‘It’s almost nine o’clock,’ Cal said. ‘Are you planning on pulling an all-nighter?’
‘I might.’ Jess shrugged. ‘Tomorrow is the one day that I get to sleep in.’
‘You’ve had a tough few months and just when it looked like life was back to normal, you find yourself babysitting too. Don’t push yourself too hard. Your work will suffer for it.’
‘Perhaps you’re right,’ Jess conceded, although she figured if she did have an early night, she would just lie there dwelling on what Louis had done to her. She stopped in her tracks. Done to her? Not done with her? She couldn’t gloss over this. Louis Healy hadn’t made love to her: he’d assaulted her. He had— No. She would not use that word. She hated the way it kept popping into her head. This was the man who’d held her while she cried over her mum. But something about Cal’s straightforward, honest and respectful manner made everything about Louis seem sordid and evil.
Jess had been so determined to keep him at bay but he’d taken her off-guard. Taken her – yes, he’d certainly done that. She thought of Cal’s affectionate hug when they met. Had Louis ever held her like that? With affection and respect? Or was it all just about sex, as Mum said? He’d seemed crazy for her and had often told her how hot and sexy she was. Jess was usually naked within minutes of their meeting. Louis said he couldn’t keep his hands off her. But he’d never behaved as he had today. What had happened? Had she done something to make him treat her like that?
‘Jess? Jess, are you okay?’
She started as Cal turned her to face him and rested his arms on her shoulders. She looked up to find him staring down at her, looking seriously worried. ‘Sorry!’ She shook her head as she tried to think of some way of explaining her silence. ‘I, eh, I just panicked. I thought I’d forgotten to email my latest piece to the Sunday newspaper,’ she said, knowing that sounded lame. ‘I’m all over the place at the moment, to be honest, Cal.’
‘Right.’ He studied her for a moment, his expression making it clear he didn’t swallow her explanation for an instant.
Jess struggled to think of a way of distracting him and then remembered her conversation with Noel this morning. Dear God! Had it only been this morning? She gave Cal a bright smile.
‘Now, do you want to hear some good news for a change?’ She took his hand and tugged him along.
He allowed her to divert him and she told him of her chat with Noel. ‘Mystery solved,’ she said when she’d finished telling him of Noel’s dabble with sedatives.
Cal kept walking but said nothing.
‘Well?’
‘I don’t buy it.’
Jess frowned. ‘Why not? He had the pills in his pocket, he used Mum’s prescription for himself—’
‘I get that. It’s the reason why that doesn’t make sense. Noel’s been through plenty of exams and they never bothered him to that extent before.’
That was true. ‘Maybe he’s nervous about leaving the security of university life and going out into the big bad world. He hasn’t turned twenty-one yet so he’s the baby of the family and spoiled rotten.’
Cal shrugged. ‘Sorry, I still don’t buy it.’
Fed up and tearful, Jess stopped and scowled up at him. ‘Has it ever occurred to you that perhaps you read a little too much into things, Cal?’
He gave her a sad, knowing smile and shook his head. ‘No, I can’t say it has.’
She looked away from the intensity of his gaze and started walking again, her hands dug deep into her pockets. ‘So, Doctor, what do you think is bothering him?’
Cal sighed, the expression on his face one of frustration mixed with concern. ‘Look, Jess, I’m not trying to be difficult. I’m just worried about a mate.’
Feeling ashamed, Jess put a hand on his arm. ‘Sorry. That was out of order.’
He shrugged off the apology. ‘I can understand you wanting to believe his act, but, believe me, that’s all it is, an act.’
Jess felt a shiver of fear run through her, her thoughts for the first time diverted from Louis. What if he was right? What if her brother was in trouble of some kind and she’d missed it? She couldn’t take that chance. She’d spent all that time by her mother’s bed wondering whether there was something she could have done to prevent her injury, which was completely irrational. But, if Cal’s instincts told him something was wrong with Noel and she did nothing, she would never be able to forgive herself. This was the first time he had ever come to her for help, and he wasn’t just a trained psychologist: he was Noel’s best friend.
Jess drew him to a halt and stepped in front of him to look up into his eyes. ‘I believe you and I trust you. What do we do?’
