A Secret Schemer

by Charley Dee

  ‘Hi Lucas I believe you were looking for me?’

  ‘Oh Lucy you needn’t have come down here.’

  ‘No problem, shall we chat down here or would you rather come up to the restaurant?’

  ‘Wherever you’re more comfortable.’ He replies.

  ‘OK then let’s sit on a barrel and chat.’

  ‘The house where I rent my room has been sold. I was going to mention it before, but I thought it would be easy to find reasonable lodgings, however it’s proving more difficult than I thought and I wondered if you might know somewhere I could try.’ Lucas explained. ‘I could always manage a bed and breakfast for a couple of weeks, otherwise I may have to move out further and travel in daily by train.’

  ‘That’s a shame Lucas; I guess the new owners have decided to live in the property, anyway leave it with me as I may be able to help you.’

  ‘Thanks Lucy, if you happen to know somewhere I could get a room it would answer all my questions, as I would hate to have to leave here.’

  ‘And I’d certainly hate you to leave, don’t worry I’ll catch up with you later.’ As I slip off the lager barrel I tap Lucas on the arm as he looks very worried, and I go in search of Jena.

  ‘Wow that looks great, have you had a third colour added?’ I ask Jena as she returns from the hairdressers.

  ‘Yeah, it’s only a deeper shade of blonde; I thought I’d go mad for a change.’ She giggles.

  ‘This being in love really suits you Hun.’

  ‘Ha ha you’re not doing so bad yourself Lucy Ross.’ Jena quips.

  ‘I could do with a chat can you spare me five?’

  ‘Of course where shall we go…restaurant?’

  With that we both walk into the restaurant and settle down at one of the small tables, I then relay to Jena my recent conversation with Lucas.

  ‘Before you say anything I know exactly what you’re thinking, and needless to say I believe it’s a brilliant idea.’

  ‘Gosh so you’re now a mind reader.’ I laugh.

  ‘Where you’re concerned that’s pretty easy.’

  ‘Mm I’d better watch myself then, anyway Mystic Meg I just wanted to make sure you were OK with it as the room is on your floor.’

  ‘Lucy it’s your pub and Hun I’ve got heaps of room, anyway we won’t have to share rooms as that one’s en suite. Not that it would have made a jot of difference if we did have to share, Lucas is a great bloke and we need him.’

  ‘That’s great shall we give him the good news together, he was really concerned.

  ‘Why not where is he?’ Jena asks.

  ‘In the cellar still I think.’ We both race down the cellar steps and as we reach the bottom Lucas’s face is a picture.

  ‘Sorry to burst in here like a couple of over grown school kids, but we have good news.’ I offer.

  ‘Wow Lucy that was quick, do you know somewhere?’

  ‘Yeah and if you’d like to follow us we’ll tell you all about it.’ Jena adds.

  Lucas follows us up to the first floor where we show him the generous size en suite room, containing a double bed, a small chest of drawers and a single chair.

  ‘I’m sorry there’s not much furniture Lucas but it’s yours and you can do what you want to make it home, actually I do have an armchair if you’d like it.’ I suggest.

  ‘I don’t know what to say I’m speechless, are you sure you don’t need this space for someone else?’

  ‘No it’s all yours you can move in whenever you like.’

  ‘That is so generous; I can’t believe this…..’ Lucas is gobsmacked. You must let me know how much rent you require in advance?’ He adds.

  ‘Rent, no I’m not going to charge you rent, me and Jena split the upstairs bills between us, that’s electric, gas and water.’

  ‘Lucas as we’re downstairs most of the time it’s minimal, I’ll sort that out with you when the bills come in.’ Jena adds.

  ‘What about food?’ Lucas asks.

  ‘You have your main meal anyway, if you want to chip in a couple of pounds with us for breakfast stuff, I’ll leave that up to you.’

  All of a sudden I notice Lucas looks sad, in fact maybe tearful, and so time we left him to savour the moment.

  Back in the kitchen we share the news with Kate, although I don’t intend to spread the word so to speak, except for Mary of course. The guy seems to be down on his luck for reasons best known to him; he’s an excellent willing worker and more than that he’s honest, and as far as I’m concerned that’ll do for me.

