All the Rage

by Spencer Coleman

  ***

  Two days later, Kara received a visit to her apartment which brought further apprehension.

  ‘Kara Scott? ’

  She stared out from behind the half-opened door. It was the police.

  ‘That’s me,’ she replied.

  ‘Detective Ian Smart, CID, London West End Division. ’ He pointed a badge in her direction. ‘May I come in? I think you know why I am here. ’

  Kara opened the door and led him into the kitchen.

  ‘How are you feeling? ’ he asked.

  ‘Not good. ’

  ‘I’ve been assigned to the investigation into the death of a woman at Laburnum Farm. As you are a witness, I have numerous questions that need answering. Do you feel ready to assist me? ’

  ‘I’ll try, detective. ’ Kara put the kettle on. ‘Will there be an enquiry? ’

  ‘Full scale,’ the detective replied. ‘A major fire, a dead body, a missing suspect, possible fraud, the list is endless. It’s Ian, by the way.’

  Despite the heat of the apartment, Kara was feeling cold and fatigued.

  ‘I’ll help in any way I can, Ian. Right now I’m feeling pretty shitty…’

  In truth, she was panicking, unsure of how to respond to his line of questioning. She knew that anything she said could implicate Marcus. After all, it was he who started the fire. They needed to get their stories straight.

  ‘I understand,’ he sympathised. ‘I’ve spoken to Marcus. Perhaps you can both come down to Headquarters, and I can take a joint statement to help clear matters up. ’

  This was the first she knew of this. What had Marcus said?

  ‘How is the investigation progressing? ’ Kara asked, keeping her voice as low key as possible.

  ‘Slowly. We still need to interview Michael Strange urgently, but at the present time he is not well enough to cooperate. Then there is the huge forensic investigation, hampered by the ferocity of the fire. But we are getting there. I can see this is causing you distress. I should have phoned. ’

  ‘Yes,’ Kara said. She was feeling shot-through.

  They shook hands.

  ‘Sorry about the tea. Another time? ’ she said.

  ‘Yes. I’ll phone and make an appointment. There’s plenty to discuss. ’

  As he prepared to go, Kara said, ‘Michael is a good man, you know. I will not have a bad word said against him, in spite of what you might hear to the contrary. ’

  He nodded. ‘We just need to get to the truth. This is a major crime investigation, Kara, and at present you and Marcus are vital witnesses. We are, as you know, conducting a nationwide search for a missing person, whose identity is not clear at this stage. A bit tricky, that one. ’

  ‘Have you any idea as to which sister perished in the fire? ’

  He shook his head in bafflement. ‘It is impossible to identify the body as yet, even with DNA technology. The fire was so intense, she emulsified, burnt beyond recognition. Even dental records are inconclusive. Perhaps we’ll never know until we find the missing sister. ’

  ‘My God,’ Kara gasped. The image of either Maggie or Lauren on the loose filled her with dread.

  ‘Are you all right, Kara? ’

  ‘I just need to rest, if you don’t mind. ’

  He handed her a printed card. ’Speak to Marcus and arrange a time for the both of you to come in. ’

  His next words almost floored her.

  ‘You might consider making sure a solicitor of your choice is present at the interview. ’

  Then he was gone.

  ***

  ‘Penny for your thoughts? ’

  Kara and Marcus walked in the hospital grounds. It was sunny and warm, and it was his suggestion to get out from his bedroom and enjoy the fresh air.

  ‘I’m worried,’ she said finally. ‘Adele is keeping me away from Michael. It’s as if she is punishing me. I need to see him. ’

  She was so relieved to see Marcus on the mend. However, she couldn’t help but smile at the way he looked in a silly long black coat and sunglasses to hide his swollen eyes. His right arm was in a sling and he wore a large facial bandage across his cheek. His lips were still split and bruised. He resembled a prize-fighter, battered but still standing after twelve gruelling rounds of boxing.

  ‘Are you laughing at me? ’ he said, pretending annoyance.

  ‘I’m laughing with you, drippy dope. Now give me a hug. ’

  The embrace was awkward and painful.

  ‘Ouch! ’ he screamed in mock discomfort.

