Survival Instinct

by Declan Conner

  “Yeah sure, I could do with some time too. My house needs cleaning and I need to buy some food.”

  Heading for the mall, Jamie felt more at ease with Bill. He had set one rule with the crosswords, and Bill had accepted he needed some time on his own. But more than anything, he started to appreciate Bill’s friendship. Entering the clothes store the assistants were falling all over Jamie, recognizing him after his foray on Saturday and seeing dollar signs. He ignored them and marched straight ahead with a sense of purpose.

  “Bill, stay here. Whatever you do, don’t buy anything until I get back,” he said. Climbing the stairs to the women’s department, Jamie looked around for the assistants. Most of them only looked to be sixteen. He managed to catch the attention of one and beckoned her over.

  “Hi, can I help you sir?” she asked politely.

  “Yes, do you have a supervisor?”

  “One moment, sir, I’ll just try to find her.”

  She returned moments later, followed by a woman in her late twenties.

  “Is there a problem I can help you with, sir?”

  “You could say that. I need some help with my friend in the Men’s department. He needs an outfit for a night out.”

  “It’s not company policy. The Gentlemen’s department has male staff?”

  “Look, I need you to help me out here. Trust me, at least take a look. My friend desperately needs a woman’s touch.”

  Intrigued, she followed him. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Jamie pointed out Bill to the young woman.

  “Oh, I see what you mean. Just a moment, I’ll have a word with Charles.”

  He saw a young man holding a pair of tartan trousers for Bill to consider, fine for playing golf in, but no good for a night out. A word, Jamie thought, I’d fire him on the spot.

  “JJ, look at these; they’ll look great with this yellow shirt,” said Bill as Jamie shook his head and the supervisor joined him.

  “Fine, I’ll help,” she said. “I’ve squared with Charles for him to get credit for the sale.”

  “Okay, Bill, hand over the shirt and trousers; this young lady will help you.”

  “For a minute there I thought you’d fixed me up.”

  “Be quiet and be polite.”

  Bill surrendered graciously as the young woman selected clothes. Giving her a kiss on the cheek and a big tip, Bill paid for the clothes and then Jamie suggested they go for a coffee.

  “I think she fancied me JJ.”

  “Oh stop it; she’s young enough to be your daughter.”

  “Ah, you mean like my poet friend?”

  “Grow up. Be realistic. If you’re serious about finding someone, try thinking a little nearer your own age.”

  “I have, but it cuts down the probability of the ‘first attraction’ part of the quest.”

  “Bill, I give up on you. No. Sorry, I take that back,” he remembered their pact not to snipe at each other. “Do you have any different spectacles at home?”

  “Yeah, some blue ones.”

  “Just promise me one thing: on Thursday wear the blue ones with your new outfit.”

  “Yes, sir, will do, sir,” said Bill saluting.

  “Time we were going. I’ll drop you off at home and pick you up tonight for bowling, say about eight o’clock? Make sure you hang your new outfit on the same hanger, so you don’t mix them up.”

  “You sound like my mom. Let’s make tracks.”

  Dropping Bill off, Jamie phoned in to the office.

  “Hi, Mary, is everything running smoothly?”

  “Don’t worry, JJ, we’re coping without you.”

  Her answer left Jamie thinking back to his meeting with his boss and the company motto. He silently thanked God the Martin Brewery account had fallen into his lap.

  “Will you be in tomorrow?”

  “I feel a lot better today, but tonight I’m taking Bill and the kids bowling. If everything feels good after that, I should be in.”

  “How did you get along with Bill today? He phoned to see if you were here and Ben told him you were at home today. Sorry.”

  “Well, if you can believe it, I actually enjoyed his company and made a start on setting the rules. I owe you for that.”

  “Don’t mention it, anytime. I felt like ‘agony aunt’ but glad to be of service if it helps?”

  “Seriously, it was a big help. Thanks for listening. I have to go now; the kids will be home soon. I’ll give you a call tomorrow.”

