A Secret Schemer

by Charley Dee

‘The police will get him Kate, don’t fret, anyway never try and corner a wanted guy as he’s always going to be stronger than you.’ Andy assured.

  ‘Meanwhile we better keep Mr Sanchez sweet.’ Jena added. ‘He may not be the most eligible guy, however he’s also been bamboozled by Carter. He’d like a steak please Kate, medium rare.’

  ‘No problem Jena I’ll see he’s looked after, the last thing we need is a scene in the pub.’

  Andy went back into the restaurant to chat to Jorge, while Jena made her way back to the bar to hep Archie, both trying to keep things running as normal as possible on this dramatic day.

  Tim was frantic, he hadn’t realised he’d left his laptop behind until he’d boarded the train at Victoria, this computer was critical in his crusade. Should it get into the wrong hands would be a disaster. Tim couldn’t sit still, his nerves were on edge. He’d left the pub just after five, surely no one had heard him leave, and he had been really quiet. Constantly he tried to placate himself, he was worrying about nothing. Lucy would still have been asleep or she would have come out of her room. He knew she’d been more difficult to handle over the last few weeks; he put that down to Jena, the interfering friend who’d taken an immediate dislike to him. Lucy had everything she wanted, she was living her dream, so why couldn’t he. She’d get over it, he’d chosen her because at the beginning she was a pushover, her pub was her life and she was always busy so he’d managed to put his plan in action with ease. He knew how to charm her, all he’d needed was a few months to contrive his scheme, and it was foolproof. The train suddenly jerked to a halt in a murky tunnel, and the risk of failure grabbed him like a vice, his heart was pounding. The train shunted slowly away and daylight burst into the carriage, he was losing control, he must get a grip. He focused on going back to the pub just as soon as he’d dropped off the case and bag. Silently berating himself he struggled to alight from the train with the luggage, within an hour he’d be on his way back….

  After unloading the luggage Tim was heading back to the Frog and Toad to recover his laptop. He’d intended going back to the pub anyway as it was necessary to remove the hard drive from his desk top computer. There was far too much data on there to leave it. As he neared the building he hoped he wouldn’t bump into any of the staff. Being Saturday morning they were usually always busy. Finding the outside door open he slipped inside, however the main kitchen door was also open and he could see Kate in the kitchen. He took the stairs two at a time, as he was wearing sneakers his movements were virtually silent. There was no one on the first floor, so with a silent sigh he headed up towards the flat. Then suddenly he froze like an icicle, his bedroom door was wide open, as he drew level with the door he could see Lucy and the big barman bent over his laptop. Fear shot through him like an electric shock, he ran back down the stairs as though a rabid dog was in pursuit. Out of the kitchen door and back onto the street, in his head he could hear the sirens, every car was a cop car, he just kept running, he must talk to JJ…he had to see JJ, they would have to hide. Gasping for breath he turned into an alleyway, leaning against the wall he felt his legs turn to jelly, and then he was consumed by darkness…

  Tim felt a sharp pain in his leg, opening his eyes he saw a scruffy guy leaning over him. ‘You got cans mate, I need a can?’ The guy slurred.

  The guy reeked of booze, he had to move and fast. The fear was intense, he was trembling and unsteady on his legs, he knew he had to run. As he stumbled out of the alley he felt for his mobile in the pocket of his jeans, taking a deep breath he fast dialled to JJ….

  Chapter 35

  While Lucy had gone to get changed before the police arrived, Lucas had continued to search the laptop. There was another email from Scotland, ‘Sugar Daddies in Scotland,’ mature, wealthy successful gents looking for a sugar babe. The message read similar to the first one, this guy was called Alestair Glenn and apparently he had an arrangement to meet Lucy on Monday lunchtime. How many more of these guys had he scheduled to turn up unwittingly? He found copious amounts of emails that had been archived, of which the content was disgusting. Looking in the document folder he came across a cash summary, which he knew would be of great help to the police. Also copies of bank statements. Then back on the desktop screen he hit on the ‘my pictures’ icon. Stunned by what it revealed, he hoped Lucy would never have to see these images, they were pornographic to the extreme, all doctored with her beautiful face on the vile bodies. Tim Carter was evil, and if he appeared in the room at that moment Lucas could not be held responsible for his actions. Clicking back onto the desktop he decided to leave it ready for the police to investigate thoroughly, as he felt sure there would be further revelations.

