Scandal

by Stirk, Vivienne

  A sense of relief washed over him, filling him with confidence to carry on.

  “Will you go to the police?”

  “I’m scared Father.”

  “I know but I’ll be there for you.”

  “Promise?” she asked weakly.

  “I promise.” With a slight nod of the head, Father Michael accepted her promise as confirmation she would go to the police. “Good girl.” Still her eyes searched his. All he could think was how frightened she looked and above all else, how lost she seemed. “There’s something else you need to do as well.”

  “I know,” she said, again painfully quiet. “I need to speak to Jack.”

  Father Michael realised that no matter how weak she looked now and how vulnerable she was, Ashleigh was a fighter and she was very strong.

  “I’ll help you all I can.” Her eyes were trying to fight the exhaustion of her body. Sensing it was time he should leave, he bent over her, kissing her forehead as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Her eyes were already closed, unaware of his simple kiss which spoke volumes. He stroked her hair gently, whispering, “I’ll be back tomorrow.” Then he left her to sleep.

  His journey to the rectory, he knew, would be one of the last he’d make until his mess of a life was sorted out. With every curtain closed, shutting out the darkness, he sat with a small cup of coffee, his thoughts turning once again to Ashleigh. He’d kissed her today. Why he’d done that scared him a little. To the outsider, if he’d been a normal person, it wasn’t a big deal, but he was a priest, her priest. For that split second he’d forgotten who he was. That hadn’t happened before. All he’d thought about was Ashleigh laying there bruised and battered, tortured by physical and emotional pain. His heart was telling him how much he cared for her. Never once had he thought his actions were wrong or inappropriate. He’d wanted to take her in his arms tonight, holding her close so she felt loved. Finn had damaged so much of her, taken so much from her. How she’d recover he wasn’t sure. All he hoped was her future didn’t include Finn. Tomorrow at the hospital, he’d ask about her parents and if possible, arrange for her to stay with them for a while. Once she felt strong enough, she could speak to Jack Watson, exposing Finn for the scumbag he was. Father Michael had lost a little of his faith today. Today he didn’t feel very much like a priest. He felt like a man who’d lost too much, wanting to seek revenge on the man who’d accused him of something he hadn’t done. Knowing his dilemma with Ashleigh could cause a huge scandal as far as the church was concerned, possibly finishing his career as a priest for good, only fuelled him more. At that moment, he wanted his own revenge on Finn. He wanted to have the bastard exposed for all of his wrong doings. If Ashleigh was right with her suspicions about Finn’s indiscretions, who knew what more they could dig up if they went looking? Father Michael was determined he wasn’t going to be the only one facing a scandal. Finn had ruined Ashleigh’s life today, a day which should have been one of the happiest days for them as a couple. He’d taken a life too; a life he hadn’t even known existed. Priest or not, he didn’t like Finn very much and would not ask for forgiveness from God for feeling the way he felt about him. Father Michael thought of Finn as a son of Satan, hoping he’d go to Hell where he belonged.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Simone and Neil were just settling down to watch a film when a loud banging sounded on the front door. With a start, Neil said, “Good God. Who could that be?” It was only nine o’clock in the evening but it did seem late for visitors. Neil told Simone to wait where she was while he went to answer the door. It was Finn. He smiled a pained smile as he saw Neil. “Hi mate. What are you doing here?” Neil asked.

  “I thought we could go for a drink,” Finn replied, edging his way inside.

  “It’s nine o’clock. Simone and I were just about to watch a film.” He couldn’t quite put his finger on it but he sensed Finn was a little agitated. “Are you alright Finn? You seem a little tense.”

  “I’m fine. I just fancy a drink that’s all.”

  As he scratched a nervous itch on his face, it was then that Neil saw his knuckles, red and swollen. They’d been mates for years but Neil felt nervous to press for more information. An awkward silence fell upon them.

  Knowing Simone would be waiting, Neil said, “Look mate, we’ll go out next weekend but not now.”

  It wasn’t quite disappointment he saw on Finn’s face, but what it was, he couldn’t identify. Without replying further, Finn turned round and left.

