Harlot

by Tracie Podger

  I was showered, hair washed, and dressed in record time. I also packed my bag. I wanted to head to Ellie’s store before showing up for work. I was fed up of being asked if I was tired, and more importantly, being sneered at by the local girls. I wanted to buy some makeup. Not that I’d worn much of it before, but I knew it would help to make me look a little older as well.

  “Here, have some tea,” Cecelia said. I took a seat at the table.

  “I won’t be coming back, but I want to thank you for letting me stay,” I said.

  “Why? Aren’t you happy here?”

  Before I could answer, Beau walked through the back door. He still wore his running clothes, sweat coated the front of his t-shirt, and his hair was standing on end as if he’d just run his hand through it.

  “I am, but I need to find somewhere else.” I didn’t want to tell her about Damien for fear of worrying her.

  “Beau, talk to her. She wants to leave.”

  “It’s her choice, Cecelia,” he said, not looking at me.

  I reached over the table and took one of her hands in mine.

  “I’ve loved being here, and I want to thank you for that. But it’s time for me to find somewhere of my own.”

  Cecelia sighed. “There’s the apartment over on St. James Street. It’s not much but I’m sure we can work out a suitable rent.”

  “Cecelia…” Beau said.

  “Beau, I want to know Charlotte is safe and if that can’t be here, for whatever reason…” She stared hard at him when she spoke. “Then she can rent my apartment.”

  “I don’t want to cause any more problems than I already have. I’ll be fine, I’m sure I can find…”

  “No, I’ll hear no more of it. Charlotte, I know you’re in trouble and I want to help you. If you really feel you have to leave, then the apartment will be perfect for you. I’d rather someone was living in it anyway. Beau will take you over there, and I’ll pop on over once I’ve done my chores.”

  I had half an idea that she knew Beau was the one that had instigated my leaving, and that was probably the reason why she’d insisted he show me where the apartment was.

  “I’m not sure I can afford an apartment,” I said.

  “Then maybe we can come to some kind of an arrangement. I’ll think about it. At least, for the next few days, stay at the apartment, please?”

  I was torn. I knew the reason I had to leave, and I agreed with Beau in wanting to protect Cecelia. But I had nowhere else to go, and not enough money to get there.

  Cecelia stared at Beau long enough for him to sigh and then look at me. “Let’s go,” he said.

  Cecelia glanced at me and gave a wink. I followed Beau to the front door where he collected a key from a box on the wall and I picked up my backpack.

  He didn’t speak as we walked a block to the apartment. I say walked, I jogged to keep up with him. The apartment was the top floor of a townhouse, similar to the ones in the courtyard. Beau opened the front door and took the stairs, two at a time. On the landing was another door. He opened that and stood to one side. I walked in first, he followed. Perhaps the ass had some manners after all.

  “It’s…”

  “Not ideal but it’s short term, right?” he replied.

  I nodded. I was going to say, the apartment was the most amazing space I’d set foot in. It was mainly open plan, with a kitchen to one side and living space opposite. There were two doors and I headed to one. It was a large bedroom with an iron framed double bed, a dresser, and an ornately carved wooden wardrobe. I placed my backpack on the bed and looked through the other door. It was a small bathroom but perfect for my needs.

  Beau stood in the middle of the room with a set of keys dangling from his fingers. I walked over and reached out to take them. Before I could, he snatched them away.

  “Short term, Charlotte.”

  I didn’t respond but grabbed the keys from his fist, making sure I dragged my nails along his skin, again.

  Fuck you, prick, I thought.

  I then walked to the front door and opened it, making sure Beau understood that I wanted him to leave. I was done with taking his shit. He paused as he passed me.

  “I’ve been controlled and bullied by a man for a long time. Don’t think for one minute you can replace him,” I said, making sure to hold his gaze.

  He opened his mouth to speak, and a flash of confusion crossed his face.

  “Thank you for walking me over here, but I think I can cope from now on,” I said. I shut the door after him with a satisfied grin on my face.

