A Secret Schemer

by Charley Dee

  ‘She started taking photos of me on her phone a few weeks ago.’ He muttered.

  ‘Really do spill?’ Jena asked cautiously. ‘Perhaps she didn’t think you knew.’

  ‘It’s not easy to miss being zapped on a mobile Jena; she wanted me to know alright. She must have taken my mobile number off the list in the kitchen because I started getting some weird text messages.’

  As an influx of punters came into the bar they were both serving for a while, Jena was holding onto Archie’s last revelation. To gain his confidence she knew she must keep pressing.

  ‘Can’t wait to hear about the weird messages, I mean how weird?’

  ‘It took a while to cotton on as to who was sending them, though the content soon made me realise. They were full on sex texts plus I got a photo of her in a bra, no face showing, and same number obviously.’

  ‘So did you respond?’ Jena asked quietly.

  ‘Well what guy wouldn’t when it was being offered on a plate? Christmas Day she must have sent about twenty messages, so I gave her what she wanted. Trouble is she wants more and I don’t, so what am I supposed to do now, I like working here.’

  ‘Mm sounds as though she has a real crush Archie, have you told her it was a one off?’ Jena asks.

  ‘Yeah but it’s not sinking in, Jena I don’t want a relationship with anyone I’m a free spirit, I like playing the field.’ He disclosed.

  Jena already had Archie down as a player, Jodie maybe sixteen, nevertheless this was almost certainly her first sexual experience. Someone will have to talk to her and explain the ways of the lustful young male; although they’re not all the same she’d picked on a wrong one. Jena hoped fervently for Jodie’s sake that they had taken precautions.

  ‘Why don’t you go and get a coffee mate while we’re quiet?’ Jena suggested.

  ‘No way, she’s working in the restaurant tonight I’d rather go thirsty.’

  ‘This’ll have to be sorted out Archie for both of your sakes, if it’s ok with you I’ll talk to Lucy.’

  ‘No way she’ll sack me.’ Archie protested.

  ‘Hey Lucy’s not an ogre, it’s just a pity Jodie is Kate’s daughter. Leave it with me Archie and I’ll talk to you again tomorrow. I’ll go and get us both a coffee, white with sugar ok?’

  ‘Yeah great Jena thanks, don’t tell anyone else will you.’

  Jena smiled. ‘Your secret’s safe with me, well until I tell Lucy.’

  As Jena walked into the kitchen she overheard Kate and Jodie having words.

  ‘No Jodie there’s no need for you to go near the bar tonight, have a coffee and I’ll be ready to go home.’ Kate admonished.

  ‘You are the limits mum so bossy.’ Jodie exclaimed fiercely. ‘When are you ever going to stop talking to me like a kid?’

  Jena put the kettle on then asked cautiously. ‘Anyone fancy a coffee?’

  ‘I’ll have one thanks Jena while I’m clearing up.’ Kate replied.

  ‘Jodie?’ Jena nodded her head towards her.

  ‘No thanks Jena.’ She said bluntly.

  ‘Do you know where Lucy is?’ Jena urged.

  ‘She’s in the laundry room I believe Jena.’

  Jena handed Kate a coffee and went back into the bar with one each for herself and Archie.

  Some time later when the bar was closed me and Jena were in the bar sharing a bottle of wine. Jena had disclosed the details of her chat with Archie and now we had to decide between us how we were going to deal with the information.

  ‘He’s afraid of losing his job Lucy; I guess I pushed him to tell me. To be honest though, I actually believe he was glad to share it with someone.’

  ‘I’m sure he was Hun, nevertheless we need to decide the best way to handle it, I suppose they’re both responsible for making stupid mistakes.’

  ‘To a point, although I agree I tend to think Jodie was more at fault here, surely Kate’s drummed into her what testosterone driven males are like?’ Jena questioned.

  ‘If we tell Kate, world war three is going to break out, however by keeping quiet I feel as though I’m being disloyal to a good friend.’ I explain.

  ‘If only Kate could get her hands on Jodie’s phone it would answer most of her questions. Plus providing she hasn’t deleted the text messages and photos she sent Archie, once again Kate would probably be aghast at what her daughter’s capable of.’

