by Lynda Renham
‘Simon Wane, he’s in property, so Libby said.’
‘Is that why he’s interested in Manstead Manor?’
‘I guess so.’
Fran finished her brandy and sat back with a sigh of contentment.
‘That’s a good one,’ Mike smiled.
Fran wrinkled her brow.
‘What are you talking about?’
‘It’s my passion for anagrams.’
‘What is?’
‘Seeing words within words.’
‘I think you’ve had too much brandy Mike,’ she laughed.
‘Think about it. Wane. W - A - N - E, what do you see?’
She shrugged.
‘I’m not sure what we’re talking about.’
‘Wane, it’s an anagram for Ewan.’
Fran’s eyes widened. Her alcohol-fuelled brain took a while to make complete sense of what Mike was saying.
‘Jesus,’ she said, jumping up.
‘Fran, what’s …?’
‘Why didn’t we realise? Of course, he practically lived at the dramatics society while inside. He got a sodding diploma in stage make-up.’
‘Now I’m confused.’
‘Simon Wane is Ewan Galbreith.’
*
Ewan holds a glass of water to my lips. It helps slightly and the nausea passes over.
‘I wish you weren’t so dramatic,’ he snaps. He pulls his chair next to mine and clicks the video back on. He scrolls through the frames and stops. I can see the clock on the mantelpiece in the frame. It says 12:30 a.m. Uncle Edward walks to the bar. He pours a drink. The next frame shows Aunty Rose drinking from a tea cup. I turn from the screen and my eyes land on the glass paperweight that sits on the side table. It’s within reach. If I could grab it with both hands, I could hit Ewan in the head with it. The clock in the frame now says 12:35 a.m. My heart is hammering in my chest. I can’t watch this. I need to get help. The next frame shows the morning room door opening. Ewan sits forward, the muscles in his jaw twitch.
‘This is it,’ he says and there’s a tremble to his voice.
‘I can’t feel my hands,’ I say.
He drags his eyes from the screen and walks around to study my hands. He loosens the tape. He then looks around the room and removes the paperweight. Damn him.
The video restarts and I stare mesmerised as the next frame hits the screen. Aunty Rose and Uncle Edward turn to the door. Ewan stares intently, his body tense.
‘Oh my God,’ he exclaims.
I’d closed my eyes.
Fifteen years earlier
Ewan
I looked at Dianne. She doesn’t want me to leave. It’s the kind of atmosphere I liked best. I strangely wished Patti was here. She’d most likely have said ‘Poor sodding horse. I know what will take your mind off it.’ That’s what I needed, something meaningless and fleeting.
‘Things have only just started,’ said Dianne.
‘I’m going to get back,’ I said.
I’d check the horses and wrap Princess in a blanket ready for Neil to collect her in the morning.
‘It’s New Year’s Eve,’ she said.
‘I need to pack up my stuff.’
‘Give yourself a day to think things through. Wait until your head is clearer,’ Dianne said, squeezing my arm.
‘I’m moving out.’
‘Where will you go?’
‘There are plenty of places.’
‘We’ll come round tomorrow and help,’ said Greg, slapping me on the back.
I gave Luke the thumbs up and walked to the door. The icy cold air hit me in the face and I realised I’d drunk too much. The weather didn’t seem to be bothering anyone and the sea front was heaving with revellers watching the fireworks on the beach. Padley was usually pretty lonesome in the winter. New Year was never this busy. Everyone had high hopes for the new decade. I felt a small tinge of unease as I approached Manstead. There’s no reason for it but nevertheless I couldn’t shake it off. The stable was cold. I covered the horses and threw the last of the blankets over Princess. Edward would have to buy more if they’re too bloody. That’d hurt him, having to spend some money. I cursed myself for not lighting the log burner earlier. The cottage was going to be freezing. The first gunshot surprised me and at first I thought it was fireworks. I was almost at the cottage when I heard another. It was definitely a gun being fired and it came from Manstead Manor. Nobody would be out shooting at that time of night. I hurried to the house. The unease I had felt earlier returned and when I saw the front door ajar I knew that something was wrong. I pushed the door and called out.
*
‘How many shots did you hear, Mr Galbreith?’
‘Two.’