He looked relieved and, draped his arms loosely over her shoulders again. It was such a casual, non-threatening gesture, yet a strangely intimate one. Again, Jess couldn’t but draw comparisons between the rough way Louis had manhandled her and Cal’s gentleness.
‘Your nephew.’
Jess frowned, distracted. ‘Bobby? What about him?’
‘Noel’s been asking my advice, so I thought that I’d suggest the three of us meet up for a chat. Maybe together we can get to the root of what’s really bothering him.’
‘Sounds good,’ she said with a grateful smile. ‘You could come round to my flat. I’ll talk to him and set it up.’
Cal walked her home, refused coffee, telling her to go to bed and rest, and then turned as he was closing the gate. ‘By the way, I didn’t buy your excuse either.’
‘What excuse?’ she asked, confused.
‘When you went as white as a sheet and didn’t speak for about five minutes you said it was because you were afraid you’d forgotten to send an email. I don’t buy it. But don’t worry, you can tell me what really sent you into such a panic when you’re good and ready. Goodnight, Jess.’
She watched his big but graceful figure amble back down the road, marvelling at the man’s insight. And, if he was right about her, then maybe he was right about her brother.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Nora studied Suzie as she waited in line for their coffee, and didn’t like what she saw. It was only a couple of weeks since she’d started looking after her grandson but it was clearly too much for her. Apart from looking slightly dishevelled, Suzie was cross and making no effort to hide it. She’d nearly snapped Nora’s head off for taking so long to decide whether she wanted a muffin or croissant. She let Suzie sit down and take a few gulps of her cappuccino before saying anything.
‘Better?’ she asked.
‘A little. I thought I’d never get out of that house.’
‘Who’s with Bobby?’
‘Noel’s there, and Jess will be in later. And Aileen, God bless her, said she’d drop sausage and chips in to them for their tea.’
‘So what are you going to do with your day off?’
Suzie smiled for the first time since they’d met. ‘I’m meeting Doug.’
‘He called? That’s wonderful, Suzie. I’m delighted. Doug, eh?’ she teased. ‘I knew that there was an instant connection between you two.’
Susie’s smile grew wider. ‘There was – is. We talk every night and, to be honest, I don’t think that I’d have gotten through the last couple of weeks without those calls. I’m so worked up by the time Bobby goes home, but after a chat with Douglas I’m ready to face the next day.’
Nora couldn’t believe her ears. They had become close so fast. ‘How many times have you seen him?’
‘Only once. I’m far too tired by the time Bobby goes home to do anything. Noel basically threw me out of the house today.’
‘Good for him.’
‘Yes. He’s been great, Jess too. Doug won’t be free until one, so that’s why I called you.’
‘Thanks a lot.’ Nora pretended to be offended.
Suzie laughed. ‘Oh, you know what I mean. I know you’re usually in Dublin on Wednesdays and I thought we could have coffee and a natter.’
It was good to know that Douglas
was helping Suzie unwind, but Nora couldn’t help wonder what effect looking after such a difficult child was having on her friend’s damaged brain. She also worried how Suzie was behaving when she was alone with Bobby. ‘Do Keith and Sharon know that you’re having a tough time?’
‘Of course not. That would defeat the purpose, which is to keep Sharon calm.’
‘What happens at the end of term?’ Nora queried. ‘Didn’t you say that Noel will be working at the yacht club? And Jess must be writing for half a dozen publications at the moment.’
‘Don’t be so bloody negative,’ Suzie said crossly. ‘Yes, it will be a longer day but I won’t pick Bobby up until about eleven. As for Noel, he’s going to arrange his hours so that he’ll be here for some of the time and Jess says she’ll still pop in and out. She takes that laptop with her wherever she goes. Still, I have to admit, there are days when I really envy you, Nora.’
‘Me, why?’ Nora asked, startled.
‘Because you’ve no kids to worry about, you’re healthy, you have a job and you’re footloose and fancy-free. Your life is fucking perfect.’
