“I hope it is,” the low voice replied, “otherwise I’m in the wrong building.”
“Err, oh, err, is David there by any chance?” She asked, nervously.
“Is it the police? Have you found anything yet about the swine who did it?” The man responded immediately.
The police?
“No, no, I’m not the police. I’m,” she paused momentarily, “I’m, a friend of David.”
“A friend of David?” The voice asked, uncertainly.
“Yes, I’m,” she paused again, “I’m Iris.”
There came a muffled noise, Iris taking it to be the man’s hand over the receiver. She heard the man shouting to somebody in the background, an eternity passing, before she heard the soft sound of David’s voice speak.
“Hello,” he said.
“Hello David, it’s me Iris.”
“Hello Iris,” he replied after a pause, “I, I didn’t expect you to call.”
He doesn’t want to speak to me.
“I, I’m sorry if I’ve disturbed you David,” she replied quietly, “I’ll let you go, I’m sorry.”
“No, please no, Iris,” he said quickly, “I’m, I, err, just didn’t expect you to call me.”
“Well, I waited for you to get in touch with me David, but it seems you don’t wish to know me,” she said, regretting the words instantly.
“I, don’t wish to know you Iris?” he asked incredulously.
“That was a question, not a statement,” he added quickly.
“Well, you never got in touch,” she replied, “so that’s the way it seems to me.”
“Nothing, could be further from the truth Iris,” he answered.
“So, why didn’t you turn up?” She asked, surprised at her own forthrightness, but needing to know the answer.
“Turn up where?” He asked.
He’s forgotten.
“Turn up at my work,” she replied, “or at my house, or, or anywhere!”
“Iris,” he said, “I did turn up at your work.”
“What? When?” She asked.
He did not wish to say when, or why he did not get in touch, but he too, needed an answer.
“I turned up at your work and saw you getting into the car, with that other man.”
“What other man? Who are you on about David?” She asked, her mind racing.
“The man you got into the car with Iris,” he replied, “I was there. I turned up at your work, to see if I could walk you to the bus stop or something. But after seeing you with him, I thought it best not to interrupt you.”
Tobias.
“But David,” she replied, “you’ve got it wrong!”
“Have I Iris?” He asked.
“Yes! There’s nothing going on, between me and Tobias.”
“There isn’t?”
“No David, there isn’t, honestly,” she answered, not prepared to mention her trip to the Adelphi hotel at that moment.
“But Iris, I saw, I thought,” his words blurted forth.
“David, honestly, Tobias means nothing to me. When you saw him giving me a lift, there was nothing in it, I swear.”
There was a long pause between them.
“David,” she said.
“Yes Iris,” he replied, his mind racing with the images of what he saw in the carpark, doubting his own recollections and thoughts.
“What did the man who answered the phone mean by, if I was the police or not?” She asked.
He pondered whether to tell her what occurred, he was still comprehending the fact, he was talking on the telephone to her, that she was not with anybody else.
I love her voice so much.
“It’s nothing really,” he said, “oh, and that was Bob, he was at Archie’s wake.”
Iris thought back to the evening of the wake, trying to remember the men sat at David’s table.
“I think I remember him David,” she said, “but that doesn’t answer the question I asked.”
“I’ll tell you if I see you again,” he replied.
Another long pause, occurred between them.
“Alright David,” she finally said, “but I need to ask you for a favour.”
“Of course, Iris,” he replied, “what is it?”
“We need your help.”
****
Bob’s ramshackle van, stopped at the entrance to the allotments.
David stepped from the passenger side and looked to the gate at the far end of the lane.
“Well, this is where the young lass said he is,” Bob said, walking from the opposite side of the van.
“Iris said, it’s the last allotment before that gate,” David said.
“Well Davey boy, grab some of the kit from the van and let’s see what they’ve got down there.”
Robert peered over the allotment fence.
“He’s here Iris,” he said, “and he’s got some other man with him.”
Iris joined him at the fence, as David and Bob reached the other side.
Her heart felt as light as air, escaping from her body and engulfing her as she stared into his eyes.
“Iris,” David said, “this is Bob.”
“Hello Bob,” she said, her gaze not leaving David’s eyes.
“Aye, hello Love. David brought me along to give him a hand with whatever…bloody hell” He exclaimed.
“Is that Comet?”
“Yes,” Robert and Iris replied as one.
Iris felt terrified.
This man knew Comet. He would be bound to inform somebody they were harbouring him here.
“Bloody hell,” Bob repeated, “bloody hell.”
“Are you alright Bob?” David asked.
Bob turned to him, pointing to Comet.
“Of course, I am Davey boy! That’s old Archie’s horse Comet!”
Opening the gate, he rushed across to where Comet stood, raising his head in recognition of the man’s voice.
“Comet!” Bob exclaimed, “oh heavens above, Comet!”
He embraced Comet’s neck with his large arms, hugging him tightly.
“We thought you were a gonner,” he said, before turning to the children, “how’s he here? What happened to him? Is he alright? How did you find him?”
