The Beachcomber

by Josephine Cox

  “He would be,” Lilian remarked. “Making money is what makes him smile.”

  “Ah well, if he makes money, so do we,” Dougie answered. “It’s what makes the world go round, or so they say.”

  Following her instructions, he drew up outside a terrace of small houses. “There you go.” Lilian lived in the end one. “Safely home in one piece.”

  Thanking him, Lilian apologized for her behavior earlier. “I’m sorry I wasn’t too sociable before.”

  He nodded, seeming to understand. “It’s Tom, isn’t it?” He knew how she felt about him. “You expected him to be in touch. That’s it, isn’t it?”

  She gave a nervous little laugh. “You know, don’t you?”

  He wasn’t sure how she might take the truth, but he told her anyway. “If that means do I know you worship the ground he walks on, the answer is yes.” He studied her face for a reaction. “I knew about three weeks after you started working with him.”

  Shocked that he had guessed her secret, Lilian was slow to reply. “I suppose you think badly of me, since he was a married man and all.”

  “Not my business,” he answered carefully.

  “I never told him, though!” She thought it was important he should know that. “I never told anyone!”

  “Best thing,” he agreed. “You know how Tom doted on his wife and kids.”

  “I know. But surely, now … with him being on his own … I mean with his wife and everything …” Realizing she had strayed onto a tricky subject without meaning to, she paused, a little nervous. “I’m sorry … I didn’t mean.” She grew angry with herself for ever having mentioned it, but now it was out in the open she voiced the question, “Why didn’t they ever catch the driver who ran them off the road?”

  Dougie took a long, noisy breath. “God only knows they tried hard enough,” he answered. “The heavy downpour soon after managed to wash away any tire tracks. There were no witnesses, and all they had was Tom’s account of what happened. He was in no fit state to give too much of a description. The driver was wearing a hat and dark glasses, that was all he could see. The few clues they had didn’t lead anywhere.” He shook his head. “I don’t believe their theory that it might have been an accident.”

  Lilian was interested. “So you think it was deliberate?”

  “I think whoever did it must have planned it carefully, otherwise, as you say, why haven’t they been caught?”

  “But why would anyone want to kill Tom’s family?”

  “God knows, but you said ‘Tom’s family.’ If they rammed his car with the intention of sending it over the cliff, the murderer must have wanted Tom dead as well, don’t you think?”

  Lilian shrugged. “Of course. I didn’t mean it like that.”

  Dougie reassured her. “But you’re right. Whatever the intention, it was a terrible tragedy. Thank God Tom’s here to tell the tale, though.”

  There was a long silence while they reflected on his words. “It was a terrible thing,” she agreed. “I was just wondering if Tom is feeling lonely, that’s all.” She grew braver. Unsure about whether she was saying the right thing, she suggested, “I was wondering if I should tell him how I feel.”

  “Sorry. I’m not the one to advise you about that.” Dougie thought it was a tricky situation. He didn’t really want to get involved. “I’d say that was up to you.”

  Now that she had gone this far, Lilian told him what was on her mind. “I was thinking of going to see him … He sent his address and everything – in case of emergencies, he said. What do you think, Dougie?”

  Dougie wasn’t sure. “He sent me his address as well,” he remarked. “I must admit, it did cross my mind to go and see him once I’d caught up with work, but, to tell you the truth, I think he’d let us know if he needed company. He’s been through a lot. He’s pushed himself hard this past year, driven by what happened and not allowing himself to come to terms with it all. Now he’s come to his senses and decided to take the time off, maybe we should give him the space he so desperately needs.”

  He had given it a good deal of thought recently. “If you really want my opinion, I think we should wait for him to get in touch.”

  “So you don’t think he’d be pleased to see me?”

  He thought about it for a minute. “I didn’t say that,” he cautioned. “I can only speak how I find. You’ll have to make your own mind up.”

  Lilian’s dark mood was creeping up on her again. “Don’t you think he must be lonely?”

