Harper's Finale

by F. C. Clark

‘You can, look at me.’

  My eyes meet his gaze.

  ‘Relax. I know your body.’

  I nod.

  Mr I-know-what-I’m-doing Sutton does know what he’s doing as he continues to ride me with precision. I am helpless when I’m under him.

  ‘Luke,’ I manage to say as I come again.

  ‘Fuck, you make me so hard. I’m almost there.’

  As he plunges into me I know he is close to coming. His jaw tightens and his powerhouse body delivers what he needs, until he stops. His breathing regulates and his kisses the end of my nose.

  ‘Like I said, a Saturday morning fuck is always the best,’ he says and lies next to me.

  ‘Mr Romantic.’ I roll to my side. ‘And stop bloody teasing me.’

  ‘It turns me on,’ he smiles.

  ‘You just want me to beg.’

  ‘Begging for me – purely self-indulgent.’

  ‘You’re merciless in bed.’

  ‘I make no apologies for wanting you.’

  ‘True.’ I yawn.

  ‘Tired?’ he asks.

  ‘A bit. Let’s lie here until I have to leave.’

  ‘I’ll make you a cup of tea and then I need to work.’

  ‘OK. Work in bed.’

  He slips on grey joggers and a T-shirt and disappears. I close my eyes for a few minutes.

  I stretch my arms above my head and look at my watch. Eleven fifty – shit, Adam will be here in ten minutes. I race out of bed and move towards the stairs, only to hear voices in the office. Adam and Luke. Crap.

  ‘Hi Adam. Sorry I’m running late,’ I shout from the landing.

  ‘It’s fine, take your time,’ he responds.

  Quickly I dress in black maternity jeans, a long black T-shirt and a black biker jacket. I put on just enough make-up to make me look slightly awake; however, Roller Girl is most certainly with me. I really don’t have to time to send her packing; a scruffy ponytail will have to do. Within ten minutes, I’m in the kitchen.

  ‘How are you?’ Adam asks.

  ‘I’m fine. Growing.’

  ‘How many weeks are you?’

  I rest my hand on the bump. ‘Just over twenty weeks.’

  ‘That’s fantastic. Luke said your blood pressure is a little low, and you’re tired.’

  I smile. That’s all I need – another doctor in the house, although at least this one is actually qualified.

  ‘I’m fine. It’s been a crazy few weeks, and Luke forgot to wake me up.’

  ‘You had a busy morning,’ Luke chips in.

  Did he just say that? The little shit!

  ‘You’re right, so I’m thinking I need a quiet evening tonight.’

  Luke gives me a wink.

  ‘Barney called earlier. He sounds stressed. He asked if we could get him a McDonald’s on the way.’

  ‘This will be fun… You haven’t met Barney the control freak choreographer! Luke, I would never have said that you and he were alike. Well, Adam, you’re in for a treat.’

  ‘Should I be scared?’ Adam says.

  ‘No, this is Barney at his best.’

  Max appears from his apartment. ‘Kate, are you ready?’

  ‘I thought you had the day off?’

  ‘I’m off later,’ Max answers in his usual stern tone and begins to walk off.

  We follow him.

  ‘Where are you off to later?’ I ask.

  Max stops next to the front door. ‘Out.’

  ‘Out? Out with someone or alone?’

  ‘Just out.’

  I smile.

  ‘Cut it out, Harper.’ This time he smiles.

  My arms link around Luke’s neck. ‘I love you forever.’

  ‘Back at you. Be good, and don’t leave without Max or me, OK?’

  ‘Yes.’ I roll my eyes.

  ‘This is serious, Kate.’

  ‘OK, chill. And I won’t talk to strangers!’

  ‘Kate, please don’t make jokes about it.’

  ‘Ah, but there’s nothing to worry about, is there? Just a precaution.’

  ‘Don’t leave on your own!’ His tone is forbidding.

  Max begins the journey to the disused office block that has been renovated into contemporary dance studios, not far from Barney’s studio in Covent Garden. After stopping at McDonald’s, we arrive.

  ‘Thanks, Max.’

  ‘Call me or Luke – don’t leave alone.’

  ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah.’ I sigh.

  ‘Kate, I mean it.’

