“Tell me you didn’t have anything to do with Ellen’s death,” Jake pleaded.
“She tried to kill us; I took her from the hospital. She got out of the car and walked into the path of the oncoming traffic.
“Why did you take her from the hospital Lydia?” Jake’s tone was gentle.
“I had to know the truth, she knew who had killed our son. When she admitted it was her, I felt relief. She opened the car door and stumbled into the road. I thought it was an act of penitence, I didn’t know she was protecting her brother.”
“Why didn’t you tell me any of this before?” Jake rubbed his chin and sighed.
“You weren’t part of my life Jake,” her expression was despondent, and she wiped a tear from her eye.
“Well I am now, there’s nothing we can do about the past. The police have closed the case, it’s history now.” He picked up his glass and drained the contents.
“I shouldn’t have said anything Lydia, I’m sorry,” she placed her hand over Lydia’s.
“Don’t be, Jake needed to know the truth if we are to have a future together, you did the right thing,” she forced a smile.
Heidi sat up in her play pen and began to whimper. Marney leapt to her feet and scooped her up into her arms.
“I’ll finish the Bolognese; are you staying for something to eat Jake?” Lydia asked.
“If you don’t mind, and you don’t try to poison me,” he joked.
“Not funny Jake,” Marney cringed.
Fifteen minutes later they sat around the dining table and enjoyed Lydia’s spaghetti Bolognese. The conversation was light-hearted as Marney took her daughter upstairs for a bedtime bath. When she was out of the room, Lydia turned to Jake.
“Will you stay with me tonight; I don’t mean on the sofa?” she looked deep into his eyes.
“If you’re sure that’s what you want?”
“I’m sure Jake,” she pulled him close and kissed his lips.
A wave of intense desire stirred in Lydia as Jake’s hands sought to caress her body, and she didn’t resist when he slid a hand between her legs and stroked her thigh. The sound of footsteps descending the stairs caused Lydia to pull away and stand up as Marney entered the room.
“What are you two up to?” she smirked noticing Lydia’s flushed face.
“We’re not up to anything,” she replied running a hand through her ruffled hair.
“I’m going to take a shower,” Lydia spoke as she walked towards the staircase.
“Jake’s staying the night,” she called over her shoulder as she left the room.
“I bet he is, you hadn’t better wake Heidi; I’ll never get her back to sleep,” she shouted up the stairs.
“Shut up Marney!” she called back.
“You’re a married man Jake,” she taunted raising her eyebrows as she slumped down on the sofa next to him.
“Not for much longer,” he stood up and removed his jacket.
“Maria won’t make it easy for you,” Marney didn’t look up as she flicked through the pages of a magazine.
“She’s the one who wants a divorce,” he replied bluntly.
“So you don’t?” Marney turned to face him.
“Of course I do, she’s been seeing someone else.”.
“Marney, can I ask you something?” Jake asked unexpectedly.
“It depends on what it is?” she raised her eyebrows in anticipation.
“Has Lydia had many relationships?” he asked cautiously.
“Hundreds Jake, I’ve lost count!” she replied with a straight face.
“Be serious Marney,” he frowned.
“Lighten up Jake; she suffered so much when you left. Her grief over losing Adam intensified to a point where she couldn’t function. You destroyed her, and I had to pick up the pieces,” her face was stern causing Jake to turn away.
“The answer to your question Jake, is one, and you know who that was.” she stood up and left the room as Lydia entered. She was dressed in thin pyjamas that clung to her breasts and hips and Jakes eyes followed her as she took a seat opposite him. Her short damp hair was brushed off her face and the steam from the shower had left her skin flushed and radiant. Jake smiled at her and she stood up and took a seat next to him. With his arm draped over her shoulder she asked.
“Do you really think we can make another go of our marriage Jake?”
“Well, I don’t think so because we’re not married anymore,” he teased.
“You know what I mean.”
“I’m going to try my best; I just wish I’d never left you or met Maria.”
“Do you really mean that Jake,” she pulled away and looked into his eyes.
“Of course I do love,” he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her gently.
“There can be no more chances after this; I can’t be hurt again Jake.”
“You won’t be, I promise,” he stroked her face.
Marney returned to the room and slumped down in an armchair.
“Heidi’s asleep at last,” she picked up a magazine and flicked through the pages.
“Why have you changed your mind about Earnest coming her next weekend?” Lydia asked.
“You’re right Lyds, I don’t know anything about him; I was rash. I’m going to phone the Nursing Home now,” she leapt to her feet and picked up her mobile.
Tapping in the number, she walked out of the room. Her muffled voice was inaudible as she continued with the conversation. A few minutes later, she returned to the room.
“I’ve told them that we’ve had a death in the family,” she announced with a smile on her face.
“Why did you say that?” Jake asked the question.
“It just came out of my mouth,” she paused and then added,
“I can take Heidi to see Earnest in the morning. I need to get this paternity test done as quickly as possible, I have to know who Heid’s father is.” She cringed at the prospect of the truth.
“I’m going to have an early night, I’m reading a great book on my kindle and I have to find out what happens to Katie,” Marney stood up.
