Naive Retribution

by Dawson, H A

  He looked to her and paused. ‘You’re nice.’

  ‘I think you are too. What’s your name?’

  ‘Dylan.’

  ‘I’m Jade.’

  An awkward silence filled the air. Maisie explored the grass, following a trail, and stopped to absorb a scent.

  ‘Mum doesn’t care about my opinions,’ he said, ‘she doesn’t want me around.’

  ‘I’m sure that’s not true.’

  ‘It is. She often tells me I’m a leech.’

  Jade thought the term a bit harsh, yet withheld her disapproval and forced an impassive expression. ‘Has she problems of her own?’

  ‘No, but as far as she’s concerned, the world revolves around her.’

  ‘There must be something you like about her.’

  ‘She lies to me all the time . . . always has done. So has Dad. I can’t forgive them for that.’

  ‘I doubt their intentions are deliberate. Perhaps they think they’re protecting you.’

  ‘I don’t like being lied to. I’m an adult. I should be told the truth.’

  Dylan hurried towards Maisie, grabbed her collar and attached her leash. Jade sensed he was hiding an anguished expression, and even though they had only just met, she wanted to help him. He was someone else’s child. It could be Kelsey.

  ‘Maybe you should try talking to them.’

  ‘Do you have any children?’

  ‘One.’

  Dylan waited for her continue, holding his stare.

  ‘Her name’s Kelsey. She’s nearly thirteen.’

  ‘Then she’s lucky.’

  He strode away. Jade leapt to her feet, baffled by his abrupt departure. She was intent on following him but then thought better of it. He was a stranger and she didn’t really want to get involved in his troubles; she had enough of her own.

  ‘Good luck,’ she called.

  He did not reply, and strode into the darkness.

  She returned to the bench and watched his figure fade, and wondered if his parent’s knew about his anguish. She wondered about Kelsey.

  They had spoken on the phone since Jade’s interrogation, but Kelsey had refused to talk about the situation with the pestering boy and had threatened to end the call if the subject was broached. Jade had obliged, although unwillingly. Was Kelsey, like Dylan, keeping her troubles private? She hoped not.

  With no option other than to trust, and feeling a need to go home to a hot chocolate and a late film, and hopefully to William who should have returned from another session at work, she lifted her bag from the ground. Deciding to return to her car via a safer route, she followed the path to the main road.

  Her phone started to ring.

  Jade’s pulse accelerated. Dreading it was the stalker she left the phone in her bag and hurried along the road and onto an adjoining street.

  It continued to sound, grinding her resilience.

  Quickening her steps and urging it to stop, she peered into her bag and stared at the little light. The caller was not willing to relent.

  Giving in, she snatched it from her bag. It was Joe. Excitement was swift to replace fear.

  ‘Hi Joe.’

  ‘Is everything all right? I thought-’

  ‘Holy moly. We were meant to meet. I’m really sorry. I had an important meeting and-’

  ‘No worries.’

  ‘You sure? I’d really like to meet you. How about tomorrow, same time?’

  ‘Can’t. How about Monday?’

  ‘Fine, and I am sorry, I should have let you know. I’ll explain what’s going on when I see you.’

  ‘You don’t have to.’

  ‘I’d like to. Look, I can talk right now, I’m just heading home. I’ve been out for a walk to clear my head. In fact, I’m not far from where you used to live, near the playground.’

  ‘Oh, right. What’s taken you there?’

  ‘Memories . . . family stuff.’

  ‘Right.’

  ‘We’ll talk later, and I promise I’ll be there this time.’

  ‘Great, see you then.’

  ‘Bye.’

  With a silly grin on her face, she retrieved her car keys from her bag and opened the car door. For a few moments, she sat in the car with the phone still in her hand and gazed blindly at the road. As she recalled the conversation in her mind, a warm sensation swept through her body. It was wonderful to listen to Joe’s voice, the depth of his tone and the way he emphasised certain words and syllables; it was wonderful just to speak to him again.

  She placed the phone on the passenger seat and started the car.

