34 Days: A gripping psychological thriller with a killer twist

by Anita Waller

  ‘Exactly. That’s why we’re keeping it quiet. It’s what everybody will think, but I contacted Michael when I was at my lowest point after Ray’s death. But, everybody is going to think differently, aren’t they? The kids, the police – even you!’

  ‘The police?’

  ‘Well, they haven’t found anyone yet for the murders, so it follows that members of families are still on the list of suspects – not just my family, but the families of the other two victims. I don’t think we’re seriously considered as suspects, but if Gainsborough found out I’d mar...met Michael, it would put a different slant on it, wouldn’t it. I just needed someone to know I am happy, and that someone is you. Are you okay with that?’

  ‘Of course I am! I just worry about you; you know I do. You looked so lost at Ray’s funeral, as if the weight of a million tons was on your shoulders – and now, you’re happy again.’

  They heard Dan and Michael come through the back door, and Charlie stood. ‘Let’s go and sit in the lounge. It’ll be comfier there. And I can do my own quizzing of Michael,’ she added with a laugh.

  Anna knew she wasn’t joking.

  It seemed Michael and Dan had a lot in common; a shared un-love of football, a shared love of DIY, and a shared love of vintage motor cars.

  The vintage car stored in the garage of Michael’s Lincoln home came as news to Anna.

  ‘Perhaps,’ she said drily to her husband, ‘you might like to show me this miracle of engineering next time I’m at yours?’

  He grinned. ‘Didn’t think you’d be interested.’

  ‘I would,’ Dan said.

  ‘Then, please, come over. Next weekend? We can be there, can’t we, Anna?’ He looked to her for guidance.

  She nodded. ‘That would be lovely. If you came Saturday, we could make a weekend of it, stay through to Sunday.’

  Anna had never once invited them to stay at Lindum Lodge. Charlie was shocked.

  ‘We’d love to,’ she said, before Dan could respond.

  They produced assorted diaries, and Charlie filled in Michael’s address in her address book. ‘Can’t wait,’ she said. ‘Is it a big house?’

  Michael laughed. ‘It’s very big, quite secluded as it’s set pretty far back from the road. It’s one of those houses you look at and think, “I wish I lived there.”’

  Charlie stood. ‘I’ll go and get us some lunch started.’

  Anna followed her into the kitchen, leaving Dan and Michael to talk cars.

  ‘Is it serious?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘How serious?’

  Anna hesitated. She didn’t know what to say. She ran a hand through her short blonde hair and opened her mouth, but no words came out.

  ‘Anna?’

  Finally, Anna spoke. ‘About as serious as it gets.’

  ‘You love him?’

  Anna nodded. ‘Always have.’

  ‘For thirty-six years?’ Charlie looked shocked. ‘But, why the bloody hell did you marry such a moron as Ray?’

  ‘I can’t really explain now. When you come to Michael’s next weekend, we’ll have plenty of time to talk, and I’ll fill you in on what’s happening and what happened. You’re going to have a lot of questions, and today isn’t the right time. I just needed you to meet Michael, to let you see things have changed in my life, and I’m happy.’

  Charlie reluctantly agreed, and they took assorted sandwiches and salad bowls through to where the men were.

  Anna and Michael left in the middle of the afternoon and drove back to Sheffield.

  ‘Did you get the third degree?’

  ‘Oh, yes, she wanted to know everything. And it can only get worse next weekend,’ she added with a laugh.

  ‘Look, Anna, I don’t mind what you tell her. She’s clearly very concerned about you, so if it helps ease her mind, for goodness sakes tell her we’re married, that I’m not after your money, because I’ve got a bob or two myself, and I love you and have done for a very long time.’

  ‘Well! Say it like it is, Michael! To be honest, I’d already decided to tell her after I’d talked it over with you. So we’ll have champagne next weekend then?’

  He laughed. ‘Too damn right we will.’

  *****

  By the time the weekend came around, Anna was feeling sick, excited, and apprehensive; she had no idea how Charlie and Dan would react to the news, or what questions to expect.

