by Billy London
Wincing, Auden sat up, while Charlie heaved air into his constricted lungs. “Guess I deserved that.”
With those words, the rage abandoned Charlie and he wondered with fear and sadness how on earth he’d explain himself to Helena.
Chapter Fifteen
Helena waited for the patient to leave before calling her younger sister.
“Hi Des. How are you?”
“Fucking exhausted! How are you?”
“Good.” She checked her clock. “What are you doing up so early? Isn’t it going on six in the morning?”
“I’ve got to be on set in an hour. Fee told me you were banging some failed musician at the retreat.”
“Oh yes, I’m going to marry him.” There was silence on the other end of the phone. “Des?”
More silence. Helena gave a shrug and disconnected the call. She was online looking at potential wedding shoes when Desdemona called her back.
“You know I hit my head on the corner of my sofa because of what you said. I may have a concussion.”
“Go to A&E,” Helena said firmly. “Get someone to keep an eye on you.”
“You can’t spring that sort of surprise on me and not expect me to go mental!”
“Why is it a surprise?”
“What do you know about this bloke?”
“Everything,” Helena shrugged.
“Because he told you or you accessed his medical records?”
“Because he told me and he let me find out myself and he is a wonderful man. I can’t wait for you to meet him.”
“You can’t marry someone you’ve known for five minutes! You’re like some desperate reality TV star! Are you getting money for this? Is Fee going to sort a pre-nup?”
“Des, honestly. He’s imperfectly gorgeous. The wedding will be next month. At his home in Kent. There are just a few things to sort out and he’ll be able to get it looking the way he wants.”
“Hold on a minute. What are we talking?”
“Enough that we’ll have to ban the press.”
“Oh my god, I’m buying Cavalli.”
“Great. I’ll send you the invitation by email for approval. The design is so pretty I think I may frame it after the wedding.”
“Whoa, wait a minute. Have you told Dad?”
“I did. I think he’ll be okay with it.”
Desdemona made a groaning sound in her throat. “You’re the baby, he will not be okay with it.”
Goodness, when did those two make that decision about her status in the family? “I am not the baby, you are.”
“No, Ophelia is the mentally scarred one. I’m the pretty one. You’re the baby.”
“You and Fee really need to sit down and work some things out,” Helena admonished. “Listen, all Dad has ever wanted is for me to be happy. And I am. It’s complicated, but I’m thirty-four, he should trust me by now to know my own mind.”
Desdemona sighed. “You can say that again when we’re standing over your lover’s grave.”
“Des!”
“I wish you’d listen to me for once. Bet you any money Dad’s going slowly spare behind a mask of calm. No father wants his daughter marrying some guitar banding scruff. What’s his name anyway?”
“Auden Garceau.”
“Fuck right off! Yeah, I am definitely getting Cavalli, and Dad’s definitely going to go mad.”
***
Auden pressed the pack of frozen peas to his eye. Charlie sat next to him, a pack of frozen mixed vegetables balanced on his knuckles.
“How’d you feel?” Charlie ventured.
“Like I’ve been punched.”
“I truly am sorry. I’m a man of words and not violence.”
“Understandable, I’m going to marry your little girl.”
Charlie sighed again, shifting the packet over his hand. “You understand why I’m worried. Not just about Helena, but you. Are you ready for this sort of commitment?”
“Helena is the only person on this planet that could save me. And she has.”
“You won’t fall back into your old ways? You know why we insist that you don’t form a relationship while you’re in recovery.”
Auden breathed out and tested whether he’d be able to say this to his counsellor. “Charlie, I was never in any sort of addiction. I’ve never had a problem with alcohol. Like some guys my age, I messed about with drugs, but never to the point where I survived on them to feel anything. I did have issues with depression because three boys tried to hang me when I was ten. For years, I’ve had an over-ambitious GP drugging me into submission because she harbours sexual feelings for me.”
Charlie stared at him. “Dr. Deans?”
