In Focus (2009)

by Jacobs, Anna

  ‘That hurts.’

  They produced some identification and collected the small package. Back at the car Edward gestured to his cousin to roll the window down. ‘We should open this together. Shall we go back to my place?’

  ‘I suppose so.’ Pete made no attempt to greet Beth and although Edward saw her open her mouth to say hello, she shut it tightly again when Pete didn’t even look at her.

  He gave her directions to follow them, got into the car and thrust the envelope into his cousin’s hands. ‘Here. Hold this.’

  Pete took it gingerly, as if it was an unexploded bomb. Which in one sense it was.

  At the flats, they waited for Beth to join them, then went up in silence.

  ‘Nice location,’ Beth said.

  ‘It’s convenient. I’d rather have a house and garden, though.’

  Pete frowned at him. ‘You never said.’

  ‘You never asked. Anyone want a cup of tea?’

  ‘Let’s just get it damned well over!’ Pete snapped.

  ‘All right. Do you want to open it?’

  He stared at the packet lying on the table. ‘No. You do that.’

  Edward looked questioningly at Beth and when she nodded, he opened it, skipping the preliminary explanations to find the information they both needed.

  As the seconds ticked past, Pete asked, ‘Well?’

  ‘You’re definitely related, with a high probability that you’re brother and sister.’

  His cousin leaned forward. ‘Probability?’

  ‘Didn’t you read the information I gave you?’

  ‘I had other things on my mind last night.’

  ‘They can exclude you definitely from being related, but they can’t give a hundred per cent guarantee on a relationship, just offer probabilities. Yours are very high. Given the scar, this is proof you’re related.’ He held out the papers. ‘Do you want to see them, Beth?’

  She shook her head. ‘I never had any doubts.’

  There was silence, then Pete looked at Beth. ‘How much will you take to forget about this? Fifty thousand pounds tempt you?’

  She gave him a very level look. ‘There’s no amount of money that will buy my silence on this, because my – our mother needs to know you’re alive, so that she can come fully alive again herself.’

  ‘Oh, spare me the sob story. If that wasn’t enough money, how much do you want? I mean, you’re a cleaner, for heaven’s sake. You must want a more comfortable life, mortgage paid, that sort of thing.’

  She stood up. ‘I don’t want anything from you. Actually, I’m finding it hard to accept that I’m related to someone so horribly mercenary. If it’s any comfort, I won’t tell anyone apart from my mother because I’m not proud of being related to you. You’ll have to ask Mum what she wants to do yourself.’ Her tone became even more scornful. ‘But it’s a hundred per cent probable that you won’t be able to bribe her, either.’ She moved towards the door.

  Edward went across to her, searching for words to excuse his cousin’s rudeness, and finding none. ‘I’m sorry for this. I’ll be in touch.’

  ‘Don’t bother. A relationship couldn’t possibly work out with a lowly cleaner.’

  He watched her walk to the lift and wait there, foot tapping, back turned towards him.

  He lingered for a moment even after the lift door had closed on her stony expression. He knew who had come out better from this encounter and it wasn’t Pete. Reluctantly he went back inside.

  ‘Has she gone?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘We need to have her followed, Edward. I’ll call that detective. She must have some weak spot we can use to—’

  ‘Beth’s only weak spot is caring about her mother. And I’ll not be part of having her followed or harassed.’

  ‘It’s your job to look after my interests, not hers.’

  ‘Then I quit.’ Edward went to get his car keys. ‘Lock the door behind you when you leave. I need some fresh air.’

  He was out before Pete had recovered from his surprise.

  Ten

  Beth walked back across town, going by the side streets because she didn’t want to meet anyone she knew till she’d calmed down. At the office she held up one hand as Sandy opened her mouth. ‘Give me five minutes and I’ll be all right. If anyone calls during that time, I’m not here, not for anyone.’

  She closed the door of her office and leaned against it, letting out her breath in a long, shuddering sigh. That man was her brother, the boy whose disappearance had ruined her mother’s life? It was hard to believe.

  He wasn’t worth all the heartbreak!

