by K. J. Rabane
I put my hand on her arm and patted it gently saying, “Don’t worry. It would seem you’ve done me a favour. I think your dislike of Leo may be well founded.”
She frowned as I took the photo-fax from my pocket and held it up in front of her. “I think she’s having an affair,” I said, “but I’d be grateful if we could keep this news just between ourselves, until I have a chance to confront her.”
She pushed a strand of hair away from her face and slipping her hand through the crook of my arm said, “Come on up to the house. I think we both need a stiff drink and as far as Henry’s concerned or anyone else for that matter, you don’t need to worry, I know nothing!”
I sighed and felt a twinge of pain across my chest.
“What is it?” she asked, her face full of concern.
“Nothing, just a twinge. I’ve had a few lately, perhaps I should see someone.”
“Absolutely, promise me now, you will ring for an appointment tomorrow?”
The next day, at Josie’s insistence, I telephoned an old friend of mine, who had a practice in Harley Street and to my surprise, he told me to come along to his consulting rooms at four o’clock that day. Adam Broadbent, consultant physician and I had been in school together and had met socially a few times over the intervening years: I knew he was on our Christmas card list and that was as far as it went. I was therefore somewhat taken aback that the intervening years had turned the, once athletic dark haired, Adam, into the balding overweight man who was shaking my hand.
“Good to see you after all these years. I heard you had remarried. Quite a looker, I gather,” he said, removing his stethoscope from the top drawer of his desk and warming it between the palms of his hands.
I nodded, unwilling to discuss my marriage in even a perfunctory manner, as the wounds were still raw. After exchanging pleasantries, I briefly explained my symptoms, adding, “I expect it’s indigestion, but a friend of mine insisted I check it out.”
He smiled and indicated I should lie on the couch in order to examine me.
After a while, he removed his stethoscope from my chest and frowned. “I don’t think it’s as simple as indigestion. In fact I’d like a cardiologist colleague of mine to take a look at you.” He was writing on a pad, not looking up. “I’ll give him a ring.”
The moments passed in a daze, as I waited whilst he spoke with his colleague using the phone in the outer office. “That’s fixed then,” he said, as he sat behind his desk. “You have an appointment for ten o’clock in the morning. Here’s his card. You’ll see directions to the clinic on the reverse.”
I thanked him and we promised to meet up again in the not too distant future.
When I reached my car, I looked at my reflection in the rear view mirror. There were dark rings around my eyes, the strain of the past few months clearly visible. I had to admit I was shocked by Adam Broadbent’s haste in arranging my appointment with the cardiologist and began to wonder if there might be something seriously wrong. With a shrug, I put the thought to the back of my mind. I’d far more pressing things to worry about than what I was sure would turn out to be nothing.
I decided to stay in town that night in order to drive out to the private clinic, which was near Hampstead Heath, first thing in the morning. I spent a restless night, dreams, of Evelyn and Leonora merging into a faceless creature that held my future within its grasp, were interspersed with wakeful periods, until dawn slid between the gaps in the blinds and released me from the horrors of the night.
It was raining when I arrived at the clinic so I walked quickly, dodging the puddles, towards a sign, which read Cardiology Out Patients. A nurse in a pink and white striped uniform showed me into Mr Edward Bentley’s surgery. The room comprised an examination area with a corridor leading off it, above which was a sign with the words Lung Function Laboratory and ECG department written in large blue letters. I realised my friendship with Adam had probably prompted such a speedy appointment - at least I hoped that was all it was.
Edward Bentley introduced himself, took a few preliminary notes and then examined my chest, saying, “We need to complete a series of tests this morning, which will take some time and when we have the results, I’ll see you again to discuss how we should proceed. The preliminary test results should be ready later, probably after lunch. But we have a fine restaurant which I’m sure will help to make the waiting more bearable.”
His well-practised bedside manner carried out to perfection, he stood up, shook my hand and left me to follow the nurse down the corridor.