  “Who was that?” Simone asked as Neil returned.

  “It was Finn. Something wasn’t right with him Simone?”

  “How do you mean?”

  Shaking his head he said, “I don’t know. He seemed agitated somehow, nervous maybe.”

  Feeling troubled by his friend’s mood, he asked Simone to ring Ashleigh, just to see if she knew anything. After her house phone went unanswered, Simone tried her mobile. It was switched off.

  “Ashleigh may be in the bath,” Simone concluded, trying hard to think of a realistic explanation. She hadn’t witnessed Finn’s mood and not wanting to make more out of it than Neil was, didn’t feel there was a problem. “Come on babe. Let’s put the film on. I’m sure it’s nothing,” Simone added positively. Neil sat next to Simone on the settee, with a look of confusion sweeping his face. “I’ll ring her in the morning,” Simone said.

  “Okay, thank you.”

  Finn returned to the flat at nine forty five that evening met by silence and complete darkness. The lounge had been left just how he’d remembered, with the coffee table over turned. He checked the bedroom certain he’d find Ashleigh there, tucked up in bed like the last time. Their bed only showed that no one had slept in it. Although it was a little late in the day for having a bath, he checked there also. The bath was dry, the towels unused. He stood for a moment hating the silence the flat brought to him. He began to wonder where Ashleigh could be at this hour. Knowing she wasn’t at Simone’s made him think about her mum. She could be there. Quick fingers flicked through their address book until his eyes fell upon the words mum, Sam in brackets. A groggy voice answered after the eighth ring.

  “Sam? It’s Finn.”

  “Hello love,” she replied sleepily.

  “I’m sorry, have I woken you?”

  “Yes dear. We’re up at five o’clock.” Despite the intrusion, she didn’t sound annoyed.

  “I was just wondering if Ashleigh was there that’s all.”

  “Ashleigh?” she began in surprise. “No love. She came by a couple of days ago but I haven’t seen her today.” Finn didn’t reply. “Is everything all right Finn?” she asked, with a hint of worry touching her voice.

  “Yes I’m sure it is. Sorry to have troubled you. Bye.”

  Sam returned the phone to its rightful place, a little baffled about Finn’s abrupt departure. She snuggled next to Reece who hadn’t been disturbed at all by the call.

  By now Finn was angry again. Puzzled by Ashleigh’s where-a-bouts, all he could surmise was she must be with him. The door to the flat slammed loudly as he left the flat, causing a picture to fall off the wall. With gritted teeth and tense fingers, he drove his car to the rectory. He’d never been before, but as he knew where the church was, was certain the rectory wouldn’t be too hard to find. Finn didn’t bother to lock his car. The skid his car had made on the gravel outside alerted Father Michael he had company. The heavy banging on his front door confirmed the caller wasn’t a friend.

  “Where is she?” Finn yelled, as soon as the door opened.

  “Who?” Father Michael said.

  “Who?” Finn asked astonished. “Are you soft priest? Ashleigh, that’s who. What have you done with her?”

  Spit hit Father Michael’s face.

  “She isn’t here Finn. Go home.” Father Michael remained very cool given his predicament, however, Finn was irate.

  “She must be.”

  “Why must she?”

  “Because she isn’t at h
ome, at Simone’s or her mum’s.” His anxiety showed again.

  “I’m telling you Finn, she isn’t here, now go away.”

  As Finn tried to shoulder barge his way through the door, Father Michael stood in his way. Although he was a couple of inches shorter that Finn, he carried a bit more weight which helped his strength. He pushed Finn backwards a little to stop him from gaining access.

  “Move priest,” he spat.

  “Finn, I’m going to call the police if you step inside.”

  After a bit of tousling, Finn clenched his fist, swinging it round, catching Father Michael in the mouth. When he realised what he’d done, he turned round and ran.

