“Aren’t they still in the bedding box in your bedroom?”
“Oh, yes. Probably. I haven’t looked in there for years.” She got to her feet. “I hope you’re all starving. Everything’s more or less ready to dish up.”
“Can I help you, Nelly?” Amanda jumped up.
“You could set the table if you don’t mind.”
“Can I help?” Emma said, following her mother.
Mary entered the room as the others left it.
“Did you live here when you were little?” she asked Adam.
“No. I lived in a few different places after Dad died. We moved here when I was around twelve or thirteen.”
“Do you still have a bedroom here?”
Adam nodded. “Last time I checked.”
“Can I see?”
He nodded. “Jacob, do you want to come with us to see my old bedroom? We may even find some of my old toys.”
Jacob didn’t need asking twice.
Adam led them both up the stairs to his room.
He’d left home when he was seventeen, yet it was still exactly as he’d left it all those years ago. Posters of The Manic Street Preachers and REM covered every spare wall surface. His old navy-blue duvet cover that had army tanks all over it still lay on the single white-painted wooden bed. There wasn’t a speck of dust anywhere, which didn’t surprise him. His mum always cleaned and changed the bedding in the spare bedroom, and nobody ever slept in there as far as he knew.
“What’s this?” Mary asked, examining the hi-fi system.
“My old CD player.” He pointed to the stack of CDs beside it.”
“Does this mean you could only listen to music in your room?”
He pulled a storage box out from the wardrobe and took the lid off for Jacob, who squealed with delight when he spotted all the superhero figures, tubs of Lego and jigsaws.
Adam chuckled at his reaction then turned back to Mary.
“Yes, that’s right. Although I did have a Walkman a bit later on.”
“A what?” She screwed her face up comically.
“Hang on, I’ll show you. It must still be here, somewhere.” He rummaged through a few drawers until he found his old faithful Walkman. “Here you go. My portable CD player.”
“It’s massive.”
He nodded. “I guess it is compared to today’s gadgets. But it was state of the art at the time.” He shoved it back into the drawer.
“Who’s this?”
He gasped when he saw the framed photo she held up, of him and Sarah sitting on a blanket in the back garden, laughing.
He took it from her and traced a finger over the image. That day seemed like a lifetime ago. Remembering Mary, he smiled and placed the frame back down on the chest of drawers.
“She was my wife.”
Mary gasped. “Does Amanda know?”
Jacob, momentarily disturbed from the box of goodies, looked around at them before turning back to the box.
Adam smiled. “Of course she knows. Sarah died before I moved to London.”
“What did she die of?”
“She was hit by a car. She died instantly.”
“Like my dad?”
“Yes. Exactly like your dad.” He stroked her fine blonde hair and tucked it behind her ear. “Come on. I bet lunch is almost ready. Help me carry this lot down for Jakey.”
Between them they carried the box downstairs, and Amanda met them in the hallway.
“I was just coming to find you lot. Lunch is ready.”
Mary smiled at Adam.
“See? What did I tell you?” He wiggled his eyebrows at her. “I swear sometimes I’m psychic.”
Amanda laughed and ushered them all through to the dining room.
As usual, his mum had prepared a mountain of food, and they all made a supreme effort to devour it all. There was much laughter and frivolity and Adam made a promise to himself to do this more often—it was good for all of them.
After lunch, Amanda and Mary loaded the dishwasher while Adam took Emma and Jacob back through to the lounge to play with the box of toys.
“I forgot about that lot. You could take it home with you if you have room.” His mum struggled to get onto her knees beside the children. “I may need a hand getting up,” she laughed.
Watching his mum with the kids brought back some happy memories of his childhood. Before his dad had died, she used to build Lego with him too. After the death of his father, however, things changed rapidly. It was understandable, she must have been devastated, but he didn’t understand it back then. He was only eight. Not only was his beloved father gone, it felt as though he’d lost his mother too.
Things didn’t get better either. Soon after, they shifted from their home, because his mum couldn’t afford the rent, and moved into a dilapidated block of flats on the outskirts of Manchester.
Four years later, his mum met Vernon at church. Vernon was a God-fearing man and proposed to his mother after only a few weeks. He promised them the world. After the wedding, they moved in with him, and at first they all got along well. But Vernon, an ex-army man, had definite ideas of how a twelve-year-old boy should behave and began to terrorize him.
Vernon seemed to brainwash Adam’s mother, convincing her anything he did was for Adam’s own good. So she turned a blind eye to the abuse of her only son.
Of course, Adam rebelled, and as he got older the abuse went from physical beatings to more mental torture. If Adam did anything to piss Vernon off, he would restrict the boy’s meals. His mother was petrified of her husband at this stage and was always trying to appease him in some way.
When Adam began to steal food from his schoolmates, one of his teachers got involved and he eventually told her everything.
The next few days were a blur. He remembered making a statement to the police. His mum was also interviewed and the next thing he knew, Vernon moved out.
Although he was never charged, Vernon made a deal with Adam’s mum—if they promised to keep quiet about everything, he would sign over the house in the divorce settlement.
