A Secret Schemer

by Charley Dee

  ‘Lucy do you fancy a cuppa?’ Kate pokes her head in the office door.

  ‘Please Kate; I’ve been a bit carried away in a dream world here.’

  ‘Come on then, I’ll explain Sunday lunch menu, and I can show you a picture of my next date.’

  ‘The one you’re meeting in here tomorrow?’

  ‘That’s the one, I expect he’ll turn out to be another bad boy, I’m a sucker for them.’ Kate laughs. ‘Anyway Lucy, how are things going with Tim?’

  ‘Wow didn’t I mention we took it to another level last night?’

  ‘OMG well that’s you and Jena sorted, my turn next, in fact I’m feeling more positive now you’ve told me that.’

  ‘To be honest Kate I really surprised myself as it’s been a while.’ I laugh.

  ‘So what do you think of the picture and his profile.’ Kate asks eagerly.

  I scan through his profile. ‘Looking good his profile seems OK and he’s a local guy, which is all in your favour Hun.’

  ‘Well you’ll see him tomorrow night, unless you’re going out.’

  ‘No I’ll be here Kate; I’m not seeing Tim until Sunday afternoon, although I’ve had three text messages already today.’

  ‘He’s eager Lucy, how does that make you feel?’

  ‘Actually quite excited, he seems to know all the right buttons to press.’

  Grace brings Kate another food order so I slip back into the office, this time to arrange the payment of wages. My mobile signals another message, and once again it’s from Tim, asking if I’d mind if he called in for a quick pint this evening as he was missing me already. How sweet, I assured him it would be OK although I’d be working behind the bar….

  Me and Jena were running the bar this evening, Archie had the night off, however Lucas said he was happy to sit in the bar so long as I didn’t mind, which I reassured him he could stay whenever he pleased. Andy and Tim came in and sat with Lucas, as we were busy there wasn’t much time for us to chat. Thankfully the Butler woman didn’t show her face.

  Sunday lunch was extremely busy and having Jodie as waitress helped a lot, the girl is definitely a natural and you could tell by her radiant smile that she was enjoying herself. I managed to get away from the pub just before three o’clock and had to drive to Chelsea or I would have been late. Fortunately you can park on a Sunday in certain places; my parking permit only covers the Westminster area. I could see Tim sitting on a seat on the embankment, so I crept up behind him and placed my hands over his eyes.

  ‘Hello gorgeous lady.’ He declared and then planted a kiss on the end of my nose.

  ‘We were so busy I had to drive here.’

  ‘We’d better not walk too far then.’ He said as he took my hand.

  ‘Oh it’s OK I have three hours off, so a walk in the air will be great.’ I respond.

  ‘I’ve bought my camera with me as I’d love to have a couple of photos to cheer my desk up.’ He grins. ‘That’s if you don’t mind.’

  ‘As long as I don’t have to pose, please snap when I’m not looking, I tend to grimace if I’m expected to smile.’

  ‘I’m sure you’re very photogenic.’ He insists.

  ‘Whatever.’ I laugh.

  About two hours later we decided to try and find my car; we’d laughed loads and taken heaps of silly photos, including some of us sitting together. I’d forgotten how invigorating it was to hold hands and share time and laughter with someone you care about.

  Sometime later in the bar I noticed Kate sitting with her latest date, so I sent two glasses of bubbly over to them and she beckoned me over.

  ‘Hi Lucy, this is Mark.’

  ‘Pleased to meet you Mark, is this your first time in the new pub?’

  ‘Yeah and what a good job you’ve made of it, did you see it before the change?’ He asked.

  ‘I did although it was actually closed at the time, I’m glad you like it. Anyway you two enjoy yourselves and I’ll see you Tuesday Kate.’

  ‘Good to meet you Lucy and thanks for the drink.’

  ‘It’s my pleasure.’ As I walk back towards the bar I notice Andy and Jena ordering a drink from Archie. ‘Why don’t you two go off out for a while, both of the guys are working tonight so we’re well covered.’ I add.

  ‘Are you sure Hun?’ Jena responds.

  ‘I’m positive, have a night off while you can.’