  He had to concede that point. “I’m sure he is. But maybe that’s what he needs for a while.” He gave her the hint of a smile. “On the other hand, who am I to say? He might be grateful if you pay him a visit … I wouldn’t know.”

  As she got out of the car, he called her back. “How about you and me going out one night?” he suggested with a mischievous grin. “We could cry on each other’s shoulder.”

  Her answer did not surprise him. “As friends … nothing else?” Tom was the only man she wanted, he knew that.

  He nodded. “Okay,” he agreed. “As friends.”

  “All right then. We’ll talk about it tomorrow.”

  Slamming shut the door, she made a run for it.

  Excited with his new toy, and thrilled to have a date in the bag, Dougie roared off, water spraying from under his wheels.

  Having let herself into the house, Lilian leaned against the closed door, her face etched with anger. “Damn him. I don’t need him to tell me what to do!”

  She walked down the passageway muttering to herself and softly crying. “Tom wants to see me. I know he does!”

  Since the accident, all she had dreamed about was getting together with Tom.

  The following Friday, Lilian kept a promise. She and Dougie were actually meeting up on a date.

  At half past seven on the dot, he arrived at her door. “My! You look stunning!”

  “Thanks.” Having shed her bad mood, Lilian was now ready for a night out. Her long auburn curls were brushed to a shine, and her make-up, as usual, was discreet. She had chosen to wear a black pencil skirt with red shoes and a jacket of the same color, and had a polka-dot scarf at her neck.

  “Your hair is lovely,” he said, reaching out toward her. “Pity you don’t wear it down in the office.” Lilian stepped away from his touch. “Remember what you promised,” she reminded him. “Just friends.” He was all right, but he wasn’t Tom. She told herself to keep that firmly in mind.

  Though disappointed at her reminder, Dougie reassured her nevertheless. “Don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten.” Cupping his hand beneath her elbow, he walked her to the car.

  “I’ve booked us a table at a lovely little Italian restaurant I know,” he said. “I hope you like it.”

  Spruced up in his best suit and looking as debonair as he could manage, Dougie was actually nervous. This was his first real date in a long time.

  Grinning broadly, he opened the car door for Lilian to climb in and make herself comfortable. His precious new car was polished and shining, much like Dougie himself, Lilian thought.

  As they drew up outside the restaurant, another taxi drew up in front of them and out stepped a pretty woman in a black dress. Looking uncomfortable in what was clearly his best suit, the man with her was slightly older.

  “You’re in for a wonderful evening, my dear,” he promised his companion as he offered his arm to her.

  The woman laughed with excitement. “It’s a good job I put my best frock on.”

  “Nothing but the best for my little girl.” Tucking her hand into his arm, he escorted her inside, like the gentleman he was.

  Dougie smiled at the woman’s excitement. “It looks like he means to make it a night for her to remember.” He helped Lilian out of the car. “I remember when I used to get excited like that … when every penny I earned had to be counted.”

  Lilian began to see a more ordinary side to him that she had not seen before. “So, you don’t count your pennies now, is th
at what you mean?”

  He laughed. “That’s exactly what I mean,” he replied. “Now I let the accountants do it for me.”

  The restaurant was lovely, with plush red carpets and starched white tablecloths. Lilian’s eyes traveled the room and took it all in. With crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and long slender mirrors on the wood-paneled walls, she was overwhelmed by such opulence.

  Dougie and Lilian were seated at an intimate corner table. “She seems a bundle of fun,” Dougie commented as the couple from the taxi sat down nearby. He observed her companion. “Too old for a boyfriend, and too young to be her father,” he remarked.

  Lilian looked across to where the woman was now talking softly to her companion, while he smiled back with stars in his eyes. “I should think she’s hooked herself a nice little earner,” Lilian concluded with a smile.

  Dougie tended to agree. “Well, I hope the poor bloke knows what he’s in for.”

  On ordering the food and a bottle of wine, Dougie chose the best that money could buy. They ate and drank and, as the evening wore on, the two of them began to delight in each other’s company. “You really do look beautiful,” Dougie charmed her time and again. “I hadn’t realized just how lovely you are.”

