by Julia Bell
“I take it you found what you wanted?”
Nigel nodded. “Yes I did. The disk contained confidential information about you and various other clients.
“Well done!”
Nigel smiled smugly. “My secretary deleted everything on the disk and then put it back so that the employee wouldn’t suspect. I also checked into the suspect’s background and found some interesting information. Now, let’s go back to my office and we’ll confront her together. If she admits to it then I think Miss Gilbert-Hines is going to be in for one hell of a shock.” Their drink finished they made their way back to Nigel’s office and once there, he picked up the phone and when answered he said, “Yes, could you send her in now. And take any calls, will you?”
There was a gentle knock on the door and Nigel called ‘come in’. A young girl entered, with mousy brown hair and grey-blue eyes. She seemed very timid and Jason frowned with misgivings about this ‘suspect’. Surely this reticent, shy little dormouse of a creature couldn’t possibly be an informer? Nigel asked her to sit down. And she did, taking off her spectacles and wiping them nervously on her sleeve.
“Have I done something wrong, Mr Barnes?” She had an American accent but it was quiet and soft.
Nigel didn’t answer her question. “You’ve been working here, what, twelve months?”
“Yes, Just over twelve months. And I’ve been very happy…”
“And before you came to work for me, you worked for a company in New York?”
“Yes…yes I did…as a secretary.” She looked at Jason and smiled.
Nigel narrowed his eyes. “Are you sure that was your last employment, Ellen?”
She seemed taken aback at his question. “Of course.”
“I believe your last employment was with Deborah Gilbert-Hines.”
“No, it was not.”
Nigel sat back in his chair. “I know that you came to England to work for Miss Gilbert-Hines.”
She gave a bitter laugh. “Actually, I came to England to get married. But it only lasted a few months. He left me for another woman.”
“Oh, yes. You might still call yourself Ellen Hoffman and many women still use their maiden names at work. However, you married Peter Shelby in December 1994 at Reading Register Office.”
Jason stared at her. Was this Peter’s wife?
Ellen looked uncomfortable. “Yes, but as I said, it didn’t last.”
“And your husband turned out to be a good friend of Miss Gilbert-Hines and he found the job for you in her company?” She nodded. “Why did you leave her employment?”
“I wasn’t happy.”
“Why did you omit it from your CV?”
“There didn’t seem any point in mentioning it. Like my marriage, the job only lasted a few months.”
“I don’t think so. I’ve had someone watching you and your husband. And it seems you still live under the same roof.” She remained quiet. “And you’ve also been discovered copying confidential files.” His expression started to show anger that Jason had never seen. “Have you been passing information on, Mrs Shelby? Have you been divulging confidential facts about my clients?”
“No…No, I haven’t!”
“I think you have. And that’s a criminal offence. You could go to prison.”
Tears welled up in her eyes. She turned to Jason. “Are you a police officer?”
Jason smiled and shook his head. “No, I’m not. But I think it would be in your best interests to tell Mr Barnes the truth.”
His smile did it and Ellen feeling totally disarmed, began to cry.
The next thirty minutes consisted of a very blubbery confession as Ellen Shelby admitted she had been completely controlled by her husband and intimidated by Deborah. And when they had ‘persuaded’ her to take the job with Barnes, Atherton and Gill in order to pass on information, she had done it reluctantly. She was besotted with her much older and worldly-wise husband and his threats to leave her again, were enough to make her comply with his wishes.
At the end of her narrative, Nigel sighed. “I won’t be pressing charges but I suggest you go and see Miss Gilbert-Hines immediately and tell her you quit.” He gave a slow smile. “Oh yes, and you’re also fired from this company too!”
She left the office dejected.
Jason couldn’t help laughing. “God, you can be evil when you want to!”
Nigel picked up the phone. “I haven’t finished yet.” He dialled a number and asked to be put through to Deborah.
The next few minutes were a sheer delight to Jason as he listened to Nigel calmly telling her that she should expect Ellen Shelby on her doorstep very soon and he was also contemplating calling the police and having her arrested with dire consequences for Deborah.
At the conclusion of the conversation, Jason shook his head in disbelief. “And I thought I worked in a dog-eat-dog world!”
Nigel gave a grin. “Oh, we’re just the same. It’s just that we do it with a little more charm than you.”
Jason had a thought. “But how did you know that Ellen had worked for Deborah?”
“I didn’t. I just took an educated guess. It just seemed logical when I discovered that she had married Peter Shelby. I knew that Shelby and Deborah were old friends.”
“And the fact Ellen and Peter were still living as man and wife? Did you really have them watched?”
“No, but I figured that Shelby would want to keep an eye on her.”
Jason sighed. “So that was the young woman Peter abandoned to be with my wife?”
“I’m afraid so. However, it was after Shelby left Kiera and went back to Ellen that Deborah persuaded her to come and work for me and indulge in a bit of spying.”
“She can be so manipulative. She’s buying up shares in my company and I’m sure she’s behind the offer from her father.”