  Lucas moved in early Friday morning, and after a chat with Jena he said he would like to chip in with the breakfast food, in fact he insisted on handing over fifty pounds. I’ve decided to keep thirty pounds of that towards the bills, the guy deserves a break, and I’m certainly not out to make money from him. He’s the type of guy who will fit in and not be a problem in any way, plus he’s an excellent all rounder.

  Tonight we have another band playing and again they are local guys with a female singer, Kate has seen them before and is going to come in later with her new man, so that should be interesting….

  ‘You have more flowers.’ Jena laughs as I walk into the kitchen. ‘He’s well obsessed with you girl, next it’ll be a little velvet box.’

  ‘No way, even Brad Pitt himself couldn’t change my mind on the dreaded nuptials.’

  ‘He’s certainly working hard towards it Lucy, be careful.’

  ‘If I didn’t know you better I would think maybe there was a hint of a warning in that conjecture.’

  ‘I just want you to be happy Hun, that’s all.’ Jena adds.

  I give Jena a hug as I know she always has my best interests at heart, and she knows how impulsive I can be. With that I go upstairs to put the flowers in water and change ready for later, as it’s Friday night it’s all hands on deck.

  The band was great, playing mostly covers from the eighties and nineties; they’re called middle of the road, which I guess summed them up. Kate and Jeff turned up about nine thirty, he was tall, attractive and toned, seems like our girl could have hit the jackpot….until I saw him chatting to Vie Butler. They didn’t sit with her in fact Kate had stood aside while he was talking, this needs investigating I think….Andy had to throw a couple of youngsters out during the evening, too much drink or stimulus, he handles everyone well, there’s no outward aggression. We were manically busy behind the bar and I did my best to nip out for glasses, each band have their own set of groupies, this crowd was having a ball and big spenders. Once again I can visualise the smile on my bank manager’s face. Tim arrived just after ten, though I didn’t get a chance to chat, I believe he realises that’s how it’s going to be, and it doesn’t seem to perturb him.

  While we were having our night cap I asked Jena if she’d noticed Kate’s guy chatting to Vie Butler.

  ‘I did Hun, maybe he just knows her from the area.’

  ‘Maybe, although I wouldn’t have thought she was a person a guy like him would befriend.’ I added.

  ‘Let’s ask Kate in the morning, she’ll solve the mystery connection.’ Jena laughs.

  I hope so….

  Chapter 11

  I stirred early; in fact I hadn’t slept much at all, so once again I slipped out of bed trying not to wake Tim. Kate’s new boyfriend Jeff was playing heavy on my mind….what was his connection with that foul woman. I took a quick refreshing shower and ran downstairs to sort the tills out. As I rushed into the kitchen I was surprised to see Lucas sitting at the table reading a paper. ‘My you’re an early bird, couldn’t you sleep either?’ I asked.

  ‘Hi Lucy, no I slept fine, just not used to lying in bed, so as Mary had unlocked I nipped over for the paper. Let me pour you a cuppa.’ He offered.

  ‘Please, that’s just what I need.’

  ‘As we were drinking our tea I could see Lucas was watching me rather intently. ‘Are you OK Lucy?’

  ‘Mm not really I’m concerned about the issue with Kate’s boyfrie
nd and Vie Butler; something is bugging me about it.’

  ‘Maybe he knows her from the area, perhaps using the old pub?’ Lucas tries to placate me.

  ‘I hope that’s the answer, although something is telling me different, anyway I’ll find out when Kate comes in.’

  Finishing my tea I head towards the office when Lucas shouts out. ‘Anything I can help you with Lucy?’

  ‘No I’m just doing last night’s paperwork, thank you anyway.’

  Kate won’t be in until eleven this morning so, when I’d finished in the office I made a couple of bacon sandwiches, two mugs of coffee and went back up to my flat. Tim was lying on top of the bed wrapped in a towel. ‘Breakfast in bed it is then.’ I quip, trying hard to look care free.

  ‘I hope that tastes as good as it smells.’ He laughs. ‘You look a little tense Lucy is something worrying you?’

  ‘I’m still concerned about Kate’s boyfriend’s connection with the Butler woman.’

  ‘I think you’re worrying far too much, they’re all locals.’

