A Secret Schemer

by Charley Dee

  ‘So how shall we spend the rest of the evening, any ideas?’ I ask confidently.

  ‘TV perhaps or a movie.’ Lucas suggests.

  ‘I have a better idea, how’s your spelling?’ I laugh.

  ‘Mm I’m fine if I break the words down in syllables.’

  ‘That good, then scrabble it is Mr Carr, I’ll be back in a jiff.’

  We spent the next couple of hours playing scrabble and of course drinking wine, we made up words that were definitely not included in the Oxford dictionary. Mind you they will possibly be entered in the next edition, as youngsters have a lingo of their own so why shouldn’t we. By ten thirty we had laughed so much and the third bottle of wine being empty… we high fived and concluded it was time to hit the sack.

  ‘Thanks for a really fun evening Lucy it’s been great, you go on up and I’ll put the alarms on.’

  ‘Cheers Lucas it’s been my pleasure, a delightful evening, see you in the morning.’

  Up in the flat I find the present and card that Tim had left me, like a child on her first Christmas I unwrapped the parcel to discover a pretty red negligee, inside the card Tim had written ‘Can’t wait to see you in this,’ with love. How sweet, what a pity he wasn’t with me now.

  Slipping into bed I reflected on the day, feeling a pleasant sense of contentment that I had cheered Lucas’s Christmas, as he must feel dreadfully lonely at times. Within seconds I had drifted into a deep and dreamless sleep…

  I woke to the sound of teaming rain, as I gathered my thoughts I picked up my mobile and sent a text message to Jena telling her to stay until tomorrow morning. There were plenty of staff for today and no food to worry about, so to give Jena and Andy another day to them selves seemed like an excellent idea. Archie would be back in today, plus Lucas, Jayne and me, more than enough especially in this weather. As it was eight o’clock I dressed quickly and headed down to the office to sort out yesterday’s takings. This is becoming a regular habit leaving the cash and paperwork until the morning, what the heck it’s only me who has to cope. As always Mary and Lucas were enjoying a cuppa at the kitchen table. ‘Good Morning guys what lovely weather.’ I say shakily.

  ‘Hello Lucy let me pour you a drink love, you look frozen.’ Mary said as she grasped the teapot.

  ‘Did you sleep well Lucy?’ Lucas enquired.

  ‘I slept like a log, how about you Lucas?’

  ‘Like a baby.’

  ‘What time’s Jena coming back today love?’ Mary asks.

  ‘I’ve told them to take another day Mary, there are four of us in today so we can manage, plus there’s no food on.’

  ‘Good idea it’ll give them a bit of time with Andy’s folks.’

  ‘With the weather as it is I’m not expecting a great turn out today.’ I add.

  ‘Maybe quieter at lunch time Lucy but tonight they’ll be ready for a pint.’ Lucas laughs.

  ‘Now you enjoy your tea you two and I’ll get breakfast underway.’ Mary added happily as she went over to the fridge.

  ‘I won’t argue with that Mary you spoil us, I’ll take my tea in the office if you give me a call when it’s ready please.’

  Checking my mobile I notice I have two messages, the first one from Jena thanking me for the extra day with many smiley faces included. The second one is from Tim to say he’s back, and could I sneak up to see him later for at least an hour….Well there’s a turn up for the books evidently I’ve been missed. He certainly must slip in the back door very quietly and nip upstairs, I really wish he’d come into the kitchen just to say hello would be nice. Nevertheless I wasn’t expecting him back until tomorrow, so that’s a bonus.

  As me, Lucas and Mary were enjoying breakfast, the back door swung open and Kate appeared looking wet and bedraggled. I could tell instantly that something was wrong so I jumped up and helped her off with her coat.

  Between sobs I managed to unravel her muttered words that Jodie hadn’t come home last night and she’d heard nothing from her since….

  Chapter 16

  Within seconds of Kate arriving, the kitchen door burst open again and Archie made his entrance resembling a rather drowned rat. After hastily hanging his coat up he headed towards the bar saying, ‘Hi all I’d better start bottling up.’ In a flash he was leaving the kitchen.

  ‘That’s a first; Archie always waits for his cup of coffee.’ Mary added. ‘Come on Kate get this mug of sweet tea inside you love.’

