by Tara Ford
“No, not at all. I’m glad that you’ve told me. I met him yesterday, he is very strange. I found out why he makes thumping noises every day…”
The woman screwed her face up, in anguish. “Yes – nasty…”
“I did think there was something very strange about him, when I met him. He’s very creepy, if you ask me.”
“Yes, that’s exactly how I used to feel about him… once he’d changed. Jess just couldn’t see it. I tried to tell her. I tried. If only she’d listened…”
Jenny stared pitifully. “Please… don’t be hard on yourself.”
“I hope you don’t mind me off-loading on you like this.”
“No, not at all. I’m a good listener and I’m extremely grateful that you are telling me this to be honest.”
The woman nodded and smiled weakly. “I thought you’d want to know – need to know.”
Bravely, Jenny asked the pressing question. “So what happened after he’d dropped you both at the train station? Please don’t feel that you have to answer the question. I’m just being really nosey now.”
“No, that’s fine. We were waiting for our train – it all happened so quickly.” The woman’s face turned serious again. “I thought he’d left the station after dropping us off. Me and Jess… Jess and I were stood on the platform talking.” The woman paused and looked up to the ceiling. “He’d been waiting – on the platform – behind us.”
“Waiting?”
“For the train.” The woman’s face twisted and contorted as she was obviously re-living the event in her mind. “Next thing I knew, he’d thrown himself at Jess, from behind.” Rubbing her brow the woman flicked her eyes around again, scanning the shop and the road outside, before continuing. “They both… Denny and Jess… they went hurtling over the edge of the platform, together.”
Jenny pulled her hands from her warm underarms and held them across her mouth. Reading between the lines, she knew what was coming next.
“The train. It hit them.” The woman paused again. “Jessie was gone. Instantly – apparently.”
Sickness rose in Jenny’s stomach. “And he survived.”
The woman nodded a furrowed brow.
“Is that why… his leg?” Jenny mumbled, through fingers still clutched around her mouth.
The woman nodded again and stared, silently, a pained expression etched on her face.
“You ok, Jen.”
The sound of Dayna’s voice brought Jenny down from her heightened state of alarm. Turning towards her friend she slowly pulled her hands away from her mouth and stared dumbfounded at her.
“Jen? You alright?”
Jenny nodded her head. “Yes… sorry. Err, right – Marj – Just that today?” Jenny picked the strawberry cheesecake up from the counter and scanned it as the woman moved away from the counter.
“I’d better be off,” said the woman, tucking the paper and magazine under her arm. “Thanks for the chat.”
“Any time,” said Jenny. “And… thank you. For… for letting me know. Thank you.”
The woman nodded her head. “I hope I’ll see you again.” She left the shop, hurriedly.
Jenny watched her walk across the road and then disappear out of sight.
“Jen… Jenny, are you sure you’re ok?”
“How much, my dear?” asked Marj.
“Err… yes, err… sorry Marj, err…”
“Let me do it,” said Dayna, shuffling Jenny away from the till. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost, Jen. Go and warm these coffees up, they’ve gone cold.” Dayna passed the two mugs to Jenny and shooed her away.
“So who was that woman?”
She knows the man upstairs,” said Jenny, carefully placing the steaming mugs of coffee back under the shelf. “She’s just told me all about him.”
“Must have been pretty bad by the look on your face.”
Jenny nodded. “It was. It is. We seriously need to avoid him, Day.”
“Why?”
“He’s worse than we could ever have imagined…” Jenny paused for a moment and then added. “He’s a murderer!”
Dayna stopped, mid sip of her drink. “Bloody hell. Are you sure?”
Nodding her head, Jenny continued. “Yep – sure. He’s done time for it…”
“Blimey,” Dayna replied and then took a sip from her coffee. “Guess I won’t be going up there to have a word with him myself then.”
“Why?” Jenny snapped. “Why were you going to go up there?”
“After he deliberately tried to spit on me the other day, remember?” Dayna cupped her hands around her mug and leant against the counter. “I was going to have it out with him.”
