“Yes, we all want that. I think we’ll have it here now but the world in general, no.”
“Agreed. Can I get down a bit more safely than when I came up? I was terrified on occasions.”
“I’ll take you down in a minute. I must just clear this up and get the gun out.”
“I’ll help you,” Shirley said and it was a few minutes before they got back into the crowd. Johann would find Helen, Susan and Stefan, he said, and then he would take Abel to the place he wanted him to go.
“You need a good night’s sleep,” he said turning. He frowned. No Shirley and he could see her nowhere. No Daniel though he must be somewhere around. He went in search of Helen, spoke to her for a few minutes and made his way towards the van where Abel was being held.
Chapter 8
3rd October, 1990
“You’ll stay with us tonight, won’t you?” Susan asked Helen as they began to walk away from the Reichstag.
“Johann won’t be back until morning so I could. Have you heard from Shirley?”
“No. I’m a bit worried about her.”
“Maybe she and Daniel have gone to a hotel or back to the lodge.”
But Helen felt probably not. He knew about Joshua though nobody else did as yet. He was probably as unnerved as Shirley. Two miserable young people who had done so much towards making this night more uneventful than it would have been. Reports had come in to Johann of trouble in a few areas in Berlin but nothing too traumatic as yet. It didn’t take them long to get back to the house and Connie was still up when they went in.
“No Shirley?” she asked.
“Not yet,” Susan replied.
“Joshua is alive,” Connie said.
“Joshua?” Susan looked a bit bemused. “Joshua who?”
“Laing. He’s alive. It was on the news.”
“And how did they get hold of that?” Helen asked.
“They said he was involved in some kind of a plot. I presume Shirley and Daniel know.”
“Shirley was the one who found out about him,” Helen said. “She was also the one who apprehended him and Gros. I came in on the end of that. I thought it was going to be hushed up. Someone must have got hold of the story.”
“When did this happen?” Susan asked.
“Today.” Helen looked at her watch. “Yesterday.”
“Why didn’t anyone say anything?” Stefan asked.
“Because nobody was supposed to do so and you know Shirley. She would never tell anyone.”
“That means Shirley isn’t married to Daniel,” Connie said. “Do Anna and Hugh know?”
“Yes. They went to see him in prison earlier. When will the babies be brought to Berlin, Susan?”
“Later today in time for the concert and I rather suspect we won’t see Shirley until then. Shall we have something to eat and then go to bed?”
Susan went into the kitchen, her expression troubled. Joshua alive and what would Shirley do about that? Surely she wouldn’t feel she had any loyalty to him. Everything was becoming even more complicated as they went along. She put milk in a saucepan and switched on the television in the kitchen.
The events of the previous day and of the celebrations were being reported which included the planned coup. Shirley’s part in the uncovering of the group and apprehension of Joshua was spoken of at some length and then the newsreader went back to what had occurred at The Reichstag and what was going on currently. Stefan walked into the kitchen and began to put mugs on a tray while Susan went for cakes and sandwiches she had made earlier.
“She’s done it again,” he said. “However did you manage to be related to such brilliance?” He grinned as Susan patted him sharply. “I want my baby back.”
“So do I and she’s my baby too.”
“Where do you think Shirley has gone? Will she come here?”
“Not if she’s got things to work out in her mind and nor will Daniel.”
“Maybe they’ve met up.”
“Maybe but probably not. Daniel said they have things to do and he said he wants to keep an eye out in case there’s trouble.”
“There will be some trouble. There always is at a time like this but what happened tonight is great. Germany reunified. I must confess I never thought it possible.”
“Me neither.”
But Susan could not celebrate properly, she felt, until she knew how and where Shirley was. They took the food and drinks through to the lounge and it was some time before everyone went to bed.