  A fool to flattery, Lilian drank another glass of wine, then another. She was enjoying herself.

  Lilian dabbed at her mouth with the napkin and placed it on the table. “That was the nicest meal I’ve had in a long time,” she confessed. “I don’t bother too much about elaborate meals … living on my own and all that.”

  Appreciating the compliment, Dougie laid down his knife and fork. Leaning forward he murmured suggestively, “You don’t have to be on your own …”

  “Now, now!” She wagged a finger. “Remember what we agreed?”

  Sitting back in his chair, he gave a disappointed grunt. “As if I could forget.” But, after the wine she’d consumed and the teasing little smile she gave him just now, he lived in hope.

  A helping of fruit pie and another sip of wine, and she could hold out no longer. “I need the little girl’s room,” she confided softly, and, taking her bag, went off in search of it. “I won’t be long.”

  While Lilian was away, Dougie couldn’t help but overhear every word being spoken at the next table. At one point, on hearing the woman laugh, he looked up and caught her eye. When she surprised him with a wink, he looked away. “Cheeky little devil,” he muttered, but he was smiling, and so was she.

  As he waited for Lilian, Dougie thought about his brother Tom. He reflected on a letter that he’d received that very morning from him, letting him know he’d settled in and describing West Bay. The mention, in passing, of Kathy had not gone unnoticed by Dougie. “It seems to me that Tom might be taking an interest in women again.” He smiled, raised his glass and took a sip. “Welcome back, Tom,” he said, replacing his glass when he saw Lilian approach.

  He wondered whether to tell her. “Trouble is, she’d probably be there on the next train,” he muttered worriedly, “and Tom would lay the blame squarely at my door.” He decided it was best not to tell her, for all their sakes. “If she suspected he was making a play for another woman, it would only upset her.”

  “I’m ready to go now.” Lilian had surprised herself by enjoying the evening. “It’s been wonderful,” she told Dougie as he waited for the bill. “I really didn’t think I’d enjoy it so much, but it was exactly what I needed. Thank you, Dougie.”

  “Don’t thank me,” he replied, “I’ve had just as good a time. I’m only sorry it’s over so quickly.” Chancing his luck, he asked, “Do you think we could do it again some time?”

  Not for the first time that evening, Lilian smiled brightly. “We’ll see,” she promised. “But if I do agree – and I’m not promising anything – it will be on the grounds of friendship, just like tonight.”

  He went along with that, albeit reluctantly. “I’d rather it was more than that,” he confessed, “but if it means we can enjoy a night out occasionally, then I’m ready to abide by the rules.”

  “Right then.” Once the bill was paid and the waiter gone, she put her bag over her arm and stood up, slightly off-balance because of the wine. “Whoops!” Stumbling against the table, she laughed at her own clumsiness. “I think I’ve had too much wine.”

  In the car on the way back to her place, she seemed to have been affected by the rush of fresh air as they came out of the restaurant, because now she was giggling and teasing, saying things she might well regret in the cold light of day.

  “You devil! You got me drunk so’s you could have your wicked way with me!” In fits of laughter, she poked him in the ribs. “I’ve never been drunk in my life before.” Every corner they turned she threatened to throw up. “I feel sick!” she wailed. “Stop the car.”

  Dougie had an idea. “Look, we’re much nearer my place than yours,” he told her. “Why don’t you come back with me … just until you feel better able to travel. A cup of strong coffee should do the trick.”

  “If I do come back with you, I’m not staying long.” Feeling the way she did, Lilian couldn’t help but accept. It was either that, or throw up all over his nice new car. “And you can forget any ideas of any funny business.” Throwing herself back into the seat she warned, “Besides, I don’t even fancy you … never have.”

  “Really?” He glanced at her with mock horror. “And here’s me thinking you fancied me rotten.”

  “Hmh!” She gave him a playful dig. “Then you thought wrong, didn’t you?” Launching into another fit of laughter, she cried, “So, you see, you got me tiddly for nothing.”

