maybe the dogs’s come home? I shook the thought away. If that had been the case I felt certain Beverly would have told me on the phone. Who then? I closed my eyes and tried to forget about work. I knew I’d find out soon enough.
TWENTY
I woke the following morning to find the house in silence and a note on the kitchen table. Gone to school. See you later. Eat this. Next to the note was a cold sausage sandwich. I assumed it was Louise's doing, Grace wasn't a fan of breakfast, and sent her a message to thank her. After being such appalling company the previous evening I knew I had some making up to do but first, it was time to see Beverly and her mysterious visitor.
Mysterious visitor. I made myself a coffee and took a bite of the sandwich while playing the idea over in my mind. It was then that the thought struck me. She couldn't mean that her fella was back, could she? I had mixed feelings about the man I'd never met. It was probably nice to have someone to love you, if that was what it was, but at what cost? I didn't like the way he seemed to breeze in and out of her life on a whim. I also couldn’t shake the comment Rob had made about there being no sign of a forced entry at Beverly’s house. If Rob and I had been on better terms I could have asked him about any unaccounted for fingerprints but I knew that was out of the question now.
Breakfast dispensed with, I gathered up my things, headed out to the van and a few minutes later, pulled up outside Beverly’s house. I parked up and looked at the house. It didn’t look any different, although my expectation that I should somehow divine Beverly’s news just by looking at the outside of her house was vaguely ridiculous. I put my phone on silent and headed to her front door. I paused, listening for any loud noises coming from inside the house, and then knocked.
>
Beverly opened the door. “Charlie! Hello! Come in, come in. I have someone I’d love for you to meet.”
I followed her into the kitchen. Standing with his back to us, looking out of the window, was a vaguely familiar figure. When he turned to greet me, I felt fear claw at my insides, despite his smile and pleasant greeting.
“Shaun O’Leary. And you must be the famous Charlie Diamond. I’ve heard so much about you.” He offered me his hand which I shook, still too shocked to know how I should react.
I looked from Beverly to Shaun. This had to be some kind of a joke. The last time I’d seen this man, I’d been running away from him and now he was acting like we’d never met. I pinched myself. Nope, not dreaming.
“Um, I think we met earlier in the week. Near the harbour?” Never one to skirt around the truth, I decided it was better to be honest right away.
Shaun shook his head. “Impossible. I only flew in yesterday. Didn’t even have time to warn this gorgeous woman that I’d be arriving.” He wrapped his arms round Beverly’s middle and I watched her squirm with delight.
“If that’s the case, you’ve got a double!” I blurted out.
I watched as Shaun’s face collapsed into laughter. “You know, I actually do.” He turned to Beverly. “Did I ever tell you about my brother?” She shook her head.
Realisation dawned. “Let me guess, you have a twin?” I felt some relief to know that the beast I’d met wasn’t the love of Beverly’s life, but only a little. They shared the same genes, probably had a lot in common. His brother was a nasty piece of work and that did little to ease my reservations about the man in front of me.
“I take it the two of you didn’t hit it off?” Shaun said.
“How’d you know?”
“The look on your face. If it makes you feel any better, the fact that we shared a womb is about the only thing we have in common. Let’s just say we don’t exactly see eye to eye.”
“Oh?”
“It’s not really for me to say but, he chose his path and I chose mine. We couldn’t be more different.” He turned to Beverly. “That’s why I never mention him. He’s not a part of my life anymore.”
“When did you last see him Shaun?” Given this latest development and my suspicions about his brother, I was keen to rule out any possible connection between him and Tortoise’s disappearance.
Shaun paused before answering. “Last night. I called to see my parents and he was hanging around. But before that, I couldn’t say. It’s been months.”
“Does he know about you and Beverly?”
Shaun’s face flushed and he looked uncomfortable. “I hadn’t told him but my parents knew. He mentioned something yesterday so I guess they must have told him.” He hesitated before speaking again but when he did, he spoke slowly. “Why do I suddenly feel like I should have my solicitor present?” He smiled to try and soften his words.
“I’m keen to explore all possible options Shaun.” I smiled. “But you’re not a suspect.”
“Of course he’s not!” Beverly hugged him. “Glad you’re back though. Charlie, Shaun was wondering if he could help with the investigation? He’ll be around for a while, it’d give him something useful to do.”
“Great!” I said, not sure if I actually meant it. I liked to work alone. “Are you a patient man Shaun? Lots of hanging around waiting on this job I’m afraid.”
“Patience is my middle name,” he said brightly. “Anything to help our Beverly.” He gave her another squeeze. “So what’s next?”
He looked like an overexcited puppy and I couldn’t help but smile. With Rob refusing to play, it might be nice to have someone to bounce ideas around with. My only fear was that I’d be forced to listen to stories of how wonderful his Beverly was. If I had to sit through too much of that I might be sick.
