by Susan Lewis
He shrugged. ‘I guess that’s my decision made, then. Say hi to Angie.’
‘Oh, hi Angie. How are you?’
‘I’m good, thanks. And you?’
‘Yeah, cool. We had a great time at the theatre on Wednesday, did Grace tell you?’
Angie smiled. ‘I haven’t heard about anything else since. It was really kind of you to introduce her to so many people.’
‘Oh, they loved her – and Lois. I think a few things could work out for them there. So where are you guys going?’
‘I already told you,’ Martin replied. ‘To Wilkie’s birthday party at Leanne’s.’
‘Oh yeah, amazing. She is so cool. Do you know Wilkie, Angie?’
‘I’ve read about her in the papers from time to time,’ Angie replied. ‘She’s a bit of an activist.’
Alayna laughed. ‘That’s one way of describing her; firebrand is another, adorable is another. Whatever, she’s definitely a character and I’m sure you’ll love her. Is Mum going, Dad?’
‘I should think so. She and Leanne are good friends. If you’re intending to raid my wine store tonight then make sure it’s not the good stuff.’
‘You are so mean. Hope you guys have a great time. Love to Mum if you see her. Love to Grace, Angie. Tell her I’ll call her on Monday.’
No sooner had she rung off than Martin’s phone rang again. This time it was someone called Carol.
‘My mother,’ he explained, and clicked on. ‘I’m on my way,’ he told her, clearly anticipating her question.
‘Good, everyone’s asking where you are. You’re bringing Angie, aren’t you?’
‘Of course. I told you I was.’
‘Excellent, we’re all looking forward to meeting her, so hurry up and get here. I don’t know why you always have to be late.’
As he rang off he cast a wry look Angie’s way.
Feeling thrown by what she’d heard, Angie said, ‘I didn’t realize … I …’ She’d been expecting to blend in with the throng, simply to watch everyone else and listen and make sure she didn’t drink too much.
‘I’m afraid the story of Roland Shalik trying to cheat you out of your house is out,’ he confessed. ‘Nothing to do with me,’ he added hastily. ‘Look no further than Martha.’
‘Or,’ Angie laughed, ‘the Kesterly Gazette. A reporter called me soon after you did on Wednesday.’
‘Did you speak to him?’
‘I said that I don’t wish my name to be associated with Shalik’s and that I hope never to see him again in my life.’
He looked impressed. ‘So you won’t be going to court when the trial comes up?’
‘I shouldn’t think so, unless I have to give evidence, but my guess is the other charges will take precedence, and I definitely don’t want anyone getting confused and thinking I had some involvement in that. Grace has been through enough, so have I; let him be jailed for the worst of his crimes and we’ll get on with our lives. Now, I’m not going to let that loathsome man take up another second of this evening, so please can we change the subject?’
Smiling, he turned left at the top of the estate and crossed a cattle grid to head up a dirt-track drive towards a sprawl of old farm buildings, all of which had been converted into very smart dwellings. Apparently Wilkie lived alone in the farmhouse, her daughter Leanne and partner Tom were in the converted barn, and the lovely Polish girl, Klaudia, who worked at Glory Days, was in the stables with her children. Angie knew all this because Steve had freshened up these residences only a year before he died.
‘Before we go in,’ Martin said, bringing them to a stop behind a haphazard arrangement of cars, ‘how’s your guy Hamish? Over the flu?’
Surprised and touched that he’d ask, she said, ‘He seems much better, thanks. When I spoke to him earlier he was in the middle of baking a cake, and that’s always a good sign.’
Martin nodded. ‘Glad to hear it,’ and turning off the engine he said, ‘OK, ready?’
‘I guess so.’ She smiled past a twist of nerves. ‘Are you?’
He laughed. ‘It’s not me they want to see, it’s you, but don’t worry, if it starts to get too much I’ll do my best to rescue you.’