His mum had become introverted and a nervous wreck since meeting Vernon, but she didn’t believe in divorce, and she stopped attending church because of her humiliation. But she slowly regained her confidence and began to make friends again.
He smiled as he watched her now. She was such a lovely woman and desperately wanted a more hands-on role in their lives.
Chapter 30
Adam went up to his mother’s room to find the photo albums, and when Mary came through from the kitchen he had them all ready for her.
Mary sat in-between him and Amanda on the sofa, and he placed the first album on her knee.
Within minutes, both Mary and Amanda were in fits of laughter, pointing at images of a young Adam in a pair of short-shorts that showcased his knobbly knees.
“It’s not that funny!” he said, defensively.
“Oh, yes, it is,” they squealed together.
Each turn of the page brought about more cackles, and he eventually got to his feet. “If you don’t mind, I might pop by the station and catch up with a few old mates.”
Amanda nodded, still grinning.
He rolled his eyes at her then left.
It seemed strange to be back at his old workplace and he was surprised to find Matt, his ex-partner and ex-brother-in-law, in his office.
“Hey, buddy!” Matt jumped up from his desk and gave Adam a man-hug.
“Got time for a cuppa?”
“For you, anytime.”
They walked through to the staff kitchen and Matt poured them both a coffee.
Adam cringed as he sipped the bitter blend. “Some things never change.”
“Putrid, isn’t it? But marginally better than nothing. So what are you doing here?”
“I brought the kids to visit the old lady. How about you? I thought you’d probably be off out with the family today.”
“Too busy. We’re chocca around here.”
&nb
sp; “How’s Carole and the girls?”
“Carole’s fine, but she’s booked in for a hysterectomy next week. Women’s problems.”
“Bummer. You weren’t planning any more kids, were you?”
“No. I don’t think so, but as soon as you’re told you can’t, it makes you question everything.”
“It does. I had a similar scare recently when I found a lump in my gonads.”
“Shit, buddy. That’s heavy. Are you alright?”
He shrugged. “To be honest, the swelling hasn’t been nearly as bad the past couple of days. But the first night, the what-ifs did play on my mind quite a bit.”
“They’re bound to, buddy. But I’m sure you’ll be fine. Lots of people find lumps and, nine times out of ten, it’s nothing to worry about.”
Adam nodded and drained the last of the coffee. “I’d better let you return to your work. Do you fancy catching up properly one weekend? We could meet halfway with the women and kids.”
“I would love that. Maybe after Amanda has the baby and then Carole can get her baby fix at the same time.”
“Sounds perfect. Say hi to them for me.”
Apart from the guy on reception, Adam didn’t bump into anyone else he recognised, and, after a quick trawl around his old stomping ground, he drove back home.
His mother was still on the carpet with the kids. This time they were attempting to do a jigsaw, but bossy Emma kept pulling the pieces apart.
“Emma! Don’t be such a spoilsport!” Adam shook his head.
“I don’t mind, sweetheart. She’s having fun, and that’s the main thing.”
“Where are the girls?”
“Here, help me up.” She held her hand out and he pulled her to her feet. “They went upstairs. Mary wanted to show Amanda your old room.”
He rolled his eyes. “She’s fascinated with family and the past.”
His Mum shrugged one shoulder. “Stands to reason, really. By all accounts, the poor thing’s had an uncertain time of it lately. She should be settling down by now, though.”
“She is, I think. She just has the odd wobble, nothing major.”
Amanda and Mary came into the room.
“Oh, I didn’t know you were back.” Amanda kissed him. “Did you manage to meet up with some of your old mates?”
“Just Matt. I didn’t recognise anyone else.”
“Is he okay?”
“Yeah, I think so. I would’ve arranged to catch up with them later, but we should head off soon. We’ve still got a long drive home.”
“Shall I make you a cuppa before you go?” his mum asked.
“That would be lovely, Mum. I need something to wash away the nasty taste of the station coffee.”
Half an hour later, they’d packed up the car and said their goodbyes, promising to send for her once the baby was born. She tried to disguise the tears that filled her eyes, blaming them on the wind. But he knew she was lonely and promised to call her soon.
As they pulled onto the motorway, Amanda turned to him. “I don’t know why your mum doesn’t sell up and come and live near us,” she said. “She’s got nothing keeping her here.”
“I don’t think she would. Maybe when she comes over for a visit we can show her around. See if we can convince her.”
“She must be so lonely.”
He nodded. “She is. I need to make an effort to come over more often.”
The journey back to London wasn’t as bad as he’d expected. The children had fallen asleep within ten minutes and Amanda wasn’t too far behind them.
They arrived home just after 10.30pm. He carried Jacob in and up the stairs to the bathroom. “Do a wee-wee, young man, and you can go straight to bed,” he said.
As Adam lifted the lid on the toilet, he froze. A humungous turd filled the bowl. “What the...” His first instinct was to flush, but he could tell there was no way the mound was going down without a fight.
Jacob began doing a dance, holding on to his privates.
“Oh, sorry, son. Hang on.” He pulled Jacob’s pants down and lifted him up to the sink. “Do it in there, the toilet is broken.”