  I lean between the two front seats. ‘I heard you loud and clear. You know what, Max, it would be so much easier if you and Luke were to actually tell me who the hell is freaking you both out.’

  He remains silent.

  ‘Oh no, because you and Luke aren’t looking for anyone, are you?’

  ‘Just promise me.’

  ‘OK,’ I snap. What the hell is going on, Luke? Who is scaring you?

  I press the buzzer, while Max watches us from the car.

  ‘Hola!’ Barney bellows from the speaker.

  My finger hovers over the intercom button. ‘Let’s wind him up.’ I giggle and with a fabulous French accent I decide to tease him. ‘Hello? I have a delivery for a Mr Curtain. Two boxes of rose petals.’

  ‘What?’ He sounds agitated.

  ‘Are you Mr Curtain?’ I look at Adam, and release the button. ‘My accent is crap, he’s gonna guess it’s me.’

  The speaker comes alive again. ‘No, I’m not, and I haven’t ordered rose petals.’

  ‘Kate!’ Adam laughs.

  ‘I can’t help it.’ I press the buzzer again.

  ‘Hello!’

  ‘Can I speak to Mr Curtain? I have two boxes of rose petals.’

  ‘Look, mate, I just told you there’s no Mr Curtain here.’

  I can just about control my laughter as I press the buzzer again.

  ‘What now?’ Barney is about to erupt.

  ‘Is that Mr Curtain?’

  ‘You ask for Mr Curtain one more time, I am going to shove this intercom so far up your fucking arse you’ll be able to speed dial with your fucking tongue.’

  I laugh so hard that tears roll down my cheeks.

  ‘Kate!’

  ‘Hi,’ I manage. ‘Someone just gave me two boxes of rose petals.’

  ‘Are you fucking yanking my chain?’

  ‘No, seriously.’ I can just about speak.

  ‘Ha ha bloody ha. I have a good mind to leave you on the street. Go and scatter your fucking rose petals for all I care.’

  ‘Be very careful, Mr Curtain. We come bearing gifts that come in brown paper bags. Hmm, can you smell that, Adam?’

  There is a click as the door unlocks. When we enter, Max drives away. Adam and I make our way towards the main reception area. Barney strides towards us.

  ‘Hi, Mr Curtain.’ I wave his lunch bag. ‘My mistake – burger, not rose petals.’

  ‘You cheeky bitch.’ Barney begins to laugh. ‘I tell you what, I was ready to come downstairs and knock you out.’

  I reach up and give him a peck on the cheek.

  ‘Bloody hell, what a morning I’ve had. If it could go wrong, it has.’

  ‘What can we do to help?’ Adam asks.

  ‘There’s nothing you can do.’ Barney pulls at my T-shirt, allowing him to view my growing bump. ‘Christ, babe, you definitely look pregnant now.’

  ‘You know how to make me feel good.’

  ‘You’re glowing, babe. Pregnancy suits you.’

  ‘Thank you. Right, are you going to show us your masterpiece?’

  ‘Yep.’ Barney smiles with delight. ‘OK, so, I’ve had some technical hitches that have caused—’ He smirks.

  ‘Barney
the bitch to arrive? Don’t worry, I warned Adam, so don’t hold back because we’re watching.’

  ‘Yep, I want to see the real Mr Curtain,’ Adam says.

  ‘Curtain.’ Barney shakes his head and walks off, mumbling. ‘Fucking Curtain!’ He leads us to the seats towards the back of the auditorium.

  ‘You should be able to see everything from here. Right, as you’re two of my closest friends…’ He looks at Adam. ‘I’m asking for complete honesty. Got it?’

  ‘You have our word,’ Adam answers, and Barney leaves us alone.

  ‘Barney?’ I yell. ‘In case I forget to tell you, I’m really proud of you.’

  ‘He’s quite a character.’ Adam watches Barney disappear.

  ‘I’d be lost without him.’ I look at Adam. ‘You could do worse.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ He shifts awkwardly in his seat.

  ‘How could you not fancy the pants off him? He’s stunning, with a great body, but he’s also lovely.’ He looks at me. ‘OK, I’m going to put it out there. I think you like him as much as he likes you.’

  ‘Jesus, Kate.’

  ‘Tell me I’m wrong?’

  ‘I don’t know what to say.’

