A Secret Schemer

by Charley Dee

  ‘Would you guys like something to eat?’ Kate asked with a grin. ‘You all look famished.’

  ‘That’s a yes please from me Kate.’ Andy declared.

  ‘I’ll be back in about half an hour Kate, I just need a quick word with Lucy.’ Jena added.

  ‘No problems girls come back when you’re ready.’

  As Jena was pulling off her jacket she ushered me into the restaurant. ‘Pin back your lugs girl have I got news for you.’ Jena said firmly.

  ‘Spill honey I can’t wait.’

  ‘As we drove into Clayton Road we could see straight away it was extremely long, so Andy pulled up on the left hand side at the top. We were looking for a house name, rather than a number, which we knew could take a while. Andy had a flat cap in the car, which could act as a little disguise, we agreed it was far better for him to do the walking, because if Tim was around I’m much easier to recognise. I must add I chuckled to myself watching Andy strolling along in his flat cap and jacket collar pulled up. He stopped and chatted to a workman who obviously directed him across the road. Within a minute or so he was checking out a couple of houses, then out of the blue a van pulled up outside and a guy got out, opened up the back door and dragged a for sale sign out. Andy started walking back towards our van.’

  ‘And Hun keep talking.’

  ‘When he got back in our van he described the house and said the for sale board was for one of the flats in Thorndike House. He said there were concrete steps leading up to the entry door, which he said looked as though it was open. The name of the house was written in an arc above the steps.’

  At this point my tummy flipped as Jena was describing the house in the dream, the one when I followed Tim inside. Suddenly I had goose bumps all over. I didn’t want to interrupt her so I sat quietly and listened.

  ‘Andy suggested we drove slowly along the road so we could see the telephone number on the for sale board. I found a pen and paper in my bag and he slowed down and spun into a three point turn right outside the house, giving me ample time to see the details. We then pulled up around the corner and I rang the estate agents and made my enquiries. I made it sound as though we were actually looking for a two bedroom flat in the area, and we just happened to be passing as the board went up.’

  ‘They must have been surprised Jen being as the board had only just been sited.’

  ‘Oh they were and very helpful, believe it or not it’s flat number three they’re selling. They are one bedroom flats, asking price one hundred and seventy five thousand for a quick sale. To end the call I said I’d discuss the details with my partner and get back to them, I left my name as Ms Bates.’

  ‘How strange, I mean how did they manage in a one bedroom flat, and I wonder why they’re in a hurry to sell. So many questions, don’t you think?’ I remarked curiously.

  ‘Well it certainly was odd that the board went up at the very time we were sussing it out. Andy reckons there are six flats in the house and he doesn’t think they’re that big. On the way back we were chatting about it and Andy came up with the idea that if you want someone to take a look at it, his mate at work would be willing.’

  ‘I have to tell you Hun, Andy’s description of the outside of Thorndike House matches the one in my dream, you know when I followed Tim inside. It certainly made me feel creepy to say the least.’

  ‘Everything relevant to this guy is creepy love.’

  I relayed the conversation I’d had earlier with Tim, explaining his alleged trip to Scotland.

  ‘So when is this trip taking place?’ Jena asked.

  ‘Oh he’s supposed to be leaving around seven o’clock this evening and travelling through the night.’

  ‘That’s convenient I’ll be ready to follow him.’

  ‘Not to Scotland I hope honey.’ I added with jest.

  Jena laughed. ‘No just to see which way he goes, and then we can search the room. When’s he due back by the way?’

  ‘Not until the weekend, he’s going to let me know.’

  ‘Mm I can’t wait. We’d better go back for our meal or Kate will have our guts for garters.’ Jena giggled. ‘Then I’ll don my track suit bottoms and trainers ready to tail that shifty sod.’

  At six thirty Jena was ready and waiting for Tim to leave, to make sure she didn’t miss him she was well hidden on the first floor landing outside of her lounge, no way would he see her. Tonight with Lucy they could start putting their plan in action to see what this guy was all about.

  I stayed in the kitchen with the outside door open so I wouldn’t miss a trick. Tim shot out through the back door just before seven without a glance in either direction. Jena followed within seconds, so now I must wait until she rings me. In less than five minutes my mobile burst into action. Jena relayed that she had Tim in her sights and they seemed to be heading towards Victoria train station. She stayed on the line and gave me regular updates; he’d stopped off to pick up a coffee takeaway style. The line went dead so I waited anxiously for her next move. Jena didn’t ring back so all kinds of weird incidents were flashing through my mind. About twenty minutes later Jena burst into the kitchen looking rather hacked off. ‘Whatever happened honey you look a tad stressed.’ I asked anxiously.

