by Charley Dee
Chapter 28
In the morning I remembered to send Jena a text with Tim’s parents address, I couldn’t see the harm in them checking the road out. However it would be best if they went to suss out the address when I knew Tim was either at work or in the pub. Suddenly a thought sprang to mind; actually I have no idea where Tim works, something else to be resolved during my plan.
For a couple of weeks Tim has kept to his promises and contacted me regularly, creeping into bed with me maybe twice a week. I had learned to accept that, as perhaps he has a low sex drive (surely that was feasible)? He has taken me out for a meal to a plush restaurant in Chelsea. During the times we spend together he is good company, amusing and verbally affectionate. The only problem was those times were rather few and far between. As my occupation demanded the majority of my time, I felt I hadn’t given the thought much consideration. All I seem to have focused on has been his misdemeanours, which at present I couldn’t clarify either way. So with my plan waiting to be contrived, maybe I’ll be able to come up with a satisfactory solution to this elusive guy. Meanwhile the next time we meet I must remember to ask him where he works, as it seems rather odd that he’s never actually mentioned his workplace. He’s rambled on about how hard he works and he has important projects to deal with….although where this all takes place I haven’t a clue. Surely he doesn’t do it all in the disorderly bedroom?
I’ve just received an email from Charles Emerson the area manager at the brewery, booking a table for twelve in the restaurant on Thursday evening. He’s requested a choice of three menus, so I need to get my backside in gear and head down to the kitchen to have words with Kate pronto. As I skidded into the kitchen I realised I was about two hours early for Kate and Mary and Lucas both laughed on my hasty entrance.
‘Is something on fire darling?’ Mary asked with a grin.
‘I’m sorry guys I need to see Kate and didn’t realise I was far too early.’
‘Anything I can help with Lucy?’ Lucas asked.
‘As a matter of fact Lucas you will be able to help with this.’ I explained to Lucas about the brewery booking and asked if we had sufficient stocks of wine, as when the brewery big wigs are out celebrating the wine flows as liberally as the tide.
‘If you give me a copy of the menu choices I’ll select a variety of wines, we have a good stock of most Lucy anyway.’ Lucas added.
‘Sounds perfect, I best get started I think.’
Me and Kate discussed the menu choice for Thursday, giving them three alternative starters and main courses, with desserts from our normal menu. I went into the office and sent Charles Emerson an email, also asking if they had any wine preferences. In his rather prompt reply he said he would leave the choice of wines to me. That pleased me and I left that decision with Lucas, who would be serving the wine on the night. Jena and Jayne were going to wait on table and I would run the bar with Archie, phew all sorted, and it was only Tuesday. I received a text message from Tim asking if I could meet him for a meal later this evening. Well that’s certainly a turn up for the books, so I responded saying I would be able to meet him around seven o’clock. I made a mental note to inquire where he worked, which would be easy to slot into our conversation. He’s certainly being very attentive at the moment, is this going to last….I wonder where he’ll take me tonight, posh or pizza or maybe fish and chips?
Later in the evening I was waiting in the kitchen for Tim, he turned up about thirty minutes late and looking rather stressed. ‘I’m sorry Lucy I had to finish an urgent job.’ He muttered breathlessly.
‘Never mind let’s get going I’m starving.’ By the look on his face he was probably hoping I’d cancel no chance.
We began to walk in silence heading in the direction of Victoria; I’m beginning to feel this is going to be a quickie meal. Tim slowed down outside the little noodle restaurant, me and Jena had eaten here a few times, basic though tasty. So without a word I followed him inside and we found an empty table for two at the back of the restaurant. Checking the menu out in silence, Tim placed his copy back on the table. ‘I think I’ll have the chicken noodle stir fry, have you decided babe?’
‘I’ll have the same, it’s rather tasty.’ I replied.
‘Sounds as though you’ve been here before?’ Tim asked.
‘Yes it’s one of mine and Jena’s guilty pleasures when we’re shopping.’
‘Do you fancy a glass of wine?’ Tim asked casually.
