by Lynda Renham
‘Is that right?’
‘Have you seen Ewan Galbreith since he was released?’
‘Yeah, I saw him being greeted like some celebrity in the pub,’ Ben sneered.
Nothing but fucking trouble was Libby Owen and Ewan Galbreith. Between them they’d ruined his life.
‘That truck stinks,’ said Mike putting a tissue to his nose.
‘Yeah, well I’m a fisherman,’ grinned Ben.
‘Just don’t cause any trouble,’ said Mike walking away.
Ben laughed.
‘Yeah, right.’
‘Bloody fish,’ grumbled Mike.
Fran laughed but she couldn’t shake the uneasiness she always felt when around Ben Mitchell.
Chapter Sixty
Fifteen years earlier
It was two days before New Year’s Eve and Libby had plans. The first thing she wanted to do was to take a trip into Exeter and buy herself the perfect dress for the celebrations. She wanted to look irresistible for Patrick. She was seeing him later and she wanted them to make plans. In April she would be eighteen. He only had to wait a few months and then he wouldn’t have to worry about her age or what people said. She’d been invited to a New Year’s Eve party and she wanted to take Patrick. It was going to be a wonderful start to the millennium.
She changed into her riding gear and made her way to the stables. She saw Ewan go in with a worried expression on his face. He hadn’t used the wallet she’d bought him for Christmas. She knew that because she saw him put money into his old wallet when he was in the kitchen the other day. Maybe he would also be different with her when she was eighteen. He’d probably be really interested if he knew the things she could do. The things Patrick had shown her. She felt her legs turn weak at the thought of doing them with Ewan and quickly pushed the images from her mind.
Ewan was looking at Princess as she lay in the stable
‘Hi,’ she said.
He turned and she thought she saw a flicker of irritation cross his face.
‘How is Princess today?’ she asked.
Ewan turned back to the horse.
‘She’s not good. The vet’s on his way.’
‘What are you doing New Year’s Eve?’ she asked.
‘I don’t know,’ he said dismissively.
‘I’ll be eighteen in April,’ she smiled, unzipping her jacket.
‘Yeah,’ he smiled.
‘I never thanked you for rescuing me from Peter that night.’
Ewan turned and stared at her.
‘What?’
‘When Peter tried it on.’
She’d unbuttoned the top of her blouse. There was a throbbing in her loins that was aching for release.
‘Peter didn’t mean any harm.’
‘No,’ she said, squatting beside him.
She leant her hand on Ewan’s knee and looked at the horse. She could smell the fragrance of the soap Ewan used.
‘Did you like the wallet?’ she asked softly.
She knew her bra was clear for him to see. Ewan stood up so quickly that Libby tumbled over into the hay.
‘Yeah thanks,’ he said abruptly.
‘Ewan …’ she began but Ewan was getting a blanket for Princess.
‘Shouldn’t you get going?’ he said. ‘The weather’s going to change. The wind is building up.’
She wanted to tell him how good she could make him feel. They could do it in the hay. No one would know.
‘You could come out with me and my friends on New Year’s Eve,’ she said.
Ewan glanced at her.
‘Thanks, but I’m meeting mates down the pub.’
‘Oh, I …’
His mobile rang and she never got to finish. It’s probably that slut Patti she thought. She saddled up Georgie while he was on the phone and then waited until he had finished.
‘Why don’t you use my wallet?’ she asked bluntly when he came back into the barn.
‘I will when my other one is worn out,’ he said with a smile.
‘Great,’ she said, leading Georgie out.
She felt like crying. Why didn’t he like her? He liked all the other women. She climbed onto Georgie and waved at the vet as he walked towards the barn. Sometimes she thought Ewan preferred the horses to her. To hell with him she decided. She’d see Patrick later. The thought of Patrick and his hands on her made her suddenly hot. She’d find a quiet spot and relieve herself in a bit.
