‘You know he didn’t mean to, he loves you.’
Amberley was upset by Kate’s demands. They had been friends when she was still with Steve and she knew what her brother was like, deep down.
‘Sorry, but the answer is still no.’ Amberley tried to keep the anger from her voice and she gripped the mobile firmly in her hand.
‘I thought we were friends. My family is really suffering because of all of this. I cannot believe you’re putting us all through this. You are making our lives a living hell!’
Amberley gripped her mobile even tighter until her knuckles showed white through her skin. ‘Don’t ever contact me again, Kate. Your brother has put me through enough. I can’t believe you’re even asking me to consider this.’
‘At least think about it,’ Kate responded in a pleading voice.
‘Never, and if you call me again I will be in touch with the Police and my lawyers!’
Before Kate could say anymore, she ended the call and put a block on her number. Amberley knew she was well within her rights to report Kate for harassment but as they had once been friends, she decided against it. To take her mind off the call, she decided to contact Simon to see how Sarah was doing.
‘Hey, Amberley, it’s good to hear from you.’
The sound of Simon’s happy voice made her smile and she knew what she was going to say next made perfect sense.
‘I’ve decided to move back to Cornwall temporarily… If you’ll have me.’ She laughed as Simon almost cheered at the other end of the line.
‘At last,’ she heard Sarah say in the background.
‘When?’
She checked on her laptop to see what outstanding tasks she had for Hawson. ‘Give me a couple of days and I should be done here.’
She walked slowly into John’s office.
‘Have you been up all night? You look like hell, Amberley.’
She smiled to herself; trust John to be straight to the point.
‘I look that good, huh?’
‘Well, no good beating about the bush.’
‘I’m going back to Cornwall as soon as possible. With the trial almost here, I want to prepare and be with my family.’
‘I’ll be sorry to lose you but I understand. I think this City has lost your love, I can see your future lies elsewhere.’
‘What makes you say that?’ she asked in surprise.
‘Amberley, you have an amazing talent for business but I sense your heart isn’t in it, at least not any more. And if you do not get out soon the city will kill you. I’ve seen it happen before and I would hate to see you become yet another casualty.’ He came and sat on the front of his desk, piercing her with his steely gaze.
‘The way you and your friend looked at each other when he was here makes me think you two need to talk. Don’t make the same mistake I did.’
She laughed nervously. ‘What was that? I can’t imagine you making any mistakes.’
‘I was in love once. Then I let work and a deep stubborn streak get in the way. You and I are very much alike, Amberley. Just give it a chance, don’t live your life full of regrets and what ifs. And please,’ he added. ‘Don’t tell anyone about this revelation; it wouldn’t help my credibility in this place.’
Amberley was silent; it was obvious he was more perceptive than she had ever known. ‘I think you’re right, John, and I thank you for your honesty.’
***
The day she left for Cornwall, Greg’s painting was the last thing she loaded. She placed it reverently on the back seat, running a hand lovingly across it. She looked back at her flat one last time and said a silent goodbye to it – and to London.
As she pulled up outside the cottage, Simon ran out to greet her. He held her in a tight bear hug. ‘We’ve missed you.’
‘I’ve missed you too,’ she managed to say through her tears.
She looked past him to see Sarah emerge from the cottage. She was beautiful, with her bright pink cheeks and well-rounded tummy. ‘You look wonderful, Sarah.’
‘I don’t know about wonderful, I feel more like a beached whale,’ she replied, patting her stomach. ‘I never get any rest, I’m sure it’s going to be a dancer or footballer!’
When she had unpacked, Amberley flopped down on the sofa. Simon handed her a mug of tea.
‘Thanks, I need this.’ She smiled gratefully at her brother.
‘How are you feeling with the trial only a week away now?’
She looked at Simon for long minutes, nursing the mug in her hands.
‘Not sure, it doesn’t feel real yet.’ She said no more, not wanting to think about it right now.
