by Charley Dee
Out in the kitchen Lucy asked Kate to save a couple of roast beef dinners for later.
‘How are you feeling today love?’ Kate enquires. ‘Have you heard any more from the police?’
‘No Kate, only the bit that was in the paper this morning to say he’s been taken in for questioning. How I wish I knew where they’d caught up with him.’ I responded.
‘I expect his photograph was circulated.’
‘Well I only had the one on my mobile which I printed off for them, seems they’ve found him though.’ I added. ‘Doubt we’ll ever know where he was.’
‘Oh I wouldn’t be so sure of that love, once the media get their teeth into something.’ Kate regretted those last words as soon as she’d said them, as the last thing she wanted was to scare Lucy. ‘Mind the police will only handover what they want them to know, bloody paparazzi.’
‘I’m in such a muddle over it all Kate, I guess I’ll just have to wait and see. Anyway how are things going with Tom?’
‘Brilliant Lucy, I feel as though I’ve met my soul mate at long last.’
‘Good for you girl, I’m thrilled for you.’
At three o’clock I went into the restaurant and found Lucas was already sitting at a table, reading a magazine. He had a bottle of wine resting in an ice bucket. ‘That looks appetizing, are you ready for lunch?’
‘Definitely, surprise me.’ He laughed’
I went into the kitchen and collected the two dinners Kate had kept warm. ‘Roast beef and all the trimmings.’
‘Do you mind white wine, I can always change it?’ He asked.
‘White’s perfect, this looks good enough to eat.’ I remarked with a smile.
We ate in silence, and after I’d taken the plates back to the kitchen, Lucas filled our wine glasses. Whether the wine encouraged me or simply that I felt relaxed in his company, I started to share all my fears over this dreadful revelation. He listened intently as I rambled on. ‘I’m sorry Lucas I feel I’m taking advantage of your good nature.’
‘You could never do that Lucy, I want to help. Tim is a cyber criminal, not only has he stolen your identity for illicit reasons, everything he’s done is fraudulent. In fact I’ve never heard of anyone committing such a crime before. As for the obscene photographs, remember Lucy they are not of you, you haven’t done anything wrong, and you’re the victim in his appalling crime. To put your mind at rest why don’t you speak to the chief inspector revealing your worries? I know if those photographs ever reached the press they would have come from the police, and then you could sue. However I feel you should ring them today for reassurance, why don’t you do it now.’
‘Ok I will.’ Taking out my mobile I traced the officer’s number and dialled, after a good fifteen minute chat with Officer Clarke I ended the call feeling more confident over the photographs.
‘He said that all the details of the case were in the throws of being completed to go to press, he couldn’t give me any specific details about Tim at the moment. He also said I should be prepared for media coverage tomorrow.’
‘I would say it’s a pretty good assumption that there will be an update in the papers tomorrow Lucy, I’ll make sure I get the first edition of the papers at six o’clock. Would you like me to ring you?’
‘Definitely Lucas please, what would I do without your help.’
‘I’m sure you’d be fine, however I’m glad I can help.’ He remarked.
‘Did I mention, that old Harry had pointed out that he’d seen a police car outside yesterday, now Jena said the gossip has started.’
‘Unfortunately it goes with the territory; give them a couple of days and something else will hit the headlines.’ Lucas reassured.
‘Well one thing’s for sure this shouldn’t hit the headlines, although it’ll only take one of the punters to read it as we know gossip spreads like wild fire. So long as they don’t mention my name or the pub’s name I could get away with it.’
‘Keep an open mind Lucy; just remember you’re not on your own.’
During the evening in the bar me, Lucas, Jena and Andy all took turns in serving. We chatted about everything and anything, I knew they were all trying to keep me occupied. I made my way up to bed about eleven o’clock, leaving the others to close up. As it was warm I lay on top of the bed, my muddled thoughts flashed to remind me what day it was, Tim’s fortieth birthday. For the life of me I cannot comprehend what has taken place over the past forty eight hours. Also I cannot envisage what the future has in store for me. I truly believe there’s no point in me trying to portray someone else’s mentality, or interpret their character. This time I’ll leave it to the professionals. Slowly I drifted off to sleep, the old dream still floated like oil on a puddle….the person with the stunning eyes….who was it and what did it mean?