The tests seemed interminable and to my mind, completely unnecessary. First, I had to blow into a tube several times then run on a treadmill whilst electrodes recorded my heart rate and finally I was attached to an electrocardiograph machine and watched as a needle recorded the activity of my heart by means of peaks and troughs on a ribbon of graph paper. However, no machine could ever record the level of despair that had gripped my heart since I’d learned of Leo’s treachery. The tests completed, I walked to the restaurant where the food on offer was of the nutritional kind but found I’d little appetite and picked at my meal disconsolately.
Later that afternoon, I sat in front of Edward Bentley and listened as he explained his diagnosis. I was suffering from acute angina, a condition, which should not be treated lightly. He said it was a warning and I must slow down, worry less, eat more healthily, cut down on alcohol, the list of forbidden pleasures seemed endless.
“I have written a prescription for you, Mr Hope. If you take it to our pharmacy department, they’ll have it made up for you. When you experience a return of the symptoms, slip one of these under your tongue and it will relieve the pain during an attack. However, I will want to see you in one month’s time and then I’d like to arrange another chest X-ray and run some further tests.”
After thanking him, and picking up my prescription, I headed for the car park through the downpour, which had continued since early that morning.
When I reached River House, I smelt the rich aroma of steak and kidney pudding wafting through the house. I felt my appetite resurface as I removed my coat and walked towards the kitchen.
“You’re just in time, Mr Hope. I’ve laid a place for you at the kitchen table then I’m off to Emily’s for the evening. There is a fresh cream trifle on the top shelf in the fridge.” Mrs Bates was hanging her apron up on the hook near the back door as I entered the kitchen.
I thanked her and made a mental note to tell her about my radical change of diet just yet, deciding tomorrow would be soon enough. The condemned man ate a hearty meal, I thought wryly
Later, having the house to myself, I removed Evelyn’s diary from my desk drawer and read on.
Met L.B. today in town; I was with Josie and she didn’t bother to disguise her feelings I felt most uncomfortable I don’t know what is wrong with Josie. It’s not like her at all.
I could imagine Josie’s face registering her disapproval; she had no guile, no mendacity; her honesty showed for all to see. I turned the pages, mundane notes about shopping trips, dental and hairdressing appointments, and, increasingly, references to meeting L.B. I also noticed that Josie was no longer mentioned and L.B. was also occasionally referred to as Leo.
Had lunch with Leo today; it was such fun we laughed and laughed. I hope Josie doesn’t find out, she wouldn’t be too pleased.
Anyway, what do I care? I feel alive and full of life when Leo and I are together. Who would have thought we would get on so well together? I can’t wait for our next shopping trip!!!
I skipped a few pages and read,
I’m starting to show. I don’t think Leo likes it. I have to take iron tablets and vitamins and L.B. said she’d like to help. It would be easy for her to pick up repeat prescriptions from Lucas, she said, and it would be no trouble to collect them from the chemists in Kings Datchet. It was practically on her way to River House, she said. I think that is a slight exaggeration but it does mean we can spend more time together. Although, it
is a bit of a nuisance to drive over to Kings Datchet, when we are having lunch in town.
I stared at the page, felt a twinge of pain and removing the tablets, I’d been given, from my inside pocket, slipped one under my tongue. The pain subsided. It was beginning to look even more as if Leo was responsible for causing Evelyn’s miscarriage. How could anyone could be that evil, especially my Leo? I read on, afraid of what lingered inside the pages but unable to stop.
Leo has made things plain at last. An abortion would mean we would be able to enjoy ourselves without the hindrance of a baby, which would naturally take up most of my time. I was shocked. At first it was something I refused to contemplate, saying it wouldn’t make that much difference to us. But there are pills apparently, so Leo said. It would be easy, no fuss, no one knowing except us.