It turned out to be one of the most exhilarating evenings Angie could remember in a long time, maybe since the surprise party Steve had thrown for her thirtieth at Crustacean, the best restaurant in town. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly and sorry about Steve, whom they all seemed to have known, and complimentary about her dress and her hair, which Grace had folded into a loose French plait. Andee seemed genuinely thrilled to see her, coming to embrace her like an old friend, and taking her aside for a quick moment to say, ‘I’ve already spoken to Alice Merino. I’m not sure if she’s giving me the runaround, but I’m going to follow up on what she told me just in case. The only thing is, Graeme and I are going to be in Stockholm for the early part of next week, so I won’t be able to do it until we get back.’
‘That’s OK,’ Angie assured her. ‘I’m just grateful that you’re doing it at all.’
Andee smiled, ‘We’ll get there,’ she promised, ‘now before someone else steals you, come and meet Graeme.’
He turned out to be an extremely distinguished-looking man, darker-haired than Martin, about the same height and age and slightly more serious-minded, Angie thought, but what did she know? This was their first meeting, and she didn’t know Martin well enough to be making comparisons.
Next thing, she was being steered towards a magnificent raised stone fireplace at the far end of the barn to be introduced to the birthday girl.
‘Wilkie,’ Andee said, ‘this is Angie Watts.’
The older lady’s face lit up with so much girlish joy that Angie found herself laughing. ‘Angie, my dear,’ Wilkie cried, grabbing Angie’s free hand – she was holding champagne in the other – ‘I am so happy to meet you. I hope Martin told you how delighted I was when I heard you were coming. You know I was completely in love with your husband, we all were, and now I’m completely in love with your daughter. What a beautiful and talented young lady she is.’
Knowing that Grace had been swept off her feet by Wilkie when they’d met at the theatre with Alayna on Wednesday, Angie smiled warmly as she said, ‘Thank you. From the way she talked about you I can tell you the feeling is mutual.’
Wilkie beamed. ‘We have a wonderful community programme going at our newly named Delaney Players. Grace and her friend Lois are going to be very welcome assets, that’s for sure. Leanne, there you are. Have you met Angie yet?’
Angie turned to see a tall, shapely woman with enchanting pre-Raphaelite looks thrusting a tray of drinks at her mother so she could take over the hand Wilkie was holding. ‘I’m so glad you made it,’ she said kindly, ‘and you look lovely. Did Gina at The Salon do your hair? If she did I must ask her to do the same with mine. She’s around here somewhere.’
Angie said, ‘Actually my daughter did it. I’ll tell her what you said, she’ll be so thrilled I won’t hear the end of it.’
Laughing, Leanne said, ‘It’s Grace, isn’t it? She’s in the year below my daughter at school. We should have invited her too.’
‘Oh, she’s fine, she’s gone to the cinema with her aunt and cousins this evening.’
‘Leanne,’ Martin said, coming up behind them. ‘Always lovely to see you. Is Tom here?’
‘He just popped over to the hotel to sort something out. He should be back any minute. Have you seen your mother? She was looking for you.’
‘I’m right here,’ a voice spoke up from behind Martin, and standing back he drew in a small, elegant lady with the same arresting blue eyes as his, and an irresistibly twinkly smile. ‘Angie,’ she said affectionately, ‘I’m Carol. I feel I know you already, I’ve heard so much about you from Martha and Alayna. It’s lovely that you’re here.’
‘Thank you,’ Angie smiled. ‘I’m glad I came.’ She glanced quickly at Martin and had a horrible feeling she might have blushed. Worse, he might ha
ve noticed. ‘When did you get back from Majorca?’ she asked Carol politely.
‘A couple of days ago. I wasn’t going to miss Wilkie’s birthday do, and there are a few things I need to catch up on here. Now, I’m not going to hog you this evening, but I’d love to talk to you at some point about all the wonderful work you do at your transition houses.’
‘Of course,’ Angie promised, and feeling Martin’s hand on her arm she allowed herself to be led away so he could introduce her to more of his – or Wilkie’s – friends.
Over the next couple of hours she was sure she met all of Kesterly’s finest, from property developers, to surgeons, to lawyers, to antique dealers, to Detective Chief Inspector Gould, and Tom, Leanne’s partner, who Martin informed her used to be a spy. She wasn’t sure if he was serious or not, but she certainly liked the idea of it.