‘I’ve got an announcement to make,’ said Amberley during dinner that night.
Simon and Sarah stopped eating to look at her questioningly. ‘Go on,’ said Simon, watching her intently.
‘I’ve rented some temporary accommodation.’
There was silence for a while before she continued, ‘I know it’s probably not what you want to hear but it makes perfect sense. Don’t worry; you won’t get rid of me that easily, I’ll still be popping in and out.’
‘Why are you doing this?’ asked Simon, pushing his plate away from him.
‘Well,’ said Amberley toying with her fork. ‘I still have some work to do, and you two need to spend as much time as possible together. Once the baby’s here that won’t be happening and I’ll only be a short drive away from you.’
‘That’s a relief,’ said Simon. ‘I thought you were going to the other end of the country.’
‘No, you don’t get rid of me that easily.’
***
In the morning, Amberley walked down to the village. It was cold and crisp. She loved mornings like this. She smiled as she looked at the decorations and lights outside Kath Winters shop, reflecting on how magical she used to think it appeared when she was younger.
‘Hello, Kath,’ said Amberley as she entered the shop.
‘Amberley,’ she replied, her smile warm and welcoming as always. ‘How are you, love?’
‘I’m getting there.’
Kath kissed her on the cheek.
‘Hi, Amberley, I thought I heard your voice.’
At the sound of Greg’s words, she looked up. Her chest tightened as she gazed into his big, blue eyes. ‘Good to see you.’
‘Why don’t you take Amberley through to the lounge?’ Kath suggested.
‘Sorry, but I’m on my way to the Craft Centre. Maybe we could catch up later?’
His tone was cool and his stance guarded. Amberley felt her stomach knot with pain.
‘Of course, Greg, I understand.’
As he passed by, he gently touched her arm. She felt the heat of that one, small touch all through her body.
‘Take care,’ was all he said.
She felt crushed, but then she was the one who had continually pushed him away, she should not expect anything more from him.
***
Back at the cottage, Amberley analysed her meeting with Greg. She wanted him so much, but was unsure how to turn it around, so afraid of making a mistake. Later that same day, she moved into her temporary accommodation. Whilst unpacking, she heard her phone go.
She didn’t recognise the number and answered it cautiously. ‘Hello.’
‘Miss Masterson, this is Martha from Witness Care. I’m sorry to have to inform you that the trial against Mr Jackson has been postponed until February.’
She stopped dead in her tracks, ‘Why?’
‘The judge due to preside over your case is now unavailable due to another trial overrunning. I’m very sorry.’
She mumbled her thanks and turned off her phone. This was her worst nightmare; the dread would now be hanging over her right through until the New Year.
Simon and Sarah were both more positive than she had been at receiving the news.
‘At least I won’t have to worry about getting a call from Sarah saying the baby is on its way,’ said Simon.
‘Maybe
I should give John Hawson a call. See if I can go back and work for him for a while longer,’ she mused, saying the words aloud but talking to herself.
‘Look, Amberley,’ said Sarah, hugging her, ‘we can have a lovely Christmas, just the four of us. Then in the New Year, there will be plenty to do at the Craft Centre. The trial will be here before you know it.’
‘I agree with Sarah, if I have to chain you up here to stop you going back to London I will do.’
She smiled. ‘Okay, you guys win,’ she said, holding her hands up in surrender. ‘Guess I’d better give you a hand with Christmas shopping in that case.’
***
Just over a week before Christmas, Amberley was helping Sarah to decorate the tree. She was up the stepladder whilst Sarah gave her instructions on where to put things. Sarah was very fussy about where things should go.
‘No to the left a bit. No that’s too far.’
‘Sarah, if I stay here long enough I’ll start gathering dust. Maybe I should decorate myself instead.’
She put baubles on her ears and tinsel around her neck, parading around the room in an attempt to look like a runway model. She tripped and Sarah began to laugh. They both ended up breathless with laughter. Sarah’s hand went to her stomach and she winced. Amberley rushed to her.
