A Secret Schemer

by Charley Dee

  Chapter 22

  After Jena had told Andy about Lucy’s revelations as to the state of Tim’s bedroom, and how he escaped like the air from a burst balloon on Friday night, for the whole weekend no less. ‘I am concerned about her Andy that guy has a knack of charming her, or as I’d say he fobs her off.’ Jena protested.

  ‘I thought you said he’d given her their address and phone number now.’ Andy asked.

  ‘Yeah I wonder just how genuine that is.’

  ‘It’s easy enough to check out an address these days Jena, surely that’s what she’ll do?’

  ‘I doubt it Andy for some reason she’s far too trusting, if I get to see it I’ll check it out, the last thing I want is to see Lucy hurt.’

  ‘She’s a pretty tough cookie though babe.’ Andy said bluntly. ‘Do you honestly think she won’t check it out?’

  ‘Oh she can be tough alright; trouble is when emotions are involved she can be far too vulnerable.’ Jena explained. ‘Having said that if he did cross her and she caught him out, I wouldn’t fancy being in his shoes.’

  ‘I’m sure she’ll keep a close eye on the situation love.’

  ‘Not necessarily Andy she’s hooked on the guy.’ Jena declared.’

  ‘What the way you’re hooked on me.’ Andy teased.

  ‘Get out of here.’ She laughed. ‘I’m not as soft as Lucy; anyway some of us have work to do.’

  ‘Yeah you don’t get rained off in here do you babe.’ He jested. ‘See you later darling.’

  Jena went in search of Lucy as she was eager to know if Tim had given her the address yet. ‘Hello Kate, any idea where Lucy is?’ Jena asked as she walked into the kitchen.

  ‘Yes Hun she’s gone to get her brolly as she’s going to the bank.’ Kate replied.

  ‘Tell her to wait for me please Kate; I’ll just nip up for my coat.’

  ‘No problems.’

  ‘Blooming heck love it’s not stopping to rain.’ Jena shouted as she shared Lucy’s brolly.

  ‘Whose idea was it to walk?’ I laugh. ‘We could have come in the car or even caught a bus. I think we deserve a coffee after this.’

  ‘Sounds good to me.’

  After queuing in the bank dripping wet, we nipped into the nearest café for hot drink and a gossip. Once we had our drinks and muffins we both took off our wet coats and sat down for a cosy chat.

  ‘So Lucy Ross did the mystery man leave you the address?’ Jena inquired.

  ‘I know you couldn’t wait to ask me that.’ I laughed. ‘Yes Hun he did and a phone number too.’

  ‘Well that’s a turn up for the books. Do you think it’s legit?’

  ‘I checked the address out on Google maps and to my amazement found it was a flat?’

  ‘I’m so pleased you’ve checked it out, however why are you surprised it’s a flat.’

  ‘You know how you build a picture in your mind of things; well I’d expected it to be a Victorian style house.’ I explained. ‘I mean I have no idea what age they are, although for some reason I feel they may be quite old.’

  ‘What gives you that idea, Tim’s only forty this year.’

  ‘Again I’m not sure, maybe because he doesn’t say anything about them.’

  ‘So you’re convinced this address is for real then?’ Jena asks.

  ‘Why not, be pretty stupid if he gave me someone else’s address. It shows up as real on Google maps. We’ll only find out should I need to use it I guess.’

  ‘Lucy you’re way to trusting, I’d have to check it out.’

  ‘Well I have Hun, what more can I do?’

  ‘With Tim’s background so far, I’d be on my way there now and knocking on the door.’ Jena declared between mouthfuls of muffin.

  ‘If I can’t trust him love I’d just as well end it now, I have to give him a chance.’

  ‘Mm another chance Lucy, how many chances does he get?’

  ‘Oh this is the last one Jena I promise.’

  ‘You don’t have to promise me Hun, I just don’t want to see my best friend get hurt.’

  ‘I know you don’t and I appreciate it, he’s taking me out for a meal tonight, so I’ll try and pick his brains about his family stuff.’

  ‘Good luck with that then.’ Jena added grimly.