After meeting Tom she spent a while chatting with Gina, the charming hairdresser, and her husband Gil, who came up to express how outraged they’d felt when they’d heard about Shalik trying to cheat her out of her house, and how delighted they were that everything had worked out the right way in the end. Angie offered condolences for their recent loss – Gina’s daughter had died not long after becoming a mother – and they did the same for Steve.
She wasn’t entirely sure how much champagne she was drinking, she only knew that her glass was constantly being topped up and that every time she glanced surreptitiously around for Martin she felt even more bubbles of happiness simply to see him.
It was long after midnight by the time they left, having stayed with the diehards spread out around the fireplace on sofas and giant cushions exchanging views, laughing at outlandish stories and drinking more wine or coffee. Angie had loved every minute while sitting beside Martin, who hadn’t had his arm around her exactly, but he had put it across the back of the sofa behind her. When he helped her to her feet she gave an embarrassing little stagger into him, but quickly righted herself. She wasn’t drunk, she was certain of it, but she was definitely light-headed, and it wasn’t entirely the fault of the wine.
The instant they stepped out into the chill night air she regretted not bringing her only coat, but it would have spoiled the look of her outfit, it was so shabby. She really must find the time to buy a new one.
‘Here,’ Martin said, slipping off his jacket and wrapping it around her. She felt his residual warmth sinking into her, and inhaled the male scent of him mixing with his aftershave. It felt even more intoxicating than the wine.
‘So,’ he said, once they were on their way home with the heater on full, ‘you had a good time?’
‘It was wonderful, thank you,’ she murmured. ‘Everyone was so friendly.’
He seemed pleased. ‘They’re a great bunch, that’s for sure – and what’s not to love about Wilkie?’
Angie chuckled at the way Wilkie had got so carried away while standing on a chair to thank everyone for coming, that she’d toppled off straight into Tom’s arms. ‘She’s adorable,’ she commented. ‘Lucky Tom caught her.’
‘Someone’s always close by when she gets up on something to make a speech, because she works up such a passion she practically flings herself off.’
Laughing, Angie said, ‘Your mother seems lovely too. She has a wicked sense of humour, especially where you’re concerned.’
He sighed. ‘I won’t ask what she told you, I’ll just feel thankful that she didn’t bring the baby photos with her.’
Angie said, ‘What makes you think she didn’t?’
He glanced at her quickly, ready to protest until he realized she was teasing. ‘OK, you got me,’ he laughed, ‘but I wouldn’t have put it past her.’
Loving that anyone might think she’d be interested in his baby photos, she was about to ask more about his mother when he said, ‘Did you manage to talk to Andee about the girl on the estate? Has she seen her yet?’
Sobering slightly, Angie said, ‘Yes, she has, and apparently she has some sort of lead that she’s going to check out when she gets back from Stockholm.’
He nodded, keeping his eyes straight ahead, and when he didn’t comment further she wondered if it was the mention of Andee going away that had quietened him.
She wished she could take it back, or think of something else to distract him, but they were turning into Willow Close now and moments later he pulled up behind the van.
‘Would you like to come in?’ she offered, her heart in her mouth in case he said no – or yes.
‘It’s late,’ he responded. ‘Maybe another time?’
‘Of course,’ she smiled, clinging on to the last three words, and pushing open the door she stepped out before slipping off his jacket. ‘Thanks for a lovely evening,’ she said, laying it on the passenger seat. ‘I really did have a wonderful time.’
‘Thanks for coming,’ he smiled, and after waiting until she was safely inside the front door, he turned the car around and drove off into the night.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Expect a message/call from Carol Stone. She’s just contacted me for your number. Martha xx
Angie barely had time to feel surprised, or anything at all, before the next text came in.
Hello Angie, Carol Stone here, Martin’s mother. I was wondering if you’d like to come and have tea with me here at the house on Thursday afternoon. If it’s not convenient don’t worry, we can always sort out another time. Very best
Before messaging back Angie carried out a quick check of her calendar, and seeing she was due to be with Martha that day she decided it would probably be OK if she took a couple of hours off to have tea with the boss’s mother. To make sure, she texted Martha and got an answer almost straight away.