  While I was getting changed instinct told me that I must contact Charles Emerson at the brewery, I had a mobile number just for emergencies. Today for me is hell on earth, I’m in one of my dreams, only this time I’m wide awake. Why couldn’t I have seen what every one else had seen in Tim Carter. I didn’t have any proof that was the problem, now I’ve all the proof in the world. My association with him was going to change my life forever, and there isn’t a thing I can do about it. After a long chat with Charles he assured me the brewery would support me all the way, I promised to keep him updated on a daily basis. Making my way back to Lucas I wondered why Tim hadn’t tried to recover his laptop.

  ‘Kate has brought us up some lunch Lucy, please try and eat, as the police will be grilling you all afternoon.’ Lucas said cautiously.

  ‘I will thanks Lucas, I still can’t understand why Tim hasn’t been back.’

  ‘Oh but he has, Kate saw him a couple of hours ago. She said he ran out like a scalded cat.’

  ‘If only I’d seen him. I expect he’ll still get away with it all, I mean the police aren’t even here yet.’

  ‘Don’t you worry, I’m sure they’ll catch up with him.’ Lucas added.

  At that moment Jena came in the room followed by two police officers.

  ‘Ms Lucy Carter?’ The first officer asked.

  ‘No, I’m Lucy Ross; if you’d care to come into the lounge I’ll explain in detail the complete state of affairs.’

  As Lucy took the police officers into the lounge, Lucas explained to Jena the severity of what he’d revealed on the laptop. ‘My only hope is Lucy will be able to cope with it all.’

  ‘She will Lucas she’s pretty tough, her main concern will be if the papers get hold of it and possible discredit to the pub.’ Jena remarked.

  ‘I know she was going to speak to Charles Emerson.’ Lucas mentioned.

  ‘The brewery will support her Lucas, I’d put money on that.’

  ‘That’s reassuring; do you think we should stay up here for statements?’

  ‘Yes they want me, you, Andy and Kate to make statements. Oh and poor old Jorge, poor sods come all the way from the states and still hasn’t a clue what’s going on.’ Jena explained.

  Tim had ambled nervously through Victoria station continuously looking around for police; he stumbled onto the train slumping onto an empty seat. His legs had once again turned to jelly and his body trembled involuntarily with fear. Why hadn’t JJ answered the phone, he had to warn JJ. What went wrong in the pub, Lucy must have heard him leaving, why couldn’t she have waited until Sunday, or had the yank turned up? That wasn’t possible he’d only received his email yesterday saying he’d arrive on Sunday. His thoughts were tied up in knots like snakes squeezing and smothering them. He knew he couldn’t endure this torment without JJ...he could get away with JJ today…they had plenty of money…but they must go today…

  I spent two hours with the police giving them a detailed report of Tim Carter, two women officers had also arrived at the pub to assist with taking statements. I didn’t meet Jorge Sanchez, however I felt extremely sorry for the man as he had been hoodwinked along with others. Eventually when the police left the Frog & Toad, they had removed Tim’s laptop and his desk top computer. I had printed copies of all the bank statements me and Jena had f
ound, along with the photos of the cash in the shoe box. I had made out a cheque for all the rent Tim had paid as this obviously belonged to the men Tim had deceived. They also had his mobile phone number and I’d written down the address of his parents flat in Orpington, although I mentioned the premises were allegedly up for sale. They escorted Jorge Sanchez to the police station as he would be a crucial witness, along with any other guy who turned up. The police warned me to be prepared that this would hit the media, as Tim Carter was still at large. They assured me that they would keep in touch with me and I would be required to help them as the case progressed. When at last I closed the back door on the four officers I felt totally drained. The bedroom Tim had used was locked up as advised by the police. Jena and Andy started the evening in the bar and when me and Lucas had eaten we took over, I seriously needed to be occupied, the last thing I wanted was time to reflect on the day the proverbial shit had hit the fan….