  ‘That guy is infuriating, I watched him pick up his coffee and a crowd of people who’d obviously just got off a train, got in the way. When they’d walked passed him, he was nowhere to be seen. I couldn’t get any closer or he’d have seen me.’

  ‘Don’t worry Hun at least we know he’s catching a train.’

  ‘Yeah maybe, but if he’s going to Scotland for a few days he’s certainly travelling light.’

  ‘Why Jena surely he had a bag, it looked as though he had when he nipped out of the back door.’ I suggested.

  ‘Oh he had his usual rucksack, the one that holds his bloody laptop, so unless he’s got clean boxers and washing gear in his pockets he aint going far.’ Jena growled.

  ‘Well he said he wouldn’t be away long Hun.’

  ‘Lucy Ross please stop making excuses for the slippery sod. Let’s get the next part of our plan in action while I’m in the mood.’ She suppressed a giggle.

  Armed with a bottle of wine me and Jena made our way up to my flat, after grabbing the master key from the lounge, I turned the key in the lock and we entered the now infamous bedroom.

  ‘OMG you categorically were not joking, what a bloody shambles, he’s disgusting.’ Jena shouted.

  As before the room was in total disarray, I could even say worse if that were possible.

  Jena held her arm up to block me going in any further. ‘First I’ll take photos you never know if they’ll be needed. My first thought Lucy is the guy who has been shacking up in this room has never intended to stay; this isn’t the home of someone who’s in love and waiting to settle down. This is somewhere to doss and be ready to move on at a moments notice. Sorry love but that’s how it is.’

  I stood silently for a moment taking in what Jena had said, is she right? I guess only time will tell…. ‘Shall we crack on and have a rummage.’ I said bluntly. ‘One thing is for certain he won’t be back tonight.’

  ‘I’ll take the waste paper basket, looks to me as though it could be full of interesting info.’ Jena declared. ‘If it’s ok with you Hun I’ll take photos of everything relevant.’

  ‘Good idea honey, I’ll scrutinize the rest of the room, let,s see what we come up with.’

  I watched Jena up end the waste paper bin on the bed; I could see she was going to enjoy this. Tim hadn’t taken any of his washing gear, although I had no idea if he had more supplies. The case still contained various items of clothing and the chest of drawers was still empty. I lay on the floor to see if he’d hidden anything under the bed, just a covering of dust that made me sneeze. Jena was engrossed in screwed up pieces of paper and appeared to be sorting them into piles. Not wanting to interrupt I moved over to the far corner (the place he always seems to be in my dreams). There was a sheet lying in a heap
in the corner. Picking it up I could see what looked like a shoe box underneath. I knelt down on the floor to slip the lid off. Wow shock horror, the box was filled with bank notes. Following Jena’s lead I took a few close up photos of the contents, replaced the lid and carried on with my search. I’ll tell Jena when she’s finished her scrutiny.

  ‘Any chance of you pouring that wine Lucy Ross or are you guzzling it by yourself?’ Jena asked laughing. ‘Wait until you see what I’ve scooped here.’

  Pouring two glasses of wine I carried them over to Jena. ‘I bet your scoop isn’t as big as mine.’ I laughed.

  Jena looked up wide eyed and curious, accepted her glass of wine and took a very large swig of the contents. ‘So smarty pants show me your scoop.’ She laughed.

  I carried the shoe box over to her. ‘Flip the lid off that little baby then.’ I grinned.

  ‘Bloody hell, shit, how much d’you reckon’s in there?’ Jena exclaimed as she ogled the contents of the shoe box. ‘Has he robbed a bank?’

  ‘If only I knew the answer to that, it has to be something untoward. I mean why hasn’t he banked it.’

  ‘Well he’s sure got plenty of bank accounts; I’ve found statements from five accounts up until now.’ Jena disclosed.

  ‘What the hell,s going on with this guy, I’ve taken photos of all the statements and anything else I think may be significant.’

  Between sips of wine we scanned all the statements, there appeared to be a large amount of money involved here. Once again I recalled Tim’s dream of becoming a millionaire by his fortieth birthday, which I’ve always found amusing. All of a sudden what we’ve uncovered in this room tonight is scaring the pants off me.

  ‘You’re deep in thought Hun, what’s going through your mind?’ Jena probed.

  ‘This is all surreal, I honestly don’t know what to make of it, there is so much money involved here.’ I said cautiously as I read through some of the bank statements.

  ‘I believe everything will be revealed sooner rather than later, he doesn’t have a clue that we’ve unearthed his stash.’