“Goodnight sis,” she bent own and planted a kiss on Lydia’s cheek.
“Have fun,” she giggled as she left the room
“Goodnight Marney,” Jake added.
“Goodnight Jake.” The bedroom door closed, and the bed creaked as Marney shuffled into a comfortable position.
“Who’s Katie?” Jake asked.
“No-one, shall we watch a movie?” Lydia suggested.
“I’d rather do something else,” he gently pushed her onto her back and caressed her body as he slipped off her top and pyjamas. Lydia moaned with pleasure as he entered her. Her hands stroked his back as she moved beneath him while his tongue gently sought her breasts as her arousal intensified. She could not recall their love-making ever being this intense and pleasurable during their marriage. When it was over, he kissed her and gently withdrew. Lydia was over-whelmed by the passion he had stirred in her and reached out to pull him back. Pulling her gently to a sitting position, he stroked her arms then stood up. Dressing quickly, he urged her to do the same.
“We don’t want Marney walking in on us,” he smiled as he buckled his belt.
Pulling her pyjamas on, Lydia experienced a sensation of rejection as Jake took a seat opposite her. Noticing her mood, he spoke out.
“Have I done something wrong?” he raised his eyebrows.
“Of course not,” she slipped her feet into a pair of fluffy slippers and smiled.
“Tell me what’s wrong,” he leaned forward with his clasped hands under his chin.
“It’s nothing really,” she paused, and added, “I felt as though you wanted to get away from me,” she replied hesitantly.
“Of course I don’t,” he knelt beside her and took her hands in his.
“I just feel slightly uncomfortable at the thought of Marney catching us out.”
Resisting the urge to comment, she smiled and stood up.
>
“Do you fancy a coffee or a glass of wine?”
“A small wine please,” he followed her to the kitchen where he took a seat at the table.
With the bottle between them, Jake took a sip and looked across the table at Lydia.
“There’s something I need to tell you,” he began.
“Tell me then,” she prompted him to continue.
“I have to go to Malta to sort things out with Maria,” he avoided her stare.
“What sort of things?” Lydia tensed up at the mention of her name.
“Everything; the house, finances and when I can see my daughter,” Jake was uncomfortable with the conversation.
“When are you leaving?” Lydia continued to question him.
“Next Friday, I’ll be staying for a week.”
“Staying where?” she sat upright in her seat.
“A hotel a few miles from Maria’s parents,” he leaned back in his seat and sipped his wine. The romantic ambiance had drifted away leaving tension hanging in the air and Lydia couldn’t contain her hostility.
“Will you be staying here until you leave?” she asked frostily.
“For a couple of days, if you don’t mind?”
“No, I don’t mind I just wish you weren’t going back to her,” she drained her glass and poured another.
“Top-up?” she asked waving the bottle in the air.
Jake shook his head.
“I’m sorry Lydia, I really don’t want to get on a plane I want to stay here with you, but I have to sort things out,” he attempted to pacify her.
His words seemed to calm her, and she leaned across the table and kissed him.
“I’m sorry too,” she smiled.
“When I get back we’ll go out for a meal, anywhere you want to.”
“How long will it take to get your divorce through?” Lydia asked as she flicked her nails.
“Not sure; three to six months,” he shrugged his shoulders.
“O.K, I can wait that long.”
“What for?” Jake grinned.
“To get married, of course.”
“I haven’t asked you yet Lydia,” he smirked.
“You will,” she stood up.
“Let’s go to bed,” she took his hand and led him towards the stairs.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Tom Anderson’s life was dramatically enhanced following his transfer to Ash Hall open prison. As the prison van drove along the winding drive of the imposing grounds, Tom allowed a smile to escape from his lips. Having been incarcerated behind walls and fences, the lack of theses barricades was exhilarating. Before him stretched extensive open fields and dense woods lifting his spirits as they approached the main building. After a lengthy induction speech from the warden, and the standards of behaviour expected at the institution, Tom was finally allocated a room and a key. Although inmates could wander around the grounds and buildings, there were still rules and regulations which had to be adhered to. Any deviation or attempted escapes would result in the perpetrator being transferred back to the prison from whence they came. Given the lack of fences and barriers, this task could easily be achieved but the loss of resulting liberty was too much to jeopardise for the majority of prisoners, but Tom had his own hidden agenda. For the next four weeks however, all new inmates were confined to the grounds to work or study. This was normal procedure, and he was eager to oblige. There were no restrictions concerning the facilities on offer which included a football pitch, an indoor gym and a dining area. Early morning Roll-calls were carried out daily.
As part of the process of rehabilitation into society, prisoners could go out to work. Various professions offered work places including joiners, opticians, timber yards and car mechanics. Buses convey them to their place of work and some are provided with company cars or vans. Assessments take place every week day to ensure all inmates are fit and able to work. Ash Hall open prison like all institutes, are based on trust. Any attempts to escape or non-adherence to the rules results in the offender being sent back to prison to complete their sentence amidst the confines of a conventional institute.