“No doubt. She’s like a parasite. Destroys everyone she meets.”
“But what would Shelby get out of it?”
“Oh, Deborah would have offered him something. If your company did accept the deal from Matthew Gilbert, I doubt you and Graham would have been directors for long. Your contracts would have been terminated and perhaps Shelby would have sat at your desk.”
Jason shuddered at the very idea. But then another thought occurred to him. “My mother had an anonymous phone call telling her that Anna might not be expecting my child. I wonder if that was Deborah?”
“More than likely. Although Deborah seems to get others to do her dirty work for her. Chances are it was that lonely soul who was persuaded to do it.”
Jason was delighted to tell Anna about Deborah’s fall from grace, when they met the following evening. And it was during the conversation that the phone rang and Jason went to answer it. His tone was first one of surprise, then anger.
He shook his head as he came to sit next to Anna. “That was Nigel. It seems Deborah is on her way to San Francisco to work for her father. But before she left she accused me of ruining her life as she’s having to sell her business.”
Anna took his hand. “It’s certainly not your fault that her life is in shreds. That’s her doing.”
“Yes, you’re right. She’s not worth wasting breath over and I hope she stays in America.”
Anna let the subject drop and spent the rest of the time before dinner, telling Jason about the groom who had passed out during the ceremony and the bride who had nearly caused Margaret to have a fit when she suggested transplanting some of the flowerbeds in the garden. Although Jason laughed at her stories, he felt deeply sad.
Watching Anna’s animated face, his eyes scanning her misshapen but fruitful body, he knew he should be the luckiest man on earth. But Deborah’s part in all this had shaken him. In her own inimitable style she had sullied a wonderful time in his life, by spitting hatred at both Anna and him. But she was a nasty piece of work and he couldn’t have expected anything better from her. Unfortunately, it had made him realise once again, that there were still many problems ahead of
them. And problems that could mar their happiness.
Before Jason left, he and Anna took a walk in the rose garden and Anna remembered his previous phone call.
“What was it you wanted to discuss with me?”
He gave a grin. “Coming to live back at the Grange.”
At first Anna felt stunned. “You want to sell the house in Bishop Sutton?”
“Yes,” he nodded. “I feel as though my time there is finished and I know you’re happy here.”
“But what about your business?”
“It’s just as easy to get to Bristol from here as from Bishop Sutton. I can jump straight onto the M5. It’s nearer the seaside for Hollie and she’ll get more fresh air and exercise.”
“What about her school?”
“It’s still within easy travelling distance.”
“And Ben and Mrs Wilby?”
Jason couldn’t help laughing. “You think of everything, don’t you! I haven’t mentioned it to them, but Mother is in desperate need of more help. The Grange has really taken off this last year.” He chucked her under the chin. “And then, of course, there’s you.”
“Me?”
He suddenly became serious. “Sweetheart, I’ve often thought of what you told me down by the lake that day. Of your dreams to go to university and then become a teacher. I want you to do just that. I want you to follow your dream.”
Anna looked down at her swollen stomach. “But I’ll have a baby to look after.”
“We can all help look after the baby. Mother’s said that Fran is very keen to become an unofficial nanny.”
“I don’t…know. Those plans seemed a long time ago. I was a different person then.”
He blew out a long breath. “OK, but the teaching profession will be poorer for it.”
Anna struggled to explain. “Those were the dreams of youth. Being with you has changed all that. I’ve found more happiness with you than I’ve done for many years and I’m content in that happiness.”
“I’m so glad to hear it,” he smiled. He pressed a kiss on her lips. “I’ll still need a PA.”
“Ah, but I’m a wedding planner now.”
Jason thought for a moment. “There’s plenty of time to decide. I’ll leave it up to you whether you stay as a wedding planner or become my PA.”
“Will I get a pay rise?”
“I’ll check with Graham.” He tilted his head. “So, milady agrees that we should all move into the Grange?”
“Milady?”
“One day you’ll be mistress of the manor.”
Anna felt uncomfortable. “One day. But at the moment it’s only my home because it’s yours, but yes, it would be lovely for us all to be together again.”
“Then it’s settled. I’ll put the house on the market straight away. It should sell easily enough.”
When everyone arrived the following Saturday, they came in two cars, as Ben followed the Mercedes driving the Peugeot, with Martyn sitting next to him.
“Thought it might come in handy,” Jason beamed. “I’ll get the seat fixed up so it’ll be ready for baby’s arrival. Then you’ll be able to pay us visits at Bishop Sutton until the house is sold.”
The week turned out to be full of enjoyable moments, including a visit to Doctor Orchard who gave them the all-clear for a home birth, much to Anna’s relief. She was told that the baby’s head was fully engaged and that it might come earlier than expected. And when everyone left the following Saturday, Anna knew that their next visit would be to see her new baby.
“So, it’s all systems go,” said Nigel.
Jason nodded. “Yes, just one week to the happy event. Mother’s going to phone me should anything start happening.”