  The phone sounded an incoming message. Believing it to be Joe, she opened it up. This time it was the stalker.

  ‘It’s not safe in the woods at night, but I’ll protect you. Oh, and I hope you like my gift.’

  Jade’s skin turned cold. She dropped the phone into her bag, hiding it from view and looked over both shoulders. She could not see anyone loitering, nor could she see anything in her vehicle that shouldn’t be there. Hoping that the gift was a prank designed to cause fear, she pulled the car out of the parking spot.

  All the time, her heart pounded. Was he waiting for her? Had he left something destructive at the house? Was William okay? The answers seemed a world away.

  Chapter 12

  Jade parked the car in the drive alongside William’s and looked to the house. Evidently, he had returned from the office sooner than he had expected. She hoped it was not a bad sign, something to do with the stalker. With her dread lingering, she unfastened her seatbelt, exited the car and headed towards the house in hurried steps.

  She swung open the door and looked to the mat beneath the letterbox. Nothing was there.

  ‘William?’

  He peered down the stairs. ‘Had a good walk?’

  ‘Has he been?’

  ‘Who?’

  ‘Him . . . the stalker. I got a message. He asked me if I liked the gift.’

  ‘He’s not been here.’

  ‘Are you sure? Have you checked outside?’

  ‘There was nothing by the door.’

  ‘He’s been following me. He knew I’d been in the woods.’

  ‘Then you’re going to have to be more careful. Maybe it wasn’t wise taking a walk in the dark.’

  ‘I’m not going to let him dictate my movements. I wanted to get out. After telling Luke about Mum I needed to clear my head.’

  ‘I understand that, but-’

  No William, no buts. I’m not going to be bullied. I can handle him.’

  His expression told her he was not convinced, and despite feeling smothered by his worrisome attitude, she followed him to the kitchen.

  ‘You don’t know who you’re dealing with,’ he said catching her eye, ‘he could be dangerous. You should take more care.’

  ‘Thanks for that. I feel a whole lot better now.’

  ‘I’m sorry, but you have to face facts. It might not be someone you know.’

  Jade folded her arms. ‘Even so . . .’

  ‘Please,’ he edged towards her and grabbed her hand, ‘just take a bit extra care . . . for me.’

  ‘I am taking care. I just don’t know why you’d think I’d be safer in a busy place than a quiet one. People who do this kind of stuff are as bold as brass. Remember, I knew some of those types. They’d be just as likely to mug someone in broad daylight than in the dark, in fact, perhaps more so. It’s easier when you can see what you’re doing.’

  William frowned.

  ‘Trust me.’

  Unwilling to pursue the matter, Jade left the kitchen, glanced to the floor near the letterbox, and headed into the lounge where she slumped onto the sofa. Once settled, she kicked off her shoes and searched through the television channels with her remote control. However, it was difficult to quieten her mind, and after a few minutes, she looked to the phone and scanned the latest message, hoping she had misread it. Upon seeing she hadn’t, she shuffled back to the kitchen.

  ‘Are you sur
e he didn’t leave anything here?’ she asked.

  ‘I would have told you.’

  ‘Would you?’

  He passed her an irritated look.

  ‘Anyway, why did you come back so soon anyway? I thought you were working late.’

  ‘I was, but the meeting was postponed.’

  ‘Oh.’

  Leaning into the unit, Jade watched as William gathered the potato pieces into a dish and placed them in the microwave. Next, he selected carrots, cabbage and cauliflower from the larder and started to chop. She was grateful he was preparing a meal. If it had been down to her it was unlikely to have been made, such was her lack of motivation.

  ‘Do you think he knows where I live?’ she asked.

  ‘We’ve always suspected it.’

  ‘Hmm. It’s a horrible feeling.’

  ‘We’re safe inside. The doors are always locked.’

  ‘I know. It’s just creepy.’

  He placed the cauliflower florets into one dish, and the carrots and cabbage into another, and placed them by the microwave, ready to cook them as soon as the potatoes had finished. William always precooked vegetables before finishing them off in a skillet. She was more conventional with her methods, and nearly always prepared food separately, either in the microwave on in pans on the hob.

