Flame

by Toya Richardson

  She sighed in resignation.

  ‘You’re right, but I don’t think your Mum will be happy. I may have just put your life in danger, as well as mine.’

  ‘Mum will love having you there. She thrives on looking after people. She won’t be cross, but she will be if I leave you here on your own, unprotected.’

  ‘Okay you win,’ she replied.

  While Greg went to call her, Amberley leant her hands on the edge of the sink. The remorse she felt for getting him involved cut into her deeply. Seeing her car keys on the table, she grabbed them, making for the back door.

  ‘Where do you think you’re going?’ Greg’s voice took her by surprise.

  ‘I’ve caused far too much bother, I’m leaving.’ She stared past him. She could not bear to look into his eyes.

  ‘Look at me, Amberley.’ His voice was gently commanding.

  Slowly her eyes focused on his. He looked exasperated and concerned.

  ‘Why are you acting like this?’

  Gripping the keys tightly until they almost pierced her skin, she answered him.

  ‘Do you know why I’m acting like this, Greg? It’s because I feel guilty, guilty because people I really care about could end up getting hurt because of my lack of judgement in choosing a man. I feel so angry, so hurt and I don’t know what to do about any of it.’ Her lips trembled and tears gathered in her eyes again.

  Greg held her tightly, stroking her hair. Amberley felt safe and secure in his arms, she snuggled closer to him drawing from his strength. After a while she stopped crying but didn’t move because she enjoyed being close to him.

  ‘If you feel up to it now why don’t you go and pack a few things. Mum’s expecting us.’

  ‘Whatever did she say when you told her?’ Amberley was still unconvinced about staying overnight with them.

  ‘She was more than happy to have you stay, plus…’ he started to grin.

  ‘What’s so funny?’

  ‘She doesn’t think you eat enough, so I have a feeling she wants to feed you up!’

  Amberley smiled, he smiled back.

  ‘And anyway she cares for you like a daughter, always has done. She would love it if we…’ Greg stopped himself before he said anymore.

  ‘If what?’ she asked him frowning.

  ‘Oh nothing, now go and get packed.’

  ***

  Within half an hour, they were at Greg’s house. Kath came to the door and fussed over Amberley like a mother hen.

  ‘I’m so very sorry about all of this, Kath,’ she said apologetically.

  Kath sat down with her while Greg went back to the cottage to secure the window.

  ‘Don’t be so silly, love, there’s no way you could stay there on your own with the window damaged. That awful man may come back.’

  ‘That’s what I’m worried about; I feel I’ve put you both in danger. Maybe I should go somewhere else. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to either of you.’ She tugged fretfully at the pixie on her necklace.

  Kath put an arm around her. ‘Everything will be all right. Greg can take care of himself and would never let anything happen to either of us. Moving away will only make that man think he’s beaten you.’

  She sighed heavily. ‘I guess you’re right, Kath, I’ll have to tough it out until he’s caught.’

  ‘Come on, let’s get you settled in the spare room while Greg’s at the cottage,’ she said as she took Amberley’s hand and led her towards the stairs.

  ***

  The following afternoon, Simon and Sarah arrived and after a chat with Kath and Greg, they took Amberley back to the cottage. Once inside she hugged them both fiercely.

  ‘It’s so good to see you; I’ve really missed you both – but I could’ve managed.’

  ‘Hmm, I wonder if you could be right about that,’ said Sarah winking at Simon. Her action didn’t go unnoticed by Amberley.

  ‘Yes, I know I’m right. What are you intimating?’ she asked.

  ‘Now, let me think about this for a moment,’ said Sarah, pretending to be deep in thought, ‘well… I can think of one six foot reason with big blue eyes. He’s absolutely gorgeous and so considerate, Amberley, and it’s so very obvious that he’s attracted to you. He’s certainly improved from the teenage version I saw in the photographs,’ she said, grinning cheekily.

  Amberley blushed furiously. ‘He’s just a very good friend and that’s all.’

  ‘Methinks the lady doth protest too much,’ whispered Simon to Sarah but loud enough for Amberley to hear.