  Living a life of secrecy was taking its toll on her, and the phone call from Jenny hadn’t helped. She had invited Anna over to stay; the children had brought gifts back from Florida for her, she said. Although Anna had said she would love to visit, it could only be for two days, because she had a dental appointment in Sheffield on the Wednesday. They agreed to her staying Monday and Tuesday, and Jenny had finished with, “And don’t forget to bring the letters, will you?”

  Talking it over between them had resulted in them deciding Michael would return to Sheffield on Monday morning. Anna would go straight to Lindum Lodge, following their weekend with Dan and Charlie.

  Their visitors left Doncaster, armed with flowers and wine, and arrived to a warm welcome. Charlie felt suitably chastened when she thought back to her first worries about Michael; he certainly didn’t want or need Anna for her money. She loved his home, and her mind projected to the future when maybe Anna and Michael would become partners properly. Anna would love this house.

  Michael disappeared with Dan almost immediately, each bearing a mug of coffee. They had gone to inspect Michael’s Riley 11, his classic car Anna had still to see. She could wait; let him share his proud owner moment with someone who understood such desires!

  She walked with Charlie around the immaculate garden. Michael freely admitted to liking gardening, but he killed more than he grew, so had now given up and employed a gardener. The lawn was massive, the cottage garden appeal of the borders impressive. Most of the flowers were finished now, but it was apparent just how spectacular they had been throughout the summer.

  Anna and Charlie wandered back to the lounge, and still the boys hadn’t reappeared. They sat down and finished their coffees, then Anna took her upstairs to the bedroom allocated to them. It was a beautiful room, decorated in lemon and white. The weak winter sun lit up the interior, and Charlie smiled.

  ‘Oh, this is lovely, Anna. It’s immaculate.’

  ‘Well, nothing to do with me. He not only has a gardener; he has a cleaner. He cooks for himself, though,’ she finished with a laugh.

  ‘Good for him.’

  ‘He’s doing tonight’s meal. We had initially thought we might take you out, but decided it would be better here; it’s easier to talk sitting around a coffee table after, isn’t it?’

  Charlie made no comment, just looked at her friend.

  She put away the few items of clothing they had brought, and then Anna showed her around the rest of the upstairs rooms. There were many. Charlie saw six bedrooms on that level, and then a further two in the attic space, all beautifully decorated and dressed.

  ‘Does Michael have children?’

  ‘Just one, Erin. She’s in South Africa at the moment, I understand, and no, she doesn’t know about us, any more than Mark, Tim, and Caro do. Michael would tell them in a heartbeat, but I’m not ready yet.’

  ‘Not ready to commit to Michael, or not ready to tell them?’

  ‘You’re fishing.’

  ‘I’m not.’

  ‘Then put the rod and line away.’

  Charlie held up her hands in laughter, and they went back downstairs. Dan and Michael were in the kitchen, making fresh coffees for all four of them.

  ‘It’s beautiful,’ Dan said.

  ‘The house?’ his wife responded. ‘It certainly is.’

  ‘Not the house! The car. I need one, Char.’

  ‘Michael! This wasn’t supposed to happen! I was quite happy accompanying him to classic car shows, but living with one wasn’t in the plans.’

  ‘Sorry.’ Michael looked sheepish.
‘Next time you come, we’re going out in it. I’m just waiting for a part coming, or we could have driven it today.’

  Charlie tutted, but knew she had lost. His Christmas present would be a car.

  After lunch, Dan and Michael disappeared once more into the garage, and Charlie and Anna sat and talked, with Anna skirting around any difficult subjects. She did briefly touch on how changed Jenny was, but Charlie thought it was probably down to having to deal with Mark’s grief at the loss of his father.

  ‘And how is Caro? Settled into the new job?’

  ‘Yes. I don’t hear from her very much, but when I do, she says they are both happy but not living together. Her job is quite stressful, and there has been a lot to learn, but she’s glad she took it. She absolutely loves Paris, but don’t we all?’

  ‘We certainly do. And Tim? Isn’t it strange how twins can be so different?’

  ‘What do you mean? They look alike. Not so much as when they were growing up, but even now, you couldn’t mistake them for anything but twins.’

