The Phoenix Project

by Chrissie Loveday

  ‘Have you said anything to anyone about it?’

  ‘Haven’t seen anyone. I don’t think they’d believe me anyway.’

  ‘I don’t know how you can say that. Why wouldn’t they?’

  ‘Oh, just a feeling. I do think we’ve lost some credibility with the police after all the trouble at the house. They’ve never come up with any answers, have they?’

  ‘I suppose not.’

  Rosie remained silent for a moment or two as she thought about his words.

  ‘I take it you haven’t been visited by anyone from the police then?’

  ‘No. Nobody seems very interested in finding out why I was lying down there. Can you call them for me? Ask them to come and see me?’

  ‘I suppose I could. You’re really certain you were pushed?’

  ‘I’m beginning to remember much more. I was walking along the top towards to new place. I saw someone coming towards me and never gave it much thought. Next thing, I was being propelled towards the cliff edge and off-balance, one shove and I was falling. The rest you know.’

  ‘Can you describe the person who did it?’

  ‘Not really. The inevitable hoodie. I didn’t see any face, or features to recognise. It was obviously a bloke, as he was pretty strong. Doesn’t sound that helpful, I suppose.’

  ‘Not really. But I’ll definitely phone the police for you. At least I know some of them now!’

  ‘I reckon it’ll look like attempted murder. But I’m strong enough that it’d take more than that to finish me off.’

  He lay back and closed his eyes. Rosie looked at him and thought perhaps she might slip away. She too felt exhausted and really wanted nothing more than to crawl into her bed.

  ‘I’m going to leave you now,’ she whispered softly, not wanting to disturb him.

  He turned his head towards her.

  ‘Rosie, thank you so much for everything. For being there, and being you. You don’t know how much that means to me. And, Rosie… I love you too.’

  She paused, her heart leaping at hearing his words, but now wasn’t the time.

  ‘I must admit, you really scared me last night. I thought you were a goner. Get some rest now. I’ll see you tomorrow. And I’ll call the police.’

  ‘Thanks, love.’

  He lay back again and looked as if he’d fall into a deep sleep at any minute.

  She drove back to the chalet and slumped into the nearest chair. Within seconds, she was asleep; the result of all her frantic running around, on top of a night with no rest. She awoke at two-thirty in the morning, wondering where she was. She went along to her room and crawled into her bed. But she had satisfied her initial desperate need for sleep and now lay awake for a long time. She wondered about getting up and going to do some painting but decided against it. She really didn’t want to go there alone, in the middle of the night. Finally, she settled, and slept solidly till her rumbling tummy made her stir. She looked at her watch and was instantly awake. It was after eight o’clock. She really must hurry and eat if she was going to do everything she planned.

  Breakfast over, Rosie got into her car and drove along to the bungalow. It looked so lovely standing in the sunlight. Nervously, she opened the door and looked inside. Everything seemed in order and she sighed with relief. She was so used to finding awful things had happened, this was wonderful. She remembered Drew’s request that she call the police, so took out her mobile. After she had relayed Drew’s account of what had happened, they thanked her politely and said they’d go to see him for a statement. She wondered if they actually would. She took out the paint and began her work.

  She finished painting the living room and was about to begin on the hall when she looked at her watch. It was way past visiting time. She washed her hands and cursed gently. She really needed to go to the hospital and knew he’d be wondering where she was. She rushed back to the chalet and changed out of her grotty clothes. She didn’t want him to suspect what she was doing, as it would only worry him. She drove to the hospital and went to his ward.

  ‘Hi there,’ she greeted him.

  ‘Hallo. Thank you for coming.’

  ‘So how do you feel?’

  ‘Not so good today. I think the anaesthetic has pretty much worn off and I’m well aware of the painful leg. And the arm isn’t too flash either.’

  ‘Have you told them?’

  ‘Yes of course. I’m on a high dose of painkillers as it is. Sorry, I shouldn’t be moaning.’

  ‘Moan away. I don’t mind. Did you manage to sleep last night?’

  ‘Reasonably. Trouble is, they kept coming to take blood pressure and mess around with obs and things. I’d just get off to sleep and someone else would come along. Hospitals certainly aren’t restful places, you know!

