by Charley Dee
‘Brilliant she so needed that, thanks mate.’ Jena added.
‘My pleasure she’s a lovely girl, anyway time to hit the sack for me too.’ Lucas said as he stood up.
‘Did you see that Andy?’ Jena probed.
‘What babe?’
‘The way Lucas looks at her, I’d say he’s smitten.’
‘Have you only just noticed that, you’re a bit slow darling I could see it weeks ago.’ Andy laughed.
‘Really, what a shame we can’t put the right people together. Why the hell is she still stuck on that asshole.’ Jena exclaimed.
When I got up to the flat I noticed a bag on the floor outside of my bedroom, picking it up I opened the bag to find a big box of chocolates, with a scribbled note ‘sorry for upsetting you T’ x. Tonight I didn’t even want to think about him or his chocolates, I’d had such a fun night and all I wanted to do was sleep. As I undressed I had a go at a moon walk which made me laugh, throwing my clothes on the chair I slid into bed and within minutes I’d drifted into a dreamless sleep.
As I opened my eyes on Thursday morning, the sun was poring in through the window like maple syrup on a pancake. (That thought made me smile and also feel hungry), I took a shower, pulled on a pair of knee highs and a t-shirt and rushed down to the kitchen. I’d had a good sleep and felt happy, I was going to make Mary and Lucas pancakes for breakfast.
‘Good morning guys, I hope you’re hungry.’
‘Good morning Lucy.’ They said in unison. ‘You sound chirpy this morning.’
‘Mary has Lucas told you about our night at the theatre?’ I quizzed.
‘Yes love and it seems it’s done you the world of good.’ Mary added.
‘Well as it’s a lovely day I’m going to make maple syrup pancakes for breakfast.’ I explained why and they both laughed, they probably think I’ve lost the plot.
Within half an hour I’d made a plateful of pancakes and another pot of tea and the three of us tucked in with relish.
‘You’ll have to take her out more often Lucas if she’s going to cook us breakfast.’ Mary teased.
‘I must say they are pretty yummy Lucy, what are you cooking next?’ He laughed.
‘Pancakes and toast are about my limit, sorry. I daresay I could improve if I tried, but what’s the point when we have a clever Kate.’
Later I sent Tim a brief text message saying thanks for the chocs; I felt that was sufficient for now. Meeting up with Jena in the bar I mentioned the chocs I’d found on the floor outside my bedroom last night.
‘Desperate measures Hun.’ Jena remarked bluntly. ‘Sorry but the very hint of his name makes me see red.’
‘I know love, anyway I just wanted to thank you once again for last night, it was brilliant, and to be honest it was just what I needed.’
‘Lucy Ross it was so good to see you smile and looking happy for once.’ Jena expressed. ‘One day things will come right for you; however you need to meet it half way.’
‘What do you mean that sounds a tad like a riddle?’
‘Look at it a different way love; take notice of what’s right in front of you.’
‘Oh Jena I’m not up for guessing games this morning there’s only two more days before his birthday, so I’d best nip out and buy a card. As for a present I haven’t made my mind up yet, I’ll think about it.’
‘I could give you a few ideas.’ Jena growled.
‘Yeah I can imagine.’ I laughed.
The day went by quickly and no further contact from Tim, I felt pleased as I was still in a happy mood and I really didn’t want anyone to jeopardise this. When I went up to bed I could hear Tim in his room, however I walked straight passed and made my way into the kitchen to make a hot chocolate. Taking my drink into the lounge I switched on the TV and stretched out on the sofa to relax. Within minutes I’d dropped off to sleep, the stunning eyes were there, concealed by the headwear. This girl was very beautiful, she came close to me and was struggling to speak….she was showing me her left hand, or was she trying to touch me? I held my arms out, yet she moved backwards as though she didn’t want me to get too close to her. She started to shake her head and showing me her left hand…her left hand…then I was awake. Rubbing my eyes I looked at my phone for the time it was two o’clock, I must stop sleeping on the sofa, at least the dream tonight was calm, who is this woman and what is she trying to tell me? Is she saying she’s married to him; surely he can’t possibly be married? I sat up, looked at my mug of hot chocolate, which was obviously stone cold, and without another thought I headed into the bedroom, undressed hastily and slipped under the cool sheet, to hopefully drift into a dreamless sleep…as I was drifting off into oblivion my mobile signalled a text message, groping around sleepily for my phone I could see the message was from Tim…. ‘See you in the bar on Sunday lunch time x’…what an odd time to send a message, being a rather odd person why had that surprised me?
