by Peter Martin
‘But she doesn’t want to talk about it. I’ve tried until I’m sick of trying. And now I’m frightened I’ll lose her as well as my son,’ he said, his lips tightening over his teeth.
‘You won’t. You’re jumping to the wrong conclusion, I promise.’
‘I’m not. She’s always talking about him, what he’s been through, how brilliant he can paint, and how thoughtful and helpful he is. Nothing is too much trouble for him. They’re even swapping emails, which I can’t read because she’s got them password protected. God, it makes me want to puke.’
‘Calm down, will you?’ Toni said, reaching over to put her warm hand over his.
‘It’ll be interesting to see what happens now that painting’s finished. How will they find an excuse to meet up? Although seeing as they’re both at home anyway, I’ll never know about it – will I?’
Toni smiled sadly. ‘Bob, stop it. Maria's not that stupid. You’re not telling me she’ll give up a good looking, hardworking fun guy like yourself, for this crackpot painter.’
He smiled, heartened because she was so sympathetic.
Turning round, he noticed everyone was about to leave. They all said goodbye, probably wondering what he and Toni were doing.
‘So how are you getting home?’ He enquired once they’d gone.
‘Taxi.’
‘I’ll give you a lift if you like.’
‘If you’re sure it’s not out of your way.’
‘Not at all – come on, shall we go?’
They walked together to the car. Bob drove her back to her flat, situated in a select part of Cliffburn. He didn’t make much of an effort to exchange pleasantries on the way back, but she didn’t appear to take offence.
‘Speak to you tomorrow, eh Bob,’ she said as she got out, looking at him blankly, obviously over his sour mood.
‘Toni, I’m sorry about burdening you with all that rubbish. I’m not the most sociable person at the moment, but thanks for listening, I do appreciate it.’
‘No problem, that’s what friends are for.’
‘Perhaps next time you can tell me about your problems – all right?’
‘Sure Bob.’
He waved to her, beeped the horn as he drove off, unsure of the reception he’d have waiting for him at home – having stayed out longer than promised.
Maria was in the living room, no longer lying on the sofa, but sitting at the computer when he got in. He imagined she was on the missing person’s website.
‘Good night?’ She asked him looking up from the screen.
‘All right, I suppose.’ He bent down to have another look at the painting Alan had done.
‘Good for you.’
‘Listen, I’m sorry I’m a bit late but I couldn’t get away. How are you feeling now?’
‘Not too bad. I took a couple of tablets – and now the pain has almost gone.’
‘So where do you want me to hang this picture? I’ll do it straightaway if you want.’
‘Over the fireplace, perhaps.’
‘Good, if I hold it up, tell me the exact spot.’
Maria took a little time to find the right place, but once she’d decided on the right spot, he had it hanging on the wall within minutes. Everyone who saw it would admire it as a great piece of work. He envied Alan’s great talent, aware it was something he could never match.
The following morning at breakfast Bob couldn’t help but pass comment on Maria and Alan.
‘I’ll bet you won’t know what to do with yourself now that painting’s finished.’
‘Pardon?’ She asked with a startled expression on her face.
‘I wondered what you’ll do now you haven’t got to sit for Alan anymore.’
‘Don’t worry; I’ve got plenty of things to keep me occupied, especially with the young missing persons’ website – you’d be surprised. Then there’s keeping Tim’s room up to scratch plus a million and one other things.’
‘So you won’t be seeing much of Alan now?’
‘I expect not, although in one way I’m glad. It got so boring sitting there for hours on end. I mean all right he’s a perfectionist, but it was getting ridiculous. I might see him now and then about the website, but otherwise not.’
Bob was heartened by this – she seemed to be telling the truth, but he still had his doubts. The seed had been planted last night about the possibility of them having an affair, it hadn’t occurred to him in the beginning, although he had to admit he remembered thinking how long it was taking to get the painting finished. But despite his talk with Toni, and Maria’s convincing performance, he was still worried.
As he travelled to work that morning, he felt heartened by the thought that the painting was finished, he couldn’t imagine she’d be stupid enough, to get involved with Alan, after all they had been through together. But that said, since Maria and Alan were both at home, it would be easy for them to carry on without him knowing.
The first few hours of his day were uneventful, with the usual mundane job of handling mostly run of the mill insurance claims. He hadn’t had a chance to talk to Toni as they were all very busy. He squirmed with embarrassment, thinking he’d said too much last night, and hoped she’d keep it to herself as promised.
During the lunch break he checked his mobile phone and saw he’d received a message. It must be from Maria, he thought opening it. But was shocked to find it wasn’t from her at all.
‘I’ve been seeing your wife. You wouldn’t believe what we’ve been doing together. Thought I’d better let you know, she’s leaving you – sorry old man, all’s fair in love and war.’
Bob almost dropped the phone, he was so shaken. There was no indication of who’d sent it, just a mobile number. However, with his present train of thoughts he’d got a good idea. He panicked, his mind was in turmoil, not sure of what to do. But he believed every word.
