3 The Surgeon's Blade

by Faith Mortimer

  Shaking with relief, Libby gave a wan smile and stepped aside as he walked in and closed the door behind him. He was holding a carrier bag in one hand and some sort of workman’s satchel-type bag in the other. “Libby?”

  She nodded, the lump in her throat threatening to choke her. “I’m fine. I tripped over the rug and I…I nearly knocked the vase off the hall table. I overreacted. Come through to the kitchen.”

  Robert followed, clutching his bags. “Mmm. Something smells good. Chicken did you say?”

  Managing a proper smile, Libby nodded. “That’s if it all goes according to the recipe. I’m trying out Thai Green Curry on you. It’s my first attempt, so you’re my guinea-pig for the evening.”

  Robert gave a low whistle. “Not only beautiful but clever too. Thai is probably my favourite food after Italian. Shall I do the door first though? I don’t think it’ll take too long. The instructions are straight forward.”

  “It might be better while it’s still daylight outside. And I don’t know about being clever – you’ve never tasted my cooking. Would you like a drink?”

  “Yes please, a beer if you’ve got one. It’s been pretty hot today and I’m thirsty. I’ll make a start on the lock at once.”

  Libby wandered over to her glasses cupboard and selected a beer tankard. She could have just given him the can but thought he might appreciate a glass. As she poured the beer, she watched him covertly while he worked. Despite his apparent friendliness, she thought she sensed an aloofness about him and then immediately scolded herself, thinking she really was becoming paranoid over the slightest little thing. She turned back to check her cooking while Robert unpacked his bag and produced a substantial-looking lock, which he explained was known as a night latch.

  “This should do the job. It’s nice and sturdy, much better than that old brass chain that looks like it could pop if someone put their shoulder to it,” he said later, when he stood back to admire his handiwork. “The lock is actually slightly stiff and will need a bit of getting used to. I’ve greased it, but try it and see.”

  Robert showed Libby how to set and reset the lock. He was right, the lock was a bit difficult, but she said she would soon get used to it. “Knowing it’s there makes me feel heaps safer. Thank you,” she said, after trying it out a few times. “Okay, I reckon I’ve got the hang of it now. So, shall we have our dinner? It’s all ready apart from the rice, which is nearly done. I thought we’d eat in if that’s all right? They did forecast rain later and knowing my luck…”

  ~~~~~

  Robert sat back in his chair with a satisfied look upon his face. “Libby, I have to say that was delicious, especially for someone who professes not to cook. Next time, it’s my turn.”

  Libby smiled. “Are you sure? You’re not just saying that? Usually I’m rubbish when it comes to cooking.”

  He laughed. “Of course I am. Believe me, I wouldn't lie to you. What would be the point? No, it was scrumptious!”

  “Let’s take the rest of the wine outside shall we? The rain’s held off, and it’s still a warm evening.”

  “Good idea. I’ll uncork the other bottle as we’ve nearly finished this one. I hope red is okay? I want to talk to you anyway.

  Libby looked surprised at his remark. “That sounds ominous, what about?”

  “Now, I don’t want to pry or upset you, but are you going to tell me about your intruder? Or am I going to be the last person you inform?” Robert raised his eyebrows, while tasting a sip of the new wine.

  Libby flushed. “So who told you? I bet I can guess. He never could keep quiet.”

  “Isn’t it just as well? When were you going to let me know, if at all?”

  “Robert—” she said, turning away in embarrassment. “I promise I was going to tell you this evening. I’ve been so busy, and I guess I just forgot. When did Jem speak to you?”

  “The very day your co-sister, Lisa, told him. Libby, you must realise we’re all concerned about you. Especially Lisa – she says you’ve not been yourself lately. Are you still having odd feelings?”

  Thinking back to just before Robert’s arrival and her scare after seeing that man loitering outside, Libby hesitated. The police hadn’t really believed her as nothing had been stolen or disturbed, and she had little else to back up her strange feelings. Even so, she realised Robert would be as mad as hell if she kept this thing to herself.

  “Ye–es. That is, something strange happened just before you arrived.”

  Robert immediately looked grim. “Let’s go into the garden then, shall we? I get the feeling I should be sitting down.”

  Libby followed him, and they sat on a bench side by side. The evening was calm and the sweet scent from the night stocks hung in the air. Traffic noises were muted and Libby could almost imagine they were in the country.

  “It’s nothing really. I just had a bit of a surprise. I thought I saw one of the hospital porters, Peter, hanging around outside earlier; immediately before you arrived, actually. I thought you might have seen him. I was in the garden and happened to glance through the bushes over there,” she said, indicating with her hand. “And there was this man having a smoke, whom I thought looked very much like Peter. I couldn’t see absolutely clearly, as the hedge was in the way, even the part where it’s thinner. But it’s strange. I’m sure he doesn’t live near here, and I’ve never seen him around before. Anyway, he suddenly dashed across the road. I thought it was because he realised I’d seen him, and he jumped onto a bus going towards the city centre. Am I being stupid?” she asked in a soft voice.

  Robert didn’t answer immediately. Instead he took one look at her miserable face and put his arm around her. “Libby, I don’t think anyone can be stupid where safety is concerned. Look. You’re a single woman living on her own. There have been some horrendous attacks on women lately, and they’ve all been nurses. I know the incidents have all happened in the vicinity of the hospital, but who knows? With this madman, he could be moving into new territory. I don’t want to scare you, but I believe you have to be extra careful. Now, you don’t know for sure if it was this Peter. Even if it was, his being there may be entirely innocent. We can inform the police, if you like. Would you like to do that?”

  “I got the distinct feeling the police didn’t believe me about my intruder, especially as nothing was disturbed. And yes, I’ve nothing else to go on other than some odd feelings. I don’t know Peter well, but Lisa does, and she says he’s harmless. He suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome and is clever but socially challenged. She says he’d never hurt a fly.”

  Robert looked pensive. “Yes, well, that’s as maybe. I think mentioning it to the local cop shop won’t hurt. I think we ought to tell Jem though. I’m sure he’ll know Peter a lot better than you do because he’ll have more contact with him down in Accident Centre. Don’t look so worried, this is what friends are for. By the way, what about your fiancé? Where does Nigel fit into all this? Is he around or up in town? And how much have you told him?”

  Robert’s comforting arm made Libby feel safe. It was warm and reassuring, yet there was something that was oddly familiar. She stole a look at Robert.

  “Ah! I thought you’d get round to asking me about him.”