Friday turned out to be busier than normal both in the bar and the restaurant, no one mentioned Tim to me at all. After receiving his text message in the night, I felt he had no further reason to contact me today. I’d bought him a humorous card for his birthday, however I couldn’t decide on a gift, maybe a luxurious meal out would be in order. The flat seemed quiet as I went to bed, so I snuggled down for a restful night, only one more day before my surprise…
Chapter 34
Lucas woke with a start; he could hear movement in the room above, glancing sleepily at his watch he could see it was only five o’clock. He’d deduced that the room above his must be the one that Tim rents. As he was curious as to what was going on upstairs Lucas decided to get dressed, instinct told him something possibly untoward was going on. As he was doing up his belt he heard a sound on the stairs, quietly opening his door just a fraction he stood silently and waited. Tim was coming down the stairs carrying a large case in one hand and a bag in the other. When he was safely down the stairs he slinked bare foot across to the landing window. Peering out he could see Tim struggling to open the gate as the case he was carrying seemed to be heavy. Suddenly he realised Tim didn’t have his laptop back pack on, that was a first as that backpack was like a second skin to him. Lucas ran up to Lucy’s flat and as he looked through the top landing window he was just in time to see Tim striving to load his luggage into a cab. He was unsure what to do first, although he knew he had to inform Lucy what he’d seen this morning. Especially the fact that he’d left without the laptop. Rushing back down to his room Lucas picked up his mobile and fast dialled through to Lucy, the fact it was early he felt was irrelevant, she’d want to know.
I woke to the sound of my mobile ringing, bleary eyed I could see it was Lucas calling. ‘Lucas is something wrong?’ I asked cautiously.
‘I need to speak to you Lucy as soon as possible.’
‘Ok come up to my lounge and I’ll join you there in a moment.’ Getting out of bed quickly and donning a robe I made my way into the lounge, to find Lucas was already there.
‘I’m sorry to get you up so early Lucy.’
‘No problems throw it on me.’
After Lucas had finished telling me about the events of the morning, I found myself on an emotional roller coaster, what the hell was going on. I knew we had to go into the room straight away. ‘I’ll grab the master key Lucas and we can see what’s going on.’ Lucas followed me into the room, as I expected it was in total disarray, the covers on the bed were heaped in a pile. As expected the case and clothes were missing. Quickly checking I could see he’d removed the shoe box of cash, however on top of the chest of drawers was the laptop which shocked me, as he never went without it. He’d also left parts of his computer, even the en suite was empty, apart from rubbish discarded on the floor. ‘Surely there can’t be a reasonable explanation for this, what a fool I’ve been.’ I was physically trembling; Lucas opened his arms and not being able to take any more I let him hug me, the tears trickling silently from my eyes….I had to pull myself together I knew I was stronger than this. He was obv
iously coming back, if only for his bloody laptop! I slowly pulled away from Lucas. ‘I’m so sorry Lucas for making a complete fool of myself.’ I sniffed.
‘Hey you have nothing to be sorry for you’ve been betrayed and I know just how that feels.’
‘I know you do and thank you, I think we’d better move the laptop before he returns, as there is no way he’s getting it back until we get to the bottom of this bizarre situation.’
I locked the laptop in my lounge and went into the kitchen to make coffee. ‘I wish I was more computer literate, I’m such a techno phobe.’ I said anxiously.
‘Don’t you worry Lucy I’m not too bad at the techno stuff myself, I’ll have a go at hacking into it. Our main problem will be his password, and that’s where I’ll need your help.’
‘I’ll do my best to figure something out while we drink our coffee. I’d better ring Jena about seven and put her in the picture, when are you working today Lucas.’