‘As if you’d be without your children,’ Nora teased. ‘Do you know, I’m beginning to see glimpses of the old “you”? Not only did you agree to take on Bobby without hesitation, now you’re protecting Sharon by not telling her how hard it is. A few weeks ago you would have laid into her and Keith every evening, giving them all the gory details of what Bobby had got up to. And I don’t care how sick Sharon was or is, you would still have got in a few rubs about how she spoiled her son. Now you’re holding your tongue and letting off steam afterwards. That’s serious progress, Suzie.’
Suzie stared at her. ‘I never realised.’
‘Why would you? It’s been so gradual. I probably only notice it because I don’t see you often.’
‘Oh, I hope you’re right, Nora.’ Suzie’s eyes filled up. ‘I so hope that you’re right.’
Nora slid across and put an arm around her. ‘Hey, don’t cry. You should be happy. Go and have a nice day with Douglas.’
Suzie wiped her eyes and nodded. ‘Yes. Yes, I will.’
‘What are you two going to do?’
Suzie looked surprised. ‘Do you know, I have no idea? I was so relieved to have a few hours off, I never asked.’
‘It doesn’t matter, does it? You’re happy simply spending time with Douglas.’ Nora smiled affectionately at her friend.
‘I am. He’s a lovely man and makes me feel good. He’s better than any meditation session. Shit. That reminds me. We have a class tomorrow night. Do you think I’m changed enough to be trusted to spend time with Sharon without telling her that her son is driving me round the bend?’
Nora grimaced. ‘Probably not. It might be safer if you let her go alone. Anyway, if you spend the evening worrying about letting something slip, the class isn’t going to be much use to you, is it?’
‘True.’ Suzie yawned and rubbed her eyes.
Nora looked at her, worried. ‘I don’t like you being this tired. The doctors said you had to get plenty of rest and avoid stress.’
Suzie gave a wry smile. ‘Funny, that’s exactly what they told us about Sharon. Don’t fuss, Nora. I’ll be right as rain after a nice break and a good night’s sleep. Now, I’m off for a blow-dry. I was too bloody tired to do my hair myself this morning, so I decided to treat myself.’
‘Good for you.’ Nora stood to hug her. ‘Have a lovely time.’
When she was alone, Nora picked up her phone and called Jess. She was sure the girl knew the stress her mother was under but she wanted to hear Jess’s version of events.
‘It is hard work,’ Jess confirmed with a sigh when Nora filled her in on what Suzie had said. ‘There is something wrong with that child: his behaviour is odd at best and exhausting and sometimes . . .’
Nora’s ears pricked up when Jess hesitated. ‘Yes, sometimes?’
‘He’s violent, Nora. He gets into a rage and lashes out, and he may be small but, believe me, he’s strong.’
Nora was shocked. ‘But he must be the same with Sharon and Keith. How would they not have warned your mum what she was letting herself in for?’
‘I think Mum knew all along,’ Jess said. ‘As for Keith, I’m not sure what he knows or doesn’t know. Either Sharon’s keeping him in the dark, he’s in denial or he’s an idiot.’ Jess went on to tell her all about the binder Sharon had prepared all about her son. ‘You wouldn’t believe the detail. It’s clear that she knows there’s something wrong.’
‘Keith must know and is sticking his head in the sand.’
‘Maybe Bobby behaves better when his dad’s around. Oh, I don’t know, Nora,’ Jess said, sounding fed up. ‘I really don’t.’
Nora bit her lip, wishing she could help. She’d been worried about Suzie before the call, but now she felt even more anxious. ‘Has Bobby hurt your mum?’ The moment of silence confirmed her worst fears. ‘Oh, no.’
‘Nothing serious, Nora. Just a few scratches and a couple of bruises.’
Nora knew it wasn’t her business but she couldn’t keep silent. ‘Jess, your mum is still recovering. And, apart from tiring easily, she’s so thin now that Bobby could easily knock her over. What if she had another fall? What if she hit her head again?’
‘I hadn’t thought of that,’ Jess admitted, sounding worried.
‘Sorry, Jess. I don’t mean to scare you. Maybe you and Noel should have a chat with Keith or Suzie’s doctor. Oh, I don’t know but someone must be able to help. And, if you want me to come and stay with your mum and help out, Jess, no problem. You only have to call and I’ll hop in the car.’