‘Are you feeling okay, Sarah?’
‘Ouch, no. Call Simon I think the baby’s on its way. Ow, that hurt…’
‘He’s at the Craft Centre,’ said Amberley, putting down the phone, ‘I’ll drive you to the hospital and he’ll meet us at the maternity block.’
On arrival, Amberley took her straight to the delivery suite. Simon turned up a short while later.
‘I’ve called Sarah’s parents and they’re on their way,’ said Amberley as he entered the room where Sarah had been taken.
Sarah’s parents had already started on their way down for a visit. They would be arriving soon. Amberley attempted to read a magazine but ended up pacing the corridor, unable to concentrate on anything other than Sarah and the baby.
‘You were right, Amberley, it’s a girl,’ said Simon, when he emerged from the delivery suite three hours later.
‘Oh, Simon, I am so very happy for you both,’ she answered, her voice full of emotion as she held her brother close.
‘Time to meet your new niece,’ he whispered.
Simon took her hand and led her through the doors. Sarah was positively glowing and smiling serenely. She cradled a tiny bundle in her arms. Amberley kissed Sarah on the forehead and looked at the small pink bundle.
‘She is so beautiful, Sarah.’ Amberley said, overwhelmed by love but unable to escape the thought of her own lost baby.
‘Isobel, meet your Auntie Amberley,’ said Sarah, holding the baby towards her.
Gently Amberley took Isobel in her arms and cuddled her close, marvelling at the perfection of something so small. Her heart swelled with love for her niece. She kissed Isobel’s cheek and handed her back to Sarah.
‘I’m so proud of you both,’ she said, choking back tears. She left the room to give them some privacy and to escape.
Amberley sat in her car for a long time without moving. The loss of her own baby sat heavily in her heart. She cried once again and mourned for the child that was taken from her in such a tragic and violent way.
***
The following day, she popped by to see Kath and tell her the good news. Greg was at the Craft Centre and Amberley was relieved that he had not been there. She didn’t think she could have faced him with the news of Isobel. She knew it would cause them both too much pain to think about the child they would never know.
At around midday Simon called her. Sarah was going to be in hospital overnight but all being well mother and baby would be released from hospital the following day. Even so, Amberely could not resist another hospital visit, and so laden with gifts, she juggled her way down the maternity corridor. As she did, the over-sized bear slipped from her grasp.
‘Careful, you don’t want to injure that poor bear.’
She looked up in time to see Keith grab the bear before it hit the floor. Looking over his shoulder, she saw Greg. They looked at each other for what seemed an eternity.
‘Look, you two. I’m not going to stand here like a twit cuddling this teddy all day. I take it we’re headed in the same direction,’ said Keith, exasperation in his voice.
‘Sorry, Keith. Thanks for rescuing Teddy.’
‘No problem, Amberley, I’ll keep hold of it until we get there.’
Before Amberley could respond, Keith wandered down the corridor with the bear bouncing up and down in his arms and leaving her alone with Greg. The silence grew oppressive.
‘Isobel is so beautiful, such a tiny little thing but she’s prefect.’ Amberley’s voice sounded too loud to her ears.
‘Isobel, that’s a beautiful name isn’t it?’ replied Greg.
‘Yes it is.’
They exchanged a look of sadness and understanding.
‘Which way is her room?’ he asked.
‘Just along here,’ she whispered.
‘That look suits you, mate,’ said Greg, as they entered Sarah’s room and saw Keith holding Isobel.
‘Don’t you dare tell Chrissie, it’ll give her ideas.’
Amberley went round to the bed and gave Sarah a hug.
‘I hope the clothes are okay. I was very sensible and got things for when she’s a few months older, and I only got the one cuddly toy.’
‘Okay Isobel, you’d better go to go Auntie Amberley now,’ said Keith, holding out the baby for her.