Chapter 36
I stirred sleepily to the sound of my mobile ringing, fumbling around I grasped it eagerly to see who was calling, as I expected it was Lucas advising me to go downstairs quickly. Looking at the clock it wasn’t long after six, so I slipped out of bed and donned my robe, I didn’t stop to use the bathroom, as by the tone of Lucas’s voice it was pivotal.
As I rushed through the kitchen door I could tell by the look on his face that something was amiss.
‘You best sit down Lucy.’ Lucas advised.
As I sat down Lucas passed me the first tabloid. To my immense horror, staring at me in bold letters, I read the headlines. ‘DUPED BY ‘GAY’ LOVER! What the hell did it mean?
Lucas gently placed his hand over mine. ‘You need to read it all Lucy to fully comprehend.’
Tim Carter was arrested on Saturday the 6th of June, for cybercrime, the police were handed sufficient evidence to justify Carters arrest. The evidence handed to the police earlier that day, came from his girlfriend Miss Lucy Ross. Carter had been in a somewhat elusive relationship with Miss Ross for the past nine months.
To read the full report, turn to pages 4-5.
As I flicked to the said pages my body was shaking relentlessly, with the fear of what I was about to see…shocking realisation hit me like a fist in the face. There staring at me was the person from my dreams, the one with the stunning eyes, holding hands with Tim. The words underneath the picture read. Carter on his recent wedding day, at Chelsea Town Hall. Trying to comprehend the staggering reality of this picture was overwhelming. ‘How, when, why, nothing makes sense, surely I couldn’t possibly have been that obtuse not to have realised.’ I uttered out of shock. I’d only just noticed that Lucas was still holding my hand.
‘Lucy he’s a practised conman, no one could have seen that one coming. Give yourself a break before you read on.’
‘No Lucas I have to read it now.’ I added as I glanced back at the paper. There were two other pictures, one of Jorge Sanchez, noted as being one of the men who was involved financially and emotionally in this scam. The third picture was one of the doctored images; thank goodness my face had been pixelated. I hadn’t noticed Mary was in the kitchen and when she placed a steaming cup of tea under my nose, I resumed reality. ‘Mary thank you, I’m so sorry.’ I mumbled.
‘You have nothing to be sorry for darling.’ Mary added as she lovingly patted my shoulder.
Between sips of the warm sweet tea I continued to read the treatise. The detailed version of my bizarre affair continued as follows. Carter met Miss Ross through a Dating Site, a relationship developed and after a few weeks Carter had moved into her London pub. Miss Ross quoted that Carters dream was to become a millionaire by the time he reached forty. She added that this had amused her at the time as he was already thirty nine.. He had requested renting a room from her as he said being an IT consultant he needed to spend numerous hours on his computer. They went out for meals, although their outings were never that regular, Miss Ross had accepted this as he’d said it was due to work commitments. Her friends all found him unsociable, especially in the environment in which they worked and lived. At Christmas he disappeared for several da
ys, on his return he said he’d been staying with his parents as his mother was unwell. Miss Ross then asked for his parents address in case of an emergency. He gave the address of a flat in Orpington, which has now been established as having been owned by his partner James Johnson. Carter had not seen or heard from his parents in over twenty years, after they had discovered he’d been stealing from them. On several occasions Miss Ross had deemed he may have had problems during his childhood and possibly that was why he spent so much time alone. She said he was always charming when they did spend time together. Due to the irregular hours he kept and little to no contact on a daily basis, Miss Ross confronted him with the issue of his work, saying she had no idea where he worked. He reluctantly gave her the firm’s name, after searching Miss Ross discovered that the said firm had closed over five years previously. Her close friend Miss Jena Wright suggested they search his room as she felt there was something odd about Carter. They found his room in total disarray, bedclothes in a heap on the bed, clothes strewn over the floor and a waste bin full of rubbish. During the search they found