‘Don’t worry about that I’m not on until tonight, I’ll nip down to the cellar to sort out the barrels and pop out for my paper. It’s probably best to keep quiet about what’s going on for the moment.’
‘You’re right the last thing I need is gossip filtering through to the bar at this stage.’ I agreed.
I rang Jena and gave her an update on my weird saga, explained that Lucas was going to try and hack into the laptop and could she cover for me downstairs this morning. While I was waiting for Lucas to come back I had a shower and made some toast for us both. I had an uncanny feeling that this was going to take a while...Giving the state of affairs some serious thought, obviously Tim would return at some time today for his laptop, trusting that nobody was aware of his campaign. With that in mind I believe me and Lucas should go back into Tim’s room to attempt the hacking, so that when he returns he’ll have no choice, if he wants his laptop then he’ll have to come in and ask for it.
When Lucas came back to the flat I explained my theory of working in Tim’s room. ‘He’s sure to come back Lucas and this time I’m going to be ready for him.’ I added angrily.’
‘You’re right Lucy, so have you any ideas on the password?’
‘Well as you know his dream was to become a millionaire by his fortieth, so let’s try millionaire.’
‘You jot down anything that comes to mind, date of birth, place of birth, parents names.’
After an hour of typing all these potential passwords into the laptop we were still no further forward, Lucas had tried them every which way he could, but no joy. Then a thought struck me of the first evening I spent with Tim and we were sharing our dreams. ‘The first time we went out Lucas we spoke of our dreams, I was following mine with the pub and as you know his was about being a millionaire. However his actual words were, ‘by the time I’m forty,’ so let’s try ‘bythetimeim40,’ it has to be worth a go.’
‘Lucy Ross you’re a genius!’ Lucas shouted. ‘We’re in.’
As we both watched the screen with impatient expectancy the first image appeared, we both gaped in amazement. A picture of me was on the screen, well the head was mine, I couldn’t imagine what Lucas was thinking, as the photograph could only be classed as risqué. ‘OMG Lucas what the hell has he done.’ I mumbled shamefully. ‘That isn’t me, well it’s my face, but.’
Lucas put a reassuring arm around my shoulders. ‘He’s falsified an innocent picture, making a fraudulent image.’ He said with concern.
‘Keep searching Lucas I have to know how far he’s taken this.’ I uttered anxiously. Secretly dreading what would pop up next.
As Lucas continued to search loads of pictures of the same ilk appeared on the screen, he reverted back to the desktop to further the investigation, realising how awkward all of this was for Lucy. He was fortunate to log into the email account with ease as there wasn’t a further password required, probably as Tim was the only person using the computer. In the saved file he found messages from the USA and Scotland.
‘Stop there please Lucas we have to read the messages.’
As we both read the typed heading, it became abundantly clear that this email was from a man by the name of Jorge Sanchez, connected to a dating site called ‘USA Sugar Daddy Dates.com.’ Wealthy retired business men who want to pamper and support women who will treat them like a king. The message read.
My dearest gorgeous Lucy Carter, after all the sensual messages we have shared over the past months. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am that your release from prison is only days away now. At last I will meet my lady of the night, the very thought of touching you is arousing me already. See you on Sunday 7th June as arranged sexy lady.
Fondest love Jorge xxxx
Attached to the message was a small picture of an elderly, fleshy, frightful looking man.
‘How the hell could he have done this to me!’ I screamed in horror. ‘What on earth have I done to deserve this?’ I sobbed uncontrollably.
Once again Lucas embraced me while I shed my tears, I was horrified, what did all this mean. Was there more? I slowly pulled away. ‘We have to keep searching Lucas; I need to know it all.’
‘Why don’t you take a break Lucy, just for a few minutes?’ He suggested tentatively.
‘OK maybe we could have a strong coffee, and then I must see what other shocks lie in store. At this moment in time Lucas I feel as though a large fist has just knocked all the wind out of me.’
Downstairs in the bar Jena and Archie were working, Andy was reading the sports page in the paper, and the lunch time rush hadn’t started yet.