  ‘“Yes, Kate, I really like him” is a good place to start. Do you know what, Adam? I’ve had to deal with some real shit situations, and if there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life’s too short.’

  ‘I know,’ he says and runs his hand through his hair.

  ‘Are you worried about Jerry and what he might say?’ I ask.

  He takes a deep breath. ‘Partly.’

  I take his hand. ‘Your dad loves you.’

  ‘My mum talks about you all the time Kate. You mean a great deal to mum and dad.’

  ‘They mean a lot to me. They were so good to me when I first worked for Luke.’

  With that, the lights dim and the sound of an orchestra playing a modern song echoes around the room. It’s ‘Blame’, a Calvin Harris tune with a classic twist. Then Barney makes his grand entrance. He wears ripped jeans, his chest bare apart from some temporary tattoos. Immediately I’m mesmerised: I watch him dance effortlessly across the stage, using his body to tell the story, emotionally and physically drawing us in. The story is of a lost love and the torment it causes.

  It’s the interval. Adam and I stand and clap wildly. I can’t whistle, but my yelling travels upstage quite well.

  ‘Bloody amazing.’ I look at Adam.

  ‘I’m lost for words.’

  ‘I told you he was good. Come on, let’s find him.’

  We head for the stage and venture towards the wings. Barney is talking to a couple of assistants. He comes over to us.

  ‘Wow! Bloody breath-taking,’ I say.

  ‘Truthfully, I’m a bit shocked,’ Adam says.

  ‘You thought it would be shit?’ Barney says, wiping his forehead with a towel.

  ‘I didn’t know what to expect. Let’s face it, I know nothing about dancing, but I understood the story. It was brilliantly told,’ Adam says.

  I nudge Adam’s arm. ‘Told you. I’ll go and sit down. Can you get me a coffee?’

  They need some time alone. Perfect. I sit down and reach inside my bag for my phone. I ring Luke. No answer, so I leave a voice message.

  ‘Hi, love of my life. Just thought I would check in. Love you.’

  I dial the palace but there is no answer – strange for Luke not to answer one of the phones.

  ‘Here, Princess Harper.’ I look up at Barney. ‘Sorry, there was no decaf.’

  ‘Music to my ears – don’t tell Control Freak Sutton.’ I take the paper cup from Barney, excited at the prospect of regular coffee.

  ‘One cup won’t kill you,’ Adam says.

  ‘You need to speak to Luke about that; he’s a bloody nightmare.’

  ‘Babe, he loves control, any control. Those poor babies don’t know what they’ve let themselves in for. OK, ready for the second act?’

  ‘Absolutely,’ I say.

  Adam and I take our seats. I check my phone. No response from Luke. I send a text.

  I tried to call!

  I miss you x

  The music begins and the dancing commences; once more we get lost in the story. Towards the end of the performance, Barney’s character dies. It is completely unexpected. My eyes flood with emotions. I turn to Adam, who looks just as captivated. I think Barney’s amazing choreography may have just stolen his heart.

  Barney takes a bow. We applaud, blown away by how emotive a dance production can be. He makes his way to us, breathless and exhausted.

  ‘Verdicts, please?’ he asks.

  ‘Brilliant – you made me cry,’ I say.

  Adam shakes his head. ‘Honestly?’ He pauses. ‘Amazing.’

  ‘You look shattered.’ I run my hand down Barney’s arm.

  ‘I am, babe, it takes it out of me.’

  ‘I’m so proud of you. Oh, and thanks for the warning that you die,’ I say.

  ‘I wanted to surprise you both.’ Barney smiles swigging from his water bottle.

  ‘You did, in more ways than one,’ Adam says.

  ‘I thought it went smoothly. I definitely didn’t see any problems,’ I say.

  ‘It went better than earlier.’ Barney wipes his forehead. ‘Give me half an hour and then we can leave.’

  ‘OK, I’ll call Luke and tell him to pick us up.’

  I take a seat at the front of the stage while Barney and Adam wander off together. Caller ID – Boss. I hit send. Once again there is no response from Luke or the palace, so I call Max. It goes straight to voicemail.

  ‘Kate.’

  I look up at Adam.

  ‘You OK?’

  ‘I can’t get hold of Luke and I just tried Max. He isn’t picking up either.’

  ‘We can get a cab.’