“Adam!” Amanda gave him a look of reproach when she suddenly appeared behind him holding Emma’s hand. “What’s that stink?”
“The toilet’s blocked. This’ll have to do unless you would prefer it all over the floor.”
Amanda did a double take at him. “Okay, don’t bite my head off.”
“I’m sorry, love. But it was an emergency.”
He put Jacob down and washed the sink.
“Emma, can you wait a second while I look for Jacob’s old potty.” Amanda eyeballed him as if to say, that’s what you should have done.
But he didn’t care. He had bigger things on his mind, namely how to get rid of the massive shite in the toilet.
He bumped into Mary as he stepped onto the landing. “The toilet’s blocked, sweetheart. Shall I knock next door and see if you can use theirs for now?”
Her face fell. Mary wasn’t the type to go broadcasting to all and sundry she needed the loo.
“Hang on a tic.” He smiled. “Amanda?”
“I’m in here.”
He followed the sound of her voice to their room. She was standing still, her back to him. “We might have to take the kids to Sandra’s. We can’t expect them to pee in the bloody sink till we can call a plumber out.”
She didn’t say anything.
“Amanda?”
She turned slowly, her mouth open and her eyes wide in shock.
“What is it?”
She held out her hand holding the sex toy, a gift off her friends from her hen night.
He shook his head. “What? I don’t understand.”
“Did you take this out of my drawer?”
“Did I hell! I never go in your drawers.”
“And look at this.” She pointed at the bed.
Two dirty black marks were on his side of the usually immaculate bedspread, and his pillow was flattened and had a hollow made by a head.
“What the...” he said again, scratching his head.
“Mum, I need to do wee-wees,” Emma called from the bathroom.
“Right, I’m coming now,” she shouted, stepping towards the door.
Prickles formed at the base of his skull. “Get the kids in the car. We’re taking them to Sandra’s.”
“But—”
“No arguments, Amanda. Kids in the car, now!”
Her mouth fell open as terror filled her eyes.
He nodded, stroking her hair, then he headed back onto the landing. “Right, Jakey. Trousers back on. We’re going for another adventure.”
“Yes-ss,” he said.
“Can you hang on for the toilet until Grandma’s house?” he asked Mary.
She nodded.
“Go as you are. We’ll bring you back for your school stuff in the morning.”
Chapter 31
After dropping the kids off, Amanda got back into the car with a face like thunder. “So, what’s wrong? Who’s been in our house?”
Adam shrugged. “I left the key out for Frances, but I can’t imagine her being responsible.”
“No way. She wouldn’t rummage through our bedroom and climb on our bed with filthy feet.”
“I know but...” He put the car in drive and pulled away from the kerb.
“But what? Do you really think she could have done all that? Oh, and let’s not forget, blocking the toilet up with the biggest mound of shit I’ve ever seen.”
“Of course not. But who else knew where to find the key? Or that I didn’t set the alarm, for that matter? It doesn’t make sense.”
“Call her.”
“And say what?”
“Ask her. Because if it wasn’t her, we need to find out who the fuck’s been in our house.”
“Okay, calm down. I’ll call.”
He dialled Frances’ mobile, and her sleepy voice came over the loudspeaker.
Adam glanced at
the clock and winced, 11.25pm. “Sorry to wake you, Frances. It’s only me.”
“Has there been another?”
“Another what?”
“Homicide. Why else would you be calling me at this hour?”
“Oh, no. Not that I’m aware, anyway. I’m just getting back from Manchester.”
“Did you have a nice time?”
“Yeah, lovely, thanks. Listen. Did you manage to escape to our house today?”
“No. I wanted to, and I appreciate the offer, but I couldn’t leave Val in the end. Why?”
“Did you tell anyone else about the key by any chance?”
“You’re pulling my leg, aren’t you? Why would I tell anybody how to access your house?” Her voice raised an octave.
“Because, I think Muldoon has been at my house.”
“Fuck! I’m on my way over.”
The line went dead.
“What the hell was that all about? Who’s Muldoon when he’s at home?” Amanda said.
“He’s the man we’ve been looking for all week.”
“The murderer? You think a fucking murderer let himself into my house and rifled through my things?” she yelled.
“Shhh! Calm down, Amanda.” He turned onto their street and pulled over. “I’m not saying I’m right, but he knows where we live.”
“How could he? Why would you say that?” She still sounded furious, and he didn’t blame her.
“He left a message in shit on the car windscreen.”
“That’s what you were doing the other night? Why the hell would he target you?”
“Haven’t a clue, love. Listen, why don’t you go back to Sandra’s? I’ll sort the house out, and you can bring the kids back in the morning.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course I’m sure. Just give me the keys so I can let myself in, and then you shoot off.”
“What if he comes back?”
“He won’t, and even if he did what good would you be? If you fell over you wouldn’t be able to get up again.”
“Shut up, cheeky.” She shoved him playfully. “I’m serious. What if he does come back? Maybe you should come to Sandra’s too?”
“I’ll be fine. I promise.”
He ran to open the front door and then brought the keys back. Amanda was already in the driver’s seat.
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