  Thinking about my conversation with Jena, I do realise how she perceives Tim, maybe others feel the same way. I’ll have a chat with Lucas he’s easy to chat to and I trust him. I intend to quiz Tim about his past tonight; I believe it’s only fair that I should know something about him. My life is an open book, whereas his is so clandestine.

  Tim had certainly pushed the boat out as he’d made a reservation at Memories of China in Belgravia. The food was delicious and Tim seemed relaxed, so as we ate I began to probe a little. ‘So Tim have your parents always lived in Orpington?’

  ‘No Lucy they’ve moved about quite a lot due to my fathers work.’ He replied guardedly.

  ‘Is your father still working Tim?’ I ask tentatively.

  ‘No they have both retired now.’

  ‘Was your father into IT like yourself?’

  ‘No he was a civil servant.’ He added as he scanned the dessert menu.

  I got the feeling that he definitely wasn’t comfortable with my questions, even so I pressed on. ‘I don’t even know where you were born Tim, or if you have brothers or sisters.’ I watched him closely as I spoke; he didn’t give me eye contact as he replied. ‘I was born in the Midlands darling and no there are no other siblings, so we’re not a very interesting family I guess. What’s been happening in the Frog and Toad over the past few days, I’m sure you have far more interesting things to tell me?’

  He couldn’t have made it more obvious that he had no desire to discuss his family life, there could be many reasons, so for now I accepted the fact I wasn’t going to learn any more about the Carter family tonight. We both ordered ice-cream for dessert which we ate in silence. As I hate uncomfortable silences I brought him up to date with the events in the pub, without going into detail. Let’s say I just skimmed the surface.

  ‘I’m working on a rather complex job at the moment Lucy, we tend to get them from time to time.’ He disclosed.

  ‘Mm can I ask what it’s about?’

  ‘Oh darling it probably wouldn’t mean much to you, unless of course you understand computer data as I do.’

  ‘Gosh no, I’m a bit of a techno phobe, in other words pretty hopeless. Nevertheless Jena is far better than me, so between us we cope.’

  ‘So Jena is the technology expert then?’ He asks.

  ‘I wouldn’t say expert, although she’s extremely discerning, I’ve always said she’d be a brilliant asset in the force. However I don’t want to let her go and she’s truly happy with Andy.’

  ‘Yes they do seem to get along well.’

  How he’s figured that one out baffles me, as he hardly ever sees them.

  ‘Would you like coffee sweetheart?’

  ‘No thanks not for me Tim; maybe we could have a drink in the lounge as long as you’re not having another early night.’ I add with just a hint of sarcasm.

  ‘That sounds great babe, I was hoping we could both have an early night, if you get my drift.’

  ‘Sounds good to me, shall we walk back?’

  ‘Definitely not it’s a taxi in style for a gorgeous lady.’

  As we left the restaurant, once again Tim had charmed the pants off me, what is it with this guy, he is mystifying….

  Jena was working the bar with Archie, during a quiet moment Archie called Jena to one side. ‘Take a look at this text message Jodie sent me today.’

  As Jena scanned the message she was momentarily taken aback at the content, which said ‘you’re the daddy.’ While she absorbed the three words, the full extent of their meaning became clear. Was this an attempt by a naïve teenage girl to cause needless anxiety to a guy for selfish reasons? Or could there possibly be any truth in the content, if so this could have dire affects on severa
l people’s lives. Jena handed the mobile back to Archie. ‘Have you replied to her?’

  ‘No I wanted to ask your advice first Jena, I actually thought we’d got past all this.’

  ‘OK if I were you Archie I’d ignore it for now, let’s wait and see if she sends any further messages.’

  ‘Surely she can’t be pregnant; she said she was on the pill Jena.’ Archie said anxiously.

  ‘You’re dealing with a young girl mate, one who got carried away and took her crush to another level. Did she lie about the pill, in a word possibly?’ Jena endorsed. ‘Anyway leave it for tonight and let’s sleep on it.’