Jess thanked her and, after chatting for a few more minutes, rang off as one of her editors was on hold. Nora felt bad about burdening her but she was truly worried. She felt that Suzie’s health was at risk and what kind of a friend would she be if she said nothing?
Jess put down the phone, feeling both scared and defensive. She chatted to Beth, who’d been on hold, making some notes as the editor told her what she wanted.
‘I’ll need it by Monday. Can you do that, Jess?’
She groaned inwardly but forced herself to give a sunny confident reply. ‘No problem, Beth. I know exactly the angle I’ll take.’
‘I knew I could rely on you. Thanks, Jess. Talk soon.’
Jess tossed the phone onto the sofa and stared at her screen, her mind on her mother. What was the solution to this problem? Jess knew why her mother was keeping the truth from Sharon. It was the same reason she and Noel were. They were all terrified how it would affect Sharon’s health. At first Noel hadn’t paid any attention when she and her mother complained about Bobby. Until he witnessed, first-hand, one of his nephew’s meltdowns. Noel had tried to restrain Bobby and was shocked as he’d fought back, kicking and punching. Noel arrived another day to find Jess rubbing cream into Suzie’s arm where Bobby had pinched and twisted the skin because she’d tried to make him eat his vegetables. Now, they’d reverted to bribing the child. By the time Keith arrived he was usually in front of the TV, eating ice cream.
But Nora was right. They had to do something. She thought of Cal’s suggestion that they meet up and figure out a way of dealing with Bobby. That was an excuse to try to find out what was going on with Noel, but now she realised they really could do with Cal’s advice. If he didn’t have any answers, she wasn’t sure who else to turn to.
Jess parked the car and ran down the street to the offices of Femme, stopping outside the door to catch her breath, smooth back her hair and straighten her clothes. Shoulders back, she walked in, smiling broadly at the receptionist.
‘Hi, Rhona.’
‘Hey, Jess. Amelia sends her apologies, she’s running a little behind. Can I get you a coffee while you wait?’
Relieved to have more time to compose herself, Jess thanked her, sat down and took out her phone. She sent a text to her brother asking him to call round later this evening and to bring Cal with him. They needed to talk
about Mum and Bobby. She sent Cal a copy of the message. Within seconds she had two replies.
Okay.
And from Cal:
Well done. See you later.
That done, Jess tucked the phone into her pocket, switched on her laptop and gave her full concentration to her notes as she waited to go into the meeting.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Suzie walked out of the hair salon, crossed Dame Street and wound her way through the alleys of Temple Bar. Douglas had sent her a text to say that he was waiting in a pub on Fleet Street. She checked her reflection in a shop window – looking good – before going inside the busy pub to look for him.
‘Suzie!’
She turned to see him beckoning her from a table by the window and wriggled her way through the crowd to join him. ‘Wow, it’s packed, isn’t it?’ He smiled as she dropped into the chair next to him, and leaned over to hug her. He looked good, younger somehow.
‘A coach party just arrived,’ Douglas explained. ‘You look lovely, Suzie.’
‘I look wrecked,’ she retorted, ‘but I got my hair done to make me look less so.’
‘It sounded like you’ve been having a really tough time with your grandson. I felt for you.’
‘It would have been worse if you hadn’t been at the end of the phone,’ she assured him.
He grinned. ‘Talking to you has never been a hardship. Now, shall I get you a drink or would you prefer to go somewhere quieter?’
‘Let’s go for a walk,’ she suggested.
He stood up and held out his hand to her. ‘Let’s.’
They wandered along through the shoppers and street performers, chatting, and finally found themselves in the National Gallery where Suzie listened, fascinated, as Doug showed her his favourite paintings and talked about the use of light and standard of brushwork, throwing in some funny anecdotes about the artists themselves.
He looked down at her in amusement. ‘You’re really getting into art, Suzie Clarke, aren’t you?’
‘I am,’ she admitted. ‘It must have something to do with the bang to the head. I always appreciated a nice view or a pretty picture but it would never have occurred to me to visit a gallery. That was the sort of thing for the likes of you and Pamela, not someone like me.’
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