  Once Father Michael had shut the door, his whole body began to tremble. With a spattering of blood dribbling down his chin, he went to the bathroom to clean it up. The cut on his lip was only minute, wondering if Finn’s knuckles were in a worse state than his lip. A shot of brandy would have worked wonders for his trembling hands, but being the man he was, he made do with a cup of tea. He hoped Finn didn’t think to go to the hospital. Surely he wouldn’t dare show himself. Taking his phone, Father Michael quickly rang the hospital, leaving a message for the ward sister to be aware that Finn could be on his way to try and see Ashleigh. Luckily, visiting hours were over so if he did show himself and cause a scene, it’d be security he’d have to answer to. The church would be in darkness and locked up so if Finn thought of looking there for her, he wouldn’t get very far.

  It had been a very trying and tiring day for Father Michael. The silence around him wasn’t pleasant tonight. Sometimes, being a priest could be a lonely life. He didn’t even have a dog or a cat for company. Once again his thoughts were of Ashleigh. Her life was in turmoil too. He’d suggest to her in the morning to ring her mum. A girl needed her mum at certain times; Father Michael now certain this was one of those times. Of course, he’d be there for her but he supposed that because of the allegations made about him, he’d have to keep his distance. Tonight would be his last evening at the rectory. Tomorrow he’d have to search for new accommodation; hopefully it would only be for a short while.

  By the time Father Michael went to bed his nerves had calmed. Finn needed help. The man was out of control. It was too late in the day to do anything, but first thing in the morning he’d report Finn’s attack on him to the police and the church. See what they made of that!

  Chapter Twenty

  Finn made excuses the next day at work for Ashleigh’s absence, saying she had the flu. He had no idea where she was. The thought had occurred that she may be walking around aimlessly, slightly dazed or confused. He remembered her hitting her head on the car as he’d forced her to sit down. If he stuck to the story, insisting she had flu, at least he had a week or two of borrowed time, time he needed to find her. Finn wasn’t sure if the people he had spoken to the night before were hiding her. Deep down, he didn’t think so. They’d all sounded genuine when they’d said they hadn’t seen her.

  His hand was painful. The middle knuckle was bruised and very swollen. Writing was impossible but he had to pretend nothing was wrong. Miss Taylor came round to his desk sensing something.

  “Are you alright Finn?” she asked with the seductive tones she always used on him.

  “Yes, just busy.”

  Walking behind him, she placed her hands on his shoulders and began to massage them.

  “Relax, you’re so tense,” she said.

  “Am I?”

  Normally, he would have loved her massages. It was something she always did once they were alone in the hotel room. She’d start with his shoulders, working her fingers so they slid down to the buttons of his shirt where she’d slowly open them one by one. Then she’d caress his chest, digging her long nails in gently. That usually sent him wild. In no time at all he’d be on her, kissing her hungrily. He was a good lover she thought. She wanted him all to herself but he was married to Ashleigh. The trips away were the only time she got to have him all to herself. He had promised her more, telling her she just had to be patient. There would be a way for them to eventually be together, but it would need a little time to sort out. He had a plan, one which only he knew about. It was a spectacular plan, a dream come true. Miss Taylor clung to his hopeful words, knowing that if she waited, he’d one day be hers for good. She’d wait for as long as necessary if it meant being with Finn. She knew that today though, was not going to be that day.

  Flicking away her teasing fingers, he snapped when he spoke. “Not now, dad could walk in.”

  “That doesn’t usually bother you.”

  “Well it does today.”

  She quickly got the message, taking herself back towards Jack’s office. Hoping he wasn’t getting bored with her, she knew she couldn’t let him slip away from her. Miss Taylor loved him. In some ways, she felt he owed her. There were things between them that could ruin Finn’s relationship with certain people. Her love for him would never allow her to tell anyone their secrets though. She was bound to him; would do anything for him – anything at all.

  Miss Taylor looked over her shoulder at him, noticing his furrowed brow. The stress radiating from him was like electricity.

  “Will you let me take you out to lunch later?” she asked, just before returning to Jack’s office.

  He paused for a second, realising he shouldn’t be taking his problems out on her. With one of his typical smiles, he looked at her, melting the earlier frostiness.