  ‘I can imagine. Still, I don’t suppose you’ll be here for that long. I called the police, by the way. Have they been to see you yet?’

  ‘No. Nothing.’

  ‘Perhaps they’re waiting for you to feel a bit better.’

  ‘Maybe. But the longer they wait, the less likely they are to find anyone.’

  They chatted for a while and then it was the end of visiting time. She realised she hadn’t been there for any length of time, so promised to come again that evening.

  ‘Don’t worry about me,’ he said slightly pathetically. ‘You need your rest. Oh, I was thinking … my phone’s broken. It didn’t survive the fall. Could you get me another one if you’re near an electrical shop?’

  ‘I guess so,’ she answered, wondering how on earth she’d have time. ‘What sort do you want?’

  ‘I don’t know. One like yours, I suppose.’

  ‘I’m not sure when I’ll be shopping in town next but I’ll put it on my list. I do need to pick up groceries on my way home. The fridge is pretty empty.’

  ‘Sorry. I’m nothing more than a big nuisance.’

  ‘Don’t be silly. Of course I’ll get you another phone. Now, I’d better go, before I’m thrown out.’

  She leaned over and kissed him. He looked slightly surprised but smiled.

  ‘That was nice,’ he muttered.

  Chapter 10

  At the supermarket, Rosie bumped into Sam and Mary, a local couple they often met at the pub.

  ‘Is it true that Drew’s in hospital?’ Sam asked.

  ‘Yes. He’s got a broken leg and arm, and had a bad knock on the head. He is all plastered and lying there feeling sorry for himself.’

  ‘Goodness, how on earth did all that happen?’

  ‘He … well, he thinks he was pushed over the cliff. It was all pretty dramatic. Loads of people were there rescuing him.’

  ‘Would he like a visit?’ Mary, Sam’s wife asked.

  ‘I’m sure he would.’

  ‘We could go this evening, if you like?’

  ‘Really? Actually, it would be a real help to me. I’ve got so much to do.’

  ‘Sure thing. We can easily manage that, can’t we, Sam?’

  ‘I hate hospitals. But for Drew, yes, we’ll go tonight.’

  ‘Thank you so much. Tell him I’ll be there tomorrow evening. I’m going to be pretty busy during the day.’

  ‘Will do. We’d better get a shift on then, if we’re going to unload this lot and cook some supper.’

  They all said their goodbyes and Rosie finished her shopping, feeling much easier in her mind.

  Another evening spent at the new place would finish the bedrooms and then she’d only have the hall to do. The furniture was due tomorrow and she didn’t know what time that would arrive. Once it was there, she could start to take their clothes and other bits and pieces round. The next couple of days were going to be very busy indeed.

  What was worse, she wanted to do it all without letting on to Drew. He’d only worry if he knew she was planning to finish off everything on her own. She could have called on one of the builders, she supposed, but she felt unsure of any of them after the worry of all the damage that had been done.


  The fridge at the new place was lying empty, so she took the shopping there to unpack. It felt good to stock up the freezer, too, and she was glad she’d set it running the previous morning.

  With a sigh, Rosie set to work again. More painting, and still more after that, meant she didn’t stop till it was almost dark. She felt famished and decided to try out her new cooker. Nothing too exciting – a frozen meal would do. She put it in to heat and finished clearing up her mess. Am I ready for the furniture to be delivered tomorrow? She thought so. She realised she hadn’t washed the new cutlery she’d bought, so cleaned just enough to use right away. She sat on the floor in the lounge for her very first meal. It felt so good.

  She was finally relaxing, after clearing up, when she heard a faint scratching outside and quickly got up to look. She couldn’t see anyone and assumed it must be a fox or something creeping about. She hoped so. Really, she couldn’t bear it if anyone did any more damage to the place.

  It was at this point, she realised she’d forgotten all about getting any curtains. She needed blinds in the kitchen and certainly they’d need something for the bedrooms too – curtains or blinds. It was eight o’clock now – much too late to do anything about it tonight. She’d have to look tomorrow, after the furniture had been delivered. With a sigh, she began to make yet another list, then headed back to Drew’s, for some well-earned rest.

