Chapter 15
Eleven sad days had passed since the sudden parting of his dear brother but Douglas McKendrick could still scarcely believe that he had gone. The funeral service and cremation had been very tastefully managed with mourners encouraged to remember and celebrate the positive aspects of Alex’s life rather than dwell on his demise but the whole process had brought Lucinda’s untimely death to the fore again for both Douglas and Mia. Alex had lived just across the road so they were at least close to his wife, Barbara, and had helped her with all the arrangements. Their only daughter lived in London and had just returned to her family there after spending a week with her mother. It was now Wednesday evening and Mia was in the kitchen washing up after dinner. Douglas was working at his computer. There was a rap at the back door.
“Auntie Barbara, hi.” Mia unlocked the door and let her in. Barbara was as white as a sheet and trembling from head to toe. Mia was immediately alarmed. Her aunt had obviously suffered the worst trauma of any of them over the past week or so but she had been coping relatively well, outwardly anyway, if not in private.
“Where’s your father?” she asked Mia. “I need to speak to you both.”
“He’s upstairs. Come into the lounge and I’ll make a pot of tea. You look as though you could do with a cup.”
“I’ve drunk enough tea this week to last a lifetime,” Barbara retorted rather sharply. “Just get your father down here please.”
Mia ran up and alerted Douglas to the distressed state of his sister-in-law. He came down right away.
“I need the two of you to explain something,” Barbara began. “I’m not an expert in technology but I do know that things sometimes get lost in the ether, so to speak. For example, you can send a text message to someone but they don’t receive it.”
Douglas agreed that such things sometimes happen and that the message can eventually arrive with the recipient, even some considerable time later or, on occasions, just gets lost altogether and never arrives. “But it hasn’t happened to me very often,” he concluded. Both he and Mia were looking quite mystified as to where this was leading.
Barbara took a phone from her pocket. “This suddenly beeped this afternoon while I was dozing in front of the fire. I got the fright of my life.”
“Why?”
“The message was from Alex.” Barbara burst into tears as she recalled seeing her dead husband’s name coming up on her screen. “I charged up his own phone and turned it on and there it was, the same message, sent on the day he died, at 10.27 pm.”
Both her brother-in-law and her niece gasped in horror. What a dreadful thing to have happened.
“But it’s what was in the message that has upset me even more,” she wailed, obviously quite distraught. “You’ve been hiding something from me. Alex has spoken to me from beyond the grave.”
Douglas and Mia just stared at her, uncomprehending. Barbara handed Douglas the phone. He read the message.
Staying for a few drinks with Dougie. He’s just in from a party. I didn’t want to leave Mia alone because she was scared. Will explain later. Don’t wait up. Love you. Alex
Douglas handed the phone to Mia so that she could also read the text. It had indeed been sent on the day Alex died, at 10.27 pm.
“What did he mean?” Barbara asked them now. “What were you scared of, Mia?”
Douglas and Mia shared an awkward glance.
“It’s nothing for you to worry about, Barbara,” Douglas told her. “The police were quite adamant that it was a simple accident. Alex tripped over something and banged his head very hard against those angular border stones. They said the gash and bruising to his face were so severe he would have died almost instantly. Don’t torment yourself about it.”
“But what if it wasn’t an accident?”
“Barbara, it was. He was carrying cash and credit cards as well as this phone. And wearing his expensive watch. Nothing was stolen. The police took no time at all to rule out a mugging.”
“So what was this about you being scared?” She aimed her question directly at Mia.
Douglas decided that he had better come clean about his affair.
“Barbara,” he began, “I’m not proud of this; I’ve been seeing a married woman. Her son found out about it and warned me to stay clear. The day that Alex died I had a message from his sister, also asking me to leave well alone. But she also tricked me into giving her my address. I was out at a party for an old friend and I texted Mia, warning her to be careful, just in case.”
“So you were expecting trouble?”
“I don’t know. Maybe.”
“Alex stayed here to protect your daughter and ended up taking the flak! He was murdered instead of you!”
Douglas tried to calm the situation. “No-one was murdered, Barbara. I was worried about the son turning up and hassling me and I did warn Mia not to let any strangers in until I got back but it all came to nothing.”
“How do you know?” Barbara was nearly hysterical now. “When Alex was found dead on your driveway, did you not suspect this lad?”
“No, no, no. Believe me, Barbara. Patty is a lovely person from a respectable family. They don’t go around murdering people. And anyway, don’t you think that anyone wanting to finish me off would have double checked that they had the right person and not just clobber the first guy who happens to emerge from the house?”
“You’re despicable, Dougie. Lucinda would have been so ashamed of you. An affair with a married woman! And the worst thing is, Alex has already been cremated! There’s no chance for a further post mortem to see if those bruises could have been caused by a thump rather than the fall. I’m going to the police with this anyway. You should have mentioned it at the time.”
“That is your prerogative, Barbara, but I assure you I would have done so myself if I had suspected any foul play. But I don’t. I agree with the police. It was an accident.”