  ~~~~~

  “So, we’re having a sort of break from each other. It makes sense if you think about it,” Libby said, while refreshing their glasses.

  “Sorry, you’ve completely lost me. You say you’ve hardly spoken to Nigel lately because he lost his mobile, which coincidentally was handed in to the police once it had been found at the hospital. Then next you tell me your fiancé has his ex-wife staying with him, and you’re putting moving in with him on hold. But you’ve not yet told him anything about your intruder, let alone your scare earlier this evening? Have I got all that right? Libby, I despair of you.”

  She stared at him. “Why? Oh, I see. Or at least I think I do.” She began to laugh, and then to her embarrassment, her laughter turned to sobs. To her horror, she couldn�
�t stop the tears sliding down her face making black runnels from her mascara.

  ~~~~~

  “Better now?”

  “She nodded, took a deep breath, and tried a tremulous smile. “Sorry. I’m such a fool. I feel such a fool.”

  “Libby, there’s no need to apologise. You’ve been through a hell of a lot over the last few weeks. We all make mistakes, me included.” Robert took a sip of his brandy and gestured that Libby should do the same.

  “You’re right, of course. I truly think everything has got on top of me. What I haven’t told you yet is where Nigel and I stand, and when I do tell you, you’ll probably think I’m quite barmy.”

  Robert looked interested at her words, and if Libby had known him better, she would have thought he was holding his breath. “Go on, try me.”

  “I’ve finally come to the conclusion we aren’t suited. Ever since I came out of hospital, things have felt odd – I’ve mentioned this before. What I didn’t tell you was when I first woke up in hospital and found Nigel sitting there – at first a total stranger to me – he immediately said I was his fiancé. When I looked at my hand and noticed my bare fingers, he explained my engagement ring was in the jewellers being resized. Robert, I…I don’t actually believe we were ever engaged. I think it’s all something he’s made up, and I don’t know why. I think he does love me in his way, but I’ve never truly felt completely cherished. Do you understand? Am I going mad?”

  Libby raised a woeful face, and Robert took one of her hands in his, giving her fingers a reassuring squeeze. “No, I don’t for one minute. I know you won’t thank me for reminding you of this, but very early on I said there was something about Nigel that disturbed me. Remember that day when we’d been sailing and we argued over him? He never rang true somehow, and as for leaving you so much on your own lately, well what on earth has he been doing? Oh, I know he’s an important surgeon with his Harley Street practice, and he’s on various hospital boards, but he’s not very lovable is he? And now you’re saying his ex-wife is staying with him. Why? Does she still have a hold on him? And something else Jem said troubled me too.”

  Libby stole another look in his direction. “Oh? What’s that? You seem to have got to know Jem rather well.”

  “This was originally from Lisa, actually. She told Jem that Nigel had a key to this place. Now, I realise who you give a key to is your business, but have you thought about it, truly thought about the implication of someone else having access to your home? I’m sure Nigel is honest, and there’s nothing to really concern us, but you had an intruder recently. He could have mentioned to someone in passing that he had the key to your place, so that he could pick up some of your things while you were in hospital. He could have left it lying around, possibly at the hospital or some place, and anyone could have put two and two together. Okay, it’s a long shot, but all I’m saying is strange things happen sometimes through a chain of events that we know nothing about. Good heavens!” Robert gave a sudden dry chuckle.

  “What?”

  “I’ve begun to sound like my cousin, Diana, from Cyprus. You remember I mentioned her to you.”

  Libby nodded, wishing she could stop the sudden flush from stealing over her cheeks. How well she remembered that embarrassing episode in her life.

  “She’s the one I saw you with down at West Quay the other day.”

  It was Robert’s turn to nod. “What I’ve never mentioned is she’s a bit of an amateur sleuth as well as being a writer. She sees mysteries in almost everything and loves working out why people behave as they do. I bet if I mentioned you to her, she would know exactly what was happening here.”

  “I’m not sure I want someone I haven’t met knowing all my business,” Libby retorted.

  “Of course, I’m being ill-mannered and jumping to conclusions. There may be absolutely nothing to worry about. But I’ll say this: I am going to get Jem to arrange a meeting with the porter. A pub will do nicely, I think! He’ll know more about him, Peter you said his name was, I believe? Perhaps Jem can ask him in a roundabout way if he was here earlier today and if so, why. That’ll solve one mystery, don’t you think? I’m only sorry I missed seeing him, and then I would have known what he looks like.”

