THE COMPLETE TRILOGY, COMPENDIUM OF THE HEART: An epic love story

by RJ Hunter

  "But it's lonely and boring!"

  "Boring? it's your future. Once the term gets started it'll be different, you'll be able to get much more involved. Besides, you have what it takes to become the university president one day."

  "What? I think there's probably one or two in with a better chance than me."

  "Nonsense. Everyone knows you're the man for the job. You've got it all going for you, just as long as you stick it out."

  "I still need more." Replied David, glancing up at a portrait of Sally.

  "Is that it?" Remarked Carol, following his gaze. "After all this, you just need a woman?"

  "I don't know what I need anymore."

  "But, she's coming isn't she, I thought you said Sally was going to be a mature student here next semester?"

  "She hasn't replied to any of my letters. Perhaps, she's changed her mind. Maybe there's something wrong?"

  "Perhaps, she's just too busy at the moment. Sally's got a family to look after hasn't she?"

  "Sorry, you must think of me as a complete idiot, Carol?"

  "No, of course I don't. But leave your decision for a bit longer, she'll come, don't worry."

  "You're right, Carol. But I feel I have to do something."

  "Then go to London and see her, if it'll make you feel any better."

  David finished his omelette and took a sip of tea, before sitting back in his chair.

  "Okay, you've convinced me. I'll give it another try."

  "What about London?"

  "I'll do that as well."

  "That's the spirit, Mr. Peddlescoombe. Now make sure you come down to the Black Lion tonight. There's a talent contest on, and you might hear me singing!"

  "Well, that'll be worth seeing, it's a date!"

  David felt much better after his talk with Carol. He was the type of person that needed order and direction in his life, the problem was, he didn't yet know it, and Carol had acted as a steadying influence on him.

  He was clearing some of William's belongings from the house, and had gone upstairs to continue. It was a depressing, pain-staking job, and David had thrown away practically nothing. He simply couldn't bear to discard any of his brother's possessions, preferring instead to just store everything in the attic, ready for the time when the wounds had healed sufficiently, and he was much more mentally prepared for such a gruelling chore.

  Sitting at his brother's antique bureau, David furtively turned the key in the lock. Inside were papers, notes, sketches and poems that William had written. He read through a selection, before choosing some to give to Sally when he next saw her. David then came across an envelope, dated from 1963. He paid particular attention to it, as it had his name written on the front. The writing was beautifully neat and had been written by hand. However, in brackets it read; 'Only to be read in the event of my death.'

  David felt his heart drop to the pit of his stomach, as he took a letter knife and carefully opened the envelope. Switching on the small lamp on top of the bureau, he inched forward, and began to read the contents.

  My dearest, David,

  I hoped that you would never have to read this letter, but the fact that you are, can only bring you a measure of comfort from my demise. David, I have never loved another soul like I have loved you, that is until Sally came along.

  I was here to protect you and keep you out of trouble. It was a job that I loved doing. Seeing you growing up and maturing into a man gave me so much satisfaction, despite the difficulties you had to overcome. I know I must sound more like your Dad, than your brother, but I have always considered myself in Dad's absence, to be your surrogate father, and have found it to be an honour.

  Before Sally, my whole life evolved around you, and what we did together. We are two of a kind, loyal, considerate, passionate and inseparable. I could list a thousand things that bring a smile to my face, when I think back about the experiences we've shared. I'm sure we've made Mum and Dad proud, and they've always spoken so highly of you, despite your shortfalls. I know, and they know too, that you'll come good in the end. I've never stopped believing in you, David. So please be strong and get through this ordeal. Death is as natural as life. I've always seen it as the start to yet another, new adventure, albeit in a different time, a different place and on another plane. You will have your memories, as I do, but please don't spend your life dwelling on them, as they will drag you down. I want to be your inspiration, your motivation, not the mill stone around your neck.

  Our strength is in you, David. You must look after Mum and Dad, and help them come through this. You are now their only son, and they love you dearly. I know you can do it. I have complete faith in you. Do not disappoint me, little brother.

