Dangerous Secrets

by Chrissie Loveday

  ‘They are teenagers, love. Take an earthquake to wake them before ten o’clock in the morning.’

  Half an hour later, fortified by hot chocolate and a good measure of brandy, Julia was beginning to take stock of things. At least she had stopped shaking. She would call Ryan first and ask him to contact the insurance company. She could take up Bryce’s offer of a place to stay for the time being and then she and Ryan could decide the best course of action. They no longer had a property worth selling but merely a prime building site. She doubted this would interest Bryce. He must have wanted her to move out so he could let the property but surely, not to begin a completely new build? Her brain seemed to be flying in all directions at the same time, as Madge was chattering on about bacon sandwiches and borrowed sweaters.

  ‘I’ll be glad of a sweater or something. I need to go and see what’s going on at my place. It’s daylight now, so they must be able to see the damage.’

  ‘Would you like Tony to go with you? It’s bound to be a terrible shock when you see the damage. I’ve seen things like this on the telly.’

  ‘I think I know how it will look. I’ll be fine thank you. Life has been all too full of dramas lately. This is just one more to add to the collection.’

  She crossed the road. The smell of burning still filled the air and small plumes of smoke still curled into the wind in places. Though still blowy, the pressure had dropped a little. Two firemen were still poking around the wreck and crossed to her as she came into the gate.

  ‘I’m afraid it’s pretty well taken everything,’ he said grimly. ‘Nothing much left to find clues. We know from what you said the point of origin was the back bedroom. We haven’t found traces of accelerant yet but the forensic chemists will come here later on. If there’s anything, they can find it. It looks as if it might have been an electrical fault.’

  ‘I can’t think what. My brother hasn’t been for a while and if he’d left something on, I’d have seen it when I remade his bed after the last visit.’

  ‘Could have been something in the wiring system. Old wires or something. But it’s no use speculating. Leave it to the experts.’

  ‘What a mess. Looks like I’ll be living in grubby jogging pants and a borrowed sweater for the rest of my life. I’d better go and start making phone calls. Thanks,’ she said and turned back towards her benefactors’ house. As she crossed the road, she saw a car coming along towards her. It was Bryce.

  ‘Julia. Are you all right?’

  ‘As much as I can be after losing my home and pretty much everything I own.’ She felt the tears threatening once more.

  ‘You poor dear girl. Come back to my place now and we’ll get you some breakfast and you can make the calls you surely need to make.’

  ‘I need to go back to Madge and Tony first. This is his sweater.’

  ‘Go and tell them where you’re going. I’ll notify the fire officers where to find you. Go on. Don’t just stand there.’

  ‘But I’m not sure I want to leave here.’

  ‘There’s nothing you can do here. Be sensible. We’ll get you sorted with some clothes and a hot shower. You’ll feel better when you’re warm and safe.’

  ‘OK. If you think it’s best.’

  When she eventually came out the shower, wrapped in a warm towelling robe, she went into Bryce’s ultra-modern kitchen, finding her way by the smell of bacon cooking. He gave her a plate of crispy bacon accompanied by fluffy scrambled eggs. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to eat a thing, but it was surprisingly good and she wolfed it down.

  ‘Don’t get too excited,’ he said with a smile. ‘That’s about the limit of my culinary skills. I can manage toast and the coffee machine is pretty sophisticated. Now, I expect you’ll want to phone your brother and father.’

  ‘I’ll call Ryan. He can sort the rest.’ Bryce handed her his phone and left her to it.

  Strangely, Ryan didn’t answer his mobile or even his own phone in the house. Voicemail each time. She tried his office but again the receptionist was not yet in and the recording invited her to leave a number to be called back. She dialled his mobile again and this time left a message.

  ‘I need to speak to you urgently, Ryan. It’s me, calling from Bryce’s house. There’s been a fire at the cottage. Call me as soon as you get this message.’

  Oh dear, that went badly wrong. I never intended the blaze to be quite that drastic.