“Yep. She’s still around.”
Lucky for her. Helena hadn’t killed that crazy bat. Romely had tried to get back into his house. In that attempt, Auden revelled in how magic could be a wonderful deterrent. At the gates, Romely received electric shocks every time she touched the rails. So she tried telephone calls only to have the same welcome in electric shocks. The shocks sounded right after the answer machine beep. Auden didn’t think he or Helena had laughed as much hearing her yelp each time she tried to speak. Persistent bitch, he couldn’t wait to get rid of her.
“Yes. Same pattern for seven years. Why do you think I’ve been in the system for so long? When you asked her, what did she tell you?”
“That you have repeated manic episodes. Medication is not working due to your reluctance to take it, and your addiction to the highs you experience when you are manic. You are mentally unable to let go of your reliance on illegal and artificial methods of emotion or accept that you have a disorder. That you are a danger to yourself and your judgement is severely impaired by your illness. She recommended hospitalisation but your trustees did not wish to make that decision on your behalf. She was lying? About everything?”
He nodded, once unsurprised by the detail in Romely’s conviction. “Yes. Charlie, it’s been going on for seven years. Put me through any tests you want to. Physical, psychological whatever. You’ll see I have no additional issues. I’m the focus of an obsessive one.”
Charlie was quiet for a long time. “Helena absolutely believes you without question. I don’t want her to put her career at risk because of you.”
“She won’t.”
Charlie shook his head, seemingly unable to accept the inevitable. “Do you know her, truly know her, what she’s been through?”
“She told me.”
The pack nearly slipped to the floor. “All of it?”
“Her aunt, the witch doctor, coming to live with you, not being able to sleep, the nightmares. All of it.”
Charlie couldn’t seem to comprehend what he was being told. “She doesn’t talk to anyone about that. Not even her sisters.”
“Or you?”
“No,” he admitted. “It took years to take the fear from her shoulders. It took years, for her to learn how to trust me and her sisters. To accept a simple hug because she believed anyone who touched her would be violent to her.”
And vice versa, Auden thought. “What did she sound like when you spoke to her?”
“I’ve never heard her like that,” he admitted in wonder. “Excited about a future she’d never imagined. How do you cope with the lack of sleep?”
“What do you mean?”
“Helena doesn’t sleep at night.”
Auden coughed in derision. “Yes, she does. She hogs all the covers.”
Charlie gave a bark of laughter. “You know I’m trying my very best not to kill you.”
“I know, sir.” He removed the peas and tried not to wince at the pain breaching the numb of cold. “Do your checks. Run those tests. I promise I won’t marry Helena until you’re sure I’m telling the truth.”
He gave a slight frown. “Dr. Deans said you were unable to leave your home because of paranoia.”
“Don’t have any paranoia.”
Charlie breathed out slowly. “Come up to Harley Street tomorrow.
I know a few psychologists who’ll do a full evaluation for you.”
Auden hesitated. “I don’t have a house in London any more. I’d have to stay with Helena.”
“Stay on the sofa, son, or the floor if that will help your conscience.”
Wow. The man was not even joking. “I’ll get a hotel.”
“That’d be for the best.”
He got to his feet and handed Auden the peas. “I’ll drive back.”
“Why don’t you stay? I was in the middle of making a steak and onion pie. You have taken out half my sight, so you’d have to help with the mash.”
“I’ve always liked you.” Charlie hauled Auden to his feet. “I’m just not keen on you being my son-in-law.”
***
Auden made sure his face was healed before Helena got home, with her mother Victoria in tow. She found him and her father watching sports and yelling sporadically at the TV. Charlie was going to stay wary until his friend at Harley Street said otherwise. Victoria—the complete opposite of Charlie—gave him hugs and kisses as she arrived with Helena. With a curious look on her face, Victoria lifted a hunk of his hair. “Do you need all this?”
“I’m like Sampson, cut it and I lose all my strength.”