  ‘Let’s sleep on it for another night Hun and in the morning I’ll press Kate to try and get Jodie’s mobile. Personally I think I’d demand to see it, what do you think?’ I ask tentatively.

  ‘In theory a perfect idea, not so sure it’s going to help in this case, Jodie seems to be very head strong.’ Jena disclosed. ‘I don’t think I’d like to be in Kate’s shoes at the moment.’

  ‘By the way Jena where’s Andy?’

  ‘Oh I left him watching DVD’s he had for Christmas, and I’ll guarantee he’s fallen asleep. Anyway where is the elusive Tim?’

  ‘To be honest I haven’t seen or heard from him today, he may creep into my bed later tonight though.’ I add defensively.

  ‘I admire your patience with him Lucy, he must have hidden talents.’

  ‘Mm I must admit he’s a charmer when we’re together, although I do accept some of the responsibility because of my work load.’

  ‘No Lucy Ross don’t even think about it, he was fully aware of the situation when he jumped on the band wagon. It’s the same for me and Andy and we’ve made it work.’

  ‘I get the message loud and clear Hun and I know you’re right, I need to analyse the way the land lies.’

  ‘Maybe because you’ve been so busy during the holidays you’ve let things go over your head. Time you took stock Lucy.’

  ‘I make you right Jena and on that note I can hear my bed calling.’

  ‘Definitely.’ Jena adds sleepily. ‘However something has just crossed my mind, I wonder if Archie has deleted all the messages Jodie sent. I get the feeling that under pressure Jodie could turn the tables.’

  As we make our way upstairs I reply quietly. ‘I really hope this isn’t going to get out of hand. Goodnight love, see you tomorrow.’ With that I amble slowly up to my bedroom with a medley of thoughts racing through my mind.

  I wake again to the sound of rain beating against the window, as I gather my thoughts I realise again that I’m alone in my bed. Jena is right I am taking this far too easily, I begin to question myself, are me and Tim really in a loving relationship? I know I need to face facts and tackle the subject with Tim, no more disregarding what’s taking place. So without further ado I send him a message saying I need to speak to him this evening at seven o’clock in my lounge. Positive action for the day and not before time either.

  Sometime later in the kitchen Jena hands me a package. ‘I had to sign for this package Lucy, seems it’s for Tim as he’s the only Carter dwelling here.’

  As I read the address I’m slightly thrown as the name reads L.T. Carter and the name of the pub is missing. I certainly wasn’t aware his first initial was L; he’s never mentioned another name. Oh well I’ll hand the package over to him tonight and question the initials and address. It couldn’t have arrived on a more apt day. Not wanting to make a big issue about the package, I continued to chat casually, that was until Kate turned up looking very distressed, once again.

  ‘Oh dear Kate what’s happened love?’ I asked tentatively as I glanced across at Jena. ‘Is it Jodie?’

  ‘I honestly don’t know where to start Lucy.’

  ‘Why don’t you tell us all about it Kate, you know the old adage, a problem shared and all that.’ Jena asked warily.

  ‘In a nutshell Jena from what I’ve managed to get out of Jodie, Archie took advantage of her. My initial thought is to hit out, however I know I have to get the police involved.’

  ‘Kate if I were you Hun I’d make sure you have all the facts before you involve the law.’ Jena declares.

  ‘My daughter wouldn’t lie to me Jena.’
>
  At that moment, being aware of Archie’s side of the story, I decide to intervene. ‘Kate before you take this any further, why don’t you and Archie have a chat this afternoon?’

  ‘Yeah, but I doubt if I’ll be able to keep my hands off him.’ Kate stated angrily’

  I noticed Jena slip out of the kitchen and I’m pretty sure she’s gone to check if Archie still has the text messages Jodie sent him. I hope this doesn’t get out of hand….

  Chapter 18

  When Jena reached the bar she found Lucas cleaning the lines and there was no sign of Archie. ‘Hi Lucas have you any idea where Archie is?’ Jena asked.

  ‘He’s in the cellar at the moment Jena, he won’t be long.’

  ‘I’ll nip down and see him then, cheers Lucas.’