  I shake my head. ‘No.’

  Adam looks confused. ‘Kate, we’ll come with you. It’s not a problem.’

  ‘That’s not what I mean. Luke always picks up when I call.’

  ‘He’s probably busy. I’ll go and see where Barney is.’

  I nod. This time I try Rosie and Jerry. The phone just rings out.

  Half an hour later, Barney strolls towards me. ‘Ready, babe? Where’s Luke meeting us?’

  ‘He’s not. I’m worried.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘I can’t get hold of Luke or Max.’

  ‘I’m sure he’s…’

  ‘What? You know Luke always picks up his phone.’

  ‘Yeah, he does.’ He pulls me close. ‘Don’t stress. There must be a reason.’

  A cold wave washes over me. ‘Something’s wrong.’

  ‘Don’t worry. We’ll come with you. I’m not letting you get in a cab alone. Sutton will kill me.’

  Barney flags down a passing cab and gives the palace’s address. In the cab the men sit and discuss the show.

  ‘Hey, babe.’ Barney pulls me closer to him. ‘007 is fine.’

  ‘It doesn’t make sense. He told me to call him when I was ready to leave.’

  ‘There must be a good reason,’ Barney says.

  ‘Barney’s right. I’m sure he’s lost track of time,’ Adam says.

  ‘He wouldn’t, not with me.’

  The traffic’s busy and it takes what feels like a lifetime to reach the palace. As we pull up, I see the security booth is empty.

  ‘Stop!’ I bellow and pass a twenty-pound note to the cab driver before leaping out.

  ‘Kate, wait,’ Barney says.

  I look inside the empty booth. ‘Where is everyone?’

  ‘OK, just calm down,’ Barney says, but I run towards the front door, which is open.

  ‘Fuck!’ I whisper and push it further open. I turn to Barney. />
  ‘Let me go in first,’ he offers.

  Hell, no! I walk through the door and enter the hall. For some reason the house feels eerie. When I left, the TV was blaring out and the house felt warm, but now there is a scary silence.

  Cautiously I walk further into the house. I check the office. Nothing. My gut tells me this isn’t good. I move to the kitchen.

  ‘Fuck! Barney.’

  22

  ‘Jesus Christ! Rosie.’ Rosie is tied to a kitchen chair. I fumble to remove the gag from her mouth, while Adam and Barney try to untie her.

  ‘Shit, this isn’t budging. We need a knife,’ Barney says, wrestling with the cable ties.

  ‘Mum, it’s OK, we’re here. Where’s Dad?’ Adam asks calmly, watching Barney cut her free.

  ‘Where’s Jerry and Luke?’ I ask.

  She swallows. ‘Over there,’ she whispers and tilts her head towards the sofas.

  Adam runs across the room. ‘Dad!’

  I join him. Jerry is lying still on the floor.

  ‘Oh my God.’ I drop to my knees. ‘Is he all right?’

  Adam’s doctor training kicks in. He checks for a pulse. Paediatrics is his usual field – but not today. ‘Dad, can you hear me?’

  Jerry barely opens his eyes. ‘Mum,’ he whispers.

  ‘She’s OK, Jerry.’ I look at Adam. ‘Luke has a medical kit. I’ll get it.’

  I run to the office and slide open the cupboard, grabbing the black bag. I stand and spot Luke’s phone on the desk.

  ‘Fuck, where are you, Luke?’ I mumble.

  I return to Adam and he goes through the contents of the bag.

  ‘Your husband is quite resourceful.’

  I nod, and pray that he is today.

  ‘OK, Dad, let me check you over.’ Jerry looks at his son, who he once rejected.

  I turn when I hear Rosie behind me. ‘Oh, Jerry,’ she cries.

  ‘Come and sit down.’ I guide her to the sofa. ‘Barney, get a glass of water.’

  ‘Kate,’ she murmurs.

  ‘Shh, it’s OK.’ I pull her towards me. ‘Where’s Luke?’

  She begins to cry.

  ‘Drink this.’ Barney passes her a glass of water. ‘Fucking hell, Kate, we need to call the police.’

  ‘No,’ I snap. ‘Rosie, what happened?’

  ‘We were in Luke’s office. Max turned up and…’ She swallows hard. ‘All I remember is a bang on the front door.’