  She managed a laugh. ‘What a baby, no pain, no gain. ’ Kara

  inched forward and snuggled as close as she could bear, without putting pressure on her wounds. It felt divine.

  ***

  Later, Kara ate with Marcus in the canteen. She was quiet.

  ‘What’s up? ’ he asked.

  ‘I think we are in trouble. ’

  ‘How so? ’

  ‘The police called to see me. They want a statement from us, and I’m scared. I have a hunch that they don’t think of us as just witnesses.’

  ‘Meaning? ’

  ‘They think we’re involved…’

  ‘We are. ’

  ‘Marcus, don’t be so bloody flippant. A woman died. She died from a fire, a fire that you started. We are all to blame. What if we go to prison? ’

  Marcus drank from a can of Coke. ‘Not you, Kara. We’ll think of something. Get your strength back, and don’t say anything, especially to the police. Leave it to me, OK? ’

  Then it hit her. All this rage. It burned like a beacon. It terrified her that she contained so much anger. If it came to it, she would move heaven and hell to protect and restore the good name of Marcus and Michael. In particular, Michael had been the father she never had, a friend and mentor who had forged her and shaped her thinking.

  Marcus read her thoughts.

  ‘We will all come through this, Kara. ’

  ‘Will we? The only person holding all the aces is Adele. She’ll come out of this whiter than white. I won’t let it happen. When I worked in the gallery just recently, I downloaded all the files which I still had access to. I have evidence which will incriminate her in unlawful transactions. And I’ll use that information in the future if necessary. ’

  ‘You could make a lot of trouble for that woman,’ he said quietly.

  ‘Which woman would that be? ’ Kara asked. Her thoughts turned toward two sisters, one of which was out there, and on the run. A curse was how Michael had described Lauren. It could equally apply to Maggie.

  Out there, somewhere. It gave her the creeps. Kara would always look over her shoulder, jump at the slightest sound. She would lie awake at night, listening to her own heavy breathing. A curse? The corner of rooms would forever hold shadows, whispers and rage, of another darker kind.

  Marcus picked up on her inner demons.

  ‘We need to stick together, Kara. ’

  ***

  Two days later, Kara and Marcus made an official statement to the police.

  Marcus kept to all the facts, except in the case of how the barn ignited. His story related to how Maggie had fought with him and as a result the fire started accidentally. Kara concurred with this version of events. They weren’t concerned if the surviving sister, if found, disputed this version. Kara had managed to relay their story to Michael on one of her rare visits to him. It was now three against one.

  Relieved, Marcus bought Kara coffee and brandy in a nearby café. He stared into her eyes.

  ‘That’s that,’ he said. ‘Now we can get on with our lives. ’

  If it was only that easy, she thought.

  ***

  ‘I’m lucky to be alive,’ Michael said.

  K
ara kissed him on the cheek, pulled up a chair, and sat by his bed. She almost cried. He looked a hundred years old.

  ‘We all think the same,’ she muttered.

  ‘Marcus saved my life. I underestimated him. It took immense courage to come back for me. ’

  This was the first time that Dr Oksana had allowed her an extended visit to the hospital. Adele had been so protective, but Michael was now off the danger list. His injuries were still extensive and, as the doctor had explained to her, recovery was going to be a very slow process. It would take months, he had warned her.

  ‘I’m going home soon,’ Michael announced triumphantly.

  ‘That’s wonderful. ’ She marvelled at his optimism. ‘Who is going to look after you? ’

  ‘Toby, and a live-in nurse that he’s employed. ’

  ‘Toby? ’

  ‘Incredible, isn’t it? We’ve had an opportunity to do a lot of talking. He’s been here virtually every day. We now understand one another, so much so that he is supporting me in the gallery. He’s resigned from his job in New York and intends to invest in the business. Seems he made good over there. More than can be said for his old man, eh? ’

  ‘What about Adele? ’ she asked.

