by Kitty Neale
‘I might know why,’ John said and when Dolly returned, he asked, ‘Gran, when I rang you, had you taken your pills?’
‘No, I’m afraid not, but I have now.’
‘That’s good, but you mustn’t forget them again,’ John said firmly.
‘I know, dear,’ Dolly acquiesced.
Derek was impressed by John’s maturity. The lad had also promised to ring if there were any problems, and if he did, Derek would drop everything to drive down here like a shot.
When Dolly handed him a cup of coffee, he thanked her, and then watched as she fussed over John. It was obvious that she was very fond of him. Derek felt reassured, and left twenty minutes later, after telling John that he’d pick him up on Sunday.
As he was driving home to Battersea, Derek had no idea that someone else was on their way to Dolly’s place. If he had, he would have done a swift U-turn and driven straight back.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Driving steadily towards Southsea, Kevin said to Adrianna, ‘Don’t expect a palace. My mother’s place isn’t very big.’
‘I’m turning up in these cheap, tacky clothes, so it’s just as well.’
‘I left you all the money I could,’ Kevin told her, ‘but don’t worry, once I get my inheritance, I’ll dress you like a princess.’
‘I don’t care about that. I just want to get out of the country.’
‘When my father’s will is sorted out we’ll be able to go, and in style too.’
‘Yes, but how long is that going to take?’ Adrianna asked.
‘I don’t know, but in the meantime we’ll lie low.’
‘If we knew for sure that Vince died in the fire, we wouldn’t have to hide,’ Adrianna said. ‘There hasn’t been anything in the newspapers.’
‘I doubt it was big enough news for the nationals, though it might have been reported locally. I could put out feelers, but it would mean driving to London again.’
‘Definitely not!’ Adrianna said sharply. ‘Once was bad enough, and now you’re talking about going to where Vince is known. It’s too risky. One of his narks might spot you and …’
‘It might lead him back to you,’ Kevin finished for her.
‘Yes, it might,’ she said, her tone rising. ‘I don’t want you to go!’
‘All right, calm down. It was only a suggestion,’ Kevin said soothingly. With the possibility of Vince on their tail, Adrianna was looking out for herself and he didn’t blame her. He was interested in self-preservation too, but he’d seen the flames roaring towards the stairs and doubted that Vince, or his heavies, had got out alive.
‘Are we nearly there yet?’ Adrianna asked like a sulky child.
‘Another couple of miles and we’ll be at my mother’s place,’ Kevin told her as his headlights pierced the inky darkness of the unlit country road.
‘What’s she like?’
It was now or never, Kevin thought, ready to use the story again as he said, ‘My mother was once a very strong woman, but she had a nervous breakdown when I was sent to prison.’
‘Oh, dear … But surely she’s all right now?’
‘Not really. She’s still a bit fragile, on medication, and of course I knew she’d worry that I’d get into trouble again when I was released. To prevent that, and to protect her of course, I felt I had to pretend to be something I’m not.’
‘And what is that?’ Adrianna asked.
‘Religious.’
Adrianna laughed, but then quickly apologised. ‘Sorry, it’s so sweet that you want to protect her, but surely she didn’t believe you?’
‘She did and I don’t want to shatter her illusions so while we’re there I’ll have to keep it up.’
‘Won’t she think it’s funny when you turn up with me?’
‘I didn’t say I’d become a Catholic priest, but I’ll think of something. Just don’t tell her that you’re a stripper.’
‘I am not!’ Adrianna said indignantly. ‘I’m an exotic dancer.’
‘Yeah, if you say so – but don’t tell her that either!’ Kevin said he drove through the outskirts of the village.
It was past ten and John had gone to bed. Dolly was pleased. He and Derek had turned up at a fortuitous moment, and the doctor had surmised that Derek was her son. In any other circumstances she’d have been annoyed, but it had worked perfectly in getting rid of the doctor.
