‘That’s a lovely idea,’ said Maureen. ‘Busy day ahead?’
‘Not too bad but as you can imagine there are always things which need attention.’
‘Well, I better be on my way,’ she said. ‘I need to get ready for tomorrow and the support group. What shall I wear?’
‘Anything you like, you always look lovely.’
She punched him playfully on the chest. ‘No seriously, I want to be appropriately dressed, I don’t want to look out of place.’
‘It’s only casual. Don’t worry. I’ve booked a little countryside inn, nothing fancy so no need to dress up.’
‘OK, what time will you pick me up tomorrow?’
‘Say, about 9 a.m. It starts at eleven so that’s plenty of time to get there.’
‘I’ll be ready. Well, I’ll leave you to supervise the Radford empire then.’
‘Maureen?’
‘Yes?’
‘You’re OK aren’t you, about, well about what we discussed last night. No hard feelings?’
‘No, I understand. It’s just well, Hubert’s been such a pain regarding the divorce, it’s made me hypersensitive, that’s all.’
Ron stepped forward to kiss her and they hugged. All seemed to be well between the two of them and they said their goodbyes. She would be alone for the next evening but hadn’t long to wait before she saw Ron again. He waved her off at the door as she started her car and headed for home. She’d not felt so happy and relaxed in such a long time.
**
Christian woke to hear the shower running. He was momentarily confused as to where he was. Soon the memory of the previous night came flooding back to him. It had been ages since he’d experienced such fantastic sex, perhaps never with Geraldine. Laura had taken him to heights of pleasure he’d not thought possible. She emerged from the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her.
‘Good morning,’ he said. ‘Why don’t you come back to bed for a while.’
‘I’d love to but some of us have to get to work. We don’t all have a leisurely day ahead.’
‘Just five minutes, that’s all I’m asking.’
‘But it won’t be five minutes will it? Sorry, but you’ll have to wait until we next meet up. When will that be?’
Christian’s heart sank as he realised that his life had suddenly become complicated. He would have loved just to name another date in the near future but how long could he keep deceiving Geraldine without her becoming suspicious?
‘I’ll have to get back to you. Soon I hope.’
‘What about Sunday?’
‘This Sunday?’ he paused. ‘I’m not sure, I usually take my children out somewhere. They are busy with clubs and homework on Saturday. We have to spend a bit of time together as a family.’
‘Think of something. You won’t regret it. I’m not a patient woman, you know.’
‘Well, I’ll try. But I can’t promise. You do understand?’
Laura didn’t answer his last question and began to sort out her clothes. She gave him a quick kiss on the lips and Christian tried to pull her down on to the bed but she wriggled away.
‘Look, I think you should get up and have a shower. You can’t stay in bed all day.’
Christian yawned, ‘You’re right. I don’t want to stay in bed on my own.’ He got up slowly and headed into the bathroom. Laura waited until he was safely inside the shower cubicle and closed the door. She went over to his jacket and briefcase and quickly looked through his possessions.
As Christian stood under the hot shower his mind returned to his lover Laura. It all seemed like a dream but he had to admit to himself he was besotted. He knew he was being unfaithful but his marriage had become loveless. However, he doted on his children and would miss them terribly should his marriage end. He couldn’t bear to think of them traumatised by a break-up. They’d had a lot of upheaval recently with the change of school and having to leave behind all their friends and familiar environment. He groaned and rubbed his eyes. There was no doubt there was some serious thinking to be done but right now he needed a hot shower and some coffee. He also needed to get to grips with some work otherwise he would be at risk of losing his job. With a change of ownership at ClinTry he needed to create a good impression particularly as he’d been so distracted on Ron Radford’s first visit. Hopefully, once he was fully awake he could engage his brain and feel able to face the day ahead.
**
Seth rushed back into the laboratory after popping into the town centre at lunchtime.
‘Hi, Seth,’ said Hannah. ‘Did you get all your jobs done in town?’