L.B. has been so kind. I think I might be wrong; she is trying to help me all she can. I had started to believe that she might not be such a good friend after all but now she cannot do enough for me. I was so tired today and she picked up my prescription………
The following pages were blank and the date showed it was the day before the miscarriage. There was no doubt in my mind Leo had been responsible, it could not be more obvious. I turned the pages until I saw three pages completed the day before Evelyn’s accident.
Met Leo, who is happy at last; we had a wonderful day. I was able to forget the past few weeks and concentrate on enjoying our time together. I don’t think I have laughed so much in all my life. Leo was right about the baby…..
There was another gap and then I read about the night Josie and Henry came to dinner.
Leo came to the house; my darling husband likes Leo I know. I can tell. It makes things a lot easier. I have taken antidepressants today. I’d forgotten how good they make you feel especially if you have had a drink. I don’t think my darling husband approved and he didn’t like L.B’s dress either, well not on me. Anyway, I thought it was great and after all Leo likes it, so what does it matter what he thinks!!!!!
I began to wonder if Leo had altered Evelyn’s antidepressant tablets as well. It would explain her unusual behaviour on that evening. The more I read the angrier I became, to think she had been responsible for robbing me of my baby and I was beginning to dread what else she had done.
I put the diary down on the side table and paced the floor. It couldn’t be; my thoughts were running away with me. I refused to believe she had been responsible for Evelyn’s death. It must have been an accident. I picked up the diary again and read the last page.
Meeting L.B. in town tomorrow. We have appointments at the hairdressers. I am going to go back to my natural colour. My darling husband wants me to and so does Leo so I don’t see why not. I’m fed up with it anyway. L.B gave me an empty box of mints today because I liked the picture on the front. It was a picture of a clock with the words ANYTIME MINTS on the front. It made me laugh and she said why didn’t I keep it
Throwing the diary down on the chair my face suffused with rage, I crossed the hall. The basement door was locked. I turned the key with shaking hands, rushed down the stairs two at a time and dragged the storage box from the bottom shelf with such force that the lid slid open spilling part of its contents on the concrete floor at my feet. The sealed plastic bag, the police had given me after the inquest, still contained a square package in a Harrods carrier bag. Inside was an oblong box containing a silk tie. It had been opened by the police and loosely re-packaged. I fingered the navy silk feeling it slip sensuously through my fingers. It was the last present Evelyn had bought for me and I had to swallow the lump that had risen in my throat, as I’d never been able to thank her.
At the bottom of the plastic bag lay the tin I’d forgotten was there. Inside its buckled lid, lay the dried remains of a large spider with two of its legs missing. I sat down heavily on the basement floor, resting my head in my hands. Now I knew what had happened to my wife on that icy road, as clearly as if I’d been sitting alongside her at the time. It had been no accident, no freak of nature that had made her skid on black ice. Leonora was well aware of Evelyn’s fear of spiders. What could be simpler than to slip a handful of the creatures into the tin she had given her the day before and which no doubt was still in the car? When Evelyn dropped her off at the Bennetts’ place, all Leo needed to do was to slide the lid open and let nature take its course. In my mind’s eye, I could see it all: Evelyn driving along the road, catching sight of the spiders, there had to be more than one. I could see the panic in her eyes as she swerved and skidded on the ice. Glancing once more at the charred remains of the large spider, I imagined her horror as the creatures had crawled towards her.
There was now no more doubt left in my mind. Leonora had killed her first husband, my child and my wife. I was waiting to welcome a murderer back into my bed at the end of her romantic holiday with her Italian lover.
I climbed the basement stairs, my steps heavy with despair, gaining no comfort from the softness underfoot. When I reached the cloakroom vomit rose up to my throat, hatred for the woman I’d married and what I’d inadvertently become rose in my throat, as bitter as the bile trickling from my lips.
She was a stranger who had wormed her way into my life like a poisonous snake ready for the kill. She was due to return from Italy the day after tomorrow. I would make sure I was waiting for her. I knew with certainty I had to avenge the past, if not for myself, for Lucas, Evelyn and the sake of my unborn baby.