“Fine! Well, we’ll see about that.”
Barbara retrieved her phone and stomped off across the road to her own house.
***
Patricia was still ignoring Dougie’s calls and messages so she knew nothing about the tragedy that had befallen his family. Much as her heart ached for him, she could not bring herself to perpetuate the affair that had cost her so dearly because Kenneth had still not come home, had not even contacted her. And apart from the morning after his departure, when Sam had tricked her out of the house for a couple of hours so that Kenneth could gather up some belongings, she had not seen the rest of her family either. Only Molly remained unaware of what had happened as she continued to send cheery messages from across the world. Even her best friend was lost to her. Cathy Cartwright was now Catherine Greenlees and she had made it quite clear that she did not approve of Patty’s lifestyle, which Patty thought was a bit rich coming from someone who was no saint herself, given that her three offspring had all been fathered by different people. The last time Patty had seen her was almost five weeks ago when she had delivered a letter addressed to Cathy’s son, Grant, which had come from Grant’s biological father, via Dougie. Cathy had promised to pass it on, although there appeared to be some confusion as to whether she had done so. Anyway, it didn’t matter. All that mattered was that she was alone in the world and feeling very sorry for herself.
She tried Kenneth’s number again and again but he never answered. Leaving a message wasn’t an option; she had to talk to him, hear his voice, and yet she had no idea what she was going to say to him. A simple apology would not suffice. Even a declaration that she would never betray him again was not likely to hold water. How could she make him understand that she had never stopped loving him? She poured a glass of water and swallowed yet another painkiller.
When Jasmine arrived, Patricia was fast asleep on the sofa and the house was eerily quiet. Tears came to Jasmine’s eyes as she recalled the happy family life s
he had experienced growing up within those four walls. How could her mother have so carelessly thrown that away? Patricia’s mobile was on the arm of the sofa. Jasmine picked it up and turned it on. She noticed the calls, dozens of them, made to her father’s number and realised that he hadn’t answered any of them. And suddenly it vibrated in her hand. A text message had just come through from DM. Jasmine opened it.
Patty please stop ignoring me. I need to know why your daughter wanted my address. It’s important. D
Jasmine read it again.
Well, at least she’s been ignoring him. That’s good. But this message is about me!! He must have twigged that Grant didn’t ask me for the address at all but why is it so important?
Suddenly aware of her mother stirring, Jasmine quickly deleted the text and replaced the phone where she had found it.
Patricia sat up and rubbed her eyes. “Jasmine, it’s you! Oh, I’m so happy to see you.”
“I don’t want a feud developing between us, Mum. I’m worried about you.”
Patricia stood up and hugged her daughter. “I’ve been so stupid,” she avowed. “I’ve allowed an infatuation to get totally out of hand until I hardly realised what I was doing. It had become a sort of adventure for me. I never wanted to hurt your dad.”
“You’ve hurt all of us,” Jasmine declared, honestly.
Patricia gulped. “I know. If only your dad would give me another chance.”
“Where is he, Mum?”
“I’ve no idea.”
“Did he take his passport?”
“Yes.”
“Well, you were supposed to be in Spain for his birthday. Maybe he went anyway.”
“I’ve wondered about that myself.”
“Have you tried to contact him?”
“All the time! He doesn’t answer.”
“Give it a few more days, Mum. He can’t stay away forever. But you’ll have a lot of making up to do.”
“I do love him, Jasmine. That’s why it hurts so much. You’ll fall in love some day and you’ll understand.”
“Maybe I have already.”
Patricia registered the radiance glowing from her daughter’s dancing eyes and wished that things were different so that she could rejoice with her properly.
“That’s wonderful,” she said. “Who is it? Am I allowed to know?”
“Not yet. I’m not ready to tell anyone but I do love him, Mum, and I am so happy.”
“I’ll just have to be patient then. Thank you for calling round. I was so upset, thinking you had all deserted me. I know it’s entirely my own fault but I will try to make amends. I promise.”
Jasmine gave her mum another big hug and was on her way out when Patricia suddenly asked her how she had found out about Dougie in the first place. “Apparently it was you who alerted Sam and then he …”
Jasmine stared at her and saw red. Was her mum trying to blame her for the whole situation? Patricia realised that she had put her foot in it and stopped mid-sentence, but it was too late.
“So much for our big reconciliation, Mum!” She spat the words out, scornfully. “I’ve done my best to smooth things over but you have really blown it this time. What does it matter how I knew? What does matter is that you were fucking some other man instead of my dad. And yes, I am in love with someone now and I can tell you this – I will never cheat on him!”
She was out the front door like a shot.
Chapter 16
Kenneth came home that weekend. He just drove into his normal spot in the driveway, opened the door and stepped inside as though nothing had happened. He sat down in his customary armchair and folded his arms. Hearing the door close, Patricia looked out of the upstairs window and saw his car. Her heart started thumping. Tentatively she set down the towels she had been organising in the hot press and went down to greet him.