  ‘So what do we do next?’ I ask anxiously.

  ‘We’ll sit tight honey and wait for his next move; we won’t let him out of our sights.’ Jena replied.

  ‘You don’t think this lot could be counterfeit do you?’ I asked anxiously.

  ‘At this stage Lucy we can’t rule anything out.’

  Chapter 31

  Being as Tim was away for the rest of the week there was little I could do to explore where the money came from. Yes I could ring the police, although I truthfully don’t have sufficient grounds to involve anyone at this stage. There has to be a valid reason why he has this stash of cash and who am I to say that it’s illegal…As always I give the benefit of the doubt, nevertheless I’m aware Jena wouldn’t agree with me. Out of the blue a thought came to mind, when Tim first moved into the room he paid his rent with cash. After a couple of weeks though he gave me a monthly cheque, which I have to admit I’ve only banked a couple. Alarm bells are now ringing and I’ll take the rest of the cheques to the bank in the morning. Perhaps it’ll be a good idea to see which of his many bank accounts the cheques were issued from. To check this out I’ll need to look at the photos on Jena’s phone, as I don’t fancy sorting through the overfilled waste bin in his room again. Tim has sent me a couple of messages since he supposedly left for Scotland (I have to say this as I’m not sure what to believe any more). He certainly hasn’t had much to say; basically that he’ll see me at the weekend. With all these thoughts spinning round like a hamster’s wheel, I head downstairs to find Jena. I find her in the bar chatting to Archie, who thankfully seems to at last be free of Jodie. ‘Hi honey can you spare me five?’

  ‘Always, what’s up?’ Jena replies with a frown.

  ‘I need to look at the photos you took of the enigma’s bank accounts.’ I ask hoping she won’t ask why.

  ‘Actually Lucy I’ve transferred them onto my laptop, so much easier to read, come up to the lounge and I’ll print them off for you.’

  ‘Great, thanks Hun.’ I say with relief. If she knows I’ve neglected to bank the cheques she’ll be horror struck.

  Jena printed off the five account copies and handed them to me. ‘Have you had another idea Lucy?’

  ‘No love I just thought I’d check which account he’s been paying his rent from.’ Phew I think I’ve managed to refrain from telling the entire story. I realise now I should never be so damned trusting with people, especially those of an elusive nature.

  ‘Have you heard any more from him?’ Jena asked.

  ‘Only another message saying he’ll see me at the weekend.’

  ‘You should have asked him to send you a postcard from Scotland.’ Jena jibed with a grin.

  I know full well she doesn’t think Tim is anywhere near Scotland. As always though I’m keeping an open mind, for now anyway….

  ‘Do you have time for a cuppa, I can’t wait to hear the latest on Kate’s liaison with Tom.’

  ‘Yeah why not, let’s hope it’s still going strong. She could do with a break.’

  I folded the bank statements up and slipped them into my pocket, as I intend to check out the information in the office later on. As we went into the kitchen it was great to see Kate with a beaming smile. I haven’t told her about our latest find in Tim’s room; I’d rather sort everything out first. I keep telling myself it’s only just over a week and it’ll be his fortieth, and basically I’m eager to know what the surprise is. Patience Lucy Ross….

  ‘You’re looking decidedly tickled pink Kate, are you going to tell us why?’ I pressed cheerfully.

  ‘Could it have something to do with our postman Kate?’ Jena teased.

  ‘Pack it in you two; I really think I may have met my soul mate at long last.’ Kate disclosed with a grin. ‘Please pinch me so I know I’m not dreaming.’

  ‘Pinch you! No way it’s time to open the bubbly me thinks.’ I shouted. ‘Will you do the honours Jena?’

  ‘Sure I’ll be back in a flash, better than a cuppa anyway.’

  The three of us shared a bottle of bubbly, I must admit I crossed my fingers briefly in the hopes that Kate’s happiness will last. With Jena and Andy already on the right track it will be good for Kate and Tom to follow. As for me, well that’s anyone’s guess, as I keep saying only time will tell.

  Later in the office I verified which bank account of Tim’s that he’d issued the cheques from, Royal Bank of Scotland. According to the latest statement Jena had found for this account, there was more than ten thousand pounds in credit. I intend to take my five cheques into the bank in the morning. When Tim had first moved in he paid his rent in cash for a couple of weeks, he asked if he could pay by cheque every four weeks which I agreed, and two of the cheques were banked. I’m not completely clear as to why I kept hold of the others, possibly because I’d hoped that our relationship would have developed, or moved on and he would have been sharing my room…. Now as everything appears to be so up in the air I feel I have the right to cash the money. Scanning through the five bank statements I can’t deduce why he has the need for so many accounts. As for his finances I’m not in a position to comment, as we’ve never spoken of the subject. I mean a guy who is knocking on the door of forty and never been married could potentially be financially sound. Although I’ve always found his dream of becoming a millionaire by the time he’s forty a joke, he’s undeniably heading in the right direction. Whether it’s kosher remains to be seen… Sliding the cheques and statements back into my drawer I went back into the kitchen to see what Kate has to offer for an evening meal.