Now though, Dolly was in two minds about having John here. It had been bad enough when Bernie tried to make sure she took her pills and now it seemed that John was going to do the same, with eyes keener than his grandfather’s. With so much to sort out the last thing she wanted was a foggy mind; even with a clear head she didn’t know where to start.
Her ears pricked when she heard the sound of a car pulling up outside and shortly after it was followed by a knock on the door. Who would be calling at this time of night? Could it possibly be Kevin? She rushed to the front door, her eyes lighting up with delight.
‘Kevin! Oh, Kevin, thank goodness.’
‘Hello, Mum.’
Dolly threw her arms around him, but then saw that he wasn’t alone. She moved back, saying tersely, ‘Who is that?’
‘It’s Adrianna, a friend of mine,’ he said, completing the introduction as they both came inside. ‘Adrianna, this is my mother.’
‘Hello,’ the young woman said.
Dolly saw that she was striking, with long, dark, sleek hair and almond-shaped eyes. She wanted to shove Adrianna outside again, to slam the door in her face, but somehow she returned the greeting with an abrupt nod, before saying, ‘Kevin, I’ve been desperate to get hold of you. Why didn’t you tell me you were moving out of Rupert’s house?’
‘We fell out and it was all a bit sudden.’
‘You … you’ve heard about your father?’
‘Yes, as soon as I was told that he’d died in an accident I got here as fast as I could.’
‘I’m sorry, but may I use your bathroom?’ Adrianna asked.
‘It’s upstairs, the first door on the left,’ Dolly told her and as soon as Adrianna was out of sight she snapped, ‘Why have you brought her here?’
‘She’s broke, homeless, and God guided me to help her. I was trying to find somewhere for her to live, and for myself too when I was told about Dad. I couldn’t just leave her to live rough on the streets so felt it best to bring her along.’
‘She isn’t my problem and I’ve got enough to deal with as it is. Your father’s death wasn’t an accident and it’s something I’d rather not discuss in front of strangers.’
‘What do you mean?’ Kevin asked, frowning. ‘If it wasn’t an accident, how did he die?’
Dolly knew what people would think, that they’d blame her and say she must have driven him to it, but it would all be supposition. She would never tell anyone that she’d been giving Bernie her pills, or that they had caused him to think he was going senile, but Kevin could be told part of the truth. ‘Your father drove off a cliff at Beachy Head.’
‘What? No! You’re not telling me it was suicide!’
‘It’s what the police think.’
‘I don’t believe it. Why would Dad take his own life?’
‘I don’t know, but maybe he couldn’t face it that he was becoming senile.’
‘I suppose it’s a possibility, but he didn’t seem that bad the last time I saw him.’
‘Kevin, it’s late and we can talk about this again tomorrow. There’s so much to arrange and I’m so relieved that you’ll be here to help me. You’ll have to find somewhere for Adrianna to sleep, a guest house or something.’
‘I was hoping we could both stay here.’
‘No, that’s impossible.’
‘I don’t see why. Adrianna could have the spare room and I don’t mind sleeping on the sofa.’
‘John’s in the spare room.’
‘He’s here?’ Kevin asked, surprised.
‘He arrived earlier this evening and he’s staying for a couple of days. I’
m sorry, but though you can have the sofa, there isn’t room for Adrianna.’
‘I can’t afford to put her in a guest house or anywhere else. I’m broke, Mum. I spent the last of my money on petrol to get here. I knew you’d need me and I couldn’t let you down.’
Dolly was gratified and said, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll be able to help you, but I can’t do anything until I can get to the bank tomorrow.’
‘I suppose I could bunk down in my car, and Adrianna can have the sofa.’
‘Kevin, you can’t sleep in your car,’ Dolly protested, thinking rapidly. ‘Adrianna will have to share my room, while you take the couch for now.’
‘Thanks, Mum,’ Kevin said, kissing her cheek.
Dolly smiled, but then Adrianna returned and her face straightened. Even dressed in a cheap cotton skirt and top she was a stunning young woman, a temptation for any man, but she wasn’t going to get her claws into Kevin. Dolly wanted her son and her grandson to herself, and there was no room for another woman.