  Jena rushed down to the cellar, she kept turning over in her mind why she felt so strongly about Archie having saved the text messages that Jodie had sent him. She knew she should be impartial; nevertheless she had a strong feeling that Archie was telling the truth. She could see Archie was hosing the cellar, so she swiftly turned off the water supply. As he turned around to see what had happened she shouted out to him. ‘Sorry Archie I need a word honey if you can spare me a moment.’

  ‘No Problem Jena, what’s up?’ He replied as the dripping hose dangled from his hand.

  ‘Can you put that down and come over here for a moment.’ She urged.

  ‘Am I in bother Jena?’ He asked cautiously.

  ‘I truly hope not. After our recent conversation about Jodie and the text messages, I need to know if you deleted them all.’

  ‘No I think I archived all of them, and I definitely saved the photos.’ Archie replied. ‘Why?’

  ‘Check them now Archie then I’ll explain.’

  As Archie scrolled through his mobile, Jena realised she’d actually crossed her fingers.

  ‘Yeah I think they’re all here.’

  ‘Great, Jodie has told Kate that you took advantage of her and Kate is ready to involve the police.’ Jena noticed Archie’s face had turned the colour of puce. ‘Whatever you do don’t mention to Kate that me and Lucy where aware of this.

  ‘Why the hell does she want to involve the police, I can do without this Jena. I suppose I’ll lose my job now.’

  ‘No don’t start thinking like that, just be glad you saved the messages. Try and calm down before you speak to Kate, if you come across as being overly defensive she’ll immediately realise you’ve been pre-warned. If that happens Lucy will be very upset.’

  ‘So when am I supposed to be seeing her then?’ Archie probes.

  ‘Later on this afternoon, just carry on as normal mate, I’ll bring you a sandwich through to the bar to save you using the kitchen for now.’

  ‘Thanks Jena.’

  ‘On second thoughts Archie I feel it would be wise if you sent a copy of all the messages and photos to my phone to save.’

  ‘I won’t ask why but I’ve got nothing to hide, anyway thanks Jena.’

  ‘You’re welcome mate.’ With that Jena hurried back upstairs and into the kitchen, where she made a few sandwiches.

  ‘Would you rather have something hot Jena?’ Kate offered.

  ‘No you’re ok Kate I’m a bit busy love thanks.’

  Jena took the sandwiches into the bar. ‘Why don’t you go and grab something to eat Lucas and I’ll take over for a while.’

  ‘Cheers Jena your sandwich has made me feel a bit peckish.’

  As Archie came back up to the bar Jena handed him the sandwiches.’ Relax mate it’s not the end of the world.’

  Jena checked her phone and all the messages and photos had arrived, so she saved them all, best to have a back up she thought.

  Sometime later I called Archie into the restaurant (which was now empty) as Kate was waiting to talk to him. I had suggested to Kate that I sit in on the meeting, purely as an observer and not to play the devil’s advocate. I was a tad concerned on how this discussion was going to go, as Kate was incredibly angry. Plus they are both my employees.

  ‘So what the hell did you do to my daughter?’ Kate exclaimed fiercely as Archie sat down. ‘Taking advantage of a young girl is immoral.

  Archie glanced up at Kate and in a quiet voice protested. ‘I never took advantage of your daughter Kate; she was the one who kept chasing me.’

  ‘Yeah that’s what they all say; well I know my daughter doesn’t lie!

  ‘Why don’t you tell me what she’s accusing me of.’ Archie urged.

  ‘Stop the sarcastic attitude with me Archie Miller I know your type.’

  The atmosphere was dense and I knew if I let Kate continue she was in danger of making a complete fool of herself. I feel guilty enough with what I know; maybe I’ve dealt with this all wrong. I’m not excusing Archie’s behaviour, however Kate needs to know the facts, so intervene I must….to save Kate.

  ‘OK guys I know I’m not here to arbitrate, nevertheless I believe I should step in at this stage, or this could turn offensive. Archie at this point I feel you should show Kate all the text messages and photos that Jodie sent you.’

  Archie went to speak but Kate shouted over him. ‘How do you know about these messages Lucy, is there something you’ve been keeping from me?’

  ‘I only found out just before I came into the restaurant Kate, please look at the messages love before we go any further.’