‘Yes, I did thanks. I see the Britannia First lot are gearing up for their march this weekend. They were milling about in town trying to give leaflets to people.’
‘Really? I hope they aren’t going to be any trouble. Were they shouting anything?’
‘It was quite peaceful when I walked past quickly. They were trying to engage people in conversation and they had some banners. They had some figures on a board about numbers of immigrants or something, I didn’t want to linger in case it looked as though I was interested.’
‘No, quite, I don’t want to be associated with them either. Hopefully, when they do this march they will be seen for what they are, a load of bigots,’ said Hannah, continuing to add something to her reaction.
‘Did you recognise anyone?’ asked Adam.
‘Not from research or from the students. Why? Who are you thinking of in particular?’
‘I just wondered if Eddie was with them. I’ve had my suspicions about him.’
‘I don’t think he was there, anyway, I doubt he would be able to take time off at lunchtime.’
‘True,’ said Adam. ‘I think I’m getting a bit fixated on that bloke. I’ve taken an intense dislike to him.’
Adam realised he was starting to sound rather intense. ‘Sorry, I’m starting to rant a bit,’ he laughed.
‘Let’s change the subject,’ said Hannah. ‘It’s the weekend soon. What are everyone's plans?
‘I’m playing football as usual on Saturday morning, then we will no doubt adjourn to the pub to watch the experts play,’ said Seth. ‘My parents are coming over on Sunday to see me, so I better have a bit of a tidy up.’
‘London, for me again,’ said Adam. ‘Which reminds me I need to check that the trains are running OK this afternoon. It would be just my luck if there are signalling problems this afternoon.’
‘What is it this time? said Joe.
‘A friend from Imperial is having a birthday meal. It’ll be good to catch up with a few people up there and I’ll be with Zoe.’
‘Back with the smart set again,’ said Joe.
‘Joe!,’ said Hannah. ‘Why do you have a thing about Imperial College? It’s not the first time you mentioned it. Pat went there as well. Are you going to have a go at him too?’
‘It’s OK, Hannah,’ said Adam, ‘Joe’s just jealous. Aren’t you?’
‘Ha, don’t be ridiculous. I’ve got where I am through my own hard work, not through some sort of network. Unlike others have.’
Adam was aware that Joe seemed to think he’d been taken on because Pat had been at the same university.
‘Is that so? How did you know I was in the Masons?’ joked Adam which caused the rest of the lab to burst out laughing.
‘Ha, ha, very funny,’ said Joe. ‘Right, well I’ve got some data to run. Some of us have got work to do.’
‘Idiot,’ muttered Adam under his breath.
Seth checked that Joe had left and then walked over to Adam. ‘Sorry about him, I don’t know what gets into him sometimes.’
‘You don’t need to apologise on his behalf,’ said Adam. ‘Don’t worry. I can look after myself. But thanks for being concerned.’ Adam checked the time and saw that he was on schedule to leave early, things were progressing to plan. In two hours he would be out of the lab ready to start the weekend.
**
‘Hello Ron, everything OK?’
‘Of course, I’ll be ready.’
‘I’m hoping there will be a good turnout at the support group tomorrow. There will be refreshments at lunchtime and then by about 2 p.m. most people drift away. So then we will have the afternoon to ourselves before we go to the hotel.’
‘Sounds lovely,’ said Maureen. ‘Oh, sorry, I know it will be hard for you at the support group, I don’t mean to be insensitive.’
‘Don’t worry, I know you didn’t. Of course, it will bring back memories of Natasha and I never want to forget her but I’ve met you now and I’m looking forward to our little trip.’
‘So am I.’
‘So why don’t’ you have a look at the area where we are going and see whether there are any nice gardens or a National Trust place you’d like to visit on Saturday afternoon. We can spend a couple of hours there before we go to the hotel.’
‘OK, I’ll do that. Thanks, it’s a lovely idea.’
‘Make sure you organise some nice weather as well!’