  She threw a cushion at him. ‘Oh do be quiet. Can we change the subject… please?’

  ‘Just a bit of an update, Roundings lawyers are talking to our lawyers. Hopefully, by the end of next week if we’re lucky, the contracts can be drawn up now that terms have been agreed.’ He spoke with confidence.

  Amberley played with the stem of her wine glass. ‘Good, as long as they consent to keeping on the workforce. They have been very loyal to us. Especially Vanessa, I couldn’t have got through the past few months without her help.’

  Simon nodded his agreement, ‘I know and the fact that we’ll still be around as advisors will definitely help with the transitional period.’

  ‘Oh,’ he added, ‘I spoke to John Hawson the other day and he doesn’t have a problem with the takeover, so long as we personally oversee his contract.’ He was quiet momentarily before adding, ‘Hopefully we should be able to do most of that remotely with videoconferences and audio calls. At least we won’t have to be in London. It’s good that he agrees, especially after all the trouble you went to when you told him exactly what you thought of him. What do you want to do once you’re free?’ he asked her.

  She shook her head slowly. ‘I haven’t got a clue what I shall do after it’s all over. I’ve not thought that far ahead,’ she said honestly.

  ‘Well, Greg was telling me all about his plans for the Craft Centre here. We’ve always loved this part of the world and I am really keen to discuss putting our financial backing into the whole project. Why don’t you join us?’

  ‘I’ll give it some thought, but I don’t want to commit myself to anything until Steve is apprehended,’ She stated firmly.

  Simon and Sarah stayed until Monday. Simon had to get back to meet with their lawyers – Amberley would join in via videoconference.

  ‘You two drive carefully now and don’t worry about me, I’ll be safe here. The police know the situation, plus Greg is only down the road if I need him. It’s been so lovely to see you, even though the circumstances weren’t good,’ said Amberley, holding them both close.

  Sarah got into the car and Simon gripped his sister in a bear hug. ‘I know Greg will keep you safe, he always did when we were younger. He cares a great deal about you, you know. I think you’d make a great couple.’

  She smiled at Simon. ‘I know and I’m thankful for his friendship. But that’s all it is… friendship.’

  Even as she said the words she wasn’t certain if she was trying to convince her brother, or herself.

  ‘Well, have it your own way, but I can see a definite attraction between you two. Oh look,’ he said indicating to a figure running down the road, ‘talk of the devil.’

  Amberley looked over her shoulder to see Greg jogging towards them.

  ‘I’m glad I didn’t miss you; don’t worry about Amberley, I’ll take really good care of her,’ he assured them.

  ‘I know you will, Greg. We’ll talk soon about the business venture.’

  Greg stood with his arm draped loosely around Amberley’s shoulder, while they watched the car drive out of sight. The warmth of his touch heated her skin. She trembled slightly.

  ‘Are you okay?’

  She nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

  ‘Do you fancy helping me choose some pictures to hang in my gallery?’

  She laughed. ‘Blimey, Greg, it’s going to be nearly a year until the opening. You might change your mind, or paint some more.’
<
br />   ‘I know but I want to do it anyway.’

  He looked so enthusiastic that she hugged him impulsively.

  ‘Okay, okay let’s go.’

  ***

  On the following morning, Amberley got a call from Simon.

  ‘I’m sorry, Amberley, but they want to speak to both of us in person tomorrow, or the deal is off. I explained you’d been ill but they were still adamant that you have to be here too.’ He apologised.

  ‘It can’t be helped. I’ll book a flight from Newquay; it’ll be quicker than driving and I honestly don’t think I’m up to it.’

  She managed to book a flight for that evening and when she had texted Simon the flight details, she rang Greg.

  ‘I could’ve come with you,’ he complained. He had not seemed too happy with the news that she was going back to London on her own. ‘I’d hate to think that Steve may follow you back.’

  ‘That’s one of the reasons I decided to fly. Please, Greg, stop worrying I will be fine. I’ll probably be safer in London than here anyway.’