She laughed. “Ah, I like it! And you cook?”
Charlie unfurled his arms from his chest. “He made a very good pie. Although I hope that’s not what we’re having for dinner.”
“No Dad!” Helena said on a bright laugh. “I brought food.” She leaned down to kiss her father on the cheek then pressed a chaste kiss to Auden’s mouth. He allowed his hand to linger over her cheek before releasing her.
“From a restaurant, I hope,” Auden said dryly.
“Auden,” Charlie interrupted what would have been a playful fight, “is going to move into a hotel. Until things are sorted.”
Victoria frowned. “Why? I hope it’s not about protecting your daughter’s virtue, because that went out the window a long time ago.”
“Mum!” Helena squeaked to Auden’s raucous laughter.
Boot faced, Charlie said, “No, it’s about making sure what he said is verified. By independent doctors.”
“Are you doing that tomorrow?” Helena asked. “I’ve already prepared a preliminary report and a request for a full psychological assessment. Here, Dad.” She handed over a neatly typed document.
“You know?”
“Absolutely. Dr. Deans should not be practising medicine, full stop.”
Auden turned to Charlie. “Whatever you want me to do. But, I’m telling the truth.”
“Auden can’t afford a hotel, Dad, his trustees still have control of his money. The tests need to be run as soon as possible. Ophelia is going to sort out the legalities as well.”
Charlie shook his head. “And what is Desdemona doing?”
“Picking out bridesmaid dresses and your suit.” Helena shrugged.
“If it makes you feel better, Charlie, I’ll stay in the spare room. Until everything’s sorted, then we’ll live apart.”
Victoria snorted. “There’s no point. The damage is done. All we can do is pray to God for forgiveness.” Victoria pointed to the kitchen. “Now hurry with the food. We’re all hungry here.”
As Helena hustled her father into the dining room, Victoria caught Auden’s arm. “I’m sure my darling husband has already given you enough of a threat, but I trust my daughter. I trust her choices. If she’s chosen you then, you are welcome in my family.”
Auden took her hand and kissed it. “I truly appreciate that. Thank you, Mrs. Sarpong.”
“It’s Dr. Sarpong and you are more than welcome.”
Chapter Sixteen
Auden waited outside for the psychologist and Charlie to finish talking. He’d had blood work taken in addition to hair samples for the drug and alcohol test that would be sent to the labs straight away. The psychologist emerged, a small woman who had seemingly embraced her stress highlights and sported a full head of rich, grey hair.
“Hello Auden. Come back inside.”
Charlie surprisingly sent him a reassuring grin as he sat down. “What’s the verdict then?”
“I would like you to continue your sessions with Charlie, only because you have been through quite an ordeal at the hands of your GP. I hope it doesn’t make you lose your faith in the profession,”
His breath caught for a second. She believed him? “No, not at all. I mean, I’m marrying a doctor.”
“Hmm, my daughter,” Charlie added, his disapproval more watered down.
“Good. I’ve spoken to Charlie, and I just want to go through what will be in my report. I’ve found you very articulate, extremely intelligent. I know Charlie thinks you could do with a shave. You did have a very traumatic experience as a child, but you have worked through that trauma. I cannot see any manic behaviour or depressive symptoms. There is no reason for you to be under a curfew, to have your money controlled by a third party, and you should not be on any anti-depressants, lithium or mood stabilisers. You have told me that you are in a stable and committed relationship and I can see the positive effect that’s had on you. You have more than the mental and emotional capacity to regain control over your life. That will be my recommendation for your trustees. If they don’t accept my recommendation, if I were you, I’d get a solicitor and start proceedings.”
Hells, you’re getting the most expensive ring I can find. “That’s good to hear,” he said, biting down on his bottom lip to stop the smile of relief growing on his face. “I’ve reported my GP. We’ll see what happens from there.”