‘Yes, why not let’s go mad.’ I added with a touch of sarcasm, which appeared to have been lost on him, as he seemed to be pre-occupied.
While waiting for our meals to be served I deemed this would be an excellent time to explore his employment records. In other words where the hell does this guy spend all his time? ‘So you had to work late tonight then Tim?’ I probed.
‘Yes an urgent job to finish I’m afraid.’
‘Do you realise you’ve never told me where you work, or even which company. Please tell me you’re not involved with the secret service?’ I watched him closely while I asked the question. And before he responded, if I’m not mistaken, he looked a tad anxious.
‘It’s one of those big IT companies in the city you know what I mean.’ He replied moderately.
‘No actually I don’t know, undoubtedly they have a company name.’ I queried.
‘I doubt it will mean anything to you darling, the company is called Randall and Hartley, although they have several subsidiary companies as well that I do work for.’
‘Well that wasn’t so difficult was it?’ My sarcasm continued, whether he was aware or not, he kept a low profile. Our meal turned up, so we both ate silently for a while. I kept glancing at him and he certainly seemed engrossed with other things. (You know when someone is with you in body, but definitely not in mind.) As he placed his fork back onto the plate he looked up and smiled. ‘I want you to be really patient with me until my birthday Lucy, as I have so much work on. I promise you’ll have a big surprise coming on the day though.’
‘What are you saying that I won’t see you before your birthday? I’d like a clue about this surprise if you don’t mind.’
‘Of course you’ll see me, if I give you a clue it will ruin the day.’ He smiled.
This guy can certainly change his moods within seconds, what the hell makes him tick. Oh well until your birthday it is fella, because if this weird relationship doesn’t improve after that we could be saying au revoir. Patience is not one of my best points, and I feel I’ve been extremely patient with this guy. I love being in his company when he’s in a sociable mood, but hey ho he is pushing his luck at the moment seriously….However after disclosing all of those thoughts, I have to admit this guy has got under my skin and I guess the fact he is so indefinable makes him all the more beguiling. So bring on this mammoth birthday of his and the revelation he has in store for me…I can’t wait.
I received a further email from Charles Emerson this morning giving the complete order for starters and main course for Thursday evening, this will help Kate tremendously. So I raced down to the kitchen to give her the good news.
‘That is helpful Lucy; I’ll come in early tomorrow anyway to make sure everything is as perfect as possible.’ Kate added gratefully.
‘You’ll have plenty of help love as Jena and Jayne will wait on table and Lucas is in charge of the wine.’
‘Can you spare the staff?’ Kate asked.
‘No problems, I’ll run the bar with Archie and Andy is always around if we need him.’
‘I could always bring Jodie in if you need her.’ Kate suggested.
‘No we’ll be fine Kate thanks.’ The last thing I needed was Jodie making another appearance, let sleeping dogs lie is what I say. To be honest the further that girl stays away from here the better, nevertheless I don’t want to upset Kate as she’s an angel. I’m not sure if Kate is aware that Jeff is still seeing Jayne, I tend to keep quiet over these issues so as not to cause an unnecessary atmosphere. As I was musin
g Lucas came into the kitchen and an idea sprang to mind. I gave him an update on the meal. ‘Do you have anything planned this morning Lucas?’ I asked tentatively.
‘No I was only going to read until my shift starts, did you want some help Lucy?’
‘Come in the office I’d like to show you something.’ I didn’t want to ask in front of Kate and Grace, as I’m sure everyone’s opinion of Tim is pretty inferior anyway. In the office I briefed Lucas on Tim’s place of work, giving him the name of the company. Knowing how clued up he was on computers I though he maybe able to find out more about the company, as it would take me ages. ‘Would you mind doing a little research for me Lucas?’
‘No problems Lucy, I’ll be pleased to take a look.’
‘It’s just that he was so cagey about disclosing the information, you must think I’m over reacting.’
‘Not at all, after what happened to me, you can never be too careful. I’ll go upstairs and use my laptop.’ Lucas assured.