Chapter Sixty-One
Present day
Libby
My hands tremble and my breathing quickens as we drive into Padley. I’ve not been back for ten years and everything looks different. I hadn’t expected this. Things have changed so much. The front is busy. It’s holiday season. The pub is still there and I push the memories from my mind before they overwhelm me. The sea is shimmering in the summer sun. I used to love coming down to the front in the summer. After swimming and sunbathing we’d get fish and chips from the chippy.
‘It’s gone,’ I say aloud.
Simon turns.
‘What has?’
‘The chippy,’ I say, feeling a sense of loss wash over me.
It was by the chippy that they’d said Ewan fucked Patti Mitchell. He’d no doubt fucked her in lots of other places too but for some reason that had always stuck in my mind. I wonder what she’s doing now? Does she look different? Is she still with Ben? A shiver runs down my back at the thought of Ben Mitchell. What am I doing? I should never have come back. What is the point? It’ll just bring back memories and going to the house will be even worse.
‘Do you want to go to the house first?’ Simon said, as though reading my mind.
‘No,’ I say forcefully.
I’m not ready. I need to prepare.
‘Let’s go to the beach house. William and Caroline will be expecting us.’
‘Okay,’ he says but I sense his disappointment.
I see the pub. At least that hasn’t changed, and then I see her.
‘Stop,’ I say.
Simon brakes suddenly and I’m jolted forward.
‘Is everything alright?’ he asks, concerned.
It’s Molly. She looks exactly the same. Maybe a little older but still the same Molly with her rosy red cheeks. She glances at our car before crossing the road in front of us.
‘I know that woman,’ I say.
He nods.
‘Do you want to get out?’ he asks. ‘It’s awkward to park here.’
‘No,’ I say. ‘Let’s carry on.’
I text William to let him know we are close. We climb the hill to the cove and pass the field where Patrick had his caravan. The field is full of holiday chalets. I try to picture Patrick in my mind as I have numerous other times. But I can’t see him clearly.
‘You can park over there,’ I tell Simon, pointing to a space.
I climb from the car and inhale the acrid smell of seaweed. A cool breeze blows in from the sea and I close my eyes, lifting my face to the sun. If only things had been different.
‘I’ll bring the bags,’ says Simon.
I see Caroline waving from the beach and I wave back. Simon carries our bags and we make our way along until we reach the steps that lead down to the narrow path that will take us to the beach house. William meets us halfway and hugs me.
‘It’s good to see you in Padley,’ he says, taking the bags from Simon.
‘This is Simon,’ I say.
‘Nice to meet you,’ says Simon, extending his arm. William looks at him curiously before shaking his hand.
‘Welcome to Padley or have you visited before?’
‘I haven’t.’
‘It’s perfect this time of year.’
I look out to the calm sea and listen for a moment to the calling of seagulls. Caroline waits for us at the beach house. I’ve never understood why it’s called a beach house. It’s more a white timber bungalow. It sits alone, its front weathered from the cold winds and sea spray. It’s homely though and you can step outside st
raight onto the beach and that’s what I love about it.
Caroline is waiting at the door. I feel a surge of warmth for her.
‘I’m so glad to be home,’ I say, and I mean it.
It’s good to be back in the place that is so familiar. If only the bad memories weren’t there. If only I could enjoy Padley without thinking of Ewan.
‘It’s lovely to see you,’ she says, kissing me. ‘Come in. I’ve made everything nice for you. But we insist you come to us this evening for dinner. I’m making a pot roast. You always liked pot roast.’
She glances past me to Simon.
‘Hello,’ she smiles. ‘Thanks for coming with Libby.’
‘It’s a pleasure.’
‘Libby said you’re interested in seeing the house,’ said William, ushering us in.
The beach house is exactly as I remembered it from the last time I was here. Full of light and covered in bright cheery fabrics. The fragrance of Caroline’s favourite Jo Malone candles reaches my nostrils.
‘I’ve made a bit of lunch,’ says Caroline.
‘Simon’s a chartered surveyor,’ I say.
‘Really, who do you work for?’ asks William.
‘Myself, I have my own company.’
‘I’ll look you up.’