She’d find a way to get rid of Adrianna – and the sooner the better.
Chapter Thirty-Three
‘John, wake up,’ Kevin urged.
‘Wh … what?’
‘Come on, wake up. I want to talk to you.’
John cranked open one eye to look blearily at the figure standing over him. When he realised who it was, he shot up in bed. ‘What are you doing here? You said you were going abroad.’
‘When I heard about my father I postponed my departure and got here as soon as I could.’
‘I’ll go home then,’ John said. ‘I don’t want to stay now you’ve turned up.’
‘John, why are you in such a hurry to leave?’
‘Because you lied to me. When you were waiting for me outside my school, you said you’d cleared it with my mum.’
‘I’m sorry about that, but your mother might have refused to let me see you and as I was leaving the country, I didn’t have a lot of time. I pray that God will understand my desperation to talk to you and forgive my deceit.’
John recalled how worried his mother had been and threw back the blankets, saying bullishly, ‘I’ll ring my dad to come and fetch me.’
‘Your gran needs her family around her right now and it might upset her if you leave. For her sake, at least stay for one more night,’ Kevin urged.
John paused in thought, but then decided to talk to his gran. She wasn’t alone now and maybe she wouldn’t mind if he left. ‘I want to get dressed,’ he said pointedly.
‘All right, I’ll see you downstairs … And, John, though it isn’t the best of times, it’s nice to see you again.’
John went to the bathroom to have a wash, and then got dressed. He hadn’t been to see his grandparents because of Kevin, and now he felt that he was being driven away again.
Adrianna was up soon after Dolly. She was none too happy. She hated sharing a room with Kevin’s mother, albeit in separate beds. Kevin had spun his mother some sort of story that she was broke and homeless, but the woman was making it obvious that she didn’t want her here. It was humiliating, but Kevin seemed oblivious to his mother’s snide comments.
‘John, there you are,’ Dolly said, smiling at the lad who had entered the room.
Adrianna found herself staring at him, thinking that he was a young double of Kevin, and then saw that he was staring at her too, his expression puzzled.
‘John, this is Adrianna, a friend of mine,’ Kevin said. ‘Adrianna, this is my son.’
Adrianna remembered then. There’d been mention of a wife and kid when Vince had Kevin checked out, but she’d been sure it had been said that they were out of the picture. Her smile forced, she said, ‘Hello, John.’
‘Hello, Adrianna,’ he replied, smiling back shyly.
‘Adrianna my foot,’ Dolly said derisively. ‘Why aren’t you using your real name? Ruth, isn’t it? Ruth Canning.’
‘How do you know that?’ Adrianna gasped.
‘I saw your passport.’
‘You’ve been snooping in my handbag! You had no right to do that!’
‘When my son brings a so-called waif and stray into my home, one who’s been lying to him, I have every right!’ Dolly snapped.
‘Mum, there’s no need for this,’ Kevin said, placing a placatory arm around his mother’s shoulder. ‘It’s just a name Adrianna uses as she prefers it to Ruth, that’s all.’
John went to her side too, asking, ‘Gran, have you taken your pills?’
‘Yes, of course I have.’
‘That’s good, and would … would you mind if I go home today?’
‘Go home! But I haven’t seen you for ages and you’ve only been here overnight.’
‘Kevin is here now, and Adrianna too, and there isn’t really room for all of us,’ John pointed out.
Dolly heaved a sigh. ‘I suppose you’re right, but will you come to see me again soon?’
‘Yes, of course I will,’ John said, but Adrianna felt she saw a trace of doubt in his expression.
‘Right then, Mum, if you feel up to it I think you’d better feed us before we fade away to nothing,’ Kevin joked, introducing lightness into the atmosphere.
‘Oh you, but you’re right, we can’t have that,’ Dolly said, managing a smile. ‘I’ll make breakfast, and then you can run me to the bank.’
Adrianna wasn’t smiling. She was still seething that Kevin’s mother had been nosing in her handbag. No matter what the woman said, she had no right to do that.
