Sleepwalk

by Ros Seddon

  ‘It was nice to see you. I’m glad you’re cured.’

  ‘Me too ......... and Slim?’

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘I didn’t do any of those things you know.’

  ‘I know.’

  As he left the bar and made his way out into the street he couldn’t help feeling a little as though he was betraying the memory of Jonquil having chatted to her like a friend and yet a part of him felt good about it, kind of warm and forgiving and he knew deep inside, she spoke the truth………

  The Hospital had told Felicity that as this was her first child she could expect to be staying for at least a week, possibly longer depending on how well the baby was doing and David knew she was already itching to come home. Ellie had stayed two nights and was still here for a third. She had been looking after Oliver for the past two days who at first had seemed apprehensive of her attentions and intimacy after living so long without her, but now appeared to have grown increasingly fond of her again and David was beginning to worry about the long term effects her visit could have on him. He would miss her terribly when she returned to the States. He was such a happy child and very intelligent; doing very well at school with an above average IQ. Losing his Mother all over again was bound to have a detrimental effect on him with undoubtedly serious repercussions reminiscent of their last separation. Today she had taken him to the zoo leaving David free to spend time at the hospital and to prepare the nursery for the baby and once again Oliver had come home over excited and couldn’t sleep. Ellie had been true to her word and aside from the first night there when she was feeling jet lagged and had gone to bed shortly after Oliver; she would wait until Ollie was in bed and then get showered and changed and go out into town with her teacher friend, Mary Darch. She had been in the bathroom now for over half an hour and when she finally came downstairs David found it hard to take his eyes off her. She was wearing a chocolate brown off the shoulder strappy vest top and white trousers with her hair tied up on top and she looked incredible.

  ‘Wow! You look lovely Ell. Are you going out with Mary?’

  ‘Yes. We’re having dinner at that new restaurant in town.’

  ‘You’re getting very pally with Mary again. I expect she’s missed you while you’ve been away.’

  ‘Why? ……. Are you jealous Davie?’ She fluttered her eyelashes and came up very close to him. Her perfume was strong; she knew it had always driven him wild with desire for her in the past and now as she stood in front of him that familiar feeling returned and he had to avert his eyes.

  ‘Don’t be ridiculous. I was simply saying………..’ He looked back and found she had taken a step closer and he was suddenly overcome by her closeness; her perfume; her beauty; her perfect face, and in a moment of madness David took her in his arms and began to kiss her passionately; furiously and she returned his kisses with an urgency that he had dreamed of for so long……..

  ‘Oh God Davie………. I’ve missed you so much’ she panted between kisses.

  ‘You Bitch………’ he murmured as he lifted the chocolate brown coloured vest over her fine blonde hair pulling off the clip that was holding it up which made her long hair fall down around her shoulders and flutter around at the sides of her pert bare brown nipples ……… ‘You’ve done nothing but tease me since you got here. You’re such a cow!’ He pushed her forward over the arm of the sofa where he and Flick had shared long winter evenings in front of the TV and pulled her bare buttocks toward him then thrust himself deep inside her and she cried out, ‘Oh God Davie ….. yes!’

  The house phone was ringing but neither of them paid any attention or even cared as they writhed around on the sofa deeply engrossed in each other, touching, kissing and caressing as if their lives depended on it, and then finally, when they had both reached their climax of sexual bliss David collapsed over Ellie’s naked body and held her tight as they drifted slowly into an illegitimate subconscious state………

  When he woke up David found himself still lying naked on the sofa, his clothes strewn across the floor. There was no sign of Ellie. She had gathered up her clothes and left. He looked through the window across the front lawn for the little red Fiesta she had hired but it was gone. She must have gone to meet Mary. Ellie wouldn’t want to let her down. So had it really happened or had he dreamed it? God knows he had been secretly dreaming of Ellie ever since the day she’d left him to run off with that dyke, Abi. And what about Flick? Poor dependable Flick lying in her hospital bed with their new baby son. What had he done? What if she found out? What if Ellie told her? It would mean the end of their happiness for ever; and was that what Ellie wanted? Did Ellie want him back……………?