  ‘Do you fancy a movie?’ Andy asks.

  ‘Why not, come on then Mr Wood what are you waiting for.’ Jena laughs as she starts to stride out of the bar.

  I’m glad they’ve gone out; at least they’ll get to spend some quality time together. Lucas is on his break so I join him at the bar.

  ‘Are you on your own tonight Lucy?’

  ‘Yeah I thought it would be good for Jena and Andy to have some time away from the pub, I think they’re going to the movies.’

  ‘Have you heard any more about Emma’s aunt?’

  ‘Not to date, however like I mentioned I’ll be ringing the brewery in the morning. I expect you’ve met other unsavoury customers in the past?’

  ‘I think she tops the most undesirable customer, although I’ve had to work with some objectionable staff before.’ Lucas declares.

  ‘I guess I can second that, so how are you finding the Frog and Toad?’ I ask with a grin.

  ‘Refreshing Lucy, you all seem a happy bunch.’

  ‘That’s good, although I have to sort the Emma situation out.’

  ‘She doesn’t have much to say, I expect by now she’s realised we all know who her aunt is, nothing seems to faze her.’ Lucas adds.

  ‘Mm I feel she’s a pretty tough cookie, from an equally tough family background.’

  ‘It’s time I gave Archie a break, talk to you later Lucy.’

  My chat with Lucas was fairly serious, I’m sure in time he’ll loosen up and we’ll be able to have a laugh. There’s something holding him back which is making me all the more curious about him (or is it me being a typical snoop)? I haven’t arranged to see Tim on a particular day, I feel he’s just going to call in at odd times, which is fine, as in this trade it’s virtually impossible to lead a normal life. He’s already sent me a couple of amusing photos via my mobile, and he mentioned that he had work to prepare for next week, so no doubt he’s glued to his laptop.

  Monday morning and my first thought was to ring the brewery. Although I know the office staff start work at eight thirty, Jeremy won’t be available until nine. After a refreshing cuppa with Mary I slip into the office to make my call. Jeremy hadn’t been in the least dispirited by my account of Vie Butler’s behaviour, in fact he’d said it had been expected. The family are well known even to the brewery, through notable events in the past; however he did advise me to be cautious in the way I handled the woman as she has violent tendencies, and to keep him informed, although he was already prepared for her complaints. I felt somewhat better when I’d briefed him about the incidents so far… As its Kate’s day off I’d made my mind up to make a large pan of spaghetti bolognaise in readiness for customers wanting a ‘special’, plus I’m sure the rest of us will soon scoff the spare. So with my hair tied back in the smallest possible bun I began my chore.

  ‘Wow look at you Nigella, what’s all this about?’ Jena giggles as she watches my attempts at cooking. ‘Are you following a recipe?’

  ‘Oh ye of little faith, it’s my speciality.’ I grin back at her.

  ‘Yes maybe but that would be for two people, you seem to be slicing enough onions to have the whole pub in tears.’

  ‘Well I thought all I needed to do was increase the ingredients, what do you think.’ I ask cautiously.

  ‘Good luck with that then…..the proof of the pudding and all that.’ Jena is finding this hysterically funny, as I’m not known for my cookery, any more than she is, I hasten to add.

  At that moment Mary walked into the kitchen with a beaming smile on her face.

  ‘Doesn’t anyone trust my cooking?’ We all la
ugh at that.

  At the end of the day, the spaghetti bolognaise had been edible though not moorish, thank goodness there had been no requests for specials. I’m sure by next week Kate will have heard of my endeavour and left something ready for a Monday special. Such little faith in my cuisine skills….

  Chapter 10

  The next few days passed without incident, however on Thursday evening I decided a doorman would be a safe bet for Friday night as we had a popular local band booked to play. I rang a couple of agencies and there was no one available at such short notice, I mentioned this to Jena and she came up with a superb solution, so long as the person was willing.

  ‘I’ll ask him tonight Lucy I’m sure he’ll agree, let’s face it he’s the right build and temperament.’ She assures.

  ‘I hadn’t thought of Andy, you’re so right though Jena he’d be perfect, also Lucas is a fit guy so if anything kicked off I’m sure they could deal with it between them.’