‘I wonder how they’re getting on with the laptop.’ Jena asked Andy quietly.
‘D’you want me to go and check babe?’ He replied as he glanced up.
‘Give it a bit longer love; no doubt it’ll take a while.’
‘Ok darling just say the word if you need me.’ Andy added with a smile.
As Archie was busy bottling up the bar, Jena was thinking about Tim and his weird actions, doing a runner at dawn, what was that all about. Leaving his laptop though was a total mystery, had he forgotten it, or couldn’t carry it all or didn’t need it any more? Well Jena knew he’d be back that was a certainty. Looking up towards the door she noticed a strange guy coming towards her, he was elderly, probably wants directions she thought.
‘How do mam I’m looking for Lucy Carter, I’m afraid I’m a day early, but I’m sure she won’t mind.’ He asked in a strong American twang.
‘I’m sorry there’s nobody of that name here, you must have the wrong address.’ Jena emphasised.
‘Oh there’s no fear of that mam, look here’s the address and a photo of the lady.’
He said rather brashly. ‘My name is Jorge Sanchez and I’ve paid good dollars for that lady.
Jena looked at the address and sure enough it was correct although the name of the pub was missing. As she turned the photo over she gulped silently in shock, because staring at her was a picture of her best mate in a very unfamiliar pose. Quickly grasping the situation Jena excused herself politely and went over to Andy.
‘Don’t ask questions babe, just take this old boy into the restaurant give him a drink, meal, or coffee in fact anything he wants, apart from Lucy. If you get my drift, I’ll be back as soon as.’ Jena walked out of the bar and then took the stairs two at a time as though a raging bull was behind her. Rushing into Tim’s room she came to a breathless halt.
‘Whatever’s wrong Jena?’ I probed. ‘You look as though you’ve seen a ghost.’
‘Oh he aint no ghost Lucy, he’s gruesome and he’s real.’ She gasped.
After Jena had explained her recent brush with Jorge Sanchez, the three of them exchanged anxious glances. Then Lucas spoke up. ‘Jena we’ve discovered some of what’s been going on, this yank Jorge was expected tomorrow. I feel there’s a heck of a lot more to unfold, however it’s time now to bring in the police.’
‘But the pub Lucas, bringing the police in.’ I said shakily.
‘Sod the pub Lucy; this i
s all now about your safety and that rats ruination.’ Jena exclaimed. ‘You stay right out of sight; I’ll speak to the cops and make sure they come in through the back door. I may have to brief Kate a tad. I’ll tell Jorge that you’re not expected back until later this afternoon, so the cops will have had time to intervene.’
‘OMG this is scary, what a bastard if only I’d listened to you all.’ I gulped. ‘I can’t believe he hasn’t been back for his laptop.’
‘There’s still time Hun, maybe he’ll walk straight into the arms of the cops.’ Jena suggested. ‘Anyway you two stay out of sight and I’ll keep you posted, keep searching you never know what else you’ll reveal.’ Jena added as she made her hasty exit from the bedroom and raced down the stairs.
Making her way into the restaurant Jena went over to Andy and Jorge’s table. ‘Mr Sanchez I have located a Lucy, she’s evidently out at the moment and is due back later this afternoon. I’m sure we can make you comfortable while you wait.’
‘Ok mam as she’s just got out, I expect she’s out spending her dollars. Can I get a steak, medium rare?’
‘Yes I’ll see to that straight away. If you come through to the kitchen Andy you could get a salad and bread rolls for Mr Sanchez.’
‘Sure darling I’ll be right there.’
Out in the kitchen Jena went into the office and made a detailed phone call to the police, who assured her two officers would be at the pub within the hour. Back in the kitchen she disclosed to Andy and Kate what was taking place.
‘I saw him a while ago Jena.’ Kate declared.
‘Who did you see Kate?’
‘Tim, I had both doors open as it’s so hot in here, I noticed him go up the stairs and within what seemed seconds, he ran out of the back door as though the devil himself was behind him.’ Kate described. ‘If only I’d known Jena I’d have locked the door, and called you.’