Chapter 29
The Alitalia jet touched down on the runway, the roar from its engines ceasing as it taxied towards the landing gate. I watched it gradually cruise to a halt and link up with the terminal entrance then walked towards the arrivals lounge. She was the first to arrive. She was pushing a trolley packed with luggage and bulging carrier bags as she steered it towards me. I tried to smile but felt my facial muscles contract into a grimace. She ran to me, throwing her arms around my neck and kissing me full on the lips and I tried so hard not to push her away, tried hard not to feel the old familiar thrill as her body touched mine but was unsuccessful on both counts.
“Abe, are you all right?” she asked taking a step backwards and anxiously looking up at me, whilst scanning my face with her incredible eyes.
“Of course, darling.” Desperate now to appear normal, I said, “Missed you, that’s all.” I turned towards the trolley and began to push it towards the exit.
“Oh, you had me worried for a moment. Let’s hurry home and then I can tell you all about my trip.”
Would she leave out the bit where she’d kissed another man, where she felt the pressure of his hands on her shoulders? I tried to keep calm, to at least look like it, ‘If you torture yourself like this, she will notice,’ I thought. It would be so easy to forget about it all, to love her unreservedly and forget about the past.
The drive to River House seemed endless. Leo chatted and I answered her, although what the conversation was about I cannot now recall.
Mrs Bates was spending time with her sister again. She’d suddenly remembered she had to leave, when I told her my wife would be returning and this time I couldn’t blame her.
“It’s so good to be home again. The weather in Italy was beautiful but it was very hot. I never thought I’d miss River House and the rain so much.”
We were standing in the hall, her cases at the foot of the stairs. She stood on tiptoe in front of me waiting to be kissed. I swallowed hard, bent my head and our lips met. I inhaled her perfume, felt the silky curtain of hair against my neck and tasted her mouth. Even as I broke away with a lame excuse about having to carry the cases upstairs, I was desperate to return to the moment our lips first met and the rest of it was still in the future. She seemed satisfied and had not detected the coldness in my kiss or the ice in my heart. I had passed the first test, it seemed.
“I can’t wait to get into the shower and wash the grime of travelling away from my body. Why don’t you join me?” she asked
Her eyes met mine and once mo
re, I felt my resolve weaken. She was so beautiful. It would be easy to forget the past few weeks, to relent and enjoy the pleasure of being with her but Evelyn’s face swam before me and wiped away my hesitancy.
“You go on up. I’ve a few things to do in my study first.”
Leonora did not change for dinner. After her shower, she floated around the house in a flimsy housecoat that barely covered her thighs and was tantalisingly transparent. Throughout dinner, she chatted about her trip and encouraged me to tell her what I’d been doing whilst she was away. My powers of invention were stretched to the limit as I tried to entertain her. The evening wore on interminably, as I tried to postpone the inevitable moment when I’d have to take her upstairs and make love to her, but to my surprise when I suggested we go to bed she said, “You go first, darling and I’ll come up in a minute.”
By this time I was suspicious of her every move and so making sure she saw me climbing the stairs, I waited out of sight until I heard her in the cloakroom. When she emerged I watched as she floated across the hallway, silent in her bare feet, towards my study. She took care not to make a sound as she opened the door.
I crept down the stairs and looked through the gap between the open door and the architrave. She was standing in front of the wall safe, which was open. Her hands were thrust deep into the body of the safe and a smile lingered at the corner of her mouth.
I’d seen enough and was in the bedroom by the time she crossed the hall. She had given me the knowledge I was seeking. It was Leo who was trying to ruin me financially. She’d obviously memorised the combination of my safe and in doing so had access to the computer discs and memory stick, which had been stored there. It had all been so deceptively simple; she had smiled at me, loved me and betrayed me and I had not suspected a thing.
After undressing, I slid beneath the sheets, my fists balled in uncontrollable anger. When she entered the bedroom, she slipped the robe she was wearing to the floor and joined me, her firm body spooned into mine.