  ‘Have you heard the band before Hun?’

  ‘No, although they have a great following according to some of the youngsters I’ve spoken to in the bar.’

  ‘Bring it on let’s hope we have a great night.’ Jena adds.

  Friday night and the band ‘Live and Kicking’ were setting up in the bar; we had a special machine installed to monitor the sound levels, so the music wouldn’t disturb anyone outside of the pub. Fortunately our direct neighbours are customers. Anyhow my reasoning is if you wish for a totally peaceful life you shouldn’t choose to live next door to a busy bar. Tim has called in a couple of times during the week, and stayed over one night, however tonight will be his first taste of a live music venue, then he’s sure to realise he can never have a normal relationship with the landlady of a pub. He will have to accept my way of life or run for the hills while he has the chance, because my career comes first, as I’m certainly not a run of the mill kind of girl…

  By nine o’clock the band had burst into action and the atmosphere was electric. Andy was on the door looking every bit the doorman in his black suit and bow tie (which Jena had rushed out to buy). I’d taken Mary to one side earlier to explain why we sprayed certain surfaces with WD40, Mary had little knowledge of drug use, and was bewildered to say the least. Jena was behind the bar with the guys and I was collecting glasses, although my main purpose tonight was to be vigilant. Vie Butler and her buxom mate made an appearance for about half an hour, this made me curious as to why she hadn’t stayed, was trouble brewing? That question was answered when we had a visit from the police at around ten o’clock; I took the police officer into the restaurant to avoid making a big scene of his entrance.

  ‘We’ve had a complaint about the noise.’ The officer explained.

  ‘We have the sound monitored and our neighbours are happy, can I ask who has made the complaint?’ I ask knowing full well.

  ‘I’m not at liberty to say, however I can see the sound monitor is working, we do have to be seen to follow up all the complaints. Enjoy the rest of your evening.’

  ‘No problem and thanks for calling in.’

  So this is what I was going to get every time we had music. I mustn’t let it get to me somehow I’d put a stop to this detestable woman. As I walked back into the bar I could see Tim edging his way to get a pint. He’s later than I expected, although maybe that was a good thing under the circumstances. I collected as many glasses as possible in the crowd, the bar was heaving, and so without further ado I slipped behind the bar to join the others serving the endless display of eager customers. There was just a sea of hands waving various bank notes; my secluded thought was that my bank manager would be extremely happy on Monday morning, along with myself of course. By the time the band had packed their gear away and all the punters had left, Archie and Lucas joined me, Jena, Andy and Tim for a nightcap and a hearty discussion on the evening’s incidents. They were all interested in what the police had said, however they soon realised it had been the work of the horror woman.

  ‘She’ll probably ring the police at every given opportunity.’ Jena declared.

  ‘I’m sure she will; I don’t think it’ll be long before they suss her out.’ I add.

  ‘I dare say they’re used to her.’ Archie chipped in. ‘Anyway I’m off guys I love your company but I’m on a promise.’ With that he was gone like a shot leaving the rest of us laughing.

  ‘Time I said goodnight as well.’ Lucas also left.

  ‘I wonder if he’s on a promise.’ Tim asked.

  ‘I don’t think so he’s a loner is Lucas.’

  Me and Jena then removed the tills.’ We’ll be back soon guys.’ We shouted as we left the bar.

  ‘Lucas does seem a bit of a loner.’ Tim suggested to Andy.

  ‘Each to their own I say.’ He replied.

  ‘I guess it’s not compulsory to have a partner I suppose.’ Tim added.

  ‘Well until I met Jena I’d been on my own a few years, what about you Tim?’

  ‘I suppose, I’ve never really bothered too much about heavy relationships.’

  ‘So is Lucy different?’ Andy asked.

  ‘In a way yes, she knows what she wants.’

  ‘And that makes a difference because?’ Andy enquires.

  ‘She’s independent, I like that.’

  ‘OK time to call it a day I think, unless you and Andy want to have another drink?’ I ask Jena.

  ‘Yeah you go on Hun I’ll put the alarms on, see you in the morning.’