  After I lifted a few of the shingles, I intended causing a bit of damage to the roof but how was I to know there was so much inflammable stuff stored up in the loft? Clumsy of you to leave it there. People should know that storing paper and cloth in a loft isn’t a good idea.

  Before I knew it, the ceiling collapsed into Ryan’s room … it was his room, wasn’t it? And whoosh … the lot went up. Good job you got out and a very good job there’s that tree so near the place. I got down and away before anyone could see me and then I watched to see what was happening.

  Didn’t know wooden shingles could burn like that. Good job they’re all destroyed – with any luck, they’ll never even suspect it was a deliberate fire. Quite a spectacular night’s work, I’d say. I quite excelled myself though I’m not quite sure how the powers that be will view it. I was never supposed to damage the place that much and certainly not put you into more harm than necessary. But it’s done now.

  I presume you’ll be hightailing it back to wherever you came from. Good riddance too. One major job over and done with.

  But you really shouldn’t have left that stuff in your loft and made me burn it all down. It’s all your fault you stupid, stupid woman. Why do you people keep making me do things I never meant to do?

  Chapter Nineteen

  Bryce was most helpful and all morning seemed mainly concerned with ensuring that Julia was able to cope with her problems. He ordered spare keys for her car, something that would normally take several days to arrive but he was able to get a promise that it would take only a day. He lent her a shirt and a clean pair of jogging pants, which she was able to pull in around her waist. He gave her one of his own credit cards and lent her a car so she could buy some clothes and basic toiletries. She didn’t even have a toothbrush to her name.

  ‘You’d better get another decent phone too. It may be a while before you get insurance money though. I’ll go along to the cottage and see if there’s any information yet.’

  ‘But what about work?’

  ‘Don’t worry about it. I’ll give Lucy a call and see if she’d like to earn a few quid covering for you. If not, I can call the temp agency.’

  ‘It’s very kind of you,’ she mumbled, her jangled emotions making her want to cry all over again at his kindness. How much more did she have to be punished? Everything had gone wrong since she had returned from Kenya. She assumed some unseen power was punishing her for rebelling against her father and failing to be around to support her mother’s final days. If there was a God at all, He was truly making certain she was aware of her misdeeds.

  In Penzance, Julia made a few purchases to tide her over. Jeans and T-shirts, some trainers, and basic toiletries. She also bought yet another phone before she drove back to Trengillyn. There was still the acrid smell of burning in the air and she swallowed hard as she approached her one-time home. So many memories had been destroyed, apart from the loss of just about everything she owned.

  She parked on the piece of waste ground nearby and walked across to what had been Crofters. There were several vehicles parked around and inevitably including the trusty Sergeant Trekellis. He came to her, his distress obvious.

  ‘You poor girl,’ he said, putting a comforting arm along her shoulders. ‘It’s terrible what you’ve been through. Is your brother coming down to help out?’

  ‘I don’t know. I haven’t spoken to him yet. Is there any news?’

  ‘The fire investigator’s working now. Don’t worry. If there’s anything to be found, they’ll find it. You’ll be amazed by what they can tell from the slightest eviden
ce.’

  ‘I can’t think how it could have happened. The place was rewired only a couple of years ago and there was nothing electrical left in Ryan’s room. We didn’t have very much left anyway after the various acts of vandalism. We only replaced the basics and very little electrical stuff. The way the roof tiles were rattling, I wondered if some sort of spark could have set it off.’

  ‘No good speculating. Wait and see what the officers say.’

  ‘Do you think it’s all right if I go and speak to them?’

  ‘You might find it a bit upsetting. You’ll be able to see a lot of burnt remains that could … well, as I said, upset you.’

  ‘I have to face it sometime.’ She went down the path, walking through wet, dirty debris and braced herself as she approached what had been the front door. The remains of the stained glass picture of her mother’s favourite daffodils hung sadly to one side of the door. Heaps of blackened rubble filled the entire floor area and the charred walls with broken, melted window frames confined the worst of the mess.

  ‘Hallo,’ she called to the two men who were sifting through the black, sodden mess. ‘I’m Julia. Julia Renton.’