  So armed with Kate’s mug of tea I steer her into the restaurant to chat. As she’s still sobbing I wait until she calms down before I speak. Then slowly I ask, ‘take a deep breath honey and explain what happened.’

  Between sobs she mumbles. ‘She’d been messaging some one on and off most of the day, then about seven o’clock she said she was going to meet a friend.’

  ‘Did she say who Kate?’ I urge.

  ‘N..no and when we asked she stomped out saying she wasn’t a blooming kid any more.’

  ‘You said when we asked?’ I questioned softly.

  ‘Yes we were with my parents as it was Christmas Day.’

  ‘What about Josh was he in?’

  ‘Yeah he was in his own little world playing a game thingy.’ She shrugged.

  ‘So you’re saying you haven’t heard from her since?’

  ‘Nothing, I left loads of messages on her mobile, which always went to voice mail, sent text messages and this morning we rang round all of her close friends.’

  ‘None of her friends had seen her then?’ I pressed. In my heart I was dreading that this had anything to do with Archie, no way was I about to mention my fears as she was far too distressed.

  ‘No one had seen or heard from her, my dad rang the police last night and they said she’d probably turn up. They informed us that she could only be classed as a missing person after twenty four hours.’ Kate added anxiously. ‘What should I do Lucy, d..do you think this could have anything to do with Archie?’

  All of a sudden I wished Jenna was here, she’d know what to do. Should I approach Archie on Kate’s behalf? Or should I leave that to her, as truly this wasn’t down to me to interfere.

  ‘You could speak to him Kate, although distressing as it is I’d be inclined to leave it just a little bit longer.’

  ‘But she could be lying in a field somewhere, anything could have happened to her.’ Kate bursts into fresh tears.

  ‘Come on honey.’ I go round to Kate and give her a hug. ‘Try to stay positive, why don’t you ring your parents and see if they’ve heard from her.’

  Kate passes me her phone as her hands are trembling so much, I scroll through her mobile until I locate her parent’s number and proceed to ring them. The call went through to voicemail, so I left a short message requesting they ring Kate as soon as possible.

  ‘I’ll go and make a fresh drink honey, back in a flash.’

  With this I hurry back into the kitchen and ask Mary to make some coffee, I then quickly nip into the bar purposely to try something out. Lucas and Archie are both behind the bar stocking up (now I’m aware Lucas had heard of Kate’s distress, so I’m hoping he’ll play along with this).

  ‘What an awful thing to happen.’ I say anxiously.

  ‘Why what’s going on Lucy?’ Lucas urges.

  ‘Kate’s daughter has been out all night and she’s worried sick.’ I declare.

  I watch Archie’s reaction; he certainly isn’t giving me eye contact. So I try again. ‘Poor Kate is so distressed, and the police won’t help until she’s been missing for twenty four hours.’

  Lucas gives me a knowing look.

  ‘She’s an adult Lucy don’t you think Kate could be dramatising a bit.’ Archie exclaimed. ‘Let’s face it she’s probably celebrating the holidays with her mates.’

  ‘Actually Kate’s contacted all of her close friends and none of them have heard from her.’

  ‘Maybe her mum doesn’t know all her friends.’ Archie added.

  As I start to walk away I add. ‘Yes you cou
ld be right Archie maybe she doesn’t.’

  Walking back to the kitchen I’m ninety nine percent sure I know who Jodie was with last night, however I’m not going to share my feelings with Kate at this time. I feel this would be the wrong thing to do at this given moment, even knowing how distressed my lovely friend is. I’m trying to see the bigger picture here, namely visualising Jodie’s reactions if her mother starts to lay into Archie. Remembering Jodie’s reactions previously, the situation definitely won’t improve mother and daughters relationship. Grabbing two mugs of coffee from Mary I go back to find Kate in the restaurant, at first glance I can see the tears have stopped flowing. ‘Sorry love I got held up for a minute.’ I say cautiously.

  ‘My mum’s just rang to say Jodie’s home.’ Kate announces.

  ‘Oh Kate, that’s wonderful news.’ I inwardly sigh with relief.

  ‘Mum said she went straight to the bathroom and refused to answer any questions.’