  ‘Goodnight guys we say in unison.’ As we make our way up to the flat.

  ‘I don’t know what it is babe, I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something about that guy.’ Andy declares.

  ‘You’ve just said what I’ve been thinking Andy, what is it with Tim, he’s sociable, smart and he seems smitten with Lucy…but?’

  ‘Have you said anything to Lucy?’ He asks.

  ‘No and I won’t at this stage, she’s pretty clued up where guys are concerned, and I don’t want to imply that I’m interfering.’

  ‘That’s as maybe but you know what it’s like when feelings become involved, she’s a good catch for any guy and you know what I mean.’ Andy emphasises.

  ‘The trouble is love I’m not sure what it is about him, nevertheless I‘ll keep my beady eye on him.’ Jena stated. ‘So Mr Wood is it another nightcap or are you taking me to bed.’

  ‘Well that’s an offer I can’t refuse.’ He laughs.

  ‘What the drink or bed?’

  ‘Bed woman bed, set that alarm and let’s get going.’

  The Frog and Toad has now been open for four weeks, I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone, my relationship with Tim has reached dizzy heights, and seems to be moving in the right direction (I trust), although I had not anticipated entering into a close liaison at this stage. Sometimes I guess these romances come from out of the blue…Emma has now left my employ, as Archie filmed her( on his mobile) giving drinks to members of her family, for that I’m extremely grateful, the only problem is Vie Butler shows no signs of going away. I called on one of the other applicants to take over Emma’s hours and she seems to be fitting in well, her name is Jayne Lewis and she has offered to work extra shifts if required. As for my dear mate Jena I’m so happy that she’s found her soul mate in Andy. At thirty six she’d been on her own for about four years and with her natural beauty and brilliant sense of humour meeting Andy was the icing on the cake. Now I need to see how Kate’s love life is unfolding as she’s been a tad quiet about it of late.

  ‘Have you got time for a cuppa Kate?’ I ask hopefully as she strenuously kneads a huge bowl of dough. ‘I’d offer to help but you’re fully aware of my culinary skills.’ I laugh.

  ‘If you put the kettle on Lucy I’ll shove this in the fridge and scrub my hands, so the answer is yes I’d love a cuppa.’

  While I’m waiting for the kettle to boil I rummage in the cupboard and find a packet of fig rolls.

  ‘Mm I haven’t had a fig roll for ages.’ I
mutter with at least two in my mouth. ‘So Kate Marshall I need a complete update on your love life.’

  ‘I’ve met a new man, his name’s Jeff and he’s forty, Kate grins widely.

  ‘Is he from the dating site?’ I quiz.

  ‘No, as a matter of fact I met him in the restaurant, he’s a local guy.’

  ‘Tell me more please.’

  ‘He came in for a meal a couple of weeks ago with some friends, as he paid the bill he asked for my phone number, he said it jokingly so at first I laughed it off, however when I gave him his change he squeezed my hand and asked again.’

  ‘So you succumbed to his charms you floozy.’ I laughed.

  ‘Well he’s pretty hot, so I thought why not, as to date I hadn’t met anyone devastatingly gorgeous on the dating site.’

  ‘Good for you, so why haven’t you been parading him around the pub?’

  ‘He had to go on a training course for a week, so I’ve only seen him twice and I wanted to suss him out first.’ Kate declared.

  ‘So come on spill, tell all.’

  ‘Yeah we have chemistry.’ She laughs.

  ‘Mm so what level are we on?’ I tease.

  ‘Last night we moved up a level.’ She grinned. ‘I went to his flat after work.’

  ‘You are such a loose woman! Good for you Hun.’ I add as I stuff yet another fig roll into my mouth. ‘You must tell Jena she’ll be thrilled.’

  ‘Where is she Lucy?’

  ‘Oh she’s gone to have her hi-lights done, she should be back soon.’

  ‘I’ll catch her when she comes in, now I’d best continue with my baking or it won’t be ready for tonight. By the way Lucy, Lucas wants a word with you.’

  ‘OK I’ll go and find him now.’ With that I go in search of Lucas, Jayne’s in the bar so he must be in the cellar.