bank statements and a shoe box filled with cash. Miss Wright had taken photos of the statements, which were from no less than five different banks. She had urged Miss Ross to confront him about the money; however Miss Ross felt that as she had no proof to the contrary, the money could have been legal. As there was only one week left before his fortieth birthday, and Carter had promised her a big surprise on the day, she felt inclined to leave things as they were. On the morning of Saturday the 6th of June one of Miss Ross’s employees a Mr Carr, had heard Carter struggling out of the pub with luggage, at five o’clock in the morning. This had started the alert and during the day Mr Carr and Miss Ross had managed to hack into Carter’s laptop, which he’d left behind in error. Hence the discovery of cybercrime, Carter had stolen Miss Ross’s identity to obtain money fraudulently. He had taken two photos of Miss Ross when he’d first met her, just head and shoulder snaps on his mobile phone. He’d used these two photos to belie that the vile pornographic images he’d generated, were of Miss Ross. He then had contacted dating sites on his computer, for example USA Sugar Daddy Dates .com, and Sugar Daddies in Scotland. He had then sent copies of the pictures to mature wealthy men on these sites, once Carter had created sufficient interest, he’d contrived what he believed was a fool proof story. Changing Miss Ross’s name to Miss L Carter, ensuring any monies sent would come directly to him, as his second name was Leonard. Now using her identity he had emailed the interested parties, stating that she was serving a short term prison sentence, which she’d been wrongly accused of, therefore she would not be able to meet them until her release in early June. Erotic emails had been sent along with the pictures and large amounts of money had been sent to ‘her’. The amount of men and cash has still not been finalised. In fact Carter had sold Miss Ross to these men; they had been financially and emotionally duped by him.
When the police arrested Carter and Johnson they were about to leave for the airport, flight tickets for Singapore were found in their luggage. During the last week before his fortieth birthday, he’d emptied and closed four of the said bank accounts. The flat in Orpington had been sold bringing in £185.000 to Johnson. After police questioning the stories of Carter and Johnson were inconsistent, Carter told the police a house had been purchased in Singapore, whereby Johnson favoured Thailand. Although Johnson had not been a part of duping Miss Ross he was guilty of aiding and abetting, however now they were married, which would change things.
As this is a very complex case the police believe it will be some time before all the truth is revealed, Carter is due to appear at Westminster Court in the morning, to state his details. Jorge Sanchez has decided to stay in the UK as he will be a crucial witness. Another man a Mr Alestair Glenn, whom Carter had arranged to meet Miss Ross on 8th June, has now been officially contacted by the police, and made aware of the situation.
Carter has shown no remorse and believes that if he hadn’t left his laptop in the pub by mistake, he would now be in Singapore with his partner.
This is a devastating experience for Miss Ross, who is of an impeccable character.
As I looked up from the paper I noticed Jena was reading one of the broadsheets, I’d been so engrossed that I hadn’t even realised she was in the room. ‘Jena I’m sorry I didn’t see you come in.’ I said quietly.
‘I doubt you know what’s going on Lucy, this is totally inconceivable, I always knew the guy was shifty, but this takes the fucking biscuit.’ Jena exploded.
At that moment Andy burst into the kitchen. ‘I’m not trying to alarm you girls but there’s a mob of paparazzi hanging around outside.’
‘Even though the police didn’t release the name of the pub, they’ve sniffed it out.’ Jena declared. ‘We need to plan our day Lucy.’
‘Perhaps it would be better if you stayed out of the bar today Lucy, you need time to take this entire revelation in.’ Lucas proposed.
‘That sounds like the best idea for today anyway, I’ll make sure none of the staff get involved with the press, unfortunately the punters are a different matter, truth is they know nothing anyway. Nevertheless it won’t stop them talking.’
‘I need to speak to Charles Emerson pronto, this is a living nightmare.’ I said with concern. ‘I expect my next shock will be losing my pub.’