The children described to him the situation and events surrounding how Comet ended up in the allotment.
Amazed, Bob stood open-mouthed whilst checking Comet’s shoes and listening to their tale.
“It’s just the shoe,” he finally said, “Davey boy, pass me my bag son. I’ll get this bugger off and I’ll knock him up a new one when we get back to the yard.”
After David passed him his bag, he got straight to work removing the broken shoe, shaking his head and chortling.
“Here you go Love,” he said, passing the shoe to Iris, “it’ll bring you luck.”
She turned and looked at David, smiling at her.
I think, it already has.
Chapter Thirty-One
The next few days flew by with them caught within the throes of a whirlwind, Iris feeling she was clutched in a wondrous maelstrom of events and emotions.
In-between work and her time with the children and with David, she felt her feet did not have the chance to touch the ground.
She strolled from Harrowby Street to the allotments in Litherland, the sun a buttery orb casting a comfortable warmth upon the city below.
Each person she passed upon her journey, found themselves blessed with a beatific smile from her.
She learned the hard way, to wear her most comfortable, sturdy shoes when she called to the allotments, the gravel path and the grassy knolls amongst the field causing her to trip more than once.
Her mind was in turmoil, over the last few weeks.
She told David everything that occurred with Tobias. He meant far too much to her, to keep the truth from him.
David took the revelation of her evening, far better than she anticipated and feared.
Once they opened up to each other, their
relationship strengthened with each passing day.
The last few weeks revealed what each other truly were as individuals.
They had no choice, harbouring a fugitive horse left no place for deception.
And as they discovered, there was no reason for deception, with no lies coming between them.
She watched him teach the children what he knew of horses.
The children were enraptured by the man, she felt herself becoming more attracted to with each passing, glorious day.
She found herself in the kitchen earlier that day, humming to herself, when her Mother walked in.
“You seem full of beans today Love,” Patty said, noticing each day, how fuller of life and laughter her daughter became.
“Just making some sandwiches for the boy’s Mother,” she replied.
“They’re going through an awful lot of sandwiches these days,” Patty said.
“Well, they’re growing boys Mother,” Iris replied, “and it’s good to see them out and about in the sun, being healthy and enjoying what’s left of their school holidays.”
“They’ll best be getting a good appetite,” Patty stated.
“Why’s that Mother?”
“Oh,” Patty replied, “you know, we’re planning a street party for the Royal Wedding?”
It was recently announced to the nation, Princess Elizabeth was engaged to be married with Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark. The wedding was due to take place on the Twentieth of November at Westminster Abbey.
“I heard you and Pam mentioning something about it yesterday,” Iris replied.
“Well, Pam’s husband Ron and some of the other men, were in the Volley last night and they came up with the plan of having another party for the engagement,” Patty said.
“Another party?” Iris exclaimed, “isn’t that going to be expensive?”
“Oh, don’t worry love,” Patty said, “that’s what the rest of us said. But Ron put forward a good argument.”
“What was that?”
“By his reckoning, the children need something to cheer them up before they go back to school. We’ve seen how they’ve been affected by Archie passing away. The street feels a lot darker these days without having him and his horse and cart in it.”
Iris turned to look at her.
I can’t tell her. She’ll go mad at the boys.
“Are you alright Love?” Her Mother asked.
“Yes, yes, of course I am Mother,” she replied, “just lost in my own thoughts. I think it’s a lovely idea.”
“You seem to be lost in your thoughts, a lot lately.”
“It’s nothing Mother, honestly,” Iris replied, averting her eyes.
“Oh, don’t worry Love, I’m not having a go at you,” Patty said, “you’ve been happier than I’ve seen you for a while. Whatever it is, I hope it stays that way.”
Iris turned her gaze to her Mother’s eyes, smiling.
So, do I, so do I.
The days leading to the eve of the street party passed swiftly by. Each day bringing soaring strength to her ever-growing feelings to David.
On the eve of the party she walked to the allotments, carrying in her hand a bag of sandwiches she made for the children, David saying he was working with Bob on a job at a large house in Calderstones Park.
She felt upset he would not be there, a strange, unsettling sensation, but one she embraced with her heart, as it confirmed her feelings for David were for real.
For real.
Approaching the allotment, her heart soared when she caught sight of David next to Comet, the children sitting nearby.
“So, what’s that called again David?” Robert asked.
“That’s called a collar Rob,” David replied.
He turned around upon hearing her footsteps.
“Hi Iris,” he said, passing the collar to Robert to hold, “how are you today?”
She smiled at him, noticing the twinkle in his eyes as his smile reached them.
“I’m all the better for seeing you David,” she said, approaching him, “I thought you wouldn’t be able to get here today?”
“Oh, we reached the place we were supposed to be working at, but the gates they wanted us to look at are wooden, not metal,” he replied.
“Is that a problem?”
“Well, let’s just say Bob wasn’t too happy when he found out,” he replied, “something along the lines of ‘I’m a blacksmith not a carpenter’!”