I gave him a smile. “You’ve only just got back. Spend the morning with Beverly. I have a few leads I need to chase. I’ll come back to you just as soon as I have something a bit more concrete.” I thought about the story I’d sent to the newspaper and crossed my fingers.
TWENTY-ONE
I went back to the van and checked my email, hoping for something from the paper. In my sleep-deprived state the previous night I’d convinced myself they’d be falling over themselves to print my story but now, in the stark light of day, I was a little less convinced. I dialled the number for the Burry Port reporter and left a message, explaining my story and who I’d sent it to, crossing my fingers that she’d listen to my plight and take pity on me. Without some new leads to follow I was all out of luck. I started the engine and was about to head home when my phone rang. It was Rob. I thought about sending his call to voicemail but decided I had nothing to lose. I switched off the engine as I answered the phone.
“Hi Rob, how are you?” I was determined to keep my tone lighter than I felt.
“Good thanks Charlie. Where are you?”
That was typical Rob. Straight to the point and no pleasantries. “I was just on my way home.”
“From?”
“Beverly’s house if you just know, not that it's any of your business.”
“Come on Charlie, don't be like that.”
“Like what? The last time we spoke you were warning me off.”
“For your own safety. But we’re still friends.” He hesitated. “Aren’t we?”
“Suppose,” I said. “Although let the record show that I am still incredibly pissed off with you.”
“Noted.”
“And I don’t need you to protect me.” I paused, trying to decide if I was really going to say what I thought I was about to say. “If I was the burly bloke next to you in the office you wouldn’t have warned me off.”
“If you were the burly bloke next to me in the office I wouldn’t have kissed you.” He sounded like he was smiling.
“About that …”
“Forget it Charlie. I was just messing around, having a laugh.”
“You think it’s funny to invade someone’s personal space like that?” I could feel myself getting mad at him again and I didn’t really know why.
“How about I take you out to dinner, by way of an apology?”
“Can’t, I need to spend some time with the girls.”
“They can come too, it’ll be my treat. Go on, you know you want to.”
Louise and Grace made no secret of the fact that they adored Rob. They had a decent relationship with their father of course but he dipped in and out of their lives on a timetable to suit himself and his new wife. Rob by contrast was always there, he could be relied upon, and that put him top of their Christmas card list. I knew what would happen if they found out I’d turned down an invitation from him, especially one that included them.
I sighed. “Go on then, you’ve twisted my arm. But no talking about work!”
“Deal. I’ll pick you all up at six. Where’d you fancy?”
“You can choose, seeing as you’re paying. Just remember Grace isn’t eating meat.”
“Since when? The last I heard it was gluten.”
“Don’t ask, just make sure you pick somewhere with a few options.”
We said our goodbyes and I hung up, unable to keep the smile off my face.
After sending Grace and Louise a message about our dinner plans I started the engine and headed in the direction of town. With no email from the newspaper office and the reporter not returning my calls I decided it was time to take matters into my own hands. Reminding myself of the quote about moving mountains, I pulled my shoulders back and walked into the newspaper building, brimming with confidence.
Twenty minutes later I could feel myself drooping. Being forced to wait in the stuffy reception with nothing to read except ancient copies of women’s magazines didn’t help but when I was invited to take a seat across the table from a bored looking young man about the same age as my children, I knew all hope was lost.
He smiled and offered me his hand. “Bo Peters, good to meet you.”
> Bo? Short for … My mind couldn’t come up with a reasonable answer so I simply shook his hand. “You too. Thanks for taking the time to meet with me.”
“What can I do for you Ms Diamond?”
“Are you the editor?” I tried to keep the surprise out of my tone.
He shook his head and laughed. “I wish! No, I’m an intern. Here until the summer. Had a couple of stories published already though.”
“That’s good to know. But I’m not sure you’re going to be able to help me.” I stood up and prepared to leave, cursing whichever receptionist had thought it was acceptable to waste my time like this.
“Please don’t go.” He leaped up and touched my arm. I couldn’t decide if I should feel shocked or take it as a compliment.
I took a step back and drew myself up to my full height. “Give me one good reason why not?”
“Because I read your story and I’d like to help.” He smiled, his eyes begging me to give him a chance. “And I make a pretty decent coffee. How about I get us both a latte and we can talk?”
“I sent that piece to the editor.”
“And he forwarded it to me. Thought it might be something we could work on together.”
“He’s read it?”
“Briefly. And if he didn’t like the angle he’d have canned it.”
I paused, giving myself time to weigh up my options. If I wanted my story to run, it seemed I’d need to play the game and work on it with Bo. It had to be better than an outright rejection, even if the kid had a stupid name.
“Tell me one thing and you’ve got a deal.” I said, smiling.
“Anything.”
“What’s ‘Bo’ short for?”
“If I tell you, you’ll work on this story with me?”
“Yep.”