  There were large sash windows on one wall and I walked over to open them. The apartment didn’t have air conditioning, not that I was used to that or needed it at that time of the year. I much preferred to have a gentle breeze and fresh air. The sheer drapes started to ripple. I checked out the kitchen, opening cupboards to see what I needed to buy. I counted out my money, surprised that it was a little more than I’d originally thought. I could buy some basic dishes, cutlery, and stock up the food cupboard and fridge. The bed had linen but I only noticed one towel in the bathroom. I’d pop into the general store after my shift at the diner.

  I decided to take a quick shower before heading out. I wasn’t sure of the time and added a clock to my mental list of things to buy. Although the shower wasn’t as powerful as the one at Cecelia’s, it was enough to wash my hair. I noticed the color run from my hair and added more dye to that list. I scrubbed the towel over my head, wincing at the dye that stained it, before wrapping it around my body. As I left the bathroom I stopped in my tracks.

  Sitting on the kitchen counter was a black object that wasn’t there earlier. I walked over and picked up a cell phone. Beside it was a note.

  Use this in emergencies. I’ve programmed my number and Cecelia’s. Beau

  He’d added a list of instructions on how to use the cell. Although I’d never owned one, I knew how to use them. I switched it on and scrolled through the contacts. There were the two he’d said. I was more pleased to have an object that told me the time, than allowed me to communicate with the ass. However, I was disturbed that he appeared to have a spare key. I took the cell into the bedroom with me and dressed.

  Before I left the apartment, I divided up my money into four separate piles and found four hiding places for each one.

  “Good morning,” Rose called out as I entered the diner. “You’re early.”

  “I wondered if I could have a word,” I said.

  She motioned to a booth and then grabbed two cups of coffee. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  “Nothing’s wrong. I’ve moved into Cecelia’s apartment, so I wondered if there was the chance of extra, permanent shifts? I know I’ve not been here long, but I could do with earning a little extra. If not, do you know if I can pick up work elsewhere, obviously outside my hours here?”

  “Mmm, well, Kacy is a little hit and miss right now. I’d hate to let her go, though; she’s a single mom and needs the money. But, let me have a think, I’m sure we can sort something out.”

  “You are the champion of the needy,” I said, with a laugh.

  “I’ll let you into a secret, I was where you are right now, once.” She took a sip of her coffee.

  “I kind of want to say, ‘I’m glad,’ but I know that’s not the right phrase. But, I’m grateful to you,” I said.

  She chuckled. “So, you know you're an hour early?”

  “I didn’t. I don’t have a watch, but Beau left me a cell so I’ll know the time from now on. I have a little shopping to do, for the apartment, so I’ll head over to the store and then be back, if that’s okay?”

  “Of course it is. Maybe you can pick up a couple of items for me?”

  I nodded. She pulled her pad from her apron pocket and wrote a list, then fished in her jean pocket for some money.

  “That should cover it.”

  I folded the bills in the note and stuffed it into my pocket, drained my coffee, and then told Rose I’d see her soon.
>
  I grabbed a cart and wandered up the aisles of the general store. I had to go with the cheapest items I could find, but they would do. I wasn’t planning on staying around and I certainly did not want to have to take it all with me. I grabbed a newspaper, hoping for more news on Philip. I paid for Rose’s bucket and cleaner separately, then bagged up my own. I struggled back to the diner with four bags, two of which were heavy and clanking when dishes and cutlery rolled against each other. I handed Rose her bag, the receipt and her change, then left my purchases under the counter.

  “Eat first, I want you to try this,” Kieran said, as I entered the kitchen.

  I looked at the pasta dish he’d placed in front of me. One advantage of being chief food tester, as Kieran had dubbed me, was I didn’t have to purchase too much food for the apartment.

  “What is it?”

  “If I tell you that, I’ll have to…”

  I laughed, cutting off his standard response. Whatever it was, it was delicious and I devoured the whole plateful. There was no doubt that would fill my stomach for many hours to come.