Breakfast had been eaten by eight thirty, and Dolly was clearing the things away, annoyed that Adrianna hadn’t offered to help. She wanted to get to the bank as soon as it opened and to be back before John left.
There was a knock on the door and quickly drying her hands, Dolly went to answer it. She saw it was the same police constables who had broken the news of Bernie’s death.
‘We’re sorry to disturb you, Mrs Dolby,’ said the policeman. ‘But we need to ask you a few questions concerning the details surrounding your husband’s death.’
Dolly saw John pale. He still believed his granddad had died in an accident and she wasn’t ready for him to hear the truth.
‘John, these police officers need to talk to me in private,’ she said quickly. ‘Go upstairs or into the back garden. You too, Adrianna.’
Tight-lipped, Adrianna marched upstairs, and thankfully Kevin urged John to do the same, though the lad didn’t look happy. Only then did Dolly stand aside to let the constables in.
‘I’m sorry,’ she said quietly, ‘but my grandson has only been told that my husband died in an accident.’
‘We understand,’ the policewoman said. She removed her hat and the policeman took off his helmet as they stepped inside.
‘This is my son,’ Dolly said, and both officers nodded at Kevin. ‘Is there any news? Have … have you found my husband’s body?’
‘I’m afraid not. We’re checking the shoreline, but so far there’s no sign of him.’
‘He’s sure to wash up eventually,’ the male constable said.
The policewoman glared at her colleague as though to admonish his insensitivity, and then asked, ‘Can we all sit down?’
‘Yes, I suppose so.’
‘I’m sorry, Mrs Dolby,’ she said when they were seated, ‘I know that these questions may be difficult, but can you tell us what state of mind your husband was in the last time you saw him?’
Dolly closed her eyes as if searching her memory. ‘He was down in the dumps, but as he’s been like that for some time it didn’t seem unusual.’
‘What was causing him to feel like that?’
‘He’d become forgetful, and as his father had senile dementia, Bernie was frightened that he was going the same way.’
‘Was he on any medication?’
‘No. He may have been worried but he hadn’t been to see the doctor.’
‘Did he seem any worse that morning?’
‘I don’t think so.’
‘Are you
sure?’
‘Look, I told you,’ Dolly said, ‘he was a bit down in the dumps, but how could I have known he’d do something like that? You’re blaming me! You think it’s my fault! I bet everyone will think it’s my fault!’
‘Of course they don’t, Mum. Come on now, calm down,’ Kevin said as he came to crouch in front of her.
Dolly clung to Kevin, while he said to the constables, ‘I think my mother has had enough for now. If you have any more questions, they’ll have to wait.’
They rose to their feet. ‘I think we’ve covered everything, but if we have any news at all we’ll be in touch.’
Dolly kept her head buried until they left, then she pulled away from Kevin to say, ‘I dread telling John the truth … that his grandfather drove off the top of a cliff.’
‘I don’t think you’ll need to,’ he said.
She looked up to see John in the doorway. He must have heard everything, but as Dolly held out her arms he turned away from her and fled back upstairs. ‘See, I was right. John blames me and everyone else will too!’
‘I doubt he does, but I’ll talk to him,’ Kevin said reassuringly.
Dolly was once again overwhelmed with relief that her son was there. She still had to go to the bank and could imagine Kevin’s reaction when she gave him some money. He’d be so grateful, especially when she would then offer to fund his dream of a refuge. That would definitely keep him by her side.
Chapter Thirty-Four
After Lucy had taken Clive to school on Thursday, she passed through the High Street on the opposite side of the road to Eddie’s stall in an attempt to avoid him. She didn’t want to see him but to her annoyance he spotted her and was rushing over.
It had been so long, Lucy thought, so many years since she had been held in a man’s arms and somehow her pent-up frustration had overwhelmed her. It didn’t matter that she’d known Eddie since childhood, that he was so familiar to her; it didn’t excuse her behaviour. What had happened between them had been a mistake, a terrible mistake, and she still felt sick inside that she had betrayed Paul’s memory.