“Well don’t. Please Day, let it go – he’s crazy.”
“I can well believe that now. So come on,” said Dayna, inching closer to her friend, “tell me more.”
Chapter 28
Jordan’s fresh, smiley face was a joy to see every morning. His cheeky smile was warming and always seemed to melt away any troubles or woes that Jenny might have at the time. He’d heard the thumping noises several times now and always looked up and commented about it. However, there was no way that Jenny would let him know what she now knew about the mad man who lived above.
Leaving the shop with a cheery smile and a wave goodbye as always, Jordan jumped on his bike and rode down the road, his fluorescent delivery bag bouncing about on his back.
Jenny sighed and looked up to the ceiling. That crazy man, Denny, had been on her mind permanently, since the woman had revealed all, yesterday. So much so that Jenny had googled the train incident, which happened over twenty years ago, and discovered that it had made headline news at the time – which wasn’t surprising at all. The story behind Denny and Jessie’s treacherous marriage, the suspicious death of their first-born child while in Jessie’s care and her own string of sordid affairs was a harrowing report to read. But Jenny couldn’t help herself. She could not stop thinking about him or what happened and she couldn’t help feeling sorry for Denny. She didn’t know why she felt sorry for him but she did.
Wouldn’t Dolly just love to know the horrific story of the psycho living upstairs, thought Jenny, as she watched the queen of gossip tie her poor little pooch to a ring outside, brush something off her coat hem and then totter into the shop.
“Good morning Dolly.”
“Good morning, dear. Lovely day again. Think we’re still having that late, Indian summer – if there is such a thing and in November too – unheard of.” Dolly chuckled and went to fetch her usual paper.
“Yes, it is nice. Better make the most of it. Could be pouring down or even snowing by this time next week.”
“Snow?” said Dolly, stopping in her tracks. “Are we expecting snow?”
“No, Dolly, I was just saying that it would be possible at this time of year.”
“Well anything’s possible, dear. Why would you mention snow? Have you heard something?”
Jenny shook her head and tutted. “No I haven’t – I was just saying.”
“Why would you just be saying that? I do hope you’re not trying to frighten an old lady.”
“No, I’m not, Dolly. For goodness sake… I was just making conversation with you.”
“Why? What do you know? What’s going on?”
Jenny bit her bottom lip in frustration. “Nothing, Dolly! Can we just forget it?”
“Now you’re telling me half the story. Either you tell me everything, dear, or don’t bother at all.” Dolly frowned. “I don’t have time for silly games you know.”
“Of course you don’t,” Jenny replied. But I bet you’d have all the time in the world if I told you about the man upstairs, thought Jenny. Trying to change the subject, she continued, “Have you got choir practice today?”
“Yes. We have a lot to do now, in preparation for the Christmas period.”
Jenny nodded. “I’m sure you do.”
“You should have some Christmas lines, dear. You won’t do very well if you haven�
��t got Christmas lines.”
“I do have some bits out already,” said Jenny, defensively. “I’ve got a lot more being delivered next week.” Not that you would bother to look or buy anything, Jenny thought to herself.
“Hmm, a little late, if you ask me.”
I’m not asking you. “Yes, it is but that’s because I opened late,” said Jenny, trying to keep her cool, like every other time that Dolly decided to give her unwanted opinions. And what’s it got to do with you anyway?
The clickity-clack of Dayna’s heels told Jenny that it was fast approaching eight o’clock. Dressed in an electric blue, shift dress and matching shoes, Dayna looked elegant as she waltzed into the shop. Her dark hair fell in swirls down her back and her expertly applied make-up was appealing. With a smirk and a wink to Jenny, she sauntered past the elderly social group and tottered down the aisle.
Ten minutes later, Dayna came padding up the aisle with two hot drinks. “Morning,” she chirped, through a wide grin.
Jenny gave her a puzzled look. “Morning,” she replied. “You do look funny in that dress… and flip-flops.”