  ‘I didn’t mean in looks. I meant their personalities. Mark was always the serious one, the one who felt he had to please Ray. Tim never seemed to like his dad very much. Tell me to shut up if you want, I don’t want to upset you.’

  ‘No, it doesn’t. And you’re probably right. I guess I’m a little too close to see it that objectively. Tim definitely walked away from Ray that night, anyway.’

  They both knew the night in question. I’m moving in with Steve. We’re partners now. I love him.

  Charlie stood and moved around the room. In one corner was a beautiful ornate display stand, antique, polished to a beautiful finish. It was covered in framed photographs. She picked up one of the pictures and looked at it. It showed a much younger Michael and his wife, with Erin about three years old.

  She stared at it for long moments. ‘Would this have been taken around the time you met Michael?’

  Anna moved across to her and looked closely at the photo. She nodded.

  ‘I guess. I think Erin was about three when I first knew her.’

  Charlie replaced the photograph.

  ‘Anna, if ever any of your children come to this house, you have to remove pictures of a younger Michael.’

  Anna flushed. She had also seen the uncanny resemblance between the twins and their genetic father. ‘I...’

  ‘Don’t say anything. I won’t. Ever. Just take care.’

  Anna’s mouth turned down. This hadn’t been the subject planned for discussion. Charlie continued to walk around the room, looking at things with a craftsman’s eye, logging ideas into her brain, to be brought out and used in future times.

  Dan and Michael returned, their greasy hands evidence of their activities. They chatted and washed, and then Dan joined Charlie and Anna, while Michael began to prepare the evening meal.

  It was a lovely afternoon with much laughter as Dan began to discuss his plans for his own classic car.

  ‘Where are you going to put it?’ his wife asked.

  ‘In the garage!’

  ‘You can’t get in the garage for all the other important stuff, as you call it.’

  ‘I’ll clear it out.’

  Charlie laughed.

  ‘But, where will you put all the clearing out rubbish you can’t bear to part with?’

  ‘I’ll build another shed.’

  ‘Dan!’

  ‘Okay, I’ll get rid of some stuff.’

  Charlie sighed in exasperation and Anna laughed. ‘Is it really good, this car?’

  ‘It’s beautiful,’ Dan said solemnly. ‘Michael needs me with him when we take it out for its first spin, just in case.’

  ‘Just in case what?’ Anna queried.

  ‘I don’t know. Just in case.’ He looked affronted Anna didn’t understand the importance of his being there for the Riley’s inaugural trip out of Michael’s garage.

  Michael interrupted the conversation by bringing wine glasses and bottles of wine in. After that, they talked about more mundane things, and Michael eventually summoned them to the dining room.

  It looked spectacular. The antique table had been dressed by Anna earlier, and Michael had added a silver champagne cooler. The candles flickered and glowed, and they sat down to enjoy the meal.

  There was a lot of laughter; the wine was flowing freely, and after the main course, Michael removed the large plates. He then opened the champagne and topped up everyone’s champagne flutes.

  ‘Okay,’ he said, taking a long look at Anna who nodded and smiled. ‘We have a toast to propose. Please raise your glasses and toast my beautiful wife, Anna. Mrs. Groves, I love you very much. Thank you for being my wife.’

  There was a silence that lingered in the air and then Michael, Dan and Charlie took a sip of champagne each, followed by Anna. She simply said, ‘Thank you.’

  ‘Anna?’ Charlie stared at her friend. ‘Is this a current Mrs. Groves or a future Mrs. Groves?’

  ‘Very much a current, Charlie. Apart from our random witnesses, you are the only people who know. It has to be secret for now, but, yes, we’re married. The ceremony was in Sheffield on 18th September, but we don’t want it to be public yet. However, we do want you two to know.’

  Dan stood. ‘I am so chuffed for you two.’ He raised his glass in the air.

  ‘To Mr and Mrs Groves, a long and happy life together.’ He drank. ‘And I’m sure that when Charlie’s mouth closes, she’ll say the same thing.’

  The tension collapsed, and Charlie burst out laughing.

  ‘Well, Anna, you’re certainly full of surprises these days. Seriously, I’m really pleased for you.’ She, too, raised her glass. ‘A long and happy life together.’