‘Thanks Lucas, I so appreciate your help.’
After Lucas had left the office I began to wonder what the rest of the staff would think if they knew what I was doing. However because Tim is such an enigma I have to analyse the situation, he really hasn’t given me a choice. As Lucas has had a bad experience and shared that with me on Christmas day, I trust him.
Later during the evening in the bar there was me, Lucas and Jena, so I knew at sometime he’d give me an update on Tim’s firm. Out of the blue Jena shot out from behind the bar heading towards Vie Butler, who was sitting on one of our rather plush sofas. The next few minutes were hilarious with me and Lucas seriously trying to stifle our giggles. Jena had Vie Butler standing up and they were having a dispute over the scruffy mutt who was at that moment still lying on the sofa. ‘Get him off of that sofa now Mrs Butler.’ Jena ordered. ‘Or would you rather I moved him.’
‘He aint hurting on there and who do you think you are telling me what to do?’
‘These sofas are for humans, not animals with bare backsides. If you don’t move him I’ll have to bar you.’
By this time I was bursting at the seams not to laugh.
‘You can’t bar me, it aint your pub, your name aint over the door!’ Vie shouted.
By this time quite an audience had gathered.
‘You best follow me then and bring that scruffy mutt with you.’
Jena was now ushering Vie and the mutt (who was trundling along on his length of tatty rope) out of the front door of the pub. All you could see then was Jena pointing up to the name above the door, which read Lucy Ross and Jena Wright are licensed to sell intoxicating liquor for consumption on or off the premises. Needless to say Jena bounded back into the pub and disappeared into the kitchen, within minutes she’d returned with the small upholstery vacuum. For several minutes she cleaned the sofa, checking it carefully for traces of??? By the time she returned me and Lucas were in stitches, Jena rarely loses her rag, though this had been so amusing.
‘She won’t do that again in a hurry, that mutt had a mass of matted crap dangling from his rear end, not to mention any little hopping bloodsuckers that fancied a different venue.’ Jena burst out laughing and slid down onto the floor behind the bar so she was hidden from the customers.
‘The sad thing is it’s not the mutts fault, I bet he’d love a good wash and brush up.’ I added with a grin.
‘Maybe she could have one as well, because she’s pretty ripe herself.’ Jena laughed. ‘It’s not that she can’t afford the soap and water, she drinks enough ale to sink a battleship.’
Lucas had been serving while me and Jena regained our composure, with the events of the evening I hadn’t had a chance to speak to Lucas about the research stuff. I’ll try and catch him after we close.
Although I would tell Jena about Tim’s firm I thought it was easier for Lucas to tell me on his own. After we closed Jena said she was going to watch a movie with Andy. So I poured me and Lucas a drink and after another laugh over the scruffy mutt incident I got to hear the results.
‘It’s not good news Lucy; in fact I’m not at all sure what you’ll make of it. The company Randall and Hartley went into liquidation some five years ago, there was no evidence of subsidiary companies either.’
‘Why am I not surprised at the result Lucas? I declared. ‘So what does this guy do with himself all day, where does he work?’
‘Or Lucy does he work?’
‘Well he must do something as he’s earning money.’ I added. ‘Or is he an on line gambler?’
‘Gamblers rarely win continuously, maybe he’s self employed.’ Lucas suggested.
‘Somehow I intend to find out, thank you so much Lucas.’
‘Lucy I know this is none of my business, however please be careful, as there seems to be something underhand going on here. Genuinely I would hate to see you suffer.’
‘Thanks again Lucas, I will get to the bottom of this.’
‘Well if there’s anything else I can do, just say the word.’ Lucas added as he made his way upstairs.
For the life of me I can’t understand why Tim has lied about his employment, undoubtedly there has to be a reason. Come hell or high water I’m determined to find out….