Iris laughed, accompanied by David’s gentle laughter.
She was extremely fond of Bob and his wife, clearly witnessing the love and affection they held for the man in front of her.
“So, what have you been up to?” She asked.
“Oh, not much. Bob dropped me off here earlier,” he replied, “and I’m just teaching this lot, the various parts of Comet’s tack.”
Looking at the children, her heart filled with joy, watching them pass the various pieces of tack between themselves, talking animatedly.
“Iris!” Daniel exclaimed.
“What is it Daniel Love?” She asked, approaching and kneeling alongside him.
“This is a bit!” He said excitedly, holding a metal contraption in his hands.
“Oh, and what do you do with that?” She asked.
“It goes in Comet’s mouth,” Maisie said, sat next to him.
“It’s okay Iris,” Daniel said, “It doesn’t hurt him. David said!”
She cast a glance at David, talking to Robert whilst they examined Comet’s bridle.
“Well Daniel,” she said, “if David said that, it must be true.”
“I like David,” Daniel said smiling, returning to examining the bit.
“So, do I,” Maisie agreed.
Barbara, sat nearby, glanced at Iris and they exchanged smiles.
“We all do,” Barbara said, looking at Frank and Jack, now leading Comet across the grass, laughing as he stopped every few steps to eat the grass beneath him.
Iris walked to David and Robert.
“You’re both looking all serious and concentrating,” she said smiling, “is everything alright?”
“Yes Iris,” David replied, “it’s just I’ve never seen a bridle like this before. It seems to have an extra bit stitched on top, but I can’t work out why.”
“Just as long, as everything’s alright,” she said.
I don’t want anything to spoil these moments, these memories we’re making.
David smiled at her.
“Everything is wonderful Iris,” he replied, “there’s nothing which can spoil this.”
The warmth of the gentle breeze ruffled her hair, causing a tress to fall across her face as they faced each other.
“Nothing at all,” he said gently, leaning and moving it from her cheek.
“David! Robert! Iris!” Jack cried.
They turned to face him.
“There’s something wrong with Comet!”
They rushed to their side.
“What’s happening?” Robert asked, reaching his brother.
“Don’t know Rob,” Frank answered, “he was alright, but now he keeps stopping and groaning.”
“What?” Robert exclaimed.
Standing alongside Comet, David stroked his neck to his flank, until Comet pushed his hand away with his head, staring at his stomach.
The low, moaning noises from his mouth caused Daniels eyes to widen.
“What’s wrong with Comet?” He cried.
Taking his rein, David turned him, Comet constantly looking at his stomach, groaning.
“Let’s get him back to his shelter,” David suggested.
The walk back to the allotment took a lot longer than normal, Comet stopping every few steps.
“What’s wrong Comet?” Daniel pleaded.
Managing to get the shelter, David led Comet inside.
He began turning him in a circle, when Comet stopped midway, laying on his side.
“Why’s he doing that?” Robert asked.
“I’m not sure,” David replied, “I’m not sure.”
“Why’s he not getting up?” Iris asked.
“I’m not sure Iris,” he repeated.
They watched, as Comet lay on his side in obvious discomfort, groaning pitifully, stretching his head to reach his stomach.
“Help him!” Daniel pleaded, tears streaming down his cheeks.
“Help him!”
Chapter Thirty-Two
As heavy as the large wooden doors leading into the building stood, O’Leary managed to push them open widely in one swift movement with his squat arms, storming into the building.
The noise of the doors slamming against the stone interior walls, resonated throughout the corridor.
O’Leary strode to the door leading to the corridor, housing the councillors’ offices.
Pushing the door open with one powerful thrust of his arms, his anger coursed through his veins enough to force the door wide open, but he was not fast enough to prevent it from swinging back and knocking into his shoulder, causing him to stumble, before continuing to stride along the corridor.
The councillor’s secretary glanced up from her typewriter, laughing quietly as she watched the door swing into him.
“Good morning Mr O’Leary, are you expected?” She asked, glancing at the open diary on her desk as he strode to her.
“I’ve told you before, I don’t need a bloody appointment to see him,” O’Leary growled, striding passed her to the councillor’s chambers.
The councillor, sat at the head of the large table, stared up as the door thrust open.
“What are you doing here?” He asked.
“Where the hell’s that Tobias bloke?” O’Leary demanded.
“Excuse me Corey, what? Who?” The councillor replied, looking at him bemused.
“Don’t play bloody games with me Roger! The posh bloke from the government. Where the hell is he?”
“I do believe. He’s on his way back to London,” Roger replied, “he called in earlier to drop off some paperwork, I…”
“On his way, back to London?!” O’Leary interrupted, “that slimy little shit!”
Leaning forward, the councillor brought his glasses along the bridge of nose.
“There’s no need for language like that in the Chambers Corey.”
“Bad language, is the least of yer problems Roger,” O’Leary threatened, squinting at him.
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