The Mark

by Heather Burnside

  ‘No. She didn’t say anything,’ said Aaron. ‘Just went upstairs.’

  Aaron could see a puzzled expression on Maddy’s face as she took a step towards the living-room door. He knew she was going to go after Rebecca so he stopped her. If she saw her daughter had been crying it might give the game away.

  ‘Eh,’ he said, watching her hesitate then sneaking up behind her, pulling her hair to one side and kissing the back of her neck. ‘She’s fine. Don’t worry. If she wants anything she’ll soon come down and let you know.’

  He continued to work on Maddy, placing his hands on the backs of her shoulders then working them down and sliding them round to her breasts. He carried on kissing the back of her neck while slipping one hand inside her bra and gently caressing her nipple till he heard her sigh with pleasure.

  ‘Did I ever tell you you’ve got the most perfect breasts?’ he whispered into her ear as he caressed each one in turn.

  He succeeded in grabbing her attention for the next few minutes until she insisted on going to see if her daughter was all right. He hoped to God that the kid didn’t say anything, but if she did then he’d just have to brazen it out and deny everything.

  It was a few minutes later when Maddy came back downstairs. In the meantime Aaron had selected a DVD from Maddy’s collection and put it into the player ready to watch.

  ‘I can’t think what’s got into her,’ Maddy said. ‘She says there’s nothing wrong, but she doesn’t look very happy. In fact, I could swear she’s been crying but she says she hasn’t. She’s in a horrible mood too.’

  ‘Well, maybe she’s just a bit jealous at having to share you with me; you know what kids are like.’

  ‘Hmm,’ said Maddy. ‘You might have a point there. She did get a bit like that when I was seeing Rob.’

  ‘She’ll come round to the idea eventually,’ said Aaron. ‘Now, will you stop worrying and come and sit down?’ he added. Then he nodded at the glass of wine she’d left on the coffee table. ‘Look. You’ve hardly touched your wine. Come and relax. Becky will be fine.’

  ‘I do hope so,’ said Maddy. ‘I don’t like to see her like that.’

  ‘Course she will. You know what they’re like at that age. Anything could have set her off. She’ll probably be fine later.’

  ‘I suppose so,’ said Maddy. ‘She’s almost a pre-teen now so maybe this is just a taste of what’s to come.’

  Aaron laughed. ‘Yeah, you women can be a handful…’ He then patted the seat to the side of him. ‘Are you coming to sit down, then? The DVD’s good to go.’

  Maddy snuggled up next to Aaron. She looked at the DVD case on the coffee table, an action film, but she didn’t say anything.

  ‘I’ve heard it’s good,’ said Aaron.

  Maddy tutted in mock exasperation. ‘Go on, then. I’ve seen it before but I don’t mind watching it again.’

  For the first half-hour Aaron enjoyed watching the film, cuddled up with the woman of his dreams, and drinking quality wine, but then she started with the questions again.

  ‘Can we go to the Midland next time I see you?’ she said.

  ‘Why?’ he asked. ‘You’ve got all your home comforts here.’

  ‘Well, I just thought it would be nice. We’ve been here the past couple of times so it would make a change. Plus, we could go out in Manchester and not have to worry about catching a taxi back.’

  Aaron laughed.

  ‘Why are you laughing?’

  ‘Nothing. It’s just… well… it’s probably still a novelty for you, isn’t it? And, I must admit, I was like that at first. But when you’re staying there all the time the novelty soon wears off and you’re glad to get away from the place.’

  ‘Really? Why?’ she asked.

  ‘Well, there’s the noise for one thing. You know what it’s like when these drunken people come in late at night waking everybody up?’ His tone was jovial, laughing at the fact that they had had a couple of late boozy nights at the Midland themselves. ‘But then you get the early risers as well,’ he continued. ‘About half six it starts: showers going, people chatting, alarms going off. It’s a pain at times. Then there’s the staff. Did I tell you about that cleaner who walked in on me when I was stark naked?’

  Maddy laughed. ‘No, you didn’t,’ she said. ‘I bet you made her day.’

  ‘It was bloody embarrassing, I tell you. I wouldn’t mind but instead of saying sorry and shutting the door again, she stood staring at me for ages.’