  Early next morning, she drove back to the bungalow. She made breakfast, relishing the fact that everything was new and pristine. She’d loaded some extra things into her car to bring with her but decided to leave them until later. She kept an eye out for the lorry from the furniture store – she didn’t really want to start doing too much till it arrived. She kept her fingers crossed that she hadn’t rushed into buying stuff that was too basic, simply to get it there in good time. At last, she spotted the lorry coming along the lane. She rushed out of the house to welcome the drivers. At least, the driver. He was alone.

  ‘Hallo. You’re on your own?’

  ‘Sorry, love. I had to come by myself. You were so adamant about it getting here today there was only me available. Thought it was better to bring it, rather than have any delay.’

  ‘Yes, of course. I’ll help you, of course I will.’

  ‘Hope you’re feeling strong then.’

  ‘Bring it on.’

  He opened up the back and she sighed. It was full to the brim. He moved the first item to the ramp and lowered it. This was to be the start of a very busy morning. They carried everything to the various rooms and, when everything was finally in, she offered him a cup of tea.

  ‘Ta, love. Nice place you’ve got here. Live on your own, do you?’

  ‘My … er … my friend is going to come and share it. He’s in hospital at the moment. Hence my hurry to get the place furnished and ready for him.’

  ‘Blimey. Best of British, then. It’ll take you a while to get this lot unpacked and sorted.’

  ‘I know. I suppose I couldn’t ask you to stay and help, could I? I’d pay you, of course.’

  ‘Sorry, love. They’ll expect me back at the shop. Few more runs to do this arvo. I might be able to come back this evening. Make it worth my while.’

  ‘I’m sorry, but I have to visit the hospital this evening. It’s OK. I’ll get it done. I’ll have to make a bonfire with all the cardboard.’

  ‘You could put it out for recycling.’

  ‘Oh goodness. That’s something else I’ve got to organise. Dustbin and recycling. Heavens! There’s so much to do with a new place!’

  ‘Right. Well, thanks for the tea and the help. I’d better get myself back now. Best of luck.’

  ‘Thanks. Take care.’

  She watched as he drove away. A glance at her watch. It was just after twelve o’clock. She remembered she’d asked Sam and his wife to say she wouldn’t be seeing Drew this afternoon but decided she would go after all, then spend the evening at home instead. Two hours and she’d need to be at the hospital.

  She made a quick snack and ate it as she unpacked the beds. At least if the bedrooms were done, she’d be able to bring Drew home. After another hour, she was still struggling with the first bed. She fixed one side only for the other side to drop. Then she had the brilliant idea of resting one side on something to make the levels correct – then she was able to screw the bottom slats into place. Why on earth did I choose this sort of bed? The next problem was the mattress. How the hell could she get that into place? And this was only the first of two beds to be made. She was already exhausted after her morning of carrying furniture in from the lorry. Feeling rather despondent, she decided to get ready to go and see Drew.

  Rosie took a shower in her new bathroom. It all worked beautifully. She’d elected not to go for an en suite as there would only ever be a maximum of two of them living here. She quickly dressed again and drove to the hospital. She arrived to find Drew’s bed screened round and obviously someone was in there with him. She peered round the curtain.

  ‘Excuse me?’ she began.

  There were two policemen speaking to him.‘Come on in,’ one of them invited.

  ‘I don’t want to intrude …’

  ‘It’s OK, love. We probably need your input,’ Drew told her.

  The next few minutes were spent telling the police what had happened. Drew was adamant that he’d been pushed over the cliff but, without a proper description of his assailant, they were not hopeful of catching anyone.

  Rosie was bursting with frustration. ‘But you always say that! No one has ever been caught for all the damage done to our property. You haven’t found anyone for the murder of Dennis from the farm next door yet. We had loads of stuff stolen and nobody was ever caught. You blamed the travellers who live along the coast but no charges were laid. Now this. I have to say, my confidence in the police has gone down drastically since I came to live here.’

  At this point she felt tears burning and wiped her eyes.