‘You’re quite certain about that?’
‘Yes.’
‘Did you see Miss Owen when you entered the house?’
‘No, at least not right away.’
‘What did you see Mr Galbreith?’
‘There was music coming from the morning room, so I made my way there. I could smell where the gun had been fired.’
He paused and took a long breath.
‘Carry on Mr Galbreith.’
‘I opened the door of the morning room and found the bodies of Edward and Rose. The shotgun was on the floor.’
His voice broke and he struggled to compose himself.
‘Are you all right to continue Mr Galbreith?’
‘Yes.’
‘Did you pick the gun up from the floor?’
‘Yes, I picked it up and checked the cartridges.’
‘What kind of rifle was it?’
‘It was a double-barrelled shotgun. A 512 Gold Wing.’
‘Why did you check it?’
‘I don’t know. Habit I suppose. I didn’t know what had happened and it went through my mind the gun would be a weapon if someone was in the house but both cartridges were spent.’
‘What did you do after you found the bodies?’
‘I checked to see if they were alive and then I heard a noise, like a sob, and I rushed out into the hallway to see Libby Owen running out of the front door.’
‘Why would she run from you?’
‘I imagine she thought I had killed them.’
‘In her statement Miss Owen claimed to have seen you shoot her uncle.’
‘That’s not true. She didn’t see me shoot anyone. I called out to her, but she ran down the drive. She was obviously afraid and I was in shock. I went back into the house and waited for the police and ambulance.’
‘Mr Galbreith, do you know anyone who would want to kill Edward Owen and his wife?’
‘I know people who say they would like to, but I can’t think of anyone who actually would.’
‘Thank you. No more questions Your Honour.’
Chapter Eighty-Four
Fifteen years earlier
Libby clung tightly to Patrick. She didn’t ever want to let him go. Her breasts ached from where he had squeezed them earlier. She felt raw both inside and out. The music ended and he pulled away from her.
‘I have to get going babe.’
‘Can’t you stay at the party for just a bit longer? It’ll be midnight soon.’
‘I really have to go doll.’
Libby thought her heart would break.
‘You’ll be in Australia before you know it,’ he smiled, kissing her on the nose. ‘I’ve got things to see to before I go. Debts to settle and all that, you know.’
‘When I get my inheritance, I can pay your debts.’
‘Sounds super-good babe,’ he smiled. ‘I guess you’ll be really rich one day.’
‘Really rich?’ she repeated.
‘When your aunt and uncle die, you’re the only dependant aren’t you?’
Libby laughed.
‘They’re not going to die anytime soon.’
He nodded and pulled her back into an embrace.
‘All the same,’ he said thoughtfully.
The loud music started up an
d Patrick tried not to sigh. They were all so bloody young here.
‘Stay just five minutes more,’ she said.
A giggling couple bumped into them.
‘I can’t. There are things I need to take care of before the flight. We’ll stay in touch though babe, don’t you worry about that. You let me know when you’re coming. I’ll get a really nice place for us.’
He remembered those new houses they were building on the beach. He’d love one of those. With Libby’s money he could get two; one for him and Lil and another for him and Libby. He smiled at the thought. How the other half live.
*
It had been a great night. It was a shame that Patrick wasn’t able to stay to see in the millennium with her. She supposed he was on his way to the airport now. She felt her sore breasts and remembered their lovemaking from earlier. It was exactly ten weeks before her birthday. It wasn’t long.
‘Happy New Year,’ Laura said, hugging her as the clock chimed. ‘Isn’t it so exciting?’
Libby nodded.
‘I’m so happy,’ said Libby. ‘This year is going to be the best ever.’
‘I really liked your bloke,’ said Laura, feeling all grown up. She had been going to say boyfriend, but Patrick was a man, not a boy. Lucky Libby, she thought. She imagined Patrick knew all sorts of tricks.
‘I’m going to Australia to live with him.’
It was the happiest Libby had ever been. Party poppers exploded around them and Libby danced with joy. The boys gave her admiring looks. One asked if she’d like to walk along the beach with him. They were young, like her but she was experienced now, and she felt confident and worldly. She didn’t want to be with boys her own age.
‘You lucky thing,’ said Laura.