  She walked around the table to Anna, who stood as she approached. They hugged each other, and Charlie whispered, ‘Be happy’ in Anna’s ear.

  ‘I am. Happier than I thought possible.’

  Bizarrely, Anna’s mind flashbacked to the night when Jenny had returned to her apartment from Lincoln, and she had been covered in blood. Ray’s blood. James Oswoski’s blood. Her happiness plummeted, and Charlie looked at her.

  ‘Anna?’

  ‘Oh, it’s nothing. I just for a second thought about how Ray’s awful death has led to this, to Michael. I’m fine, honestly. It’s the alcohol.’ She laughed shakily.

  Michael stood. ‘Come and sit down, sweetheart. And for heaven’s sake, put on your wedding ring! You can wear it now. I’ll go and get the dessert.’

  They finished the meal with Anna fully restored to her normal self, and Charlie eager for details of the wedding day. She could see the happiness glowing out of Anna now there was no need to hide the marriage. Michael seemed to be a good man, and she couldn’t help but reflect that if Anna had been able to be with him from the start, then the boys would have grown up to know the true love of a father. She hated the idea of Tim leaving because Ray couldn’t cope with his son’s sexuality.

  She wondered if Michael knew. If he did, it must be difficult for him not meeting up with Mark and Tim. The damned police needed to pull their fingers out and find the chap who had killed the people in Lincoln, and give Anna some peace and to be able to come clean about this new relationship.

  And then she thought about this uncanny resemblance between Michael and his sons. It wouldn’t just be about telling them they were married. Erin would acquire half-brothers, who were also step brothers.

  Oh, Anna, Charlie thought, you don’t make life easy for yourself, do you?

  They moved back into the lounge to have coffee and yet more wine, listen to some blues music, and generally talk and laugh. It was a good evening.

  Three out of the four would always remember it as being a good evening.

  Chapter 49

  Sunday, 13 November 2015

  Jenny carried the clean bedding through to Anna’s flat and began to make up the bed. Mark had taken the children swimming to give her chance to get Anna’s room ready, and so it was proving to be a very qu
iet Sunday.

  She gave a final tug at the quilt, and went out to the kitchen to get the vase of flowers she had bought for the room. She placed them on the coffee table. Then, she stood in the doorway and looked around. Perfect.

  Although she envisaged it being an awkward couple of days, Jenny was looking forward to Anna coming. Adam and Grace loved having her with them, but it was time for her and Anna to talk. By the end of the visit, Jenny had every intention of knowing who the mystery man was, and if he was a threat to her safety and security. She also needed to let Anna know just who the lead actor in this play was. She had been the one taking all the risks, and she would be the one to call all the shots from now on, starting with those damn letters. She had a feeling Anna wouldn’t hand them over voluntarily, so if Anna made no reference to them, she would leave everything until Tuesday when the children were at school and then demand them. They would be taken to the bank on Wednesday.

  She smiled at the sign on the door that said, Nanny’s Flat, along with a tiny Minnie Mouse. The children had chosen it to bring back from Florida, and she had to admit it looked good. She was sure Anna would love it.

  She felt troubled by her feelings about Anna. She had lost her all those years ago because Ray, the husband from hell, had raped her, and she had to put distance between them. And she had missed her. Anna was back in their lives because Ray was out of their lives, but she knew her mother-in-law had built a barrier.

  And then there was this bloody man. This bloody man who had clearly fathered Mark and Tim, she had no doubt about that, which meant Anna had lied when she said he was dead. Why had she lied? Did Anna think she would try and track him down? Did Anna really think she would go up to some random man and say, ‘Hey, I’m married to your son!’

  Perhaps the reason behind Anna’s silence about the man was she had been seeing him before she left Ray. Perhaps all that bunkum about the anniversary cards being the catalyst that had set her free was simply that, bunkum.

  Jenny’s mind was whirling, and she felt out of control. She would have to take that control back, and it would happen when she got those letters back. She knew Anna would never go to the police, would never leave Adam and Grace without their mother. She sat at the kitchen table and dropped her head. She felt tears begin, and she reached for the tissues.