‘Ha, I would if I could.’
‘Well, if it’s wet we will just have to adjourn to the hotel. I’m sure we can find something to do,’ joked Ron.
‘I’m so looking forward to seeing you, I can’t wait for tomorrow, bye for now.’
Maureen took her laptop into the kitchen and switched it on. Whilst it was waking up she made herself a cup of tea. It had been ages since she’d been away for a romantic night in a hotel. Their relationship seemed to be blooming, her life had suddenly turned around and once more she felt she had a reason to live.
Chapter 25
Maureen had found a couple of gardens to visit and had made a note of them. Perhaps she would get some inspiration for some new plants to get for her own humble garden. Ron must have had landscape gardeners to design his extensive grounds. It had been done so expertly with shaped beds and paths which led the eye to take in the whole vista where everything seemed in perfect proportion. There wasn’t really time now but next week she would need to mow the lawn and have a concerted effort at dead-heading the spent blooms in order to encourage more flowering.
The doorbell rang. Maureen looked at her watch. It was coming up to 8 p.m. She rarely had callers she wasn’t expecting apart from during the day when there were people touting for replacement windows or driveways. As she approached the door she spotted the familiar figure of Hubert and her heart sank. What on earth did he want? Surely not more papers to sign from their property business.
‘Hubert,’ she said. ‘You normally let me know you are going to call in, is it something important?’
‘Sorry, love, forgot to charge my phone, the battery is dead,’ he said waving his phone in front of her.
‘I’m not your love, please don’t call me that!’
‘Sorry, force of habit, can I come in?’
‘Yes, what’s it about?’
‘Let me come in and explain.’
She stepped aside and Hubert stepped into the hallway. He marched straight into the kitchen without being asked and started to peruse her jottings about the gardens to visit.
‘Going on a trip?’
‘Hubert, it’s none of your business, please don’t read my private notes.’
‘Going with your boyfriend are you?’
Maureen stared at Hubert. She’d not noticed when she’d first let him in but he seemed very agitated. He was stepping from foot to foot as if he had trouble standing still. His eyes looked different as well. He had a wild look about him she’d not seen before. Could she smell whisky?
‘Are you OK? Have you been drinking?’
‘Just a small one. I can handle my drink.’
‘You’ve not said what you wanted to see me about?’
‘Oh, haven’t I? Silly me. I forgot. I just wanted to see you.’
‘Stop messing about. Is it about the business? I thought I’d signed the papers the other night.’
‘You did. Just before you went out to Brensford Manor to see Ronnie.’
Maureen was furious. He’d obviously followed her. What a nerve. Hubert would never change, he was always the jealous controlling type and would be like that until the end of his days.
‘Where I go and who I see is no business of yours. We are separated, soon to be divorced. You can see who you want and I can do the same. Now please leave.’
‘Not yet, we are having such a nice little chat. Let’s have a drink? Unless you are expecting lover boy?’
‘I think you’ve had quite enough, now piss off and leave me alone.’
Maureen headed out of the kitchen into the hallway. Suddenly Hubert grabbed a knife out of the block in the kitchen and strode after her. He seized her around the neck and held the knife to her throat.
‘What? Get off me, you bastard. Let me go!’ screamed Maureen as she struggled against him. She kicked at him and tried to run to the front door but he grabbed her legs and rugby tackled her to the ground. Maureen fell heavily banging her elbow and crying out in pain. Hubert had regained the knife and sat astride his wife with the knife to her throat. He was panting and his face was flushed puce coloured. A vein throbbed angrily at his right temple. Saliva dribbled from his mouth in a long trail and landed on her T-shirt. He wiped his mouth with his left hand whilst continuing to press the tip of the knife into the flesh of her neck. A small drop of blood appeared and Maureen became paralysed.
‘You make things so difficult. I just want to talk. Let’s be grown-up about this.’
‘Grown-up, don’t make me laugh! You’re an animal! You won’t get away with this! You are completely unstable! What’s got into you?’