  Most importantly, you must look after Sally and any children I may have had with her. Sally was the reason that I was born, the reason I lived, the reason I loved. She possessed my heart, my mind, and my soul. Without her, I was, and still am, nothing.

  Sally will accept you, David, I know she will. Make her your wife. I know you love her, and if that's a mere fraction of the love I had for her, then I know it'll be enough. She will plead guilt and say it's not right, but tell her how I loved her, and now want her to be with you. I will look down on you both and give you my blessing. David, you, Sally and my unborn children are whom I cherish the most. I cannot bear to think of us being apart. Make me happy and let me rest in peace, knowing you are there for her.

  David, thank-you for being my brother.

  William.

  David wiped a tear from his eye, and after placing the letter back in the envelope, he held it close to his heart, before putting it to his lips and kissing it tenderly. For the second time that day, following his talk with Carol, his soul had been lifted. He then looked upwards.

  "Thank-you, William. I will look after Sally, and your children, and they will be loved. They deserve to be loved. Our hearts are re-united today."

  As David strolled back to the university, he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the resignation he had written out earlier. He gazed at it for a while, and like his letter to Sally, he tore it up and threw it into nearby bin.

  For Sally, the unthinkable had happened. She had let Frank have sex with her. It had happened in Paris, just as he had planned. The occasion was probably as romantic as she could have hoped for. The Paris Ritz, a boat ride along the Sienne, a wonderful candle-lit meal, and of course, the champagne. There was always champagne with Frank. Sally had allowed herself to be seduced, both by the occasion and by a man used to getting his own way. She had looked magnificent that night, the long slinky dress he had bought her earlier, clung to her curves superbly.

  As Frank led his beautiful partner into the crowded restaurant, every red-bloodied male turned to admire her, while every woman tuned to envy her.

  However, when Frank finally had his way with Sally, it was an experience that left her cold. She knew it was going to happen, it was inevitable. In a way, she wanted him to make love to her. She had to re-enter the world again and separate herself from the painful memories of the past.

  The moment they returned to the plush hotel suite, a little after midnight, he embraced her forcefully. He had kissed her hungrily, like a wild animal trying to devour its prey. His large hands groped her body, ransacking the expensive dress, as he went about removing her garments in a hurried, business-like manner. Finally, after he had stripped her down to her underwear, he told her to stand in the centre of the room, while he calmly went over to the mini-bar and helped himself to a drink. Then, still dressed in his dinner suit, he put on some soft music and came towards her. They held each other, and danced, their movements fluid and precise. Sally was surprised at how well he could still dance, and for such a large man. As they smooched and glided across the floor as one, Sally felt the thick, shag-pile carpet soft and sensual beneath her feet. She now found herself totally under his spell, and felt powerless to oppose him.

  When he finally took her, it was down on the same carpet. Its
gentle softness contrasted sharply with the rough manner in which he made love to her. He gorged himself on her body for the remainder of the night, before eventually taking her over to the bed and causing her to cry out in pain each time he penetrated her. She felt cheap and violated. He had succeeded in making her feel like nothing more than a prostitute. Yet still, Sally blamed herself. She put these negative emotions down to the fact that she was being unfaithful to William, and allowed the guilt associated with it to consume her. She was totally unaware that the man she had just had sex with, was the murderer of her husband.

  The Paris trip was Frank's licence to practically move into Sally's home, and from here on, her life would never be the same. She was now sharing him with Pauline. He moved between the two women's lives with wanton abandon, coming and going whenever he chose. Sally soon learnt not to ask questions as he rode roughshod over her feelings with total disregard. The news of Tina's death had brought home how fragile life was, and how easy it could be snuffed out. Everything else now seemed to pale into insignificance in comparison.