  ‘I told you, you probably made her day,’ Maddy teased. ‘How old was she?’

  ‘Only a young girl.’

  ‘There you go, then.’

  Aaron sniggered before carrying on. ‘Seriously though, it can be a pain at times. But if you want to go, then we’ll go, no probs.’

  ‘OK,’ she said. ‘We still haven’t visited your family either.’

  He could feel himself becoming irritated with all the probing. He loved his time with Maddy, but he wished she could just enjoy their time together like he did, and shut the fuck up about his family, business, houses and all that shit. But, despite his irritation, he didn’t want to snap at her again so instead he said, ‘I know, but you know how busy we’ve both been. I’ll sort something out soon, I promise.’

  He then kissed her on the lips to put an end to the conversation and they went back to watching the film. Aaron was satisfied that she was happy with his answers for now, but he’d also decided that a return visit to the Midland was needed soon. An occasional visit would be OK, just to keep her sweet and make sure she didn’t suspect anything. But he’d need to do something about the family situation soon…

  28

  The following evening Aaron went to visit someone in The Rose and Crown. It was quiet in there so he didn’t have to fight off the over-amorous women he usually attracted whenever he walked into the pub. But he was pleased to find that the person he was here to see was sitting at a side table, alone, waiting for him as arranged.

  ‘I’ll get us both a drink,’ he shouted to Angie, an aging prostitute. ‘What are you having?’

  ‘I’ll have a double vodka and coke, seeing as how you’re buying,’ she shouted back, laughing raucously at her own words.

  Aaron bought the drinks then went to join Angie at the side table. Angie was considerably older than most of the other girls who worked the streets and, although she was skinny, her flesh was nevertheless sagging. She had a crinkled cleavage, enhanced by a gravity-defying push-up bra, and a complexion ravaged by drugs and cigarettes.

  Angie was surprisingly well spoken for a prostitute but her voice had become husky, which Aaron presumed was down to heavy smoking. He guessed that her background was in vast contrast to the life she now led but he had never bothered asking her about it.

  ‘What can I do for you?’ she asked.

  Her tone was flirty. Aaron looked across at her and cringed at the thought of doing anything intimate with Angie. He decided to come straight to the point and get this done with as soon as possible.

  ‘I’ve got a job for you,’ he said. ‘I’ll pay you, but I want it done properly and not a word to anyone.’

  ‘Ooh, sounds interesting,’ said Angie, edging forward then resting her head on her hand and attempting to stare into his eyes.

  ‘Stop pissing about! This is fuckin’ serious,’ he said.

  Angie sat up straight in her chair. ‘OK, run it by me.’

  Aaron then spent a few minutes explaining exactly what he wanted Angie to do and when he wanted it doing. Then he added, ‘Her name’s Maddy and she’s got an eight-year-old daughter called Becky. You got that?’

  ‘Yes, sure.’

  ‘Well, don’t forget their names. It’s important.’

  ‘OK, that’s fine,’ said Angie. ‘How much?’

  ‘Fifty quid.’

  Angie’s eyes lit up. ‘Sounds good to me,’ she said, holding out her hand.

  ‘No,’ he said. ‘You’ll get it once the job’s done.’


  Then he finished his pint and left The Rose and Crown.

  *

  The following Saturday night Maddy was out with Aaron.

  ‘I’ve got something exciting to tell you,’ he said as soon as she walked into the city centre bar where they had arranged to meet.

  Maddy’s eyes lit up, as she anticipated what he might have to say.

  ‘I’ve found another warehouse,’ he announced.

  ‘Really?’ she asked, smiling. ‘Is it as good as the other one?’

  ‘Better.’

  ‘Great. Where is it?’

  ‘Witney industrial estate.’

  ‘Brilliant! That’s really handy.’

  ‘I know,’ he said. ‘That’s why I chose it. Because it’s near to you.’

  Later, Aaron kept to his promise and brought Maddy to stay at the Midland hotel. She was buzzing from a wonderful night out where they’d had a meal at a top restaurant with plenty of wine. Afterwards they had a few drinks in a lively bar and danced to some great tunes.

  As soon as she got inside the room she flung off her clothes and lay on top of the bed. ‘I’m ready for you,’ she said, giggling.