  Jena couldn’t get the message out of her mind, she wanted to tell Lucy, but as she’d gone out for a meal with Tim, she knew she’d have to leave it until the morning. Was Jodie playing games again or could she be pregnant, Jena hoped with all her heart that she wasn’t, as this news would just about finish poor Kate. Jena was aware that Archie had changed his life around since his brief involvement with Jodie. The guy, who had been a fun loving player, had settled into a relationship, that’s the affect Jodie had had on him. Jena had the feeling that Jodie was wilful and headstrong, unlike her mother who was a sensitive caring lady. As Jena locked the pub up for the night, then ran upstairs, her fingers were crossed tightly behind her back. Nevertheless she knew this gesture wouldn’t make a jot of difference to the outcome, whatever will be will be….

  Chapter 23

  I awoke with the glow of early morning sunshine bursting through the window, I was alone again. I know I hadn’t dreamt that Tim had come to bed with me, and we’d made love until the early hours. I recalled our meal in the Chinese restaurant and mulled over the conversation, he had been cagey about his family. Maybe I’m expecting too much from him, perhaps his childhood wasn’t brilliant and he’d rather not discuss it. I should stop probing for a while and give him a chance, at least I have his parents address and phone number now in case of emergencies. My musing takes me back to my childhood and family, which was secure and cosy. I wouldn’t class us as a particularly close family, although my parents who both thankfully enjoy good health, are a loving couple, they took early retirement and moved to Spain a few years ago. We keep in touch and if there was ever a problem we would be there to help and support each other. My older brother lives in New Zealand, neither of us are great at keeping in touch, which is ridiculous in this modern world of technology. Nevertheless the support network would always be there if required. One day we may all get together and have an amazing catch up. Jena doesn’t have a notably close relationship with her parents either, they divorced and both having new partners moved out of central London. However if the need arose they would always be there for each other. I guess both me and Jena could both be classed as independent women, unmistakably a modern trend. Kate though comes from an extremely intense family unit; she even has a flat in the same house as her parents. I believe that is why Jodie’s fiasco has hit her so hard. Let alone with being dumped by Jeff, she seems to find it difficult to cope with deep emotions. I guess we all manage problems in a different way, and when something unforeseen occurs it’s virtually impossible to know how it will affect us. So with all these thoughts in mind, I feel I should clearly stop perturbing Tim about his family. The abrupt sound of my mobile vibrating on the bedside table brought me out of my reverie. A text message from Jena saying she needed a fairly urgent chat, had me heading for the shower in double quick time. Jena greeted me at the kitchen door holding two mugs of steaming coffee, and ushered me into the restaurant.

  ‘I can tell by your face there’s a problem honey, whatever’s wrong?’ I ask cautiously.

  ‘Could be something or nothing; anyway pin back your lugs Hun while I explain.’ Jena then repeated the conversation she’d had with Archie last night, and the content of the text message he’d received from Jodie.

  ‘OMG if this is for real, it will totally destroy Kate. How did you leave things with Archie?’

  ‘I advised him to sleep on it and not to reply, I said I’d chat to him again today. I’m sure if there’s any substance in the message Jodie will be back in touch sooner rather than later.’

  ‘When is Archie in today?’ I asked anxiously.

  ‘This afternoon about three o’clock, as it’s Lucas’s night off.’ Jena replied. ‘You’re not thinking of mentioning it to Kate are you Lucy.’

  ‘No way Hun not at this stage, that girl is proving to be a real minx, so unlike Kate.’

  ‘Probably takes after her father.’ Jena added. ‘Do you know much about him Hun?’

  ‘No nothing really, although he can’t have been that good or Kate would still be with him.’

  ‘As soon as I’ve spoken to Archie I’ll fill you in with any further details.’ Jena muttered between swigs of coffee. ‘By the way how was the meal last night?’

  ‘Good, we went to the Memories of China in Belgravia, food was yummy.’

  ‘That’s a turn up for the books, so the meal was tasty, how was the conversation?’ Jena quizzed.

  ‘Ok really I got to know a few bits about his parents, nevertheless I get the feeling he’s not too family orientated. So I’ve decided that now I have his parents’ address and stuff I’m going to stop my constant questioning for the time being.’