A few miles away Shirley lay wakeful in the lodge where she and Daniel had been staying. He would not come, she felt sure, and maybe really it was best because there were things to sort out. Her parents were bringing the babies later today, her mother had told her on the phone earlier, and she so badly wanted to see them. It seemed like an eternity since she last had. But before that time she had things to do and she would be busy throughout the day. She dozed intermittently but kept waking and by nine in the morning was at the records office again in the centre of Berlin. Three hours later she stood on the doorstep of a large house in Hanover.
So why Hanover, she thought as she waited for an answer to her knock. It was a beautiful place but she would have expected it to be further from Berlin. The door opened and the lady who answered was a bit taller than Shirley, had dark hair and was pretty. Her eyes were brown, her figure fairly slim. She was not the kind of woman who would draw a lot of attention to herself and Shirley was not too sure what she had been expecting apart from the face which she had seen on a photograph in the records office.
“Shirley Manning,” the lady said.
“Yes. Hello, Clara. May I come in?”
“He’s mine,” Clara said, walking ahead of Shirley into the lounge. She lifted a toddler who sat on the floor playing with a little car which he was pushing round the floor.
“Yours and Joshua’s?” Shirley asked.
“Yes. You have no children with him.”
“I don’t want Joshua or his children,” Shirley said. “Why did you let him do what he did with me?”
“Because I’m stupid and because I love him. He said it wouldn’t be for long.”
“Well, he kept his word on that but now he’ll be in prison.”
“Joshua won’t be in prison for long. He’ll make a deal of some kind with the authorities.”
“I’m sure he will. Life with him must be a bit of a seesaw.”
“I suppose you were upset that he’s alive,” Clara said.
“I have learnt never to accept the obvious which is why I found out about you,” Shirley replied. “He told me before he allegedly died that he had killed you.”
“That was to protect me. Did you always use a condom?”
“Always.”
“He was sleeping with me too. That’s when I got pregnant.”
“I’m glad and I’m glad he’s alive. I always felt guilty because I was the one who discovered he was a member of the Chain Quintet. I think it would be better for you not to stay where you are which is one of the reasons I’m here. The story of Joshua has been on the news, as I’m sure you know. I don’t think anyone will hurt you from the people with whom he associated. Most of them are in prison, anyway. But….”
Shirley paused as a knock came on the door and frowned. “Are you expecting anyone?”
“No,” Clara replied, clutching the little boy to her.
Shirley went to the window. “There’s quite a crowd of people out there. How quickly can you pack the essentials?”
“I’ll do it now.” Clara ran up the stairs with the baby and was down in seconds. Shirley had already filled a bag with baby toys. The banging on the door had persisted for a few minutes but had now stopped though there were still people outside, some of whom had been shouting. Shirley looked out of the back.
“I’m parked a couple of roads away,” she said. “Where does that alley go?”
“Between the houses.”
“Come on then. Have you got a pushchair?�
��
“Yes.” They ran down the path and Shirley was glad of the high hedges and fences on each side. She stowed the luggage and pushchair in the boot while Clara got in the back of the car with the baby, started towards the drivers’ side and the crowd who had been at the house surrounded the car.
“Shirley Manning,” the man said who was obviously the leader of the group. “Why are you helping her? Those two have done you or this country nothing but harm.”
“Have they hurt any of you?” Shirley asked.
“No. Yes. Of course they have. They were planning a coup.”
“Which didn’t succeed.”
“Thanks to you,” he said. A burly man, he stood at least a foot and a half taller than Shirley. “That doesn’t excuse them.”
“Clara had nothing to do with the coup, nor did her baby. All you can accuse her of is loyalty. How is it you didn’t recognise Mr. Laing before?”
“He had red hair,” a lady said from the group which by now was growing to a crowd. “And he walked with a limp and wore thick spectacles. Aren’t you angry with him?”
“I’m still in a bit of shock,” Shirley replied. “But no, I’m not angry. He will be dealt with by the authorities but this lady doesn’t need people ganging up on her. She needs support. Are you guys coming to my concert?”