  Archie let Kate scroll through the messages; I could see the anger smouldering within her as she read. Her hands were trembling as she struggled to compose herself; my heart went out to her as all she wanted was to protect her daughter. The daughter who’d lied to her.

  Kate glanced over at Archie and protested loudly. ‘Anyone could have sent those messages, anyone!’

  ‘They all came from Jodie’s number, would you like to see the photos she sent me?’ Archie asked quietly.

  ‘Why did you arrange to see her…why did you take it further she’s just a child?’ Kate cried angrily.

  ‘Jodie came to me she had taken my mobile number and address from the list in the kitchen, on Christmas Day she harassed me with text messages and photos. Later in the evening she turned up at my bedsit, dressed very promiscuously. Kate I’m a young guy and when someone is as up for it as Jodie was, I’m only human. Also she’s not a child Kate, far from it, I’ve told her to stop contacting me that she should never have come to my place.’

  I watched Kate’s response I could tell she was totally overwhelmed. I knew I needed to get her out of here.

  ‘Thanks Archie I think we’ll leave it there for now.’

  ‘Are you going to sack me Lucy?’ he muttered gloomily.

  ‘No way I’ll speak to you later.’

  Kate had dissolved into racking sobs once again; I went into the kitchen and made a pot of tea. When I returned Kate had her head in her hands. ‘Come on Hun have a mug of sweet tea it’s good for shock.’

  ‘I can’t believe she sent those messages Lucy and the photos are bordering on porn, what’s happening to her.’

  ‘She’s growing up Kate and unfortunately her first real crush was with someone she could actually contact. Most of us at that age fall in lust with a pop star or actor.’

  ‘I couldn’t bring myself to ask him if they went all the way and did they take precautions. I still hate him for doing anything to her, I know my dad’s going to insist on involving the police.’

  ‘The police won’t do anything Kate, Jodie’s over sixteen and the messages and photos will prove she was a willing party. I feel maybe for both of your sakes it would be better if she didn’t work here for a while.’

  ‘But you’re keeping Archie on so that doesn’t seem fair.’ Kate argued.

  ‘Archie hasn’t done anything wrong in his job love, the reason I believe it will be better for Jodie not to work here, it’ll take temptation out of the way. When she’s got over her crush and things settle down we can think again.’ I explain.

  Kate sipped her tea silently, then after a long
ish pause she said vacantly. ‘Will it be ok if I go home now, can you manage this evenings food? I feel so drained Hun.’

  ‘No problems you get yourself home and I’ll see you in the morning, we can all get past this Kate and at the end of the day Jodie will have learned a very big lesson.’

  I hugged Kate before she left. How I hoped there wouldn’t be any repercussions from the one night liaison between Jodie and Archie, maybe time I asked him outright if precautions were taken. I’ll have to see if Grace will work the restaurant tonight to cover any meals, as I really need my moment of truth with the elusive Tim this evening.

  After a quick chat with Jena bringing her up to date with the afternoon’s little encounter, I also suggested that she could possibly detect if a condom was used during the Christmas evening cock up…. I hastily go upstairs in time for a quick shower and change before my arranged meeting with Tim. At seven o’clock I’m in the lounge waiting, Tim wanders in around ten minutes late. After the earlier incident that took place in the restaurant I’m instilled with an inner strength and determination to sort out the discord between us.

  ‘Hi Lucy darling, what’s wrong?’ He asked cautiously. ‘You’re looking a tad stressed.’

  ‘If you sit down I’ll explain, there appear to be several issues we need to discuss.’

  I replied as I looked straight into his eyes.

  ‘You seem angry babe, have I upset you?’ He quizzed.

  ‘Upset would be trivialising how I feel at this moment, first of all why is your mail addressed to L.T.Carter and the pub name omitted from the address, are you ashamed of staying in my pub?’ I ask indignantly.

  ‘Oh Lucy of course I’m not ashamed of staying here, my first name is officially Leonard after my father, however I choose not to use it everyday. As for the pub’s name the packages contain IT components, so I thought it better to put the street address and number in case they ended up in the bar.’

  ‘And you didn’t feel the need to advise me of this.’

  ‘I didn’t believe it was that important, why are you so angry Lucy? He asks softly. ‘I’ve never seen you cross before.’