  Jamie put the telephone down thinking back to their coffee date. His mind smiled at the pleasant evening they had spent together, sipping coffee and chatting, the conversation flowing unhindered. It was hard for him to accept that there was a time when he had lusted after Mary during her break up with her husband. If he hadn’t been so loyal to June and the kids, he could have easily taken advantage of the situation. He knew it and so did Mary. It wasn’t anything spoken, but there was mutual electricity. It was obvious to everyone in the office too. His boss had to have a quiet word, just to remind him that “pleasure and business don’t mix.”

  He sighed with regret. Lost opportunities, he thought, moments lost. With her distrust of men, the passage of time and her hinting she may have someone in her life, it was clear that avenue was a closed book. She had offered him a shoulder to cry on as he headed for divorce and asked for nothing in return. He was so thankful he had her as a friend.

  Steve arrived home and Jamie wondered if he would ever get him off his hands. He never talked girlfriends. Except for his Friday nights out with friends, all he ever seemed to be interested in was his computer and the self-defense class he taught at the Church Hall. Jamie was thrilled when Steve took over his class after he separated from June.

  At least his software skills earn him a living.

  Steve was a great software programmer, but Jamie worried that one day he would find Steve in trouble because he was also skilled in hacking. Ellie on the other hand was popular with the boys. On many occasions Jamie had opened his front door to the young waifs and strays in the neighborhood as they stood there with puppy dog eyes, hoping it would somehow carry favor. She said she didn’t want to settle down with anyone and was working her way through college by working at the local Burger Bar.

  Ellie arrived home and walked in the door, looking flustered.

  “I think some guy’s following me, dad.”

  “Don’t be stupid, Ellie. Why would anyone want to follow you?” Steve joked.

  “No wait a minute, don’t joke about that, Steve. Ellie, tell me, what is it?” asked Jamie remembering the newscast.

  “I didn’t see anyone, it was just a feeling. But every time I looked around, there was no one there.”

  “Did you hear footsteps or was it a car?”

  “It was probably wings she heard from a fairy,” quipped Steve.

  “Not funny, Steve! I didn’t hear anything, it was just a feeling.”

  Jamie wondered if she had heard the news or read about the murders in the newspaper. Maybe it was freaking her out, but he didn’t want to ask in case she didn’t know. It would make matters worse. Jamie’s mind recalled the broken pane of glass in the kitchen door that nagged at the back of his mind.

  “Listen, you’re home safe now and tonight we’re going bowling. Tomorrow I’ll drop you off at work and pick you up when you finish. Does that make you feel better?”

  “I don’t like to trouble you, dad, but yes; I do feel a lot better.”

  “Right, come on then. Go and get changed, then you can help me cook dinner.”

  That night at the bowling alley, they all had a fun time. Bill was on form with his jokes. He wore a bow tie that had a motor built in to spin it around, confirming Ellie’s impression of him as a clown.

  The night went without a hitch. Jamie had a great time except for one uncomfortable moment when Bill put his arms around Ellie to show her how to bowl. Altogether, the evening exceeded Jamie’s expectations, as once more, his family seemed to be at peac
e. Not bad, he thought climbing into bed. Jamie snuggled under his covers, switched off the light and tried to picture how “speed dating” would work. What the hell will I say?

  Contents

  The stalker

  Thursday arrived. Jamie dropped Ellie off at work and travelled to his office.

  “Good morning, Mr. Jameson, glad to see you back,” said John, the concierge.

  “Good to be back, how are the wife and kids?”

  “They’re fine, Mr. Jameson, have a nice day.”

  “You have a nice day too.”

  As he walked out of the elevator, he could see Mary on the phone looking his way. Somehow he knew that John had phoned ahead announcing his arrival. He could hear Mary just before she hung up.

  “Thanks, John,” Mary said sheepishly as though she was talking about something else.

  “Welcome home, JJ,” said Mary with a big smile.

  Mr. Cuthbert and Greg wandered down to the office to see what the fuss was.

  “How’s the swing, Jamie?” said Greg pretending to tee off with an imaginary club.