  ‘At least you know she’s safe Hun, best let her talk in her own time.’

  ‘I’ll drink this coffee quick and make a dash for it Lucy, thank you so much.’

  ‘Nothing to thank me for love, I’m just happy she’s safe.’

  When Kate had left I found Lucas in the cellar and as I felt I owed him an explanation, without going into too much detail. I have no intention of asking him to question Archie, that’s not the way to approach this misdemeanour.

  At three o’clock I managed to dash upstairs for a break with Tim, I found him in the lounge and for once he was lap top free.

  ‘Hi babe it is so good to see you.’ He emphasized while enfolding me in his arms. ‘I have missed you so much.’

  ‘I missed you too.’ I respond by kissing him tenderly.

  ‘How about slipping into that new negligee, I know you’ll look stunning.’ He whispers as he rains kisses on my face and neck.

  ‘How could I possibly refuse, I’ll be back in a mo.’ Breaking away from his arms I dash into the bedroom, stripping down to just my panties I slip the negligee on and rush back into the lounge. Tim is lying on the sofa naked apart from a cushion he’d carefully placed on his lap. I threw the cushion to one side as he pulled me down onto the sofa, we made love passionately…both filled with desire and longing…

  Jena and Andy arrived back at lunch time the next day and I was in the kitchen, giving Jena a hug I muttered. ‘I can’t wait to have a catch up Hun, lots to tell.’

  ‘Give me an hour to have a shower and a cuppa then I’ll meet you in the restaurant.’ She added cheerfully.

  ‘I hope you had a good break Andy, I’m sure your family were pleased to see you?’ I inquire.

  ‘They were thrilled Lucy, especially being able to meet Jena, anyway how was Christmas in the pub?’

  ‘Extremely busy which was great, as usual the punters didn’t want to leave.’

  ‘Ok Andy lets get these bags upstairs and while I take a shower you can make me a cuppa.’ She giggled.

  ‘Your wish is my command; she’s getting above herself since I gave her that ring Lucy.’

  As they made their way upstairs I was slightly baffled, surely Andy hadn’t talked Jena into marriage? If he has the guy deserves a gold medal, I can’t wait to hear all the gossip.

  Some time later me and Jena caught up in the restaurant. ‘OK first what’s this about a ring?’ Am I really going to be a bridesmaid Hun?’

  ‘No way Lucy Ross, you’re so easily fooled.’ Jena laughed. ‘Look this was my Christmas present.’ Jena flashed her sparkly ring which was on the third finger of the left hand. ‘It’s an eternity ring, Andy knows how I feel about marriage, however he wanted to put a ring on my finger so I was happy with this little dazzler.’

  ‘Phew, you had me worried, it really is gorgeous though.’

  ‘White gold with diamond chips and a baby sapphire, aint it pretty.’ She laughs. ‘It makes me look all girlie.’

  ‘Yeah that’ll be the day.’ I add bluntly.

  ‘So Lucy fill me in with all the events that took place in the Frog and Toad over Christmas, have I missed much?’

  ‘Just a bit, so pin back your lugs and I’ll spill the beans.’ I laugh.

  After revealing all the significant stuff that had taken place over the two days, I explained that my main concern was Kate and Jodie.

  ‘I’m pretty sure Jena that Archie is involved with Jodie, his attitude stinks as far as I’m concerned.’

  ‘Ok I’m running the bar with Archie tonight so leave it with me; you know I have a way of making people talk.’ Jena assures.

  ‘He’s not giving much away; he seems to avoid direct questions Hun.’

  ‘No problem I’ll approach it in a different way, by making him think I agree with him.’ She taps her nose.

  ‘You definitely should have been a cop Jena Wright you’re wasted in this trade.’ I add resignedly. ‘Only whatever you do don’t think of changing your career because I need you here.’

  We both laugh and then I mention what happened with Tim over the holidays.

  ‘So he went to see his parents, that was rather out of the blue wasn’t it?’ Jena probed.

  ‘It was, as frankly he hasn’t really alluded to them. He said he went as I’d be working all the time, however he made it up to me yesterday afternoon.’

  ‘That’s a feeble excuse you’re always working and he knew that when he joined up, so to speak. How did he make it up to you Hun with a shag?’ Jena added suspiciously.