‘Hey girls, you up for some fun,’ said one of the boys holding out some blue pills. ‘Have a Molly.’
‘What’s that?’ said Laura nervously.
Libby took a pill.
‘I’ve always wanted to try Ecstasy,’ she said.
Laura gasped.
‘I don’t think …’
Libby swallowed the pill with the beer the boy gave her. She couldn’t remember how many beers she’d drunk. She felt all light and airy and not afraid of anything. She’d walk home along the beach, that would be exhilarating and when she got to Manstead she’d talk to Uncle Edward about having her inheritance earlier in the form of a loan from him and Aunty Rose. Hopefully Aunty Rose would be feeling better. After all, it was only a few months before her birthday. That way she could travel to Australia earlier. Maybe she could study there instead of going to that stupid college Aunty Rose had signed her up for. It was stupid someone like her studying anyway. She’d have loads of money. It’s not like she’d need to work.
People were dancing on the beach and Libby joined in with them for a short time. Everything began to look fantastic. She felt a sense of euphoria like she’d never known before. The boy kissed her and it was heaven. Even Patrick’s kisses hadn’t felt as wonderful as this. She watched in awe at the fireworks, the festival of colours seemed to take her breath away. It didn’t even feel cold any more.
‘I love you,’ she told Laura, hugging her tightly. ‘You’ve always made me feel special.’
‘Don’t talk daft,’ said Laura, pulling away.
Libby danced along the beach. Her whole life was ahead of her and she could do anything. Anything and everything was within her reach. Once she had money there would be nothing she couldn’t accomplish. She’d go home and ask Uncle Edward now.
‘I’ll see you tomorrow,’ she called to Laura.
She was shivering when she arrived at Manstead and her head had started to ache. The lights were on and the thought of a roaring fire cheered her. She felt happy and positive. The year 2000 was going to be wonderful.
Chapter Eighty-Five
Present day
Libby
Ewan stares at the screen. His hands are shaking. He turns around and looks at me. His eyes are hard and menacing. His hand grips the rifle until his knuckles turn white.
‘Fifteen years, Libby,’ he says, his eyes narrowing. ‘You weren’t the only one with dreams.’
He lifts the rifle. I go to cover my face and realise I can’t.
‘Ewan,’ I whisper. ‘Please.’
‘You fucking bitch.’
‘Ewan …’
‘I’m going to fucking kill you,’ he roars. ‘I’ve got two cartridges. So help me God I’ll pump them both into you.’
He glances back at the screen.
‘For fuck’s sake Libby, what the hell happened? Why did you kill them?’
*
Fifteen years earlier
Libby pushed her hand into her sparkly clutch bag and admired it all over again. Maybe she’d buy another one in red perhaps. Libby liked red. She’d buy Laura one too. She pulled her keys from the bag and opened the door. She stepped into the hall and then remembered that she had sand in her shoes, so quickly pulled them off before making her way to the morning room.
‘Hello, it’s me,’ she called.
She opened the door. The heat from the fire hit her and she felt suddenly dizzy. Her head was fuzzy and strange, and she had to blink several times to see clearly.
‘It’s freezing out,’ she said.
Aunty Rose was lying on the couch, her legs covered with a blanket.
‘How are you feeling?’ asked Libby, warming her hands by the fire.
‘You’re late,’ snapped Uncle Edward.
‘It’s New Year’s Eve,’ Aunty Rose said softly.
‘I left as soon as it was midnight,’ said Libby, standing up and feeling herself sway. Uncle Edward poured himself a brandy and looked at Rose.
‘Do you fancy a nightcap?’
‘Not with this headache.’
‘How is it?’ asked Libby.
‘It’s much better than it was. Did you have a nice time tonight?’
‘It was wonderful,’ breathed Libby.
She sat on the rug in front of the fire and crossed her legs.
‘How’s Princess?’
Rose looked to Edward and then bowed her head.
‘Did the vet put him to sleep?’ Libby persisted.
‘I shot him,’ said Edward.
‘Does Ewan know?’ she said shocked.
Edward didn’t speak.
‘Yes, he knows. He’s very upset,’ said Rose.
‘I should go and see him,’ Libby said, standing up.