Dayna peered down at her feet. “Well I’m not wearing those shoes in here all morning. They’d kill me.”
“So why are you wearing them at all?”
“Jenny,” said Dayna, stiffly. “What day is it today?”
“Thursday…”
“Exactly.” Dayna huffed and moved over to the till to serve a man who had been eyeing her up.
Waiting for the man to leave, Jenny watched as Dayna flirtatiously served him, chatted to him briefly, and then said her goodbyes. “So what does that mean – exactly?”
“Oh, Jen. You’d be dangerous if you had a brain and could remember anything.”
Jenny raked through her mind but couldn’t think of anything that might be happening on this day. Mind you, every day seemed to be full of surprises around here. “You’ve got me,” she said, scratching her head, in thought.
“Duh – Dentist?”
Jenny tutted and rolled her eyes. “Should have known that by the way you’re dressed.”
Dayna grinned widely. “He fancies me – I know it. Gonna ask him out…”
“Really?” said Jenny, desperately hoping that her dearest friend was making the right decision. “What if he says no? Your son is his client remember – I‘d imagine they don’t date their clients or their client’s mums.”
“He will, Jen. Don’t you worry. By the time I’ve finished with him he’ll be begging for more.”
Jenny cringed as a vision of Dayna, leaning over the dentist while he stretched out on the chair, entered her mind. “Don’t rush it, Day.”
“I’m not. Watch this space. He wants me – I know it.”
“Just don’t be a cheap thrill for him, Dayna. Do not go down the route of that bloody Jeffers-bubble-what-not, will you?”
“I’m hardly going to throw him on the treatment chair, yank his pants down and give him a blow-job, am I?”
“Well it’s funny that you should say that. That’s exactly what I was thinking.”
“Jenny Fartor – you should think more highly of me. I’d at least lock the door first!”
Jenny laughed out loud. “Seriously, Day, don’t you think you should hold off from asking him out directly?”
“So how do I do it indirectly?”
“Oh, I don’t know… maybe don’t ask him at all.” Jenny thought for a moment and added, “Why don’t you try and find out if he goes out drinking anywhere or if he has any hobbies. You know, just be a bit more casual with him. I really don’t think you should go right ahead and ask him out… and how could you do that with Xaylan sat there anyway?”
Dayna shrugged her shoulders and pushed her bottom lip out. “Don’t know,” she replied. “I was thinking of slipping him a little note – it was going to be my plan B. There’s a nurse in there with us too so I couldn’t have asked him directly anyway – well not unless she disappears for a minute, which she does do now and again.”
“Ok, but don’t make yourself sound desperate (which I know you probably are). So what are you going to write in a note?”
“I’ve actually done it already.” Dayna grinned. “Do you want to read it? Let’s see if you approve…” Dayna promptly left the counter and flipped off down the aisle in her flowery, bright yellow flip-flops.
A few minutes later, she returned. With a beaming face, she passed the envelope to Jenny. “There you are – read it,” she said.
Jenny took the envelope and opened it. As soon as she unfolded the sheet of paper a waft of perfume filled the air. “Ooh,” breathed Jenny, “smells nice.”
Dayna grinned, confidently. “I sprayed it.”
Dear Will,
I really appreciate what you are doing for my son, Xaylan. And what you are doing for me too!
Jenny frowned and looked up. “What’s he doing for you?”
“Carry on reading it,” said Dayna, impatiently.
Unlike my son, I have always been so scared of visiting the dentist, however, you have completely changed my opinion on this matter. You have made me realise that dentists are real human-beings. They really are people with compassion and empathy. I thank you for this.
Looking up from the scented sheet, Jenny frowned. “Isn’t it a bit over the top?”
“No,” Dayna replied, defensively. “It’s true.”
Jenny continued to read.
I don’t know how you feel but I really think that we have clicked since we first met. It would be a great shame to not see you again, once Xaylan’s treatment has ended. I was wondering whether you would like to go out with me for a meal (as a way of thanking you for your efforts) one evening. I’ve included my mobile number here for your own personal use but you are welcome to call my house number (as stated on Xaylan’s file) as well.