“And you’re going to be there at the birth?” He couldn’t hold back his smiles.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Jason had made an appointment with his solicitor to start proceedings for selling his house. Nigel hadn’t been surprised that Jason wanted to move back to the Grange. After all, it was his boyhood home and his mother was getting on. “I think everything’s going to be OK. Especially since Deborah left. I’m glad she’s buggered off to America. At least she’s not around to cause any more trouble.”
After a slight pause, Nigel said, “I’ve given Ellen her job back.”
“Have you? After all she did?”
Nigel breathed a heavy sigh. “It wasn’t her fault. I’ve taken her back on some very strict conditions. And Sophia has found her an apartment.”
“She’s not living with Peter any more?”
“No, she’s left him. She can start afresh now and I thought she deserved a second chance.”
“You’ve got a soft heart.”
Nigel shrugged. “I think we all deserve a second chance in life.”
Jason took a gulp of coffee from his mug. “Do you remember what you said about being up to your ears in paternity suits?” Nigel nodded, his heart in his mouth. “Anna’s been threatened by her ex-husband. He’s wanting to know if the baby is his and if it is, he’s going to apply for access.”
Nigel’s legal mind jumped into action. “Has he been to see her?”
“Yes, about mid-June I think.”
“He has no right to hassle her! I can apply for an injunction if Anna wishes it.”
Jason shook his head. “She doesn’t want that.”
“Then he’ll have to be prevented from setting foot on the premises.”
“Already sorted. Mother has informed every member of staff. I doubt he’ll get past the gate.”
Nigel nodded again. “You must have a DNA test as soon as possible and then the matter will be cleared up. But if it is his child then I’ll do all I can for you.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
It was Saturday again and Anna was looking forward to Jason’s weekend visit. He was due later that afternoon and with the baby expected in only four days’ time, Anna’s hopes were high. Everything was prepared and Sister Davenport was on standby. The thought that her ex-husband might pay a visit had dwindled to the back of her mind. She was happy, contented and secure. The front gate was now permanently locked and fitted with an electronic system. Visitors had to speak into an intercom and announce themselves before being admitted. The buzzer had been installed in the kitchen and John or Fran had been given the job of checking every visitor with the appointment book. They had also been asked to look out for a dark blue BMW.
Although Fran gave a little moan at having to perform yet another duty, she secretly enjoyed talking into the intercom and had acquired a ‘cultivated’ voice to go with the task. Their most important role was to make sure that Anna was happy with the client before leaving her alone with them. On no account must a visitor go into the library unaccompanied.
However, that particular Saturday afternoon, Fran was in no mind to trek up and down the stairs.
“Have you got an appointment?” she asked sullenly, when the intercom buzzed.
“Yes, my name is Jackson. I have an appointment at three o’clock with the wedding planner. I want to book this venue for my daughter.”
“Go through the main door and you’ll find Mrs Stevens in the library. First door on the right,” said Fran, as she pressed the button that swung the gates open. She leaned back in her chair and put her feet up on the chair opposite. She was having her break and nobody was going to disturb her.
Dave Stevens parked his car and walked through the main entrance. He soon found the library and after knocking sharply, he entered.
“Mrs Stevens,” he said with a grin. He slammed the door shut and quickly turned the key in the lock. Anna rose slowly from her chair. “I see you’ve kept your married name. That’s very civil of you.”
“You shouldn’t be here,” said Anna. Although frightened she tried to stay calm. “Why did Fran let you in?”
“Who’s Fran? The gates were opened for me but I saw no one.”
Anna looked down at her diary. “I have an appointment at three with a M
r Jackson.”
“Yes, that’s me. David Jackson. Thought I’d use my mother’s maiden name.”
Anna’s mouth went dry. “What do you want?”
“I told you I’d come back. You can’t have long now.” She refused to answer as his eyes swept over her. “Did you tell your fiancé what I intend doing if that kid’s mine?”
“Yes, he knows.”
He gave a cruel laugh. “I bet that gave him a shock. I can just imagine that a man like Jason Harrington is used to having anything he wanted. Even exclusive rights to another man’s child.”
“This is not your baby! This baby is Jason’s. Please will you leave.”
“We shall see.” He stepped closer. “I must say you look positively blooming. But there again, you always seem to thrive on pregnancy. Perhaps I should have given you more kids, then you would have been too busy to run away from me.”
“I should have left you when the twins were babies. When I first found out about you.”
“That unhappy with me, eh?”
“I was bitterly unhappy. Your behaviour made me miserable.”
He clicked his tongue. “How come? I provided for you. You had everything you wanted.”
“Except you disrespected me with other women. And you told lies about this Pam. You were seeing her weren’t you?”
“All right, I was. But it wasn’t serious at the time…”
“I don’t care! Your behaviour made me feel insignificant. As though I wasn’t important.” Anger began to rise up inside her. She hated this man, hated everything he stood for. Her hand brushed against the handle of the scissors lying on her desk. “You treated me like a scivvy as if I was there just for you, while you amused yourself when and where you liked.”
“Perhaps if I’d had more attention from you, then I would have stayed at home.”