The Alone Alternative
Page 25
In the kitchen he jumps when he sees a figure crouched by the window. The prickle of sweat begins to bead on his forehead.
‘Oh, it’s you,’ he says to Rick, relieved.
‘Hush, get down,’ says Rick. He is bare-chested but has had the foresight to put on his jeans.
Edward squats below the kitchen cabinets. ‘What is it?’
Rick points up to the window above the sink. Against the glow from the security light, Edward can see cracks radiating outwards from a smash in the double glazing. They exchange glances.
Harriet appears in pyjamas and slippers and Rick gestures urgently for her to get on the floor. ‘Harriet, get hold of a phone and stay out of sight. Call the police and tell them you’ve had an attempted break-in. Right?’
Harriet begins to object.
‘No argument,’ whispers Rick. ‘Do it. Now.’
Harriet creeps away and Edward listens. All he can hear is the low whirr from the freezer.
After several minutes, Rick says, ‘The plods will take ages from Exeter. Where’s your torch? I’m going out.’
Edward finds the torch behind the breadbin, used by Felicity for checking the animals at night or on a winter’s morning. They stand on the back doorstep while Rick shines the beam in an arc beyond the range of the security light, across the gravel to the vegetable garden and beyond.
Nothing.
But below the kitchen window is a large, sharp rock.
‘We best leave it,’ says Rick. ‘Fingerprints.’
‘Do you think someone was trying to get in?’
‘Probably scare tactics. Put all the lights on. If you check the rest of the inside, I’ll have a mosey round the outside.’ Rick takes his leather jacket from behind the back door.
Edward feels unsuitably dressed in his dressing gown but goes from room to room inspecting the windows.
When Rick returns, he says the gates have been left open, but there is nothing else as far as he can see. They sit at the kitchen table waiting for the police to arrive, avoiding eye contact.
After a while Rick says, ‘I will take care of Harriet. You don’t need to worry. I’ve never loved a woman before. She’s changed my life.’
This is the chance for Edward to object, to threaten, to give a piece or two of his mind, but for Rick to say this shows courage and his helping them out has been a great support. Instead, he turns and says, ‘She’s not the easiest of my children. But you know that and you make her happy.’
*
The police come and go as dawn is breaking, taking particulars and saying they will send a forensics team later in the morning. They are vague about the progress of enquiries regarding Jessica. Edward returns to bed, hoping to catch a couple of hours sleep but it eludes him. In the morning he is ashen-faced and lethargic. This is when he would go for a walk with the dog to clear his head. He looks at Meg’s lead hanging forlornly on its hook and goes outside to check the hens, his head pounding.
He calls Gemma to say he will be late and to cancel his morning lecture. After breakfast, two SOCOs – a man and a woman – ferret around the outside of the house looking for evidence and fingerprints. They believe the sharp rock may have come from the rose garden where there are other similar pieces, and after detailed examination find traces of a small footprint in the flowerbed from which to make a cast.
When they have gone, Edward goes to work leaving Rick in charge of the house. ‘Ring me if anything is amiss,’ he says.
All afternoon he is tired and unproductive, anxious about developments. He visits Conrad in his office and collapses in the easy chair squeezed between two filing cabinets. He explains what has happened.
Conrad is unusually serious. ‘Could we be talking psychopath?’
‘Rick and Harriet think so. I won’t rest easy until she is apprehended.’
‘Go home. We can manage here.’
Edward hates to take time off for anything other than essential business but today he has found it impossible to juggle the challenges of both home and work. It is on days like this that he thinks retirement would be a very pleasant prospect and he decides to take Conrad’s advice.
He returns home via the vet’s where there is again some small improvement in Meg’s level of alertness.
At the Deer Orchard, he finds Olivia waiting for him in the kitchen.
‘Jessica has been found in Hebden Bridge,’ says Olivia. She looks tired and less lacquered than usual. ‘It’s where she and her first husband lived. She’s in custody.’
‘I wonder how she got up there,’ says Edward. ‘Especially if she was here last night chucking that rock at the window.’
‘I asked that. Apparently she hired a car.’
‘I didn’t know she could drive.’
‘Nor did I. At least you can breathe again.’
He does. Then he calls Marianne on her mobile but is diverted to answerphone. He hangs up, preferring to email the details.
To: Marianne Hayward
From: Edward Harvey
Date: 3rd July 2012, 18.23
Subject: News
Dear Mari,
Jessica found in Yorkshire and being questioned – not sure whether up there or down here. Police activity down the lane around her house. Expect they are doing a search.
Meg continues to make slow improvement and may be coming home for the weekend. Not out of woods yet, but great if she can be back with us soon. Lost without a dog to walk – although she won’t be able to walk, yet.
Rick has made effort to assuage my fears re Harriet – makes it easier to communicate as not deliberately avoiding the issue. Given Harriet’s support for ‘Us’, I was perhaps unreasonable to react as I did.
love,
Edward
*
To: Edward Harvey
From: Marianne Hayward
Date: 3rd July 2012, 19.15
Subject: Re: News
Dear Edward,
Glad to hear on all fronts.