  If she told her mother he was alive, Linda would be desperate to see him, but how would he treat her? Only . . . could Beth keep quiet about this discovery? No, it wouldn’t be fair. Her mother had the right to know.

  Besides, Pete might send someone to bribe her to keep quiet, and that would be a dreadful way for Linda to find out her son was still alive.

  It was going to be hard to sort this out tactfully. No, not hard, impossible. But there must be some way to minimize the damage.

  When Beth’s thoughts had stopped churning round in circles and she felt more herself, she followed her usual practice of giving herself an hour, during which time she’d try not to think about the pressing problem but would concentrate on something else. For some reason, a solution often came to her when she went back to review the main problem.

  She took her little notebook out of her handbag and the first entry said: Find Jo a flat. Good. That would keep her busy.

  She went out to Sandy. ‘OK. I’ve joined the human race again. Any messages while I was out?’

  ‘Several, but nothing urgent. Are you all right?’

  ‘I had a bit of a shock today. It threw me for a while.’

  ‘Jo again?’

  ‘No. Something else entirely.’

  ‘Anything I can do to help?’

  Beth smiled at her friend. ‘Not at the moment, but if there is, I won’t hesitate to ask. Now, can you get Mal Bateman on the phone, please? I think he’ll be the best person to help me find a flat for my daughter.’

  ‘Jo came to see you, then?’

  ‘Yes. And brought my grandson.’

  Sandy let out a joyful cry. ‘You didn’t tell me you had a grandson.’

  Beth gave her a quick summary of what had happened, cheering herself up as she did so. Not everything in her life was going pear-shaped.

  She went back into her office and when the phone rang, picked it up, expecting Mal to be on the line.

  ‘Don’t hang up!’

  ‘Edward! How did you get through to me?’

  ‘You gave me your direct phone number when we went out together.’

  ‘Oh, yes. I’d forgotten. But I don’t think we have anything more to say to one another.’

  ‘Not even if I tell you I’ve resigned and no longer work for Pete?’

  It was the last thing she’d expected him to say.

  ‘Beth? Are you still there?’

  ‘Yes. You surprised me.’

  ‘I think I surprised Pete, too. But I meant it. I shan’t be working for him again.’

  She rubbed her aching forehead. ‘At the moment you mean it, but the tie between you is too strong. He’s your cousin and if he needs you, you’ll go back to him.’

  ‘Actually, he isn’t really my cousin, is he? Besides, I’ve been intending to move on for a while now.’

  ‘Even so, there’s too much baggage between you and me now to—’

  ‘Beth, give us a chance. Please.’

  She hadn’t expected him to plead with her and somehow couldn’t hang up on him after that. ‘What are you going to do now, Edward?’

  ‘I haven’t the faintest idea. I’m out of work and I’ve not felt so free for years. How about coming for a long holiday with me?’

  ‘You’re joking.’ When the silence continued, she asked, ‘Aren’t you?’

  ‘Half-joking. I’d love to get awa
y.’

  ‘I can’t, not when I’ve just met my grandson for the first time and need to help my daughter find somewhere to live.’

  ‘No, of course you can’t. I’d forgotten about your daughter.’ He laughed softly. ‘I’m feeling too euphoric to think straight. Bear with me. Will you have dinner with me tonight?’

  She hesitated, then decided she could do with a taste of euphoria. ‘Tomorrow would be better, if that’s all right with you. Tonight I have to tell my mother about Pete being Greg.’

  ‘That’ll be hard.’

  ‘Yes. Hardest of all will be to tell her he doesn’t want to see her.’

  ‘I don’t think Pete knows what he wants. He’s not usually so . . . harsh. I know it’s upset him that his wife’s been unfaithful.’

  ‘Well, now he has upset me. Great way to deal with a problem, don’t you think?’

  ‘He doesn’t—’

  She sighed. ‘Let’s not revisit that, Edward.’

  ‘OK. I’ll pick you up at seven tomorrow. Dress like Cinderella going to the ball. This is a big celebration.’

  And he was gone.