‘I’ll give you my card,’ smiles Simon. ‘What a wonderful view.’
He walks to the window.
‘Have you seen Ewan?’ I say softly to Caroline.
‘No, I know a few people who have.’
‘Where’s he living?’
‘I don’t know Libby. Don’t think about him.’
‘No I won’t,’ I lie.
I’m in Padley, how can I not think of Ewan Galbreith. Have I ever not thought about Ewan?
‘He wouldn’t dare bother you,’ she says.
If she only knew what he’d been putting me through.
‘Here are the keys to the Manor House,’ William says.
I stare at the heavy bunch of keys and finally allow him to drop them into my hand.
‘I have some letters for you, I don’t know if you want them.’
‘I’ll take them when I leave.’
‘Great. It’s good to see you. You’re looking well.’
‘A bit tired,’ says Caroline. ‘Are you overworking?’
‘I’m fine,’ I say.
Don’t make a fuss I want to scream.
I’m tired, I’m so very tired. I’m tired of thinking of Ewan Galbreith. Maybe he’ll come. Maybe he has been waiting for me to come to Padley. Maybe this is where he wants it to happen.
Chapter Sixty-Two
Present day
‘Libby Owen is in town,’ said Fran.
‘Huh,’ said Dianne, ‘I’m sure she is not using the name Libby Owen any more.’
‘We don’t want any trouble. Is your brother in town?’ Fran asked.
‘I haven’t seen him, if that’s what you mean? As far as I know he’s in London.’
‘Where does he stay when he comes to Padley?’
Dianne sighed.
‘I’m bloody sick of you hassling Ewan. Just leave him the fuck alone. Leave all of us the fuck alone. It’s over, well and truly bloody over. Now let me close my door.’
Fran put her hand on the door.
‘It isn’t over for Libby.’
Dianne’s face darkened.
‘Fuck Libby Owen. Fuck all of you. That bitch has caused nothing but trouble for our family.’
The door slammed in Fran’s face. She stood there for a while and then wiped the perspiration from her forehead. She looked at Mike sitting in the cool interior of the car. Lucky bugger, she thought. He raised his eyebrows as she approached.
‘Not cooperating then?’
‘I don’t blame her. Maybe we should keep a check on Libby while she’s here.’
Mike snorted.
‘Give over Fran. If she wanted security she should have brought it with her. Let’s get back. There are more important cases for us to be dealing with.’
Fran sighed and climbed gratefully into the car.
*
Rumours were rife in the pub. Someone said a woman from London was in town to look at the Manstead estate. It wasn’t long before the name Libby Owen was mentioned.
‘Why would she come back now?’ asked one.
‘Nah, it isn’t her. This woman is blonde, so George said. He saw them at the beach house.’
‘Maybe Manstead is going to be sold,’ said another.
‘No one said it’s being sold,’ corrected Luke. ‘Christ, the way people talk around here. Someone has come up from London, a couple as I understand it, to visit William and Caroline. No one has said they’re buying Manstead.’
‘They seemed pretty friendly according to George.’
‘I reckon it’s her,’ said another.
Luke thumped his fist on the bar.
‘Look I don’t want trouble; if Libby Owen has come back to sell the house then that’s her business. Now let’s forget it.’
Ben sat quietly at the back of the pub. He’d had a belly full of the Owen’s. They’d been nothing but trouble for him. Things had never been the same since the court case. It had finished him and Patti off. Owen had deserved everything he’d got. Why hadn’t Libby stayed in London? Didn’t she ever learn? What did it need to keep her away? Her and her fucking family rolling shit deep in money while the rest of them fucking struggled. Now she’d come to rub their noses in it. Libby Owen would get what was coming to her if she hung around Padley.
‘We’ve had enough of the Owen family,’ he said.
Molly spun around.
‘The Owen’s were very good to some of us.’
‘While they treated others like shit,’ he spat.
‘No need to drag up the past,’ said Luke firmly.
‘Arse lickers,’ muttered Ben before leaving the pub.