Absolutely fine. I’ll send you the address.
‘So you think it’s about BtG?’ Emma asked when Angie told her about it later as they prepared an evening meal together.
‘She mentioned it at the party, so I can’t imagine it would be anything else,’ Angie replied. ‘If she wants to make a charitable donation I’ll have to explain our position, if Martin hasn’t already.’
‘Will he be there?’
Angie frowned. ‘Not that she mentioned.’
Emma removed a sizzling roast chicken from the oven and set it to rest on the counter top. ‘Melvin likes a leg, if that’s OK,’ she said, peeling off the oven gloves. ‘He should be here around six, he said.’
‘Are you seeing him every night now?’ Angie asked.
‘More or less. He can’t get enough of me, and I think we can understand that. The boys love him, in fact I think they might enjoy being with him more than with their dad, but don’t quote me. Anyway, back to Martin, I can’t believe you haven’t heard from him since Saturday. And you haven’t seen him either?’
‘I haven’t been in the office much this past couple of days, and when I am he’s somewhere else. Oh God, do you think he might be avoiding me?’
Emma raised an eyebrow, not fully taken in by the mock paranoia. ‘I just find it odd,’ she said, ‘that you go to a party together and have a fantastic time and now nothing.’
‘I told you, I think he was a bit thrown when I mentioned Andee was going to Stockholm. He’ll probably have guessed it was with Graeme, and I think he still finds it hard.’
Emma mulled that over for a moment. ‘How long have they been apart now?’
‘A couple of years, I think, but Steve’s been gone for that long and there are times when I still miss him as much as I did at the beginning.’
Appearing to accept that, Emma picked up Angie’s mobile as it started to ring. ‘Ah, speak of the devil,’ she commented. She handed over the phone, and seeing who it was Angie turned her back as she answered. ‘Hi, how are you?’ she asked softly.
‘I’m good,’ Martin replied. ‘Are you?’
‘Yes, I’m fine. We’re just making dinner. Emma and I.’ How fascinated he must be to know that. Should she invite him?
‘OK, I won’t keep you, I was ringing to find out if
you might be free sometime at the weekend for a lunch or dinner?’
Reining in a burst of happiness, she said, ‘That would be lovely. I don’t have any arrangements right now, so you choose.’
‘OK. How about lunch at the Mermaid on Sunday? In fact, we could all go, Emma, Melvin, the kids, Alayna and my mother if they’re back from Dorset.’
Although it was disappointing not to be just the two of them, she still loved the idea. ‘I’m seeing your mother on Thursday,’ she told him.
‘So I hear. Alayna’s driving her to Dorchester on Saturday to see an ageing cousin, I don’t think they’re planning to stay the night, but if they do they won’t make the lunch.’
‘Well, from our end I’m sure everyone will jump at it, we all love the Mermaid.’
‘Great. I’ll probably catch up with you at the office sometime between now and then, but if I don’t I’ll book for … How many are we?’
She quickly counted. ‘Definitely eight, possibly ten.’
‘Got it. Good to hear you,’ and before she could say it was good to hear him too he rang off.
She turned back to Emma and tried to look nonchalant.
‘OK, so you haven’t learned the rules of hard to get yet,’ Emma commented.
Angie slanted her a look. ‘Let’s not try to read too much into this,’ she cautioned.
‘Bollocks to that,’ Emma declared and wrapped her in a bruising hug. ‘Now tell me everything he said, word for word, and did he mention me?’
Andee rang the following afternoon while Angie was waiting for Grace and Lois to come out of school so she could drive them to their dance class. ‘Andee, are you back?’ she asked after clicking on.
‘Late last night,’ Andee confirmed, ‘and I’ve been busy this morning. Tell me, are you doing anything tomorrow afternoon?’
Angie said, ‘I’m going to have tea with Martin’s mother.’ She winced, hoping that was OK. ‘Why, do you want me to come somewhere with you?’
‘No, but I think you should be at home. I’ll talk to Carol and explain …’