In that case I will return home. Taryn will be pleased!
In haste,
Mari
*
To: Edward Harvey
From: Patrick Shrubsole
Date: 3rd July 2012, 20.03
Subject: Scilly
Ted,
Flying Owl is hoping to get Mathis Wackernagel (president of the Global Footprint Network) to present a piece to camera – but that can be added after we’ve been to Scilly.
Last Thursday caught out in hailstorm driving back from Leicester Uni. Size of golf balls. Car covered in dents as if it’s been to a panel beater. Smashed windscreen too. Looks like write off.
We need to finalise details for the trip next time we speak. Hope Marianne hasn’t changed her mind. Is she staying with you at the Parsonage or will we have the pleasure of her company at Lowertown Farm?
Cheers,
Patrick
Edward wonders about Patrick and Marianne. He suspects motives that are not entirely professional. On the other hand, this may help to promote his own cause as he can act as the gallant protector of her honour. Except he has his own designs where that is concerned. He replies to Patrick, suggesting a meeting via Skype later in the evening.
To: Marianne Hayward
From: Edward Harvey
Date: 4th July 2012, 07.15
Subject: July
Hi Mari,
Jessica still banged up. No chance of bail with new enquiries underway. Toxicology report on Meg said a type of rat poison and given husband in pest control, it is highly likely this will match samples taken from house or outbuildings. The RSPCA is involved. Much writing and editing of documentary scripts and last night had a meeting via Skype with Patrick. Would like to think we might do same.
love,
Edward
*
To: Edward Harvey
From: Marianne Hayward
Date: 4th July 2012, 20.15
Subject: Re: July
Dear Edward,
Skyp
e: I prefer invisibility of phone and email. No pressure to look respectable!
As if the weather hasn’t been bad enough, the Countryfile forecast suggests something worse heading your way.
love,
Mari
Rachel calls him.
‘I’ve been thinking about everything,’ she says. ‘And I’ve been so worried about you with all this Jessica stuff. I do like Marianne and I’m sorry I was a cow. It’s because I care. It’s not just the money thing, it’s because I find it difficult imagining you paying attention to another woman; making someone who isn’t family important in your life. I’m jealous. I’m sorry, I can’t help it. But I’m trying to get used to the idea.’
‘Nothing is happening, Rachel, as I said before. Marianne is a theoretical partner, not an actual one.’
‘She’s probably scared.’
Edward considers the word carefully. ‘Scared?’
‘It’s a big step at your age.’
‘It is. It feels huge. Not least the logistics.’
‘Do you love her? Does she love you?
‘That’s what Kate asked. I think so, and I don’t know.’
‘You have to talk.’
‘I don’t want to frighten her away. And I don’t know what to say. Don’t know how to do this dating thing. Your mother chased me. I didn’t do anything except follow her lead.’
‘Oh Dad,’ Rachel says. ‘Harriet is right, you are hopeless.’
*
The following morning, Harriet comes home from Rick’s with a rumour of an exhumation in the churchyard overnight: Jessica’s second husband, according to the early morning gossip. Persons in white decontamination gear have been seen.
Harriet says, ‘There’s tape across from the Red Lion to the field. The area is being patrolled by uniformed officers and there are newshounds with cameras lurking in Church Close and asking questions. I can’t get my head round it. This is becoming more and more like something off television.’
Before he sets off for work, Edward calls Olivia to see if he can find out more. She says that Jessica is still under arrest and being assessed by a psychologist.
‘I did hear there was some hoo-ha up at the churchyard,’ she says. ‘But I don’t know any details. I feel a little awkward about it all. Because of you and split loyalties. But Jessica is a friend and she’s clearly unwell. She doesn’t have anyone else so they are keeping me informed. I suspect she will end up in hospital.’
When he returns in the evening, a news reporter from the local paper phones the Deer Orchard to ask for an interview about what happened to Meg. Clearly someone in the village has said something. Edward is curt and deliberately vague. ‘We think she may have been poisoned but nothing is confirmed regarding with what, or how or by whom.’ He refuses to be drawn about any connection with the goings on up at the church.
*
On his way home on Friday, Edward collects Meg from the vet, the final outcome still very much uncertain. It is pouring with rain again and he wraps her in a blanket to take her to the car.
‘I have to say I am surprised she’s pulled through so far,’ says Natalie. ‘Given the state she was in. She must be tough.’
She is very weak and thin but he will give her plenty of TLC over the weekend. She can stand, but barely walk. For a day or two he will have to carry her when she needs to go outside. Next week he will be dependent on Rick to check on her during the day.
Edward phones Marianne with an update. He says, ‘Have you thought any more about coming to stay when you finish work?’
She says, ‘I have so much clearing up to do at college. I’m not sure when I’ll be free. I’m not being evasive, but if it happens, it will have to be a last minute thing.’
‘Okay,’ says Edward, disappointed.