Chapter Sixty-Three
Fifteen years earlier
Ewan watched as Libby climbed onto Georgie and trotted away. This was getting out of hand. He ought to speak with Edward about it. She fancied the pants off him that was clear. Christ, of all the things. He’d been aware of it but had thought she would grow out of it, but clearly her time with Patrick had awakened something within her. He’d not known what to do about the wallet. He’d thought about giving it back but hadn’t wanted to cause offence. Now things were getting too hot. Christ, she’d practically shoved her tits in his face. He smiled at the memory of how blatant she’d been. He could have had her there and then in the hay if he’d wanted. Had it been anyone else he wouldn’t have thought twice, but Libby, no way. That was out of bounds for sure. Not that he fancied her anyway. She was far too young. But his respect for Edward would stop him ever doing anything like that. He’d speak to Edward about it. He’d wait until the New Year was over. Patrick would be moving on, now he’d got some money, and then Libby could be more trouble than ever with him gone. He had to put a halt to it.
The sound of a car pulling onto the drive broke into his thoughts. Moments later, Neil, the vet popped his head around the barn door.
‘How is she?’ he asked, venturing closer.
‘I’m not happy with her,’ said Ewan, stroking Princess gently.
‘Let’s have a look.’
Ewan stepped aside for Neil to examine the horse.
‘We’ll try another course of antibiotics but quite honestly, if these don’t work we will have to consider letting her go.’
Ewan nodded.
‘Are you on call over the New Year?’
‘I’m not but don’t hesitate to phone me. Paul Ledder is on call, but I know you’re not comfortable with him. Just give me a bell, okay?’
‘Thanks Neil.’
Ewan took a deep breath, pushed his hands into his pockets and walked from the barn. He needed a drink.
*
Patrick shoved the last of his belongings into a tatty suitcase and checked the time. He was meeting Libby and he was dread
ing it. Lil had been clingy all afternoon. The kids had been a fucking nightmare. Lil wanted to do something special on New Year’s Eve. It was all getting too much. Bloody women, they were more trouble than they were worth.
They’d been kicked off the field by the bloody farmer. He’d come at them with a shotgun.
‘Jesus Christ,’ Lil had screamed. ‘Don’t shoot my kids.’
As if the bastard would shoot the kids. All the same it had scared her shitless and she wanted to get off the land right away. They’d have to leave the caravan. It was a pile of shit anyway, and it would cost more to move it than he would have got for it. Best to torch the thing, he’d reasoned. Burn it to the ground and then go to the council. They’d have to put them up somewhere, they’d got kids. Meanwhile he’d got them fixed up in a hostel just outside Padley.
The money old man Owen had given him was going fast. He’d had to pay some of his debts. It was either that or lose his kneecaps. He needed more. Easy come, easy go, he thought. He’d go back to Owen. Ask for a bit more. He’d show him the air tickets. They’d be out of his hair in a week, he’d tell him. Out of Libby’s clutches too. He’d miss her. She was a good little fuck. Did whatever he asked. Christ, he couldn’t believe some of things she agreed to do. She loved it. Sometimes he thought she was thinking of someone else when he fucked her but what the hell. He didn’t care. Owen would give him more, he was sure of it. They wanted to see the back of him. He knew what he was going to tell Owen if he refused. He’d leave a little going away gift with Libby. She’d like that. Wouldn’t you like to be a grandfather he’d ask Owen? He laughed at the thought. He’d ask for another grand. That would be nothing to him with all his millions. He could ask for more but best not to push things too far. He didn’t know what the fuck he was going to do for dosh if Owen said no. He owed money left right and centre.
‘Let’s go,’ he said to Lil.
He’d be glad to get off this stinking farm and out of Lil’s clinging clutches. Hopefully she’d calm down once they get to the other place. He wouldn’t have time to see Owen tonight. Maybe he’d go tomorrow or even New Year’s Eve but then again, that might piss him off. Still, the more pissed off he was, the more likely he’d be to pay the money. He’d get Lil settled and then go to the pub. Tank up a bit before telling Libby he’s going to Australia sooner than he had admitted.