  The bar was busy and neither me nor Lucas had much time to speak, however I’d planned to pour us both a drink at the end of the session. I had to smile at one stage when old Harry Giles came up for a drink. ‘It looked like there was a police car outside the pub today darling.’ He boldly declared.

  ‘Really.’ I replied with a frown. It only takes one to see the boys in blue have been calling, at this stage I chose to ignore it, as I’m certainly not prepared to start discussing my private life with the punters. By the end of the evening I wasn’t sorry to lock the doors, Jena and Andy came into the bar to join us for a nightcap and of course a chat. When the drinks were poured we all chinked glasses.

  ‘Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life Lucy Ross.’ Jena stated with a grin.

  ‘Thank you all so much for all of your help today guys, I would never have got through it without you…

  ‘What are friends for?’ Jena interrupted.

  ‘Will you all make me a promise, as soon as you hear anything on the news, or read something in the paper please let me know?’

  ‘That goes without saying.’ They all said in unison.

  ‘I wonder if they’ve caught up with him yet.’ Andy asked.

  ‘Let’s switch the twenty four hour news on. Jena added.

  After a few minutes sure enough a bulletin announced that the police were looking for a man who had used his girlfriend’s identity fraudulently to obtain money.

  ‘There’s your answer then Andy, they still haven’t found him.’ Jena remarked.

  ‘They said they’d let me know when he’d been found.’ I added.

  ‘I daresay they’ve been searching through the computers for all the relevant information.’ Lucas suggested.

  ‘Well shall we have one more for the road?’ I asked with a smile, although inside I was dreading going to bed as I was certain the dreams would return.

  ‘Why not.’ Jena replied as she went behind the bar to get the refills. ‘Lucy if you have crap dreams again, promise you’ll ring me whatever the time, and I’ll come up and sit with you.’

  ‘Hey I’ll be ok love.’ I said with a lot more confidence than I felt. We all sat quietly while we finished our drinks; no doubt all our minds were on the same person.

  ‘I’ll lock up Lucy, don’t worry I’ll scan the paper in the morning.’ Lucas offered.

  ‘OMG I’ve just had a thought, he still has keys to the pub!’ I said bluntly.

  ‘I don’t think in a million years he’d attempt to get in love. Leave it to me Lucy I’ll make sure the back door’s secure, then tomorrow I’ll change the lock.’ Lucas assured.

  ‘Give me a shout if you need a hand mate.’ Andy added.

  ‘Cheers Andy will do. Goodnight guys.’

  Lucas went behind the bar to put the dirty glasses in the machine ready for the morning, all he’d wanted to do was hold Lucy in his arms and tell her he’d never let anyone ever hurt her again. He knew he wouldn’t sleep much tonight as her safety to him was paramount. Putting the alarms on he went into the kitchen to secure the outside back door, as it opened inwards fortunately it wasn’t a problem. If anyone tried to get in he’d hear them straight away. As he went upstairs he stopped and listened, just to make sure all was quiet, before setting the alarm on his mobile for six o’clock, and then he could get the first Sunday papers.

  Exhaustion had taken over as I crawled into bed, I even pulled the duvet up around my neck, I think the tiredness was making me feel cold even though it was June. What an emotional day, I’m still floating in cloud cuckoo land, my thoughts swirling like clouds, sometimes dark and sometimes light. All I longed for now was to sleep….peacefully. I was so lucky to have such wonderful friends, they had all been a tower of strength to me today….slowly I drifted into oblivion.

  I woke to the sound of my mobile ringing, it was Lucas. ‘Hi is everything ok?’

  ‘Yes did you sleep Lucy?’

  ‘Mm yes I had a good sleep thanks.’

  ‘I’ve got the papers, just wanted to let you know they’ve located him and he’s been taken in for questioning.’

  ‘That’s a relief; put the kettle on and I’ll be down in five.’ I replied then ended the call. I donned a robe, nipped into the bathroom and brushed my teeth and splashed my face with cold water. Then I rushed downstairs to check out the papers.

  Mary and Lucas were sitting at the kitchen table with a pot of steaming tea and a plate of buttered toast ready and waiting for me.

  ‘Good morning, I hope Lucas has put you in the picture Mary?’

  ‘Lucy darling I’m so sorry you’re having such a terrible time, you don’t deserve any of it love.’ Mary remarked quietly.