Chapter 29
The brewery meal on Thursday evening went well; Charles and his guests came into the bar for a nightcap after leaving the restaurant, while waiting for their taxis to arrive. I was relieved that the ominous Mrs Butler didn’t make an appearance, especially after the recent scenario with Jena. During the evening I’d been running the bar with Archie and we’d had the chance for a chat. I wasn’t at all surprised when he informed me that he was once again receiving absurd text messages from Jodie. He made it clear that he was finding this irritating, and intended to change his mobile number and would only be giving it to me and Jena. I really hope Archie won’t leave as he’s such an asset in the bar, and the punters young and old love him. I realise the time has come when I’m going to have to enlighten Kate, so with this in mind Archie sent me copies of the messages he’d received. My personal opinion is she’s getting wasted or she’s on dope, possibly both and they don’t make for a good mix. I’ll chat to Jena first to see what her opinion is, as she’s spent time with the girl. I caught up with Jena on Friday morning in the office; we were both going to the bank today so plenty of time to catch up. After I’d explained about the state of affairs with Tim’s employment, I then relayed the text messages Archie was once again receiving. As we were walking along a busy road at the time Jena glanced over at me. ‘OMG let’s wait until we’ve done the banking and can go for a coffee, I’ll try and digest what you’ve just told me in the mean time.’ She exclaimed.
Once settled in the café with coffee and muffins Jena proclaimed. ‘Lucy Ross Tim Carter is a slippery bastard; he is so up to no good, you have to get rid. How did you find all this out?’
‘I asked Lucas to research the company Tim said he worked for, they went into liquidation five years ago.’
‘How much more proof do you want Hun?’ Jena said angrily.
‘I need to get to the bottom of it all, so with your help maybe we’ll suss it all out.’
‘What can I do? I mean I’ll have a go at anything to sort this weirdo out.’
‘OK next time he goes walkabouts I think one of us should follow him and then we search his room.’ I suggest.
‘Sooner rather than later Lucy, I’ve got an uneasy feeling about this guy.’
‘I still think it could be down to a very insecure childhood Jena, he’s so different when I’m on my own with him.’
‘Yeah and how often is that?’ Jena quizzed.
‘I take your point honey, anyway it’s not long to his fortieth birthday now and he’s promised me a special day.’
‘Whoopee I wonder what that could be.’ Jena added with sarcasm.
‘Hopefully we’ll find out where he’s spending his time before then.’
‘Why don’t you just tell him to fuck off
Lucy?’
‘That would be the answer if I didn’t have feelings for him.’
‘Eek I need to scream, or better still bang your head on the wall.’ Jena groaned.
I attempted a giggle that sounded more like a squeak. ‘Shall we change the subject to Archie and Jodie?’ I proposed.
‘To be honest I’m not at all surprised about Jodie, she’s obviously weak willed and finds being the victim an easy role to play, with school mates I mean. Kate needs to be told and we’re both aware of her reaction.’
‘Archie’s sent me copies of the text messages, so all I can do is show them to Kate. This time I feel she’s going to have to deal with Jodie at home, as it’s no longer a pub issue.’
‘Absolutely, I mean I’d talk to her again, although that only assists when she’s with me. Once she’s back in school the bullies have a field day with her.’ Jena describes.
‘I wonder if Kate could change her school.’
‘Doubtful at her age, suggest it anyway.’ Jena added. ‘To be honest Lucy I’m far more concerned about you than a turbulent teen. Now I understand clearly why I have no desire to have kids.’
‘I’ll second that one.’
Back in the pub I bit the bullet and showed Kate the dreaded text messages, her reaction surprised me a tad. ‘To be honest Lucy I’ve been half expecting this, I’m so sorry about it. Time I went to the school and had a word, without Jodie knowing.’
‘I make you right Kate, or you never know where this will lead, surely they can nip the bullying in the bud so to speak.’
‘I’ll let you know Lucy, anyway last night’s meal went like a dream.’
‘I forgot to mention Charles Emerson was well impressed.’ I mentioned proudly.
‘I also forgot to mention that they left a fifty pound tip, we’ve decided to keep it for a special night.’
How good is it to see Kate in a happier and more focused mood, I wonder if Tom the postman has anything to do with this? If so I hope he keeps it up.