‘I think we’d be best to leave him in peace,’ said Rose.
Libby thought of Princess and had to stop herself from crying. Uncle Edward didn’t like tears. He said they were a weakness and she wanted him to see her as strong and adult.
‘I’m going to be eighteen in a few weeks,’ she said, smiling at Aunty Rose.
‘Yes dear, is there anything special you would like? We’ll go for dinner, obviously, but is there a show you’d like to see? Maybe there’s a ballet on.’
Fireworks boomed outside and Edward sighed. Libby stared fascinated at the flames leaping up from the fire. The colours were amazing.
‘We’re not going to get much sleep tonight,’ Edward said, banking down the fire.
‘Oh,’ said Libby as the dancing flames slowly disappeared.
Aunty Rose sat up.
‘Well, you think about it dear and let us know,’ she said to Libby.
‘What I’d like,’ Libby said breathlessly, ‘is an advance on my inheritance.’
Edward stopped banking the fire and looked at her.
‘Your inheritance?’ repeated Rose.
‘It was left in trust for me. As my birthday is only a few weeks away I thought it would be alright to have some of it early. I want to go to Australia.’
Edward stood and shook his head at Libby.
‘Australia,’ exclaimed Aunty Rose. ‘You’ve never mentioned this before.’
‘You inherit at eighteen if we, your guardians, think you’re responsible enough to h
andle your inheritance and quite honestly I don’t think you are anywhere near adult enough. Your parents didn’t leave you their hard-earned money for some lazy layabout Australian to enjoy,’ Edward barked.
Libby blushed.
‘What are you talking about Edward?’ asked Rose.
Suddenly the room felt too hot for Libby.
‘Ewan told me that Libby has been seeing some Australian gypsy. He’s twenty-seven, married with three kids, no money. He doesn’t work and sponges off anyone he can.’
‘Oh Libby, tell me this isn’t true,’ pleaded Rose.
Libby rubbed at her eyes. Aunty Rose seemed to be fading in and out of her vision. Why didn’t she keep still?
‘Ewan’s a liar,’ Libby cried. ‘Why do you always believe what Ewan says?’
‘That’s enough Libby,’ said Rose.
‘Ewan threatened him with a rifle. That’s against the law,’ Libby said, pouting.
‘You need to grow up Libby,’ Edward said firmly. ‘This is not how a mature eighteen-year-old would behave. I don’t think you’re grown up enough to receive your inheritance. I’ll increase your allowance, but that’s it. We will review the situation at the end of the year and I don’t think flying to Australia to be with a married man is very sensible. I won’t give you money for that. The sooner he goes back the better. You need to think about your studies or get yourself a job.’
‘But that’s not fair, and I don’t need a job with my inheritance,’ Libby snivelled.
‘You’ll work, damn it, like everyone else.’
Libby clenched her fists with anger. Patrick would be waiting for her. She had to go to Australia. Her whole life was there. Patrick might find someone else and then what would she do?
‘I hate you,’ she screamed. ‘I hate you and I hate Ewan. You’ve always preferred him to me.’
‘Don’t be so ridiculous,’ said Edward.
‘Libby …’ called Rose but Libby had already run from the room.
She was glad Princess was dead. It served Ewan right. If he hadn’t told her uncle about Patrick she would be getting her inheritance as she deserved. How dare they hold back what was rightfully hers. It was her right. She couldn’t wait a year before seeing Patrick again. What if her uncle took her passport? She’d promised Patrick. This was going to be the best year ever and now it was all ruined. She would have her inheritance. She wouldn’t let them take everything from her. Not Patrick. He was the only person who loved her. She’d force them to give it to her. Her parents had left the money to her, not to Uncle Edward and Aunty Rose. They had plenty of their own money. She fidgeted on her feet. Her cheek twitched and she put her hand to her face to try and stop it. Her head was throbbing now and she began to regret taking the Ecstasy pill. She was feeling so dizzy. It was going to be okay. They would give her the money. It was all going to be alright. She would see Patrick again soon. She walked slowly to the gun room. Patrick would be at the airport now. Maybe if she got her money tonight she could be on a flight by tomorrow. It would only be a few days and she’d see him again. They could choose a house together.