“A lot I hope,” the psychologist snorted. “Falsifying records, prescribing inappropriate medication, repeatedly giving an incorrect diagnosis, all to encourage her own sexual obsession? If she isn’t struck off, then I would out her to every single tabloid before reporting her to the police for harassment.”
I’ll still kill her. Much easier. “Thank you. If you send your invoice to the trustees, you’ll be paid on time.”
The psychologist smirked. “I’m not worried about that. Charlie. Always a pleasure.”
“Thank you.”
With a pat between his shoulder blades, Charlie hustled Auden from the room. “Right, one more and then we’ll have to eat something, all this talking about myself, I’m bloody starving.”
Charlie looked at him for a moment. “Did I fail you?”
“No,” Auden said without hesitation. “Before I started seeing you, I really was on a downward spiral. What I missed about having a normal life was being able to talk to people. You allowed me to feel hope. Like I could have a future. So when I met Helena it was so much easier than it could have been if I hadn’t had you looking after me. Come on, I’ve got the history for it. Abuse as a child, isolation, quite public drinking, drug use and reckless financial behaviour. But I was just growing up. I don’t need any of that, I haven’t for seven years. While I hate what that woman did, I feel like I’m nearly worthy of your daughter.”
“Only nearly?”
“Just nearly.” Auden truly believed he’d never be fully worthy of Helena—not because of the sordid nature of his past, or the curse that was cast on him, but simply the purity of that incredible woman would never allow him to consider the possibility that he was worthy of her.
Charlie grinned. “Keep that up and I may start to want you as a son-in-law.”
“Hells will be pleased.”
***
Everything moved fast. Between receiving the written reports from the psychiatrists to the date for the trustee meeting, barely a fortnight passed. Helena attended the trustee meeting not only with Auden, but her father and Ophelia came along too. Ophelia had introduced herself as Auden’s legal representative and the trustees instantly looked pale.
On asking where Dr. Deans was, her father interjected, “Being investigated for breach of trust.”
The board of five members each had a comprehensive report from two independent psychologists of high distinction an
d calibre asking why they still held control for someone who had the mental capacity to manage his own funds. Ophelia was a danger as usual, delicately asking them which prison they wanted to go to for misappropriating funds.
“You understand that you’ll have to pay it all back, because from what I can see, the accounts don’t match up. I think interest should run from, let’s think…seven years back.”
Her father stood and gave his full support for Auden and continuing counselling with him to re-establish his trust in the system. Auden, for his part, patiently waited for everyone to finish talking to say, “Am I done with this shit now? I need to buy my fiancée a ring.”
With the slightest of winks to Auden and Helena, Ophelia made her conclusion. “It’s up to you, we can either agree right now, or go to the Office of the Public Guardian and do this for everyone to have a look at. What do you say?”
Terrified at the implications of doing otherwise, the trustees arranged for Auden’s funds to be returned to him, with interest. Helena didn’t get a look at the balance, but Ophelia chimed in, “You can give me the house in Kent and buy yourself a new one.”
“Have it,” Auden replied grimly. He clearly had no love for the house. It had served as his prison for so long. Helena went to Kent with him one weekend and together changed the interior entirely without touching a single paintbrush or laminated floor board.
“It’s your family’s home,” Helena said, when they finished. It now looked sleek, modern and not at all like the house that kept him from everything and everyone.
“A nice cage. The only reason I can even think about it without wanting to raze it to the ground is the fact I haven’t got the copy of the CCTV footage from our first night together.”
Helena felt herself flaming with heat. “I thought you were joking about that!”
He sent her a boyish grin before heading into the kitchen. “Let’s eat, love. We’ll talk film rights another time.”
It was a subject they didn’t get around to. Auden kept himself busy by all manner of daredevil stunts while Helena tried to regain a sense of normality at work. It didn’t help that her palm nearly constantly glowed with the letter A, which she explained to patients as a henna tattoo that went wrong. The impressive ring on her ring finger certainly didn’t assist with the quest for normalcy. It all felt like a dream.