  ‘The divorce will go ahead, and she’s agreed to leave the business. Money talks. It’s best for all concerned. I’ll pay her off by re-mortgaging the main house, which I’ll keep. She’s taking the Marbella property. For the time being, I’ll keep Chelsea. Toby will become my new partner, and his investment will settle the tax demand. This way, he gets to keep both his parents, without the bickering. ’

  ‘That’s great news, Michael. ’

  He changed the subject. ‘I’m so pleased you’ve come. ’

  ‘Nothing could keep me away. I’ll visit you in Chelsea and help as much as I can. ’

  ‘Terry has been to see me. He’s a good man. I’ve given him your phone number, and he’s someone you can trust. He has valuable information which will help you understand what has been going on. ’

  ‘I want to hear it from you, Michael, but not yet. ’

  ‘It’s complicated. ’

  She smiled. ‘You need to rest for now. ’

  Michael pulled himself up in the bed, wincing.

  ‘She saved my life too, you know. ’

  ‘Who? ’

  ‘Lauren. It was she who pulled Maggie off me. She died fighting her sister. That’s the only reason I escaped. Marcus, of course, got me out but if it wasn’t for Lauren I would never have survived. I will find Maggie, believe me. Lauren was misjudged for most of her life because of her sister’s wickedness. ’

  Kara remained silent. Then she said, ‘Michael, the body has yet to be identified. We don’t know who died and who escaped. ’

  ‘I do. ’

  ‘How can you be so sure? ’

  It was his moment to keep quiet. She watched him, her eyes expressing doubt.

  ‘Kara,’ he said reluctantly, ‘I had a weird dream when the surgeon was bringing me back from death’s door. It scared the shit out of me. Do you remember that you once talked about being receptive to people who were no longer with us? Well, I believe in it. Call it an out-of-body experience – whatever – but it was very real to me. I’ve had the dream before, but this was different. ’

  He recounted the dream.

  Kara’s blood ran cold.

  ‘I think Antonia and Julius are still in danger,’ Michael said. ‘And I think that Maggie is alive and keeping low. Remember, she was injured and needs time to recover. But she has the resources and, mark my words, she’ll be back. All of us are in danger, so watch over your shoulder. Be vigilant. ’

  ‘What can we do? ’ she asked.

  ‘Maggie won’t surface, not yet while the heat is still on. I reckon she got back into the house, retrieved the passports and escaped. There was a hell of a lot of cash lying around, which she would have taken as well. The police haven’t mentioned this, so it stands to reason that they never found it when they searched the house. This was getaway money. I believe that Lauren and Maggie were about to do a runner. When I feel better and able to travel, I’m going to Venice to see Antonia and Julius. So much needs to be explained. Will you come with me? ’

  ‘Wow, that’s a big ask, Michael. ’

  ‘They are good people, Kara. You’ll like her. Besides, they can help you by filling in the missing pieces. I’ve asked Terry to broker a meeting. So much has changed. Julius will now lay claim to the farm and the twelve paintings, which survived the fire. The main house remained intact. As the surviving spouse he will get everything. Provided he can prove it was Lauren who perished in the barn, of course. It’s all about legal ownership. A neat twist on things, don’t you think? Lauren was manipulative and greedy and paid the ultimate price. Through her arrogance and deceit, she scuppered her devious plans and sealed her own fate. If she had played fair with him, they both could have forged a future of some kind – apart from one another of course - and shared their wealth jointly. But there was the rub. Lauren was insanely jealous and would not forgive a singular act of betrayal, even though he had betrayed himself in order to help her so many years ago. In masquerading as Patrick Porter, he was part of the deception, hiding her secret. Their whole life was built on a lie. Deep down, he resented her for her skills, but she brought in the big money. So he played along. He was talented, but she was truly gifted. His only excuse was blind love, shallow attitude, youth and stupidity. ’

  ‘And your excuse? How are you going to come to terms with all that has happened? ’

  ‘I’m getting there. Blind love or lust can be rectified. However, the shallow actions of a middle-aged twat are not so easy to sort out. That part will need working on. ’

  Kara bit her lip. ‘I lost my bonus,’ she joked in a solemn manner.