  ‘That’s as maybe, however the woman is not the friendly type.’

  ‘Oh come and relax and enjoy breakfast with me.’ Tim urges. ‘I have to leave soon, and I hoped you would come back to bed for a cuddle.’

  ‘Sorry darling I really need to sort this out first, do you have to leave so soon?’

  ‘Yeah I have a few jobs to do on line, you know all technical jargon.’

  ‘Thank goodness I’m a techno phobe.’ I muttered while eating my sandwich.

  ‘You’re not that bad, I mean you keep all the bookwork on your computer.’

  ‘Mm but that’s a set programme, which is pretty plain sailing as you know.’

  ‘Come on Lucy I’m sure you’re not as bad as that on computers.’ He assures.

  ‘Trouble is Tim I have little interest in technology, Jena’s far better than me.’

  ‘Is she now?’ He adds.

  ‘Well she’s not a hotshot like you, although most people are better than me.’

  ‘It’s my job babe, it earns me a living.’

  ‘Mm and is going to make you a millionaire.’ I tease.

  ‘I’m working on it.’ He laughs.

  As I lean across the bed to plant a kiss on his cheek, Tim squeezes my hand.’ Are you sure I can’t tempt you?’

  ‘My heart is telling me to stay, though my head has other ideas.’ I utter as I make for the door….

  Walking into the kitchen I can hear Kate’s dulcet tones as she chats to Jena and Grace. ‘Good morning ladies, how are we all?’

  ‘Fine thanks Lucy.’ They reply in unison.

  Not wanting to be rude to Grace, I need to get Kate and Jena on their own. ‘Grace would you be an angel and bring the two A boards in honey.’

  ‘Sure Lucy.’

  ‘Sorry Kate but I have to ask you something, and really don’t want to involve Grace.’

  ‘That’s OK Hun fire away.’ Kate urges.

  ‘Last night I noticed Jeff speaking to Vie Butler in the bar, do you know his connection with her?’

  ‘I don’t know who Vie Butler is Lucy, though he did have a chat with a woman sitting with a dog on her lap.’

  ‘That’s her Kate.’

  ‘OMG I had no idea, anyway I stood back and with the band playing it was impossible to hear their conversation.’ Kate responded tentatively.

  ‘I realise this must sound rather intrusive, nevertheless could you please find out the link between them. You know the woman is causing unnecessary annoyance to both me and the brewery, therefore any information on her would be appreciated.’

  ‘Of course Lucy, as soon as I see him, I’ll ask, I only got a quick look at her and she’s certainly as you all describe.’

  With that Grace came back in the kitchen.

  ‘If Kate can spare you Grace I’ll help you re-write the boards.’ Jena offered.

  ‘That’s fine Jena.’

  ‘I must sound piteous worrying about this dreaded woman.’ I mutter.

  ‘Not at all Lucy, I know she’s causing problems, you leave it with me love. I expect he knows her from the old pub, as he said he used to frequent the place in the early days.’

  ‘’Besides all of that Kate, is the new love life making headway?’ I laugh.

  ‘Absolutely, in fact I’d say there is definite chemistry bubbling.’ We both laugh as Lucas appears in the doorway.

  ‘Am I interrupting?’ He asks cautiously.

  ‘Not at all, just usual girlie chat.’ I laugh. ‘How about we all have a cuppa before lunches begin?’

  ‘I’ll put the kettle on then.’ Lucas adds.

  The weekend passed without any major incidents. My mind is still on Kate’s boyfriend Jeff, and as she won’t be in until Tuesday morning I once again have to be patient.

  Tim had stayed over for the past three nights and I was a tad surprised when he mentioned moving in, his reasoning being that he would rather pay me rent than his present landlord. Somewhat mystified I am, as sharing my bedroom permanently hadn’t been on my agenda…Just yet anyway. After a heart to heart with Jena, who thought it was much too soon, I suggested that he could move into my spare room on the condition I had my own space. Jena thinks I’ve lost the plot to even consider it, I feel she’s always been a little unsure of Tim, maybe she can detect things that I’m far too loved up to see. He had recently referred to the fact that Lucas had moved in, to which I explained that Lucas was a valuable member of staff and happened to be down on his luck at the moment. His reply had been that I had a large second bedroom that he would eagerly rent from me and promise not to crowd me. I’m continuing to contemplate this carefully, as well as listening to Jena’s point of view, although my main concern at the moment is still Vie Butler and Jeff’s connection…

  Monday seemed to drag; the weather had taken a turn for the worse with blustery winds and lashing rain, strangely enough trade increased during bad weather, so I had nothing to complain about. The bank manager was full of compliments for the way the business was taking shape, which had raised my spirits, so why was I so anxious about Kate’s boyfriend’s connection with Vie Butler…have I suddenly turned into a psychic?’