  The light on the answering machine was flickering. David got dressed and straightened the covers on the sofa. He pressed the playback switch on the phone and Felicity’s voice broke into the silence of his quiet evening.

  ‘David it’s me. Perhaps you’re in the garden or something. It’s … um …… twenty to eight. I’ll try again about eight. It’s easier if I phone you otherwise they’ve got to come and get me and everything. Charlie is doing great and is missing his Daddy…. and so am I………’

  There was a second message. Oh God she’d phoned twice! What time was it? He checked his watch ……. nine thirty! He couldn’t phone her now. It was too late.

  ‘Damn!’ he cursed as her voice came again………..

  ‘David it’s me again. I expect you’re busy. Your Mum and Dad are here with little Charlie. Your Mum says he looks just like you when you were a baby. Oh and the Doctor says I might be allowed home tomorrow as Charlie is feeding so well…… Well, ok ……I’ll …….. I’ll see you tomorrow then. Love you ….. Bye.’

  David sank into the sofa where earlier he hadn’t given Felicity a single thought and hung his head in desperation…………

  The following morning Ellie had not returned to the house the previous night and when he’d checked the spare room all her things were gone. She must be staying with Mary Darch now. She had said she would ask her if it was okay at dinner that night. He tidied the house erasing all traces of Ellie. He was at the hospital with Oliver by ten o’clock. Felicity was dressed and was sitting in the chair by her bed. Her face lit up when she saw them.

  ‘David! And Ollie! Come and say hello to your baby brother.’

  The child rushed over and made a fuss of the new baby who was oblivious to all around him having been bathed and fed.

  ‘I wasn’t sure if you got my message last night. I tried phoning but……..’

  ‘I know; I’m sorry babe. I was working in the garden and didn’t realise the time. When I got in it was half nine and they don’t like calls after nine do they?’

  ‘No. Poor you; working so late.’ She took his hand and pulled him toward her and he kissed her gently. As he leaned over her and felt his cheeks beginning to flush he prayed that she could not see the guilt in his expression.

  ‘So, have they said you can come home?’

  ‘Yes. I’m just waiting for the Doctor to come and give Charlie his final check and then we can go. Is Ellie not taking Oliver out today?’

  ‘I’m not sure. She didn’t stay last night. I think she’s moved in with that teacher friend of hers. She’s been going out with her in the evenings.’

  ‘Oh. Well it’s nice she’s got a friend. It must be hard for her…….. all this. I hope you’ve not been too awful to her David. She was amazing when Charlie came along…. so level headed. I actually really quite like her.’

  ‘I’ve tried to be……. very accommodating where Ellie’s concerned, believe me.’

  ‘Ok. I believe you.’ Felicity smiled and passed the baby to him while she checked her little bedside cupboard to ensure she hadn’t left anything behind. The Doctor arrived then and gave baby Charlie his final check up before discharging mother and baby and their silence was suddenly shattered by his healthy screams as his warm clothes were removed and his little arms and legs were pulled around until t
he Doctor was satisfied with his examination and told them they were free to go. At home Felicity was amazed at how hard David had been working. The nursery, all newly painted in pastel blue had a tasteful teddy bear frieze all around the centre of the walls and his little wooden cot was already assembled with a musical mobile hanging above it. The single bed which Ellie must have slept in was all packed away in the loft and everything was pristine clean and perfectly in its place just the way they’d planned it.

  ‘Oh David it’s beautiful. You’ve worked so hard. Thank you.’ She pulled him toward her and kissed him tenderly. There was a time not so long ago when Felicity had thought she would never find her Mr right and as she looked now into David’s blue eyes…….. eyes like the deep blue sea…….. and saw his soft smile as he looked down at baby Charlie in his strong arms she thanked God for allowing this man into her life and making her happiness so perfect…….. and so complete.