  ‘Hang on,’ said Aaron, who then pulled a backpack out from beneath the bed and unzipped it. ‘I’ve got something that will really help you have a good time.’

  ‘What’s that?’ she asked, a smile still painted on her pretty face.

  He withdrew a polythene bag from the backpack, then put his hand inside it and pulled out a small container. He took the lid off and dipped his finger into some powder, which he then held to his nose and snorted.

  Maddy shot up in the bed. ‘Shit! Is that what I think it is?’

  ‘Shush,’ said Aaron, then whispered, ‘It’s coke. Why don’t you try some?’

  ‘No. Not a chance!’ she said.

  Aaron sidled up to her, his face serious. ‘Maddy, don’t believe all the scare stories. It’s absolutely fine, honestly. I take it and it doesn’t do me any harm.’

  Maddy was alarmed and flummoxed.

  ‘How often do you do that?’ she asked, still in shock.

  ‘Just every now and again. I’m not an addict or anything. I mean, you’ve never seen me take it before, have you? And I’ve been with you for weeks. I can take it or leave it. It’s just recreational. Loads of people take it, especially middle-class professionals. Why do you think they used to call it the yuppie drug?’

  ‘I… I don’t know,’ she said.

  Aaron grinned at her. ‘It’s great stuff, honestly. And it’s brilliant for sex. You’ll have the best time of your life on this, trust me. If you think I’ve made you feel good up to now, that’s nothing to how you will feel!’

  Maddy still wasn’t sure. But he was so convincing and part of her wanted to experience it.

  ‘It’ll take you to a whole new high,’ said Aaron, adding to her thoughts.

  ‘What if I take it, just once?’ she asked. ‘Will I become addicted, and have to carry on taking it?’

  ‘Will you heck!’ he scoffed. ‘I told you; they’re just scare stories from killjoys. If you try it once and don’t like it, you never have to take it again. But, I guarantee, you will like it, and the sex will be out of this world.’

  Maddy looked at him, still undecided. But he’d just taken some, and he seemed all right. ‘How do you feel?’ she asked.

  ‘Fine. It’s just starting to kick in.’ Then he lifted his face as though looking at the sky, ‘Wonderful!’ he said.

  ‘OK,’ she said. ‘But only a little bit. Let me do it myself.’

  She dipped her finger cautiously into the container and withdrew a tiny amount then held her finger up, gazing at it curiously.

  ‘That should do fine,’ said Aaron. ‘Just place your finger to your nostril and sniff.’

  Maddy did as he suggested then waited. And waited. ‘I don’t feel any different,’ she said.

  ‘You will do. Give it a few minutes.’

  ‘OK, but what do I do in the meantime?’

  ‘Anything you want,’ said Aaron, who began running his hands gently up and down her body.

  Within minutes the effects kicked in. ‘Wow, that’s wonderful!’ she said.

  Aaron laughed. ‘What did I tell you?’

  ‘I mean, even better than ever.’

  ‘Told you,’ he said as he ran his tongue down her body till he found her clitoris and Maddy squealed with the pure thrill of it.

  They carried on for hours, euphoric with synthetic pleasure. Maddy couldn’t get enough of Aaron, and, with all her inhibitions lost to drink and drugs, she indulged in new sexual experiences that she would never have tried otherwise. It was one of the best nights of Maddy’s life, and one that she was eager to repeat.

  29

  The following morning Maddy was still on a high and they continued to make love once they had both woken up. They were lying on the bed in a post-coital state of pure relaxation, having a pleasant chat, when Aaron’s phone rang. He looked at the screen on his phone, which was on the bedside cabinet, then sprang up out of bed.

  ‘Shit! I need the loo,’ he said, heading to the bathroom. ‘It’s my mum. Can you take it for me, please, Maddy?’

  ‘What do I say?’ she asked.

  ‘Just tell her I’ve gone to the bathroom and hold her off till I get back. I’ll only be a minute.’

  Maddy sighed, a little uncomfortable at having to speak to Aaron’s mother, who she had never met. She shifted over to the other side of the bed and looked at the screen, which, sure enough, showed the caller’s name as Mum. Then she pressed the call receive button. ‘Hello, Aaron’s phone,’ she said.