  ‘Oh, Miss Renton. Don’t come any further. It’s not safe. I know there’s very little left but it’s unstable and you can easily twist your ankle. I’ll come over.’ He walked carefully over the mess and smiled. ‘I won’t shake hands,’ he said holding up a dirty gloved hand to her. ‘We’re concentrating on the rear corner as it looks as if that’s where it all started.’

  ‘Yes, I suppose it would be. The whole of the upper floor has dropped through.’

  ‘Indeed. There are scorch marks on the one piece of floor board left intact that suggest some sort of accelerant was used. Chemical tests will prove what it was. There’s probably enough evidence to suggest that this was deliberate. I’m afraid we’ll have to ask you some difficult questions later. It will most probably be a criminal investigation.’

  ‘What are you implying? That I had something to do with this?’

  ‘I’m not saying that. But you must realise we have to look at evidence and it wouldn’t be the first time someone burnt their own place for the insurance.’

  ‘I don’t believe this. It’s ridiculous. I was nearly burned in my own bed. How could you? I’ve lost everything. Home, possessions, the lot. No insurance claim could make up for all of that.’ She burst into tears and stormed off up the path.

  ‘Miss Renton. Please … I’m not accusing you of anything. Just warning you that we’ll have to ask you some searching questions,’ he called after her, but she did not stop.

  Sergeant Trekellis tried to comfort her but she was too angry and upset to speak to anyone. Madge, her benefactor from the previous night, rushed across to her.

  ‘Are you all right, dear?’

  ‘Not really. But thank you again for your help. I’ll bring the sweater back when I’ve laundered it.’

  ‘Don’t be silly. Just drop it by when you’ve finished with it. We’re here till Saturday. Now, is there any news yet?’

  ‘Not much. They say it was probably deliberate but it’s too early to say how. They think I might have started it myself for insurance.’

  ‘Oh surely not. They’re probably just covering themselves. They have to investigate it before the insurance company moves in. And you know what these insurance companies are. Have lessons in how to get out of paying up.’

  ‘All the same, it’s pretty hurtful when I’ve lost everything.’

  ‘Look, if you need to borrow some money, I’m sure we can help out. Till you get new cards and everything.’ Her kindness raised more tears to an already emotionally charged mind.

  ‘You’re so kind. You don’t even know me.’

  ‘Nonsense, dearie. You’re as good as a neighbour.’

  ‘It’s all right though, my boss has sorted me out for the time being. Even lent me a credit card and a car.’

  ‘Is that Mr Davies?’

  ‘Yes. He’s been brilliant. Look, thank you again. I’d better get back now and try to get hold of my brother. He doesn’t even have a number for me anymore.’

  ‘Anything we can do to help, you only have to ask.’

  ‘Thank you, Madge. You’ve been terrific.’ She gave the woman a hug and waved goodbye as she drove away. How could some people be so wonderfully kind and others were so terrible? She saw Bryce’s car parked at the office and went inside. Lucy was on the reception desk. She looked sullen and scowled as Julia came in.

  ‘Didn’t stick it for long, then. Told you so. Not very convenient, me having to come in today. I was going for my final fitting for my wedding dress and had to cancel it.’

  ‘I’m sorry about that. You obviously haven’t heard that my house burned down last night. That’s why you’re here.’

  ‘Oh. I did hear there was something going on down your end but didn’t know it was your place. I’m sorry. Not very nice for you.’

  ‘Certainly not. I’ve lost absolutely everything. Is everything all right here?’

  ‘Nothing changes here. Borin’ as ever. Still this time in two weeks, I’ll be lying on a beach in Lanzarote with my Wayne. Can’t wait.’

  ‘Good for you. And you have the wedding to look forward to first.’

  ‘I know. I’ll feel like a princess. My Wayne says he can’t wait. Not that he’s had to wait much for anything already, if you know what I mean. We’ve bin together for a couple of years now. But it’ll sort of be different won’t it? Bein’ married.’ She yawned and had the dreamy look about her again.

  Strange girl. Maybe it was just thoughts of her wedding, Julia decided.