  ‘Sorry, but it had to be said.’

  ‘We can understand how you’re feeling but, with so little to go on, you must understand it isn’t easy. But we can reopen our investigations. At the moment though, we’re interested in Drew’s allegation that he was being pushed. Did you see anything?’

  ‘Course not. I explained all that. It was only pure luck I heard him call. Otherwise he’d have been there at the bottom of the cliff all night – I doubt he’d have survived.’

  She felt more tears creeping up on her and swallowed hard to suppress them.

  ‘It’s OK, love,’ Drew said. ‘No need to cry.’

  ‘Sorry. I think I’m just tired.’

  ‘It’s all been very emotional for you. We do understand that. Can we come and visit you at home?’

  ‘Of course. I’ll probably be at the new place most of the day.’

  She didn’t want to let Drew know that she was now planning to stay there overnight. She was still hoping to surprise him when him when he came home.

  ‘Better give us your address then, hadn’t you?’

  She described where it was, rather than giving him the wrong details.

  ‘I’m not sure what we shall call the place yet,’ she added by way of explanation.

  At last, they left and she was able to ask Drew how he was feeling.

  ‘Much better. Still limited in movement but I’ve seen the physio. And she was pretty brutal, actually. Oh, I know she didn’t mean anything by it and was only encouraging me to get around. Trouble is, I can’t actually use crutches because of my arm. Have to submit to having a sort of Zimmer frame. I feel about ninety. Lord knows how I’m going to get around the chalet but we’ll find out, won’t we?’

  ‘I suppose so.’

  ‘Pity the new place still needs so much work. That would have been so much better.’

  ‘We’ll have to see won’t we? Have they said anything about you being discharged yet?’

  ‘Maybe tomorrow. Or the next day, if I’m not sufficiently on the mend. I’m so fed up with
being here.’

  ‘Come on. It’s only been a couple of days. Did Sam and his wife come last night?’

  ‘Yes. For a brief time, anyway. They said you weren’t coming till this evening, come to think of it.’

  ‘I decided to come now instead. Hope that’s OK with you?’

  ‘I’m always glad to see you. So, what are you doing with yourself all day?’

  ‘Oh, you know. This and that. Pottering mostly.’

  She suppressed a grin. If he knew how hard she’d been working, he’d probably have had an instant relapse.

  Rosie left the hospital when the visitors’ bell rang and went over to the large DIY store across the road. She intended to buy some curtains, for the bedrooms at least, and maybe the odd blind or two. Luckily, having eaten and slept in the build, she knew the measurements. She quickly found some that would do the job. Maybe at a later date she might change them, but they’d do for now. She took them to the cash desk, only to find, to her horror, that her credit card was maxed out. She looked in her purse and managed to scrape enough cash together to pay for them. The trouble was, she now had nothing left. She must remember to take her cheque book whenever she went shopping in future.

  Feeling somewhat subdued, she drove home and went to hang the curtains. She also needed to finish the beds and unpack the rest of the stuff. She stood in the middle of all the chaos and cried. Drew could be here tomorrow and she couldn’t possibly finish everything by then. And the police were coming round to interview her at some point. Miserably, she pulled a fish pie from the freezer and stuck it in the oven.

  For the next few hours, she worked without stopping, apart from pausing to eat the fish pie. By ten o’clock, she knew it was time to sleep. She locked the door and climbed into her new bed with new sheets. She didn’t even have the energy to appreciate it all and slept solidly – the sleep of total exhaustion – till nine o’clock the next morning.

  Once she had set to work, Rosie seemed to accomplish loads. The beds were made up, the wardrobes ready for their clothes and the lounge beginning to look more like a living room. She even had a desk in her office and a chair to sit there. The next job was to fetch clothes from Drew’s old place. When she let herself in, it felt slightly damp, and totally unloved. She wasn’t exactly sure which were Drew’s things and which belonged to the chalet. She knew most of the books were his and recognised his clothes, of course,. That would have to do for now. The other gear she could collect later. She quickly collected her own things and piled all their belongings in her car. This was the real start of her new life as a home owner. She quite forgot her tears of the previous day as she drove it all back.