  ‘He has to be someone we know,’ Jade announced, trying to sound positive.

  ‘I’d like to think so.’

  ‘I can’t see why it would be someone else. But there again, if I had upset someone I’d know about it.’

  ‘Not necessarily, people are strange beasts. You might have upset someone unwittingly. People can carry grudges for years, often over very insignificant things.’

  ‘If I’ve said something out of turn I’d know about it.’

  ‘Would you? You’re not that sensitive. You’re a strong woman, Jade, and that could cloud your judgement. Look at how you handled your mother.’

  ‘I did that because she needed my help. Dad was often away, the boys were too young, and Kath, well, need I say anymore.’

  ‘Fair enough. But we still should be vigilant and not assume this sicko doesn’t mean business.’

  The bell sounded on the microwave. William removed the potatoes and inserted the vegetables.

  ‘Kath doesn’t seem to be at all like you portray,’ he said. ‘You should give her another chance.’

  ‘Why are you so determined we become friends? We don’t have anything in common.’

  ‘She could prove useful. And that aside, you’re sisters, isn’t that enough?’

  Jade pressed her arms closer to her body. It should be enough, but it wasn’t. Something held her back, something she couldn’t understand.

  The doorbell sounded. Jade jerked, stared at the doorway and then looked to William wide-eyed.

  ‘I’ll go,’ he said.

  She grabbed his sleeve. ‘What if it’s him?’

  ‘Why would he be knocking?’

  ‘Maybe he’s left something and run off.’

  William freed his arm, hurried to the kitchen window and looked along the driveway to the road. Fearing what she may see, she stayed in his shadow, peering over his shoulder. There was no one in view.

  The bell sounded again. He scurried past and headed along the hallway.

  Her heart pounded. She held her hand to her upper chest, just beneath her throat, and tried to blank out the stirring in her stomach.

  ‘Kath, good to see you,’ he said, ‘come in.’

  ‘I’ve come to see Jade if that’s okay.’

  ‘Nothing’s wrong I hope.’

  ‘No, just a friendly visit.’

  A block formed in Jade’s stomach. She edged into view and greeted her sister with her best feigned smile. William caught her eye. He had a worried look on his face and was hiding something behind his back.

  Jade weaved past Kath and reached around his back.

  He stepped away.

  ‘William!’ she said. ‘Let me see.’

  He scampered into the lounge.

  ‘It’s from him, isn’t it?’

  He looked between them and shoved a brown envelope into a drawer beneath a pile of papers.

  ‘Well?’

  ‘No it’s not.’

  He was lying. She could tell by the twitch of his nose and the shifty look in his eyes, but she wasn’t about to create a scene, not whilst Kath was there.

  Kath was standing, waiting and watching, and taking in the moment. Was that pleasure in her eyes?

  ‘Did you see anyone out there?’ Jade asked Kath.

  ‘Why do you ask?’

  ‘Just answer the question!’

  ‘There was a couple walking on the other side. She was dolled up and in a mini skirt and heels, and he had a big belly and wore a denim jacket. They looked to be in their fifties.’

  Jade knew the couple. They went to the pub most evenings. ‘Anyone else?’

  ‘No. Is this to do with the stalker?’

  She turned away, unwilling to answer and focused on a magazine on the coffee table.

  ‘It can’t be nice. It’d certainly freak me out.’

  ‘It doesn’t bother me, and I don’t want to talk about it.’

  Out of her eye corner, William was holding a penetrating gaze and wondering why she wasn’t sharing her concerns. But how could she when she didn’t know whom to trust. Her stalker could be anyone; it could be Kath.

  Accepting her decision to keep quiet her fears, William slipped away, leaving them alone. After a few minutes of awkward chatter and sharing expected pleasantries regarding their respective families, Jade resigned herself to the fact her sister was going to stay for a while. Feeling as though she had no choice other than to be hospitable, she disappeared into the kitchen to make a drink. William was reading something in the dining room. Unable to resist, she peered around the doorway.