Yours sincerely,
Dayna Seeshy
p.s. There’s a great American diner in town (should you fancy a taste of home) which I can thoroughly recommend (if you haven’t tried it already).
Dayna x
“Oh my God, Day. What do you honestly think he is going to say about this?” Jenny stared disbelieving. “Are you really going to give this to him?”
With a hard glare, Dayna pouted out her lips. “Yes – why? What’s wrong with it?”
Shaking her head, Jenny replied, “There’s… there’s nothing wrong with it. Just sounds weird, that’s all.”
“Weird? In what way?”
“Well… err… you sound a bit overly grateful…”
Dayna snatched the fragranced sheet from her friend. “I am grateful. You’re just jealous because you don’t have time for relationships now.”
“You’re probably right,” called Jenny, as Dayna flip-flopped away with her treasured letter gripped between her hands.
Within five minutes, Dayna had reappeared and although the relationship between them had been a little strained a few minutes ago, there was no evidence of it now. Jenny and Dayna had known each for so long that their friendship was strong enough to cope with criticism, ridicule, confrontation or anything else that the pair could conjure up. Usually, Dayna was the conjurer of situations which arose and required a helping hand in one way or another. Jenny was the peace-keeper, mediator and decision maker. But whatever they were – it worked and always had done - thankfully.
“Right,” chirped Jenny as she passed by Tasha, who was busy filling shelves, “I’m off to get some printer ink.”
“Good,” Dayna replied from the counter. “Hurry up and get those leaflets done.” Glancing down at Tasha, Dayna winked. “We need Jen to get them printed A.S.A.P – don’t we Tasha?”
Tasha nodded and smiled.
“Why?” asked Jenny, puzzled. “What are you up to?”
“You’ll see,” Dayna grinned cheerily. “See you later.”
By the time Jenny’s lunch break had finished, she’d managed to print off almost 100 leaflets. They looked great. She ha
d been quite pleased with her efforts until a man, who was standing at the counter when she went flying up there to show Dayna and Tasha the first ever J’s Convenience Store advertisement leaflet, opened his mouth.
“Problem with those things is, no one ever reads ‘em,” said the middle-aged man, dressed smartly in a grey pinstripe suit.
Jenny was hopeful that the man was completely wrong.
“Only two percent of leaflets posted into people’s homes, ever get looked at – let alone read,” the man continued. “It’s a fact - I saw it in a magazine somewhere.”
“Really?” said Jenny, feeling a little down-trodden. “Well I’ll have to get a lot delivered then.”
“You will if you want to make a difference. Good luck,” said the man, before leaving the shop with a bottle of bleach and a pack of cleaning cloths stuffed into his briefcase.
“Haven’t seen him in here before. I’m sure he doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” remarked Jenny, before she scooted back to the office to have the rest of her lunch and continue printing the first of many hundreds of potentially pointless leaflets.
Dayna was buzzing. Her shift had finished and she was dithering around in the staffroom, checking her face, her hair, her dress, her shoes, her everything.
“Dayna, you look fine, now go and get Xaylan will you?”
“I’ve got a few more minutes yet. Are you sure I look ok?” Dayna turned round and peered back at her bottom, in the mirror. “Yeah – looks good,” she answered herself.
“Yes you do look good – now stop fretting. You’ll be a nervous wreck by the time you get there.”
“But you still think that I shouldn’t give him the letter.”
Jenny shrugged. “It’s up to you. You know him and if you feel comfortable doing it – then do it.”
Dayna grinned and fluttered her eyelashes. “I’ll let you know what happens.”
“Ok, but be prepared for him not to text you. I don’t think I could bear you moping around here for weeks and weeks.”
“I’m prepared for the worst, don’t you worry. But I’m also prepared for the best…” Dayna raised one eyebrow in an attempt to look sexy but only managed to look odd as she squinted her eyes and screwed up her face. “And then it’s your turn tomorrow…”