  Beth didn’t move until Sandy poked her head into the office. ‘I didn’t get Mr Bateman for you because I saw you had a call on your private line. Shall I get him now?’

  ‘Please. I’m not answering the phone again until I’ve spoken to him. If he’s available.’

  ‘He’s usually available. I think it’s mainly his son and grandson who run the business now.’

  ‘Mal still keeps an eye on what’s happening. Don’t underestimate him.’

  She waited, tapping her fingers impatiently, wondering if she should have refused the invitation to go out for dinner. No, she really wanted to see Edward again. And if he had resigned, surely they could manage to have a relationship without Pete spoiling it?

  Oh, what did she know about relationships? She’d thought she had a reasonably happy marriage, but Shane had grown increasingly sharp and withdrawn. No discussions or counselling. He’d found someone else and left her to manage a very difficult teenager on her own.

  The phone rang and she picked it up, glad of the distraction. ‘Mal. Thanks for taking my call. Look, I wonder if you could give me some advice . . .’ She explained about Jo and Ghita, not hesitating to confide in Mal, who was about as close to a father figure as anyone in her life these days. He’d taken her under his wing when she was first starting up in business. Without his help, it’d have been much harder.

  ‘I’m not sure I can help. Your daughter is right. That sort of accommodation is in very short supply. I’ll ask around and get back to you tomorrow morning. I’m on the board of a couple of housing charities and I know they have long waiting lists. They may know of some temporary places, though. I presume the two young women would share a room, if necessary?’

  ‘Yes, of course. They’re pretty desperate.’

  When she put the phone down, Beth frowned. If Mal couldn’t help her, she didn’t know where to turn. Could she cope with a crowded flat and small children? She didn’t feel at all sure she could.

  Leaning back, she allowed her thoughts to return to her mother. Somehow she had to work out a tactful way to tell her about Greg, who was now Pete.

  Linda felt nervous as she packed up for the day at the office, dreading facing that car park again. When she was almost ready, Nat called, ‘Wait for me and I’ll walk you to your car.’

  She went across and gave him a hug.

  ‘What’s that for?’

  ‘Being so understanding.’

  He held her at arm’s length, hands on her shoulders, and looked at her very seriously for a moment. ‘I’ll always try to understand what you need.’ Then he nodded and went back to being his normal brisk self as he finished closing the place up.

  On the way to the car park he took her shopping bag from her with one hand and held her hand with the other. Did they look fools holding hands at their age? she wondered, then smiled. Had anyone else even noticed? Other people all seemed to be hurrying to get home, not strolling as she and Nat were.

  At her car he stowed her shopping in the boot and stepped back. ‘I’ll follow you home. Can you give me some tea or shall we pick something up on the way?’

  ‘I can always feed a guest.’ But as she sat watching him walk away, hearing his cheerful whistle, she felt as if she was playing with fire. Worse, as if she wanted to play with it, which frightened her more than a little.

  When she got home, she stared at her house. How small and shabby it was! She felt as if she hadn’t really looked at it for a while. She’d been cocooned here for years, scurrying home from work, rarely going out at night, living only a half-life.

  Was she really ready to move on? She rather thought so and was pleased with herself for that.

  As she slid out of her car, Nat drew up and got out of his vehicle with his usual energy. ‘Penny for ’em.’

  ‘I was thinking how shabby my place looks.’

  ‘I can help you do it up, if you like. Or . . .’

  ‘Or what?’

  ‘You could move in with me.’ He chuckled. ‘Close your mouth, your shock’s showing. My dear, we’re too old to pussy-foot around and court one another for years.’

  ‘Is that what we’re doing? Courting?’

  ‘I am. And I think you’re starting to.’

  She surprised herself, needing only a moment’s thought to say, ‘Yes, I believe I am.’

  ‘Good. And actually, I don’t want to live here among your memories. I moved after my wife died, chose a good house in an upmarket area, but it’s too big for me. There’s plenty of room for you, and for your daughter to visit, not to mention my sons. And no memories of others to intrude.’

  ‘There are no memories here. My ex never lived in this house. But it is small.’