  ‘What was in that envelope?’ Jade asked quietly.

  ‘We’ll talk about it later. Go chat to Kath. She’s made an effort coming here.’

  ‘It came at the same time as her. Don’t you think that’s a coincidence?’

  ‘Maybe, maybe not.’

  Jade scowled. ‘Can’t you be a bit more forthcoming, just for once?’

  ‘What do you expect me to say? I don’t have the answers.’

  Jade shook her head and returned to the kitchen. The water boiled. She poured it into the mugs and stirred with a little too much force, causing coffee to spill onto the surface. She released her frustration with an expletive.

  ‘Everything all right?’ Kath asked.

  Jade spun around. ‘Fine. Grab your coffee.’

  Once Jade had wiped away the mess, she followed Kath into the lounge.

  ‘This stalker business must be terrifying,’ her sister said.

  ‘I thought I’d said I didn’t want to talk about it.’

  Kath frowned and looked to her lap, her hurt apparent. Remembering William’s plea to make an effort she begrudgingly forced aside her irritations.

  ‘I’m sorry, it is getting to me a bit. But he’s not actually done me any harm.’

  ‘So you know it’s a man.’

  ‘No!’ She jerked to face her. ‘Do we have to do this?’

  ‘I’m only trying to be friendly . . . and supportive. I am on your side, believe it or not.’

  Jade lowered her head and stared into the coffee. If she hadn’t made such a fuss about the brown envelope, it was unlikely that they would have been having the conversation. The delivery had been bad timing.

  Or was it? If Kath was the stalker, she may have seen movement in the kitchen on her approach to the door, and then, fearing she had been seen, she may have thought better of making a mad dash away and decided to knock. Jade shuddered and slipped her palm around the mug, searching for the soothing warmth. If only they had been more vigilant. She had known the stalkers so-called gift was coming yet she hadn’t it in her to wait at the letterbox. Her lack of courage was pathetic.
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  ‘I’d hate it if someone was following me,’ Kath said. ‘How long has it been going on?’

  ‘A few weeks.’

  ‘You must be glad Kelsey is out of the way.’

  ‘I’d rather she was here where I could keep an eye on her.’

  ‘Oh. I’d have thought she’d be safer in Spain. I’d just die if anything happened to my babies.’

  ‘Are they with Liam?’

  ‘No. They’re staying over at Liam’s mother’s tonight. I’ve just dropped them off. I’m on my way home, and since Liam’s working I thought-’

  ‘Where does she live?’

  Kath was puzzled. ‘What?’

  ‘Where does she live?’

  ‘Why does it matter?’

  ‘I’m just being friendly,’ Jade said, her tone sarcastic.

  Kath reached to her coffee and took a lingering sip. ‘Hollins Road. Near where we used to live.’

  By the playground, Jade thought. ‘Did you see me over there? Is that why you’re here.’

  ‘No . . . what are you getting at?’

  ‘Don’t play the innocent. I can tell when you’re lying.’

  ‘I’ve more important things in life than you. And I certainly don’t need to follow you to get kicks.’

  Jade folded her arms, disbelieving her claim of innocence. First the envelope, and then the admission she was in the same area as the stalker. It couldn’t be chance.

  ‘It’s about time we talked properly,’ Kath said, ‘you obviously have issues with me.’

  ‘Is that why you’re here?’

  ‘Yes, it is. We are both the only family we have. We should at least try to get along.’

  Jade’s jaw clenched. She crossed her legs and fiddled with the hem of her blouse sleeve.

  ‘We’ve lost too much time already . . . carried too many secrets.’

  ‘So what is it you want to tell me?’

  ‘I was thinking maybe you had something to say to me.’ Kath said, holding a forceful stare.

  ‘I don’t have any secrets.’

  ‘Really?’

  Jade narrowed her eyes in confusion.

  ‘The amnesia?’ Kath queried.

  ‘Why is that important?’

  ‘It would have been good to know. Believe it or not but it has explained a few things.’