  He caught her mood. ‘Lighten up, Kara, and count your blessings. I do, every day. Come to Venice and meet with them. They can bring a sort of closure, if you like. ’

  ‘It’s too early for that, Michael, but yes, I’ll meet with them. ’

  ‘Good. ’ Michael smiled, and looked into her eyes. ‘Enough about everybody else, Kara: what are you going to do now? ’

  She returned his gaze. For the first time, she saw the future, and decided to take his advice and lighten up. Misery was now a thing of the past. They all lost something that fateful day.

  Her face lit up. ‘I have plans. Watch this space. ’

  ***

  Three Months Later...

  ‘What a fantastic surprise. Come in. ’

  Michael led Kara into the conservatory of his apartment and poured iced water from a jug on the table.

  ‘Are you alone? ’ she asked.

  ‘Yes. ’

  ‘You look great. ’ She hugged him.

  ‘One more skin graft operation, then I’m off to the Caribbean,’ he joked. ‘Coming? ’

  ‘Don’t tempt me! ’

  ‘You look radiant, Kara. ’ He noticed she wasn’t drinking. ‘Do you want something else? ’

  ‘Something stronger, perhaps? ’

  ‘Gin and tonic, wine…’

  Kara giggled. ‘Champagne? ’

  ‘Are we celebrating? ’

  Kara moved to the window and marvelled at the huge expanse of London, which stretched out as far as she could see to the blue horizon. The cityscape looked magnificent, the light reflecting off the gleaming tall steel and glass structures. For the first time, the sun broke through the low cloud and bathed her in the warmth of the day. She heard the pop of the cork.

  ‘Well? ’ he said.

  She turned to him. Wait for it. ‘The police are treating the fire as an accident, in view of our collaborating testimonies. Basically, this is the official line and gets us all off the hook. Great new
s, eh? ’

  ‘I heard yesterday. It’s huge relief, Kara. We can once again get our normal lives back on track, without this hanging over our heads. Maggie can’t remain a fugitive forever. Is that why you’ve come to see me? ’

  Kara smiled. Wait. ‘Sort of,’ she teased. ‘Do you recall my remark about making plans? ’

  ‘Hmm…’

  ‘Well, this is my last alcoholic drink, for a while, anyway. ’

  ‘Because. . ? ’ Then it clicked, and he smiled too.

  She beamed. ‘I’m having a baby. ’

  ‘Bloody amazing! ’ He yelled. ‘Does Marcus know? ’

  ‘Yes. He’s jumping up and down with the excitement of becoming a dad. He’s driving me crazy! I just thought that you should be the next to know, after all that we have been through. It somehow feels right. Marcus and I want you to be the godfather to our first child. ’

  ‘A double celebration. ’ He raised a glass to her glass. ‘This is the best news in the world. ’ A mischievous glint appeared in his eye. ‘Assuming it’s going to be a boy, how are you going to tell Marcus that you’ve chosen Michael as a name? ’

  ‘That will have to wait until he comes back to earth, and who knows when that will be! ’ She laughed. ‘Don’t you think I have enough on my plate looking after one oversized child already? ’

  ***

  The news of Kara’s pregnancy and the decision by the police to drop the investigation against them had a huge impact on Michael. It gave him the impetus to awaken the spirit within, which he felt had been lost forever. The dark side lifted, allowing for a renewal of faith in all things good. Within days, he severed his dependence on the daily visits from the nurse, and, like Kara, began to make plans. Revitalised, he ventured out on his own for a short stroll beside the harbour, aided by a walking stick. Slowly, his strength was returning. Little steps, he reminded himself.

  During his walk, he rested on a bench and took stock of his situation. Life was returning to how it used to be, but without the aggravation and worry. Toby was now integral to everything, taking on and winning the battle for financial security, which had become a burden to Michael, notably with the taxman who was breathing down his neck. Toby had reached a compromise with the authorities, allowing the gallery to continue to trade without hindrance. His son had certainly proved his worth, stabilising both the business and, incredibly, the bad relationship which previously existed between his mother and father. Straight talking was the order of the day. It was Toby who eventually got the message across to Adele that hard line tactics would sink them all, which would ultimately be counterproductive to her cause. He had to admire his son’s logic: in other words, Adele understood which side of her bread was buttered. Michael knew the situation wasn’t perfect. Never would be, but a kind of truce was struck between them.