As open prisons do not issue prison uniforms, normal everyday wear is allowed with the addition of a prison fleece. Most prisoners only possess the clothes they were processed in so consequently ask relatives to bring fresh clothes from home. For those who are not able to do this, a small selection of jeans and shirts are available in the store. This was useful for Tom as he never had visitors or relatives to phone. There was only Lydia and she was not being very co-operative, but time would change that. He would be seeing her very shortly, but for now he would bide his time and adhere to the rules. His temporary release licence was being processed and it was only a matter of time before he was legitimately able to spend a night out of the open prison. During his time in prison, Tom had not indulged in any friendships with his fellow prisoners. He was not deliberately being anti-social, he just considered himself to be intellectually superior, and had little in common with the criminals he was incarcerated with. He had spent much of his time reading and writing letters to Lydia, letters which she had yet to reply to. Now it was time to let her know how close he was to her; the prison was barely twenty miles from where she lived. With his key in his hand, Tom walked slowly along a corridor until he found room 28. Inserting the key in the lock, he turned the handle and closed the door behind him. Lying on the bed, he clutched the photograph of Lydia he had kept secreted from the first day of his imprisonment and closed his eyes.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Marney woke early the next morning and eager to get the visit to the nursing home over, threw back the bedclothes and padded slowly towards the bathroom where she turned on the shower and stepped into the stream of invigorating hot water. With her mind racing over thoughts of who Heidi’s father was, she experienced a pang of anxiety as she reached out for towel and stepped out of the shower. Rubbing the towel over her hair and body, she returned to her room. Deliberating over which outfit to wear, she flicked through the hangers and paused. Taking out a burnt orange dress and black jacket, she held it to her naked body and glanced in the mirror. Having made her choice, she sat down at the dressing table and dried her hair. After applying a subtle amount of make-up, she slipped on her underwear and dress and left the room. Outside Heidi’s room she caught sight of her sleeping daughter and smiled before making her way quietly down the staircase. Alone in the kitchen she flicked on the kettle and stacked the previous evenings dishes into the dishwasher. Alone in the silence she allowed her mind to wander towards Dan Gerrity and the small amount of time she had had with him. He had been a gentle lover and she was certain that he had loved her despite the other women he was also involved with. Dan had to be Heidi’s father, she had the same colour hair and she possessed his gentle manner. The alternative was too horrendous to contemplate, and she banished the thought from her troubled mind as she sipped her tea.
The sound of creaking floorboards heralded Lydia’s appearance in the doorway. Her hair was ruffled, and she yawned as she dragged a chair out and slumped down opposite Marney. “You look as though you haven’t slept much Lyds,” she smirked.
“I’ve had a good night’s sleep actually,” she replied defensively.
“Do you want another cup of tea?” she added changing the subject. “Please,” Marney continued to grin. “Has he moved in then Lyds?” she glanced across the room to where her sister was filling the kettle.
“He just stayed the night, that’s all,” she dropped two teabags into the pot and poured hot water over them.
“One night leads to another,” she raised her eyebrows.
“We’re getting married,” Lydia turned to look at her sister.
“Oh my god, he proposed?”
“Not exactly; I did.” she spoke softly.
“What did he say?” Marney’s eyes widened as she leaned forward.
“Not much really,” Lydia grimaced.
Th conversation came to an abrupt halt
as Jake popped his head around the kitchen door.
“Morning ladies,” he smiled and took a seat opposite Lydia.
“Are your ears burning Jake?” Marney asked with a smirk.
“Should they be?”
“I’ll make you a drink,” Lydia didn’t give her sister a chance to reply.
“Lydia was telling me,”
“I can hear Heidi crying,” Lydia butted in.
Rising to her feet, Marney glared at her sister as she left the room.
“What’s going on” Jake asked as he sipped his tea.
“Marney’s just nosey, she has to know everything that’s going on,” Lydia sighed.
“I just happened to mention we were getting married,” she looked up at him.
His expression was blank and emotionless, and he avoided her stare.
“Say something Jake,” Lydia narrowed her eyes in frustration and increasing anger.
“Why did you have to say anything?” he eventually spoke.
“I didn’t think it was a secret; she is my sister Jake,” she replied coldly.
“I haven’t said yes.”
Lydia was shocked by the coldness of his tone and hurt by his response.
“This is your chance to say no Jake,” she avoided his eyes.
“You know I want to get married Lydia, I just wish you hadn’t said anything yet,” he was sincere.
“I won’t tell anyone else, and I’ll make sure Marney doesn’t. Let’s just hope she hasn’t posted anything on Facebook,”
Jake sat upright, “You don’t think she has, do you?”
“I wouldn’t put anything past her, but she hasn’t had time this morning and she’s going to see Earnest at the nursing home shortly.” Lydia smiled.
“Is it O.K. if I take a shower Lyds?” Jake stood up.
“Of course, there’s fresh towels in the bathroom cupboard.”
“Thanks.” He turned and left the room as Marney entered carrying Heidi in her arms.
“Hello princess,” Lydia kissed her cheek.
“She’s not very well, I think she’s cutting another tooth,” Marney stroked her hot skin.
The Truth: sequel to I Will Find You Page 13