  ‘I guess, anyway he seems a bit more grounded at the moment.’

  Jena raised her eyebrows and gave me one of her quizzical looks.

  ‘I’ll go and chat to Kate and see if she’s managed to chat to Jodie yet, I’ll bring you up to date before tonight.’

  ‘OK Hun I’m going to sort a meal out for me and Andy, he’s back at work tomorrow. By the way his family are great and they seemed to like me which was encouraging.’ Jena added.

  ‘How could they not.’ I said with honesty.

  ‘Kate can you spare me a few minutes love?’ I ask as I venture back into the kitchen.

  ‘No problem Lucy, shall I make us a cuppa?’

  ‘Do I need to answer that?’ I smile.

  So with a pot of tea and a pack of biscuits me and Kate make for the restaurant for a chat.

  ‘How are things with Jodie?’ I enquire anxiously.

  ‘She refuses to talk to me, all I get out of her is the fact she’s now sixteen and therefore allowed to do her own thing. She stays in her bedroom most of the time; strangely enough she hasn’t been out at night since.’ Kate explains.

  ‘How does she look to you?’

  ‘In a word angry, and my parents are upset as she’s being disrespectful towards them as well as me.’

  ‘How is she with Josh?’

  ‘Like most teenagers their communication is limited to grunts and gobbledegook, so nothing’s really changed there.’

  ‘If only you could gain access to her mobile, it could possibly give you all the answers.’

  ‘No chance of that at the moment, I’m sure she sleeps with it under her pillow, have you had any more thoughts on Archie?’ Kate probes.

  ‘Apart from asking him outright, I feel it could do more harm than good at the moment. Have you discussed it all with Jeff?’

  ‘I have although I think he’s a tad evasive. I’m sure he probably thinks I’m over dramatising the whole issue.’

  ‘I suppose it could be awkward as he’s not a parent, and of course he’s just a mere male Hun.’ I laugh to try and lighten the mode. ‘Jena’s working with Archie tonight and as you know she’s very shrewd.’

  ‘I best get back to work, Jodie is supposed to be coming in to help serve meals tonight, I’ll watch her closely.’

  ‘I’ll make a point of keeping an eye on her too.’

  With a pile of paperwork to sort through I went into the office, musing once again over Kate’s problem, I could see both sides of the story. Nevertheless I would never be
able to feel her anxiety as I’m not a mother. Maybe Jena will be able to eliminate Archie from suspicion, although honestly I doubt this as I’m pretty sure he’s involved. All I hope is that the liaison Jodie had on Christmas night will not have dire consequences. I hate myself for having these thoughts; however as Jena previously stated a young man bulging with testosterone does not bode well for a positive outcome. I’ve tried to revert back to being sixteen and how my mind worked; I’m finding it difficult as it was twenty years ago. Although I do recall having a crush on a particular pop star and a footballer at that age, if I’d ever been lucky enough to meet them, how would I have reacted? My answer to that more or less illuminates Jodie’s reactions, with that in mind I temporarily give up on my paperwork and nip upstairs for a shower….what ever will be will be….

  Chapter 17

  ‘Hi Archie did you have a good Christmas? Jena inquired heartily.

  ‘Yeah it was Jena, how about you?’ Archie replied cheerfully.

  ‘Me and Andy spent a couple of days with his folks in Portsmouth, which was great. Did you spend time with family then Archie?’

  ‘No just hung out with mates mostly.’ He added grinning. ‘Not forgetting a few beers as well.’

  ‘According to Lucy we missed a bit of a drama on Boxing Day morning, Kate’s daughter had gone missing, did you know about it?’ Jena probed.

  ‘I think Kate’s a bit of a drama queen Jena, Jodie’s sixteen she’s not a blooming kid.’

  Jena kept the subject up in between serving customers; Archie had seemed a bit edgy when she’d broached the subject.

  ‘I guess you’re right there Archie, mums not letting go and all that.’

  ‘She’s happy to let her work in the restaurant, surely she can see her daughter’s a babe, and she’s well up for it.’

  Glancing across at Archie Jena could tell he was uneasy, but she needed to keep probing. ‘Sounds as though she may have come on to you then Archie?’