  It was the third time Slim had been out with Molly and they were getting on really well. After their rather disastrous first date when she had stormed off Slim had explained the Mrs Wilson situation to her in detail and she had apologised. He had put her little outburst down to her immaturity and general lack of life experience and relationships……. Not that he had had that many relationships himself but jealousy wasn’t one of his traits; or virtues, whichever way you looked at the situation. They were in the conservative club by Victory Park. He’d been a member there for the past twelve months ever since Ginger Westman had put his name forward to join. Neither he, nor Ginger were members for any political reason. They were there for the social aspect and the cheap beer. Slim had an inkling that tonight his luck would be in because Molly had been giving him the eye all night and as they called last orders and he returned to their table carrying a tray bearing four glasses, a small plate with two slices of lemon and a small mound of white granules instead of their usual two glasses, she looked bemused.

  ‘What’s that?’

  ‘Tequila. I got us one each as a special treat; didn’t think you’d go much on a whiskey chaser.’

  ‘Are you trying to get me drunk Stephen Williams?’

  ‘As if! Reckon you could drink me under the table any day.’

  She watched as he licked the palm of his hand and pressed it into the white granules.

  ‘What are you doing? Is that sugar?’

  ‘Salt.’

  ‘Ugh! You’ve got to be kidding!’

  ‘Try it.’

  Slim managed to get four more tequilas before they called time by which time a very giggly and vivacious Molly was ready to leave. Slim waited for her while she went to the ladies.

  ‘Oi Slim,’ laughed Ginger, ‘Looks like you’re on a promise tonight.’

  Old John Tressel who had been sitting at the bar drowning his sorrows all night was also ready to leave. He managed to successfully dismount his bar stool that had been supporting his frail body for the past half an hour and stood for a minute to get the feel of his feet on terra firma, then in drink relaxed stupor he began to make his way steadily through the crowded bar.

  ‘One more for the road John?’ called Ginger.

  ‘Nah. I’ve had enough. I’m off now.’

  ‘Go on! One more won’t hurt,’ jeered his drinking buddy. ‘What’ve you got to go home for anyway? Got some bird waiting for you at that luxury penthouse of yours eh? Dirty old bugger.’

  Everyone laughed as the old man opened the door onto the street.

  ‘Least some of us knows when we’ve had enough eh?’ He sneered back at Ginger who was finding it hard to stand up straight let alone walk in a straight line and then he bumped into Molly as she was making her way back to Slim.

  ‘Watch it!’ she scolded him.

  ‘Oooh…….. Fiesty young thing you got there Slim me boy.’

  Both Slim and Molly erupted into laughter as Ginger bumped into a vacant bar stool and almost knocked it over, then they made their way outside. He took her hand and then as they reached the shadow of the gateway and saw old John swaying unsteadily on the pavement Slim pulled Molly back into the darkness and turned her around to face him. He looked into her big brown eyes and felt her breath on his chin and she giggled.

  ‘Sshhh ………’ he whispered as he pulled her to him and kissed her softly.

  ‘I had a good time tonight.’ She smiled.

  ‘I know.’ said Slim and he kissed her again, more urgently this time and he knew in that moment that she liked it. As he moved in for a third kiss he pressed her gently against the wall and she gasped and gazed into his hazel eyes and parted her lips in anticipation. Somewhere in the back of their minds they had probably heard the engine roaring as it powered closer but the sound was lost in the moment. Then as his lips touched hers and she closed her eyes reality came crashing down on them both as the sudden screech of brakes and the deathly thud of metal as it struck the old man sent them running into the street but of course they were too late. Slim watched the little red car as it slid sideways into the pavement on the opposite side of the road and stalled. They ran to the scene where John was lying very still in the road. Slim felt for a pulse.

  ‘He’s alive! Molly! Go and tell Sue to phone for an ambulance….. and the police…. Quickly!’ The girl ran back into the Club house as the driver of the little red car desperately tried to start its engine. Slim got to his feet and began to run to the car but even as he ran the engine had fired up and accelerated away just a few feet in front of him. Slim watched in disbelief as the car took off at lightening speed. The drivers head had turned ever so slightly as the car span off the pavement and he’d just caught a side profile of the face and of course the very long, very blonde hair. The registration plate had been blacked out and was unreadable but Slim was under no doubt that the car was a Ford Fiesta ……….. a red Ford Fiesta.