  ‘I expect so. Well, if you’ll excuse me, I need to see Bryce. He hasn’t got anyone with him, has he?’ ‘No but watch it. He’s in a right old mood today.’

  ‘I expect he’s tired. He came along to my place at the crack of dawn.’

  ‘How did he hear about it then?’

  ‘I didn’t ask. But you know what this place is like. Bush telegraph and all that.’ She knocked and walked into the office.

  ‘Speak later.’ Bryce quickly put the phone down and smiled at her. ‘Got everything you needed?’

  ‘As much as I could have. Bryce, I went along to the cottage before I came here. They seem to think there’s evidence of it being started deliberately. They want to question me about it. Do you think I should speak to a solicitor. I mean to say, I’m totally innocent, of course, and the injured party.’

  ‘Leave it for now. If you rush to get legal advice, it might be construed as a sign of you being guilty. Of course we know you’re not and I’m sure they’re only being cautious. Maybe you misinterpreted what they said.’

  ‘It’s very upsetting though. On top of everything else. If I were guilty, I’d have rescued a few things at the very least.’

  ‘You can go back to my place now, if you like. I’ll just finish off here and I’ll come with you. The lovely Lucy can mind the shop. There’s a spare room all ready for you. I’ve got Gwen and Demelza in there today. They come and clean for me when they’re not working on the properties.’

  ‘Oh, I didn’t realise.’

  ‘They’re good workers so I like to keep them busy whenever possible. I use Terry sometimes too. Odd jobs and a bit of gardening. He’ll probably be around today. Anyway, the house will be open so you can go now.’

  ‘Thank you again. Here’s your card. I’ve kept all the receipts so I can pay you back.’

  ‘No worries Hang on to it for the time being. It will take at least a few days for you to get replacement cards.’

  ‘I suppose so. That’s very generous of you. Thank you.’

  ‘You won’t have kept the numbers of them, will you?’

  ‘I suppose Ryan can get hold of them. They’re probably in my father’s files somewhere as he paid the bills. Thank you again. I really struck lucky the day I walked into your office.’ He forced a smile and looked away. ‘OK. I’ll leave you to it. See you in a while.’<
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  He was already picking the phone up again as she left the office. Lucy looked up from fixing her nails.

  ‘You know how long you’re gonna be off? Only I’ve got things to do for the wedding and everything.’

  ‘I should be back tomorrow. I have loads to sort out but I can do some of it while I’m here.’

  ‘He won’t like that. But I suppose you’ve got your feet well under his table. Staying with him are you?’

  ‘Just for now. Till I can make other arrangements.’

  ‘Best of British. I’d prop a chair under the door handle if I were you. On the other hand, maybe you don’t mind what happens.’

  ‘I’ll see you later.’ She drove back to Bryce’s lovely house. It was a spacious, modern design with many windows giving views over the coast. A couple of miles from Trengillyn, it gave him a very easy commute to his office each day. She parked outside and knocked as she went inside.

  ‘Hallo?’ she called, knowing that Gwen and Demelza were working somewhere. She heard movement and Gwen came rushing down the stairs.

  ‘Oh, it’s you. I’m sorry to hear about your troubles. You’ve had quite a bucketful since you came here.’

  ‘Yes, indeed. I understand you’ve been getting a room ready for me? Bryce is kindly allowing me to stay for a while.’

  ‘Yes. It’s up here. Have you got luggage I can take up for you?’

  ‘Not really. Just the odd bits of shopping.’

  ‘Of course. Terrible shame. All your lovely things gone.’

  ‘Well, yes. Not that we had all that much left after the vandals did their work.’

  ‘Someone must have it in for you, no doubtin’ it. How’s that gorgeous brother of yours? He comin’ down again soon?’ Gwen opened the door to a charming room with a luxurious en suite and showed her in.

  ‘I’m not sure. Actually, I need to phone him. I left a message this morning but haven’t had chance to call him back. Excuse me, will you? This is lovely, by the way. Thank you.’

  Julia sat on the bed and dialled Ryan’s mobile. He answered after several rings.