“Casey,” she said simply. “Where have you been?”
“Spain,” he told her. “I had a birthday to celebrate.”
“You didn’t answer your phone. I’ve been really worried.”
“Can you blame me?”
“No. I’m so sorry. I’ve ended it, I promise.”
“It’s a bit late for that, Patricia.”
“I’ll do anything to make it up to you,” she pleaded. “Think of the children. They’d be devastated if we break up.”
“This is my home and I’m staying here,” Kenneth retorted. “You can do whatever you like.”
“Does that include staying here with you?”
“As long as we have separate rooms, I don’t see why not. We can put on an outward show of togetherness for the neighbours. But I’m finished with you as a proper wife. You have betrayed my trust.”
“Can I at least try to win it back?”
He gave her a withering glance and left the room.
Patricia sighed. At least he hadn’t ordered her to leave. Surely, in time, she could bring him round. What did he mean by outward show of togetherness? Would she still cook his dinner, wash his clothes? Would they still sit down together for meals?
One step at a time. He’s home, that’s the main thing. What on earth has he been doing in Spain all this time? He doesn’t have much of a tan.
***
Barbara did indeed go to the police with her husband’s phone, insisting that he may have been the victim of foul play aimed at his brother and expressing her belief that the post mortem had not been adequately thorough. They paid Douglas and Mia a visit.
“We are still convinced that this was a sheer accident,” the young police officer told them, “but we are surprised that you didn’t mention anything at the time if you had, in fact, been expecting trouble that night. Can you explain your reasons to us now?”
“It’s been blown out of all proportion,” Douglas proclaimed. “This was a private matter between me and a family I am acquainted with in Belfast. I thought that there might be a bit of unpleasantness but nothing more than that, certainly not anything criminal.”
The policeman consulted his notebook. “And you phoned your daughter after a conversation with a Mr Cartwright during the party you attended earlier that evening?”
“Yes, that’s right. He is friendly with the same family. He lives in Belfast himself.”
“Well, everything seems to be in order. Thank you for your co-operation. I’m sure you realise that we have to check these things out. Your sister-in-law is entitled to a full investigation. It’s a difficult time for her.”
“Of course,” Douglas agreed. “You wouldn’t be doing your job if you neglected to act on her information. It’s just a bit embarrassing for me.”
They shook hands and the matter appeared to be closed.
Chapter 17
The newly-weds chose Imogen’s birthday on 20th October to announce to their family and friends that they had tied the knot two weeks ago and, to add to their happiness, that they were expecting a baby in May. Her parents were not surprised at the low-key event, knowing that Imogen never had been one for pomp and ceremony. Her brother, Vincent, reminded her that he would be a parent before her, his girlfriend, Jane, being due in February, and then remarked that he was delighted the two cousins would be able to grow up together as friends of the same age. Catherine and Mark were over the moon at the prospect of a grandchild in the family but Rebecca and Robyn were a bit miffed at missing out on a proper wedding reception. Alastair congratulated his cousin and mysteriously hinted that he now had a girlfriend too. And of course Gertrude privately decided that she would not let such an occasion go unmarked. She would organise one of her famous parties forthwith.
Jillian and Bradley were next to be told. “You’re married before me?” Jillian screeched in a mixture of surprise and jealousy. “And a baby too!” But she couldn’t stay cross with her friend for long and the two of them ran downstairs to spread the wor
d to Jasmine whilst Grant and Bradley had a celebratory drink. Jasmine was amazed that they had managed to keep it so quiet.
“Sorry we missed your party,” Imogen told her, “but the wedding was that very same day. How did it go?”
“Best day of my life,” Jasmine proclaimed with a happy sigh and dreamy expression.
“Not Alastair?” Imogen gasped, immediately putting two and two together.
Jasmine smiled and nodded. “How did you know?”
“He hinted just now that he had a girlfriend.”
“Alastair? You and Alastair?” Jillian was flabbergasted. “You never said, you dark horse! I thought it was your painting he was interested in.”
“That and other things,” she answered coyly.
“So what time did he go home?”
“That’s for me to know and for you to guess.”
“Wow! Can we tell Grant and Bradley?” Before waiting for an answer her two friends ran back upstairs to do just that.
“Bring Grant in when you come back down so I can congratulate the two of you properly,” Jasmine called to Imogen. “Can I tell Sam?”
“Yes, no problem. You’d be doing me a favour. I’d rather he knew before I see him again.”
As they spoke, Jasmine noticed a car pulling up outside. Two policemen got out and walked towards the building.
“We’re looking for Miss Jasmine Campbell,” one of them said quite pleasantly.
“Oh God, what have I done, parked on a double yellow or something?” Jasmine gabbled. “You’d better come in.”
She led them into her sitting room and tried to calm herself. “Seriously, what is this about?” she asked.
One of the officers introduced himself and his colleague and then got straight to the point. “We are acting on behalf of the police force in Scotland,” he explained. “They have asked us to make some enquiries in relation to a recent incident in Edinburgh.”
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