  Sally now channelled her energies into heavy drinking, and trying to get her son, Jonathan through his nightmare. He had been deeply affected by Tina's suicide, and was far too young to have to carry around such heavy emotional baggage. He had been smitten by Tina, but he had also known it was a relationship that promised nothing, except the potential for more sadness and grief. But to Jonathan's credit, he had been optimistic enough to stick it out with her, in the vain hope that one day he and Tina would be able to have the kind of relationship any young couple could expect to enjoy. However, it was the fact that Tina had used one of his cassettes to carry out the act that caused him such grave concern, and made him feel directly responsible for her actions that day.

  Laura, on the other hand appeared to take the tragedy in her stride. Perhaps it was the fact that she was currently assigned to a ward specialising in the care of the elderly, and had become familiar with the spectre of death, or maybe she was simply distancing herself from events, and keeping her feelings private.

  "Mum, Mum, wake up!" Called out Laura before having to resort to giving her mother a nudge.

  "I'm sorry, I was miles away, I think I must have dozed off." Replied Sally distantly.

  "Why don't you go up to your room and have a lay down. I'll bring you up a cup of hot chocolate if you like?"

  "No, I think I'll have a gin and tonic. I deserve one."

  "Looks like you've had a few already." Said Laura, with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

  "Be a darling and get it for me will you. I just don't feel like I have the strength."

  The bottle in the drinks cabinet was empty, so Laura had to open another. She was surprised at this, as her mother usually only ever drank when Lizzie came over. Laura handed Sally the glass and went over to the bin, only to find it full of more bottles of every shape and size.

  "Have you been having a party Mum?"

  "Is it full again, can you empty it for me?"

  "I'll be doing the vacuuming next! It's not like you to let things go to pot?" Said Laura, opening the back door for Jonathan.

  "Oh bloody well leave it then, if it's such an effort for you." Called out Sally sourly.

  Laura was quite taken aback by her mother's out-of-character attitude, but her attention was distracted by the sound of dogs barking, and seemingly very close by.

  "Where's that barking coming from Mum, it sounds as if they're in our garden?"

  "They are," replied Sally, taking a sip of her drink. "That's Conan and Thor, they belong to Frank. Hopefully, they're tied up."

  "What are they doing here? They sound dangerous." Gasped Laura, going towards the window.

  "They're bull terriers, horrid savage things. Frank left them here for a few days. Poor Pepys, he's terrified of them. I have to keep him inside."

  "Is Frank coming back today?"

  "I don't know. You can never tell with him." Replied Sally, yawning.

  "Mum, will you please go up and have a lay down, Jonathan and I will tidy up."

  "No, Laura. Jonathan has had a terrible setback. I want to stay down here with him."

  Jonathan glanced across at his mother, "It's okay, Mum, you've done enough, I'll be fine. Anyway, it'll take my mind off things if I help Laura."

  After Sally had finally gone, Laura and Jonathan made themselves a cup of coffee and sat at the table.

  "She's drinking a lot isn't she?" Said Laura, anxiously.

  "Yes, she been like this since she came back from Paris."

  "It looks like she's drinking throughout the day. Have a peep in the cupboard, it's full of booze, hardly any food. Do you think Tina's death has affected her this much, Jonathan?"

  "I don't know, but I'm glad to have a rest from her. She just keeps going on about Tina, and asking me if I'm okay. It just makes me feel worse."

  "It's called love, Jonathan. Mum cares about you."

  "Yeah, you're right, I shouldn't have said that. But something has made her like this?"

  "It's Frank!" Called out Penny, as she ambled into the kitchen and proceeded to pour herself a glass of wine.

  "Penny, what are you doing?" Exclaimed Laura in total disbelief.

  "Having a glass of wine, what does it look like? Frank always lets me drink, and Mum does, sometimes."

  "But, Penny, you're only fifteen!"

  "I'm sixteen soon, and anyway, Frank lets me smoke. Frank and Mum are always getting drunk. He sleeps in her bed."

  "He sounds absolutely awful. What on earth is happening to her?"

  Jonathan didn't reply. He just stared down at his coffee, before lighting up another cigarette.