  ‘Kate I fancy something tasty tonight honey, what do you suggest.’ I ask with a sigh.

  ‘How about a portion of chicken and ham pie served with sauté potatoes and spring greens.’ She offered.

  ‘Sounds fantastic, I’ll eat in here if I’m not in your way.’

  ‘You’re never in the way Lucy, and Lucas is on his way in as
well.’

  ‘Great I’ll get the cutlery.’ With that I laid two places at the kitchen table, I think I’ll tell Lucas about our find in Tim’s room, as he’s been so helpful.

  Later that night I received another message from Tim saying how hard he was working and he hoped I was well and everything was ok at the pub. I sent a quick reply saying all was fine and not to work too hard. I made myself a mug of hot chocolate which I took into the lounge, stretched out on the sofa and switched the TV on. A movie had just started so after I finished my drink I snuggled down hoping to be enthralled…the last scene I recall was an express train speeding through the countryside, when sleep engulfed me… I was on a train working my way through the carriages searching for Tim, I knew he’d boarded the train I’d seen him. At last I saw him; there were other people close by. I sat opposite, he was in conversation with another man, I couldn’t hear their voices. When the train stopped at the next station the other guy got off. Tim was holding a cup of drink, coffee I expect and he started writing something in a note book. I wanted to see what he was writing; I tried to sit next to him, however I couldn’t move something was barring my way. The train raced through a few small stations, then it stopped at Bromley South, I read the sign. Tim was still writing, then his mobile sprang into action, again I couldn’t hear what he was saying although he was smiling. Was he talking to the ‘other person’? The one who’s face is always concealed. As the train drew into the next station Tim stood up and made his way to the door. I followed but the station name was hazy and I couldn’t read the sign. We hadn’t come far out of London; we were nowhere near Scotland, not yet anyway. I followed him out of the station, he was walking briskly I had to hurry to keep up, it was very dark. After a while I grasped we were in that same road where I’d been before, I knew I must stay close to him in case he closed the door. Just as before he ran up the steps of the big house, I slipped through the doorway easily and I was back in the same room…the other person was there concealed from my view…why can’t I see who it is, they embraced briefly and then sat each end of the sofa. There was no sound at all although they were in deep conversation, once again Tim opened up the laptop and they were both engrossed with whatever was on the screen. Which ever way I moved I couldn’t see the screen, it was just a blur….when out of the blue I could see a cloudy photograph on the screen, impossible to tell who it was. Tim was smiling and I could only surmise that the other person was also. This is so frustrating, if only they would leave the room, maybe then I would be able to take a look, as I’m sure the answers to all my questions are stored in that laptop. While they were engrossed in conversation I found myself scanning the room for anything familiar. I noticed how bland the décor was, tasteless in fact, just essential items of furniture. Although as I searched for anything of interest, I noticed a picture frame lying on the top of the cupboard face down. Then without warning Tim jumped up and started waving his arms about in temper, he was pointing to the screen and looked angry. I was quite startled as I’d certainly never seen this side of him. The other person hurried from the room. Tim followed and slammed the door behind him, only then did I realise he’d left the laptop open. Sitting in front of the screen I attempted to use the mouse….nothing happened…then a sign popped up requesting a password, what the hell could his password be. I looked up and my eyes went back to the picture frame, I had to check it out, as I crossed the room I could see the cupboard was dusty, I was wrong the picture wasn’t face down, just dusty. The person in the picture was attired in skiing gear, I could see it wasn’t Tim, with the person’s face partially hidden by the hood all I could see distinctly were their beautiful eyes, really stunning…I will never forget those eyes…going back to the laptop my thoughts of a password he could possibly use (the first word that came to mind was millionaire) eagerly I attempted to type…as my fingers touched the keyboard I woke up with a start…clutching the TV remote control, the television still blaring…so once again I’d been indulged in a wild reverie….switching the television off, I rubbed my eyes and slowly recalled the essence of my dream…the beautiful eyes in the picture…I can still see them…what does this all mean? As it was only three o’clock I ventured back into the bedroom, slipped into bed and drifted into a dreamless sleep.