  “Sure. Shall we say one o’clock?”

  “Great.”

  Knowing her day would be so much better now with Finn on her side, Miss Taylor left his office in search of Jack. Having lunch without little Miss Ashleigh breathing down Finn’s neck would mean they’d be able to find a quiet corner in a pub and spend a whole hour alone.

  The phone call Sam received at work the next day left her feeling sad and uneasy. Hearing Ashleigh’s frail voice saying she needed her help, chilled her bones. It became clear now why Finn had phoned her the day before asking of Ashleigh’s where-a-bouts. How could a man do that to anyone let alone his own wife? Reece was equally upset once Sam was able to find a minute to tell him. The hospital was expecting to keep Ashleigh in for one more day. Sam had told her they’d visit her later that day and pick her up when she was discharged. The family they’d created between them had certainly become a true family. There was no pretending, just love. They truly believed in their own role as father, mother and daughter. Now was one of those times when they needed one another more than ever.

  Father Michael had managed to find himself a room at a bed and breakfast. He’d been in touch with Father Lucas, explaining what had happened during Finn’s fuelled visit. He didn’t pass comment on Finn’s outburst, just kindly informed Father Michael that he’d arranged to speak to Ashleigh in hospital later. He wanted to meet, for himself, the young woman behind this whole mess. In his own heart, Father Lucas wanted to believe Father Michael’s words, that it was just the work of a jealous husband who was simply spreading lies to destroy the lives of others. He’d heard what Finn had done to Ashleigh. He didn’t agree with this type of behaviour, but it didn’t for one minute put Father Michael in the clear. There’d been other occasions where young priests had fallen for women, giving up their priesthood and the commitment to God for the love of a woman. Father Michael seemed a good man. He’d made many friends in his parish so far but even priests could stray. After all, they were only human. Perhaps Father Michael had fallen for Ashleigh, Father Lucas thought. As the saying goes; there’s no smoke without fire. Only time would tell.

  Sam wasn’t the only person that day to receive a call from Ashleigh. Simone also heard from her.

  “Simone?” a quiet voice asked.

  “Yes,” she replied, unsure who the caller was as they were not ringing from a known mobile.

  “It’s Ashleigh.”

  “Are you alright? You don’t sound too good.”

  “I’m in hospital.”

  “Oh my God Ash
leigh. What’s happened?”

  The last thing Ashleigh wanted was to turn Finn’s friends away, but they needed to know what he’d done. She also knew her marriage to him was over. Finding it hard to explain what she’d been through at the hands of her husband, Ashleigh wiped fresh tears from her face before taking a big breath.

  “It was Finn,” she began.

  “Finn?” Simone’s thoughts went back to last night. Neil had known there was something wrong with him.

  “There’s been other time’s when he’s been aggressive towards me but Saturday was the worst.”

  “Ashleigh, I had no idea. I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s not your fault Simone. I chose not to face up to reality and what he was capable of.”

  “How long are you going to be in hospital for?”

  “I’m coming out tomorrow. Sam is going to let me stay with her.”

  “That’s good. Listen, Ashleigh, let me know if you need anything, anything at all. I’ll come round to see you once you’ve got yourself settled.”

  “Thank you.” Ashleigh hadn’t seen much of Simone over the past year since marrying Finn and upon hearing her voice, she soon realised she should have told her what was going on. What a fool she’d been. “Simone?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about what he’s been doing.”

  “Me too, but I know why you didn’t. Have you thought about what you are going to do?”

  “I’ll have to leave work and leave Finn.” It was a sad and frightening prospect.

  “I don’t know what Neil will say to the whole mess. He’ll be as shocked as me I think.”

  “There’s one other thing I need to tell you.” Something about Ashleigh’s change of tone made Simone wonder what other surprises she had for her.

  “I’m listening.”

  “I was pregnant.”

  “Was?”

  “I’d found out on Saturday morning. Finn didn’t know, still doesn’t for that matter. He kicked me in the stomach several times. I lost the baby later that day.”