  “Please tell Jem to be careful. I wouldn’t want anyone being accused of something if they’re innocent. If it wasn’t him, then I’m going to look very silly, and the more I think about it, the less sure I am.” Libby looked troubled.

  “Of course. Just leave it to us, and try and stop worrying. Thank you for trusting me with this. Perhaps we should have trusted each other more earlier on, and then we wouldn’t have had any misunderstandings. It’s my turn to trust you with a secret of my own. I know Stephanie hasn’t told you as she knows my feelings over this, but I was married some time ago. I was very happy with my wife, Morwenna, and our baby daughter, Carole. Unfortunately, they were both killed in a dreadful accident some years back. I rarely mention it, and it’s only now since meeting you and having Diana and her daughter, Poppy, to stay that I feel I can speak about it. When this is all over I’ll tell you everything, but for the moment please bear with me.” He looked quite sad and then seemed to pull himself together as he continued.

  “Now my girl, time is getting on. Would you like to come back to my place for a night or two? Diana was staying with a friend, but she’s with me now and has the bedroom you slept in after Stephanie and Graham’s party, but there is another little bedroom. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind having the baby in with her.”

  Libby felt overwhelmed by what Robert had just disclosed, but she wasn’t surprised. She thought there had always been something simmering beneath his usual good temper. She decided to play it down and let him tell her more when he felt able to.

  “Robert, I’m sorry. I never knew. And of course, please tell me more when you’re ready. I’ll always be here to listen. As for staying with you, I am tempted, really I am, but I need to learn to stand on my own feet. Thank you for your kind offer, and thanks for all you’ve done here today. I’m okay, especially with the solid lock you’ve just fitted, so I’ll be all right. Everything will be locked up tight as soon as you’ve gone home,” she reassured him. Libby gave him a huge smile, trying to show she was full of confidence.

  Robert studied her closely before replying. His eyes looked soft and gentle, caring even. “Well, if I can’t persuade you, then I’ll have to accept your word. When did you say you were going to tell Nigel it was all over between you?”

  Libby sighed. “I didn’t, but believe me, I’m going to tell him as soon as possible.”

  Robert stood up to go, giving her a long, searching look. “You know there’s nothing I’d like more than to take you in my arms and really look after you,” he said in a soft voice, while holding a hand up as she tried to interrupt. “But in view of the fragile state you’re in, it wouldn’t be fair – to either of us. When this has all settled down, you’d look back and think I’d taken advantage of you. I’d like to mean something to you, Libby, but only when you’ve finally got Nigel out of your system. Until then, I’ll always be here for you, but simply as a friend.”

  He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Well, goodnight then. All I can say to you is good luck, and I hope he takes it well.”

  Libby sat in her darkened sitting room long after Robert had left. She felt as if she had swallowed something hard that had lodged itself in her throat. It was just as well Robert had left when he did. If he had stayed any longer, she knew she would have invited him to stay the night at her place. What she had said was true about being tempted to stay with him. She felt as if she was on a piece of string and being pulled first one way and then the other. Robert had been so full of understanding this evening, and she had enjoyed being comforted with his arms around her. She wondered about his dead wife and child. How tragic to have lost both in an accident. She hoped, when the time came, she could help him over his grief.

  If only Nigel would react the same way when she expl
ained how she truly felt about him, but somehow she doubted it.

  Libby shivered as if someone had walked over her grave.

  Chapter 33

  As Robert drove away, he felt frustrated and deeply troubled. He wished he had arrived early enough to have caught sight of whomever it was near Libby’s flat. Robert wasn’t entirely convinced it was Peter because she looked and acted as if she was suffering from immense strain. Despite being a regular visitor to the hospital during the last year, Robert didn’t know Peter at all. He was just another anonymous worker in hospital clothing, and yet something Libby had said rung a bell. He wondered again if it had been Peter, or was Libby imagining things? The main question was, why was Peter there in the first place? What did he know? Robert decided he needed to talk to Jem about him, if only to erase any suspicion. If Jem felt uncomfortable with his suggestion, then he could very quickly get in touch with the police.