Chapter 19
It had been difficult for Maria to act normal after the events of the day before. She should have told Bob, but he’d been so full of the bowling night, she couldn’t bring herself to say anything. And of course, he’d have gone berserk. What had happened was unbelievable, and completely without provocation. This would be easier to deal with if Bob was kept out of it and save a lot of upset too. As long as she avoided Alan wherever possible, she hoped to keep it under wraps. However, the painting still had to be paid for and she planned to contact him by email, quote a price and then put a cheque through his letter box. That would be the end of the matter - hopefully. Surely so long as she was with Bob, Alan would leave her alone.
Then wasting no time, she sent an email, expecting him to reply straightaway, but he didn’t. As the morning passed, she started to feel easier, hopeful he’d taken the hint, she thought. So when the phone rang, she expected to hear Bob’s voice but too late – it was Alan.
‘Hi-ya, Maria.’
Her heart beat faster with dismay. The receiver shook in her hand. ‘Oh, it’s you!’
‘Look, I’m so sorry about yesterday, I was totally out of order. It won’t happen again, I promise you.’
‘Too right it won’t. You got my email. Is what I’m offering you a fair price?’
‘Well I did say you could have it as a gift, but yes it’s very generous. It may increase in value in the future and be worth quite a sum.’
But she didn’t comment on that and just answered, ‘I’ll push a cheque through your letter box later on.’
‘Why not bring it round? We could talk – listen, I really want to make it up to you.’
‘No chance. I appreciate you’ve gone through a lot, but you should talk to Debra, get your life with her back on track.’
‘For God’s sake Maria, she doesn’t care about me. You’re my only hope now.’
‘You’re not listening to what I’m saying. There’s no point in prolonging this conversation any further. In future stay away from me – you hear me?’
‘Sure I do, loud and clear. But, I’d advise you to be nic
e to me, my dear, play the game a little longer or you might live to regret it.’ This was a threat.
‘What the hell are you talking about now – play what game a little longer?’
‘I’m talking about how I feel about you. Now either you treat me with respect or your good husband will find out what’s been going on between us. Now, if you agree to come away with me, I’m sure you won’t regret it.’
‘You know what you can do – ’she shouted at him, banging the phone down. Still trembling with fright, she bit her bottom lip so hard, she could taste blood.
What if he carried out his threat? What could she do to stop him? Only what he wanted and that wasn’t an option. She loathed this self-pitying man who’d inadvertently killed his own daughter. No wonder Debra treated him with contempt. He deserved it.
The phone rang again almost as soon as she’d put it down. She didn’t answer, thinking it must be Alan, and finally it stopped, but her stomach began to churn causing her to feel sick.
He was trying to intimidate her to get his own way, but he must realise by now she wouldn’t budge. Nothing had happened between them, and never would. He could make up as many stories as he liked, but in his own mind he must know the truth. The one person he couldn’t fool was himself.
Surely Bob would believe her side of the story. After all he knew more than anyone how heartbroken she was and the difficulties she’d faced over the past six months. And to embark on an affair was the last thing she’d ever do.
Maria convinced herself these were idle threats, Alan would never have the guts to do anything. So she got on with her chores, putting it to the back of her mind.
Sometime later, she was eating her lunch, when she noticed a tab flashing on her laptop indicating an email had been received. Accessing them she saw this one was from Alan. Her heart stopped. In the subject line were three words ‘I’ve told him.’
‘He knows Maria. So what are you going to do now? I suggest you come away with me because when Debra comes home from work I’m telling her as well. Reply at once with your decision.’
Maria was furious but also afraid. He must be bluffing, he wouldn’t have the nerve to carry out his threat. But a tiny part of her feared he might. And she couldn’t stop thinking about him. When Bob came back that night, she’d be her normal self, and if he said anything she’d deny everything. But the more she thought about it the more she realised how difficult this would be to prove. She’d done nothing except to sit for him while he painted her.
She began to panic as an element of fear crept into her head, knowing she’d been hoodwinked. Initially Alan had seemed such a compassionate caring person, someone you could rely on in a crisis. If Bob had the same impression would he now think she’d instigated the so-called affair?
It was the middle of the afternoon, Bob had been on tenterhooks since receiving the text message at lunchtime. He’d been unnerved at first and had to resist the temptation to rush home and confront Maria, but kept telling himself this was a hoax, and nothing more.
He was so glad to get out of work and to go home. Toni caught up with him as he walked across the car park, but he didn’t tell her anything about the text message. Not yet anyway.
‘All right Bob?’ she asked him.
‘Yes, fine. Just thinking – that’s all.’ Deep down his anger was intensifying, and he guessed Toni had already noticed something was amiss.
‘If you want to talk, I’m not doing much. I could come for a quick drink with you.’
‘Thanks, but I really have to get home,’ was his blunt reply, although he realised at once his tone of voice might have sounded insensitive.
‘Fine, the offer’s there any time, you know.’
‘You’re a star Toni - I might take you up on that one of these days.’
He longed to tell her, but wanted to be sure of his facts first. So he said goodbye before getting into his car. She smiled at him.