  "I must admit, I don't really like him at all, he's very scary." Continued Penny, delighted to have a captive audience. "But he's good in other ways. Can I have one of those cigarettes, please Jonathan?"

  "You had better have it in the garden, you know how mum feels about you smoking." Replied Jonathan, throwing her the packet.

  "She doesn't care anymore. I can't go outside, Frank's dogs are out there."

  "I wish you would shut up about bloody Frank, and what did you mean when you said he's good in other ways?" Asked Laura angrily.

  "Well, I caught him and mum naked in bed once, and he gave me a hundred pounds after I had kicked up a fuss."

  "A hundred pounds?"

  "That's right, but he's given me more since then, and he was really upset about that Tina girl dying."

  "I should damn well think so, she was his daughter." Replied Jonathan coldly.

  "It was quite sad really," continued Penny, taking a mouthful of wine. "He started cuddling up to mum, then he began to cry."

  "I suppose he must have loved her despite the awful things we've heard." Said Laura.

  "That's the second time I've seen him cry. It's weird to see a big bloke like him crying." Said Penny, stubbing out her cigarette and pouring herself more wine.

  "But it seems like he's living here now?" Added Jonathan.

  "He is, more or less, but you never know when he's going to appear. Sometimes it's two in the morning. Mum's already had the neighbours complaining." Replied Penny.

  Laura had a serious expression on her face.

  "I can't believe mum would go for someone like him?"

  "That's not all," continued Penny. "He wakes her up and gets her to cook him hot dinners."

  "What, and this is the person who's supposed to be buying our house?"

  "I haven't heard much about that recently. But apparently, his eleven-year son is coming to stay with us too."

  "Frank's son, coming to live here?" Gasped Laura.

  "That's right. He's called Jamie, and he's horrid. I think he's got a motorbike too." With that, Penny lost interest and went back into the lounge to watch television

  .

  26. LINCOLN GREENE

  The first sight to greet Laura when she arrived on the ward was Ivy. The elderly lady was looking very sorry for herself, slumped in a wheel
chair, outside the nursing office. She had a bandaged head, and was covered in a blanket, as if she was about to go somewhere.

  Returning to work that morning, Laura had to put the Tina and Frank business temporarily out of her mind as she suddenly found herself having to concentrate on her nursing duties.

  "What's happened to Ivy?" She called out.

  "She fell earlier this morning," replied the night nurse, sitting with her. "There's a laceration to her head, but she remained conscious, and she injured her arm, trying to stop herself falling. Sister wants her to go to Westminster for an X-ray and a check-up."

  "Oh, Ivy, you do get in the wars, don't you?" Smiled Laura, crouching down next to the patient. "I can't leave you alone for five minutes!"

  Ivy tried to smile, but it was obvious she was in a lot of pain. It was then, Laura realised the others were waiting for her in the office to take hand-over. Within ten minutes, she had been given the job of escorting the old lady the few miles across town to her appointment.

  The ambulance arrived about twenty minutes later, and Laura, after collecting Ivy's notes took her down to the ground floor. The ambulance crew wanted to transfer Ivy into one of their own stretcher chairs for safety, and while they were doing this, Laura chatted to one of the other students from her set.

  "Are you off for a skive?" Joked Amanda cheerily.

  "Yes, if you can call it that. Poor Ivy had a fall, so I'm taking her over to Westminster to get checked out."

  "I don't think Ivy will be the only one getting checked out over there. Watch out for Dr Greene, he's working in A&E at the moment, and he just loves blondes!"

  "I've never heard of him," giggled Laura. "Is he a bit of a Romeo then?"

  "I'll say so, he's been with quite a few of the girls from our set." Amanda then moved across to whisper in Laura's ear; "He's meant to be very big down below, if you get what I mean!"

  "Who's he been with, I'd love to know?" Inquired Laura, excitedly.

  "There's no time to tell you now, look they're waiting to go." Replied Amanda, pointing to the ambulance. "But if he offers to show you the ropes, be it on your own head! Let's catch up soon, Laura, bye."