  “Careful there, Jamie, don’t stand too close,” said Cuthbert, laughing. They returned to their offices, sniggering.

  “Smart asses,” Jamie muttered glaring at Mary.

  “Now, now, JJ, don’t let them get to you. It’s just their way of saying welcome back.”

  “I don’t feel like working today, what’s on my calendar?”

  “I kept it clear, but to be honest, I think you should go to the modeling agency this morning. Ben’s likely to pick them all. Oh, incidentally, you need to have a word with Ben. It looks like he’s taken a shine to Betty.”

  “Okay, let me think on it over coffee.”

  “Is that a hint?”

  “No it’s an order,” he laughed.

  Drinking his coffee, Jamie wondered what he should say. Should he remind Ben of the company rule and put a stop to something that could lead them both to happiness and a future together? Or should he put his foot down as Cuthbert did all those years ago? After all, if it went wrong it could split up his team. Jamie flicked a coin in the air.

  He caught it and placed it on the back of his hand, eyes closed. Covering the coin with his other hand, he opened his eyes and saw Mary giving him a strange look.

  “What’s all that about?”

  “Heads, I tell Ben, tails, I pass the deed on to Cuthbert.”

  “Pass what?” asked Mr. Cuthbert walking up behind.

  Jamie nearly separated from his skin, startled. He dropped the coin without seeing the result.

  “I was just thinking maybe I should pass the file over to you on the Martin’s Brewery account to cast your seasoned eye over it, before we pitch?”

  “No, I trust your Judgment, JJ. No good having a dog if you do your own barking as I always say.”

  Dog huh? Jamie thought.

  “Must go, have a business meeting on the golf course,” Cuthbert said walking out of the office.

  “What do you do now?” asked Mary.

  “The coin made my mind up and Cuthbert confirmed it.”

  “Go on then, enlighten me?”

  “I’ll sit on the fence, seeing as how the coin didn’t give me an answer. You have a word with Betty and just remind her not to get into anything she’ll regret if it all goes awry. I’ll say the same to Ben and let fate cast its hand.”

  “Good decision JJ. What do you want to do about the modeling agency?”

  “Put some lipstick on and we’ll go together. Cuthbert’s gone out and it’ll do us both some good to get away from the office.”

  The modeling agency turned out to be hard work. Jamie didn’t want to let any of them down, and it was difficult to stay objective. He asked Mary what she thought. Mary discussed each one in turn referring to her notes.

  “That’s funny, we seem to agree,” said Jamie looking at his blank notebook. We need three, so let’s whittle them down to six to start with.”

  Mary started to remove the photographs of the ones she didn’t think suitable. Jamie reached across the desk to remove a photo at the same time as Mary and their fingers touched. Nothing contrived, just an accident, but it made Jamie feel awkward.

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” he said and pulled his hand away. He hoped she didn’t think he was making a pass. His hands started to tremble.

  “What on earth’s the matter Jamie? You’re shaking.”

  Jamie knew why, but his mouth failed to engage his mind as they fought a battle for the right words. He felt something, just as he had a thousand times before. The electricity was still there. It always had been, but he wasn’t sure how she felt. The last thing he wanted was to spoil their friendship if she didn’t feel the same.

  “Oh, it’s nothing, maybe I’m a little hungry,” he said and they carried on removing photographs until they arrived at the final six.

  “What do we do now Mary?”

  “We could toss a coin. I can’t choose, they’re all perfect.”

  “Yeah, I agree,” said Jamie, and soon the coin decided which ones were to go ahead for the photo shoot.

  “Fancy some lunch? I know a good Italian restaurant.”

  “No, I’m trying to keep my weight down, but the coffee bar was good at the mall. I don’t mind going there for a snack.”

  “The mall it is,” said Jamie and they made their way.

  Jamie looked around the mall, as they waited in line.

  “Usual, sir?” the young girl asked at the counter.

  “Yeah, two cappuccinos if you don’t mind and I’ll have one of your cream doughnuts.

  “Do you want anything to eat, Mary?”

  “Just a piece of carrot cake will be fine, thank you.”