Carefully, Amberley took her from him and cradled her in her arms. She kissed her on the forehead and rocked her gently. She loved the smell and the feel of her and felt peace and love envelope her. Greg watched her interact with the baby. His expression was unreadable.
‘Would you like to hold her?’ asked Amberley, looking towards Greg.
‘Yes, if it’s okay.’
‘Of course it is,’ replied Sarah.
Slowly Amberley moved over to Greg who held out his arms for the tiny baby. He took her in his arms and stroked her face. One of her hands waved around and Greg caught hold of it, marvelling at the way her tiny hand curled around his little finger.
It was all too much for Amberley. The look on Greg’s face as he held Isobel in his arms made her think of what might have been. She left the room, walked to the nearest exit, and stood outside, taking in deep gulps of the cold winter air.
‘Are you okay?’
She looked up to see Simon standing next to her.
‘I’m sorry, Simon.’ She swallowed hard. ‘Isobel is so perfect.’
He touched her arm. ‘I understand.’
She nodded sadly and broke down in her brother’s arms.
***
After she’d composed herself she made her way back to Sarah’s room. She felt it was the appropriate time to let them have her news. It was something she had mulled over frequently since returning to Cornwall, and now her choice was made.
‘Oh and by the way, you won’t be short of babysitters.’
‘What do you mean?’ Sarah asked her.
‘Well, now I’m an auntie I’ve decided I want to be near to you all, at least for the time being. I’m going to stay on in Cornwall for a bit longer than I had originally planned.’
Simon gave her a big hug.
‘That’s fantastic news, Amberley. I’m so pleased you’re going to be around. You could stay with us you know.’
‘Yes I know I could, Simon, but I don’t want to get in the way and you should be on your own.’
Keith raised his eyebrows speculatively, looking at Greg. Amberley pretended not to have noticed the exchange between them. She wasn’t sure if she would ever be in a relationship with Greg. There was still too much going on in her head. Kissing Isobel one last time, she felt Greg’s eyes on her again. Could she see hope in his expression, she wondered?
CHAPTER TWENTY
Christmas and New Year passed in a blur for Amberley, and the morning of the trial loomed ever closer. When the day finally arrived, she felt sick. She attempted to eat some cereal, but it felt like cardboard and swallowing it was virtually impossible. When she picked up her coffee, her hands shook so much that most of it ended up on the table.
Just before Simon was due to pick her up, Katrina phoned. ‘Hello, Amberley, I wanted to check how you were feeling.’
‘A bit jumpy, I wish it was all over. How about you?’
‘Much the same as you, I know we’ll both be better when that pig gets sentenced.’
Amberley agreed entirely with that sentiment.
She went to look at the painting Greg had left with her. His note was tucked into the edge of the frame. The words gave her hope and courage. On impulse, she dialled the shop number; there was no reply so she tried his mobile, still no reply. At that moment, she heard Simon pull up outside. Taking a deep breath, she left the house to face Steve in court.
***
The court was housed in a large, Gothic building with imposing, thick wooden doors. As she walked up the steps, she felt as though she was the guilty party. There was a metal detector, which everyone had to go through, and all bags were searched.
The scene before her looked chaotic, lawyers, police officers and all manner of people rushing around. There were various courtrooms; hers was on the first floor. Amberley noted the various paintings of past judges hanging on the walls, each one watching her as if she were the one on trial. By the time she reached the top of the stairs, her palms were sweating and her breathing was shallow and uneven.
Witness Care had advised her that the trial could last up to a week and she cringed at the notion. The prospect of having to see Steve for five days or more filled her with trepidation. Standing waiting to enter the courtroom, she felt bile rise in her throat and made her way quickly to the toilets. Amberley took deep gulps of air to stave off the feeling of sickness. She patted her face with cold water and rested her head on the cool tiles, in an attempt to calm her racing pulse. As her heartbeat slowed, she prepared to face the court.
Flame Page 19