  ‘Well today’s his fortieth birthday Mary and seems he’s spent the night in a police cell, not quite what he’d planned.’

  ‘By the end of today Lucy I’m sure he’ll be spending a lot more nights inside.’ Lucas added.

  ‘I wonder where they picked him up.’ I probed.

  ‘That’ll all come out in the news eventually love.’ Mary added.

  ‘Yes I guess I should prepare myself for a tad more in tomorrow’s papers.’ I was trying vigorously to sound logical, as though I’d accepted what had happened and now I was no longer fazed by the ordeal. Of course this was completely untrue as I felt intimidated, terrified beyond words. What the hell would the outcome be, my career, my personal life. I would be a mocked for being such a fool, why hadn’t I seen what he was up to. Why had I given him the benefit of the doubt so many times? I knew why, because I genuinely felt his reactions could be due to his childhood, plus the fact he’d lived alone for years. Others wouldn’t see it that way; they would believe I acted illogically. My thoughts once again were tormenting me, what would the tabloids reveal tomorrow. The disgusting pictures, would I open the paper and see a vile photograph that he’d doctored of me. The very concept of this is excruciating, there’s only one resolve to this I would have to go away. I’d transfer the pub to Jena, and make a written apology to everyone, especially the brewery, and then get a flight to Spain to see my parents. Turning this into reality in my mind now was breaking me heart.

  ‘Lucy are you alright, you’ve gone very pale.’ Lucas roused me from my daydream.

  ‘Oh I’m sorry Lucas.’ I replied diffidently.

  ‘Lucy I can’t even begin to imagine what you’re going through, please don’t keep your concerns to yourself, we all want to help you.’ Lucas assured. ‘I’m a good listener Lucy, and as they say a trouble shared.’

  ‘I’m sure you don’t want to listen to this silly woman’s thoughts Lucas.’ I added.

  ‘Hey let’s meet up this afternoon, have one of Kate’s tasty lunches and then you can share your hopes and fears with me.’

  ‘Putting it like that, how can I refuse, how about three o’clock in the restaurant.’

  ‘Perfect I’ll look forward to it.’ Lucas added.

  I went into the office to put the books in order; suddenly realising I was still wearing a robe. So I made my way upstairs for a quick shower an
d change. To save constantly disturbing Charles Emerson, I decided on a daily email to keep him updated on my impending status quo. Hoping there would be no more shock revelations from the media today, I headed down to the office to continue with my paperwork.

  I met up with Jena in the bar about half past twelve. ‘The punters are starting to ask questions Hun.’ Jena remarked.

  ‘Who Jena, what are they saying?’ I asked nervously.

  ‘Don’t fret Lucy, evidently some one saw a cop car outside yesterday, so at the moment it’s just gossip.’

  ‘Oh that was old Harry, he mentioned it last night, and I just blanked it.’

  ‘You know what they’re like Lucy, rumours spread like fire in a haystack.’ Jena added. ‘For a while honey you’re going to have to turn a deaf ear, it’ll soon pass.’ Jena assured.

  ‘Sometimes Hun that’s easier said than done.’ I said anxiously.

  ‘You Lucy Ross are made of much stronger stuff than that, plus you have rock solid support behind you.’

  ‘Thanks Jena, by they way I’m meeting up with Lucas later for lunch and a chat, why don’t you and Andy join us?’

  ‘Oh we would have, but we’ve decided to go to the movies, Jayne’s on the bar until seven and we’ll be back by then.’ Jena added.’ Anyway honey Lucas is a great guy and he talks a lot of sense.’

  ‘Yeah you’re right he has become a good mate and he’s helped me so much over Tim. I best get on, enjoy the movie and catch up with you later.’

  As Lucy left the bar Jena realised how close she’d come to telling her that Lucas loves the very bones of her. Nevertheless Jena knows it’s the wrong time, as Lucy’s in the middle of an emotional crisis. She also knows just how anxious Lucy is about the media getting hold of her story. Andy had suggested them going to the movies as he thought it was far better for Lucy to talk to Lucas, than the four of them covering old ground. They would always be there to support her whatever this case drags up, however Jena knows her reactions better than anyone, and today she feels Lucas will be her best company.