  “Loved it, is it going on the menu?”

  “Maybe, now, get your backside out there, lunch rush is starting.”

  He cranked up his music and wiggled his backside as he flipped burgers.

  My shift flew by, my tips jar overflowed. With my daily wages, I pocketed nearly fifty dollars that day. It was the best day for tips I’d ever had. If I could have more days like that, I’d be happy.

  “Charlotte, tomorrow, if you’re happy for a few extra hours, get here about eight?” Kieran shouted, as I was about to leave. I nodded enthusiastically, and again, wondered what his input in the diner was.

  Despite it being the middle of the afternoon, I checked before I left the diner for anything unusual, or a beat up car. I looked over my shoulder many times on the journey back to the apartment, especially when the hairs on my neck stood on end at one point. I gave myself a mental kick up the ass and put that down to paranoia. I looked at people passing by, wanting to see if they even so much as glanced at me. I began to doubt what I’d heard, had that been Damien? Had he called out my name? I knew one thing, though. I couldn’t relax until he was charged with Philip’s murder and I was in the clear.

  “Charlotte,” I heard, as I rounded the corner toward the house.

  I looked up the street to see Cecelia walking toward me. She carried a couple of bags.

  “I wanted to wait until you’d finished work. I have some things for you.”

  I raised my bags and laughed. “I have things, too,” I said.

  We walked up the stairs and into the apartment together. It was the first time that I notice Cecelia struggle a little. She seemed more out of breath than I’d normally see and she winced once or twice.

  “Are you okay?” I asked. She waved off my question as she placed her bags on the kitchen counter.

  “Now, I have some meals for the freezer, you will eat them, won’t you? I also have some spare plates, cups, and…”

  She opened one bag and gave me the sneakiest peek of a coffee maker. I could have kissed her, instead I threw my arms around her neck and hugged her close.

  “You didn’t need to do that but I can’t say I’m not happy,” I said, unboxing the machine.

  I showed her what I’d bought and together we filled the cupboards.

  “Now, we need to talk about rent,” I said, trying to swallow down the nerves at her answer.

  “I’ve been thinking about that. I need some help at home, Charlotte, and I know this might not be what you wanted to do with your life, but I’m happy to let you stay here rent-free, in return for some help around the house. Beau is often away for long periods with his work, and the house is just too much for me to manage.”

  I hadn’t thought about Beau having a job, and I wondered what he did that kept him away for periods of time.

  “Cecelia, I’d help you regardless but I’m not comfortable with staying here free. Can we come to some arrangement?”

  She pursed her lips. “I thought that would be your response. So, I’ll pay you one hundred dollars a week for ten hours to help me clean the house, tend to the yard, and you’ll pay me one hundred dollars a week for rent. Sound fair?”

  I had no idea if she was overpaying me, undercharging me, but it all worked out to what she’d offered initially. I chuckled as I shook my head and then held out my hand to shake on the deal.

  “Ten hours a week it is then. But, if you need me beyond that, you just ask and I do it for free. I get the feeling I’ve gotten the better end of the deal here,” I said.

  I’d make sure I worked more than ten hours a week. I doubted a cleaner could command ten dollars an hour normally. For that small moment I felt like a grown up, I felt like I could make this new life work.

  Another week passed without any news on Philip. That surprised me, considering how popular he’d been. The odd report that I had found simply stated that the police were unwilling to release any more information and were working on leads. Part of me was pleased, they were clearly not close to identifying the shoe, and part of me was in turmoil at not knowing what was going on.

  I decided to visit the library again and see if I could find anything on his family. I’d seen a photograph of his son, daughter-in-law, and their children, and thanks to a previous report, I knew his name. I Googled him to find he was some big shot in a law firm. That didn’t bode well. I couldn’t find any information on the family feud, although I didn’t really expect to. I did read up about Philip’s wife. It seemed she had died of breast cancer and was what I imagined her to be, a typical mayor’s wife. She supported many charities, was very well liked, judging by the comments from friends, and looked to be a friendly person. She reminded me a little of a slightly younger version of my grandmother.