  She was glad she’d pushed the front door open and could keep her back to him while she adjusted to the shock. She’d almost said yes to his suggestion!

  He hefted the shopping on to the kitchen bench. ‘What are we having for tea?’

  ‘How about a stir fry? I’ve some chicken in the freezer and plenty of vegetables and noodles.’

  ‘Sounds great. And for afters?’

  ‘Wait and see.’

  ‘Can I help you?’

  ‘Are you any good in the kitchen?’

  ‘I like to think so.’

  She’d forgotten how pleasant it was to cook together, then sit and chat over a meal while sharing a bottle of wine.

  ‘Am I staying here tonight?’ he asked, twirling the wine glass in his hand and staring at her very solemnly. ‘I can sleep in the other bedroom if you want to wait a little to share a bed.’ He reached out to caress her cheek. ‘You’re looking shocked again. You always tell me at work that I’m impatient. I’m just as bad in my private life, I’m afraid.’

  ‘No, you’re not going too fast. You can sleep with me, as long as you remember I’m not as young as I used to be.’ She blushed as she added, ‘My curves have all sagged a bit.’

  He grinned and stroked his bald head. ‘Nor am I a handsome young stud. I’m wearing pretty well physically, but I’m a bit bigger round the waist than I ought to be and my hair is long gone.’

  ‘It’s eyes that attract me, and warm smiles are far more important than hair.’

  As they were finishing the clearing up, the phone rang. She leaned across to study the caller’s number then picked it up, mouthing, ‘It’s Beth.’

  ‘I’ll wait for you in the sitting room.’

  ‘Mum? Did I hear voices?’

  ‘It’s just Nat. He – um, came back for tea.’

  ‘That’s nice. I really like Nat.’

  ‘Good. Because he and I are – what do they call it now? – an item.’

  ‘That’s wonderful news. I couldn’t be happier for you, Mum. It’s about time you found someone. Look, I don’t want to interrupt your evening. Perhaps I should ring tomorrow.’

  ‘Is something wrong, Bet
h? You sound tense.’

  ‘You can always sense that, can’t you? I think I’d better tell you this face to face. I can be over in quarter of an hour, traffic permitting, if you’re sure I’m not spoiling your evening totally. It is rather important. Is that all right?’

  ‘Yes.’ Linda went into the sitting room. ‘Beth has something to tell me, and from the tone of her voice, it’s not good news.’

  ‘I’m not going to offer to leave, because if it is bad news, you might need me, but I can go up to the bedroom when she comes, to give you some privacy.’

  ‘No. Stay with me.’ Her voice shook as she confessed, ‘I don’t cope very well with bad news. I had a nervous breakdown after my son vanished, and was on anti-depressants for years.’

  ‘Well, whatever the news is, you won’t be facing it on your own. You’ve got me to hold your hand from now on, literally and mentally.’ He cocked his head on one side. ‘What did Beth say about us?’

  ‘She’s pleased.’

  ‘So am I.’ He gave her a quick hug. When she moved away and began to clear the table, he helped her.

  ‘I wonder what’s happened? Perhaps she’s heard from Jo again.’

  When the four-wheel drive drew up outside, Linda went to open the front door before Beth had time to ring the doorbell. ‘What’s wrong?’

  ‘Let me get inside first, Mum.’

  ‘Sorry. I just hate to be kept in suspense.’

  ‘I know.’ She followed her mother into the sitting room, raising her eyebrows as she saw Nat standing by the fireplace.

  He came across to kiss her cheek.

  ‘I want Nat to be with me,’ her mother announced.

  ‘All right.’ Beth took a deep breath and explained what had happened.

  As her mother began to weep, Nat put his arm round Linda’s shoulders, hugging her close and listening intently. When Beth had finished, she watched her mother lean against him, sobbing, watched how tenderly he held her.

  It was such a relief not to be the one trying to offer comfort, because Beth was feeling more than a bit upset herself.

  After a minute or two, Nat produced a big handkerchief and thrust it at Linda. ‘Enough weeping, love.’