To: Edward Harvey
From: Marianne Hayward
Date: 6th July 2012, 22.25
Subject: Weather
Dear Edward,
The man from the environment agency has just been on the news and referred to the latest weather issue as a ‘major set of rains’. Is this new terminology that we are going to have to get used to? Last week it was massive hailstones in the Midlands and North East, today it looks as though it will be the same areas hit again with high potential for flooding. Also looks bad in your area. We may escape until Sunday.
love,
Mari
*
To: Marianne Hayward
From: Edward Harvey
Date: 6th July 2012, 23.14
Subject: Re: Weather
Dear Marianne,
Cagoules at the ready!
love,
Edward
*
To: Marianne Hayward
From: Edward Harvey
Date: 7th July 2012, 07.15
Subject: Re: Weather
Dear Mari,
Broadclyst is awash – or at least the road to Killerton is flooded; and the Honiton road on both carriageways. It could get worse as the River Clyst is on flood alert. Phone lines may be affected but we are unlikely to be flooded at home so don’t worry if you don’t hear from me.
love,
Edward
*
To: Edward Harvey
From: Marianne Hayward
Date: 7th July 2012, 20.13
Subject: Re: Weather
Dear Edward,
Am concerned. TV pictures look awful across your region. Ottery St Mary has a river running down the road. What is happening to our planet? Are these summer floods the shape of things to come? Difficult to think of planning holidays. Food prices have already risen at alarming rate so if there are shortages and we have to rely on imports am scared about where this will lead. Makes the sustainability issue so relevant. Even more evidence that we need to act; to have strategies.
Perhaps early retirement is not a sensible option just now. Too late to change mind!
love,
Mari
*
To: Marianne Hayward
From: Edward Harvey
Date: 8th July 2012, 07.15
Subject: Re: Weather
Dear Mari,
You are not ‘retiring’ per se. Your career as a writer has a better chance of success if you go sooner rather than later. When you feel as if you’ve given all you can in a job, then it is time to consider options.
Meg is now able to accompany me outside under self-propulsion. We go as far as the paddock and back – very slowly. Progress, but whether she will ever regain any of her former vigour we don’t know. I’ve also been warned that organ failure could kick in too.
Had thought of making another attempt to persuade you to come down for weekend but would hate to think of you marooned in Broadclyst.
love,
Edward
*
To: Edward Harvey
From: Marianne Hayward
Date: 8th July 2012, 09.25
Subject: Re: Weather
Dear Edward,
Can think of worse things than being marooned with you!
love,
Mari
*
To: Marianne Hayward
From: Edward Harvey
Date: 8th July 2012, 20.25
Subject: Re: Weather
Dear Mari,
Shall I arrange to have you helicoptered in?!
Flooding worse today.
love,
Edward
*
To: Edward Harvey
From: Marianne Hayward
Date: 8th July 2012, 21.32
Subject: Re: Weather
Watching out for the Sikorsky!!
Marianne x
Edward has a fleeting fantastical thought about helicopters and being with Marianne, completely surrounded by water like in a medieval castle. Then the fantasy evolves into open fires with burning logs, the floor covered in plush rugs on which to lie. Clothes are shed along with inhibitions and all the barriers that are currently in their way. Ever since
the party he has nurtured the love until he can hardly bear to be away from her. If her courage should fail on Scilly, he must prepare for a life without her; a life alone.
37
The Alternative
Marianne thinks the exchanges about the flood and the helicopter have stretched the limits of Edward’s flirting repertoire. Afterwards, he resumes cautious and measured dialogue by mail and phone, mostly focused on their respective work for the documentary series.
Term finishes officially at college although she pops back most mornings during the first week of the holiday to clear her desk and shelves. At first she finds it difficult throwing things away, years of accumulated notes bursting out of folder upon folder. She reasons that if she were to return to teaching or tutoring, she would have to update her knowledge and now that she has her new writing career, the probability of doing this is small. She doesn’t want to add more clutter to her house if she is going to downsize so it is logical to load the papers into a recycling bag. As she goes through her ring binders, sorting the pages into what to keep, what to throw away and what to pass on to the HoD, she remembers the effort that went into their creation, the hours of cross-referencing from two or three text books, the endless revisions of worksheets on the computer and the life that she had with Johnny while she was teaching in her prime. She mourns the years that have gone, never to be reclaimed and wobbles under the weight of her decision to retire.
*
A week later, Marianne is in central London in Gillian Fylde’s office at Flying Owl, talking through amendments to the Education Pack.
Gillian is a woman in her early forties with an ash blonde, low maintenance, short blunt bob and fringe of the sort favoured by headteachers. It transpires that she began her working life in a school.
‘I am intrigued by this initiative in the Primary materials,’ she says, finding the appropriate page amid the pile on her desk. ‘Rejecting Aspirational Fashion,’ she reads. ‘You say, “We need to make it trendy to be untrendy and to adapt, mend and recycle clothes instead of always buying new”.’
‘Consumerism is one of the chief enemies of sustainability,’ says Marianne. ‘And children must be educated in this view when they begin to show interest. It will be too late by secondary school.’