During his journey home he experienced a mixture of emotions. His stomach fluttered the more he thought of the different scenarios the night might bring. And despite being almost certain who the text message was from, he had to hear Maria out.
What would he do if she wasn’t there? He should say good riddance, but that wouldn’t be easy. In reality he’d panic and be desperate to know where they’d gone. Thankfully, to his relief, as soon as he opened the front door, he heard the blare of the television.
After hanging up his coat and putting his briefcase under the hall table, he went into the living room to find her sitting on the settee with her legs under her bottom, watching television.
She gave no hint that anything was wrong. Acting normally by the looks of it, he thought. Well she was certainly a good actress. She’d had the life of Riley since they’d come to live in Cliffburn – while he was busy slaving away at work. And it hadn’t done her any good; look what it had led to – was it right that the bastard next door was screwing her as he’d claimed? And while she was supposedly trying to keep Tim’s memory alive she was doing God knows what with him.
‘All right Bob?’ she asked him with a hint of a smile.
But he couldn’t bring himself to be civil to her and grunted something without even looking at her. She must realise he was onto her, he thought, as he walked to the kitchen, where surprise, surprise something was actually in the oven. Well, that made a change. Although she hadn’t much else to do. Just what kind of wife was she these days? She hardly did anything except to aimlessly mope around the house thinking about Tim or Mr Wonderful.
Bob made himself a drink, drank it all in one go before returning to the living room. He walked over to stand directly in front of her, breathing deeply, intent on finding out the truth.
She looked up at him, seeming suddenly afraid. ‘What’s wrong?’
‘You know damn well what’s wrong!’ He shouted.
‘Do I?’
‘I’ve had enough.’
‘Enough of what?’
‘Of you, you two-faced bitch.’
‘Pardon?’
‘You heard. I know what you’ve been up to Maria while I’ve been out slogging my guts out.’
‘Oh God, now what!’
‘You’ve been having an affair behind my back, haven’t you? I trusted you and believed you’d dedicated your life to finding our son when all the time you were with him. How dare you? Especially after what we’ve been through together.’
She seemed to twig straightaway what he was alluding to, and went red in the face saying, ‘You’ve got it all wrong Bob.’
‘Oh really, well I have the evidence, evidence you can’t deny.’ He said, noting she was unable to look him in the eye.
‘So what is this so called evidence?’
Taking out his mobile from his pocket he switched it on and scrolled down to find the message he’d received. He placed the phone directly in front of her face and looked on as she gasped with shock, trembling as she glanced up at him.
‘You can’t honestly believe this rubbish – surely. It’s all lies.’ She shook her head vigorously in denial.
‘If it’s not true, what is it then?’
‘I’m sorry, I should have told you. Last Monday when I went to collect the portrait, out of the blue, he suggested I go away with him. It was such a shock I froze, thinking it was some sort of joke. But I promise you nothing has ever gone on between us and it never will. And he’s never acted in an inappropriate manner before.’
‘Come on, Maria, pull the other one. I guessed it was him. But why would he suggest going away together if you hadn’t led him on? I should have known you were having an affair, the amount of time he took with that painting. You must think I’m stupid.’
‘Bob, I’m innocent, I swear it on our son’s life.’
‘That’s easy for you to say. Tell you what - why don’t we go round there and talk to him about it?’ He grabbed hold of her wrist.
‘No.’ She tried to resist his attempts to pull her with him.
&n
bsp; ‘Oh yes. There’s nothing to be scared of – if you’re telling the truth, he’ll deny it, won’t he?’
‘Bob, listen to me.’
‘No, I don’t want to listen to your lies. You’re coming with me to see your lover.’ He dragged her from the living room into the hall towards the front door. Her struggles were futile in his present enraged state of mind.
She stumbled as they reached their neighbours’ front door saying, ‘Don’t do this, please.’
But it fell on deaf ears, he would have it out with Alan no matter what the cost. He banged on the door.
To his surprise, Debra came to the door. The warm smile on her face vanished, when she saw the rage on Bob’s tormented face, and then the fear on Maria’s. Obviously this wasn’t a courtesy call.
‘Hello,’ she said apprehensively.
‘Is Alan in?’ Bob asked.
‘Yes, he is, come in.’
‘No, thank you, we’ll wait out here if it’s all the same to you.’
‘Oh.’ Debra sounded surprised standing there for a second or two, shaking her head, as if waiting for an explanation. She went back into the house, returning a couple of minutes later with a sheepish looking Alan.
‘It was you, wasn’t it? Who sent me that filthy text,’ Bob ranted.
‘No… please,’ Maria protested, twisting her whole body in an attempt to get away.
Bob reached for his mobile and found the message, thrusting it in front of Alan, saying, ‘Here read this.’
He smirked. ‘It looks familiar.’
‘You dirty scum bag,’ Bob screamed and slammed a fist into Alan’s face, flooring him in one go.
On the ground amid a mouthful of blood, Alan groaned, and unrepentant said, ‘I’ve been screwing her for weeks, right under your nose mate, and soon we’re going away together. So what are you going to do about that?’
‘That’s a lie,’ Maria shouted. ‘He’s making it all up, don’t listen to him.’