  ‘I still don’t like it.’ He remained unconvinced.

  ‘I don’t want to go either, but if it means we’ll sell the business faster, I’ll do it.’

  ‘I guess you’re right and Simon will be picking you up. I want to drive you to the airport though and I won’t take no for an answer. While you’re in London, if you have a spare moment, go to the Royal College of Art summer exhibition. You will see one of my paintings there. I still can’t believe they accepted another of my works.’

  ‘Really?’ she said, impressed. ‘In that case, I will definitely make time. Why didn’t you tell me before?’

  “With all this trouble with Steve I kind of forgot about it,” he explained.

  ***

  They arrived at the airport two hours before the flight was due to take off. Amberley had hoped that Greg would drop her off and leave straight away. She hated goodbyes. However, he parked up and insisted on waiting with her until she boarded the plane. They sat in the small café sipping on coffee that was far too strong and bitter; she absently stirred the liquid while staring off into space. She felt his hand clasp her free hand.

  ‘Promise me you’ll be careful.’

  ‘Sure I will, Greg.’ She forced a brave smile. ‘I’ll be back before you know it.’

  ‘Right,’ she said looking up at the screen. ‘My flight’s ready to board I’d better go.’

  Greg walked her to the departure gate. He put her walk-on case on the ground and took both her hands in his. He looked at her intensely, taking in every feature of her face. The long auburn hair that hung like waves of fire around her shoulders, the big grey-blue eyes in which he could see all her thoughts and emotions. Her full, red lips with the perfect pout, which were just ripe for kissing and the tiny freckles on her nose and cheeks, which added to her vulnerability.

  ‘Well, I guess this is goodbye.’

  ‘I’ll be back with you on Friday, it’s not that long.’ She assured him.

  ‘I’ll miss you, Amberley.’

  ‘I’ll miss you too.’

  Slowly, he lifted her fingertips to his mouth and kissed them softly, Amberley trembled at his touch. He moved nearer to her and cupped her face his hands, kissing her gently on the lips. Amberley felt her heart thud loudly in her chest. She hugged him fiercely. Hurriedly she kissed the side of his face, picked up her case and headed through the gate. She wiped the tears that rolled down her cheeks and kept her face turned away from him so he didn’t see her cry.

  ***

  She was shattered by the time she reached Simon’s flat. After bringing her bags in, she rang Greg. She felt sad at being so far away from him – the separation was hurting her more than she’d ever envisaged. Afterwards, she sat down on the sofa, hugging a cushion, deep in thought.

  ‘If you’re tired go to bed, Amberley.’

  She looked up at Simon, her eyelids felt heavy. ‘You know how flying always stresses me out. I think a good night’s sleep is just what I need.’

  Her mobile phone went; the number wasn’t displayed. She allowed it to ring until it cut off

  ‘Was that Steve?’

  ‘It was caller withheld but I’m guessing it was him. There’s a message.’

  ‘Good,’ said Simon. ‘He may have left more incriminating evidence.’

  Simon picked up her phone.

  ‘Let me do this,’ she said and he handed it back to her. She hit the play button.

  ‘I know you’re in London, Amberley, you can’t escape from me. I know where your lover and his precious mummy live too. You need to be taught a lesson – all of you. I’ll leave you with this thought… get rid of him, drop all the charges against me and maybe, just maybe, I won’t firebomb the house while they sleep. I will have you back, you are mine!’

  The message ended with Steve screaming words that were unintelligible. The phone slipped noiselessly from her grasp and landed with a soft thud on the floor. She stood unsteadily and paced around the room, wringing her hands together. Simon was at her side in an instant.

  ‘That’s the most terrifying statement I’ve heard from him so far.’ Her words came out in a strangled voice.

  She felt sick inside; she couldn’t allow him to hurt Greg or Kath. However, she would not give in to his demands either.

  Simon swore softly. ‘He’s completely unstable. He needs to be in a mental institution.’