He got up and waved the knife at her. ‘Get up.’
She complied. Her mobile was in the kitchen. For the moment there was no way she could reach it and besides, could she risk phoning the police with Hubert in the state he was? He’d made it quite clear he might cut her throat. He was much stronger and bigger than her, she wouldn’t have a chance. She got up slowly from the floor and straightened her clothes.
‘Upstairs,’ he pointed. ‘After you.’
‘Please, don’t be ridiculous, just go. I won’t say anything if you leave now. Just leave me alone.’
‘I don’t want to hurt you. I just want to chat. That’s all.’
‘We can chat down here. Why don’t I open some wine? Let’s sit in the garden?’
‘I want to lie down, on my old bed, with you beside me. Get upstairs.’
Was he going to try to rape her? Please God she intoned. Don’t let me suffer that indignity when I am so close to being rid of him. She made her way slowly up the stairs to her bedroom. Hubert followed, still holding the knife. As she entered he slammed the door shut. She also heard a metallic sound, then felt something being fastened around her wrist. Too late she realised what it was. He had handcuffed her! She struggled to reach the door but Hubert just grabbed her arm and dragged her back. She kicked out at his shins but he evaded her using his own foot to sweep her feet from under her. She fell to her knees on the carpet feeling powerless. As she fell the handcuff scraped the skin on her wrist, breaking the skin and creating a red welt. Hubert stooped slightly and snapped the other handcuff around his left hand. They were now shackled together. This was a nightmare. He was completely deranged.
‘What are you doing? Undo the cuffs! Have you lost your mind?’
‘I just want to spend one final night with you. Before we go our separate ways. Is that too much to ask? Now lie down on the bed.’
‘This is absurd! Let me go!’
Hubert stared down at her and then suddenly slapped her across the face. Maureen screamed and started to cry. With her free hand, she felt her cheek. This was the first time in their marriage he’d ever assaulted her although he had come close on many occasions when he’d been unreasonable and had started questioning her about where she’d been and so on. In those days he’d frequently g
rabbed her by the upper arms causing bruising but this was on an entirely different scale.
‘Stand up and get on the bed!’
Slowly she struggled to her feet. For the moment she felt it best to humour him. Perhaps once the effect of the drink wore off she would be able to reason with him. He climbed on the bed next to her and they lay side by side. It was completely bizarre. How long was this going to last?
‘So, has he slept in this bed then?’
‘Who?’
‘You know who I mean. Ronnie. Your new beau.’
‘Mind your own business. Have you slept with anybody recently?’
‘No, I’ll never want another woman. No-one could replace you.’
‘Ha, it’s a pity you weren’t more considerate when we were married.’
‘I always cared for you. You had the best of everything. You still can, I can change. Please just give me a chance?’
‘You blew your chances a long time ago. And after this, well, don’t take me for an idiot.’
‘I never regarded you as an idiot. Vulnerable, yes. You need protecting. You are easily hurt.’
‘I need protecting from you! You are the one who just hurt me!’
‘Sorry about that, truly I am. I don’t know what came over me. Please forgive me?’
Maureen remained silent. She was seething with anger. Not only that, she was soon going to need to go to the toilet. Perhaps then she might be able to get Hubert to release her. Then she would have her chance. Just now he was too fired up to think rationally, she would have to wait a while.
Quite suddenly, Hubert started to cry. The cries became more emotional and soon he was sobbing. Maureen turned to look at him. He was a complete mess. How had he become like this? He needed to seek professional help. It was awful to see him like this. Although she hated him for what he’d just subjected her to she felt herself swallow hard and her eyes began to prick with tears. They had spent such a long time together it was hard not to feel some sadness for him. She turned over to him and cradled his head. He continued to cry and his tears soaked her T-shirt.
‘Hubert, let’s talk. You need to get help. Give me the key to the handcuffs and we’ll go downstairs and I’ll make some tea.’
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