  DI Carter had been up half the night. He had gone past the tiredness stage now after the last interview and now he was buzzing with excitement as DC Peters arrived carrying two cups of black coffee from the vending machine.

  ‘How did it go with the girl?’

  ‘Not much use. She saw the car; it was red. That’s about as much as we can expect from her I think. Let’s hope Williams will be more forthcoming eh? Thanks Claire.’ He took the cup she offered him. ‘Sorry to drag you out at this ungodly hour but there could be a connection to the Wilson case and I think we need to reinstate our foreign relations.’

  ‘Already checked Sir; she’s here; flew over last week in fact.’

  ‘Bingo. Let’s get Williams in.’

  ‘That could be a little difficult Sir. He’s gone.’

  ‘Gone? What do you mean, he’s gone?’

  ‘I asked at the front desk who was in for interview and they said Molly Birchell and Stephen Williams but that they’d lost Williams.’

  ‘Lost him? Who’s on duty?’

  ‘Er…… Sergeant Davidson but he’d popped to the loo. It…….. It was PC Coles Sir. Said Williams had a hunch and that he’d be right back.’

  ‘PC Coles……… I might have known.’

  They made their way to the front desk together, Claire Peters remaining always in the shadow of her Detective Inspector.

  ‘Where’s Coles?’ demanded the Inspector.

  ‘Coffee break.’ said the Sergeant.

  ‘Coffee break eh?’

  ‘Yes Sir.’

  ‘What time’s his shift finish?’

  ‘Two am Sir.’

  ‘And his next shift starts at?’

  ‘Er, ten in the morning.’

  ‘Right. Tell him to meet us in the car park in five minutes.’

  ‘Yes Sir. Er, shall I call in relief for his morning shift Sir?’

  ‘That won’t be necessary. I’ll have him back here in time for his day shift.’

  ‘Yes Sir.’

  Claire followed DI Carter to the car park. She could feel the blue heat rising from his body as he strode purposely forward. Carter was renowned for his blue he
at. It was East Barton terminology for all up and coming officers of this division who had ever had the misfortune to feel the wrath of Carter. You play with fire……. You get burned. Many of them had been singed…….. some burned……… and there were one or two who had suffered first degree burns as a result of direct contact. Of course they had either transferred to another area or left the force completely ……….

  The phone was ringing. Felicity felt as though she hadn’t had any sleep but she had to stop that infernal ringing before it woke the baby. She pulled back the cream satin covers and sat at the edge of the bed carefully trying not to wake David who seemed more exhausted than she was. As she stumbled in the darkness for the table lamp on her bedside cupboard she felt a chill running down the length of her spine. She turned and glanced over at David who was sleeping peacefully, the covers pulled up over his head, bless him. She decided against turning the lamp on and waking him; he obviously hadn’t heard the phone. Perhaps there was a full moon because there was a small shaft of light in the room coming from a tiny gap in the curtains which gave enough light for her to see where she was going so she gently replaced the covers on her side and began to tiptoe to the door. Then the phone stopped ringing. She checked on baby Charlie in the carry cot at the foot of their bed. He was still breathing, thank God. No matter how she tried Felicity never seemed to be able to sleep properly since he had come along. You heard so many terrible stories about cot deaths; she found herself constantly checking on him to make sure he was okay. She checked her alarm clock. It was 12.45am. Charlie would want feeding soon and she wouldn’t sleep now if she tried. Felicity crept from the room; went downstairs to the kitchen; turned the baby monitor on and made herself a coffee. She could feel the wetness on her chest as milk began to seep from her full breasts and almost simultaneously came the soft whimpers and snuffles from the baby monitor as Charlie began to stir. She remembered the words of the nice fair haired nurse at the hospital who had said to her, ‘Your body will tell you when baby needs feeding…’. She put her coffee down on the kitchen table and crept back upstairs, switching the monitor off as she went. David was still sound asleep; he hadn’t even moved. She scooped Charlie up from his carry cot. ‘Come on little man.’ she whispered, ‘We don’t want to wake Daddy.’