“Too far and too expensive,” another lady said.
Shirley reached into her handbag. “Here are tickets for all of you and your families. I always have quite a few to spare. If you want to sell them you’re welcome or else come and hear me sing. Maybe selling would be better because you can watch the concert on television if you feel inclined. It’s going to be broadcast live.”
“You’re quite something, aren’t you?” the leader of the group said.
“How many tickets?” she asked.
“Five and I will come. Thank you and thank you for what you’ve done. You don’t have to take the lady. We won’t harass her anymore.”
“She’ll be better nearer her husband,” Shirley said. “You’d want your wife to stand up for you through thick and thin, wouldn’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Shirley walked round the group giving out tickets, went back to the car and stood for a moment before getting in. “This is a day to celebrate,” she said. “It’s a wonderful day.”
“It is,” another lady replied. “Thank you, dear. I bet your husband is relieved Joshua has a wife. He’s dead dishy, isn’t he?”
“He is. Thank you.” Shirley got in, drove away and was more than relieved. It could so easily have been otherwise. Clara leaned forward.
“Why would you want to help me?” she asked.
“Because I think you’ve gone through a lot.”
“Not because you hold a torch for Joshua?”
“I never loved Joshua,” Shirley said. “And I love Daniel with every fibre of my being.” Shirley looked in the mirror at the toddler. “Put him in the little seat and there’s a seat belt for you. What’s his name?”
“Peter. Joshua likes Bible names. His second name is Luke. I chose that.”
“He’s a beautiful little boy. Can I give him a present I brought for him?”
“You knew about him?” Clara asked.
“It was in the records office. May I?”
“Yes, if you like.”
Shirley passed back a parcel. “That’s a present for you, darling,” she said. “Would you like a present?”
“Present,” he replied, beginning to rip the paper. He undid the parcel and started to put little animals on the seat. There was a tractor, a farmer, various other little figures. There was a farmhouse to build.
“Where are you taking us?” Clara asked.
“Somewhere safe where you’ll be appreciated and loved.”
“Are you going to tell the newspaper about me?”
“Only if you want me to do so.”
“I want people to know I’m Joshua’s wife and not you.”
“Then I’ll get it on the news and in newspapers. But I won’t let anyone know where you live or you’ll never have any peace.”
“Thank you.”
They chatted while they drove and a couple of hours later Shirley drew up in the drive of a large house in Postdam. She got out, opened the door for Clara and Ada, Rolf and Anna walked from the house. Shirley took Peter from Clara and handed him to Anna.
“Your grandson,” she said. “Isn’t he beautiful?”
The tears poured down Anna’s cheeks as she held the baby tightly. “And your daughter-in-law,” Shirley added.
“Hello, Clara.” Anna blew her nose and leaned forward to kiss Clara.
“You know each other,” Shirley said. “Of course you do.”
“Yes.” Anna looked at Clara. “Do you still love my son?”
“I must do to put up with him,” Clara replied.
“Well spoken,” Rolf said. He leaned forward to kiss her. “I’m your grandfather-in-law.”
“And I’m your grandmother,” Ada added, doing the same. She looked at Shirley. “You really are something, aren’t you?”
“People were trying to attack the house,” Clara said. “Shirley spoke to them and diffused the situation. Are you sure you don’t love him, Shirley?”
Shirley smiled. “Absolutely certain. My babies would like to meet Peter. Can I bring them tomorrow?”
Clara looked at Rolf. “Please do,” he said. “And thank you. Will you stay for lunch?”
“I have a couple of things to do before the concert,” Shirley replied. “But thank you.”
“We’ll see you there then.”
Shirley handed Clara two tickets. “One each for you and Peter if you want to come. I’ll understand if you don’t. You can get little ear muffs if you do bring him.”
“We’ll see to it,” Ada said. She leaned forward to put her arms round Shirley. “You could so easily have been otherwise in the circumstances. Thank you.”