  When I’d done my research, I asked the librarian for registration documents. I wanted to see what was required with regard to ID. I didn’t have my birth certificate, I’d never learned to drive, or owned a passport. Damien knew someone who could produce fake ID; I’d seen a stack of driver’s licences with a rubber band around them in the trailer. Contacting him, obviously, wasn’t an option.

  I wanted to check out books to occupy my evenings instead of buying them. I could give an address, and I assumed I’d get some utility bills at some point. In fact, I made a mental note to talk to Cecelia about bills; she hadn’t mentioned those. I folded the registration form and slipped it into my back pocket.

  I hadn’t seen anything of Beau and I’d been to Cecelia’s a few times to help clean up the yard. I’d raked, weeded, and fixed the fence. I finished painting the sun deck railings, and was sitting in the kitchen with a cold soda, taking a break.

  “I have some furniture to move in the den, if you can help me?” Cecelia said.

  “Of course, how heavy is it? Do we need help?”

  “I don’t know, it’s an old leather chair that belonged to my father, it’s taking up way too much room in there. I thought I might put it outside and see if anyone wanted it. Seems a shame to throw it away.”

  “Let’s have a look,” I said.

  Cecelia opened a door to a room I’d never visited. It was a little dark with the shutters closed, but once I opened them, I gasped. I stood and slowly turned in the most gorgeous room I’d ever visited. The walls were wood paneled to halfway up, silk wallpaper, although old and faded, gave the room a luxurious look.

  “Oh, wow, Cecelia.”

  “It was my father’s office, and then my husband’s for a little while. I don’t like to sit in here, although I’m not entirely sure why. Anyway, it’s this old chair.”

  She walked to a dark red leather armchair. Although the arms were worn, and the leather slightly cracked, it was a beautifully made chair.

  “Oh, wow,” I said, again. “I love it, why do you want to get rid of it?”

  “I thought I might turn this room in something more useable for me, and this isn’t comfortable
.”

  I sat and felt so small as I sank into the leather seat. I curled my legs up under me.

  “This would be a perfect reading chair.”

  “You can have it, if you want.”

  “Really?”

  “I was hoping someone would take it, like I just said.”

  “I don’t think I’ll get it to the apartment on my own, maybe I’ll ask Kieran.”

  “I’m sure Beau can organize it.”

  Maybe it was the look on my face that I’d tried hard to conceal, but Cecelia cocked her head to one side.

  “You two don’t get on, do you?”

  “I don’t think he likes me very much, but it’s okay. I don’t want you to worry about it.”

  “Do you know why? I might be wrong, but…” She strode to the other end of the room and selected a photograph from a shelf. She walked back and handed it to me.

  I stared at Beau with his arm around a woman, they were laughing. What had my eyes wide was that woman could very well have been my sister. The resemblance was uncanny.

  “You look like her. She destroyed him, so I don’t think it’s that he doesn’t like you. I think he still hurts so deeply, and you remind him of her.”

  “What happened? No, sorry, don’t answer that. It’s not my business.”

  “It’s not a secret. He works away a lot, he came home one day and she was gone. No note, nothing. He had no idea why she’d left, they were happy. He spent a long time trying to find her, mourning her, even. Since then, well, he’s never been truly happy and that breaks my heart.”

  “I don’t know what to say,” I said. As much as I had every sympathy for him, it was hardly my fault I looked like her. Then I cringed, inwardly.

  “Oh, God. I got cross with him and I asked him, something like, What did she do to you? Because I thought he was cranky over a woman.”

  “I guess he didn’t answer you.”

  “No. Cecelia, I’m not sure he’d appreciate me knowing this. Why don’t I ask Kieran to help with the chair and we won’t mention this again.”

  She smiled at me before putting the photograph back. “In the meantime, why don’t I give this room a clean?” I added.