  The woman on the other end of the line sounded surprised at hearing a woman answer her son’s phone.

  ‘Oh, hello. Is Aaron not there?’

  ‘No, I’m sorry. He’s in the bathroom at the moment but he won’t be long if you want to hang on a minute.’

  ‘Yes, that’s fine,’ said the caller who sounded middle-aged, fairly well spoken and with an accent that was difficult to place.

  ‘You must be Maddy,’ said the woman.

  It was Maddy’s turn to be surprised, as well as flattered that Aaron’s mother seemed to know who she was. That meant he must have talked about her to his family.

  ‘Yes, that’s right,’ said Maddy.

  ‘How are you? I’ve heard a lot of good things about you.’

  ‘I’m good, thanks. I hope you are too.’

  ‘Yes, I’m very well. I’ve heard a lot about your daughter too. Becky, isn’t it? I believe she’s as good as gold.’

  Maddy was feeling a little embarrassed at being showered with praise by a complete stranger. ‘Oh, she has her moments.’ She laughed. ‘But then, don’t all children?’

  ‘Oh, yes. I could tell you plenty of tales about Aaron when he was a child. Anyway, it will be lovely to meet you and your daughter when Aaron brings you to Yorkshire. I’m looking forward to it.’

  ‘Me too,’ said Maddy before Aaron returned from the bathroom and she passed him the phone.

  For a few minutes he chatted to his mother. Maddy could tell that she was asking after his welfare. It sounded as though the conversation might go on for some time so Maddy decided to give Aaron some privacy while she went to take a shower.

  Her good mood continued while she showered and got herself ready. She hoped she had made a good impression on Aaron’s mother, who had sounded so nice, and it was reassuring to know that Aaron had been talking to his mother about her. After all, he was the man of her dreams and she intended for him to be a major part of her life for a long time to come.

  *

  Later that day Andy was at home with Rebecca waiting for Maddy to pick her daughter up. As the time approached seven, he had an unsettling feeling that Maddy was going to be late again.

  The end of Rebecca’s visits were always a bit awkward. For one thing, he usually knew that it would be a few days before he saw her again. So, even if they’d had a great time
together, he would always feel disappointed at having to say goodbye. He could sense the build-up in Rebecca too and, although she no longer cried as she used to in the early days, she was always in an odd mood. It felt as if her excitement at the prospect of seeing her mother was tinged with disappointment at having to leave him.

  Apart from that, he could never decide what to do with Rebecca when Maddy was due to pick her up. Whatever activity they started would be interrupted by Maddy’s arrival. Even TV wasn’t a safe option as Rebecca would be disheartened at having to leave a programme part way through. And he hated letting her down in any way; the divorce had already caused her enough pain and he’d always feel guilty about that.

  Rebecca seemed to reflect his thoughts when she asked, ‘What time is Mummy coming?’

  ‘Seven,’ he said, noticing that it was already five to.

  Rebecca had noticed the time too. ‘She’ll be here soon, then, won’t she, Daddy?’

  ‘Yes,’ he said.

  But Maddy didn’t arrive at seven and Andy had to keep reassuring his daughter that she wouldn’t be long. When it got to ten past seven he decided to give it five more minutes before ringing her to find out where she was.

  It wasn’t the first time Maddy had been late recently and, along with other things surrounding Maddy’s new relationship, he was worried about the effects it was having on his daughter. And, if he was honest with himself, he was a little bit worried about Maddy too. What Rebecca had told him during this visit had caused him particular anguish and he felt he had no alternative but to speak to Maddy about it.

  It was a few seconds later when he heard the doorbell and he and Rebecca raced to answer the door. He found Maddy on the other side, looking a bit dishevelled and apologising profusely for being late. It was the usual excuse: she’d had a lot of work to catch up on that day and had lost track of the time. He presumed she mustn’t have been able to get through her work during the week for whatever reason.

  While making her excuses Maddy gushed about what a wonderful time she’d had in Manchester on Saturday night and was he familiar with such and such a bar, which was a great place to go. Andy feigned interest but he was really more concerned about the effect her busy new lifestyle was having on his daughter.