Shirley drove away, pleased with what had happened but relieved it was over. Now she would go and sort Joshua out and she had a lot to say, she thought as she drove. He had done a lot of harm to many people, which included his wife and son. He had been part of an attempt to overthrow the government. He had given her a lot of grief. And she didn’t feel tender anymore, she found, because of all this and because he never had been her husband. When she reached the prison Joshua was brought to see her.
“You never think of anyone except yourself,” she said as he sat opposite her with a guard standing at the door. “You certainly didn’t think of Clara and Peter.”
He frowned at her. “How do you know about them?”
“I’ve taken her to your family and your mother was over the moon about Peter. Soon after I got to her house a crowd gathered outside and it could have been nasty. I took her through the back to the car but they followed us. I spoke to them and they calmed down but it was you who put her in that danger. You had sex with me when you were married to her. You have done her nothing but harm. Yet she stands by you and still loves you. Why, Joshua? I just cannot understand you at all.”
“I joined in the coup so I could bring it down,” he said.
“I don’t believe you. Was that why you were a double spy?”
“We’re not all as perfect as you,” Joshua said.
“Clara’s a nice lady and the baby is gorgeous. Treat them right, Joshua, and stop being such a jerk.”
“A jerk?” he asked.
“A jerk and you know what it means. Clara says she would like me to alert the media that you’re married to her. I’d like to do it for her sake but would it make it dangerous for her?”
“We’re going to South America,” Joshua said. “I havn’t told her yet.”
“And how are you doing that?”
“I’ve offered my services to one of the countries there and Germany has agreed because it helps them. We’re going in a couple of days.”
“And your parents? Will they be able to visit y
ou?”
“Yes.”
“I hope so. I don’t think Rolf will let you away with it, anyway.” Shirley stood. “You’re a fortunate man, Joshua. You have a wife who loves you and is loyal to you. You have parents who think the world of you. Straighten yourself out and look out for them instead of hurting them.”
“Did I hurt you?” Joshua asked.
Shirley smiled. “No, you didn’t hurt me. I felt guilty at your death but I loved Daniel. Goodbye, Joshua. I won’t see you again. What shall I say about Clara to the press?”
“Wait until after we’ve gone. I don’t want her hurt. Did you love me at all?”
“Not love, no. I have always loved Daniel and Daniel only. Goodbye, Joshua.”
Shirley went before he could say more, looking at her watch as she made for the exit of the prison. Six thirty and she must be at The Philharmonie by seven. She wanted to see the babies first but there was no time. She dialed a number and spoke to Johann for a while before driving to the hall.
Ruth Manning stood in the foyer holding the babies, her expression worried. Where was Shirley? Where was Daniel? How did they both feel in view of Joshua’s reappearance? Connie walked over to stand beside her.
“Have you seen Shirley?” Ruth asked.
“No. She may be here for all we know.”
“And Daniel? Is he with her?”
“I don’t know.”
“Hello, Ruth. Hello, Connie. Hello, Samuel. Hello, Michael.” Both Ruth and Connie looked with relief at Daniel as he walked round them from behind. The babies put their arms out to him and he took them. He nuzzled into them, his expression briefly a bit tortured. His little sons and Joshua wasn’t having them. Shirley could go with him but the babies were his. He didn’t need her, anyway. She was thoughtless. She was cruel. She didn’t care about him or even about the babies. He could do without her. The tears which seemed to sit behind his eyes threatened to come to the surface as he held the babies tightly.
“I’ve brought ear muffs for them to dim the sound,” Ruth said. “But I felt that you and Shirley would want them here.”
“Thank you.” Daniel handed a baby each to Ruth and Connie. “I’m not going to be here for the first part of the concert because I have things to do but I’ll see you later.”
The Berlin Vendetta: Book 3 in the series 'The Enigmatic Defection' Page 17