  At last Tuesday morning and I’m wide awake at six o’clock, after an early shower and a quick look at the early news reports I make my way down to the kitchen. No one else is around so I make a coffee and pick up a copy of last nights Evening Standard.

  ‘Good Morning Lucy.’ Mary says cheerfully. ‘You’re always an early bird.’

  ‘Hello Mary, yes not keen on wasting the day under the duvet.’

  ‘Lucas is the same I usually share a cuppa with him each morning.’

  ‘I’ll pop the kettle on again then as I expect he’ll soon be down.’

  ‘Good idea love, I thought I’d better mention Lucy the tissues have gone missing from the ladies again, maybe I should glue the box down.’ Mary explains.

  ‘It makes you wonder if it’s worth trying to improve the toilet area.’ I grumble. ‘I have my suspicions as to who the culprit is.’

  ‘It’s not me.’ Lucas chips in with a smile. ‘You’ve both beaten me to it this morning ladies.’

  ‘Gosh can’t any of you lot sleep?’ Jena joins in with her usual chirpy grin.

  ‘You’re just in time to make the drinks Hun and some of that yummy toast.’ I laugh.

  Some time later when all the cleaning was finished I walked back into the kitchen to find Kate had arrived a little early and looking rather down in the dumps. I hope her relationship with Jeff hasn’t fizzled out.

  ‘You’re looking a tad dejected honey, what’s wrong?’ Although I was desperate to know the answer to my question, I certainly didn’t want to see Kate looking so depressed.

  ‘Lucy I don’t know how to tell you this Hun, as I know it’s going to upset you.’

  ‘Hey come on it can’t be that bad surely, you’re not going to leave are you?’ I ask agitatedly.

  ‘No of course not I’
d never do that, however this is going to cause a problem I know, Vie Butler is Jeff’s mother’

  ‘OMG,’ I gasped. ‘I certainly didn’t see that one coming.’ I could feel myself trembling inside, what would happen now for Kate, she’d be pushed into making a decision, all kinds of things started flashing through my mind.

  ‘I’ve talked to Jeff, I tried to explain as diplomatically as possible, about how his mother had been contacting the brewery and causing problems for you. He stopped me mid flow assuring me he was aware as to what had been going on.’ Kate continued uneasily.

  ‘So what is the bottom line Kate?’ I ask cautiously.

  ‘Jeff looked rather sullen as he left, saying he’d have to speak to his mother.’ Kate added gloomily. ‘I haven’t heard from him since.’

  What a situation, I have to do my best to sort it out as the last thing I want is for Kate to be hurt because of this dreaded woman….

  Chapter 12

  By Wednesday evening Kate still hadn’t heard back from Jeff, she’d promised to contact me as soon as she had. The subject is continually on my mind especially as Kate’s personal life is now involved. At the end of the day the resolution will be in Jeff’s hands, depending on how deeply he feels for Kate. The whole issue is a terrible shame as Kate has waited a long time to meet someone who she connects with, I guess only time will tell. I was sitting in the restaurant eating my evening meal as I pondered over the plight at hand, when Jena came to join me.

  ‘You seem deep in thought Lucy, what’s happening?’

  ‘Same old Hun, I just want it all to be sorted out, for Kate’s sake more than mine.’

  ‘I reckon it’s down to Jeff’s feelings, surely he must know his mother’s traits, what do you think?’

  ‘Yeah I think you’re right Jena, anyway let’s change the subject before it drags us all down, so Hun how are things with Andy?’ I ask heartily as I try to focus on a happier subject.

  ‘Great Lucy we get on so well, true soul mates, I’ve been considering asking him to move in, I would so value your take on this?’