‘No way Honey, challenging as it is for you Lucy, the pub will be the hub for the next few days and sales will boom. If the paparazzi want to come in our pub then they’re welcome if they buy a drink.’ Jena assured. ‘Don’t worry love they’ll soon have another story to follow.’
I wish I could feel Jena’s confidence; the future for me was disturbing, and especially the impending court case. The very thought of looking into those evil, depraved eyes was appalling…
Tim Carter was slouched on a bunk inside a cell at Belgravia police station; he was brooding about Saturday afternoon on the train. The fear had had him gripped; all he’d wanted was to be with JJ. He’d taken a cab to the flat, once inside he’d thrown himself into JJ’s arms explaining anxiously what had happened. They knew they would have to leave right away; she would have given the police the address of the flat. How he hated her, she had everything she wanted, his plan had been infallible. Then he’d made the stupid mistake of leaving the laptop in the pub. Their flight tickets to Singapore had arrived during the week; they were due to fly on Sunday the 7th June, his fortieth birthday, the plan had been perfect.
They had packed double quick, only taking essentials. Then as they were about to exit the building and leave for the airport, the doorbell rang… Panic consumed them…they knew there was no escape route… They’d been driven away in separate police cars, and that was the last time he’d seen JJ, and the look on his face would stay with him forever… He’d spent his fortieth birthday being interrogated by the cops, and it was all her fault. He knew he had to appear in court in the morning, and he’d get bail, so would JJ, then they would be together…his scheme would work, he’d get passports, he had contacts on the net...then they could fly to Singapore where their house was waiting and a new life together….
Jena had arranged to run the bar with Lucas during Monday lunchtime, as she knew the paparazzi would be hovering around for any scrap of gossip available. When she’d opened the door they’d barged in with cameras at the ready. She heard repeated demands for Lucy Ross, where is she. As they approached the bar Jena declared very distinctly. ‘This is a bar guys if you wish to stay then you’d best get your money out. Otherwise I’ll show you the door.’
She heard lots of mumbled comments, and then one mouthy guy shouted above the rest.’ Where is she then?’
Jena replied equally as loudly. ‘If you’re referring to Miss Ross, she’s not available today.’
As the punters turned up, out came the note pads and the gossip was then in full flow, cameras flashing in every direction.
‘They’re like a pack of rabid dogs.’ Lucas declared. ‘Thank goodness
Lucy’s not here.’
‘The trouble is Lucas they won’t rest until they get pictures of her.’ Jena said quietly. ‘Perhaps it would be best if she showed her face for a minute, otherwise they’ll be hanging around here for days. Hold the fort Lucas while I have a word.’
Jena went into the kitchen. ‘Kate have you seen Lucy?’
‘She went up for a shower a few minutes ago.’
Jena raced up the stairs and found Lucy in her bedroom getting dressed. ‘Lucy Ross I’m going to make a suggestion, the paparazzi are not going away and the last thing you need is being stalked by them for days. So I thought if you make a fleeting visit to the bar and smile and say you’re fine. Even though we know full well you’re not, are you getting my drift?’
‘I’m getting your drift love, I’ve spoken to the brewery and they’re right behind me, so ok let’s do this.’
‘It will show Carter and everyone else that Miss Ross is made of stronger stuff.’
As we ran down to the bar Jena went in first and grabbed the bar bell ringing it twice, this soon got everyone’s attention. ‘Ok you guys you’ve got a minute with the owner of this pub, so crack on.’
I walked out into the bar with a smile on my face, the flashes from the cameras were dazzling and they were all shouting at once. So with a resolute voice I said. ‘Thank you all I’m fine.’ Ignoring all further comments I turned and walked out of the bar. I’d done it; now please let them leave me alone to grasp what has actually taken place over the past few days. Going into the office I endeavoured to catch up with the paperwork, after a few minutes I realised I wasn’t concentrating all I’d achieved was to open letters and push them to one side. My thoughts were filled with all of the evil, hurtful, scenes and events, rather like a tray of fruit with all the bruised and blemished ones in the front, forgetting there was good stuff at the back. How long would it take me to come to terms with it all?