  She stopped pacing and looked at her brother, steely determination in her eyes. ‘I’m not giving in to him. I will not be a victim anymore, but I am scared, Simon. I’m petrified of what he may do to Greg and Kath.’

  ‘You need to alert the police now. Then you will have to tell Greg and update him on the situation.’

  Simon reached across to touch her hand reassuringly. ‘They’ll be safe, but you have to keep them informed.’

  ‘I know, you’re right, I can’t take the risk that he may be in London and might follow me back on the plane.’

  She stared off into space again, deep in thought, her brows knitted together in concentration. She looked up and clicked her fingers.

  ‘I’ve got it! When I return to Cornwall, Greg could meet me at a service station half way. I don’t think Steve will have thought of that. It’s also Kath’s day off, so she will be at her sister’s for most of the day. She’ll be safe.’

  ‘Great idea. I can drive you to the services and you’ll have transport when you’re back at the cottage because your car’s still there.’

  Amberley laughed and ruffled his hair. ‘I’m not just a pretty face you know.’

  ‘I know someone who will agree with that. Although I’m sure he loves all of you.’

  ‘Oh stop it,’ she laughed, ‘I’m sure Greg doesn’t look at me in that way at all.’

  ‘Who said anything about, Greg?’ he asked her, feigning innocence.

  Unable to think of a single thing to say, she got hold of her phone. The call to the police had been easy, but calling Greg was harder. How did she tell him that she’d put both he and his mother in more danger? Looking at the clock, she saw it was quite late, but he had to know as soon as possible about the message. Taking a deep breath, she dialled his number.

  ‘Hello,’ came his voice over the phone. Hearing him made her miss him even more. At that moment in time, the line between friend and wanting him as a boyfriend seemed a bit fuzzy.

  ‘Hi, it’s me.’

  ‘Hey, Amberley, what a nice surprise, it’s good to hear from you.’

  The line went silent and her mouth became dry.

  ‘Are you still there?’

  ‘I have something to tell you… I had a voicemail from Steve. He has threatened Kath and you. I’m so sorry, maybe I should stay away from you but I can’t…’ she faltered, before her voice broke.

  She heard Greg breathe deeply.

  ‘Absolutely not, he’s not going to get away with this and I won’t let you leave. Having met up after all those years apart I am not p
repared to lose you again.’

  She warmed at his words.

  ‘I have a request for you now you know – seeing that you still want me hanging around.’ She relayed the idea about the service station.

  ‘Great idea, I guess Membury Services will be the best bet. I’d better go.

  ‘Of course and I have to prepare for my meeting tomorrow. I miss you so much, Greg.’

  The line went silent and for a moment, she thought he’d hung up. Then his gentle voice sounded in her ear.

  ‘I miss you too, baby, and I can’t wait for Friday.’

  She smiled when he called her baby; it sounded so intimate and warmed her heart. That night when she fell asleep, her dreams were filled of being held in his arms while he kissed her.

  ***

  As they waited for the delegates from Roundings and their legal team to arrive, Simon and Amberley shared a few quiet moments together.

  ‘It seems weird to think someone else could be in charge here,’ she said, as she slowly walked around her desk, her hands touched the edges almost reverently, it was her father’s old desk.

  Vanessa came in to announce that Roundings had arrived. She looked concerned. Amberley went over to her.

  ‘Please don’t worry. Part of the deal is to keep the workforce already in place here. It’s going to be noted in the contract we’ll sign. You’ve all been with us for a while and have helped to build this company’s reputation. You’ve been a tower of strength within this company and worked long hours on many occasions.’ She reassured her.

  ‘Plus,’ added Simon, ‘Amberley and I will be kept on as advisors because of our business contacts, so we will still need the help of a PA.’

  Vanessa smiled hesitantly.

  The meeting was a short one and went according to plan. A couple of points required further negotiation, but the contracts would be ready to sign before Amberley returned to Cornwall. Afterwards, they were to meet Sarah for lunch. Whilst waiting for her to arrive, they sat in quiet contemplation.

  ‘What do you think Mum and Dad would say if they could see us now?’