  Amazed that she seemed completely out of control, he took a sideways glance. “I would never have believed you could behave like this.” Her antics made him smile, though. “I always thought you were icecool and untouchable.” In fact it was that which made her attractive.

  “I am! And don’t you forget it.” She fell back into the seat. “Oh, I do feel queasy.”

  “Hold onto it.” Willing her not to be sick all over his seats, he pressed his foot down on the accelerator. “We’re nearly there.”

  They soon arrived at his house, a respectable place with three bedrooms. It was more than adequate for his needs, though a little empty for a man alone.

  He parked outside the front door. “Right then, my girl, let’s get you inside.”

  By the time he’d rounded the car with the intention of helping her out, she was fast asleep. “Would you believe it?” He could appreciate the humor of the situation. “I’ve never had a girl pass out on me before.”

  Leaning heavily on his shoulder, Lilian knew nothing of how she got inside the house.

  Negotiating his way into the sitting room, he laid her gently on the settee and covered her with a blanket that he fetched from his own bed. “Sleep tight,” he said, lifting her legs over the edge of the settee. “See you tomorrow.”

  It was half past three in the morning when Lilian found herself lying on the carpet. In the night she must have turned over and slipped off the settee onto the floor. Now, still half-asleep, in these strange surroundings, it took her a full minute to realize what had happened. She recalled Dougie asking if she wanted to come back to his place for a sobering cup of coffee; after that, she recalled little else.

  “Oh, Lord!” Dragging herself up by the settee, she stood for a while, holding her temples and gently swaying. Suddenly she was chuckling. “He got you drunk!” Even now, she could still feel the effects of drink, dulling her senses, making her feel somewhat disoriented. She wasn’t used to wine at all.

  Worried, she looked around. In the half-light she could see the shape and size of the room in which she stood, but it wouldn’t keep still. “Stop moving!” she hissed. “I can’t think straight!”

  Suddenly she caught sight of Dougie, sprawled in a nearby armchair, fast asleep. “Dougie!” She called his name, but he didn’t wake.

  Crossing the room, she tugged at his arm. “I wan
t to go home,” she whispered. “Wake up and take me home, you devil.” Tripping over the blanket covering his legs, she fell heavily over the arm of the chair. “See what you’ve done?” Throwing out her arms, she caught him hard on the face. “I’m absolutely gone and it’s all your fault!”

  “For God’s sake, what the devil …?” Shocked awake, he sat bolt upright. “Lilian! What’s wrong? Are you all right?”

  Suddenly she had gone from the arm of the chair and was lying on the carpet, looking up at him with sleepy eyes. “I want to go home now.”

  Sliding down in the chair, he knelt beside her. “Are you sure?”

  “What?”

  Reaching down, he ran his hands through her tumbled auburn curls. “Do you really want to go home?”

  She didn’t answer. Instead she looked at him with tearful eyes, her gaze searching his face. In the dreamy half-light she saw that familiar lean face and the quiet smile, and she imagined it was the man she so desperately missed. “Tom …” Her voice trembled, her arms reached up to him. “Hold me.”

  Collecting her into his arms, he kissed her, softly at first, then when she made no objection, he went a little further. Soon they were on the floor, discarding their clothes and weaving around each other half-naked; touching, feeling. It was a fast and furious coupling, with no words of affection spoken, or even a warm glance between them.

  When it was over, they lay for a moment, spent and exhausted on the floor.

  Dougie was the first to speak. “I’ll make us a drink,” he suggested, “then I’ll run you home, if that’s what you want.” Sensing her regret, he clambered up and quickly dressed. Going across the room, he turned on the light. It seemed a hard, cruel invasion into their private moment.

  “Turn it off!” She looked away. “I don’t like it.” Pulling on her clothes, she seemed highly embarrassed.

  Dougie understood. “I’ve got whiskey, beer or plain water,” he told her as he went to the drinks cabinet. “Or, if you prefer, tea?”

  When she didn’t answer he glanced across to see her already dressed and seated in the chair, her hair still partly disheveled and her face flushed, much like his own. He tried to make light of it all. “Well, which is it to be?”