  ‘Lucy Ross you’re so easily pleased.’

  ‘Not really love, I got to think that maybe he didn’t have such a great childhood, anyway only time will tell. He has to be worth another chance.’

  ‘You and your chances Hun, you’re so generous with them.’

  ‘At the moment love I’m more worried about Kate, with that in mind I’ll have a chat to her, because if she has a hint of this it’ll be written all over her face.’

  ‘I make you right there Lucy, I’ll catch up with you this afternoon.’ With that Jena went into the bar and I walked into the kitchen just as Kate arrived. I couldn’t have timed it better. Looking at her expression I could tell she had absolutely no idea about the text message, so I gasped a little sigh of relief, for now anyway.

  ‘Hi Kate, how are you this morning?’ I asked as chirpily as I could manage.

  ‘Not too bad Lucy, how did your meal go last night?’

  ‘Fine thanks Kate.’ As I spoke there was a knock on the back door, Kate went to open it and the postman came in carrying a bundle of mail.

  ‘Good morning ladies, who’s going to sign for this one?’ He asked holding out a package.

  ‘I’ll do that Tom, I expect you’re in a hurry as usual, no time for a cuppa.’

  ‘Not today Kate, but I’ll surprise you one of these days.’ He laughed as he made a hasty exit.

  ‘So you’re on first name terms with our postie then Kate.’ I laugh.

  ‘Well I often have to sign for something; he’s such a friendly guy.’ She nodded coyly.

  ‘Good for you, anyway time I got on with my paperwork.’

  Later in the afternoon Jena caught up with me in the laundry room. ‘Archie’s had another text saying, ‘do you want a boy or a girl?’ ‘Once again I’ve suggested not to reply for the time being, as she could be playing her silly games again attempting to get his response.’

  ‘Best way at the moment I agree.’

  ‘The way I see it Lucy if she was actually up the duff, wouldn’t she be inconsolable?’ Jena protested.

  ‘Normally I’d agree, but we are talking about Jodie who is an immature teen with a crush.’

  ‘So for now we sit on it?’ Jena asks.

  ‘What does Archie think?’

  ‘He’s confused as he doesn’t know what to expect next.’

  ‘At the moment let’s not rock the boat so to speak, until the next contact which I’m pretty sure won’t be long in coming.’ I assure.

  Hunger pangs took me running to the kitchen about seven thirty to see what Kate had on offer; I was surprised to see Lucas had the same idea as me. ‘So what delights do you have Kate?’ I asked greedily.

  ‘Whatever you like
Lucy, there’s two specials, chicken curry and hot pot with dumplings.’

  ‘What are you having Lucas?’

  ‘I’m having the hot pot Lucy.’

  ‘I’ll have the same it sounds yummy, do you fancy some company Lucas?’ I asked as Kate served two huge portions of hot pot.

  ‘I’d be delighted, hey let me carry the plates through to the restaurant.’

  ‘Thanks Lucas, see you later Kate.’ I shouted as we disappeared into the restaurant.

  Between devouring our tasty meal me and Lucas chatted amiably about everyday news. ‘Do you know I don’t believe we’ve had a really good chat since Christmas day, seems ridiculous considering we live and work in the same building?’ I mention.

  ‘Now I come to think of it Lucy you’re right, I enjoyed that evening, especially the scrabble.’ He laughed.

  As we’d both finished our meal I relaxed back in my chair and glanced over at Lucas. ‘So how are things with you now Lucas?’

  ‘I’m fine Lucy, in fact feeling a lot better.’ He replied. ‘I believe that is down to working here, pleasant atmosphere and charming people.’

  ‘That’s good to hear, although sadly not everyone feels the same, have you heard about Archie’s latest anxiety?’

  ‘No I thought he was settled in a relationship now.’

  ‘Yes so did he I believe, evidently he’s started to receive text messages from Jodie, implying that she could be pregnant’. I explain. ‘Please don’t say a word as up until now Kate has no idea, if this is just another teenage prank I’d rather Kate didn’t know. The poor woman has had enough to cope with recently.’