  “Please take a seat, I’ll bring it right over,” said the young girl.

  “The usual? Is this where you bring all your girlfriends?”

  “Very funny. Anyway, why are you watching your weight? Could it be that boyfriend of yours?”

  “Who said I had a boyfriend?”

  “Why do you always answer a question with a question?” asked Jamie flustered.

  “I think you’ll find I asked the question first,” laughed Mary.

  “Why are you being so guarded?” asked Jamie.

  Mary just ignored him, taking a sip of coffee.

  They were fencing again, just like old times. Neither was going to step over that invisible line and answer such a personal question. Jamie changed the subject.

  “Guess what? Bill’s only just gone and booked us into a ‘speed dating’ night,” he said lifting his fingers with quotes.

  “Oh, am I to suppose to believe he had to twist your arm? I thought you were off women.”

  “I am, but I just thought I’d support him.”

  “Sure. Likely story. I thought you wanted to cool it with him?”

  “I did, but he just seems to have this disarming way. . . it’s hard to explain.”

  “Just be careful, JJ, I wouldn’t want you to get hurt.”

  “Don’t worry... I’m starting to get the measure of him.”

  ***

  Mary rolled her eyes and sighed. She wasn’t referring to Bill. Jamie is so clueless, she thought. I meant the speed dating. Sometimes she worried about his naivety. She was a reluctant participant in the team’s plans to have him join a singles’ club. She would have preferred him to find his own way, in his own good time. Now he seemed to be on a space shuttle ride he couldn’t get off. She knew he was inexperienced when it came to women. His wife had been cheating on him for years, both before and after he returned from the UK. Everyone knew it but him. Mary’s sister lived a few doors down from June’s sister. June would tell Jamie her sister was sick and visit her for the weekend. On one occasion, Mary was visiting her sister but there was no sign of June and her sister certainly wasn’t sick. She saw her leave the house to play tennis with her husband. After that, whenever Jamie told her June was away at her sister’s, she would have her own sister
report.

  For years, Mary had longed for Jamie to make a pass, ever since they first met. But she would never make a pass at him, despite her feelings. There was no way she would have wanted to be responsible for breaking up a marriage. Besides good old, ‘Mr. Reliable’ would never leave his wife and children. Even when she found out June was having affairs, she was unable to tell him. She knew it would destroy him and turn him against her for prying. Now that he was free, she just hoped he could find who he was, and maybe then, he would find her.

  Mary gazed into his eyes trying to signal her longing, but she was right, He’s clueless!

  ***

  Jamie looked at his watch. “God, Mary, look at the time! I have to pick up Ellie from work. I’ll take you back to the office.” Jamie dropped her off and raced through the streets to Ellie’s work just in time to pick her up. Ellie greeted him with a kiss and a hug.

  “What’s that for?”

  “Because you’re the best dad in the world, that’s what. Do I smell perfume? Okay dad, out with it. Who’s been in your car?”

  “Only Mary. We went to a modeling agency for work and then for a coffee at the mall.”

  “Two coffees in one week? Is there something I’m missing here?”

  “No honestly just business. I happen to like the coffee at the mall.”

  “Listen, dad, I have a confession to make. No one was following me. I read about the serial killer in the newspaper and freaked out.”

  “Shush,” he held up his hand, “let me concentrate.”

  Jamie saw a car pull out behind him. It seemed to be keeping a distance and ran a red light as Jamie had gone through at green. Jamie signaled and turned left.

  “Where are you going, dad? This isn’t the way home.”

  Jamie stayed silent and kept glancing at the mirror. Still following. He slowed down for it to catch up, but he couldn’t see the driver. The windshield of the car was tinted. Jamie pulled over and parked, and the car did the same.

  “Wait here, I won’t be long,” said Jamie. He casually climbed out of the car and made as if to cross the road. He waited for the traffic to pass, side walking towards the other car. In a burst of adrenalin, he wrenched open the car door and pulled out the driver throwing him to the ground face down. Holding him by the throat and raising his fist in the air, he hesitated as the guy screamed out.