by Brenna Darcy
Flic opened her eyes, “I was going to see if I could have some time off to go home?” Flic slid the case to one end so Lacey could set the tray down.
“I thought this was your home.”
“This will never be my home, no matter who I try to convince. Other than meeting you, Ty and Mim, it was all a big mistake.”
“I’m guessing my brother’s at the top of the list.”
“I’m sorry Lacey, I won’t lie to you. I didn’t help the situation by keeping secrets, but I was going to tell him everything last night, I swear I was. When Jason showed up, Dave believed him, and didn’t give me a chance to explain. He left me stranded at the restaurant to deal with the situation alone. I’ve never been so humiliated, or scared.”
“Mim said as much too. Dave’s not popular with her I can assure you.”
“I don’t want to cause a rift in their relationship. I owe Mim so much. She’s got guts you know.”
“Yeah and said if she kept her mouth shut you wouldn’t have ended up with the black eye he’d meant for her.”
“It was probably intended for Dave really, but when he left Mim was the only vocal one around.”
Lacey glanced at her. A slight frown creased her otherwise line free face. “Okay, fine. I’ll give you this week off, on the condition you’re back before the weekends through.” Lacey bargained.
LACEY DIDN’T STAY WITH Flic for long, as she had to get back to the shop, and wanted to see Dave before she left.
“Evict anyone lately?” Lacey found Dave in his study, paper spread out around him, but he was gazing out of the window instead of working.
“Don’t you start, I’ve already had Mim on the phone abusing me, after the cops gave me a mouthful and now you.”
“You deserve it you know.”
“She’s married Lacey, what am I supposed to do. She lied to me.”
“How? She didn’t lie to you, she planned to talk about her situation with you last night and you walked out on her, Dave.”
“No, she walked out on her husband and little girl. Damn it Lacey, you don’t walk out on a child no matter how tough it gets, you of all people should understand that.”
“Who said she walked out?”
“He did.”
“What did she say?”
“She didn’t deny it. All those pictures she has on display like the doting mother. I thought Ellie was her niece for Christ sake, not her daughter.”
“She’s leaving you know.”
“Of course she is, because that’s what she does, she runs away when things get tough. She ran out on her husband, her child, everything. Then she came down here making out like she did it to escape the city life, to write a book. What a load of shit.”
Lacey shook her head. “You have no idea what she’s been through Dave, maybe you should talk to her before you pass judgment and turn your back on her.”
“Too late, any woman who walks out on her kid is as good as gone in my book.”
“She didn’t walk out on her kid, and you should know her better than to believe it. I never thought anything you’d say could anger me so much. And your lack of faith in her—you’ll be lucky if she ever forgives you.”
“I don’t want her forgiveness, or anything from her for that matter.”
“He killed her,” Lacey yelled. She was furious he could be so stubborn and hurtful. How could he listen to the words of that bastard and not even give Flic the chance to explain.
“What are you talking about?”
“Her husband, he killed their little girl, Flic didn’t walk out on her. She wouldn’t do that. Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed the way she tears up when Ty hugs me, or she sees a mother walk into the shop with her little girl. That’s not the look of a woman whose abandon a child, she’s hurting, Dave—every day she’s hurting. She came down here because that bastard attacked her both physically and emotionally, and she couldn’t deal with it anymore. Maybe she should have told you already. She wanted to so many times, but she couldn’t. It was hard enough for her to open up to me. Dave, you believing that pig of a man without sticking around to hear her side of the story is a disgrace.”
Dave stood staring at Lacey like she’d gone mad.
“How come you know all this and I don’t?”
“Because she told me. She didn’t want to, but worried I’d think differently about her working in the shop after I knew. I don’t know who cried more that night. She’s fragile, Dave, and I don’t think she had the strength to confide in you just yet. When she told me the expression on her face was like she relived it all over again. She needed more time.”
“Where’s that bastard now?
“Dead.”
“What?”
“That’s why the police were here. He wrapped his car around a tree last night.”
Dave ran his hands through his hair, stood up and began to pace. “This is more twisted than one of my novels.”
“Try living it. She’s not the scum you made her out to be. I just wanted you to know that.”
“I’m sorry for upsetting you Lacey.”
“See, Dave, now you’re really upsetting me. I’m not the one you should be apologising to. Stew on it for a while, but don’t leave it too late.”
DAVE PACED AND PONDERED for an hour after Lacey left. How could all of this happen and he not know about it? Guilt gripped. He’d seen her reaction the first meditation class she attended, tears rolled down her face when Ty snuggled into Lacey’s lap, and her reaction to the picture he coloured for a house warming present. He’d thought it was because she missed Ellie, assuming it was just a bout of homesickness. Flic never confirmed the relationship, but nothing she said indicated she had a child, or lost one either. How was he to know?
He had to talk to her, to apologise.
Walking through the house and garden, having decided he best get it over with before he chickened out and ruined things even more.
Approaching the front door he noticed a note with his name written on it in place of the one he’d left and now regretted.
I will be back to get my stuff before my rents up. Flic
That was it. No hint as to where she was going, or when she’d be back, just that it’d be before her rent was up in a month.
Screwing the note into a tight ball he threw it at the cottage door. “Damn.” He frowned, as he stalked back to his house.
Chapter Twelve
“I THINK YOU SHOULD move home, Flic, it’ll be good to get some normality back in your life.”
“I had that until Jason turned up and ruined everything.”
“He didn’t ruin anything that can’t be fixed, besides now you have the opportunity to move back to the house you love, so that’s positive.”
“I can’t believe you said that. There is nothing positive about Jason’s death, especially not the opportunity to move back into our house. Besides, I like living in Margaret River.”
“Of course you do, but you’re not a backpacker, or at least can’t continue living like one. One day you will have to settle down and get a real job, with stability.”
“Why, because it’ll make you feel better? I don’t want stability, I’ve experience that already and I was no happier for it. You have to let go so I can do what’s right for me.”
Flic spent most of the week cleaning the messy house Jason kept. Ellie’s room remained untouched, her bed still made from the morning of the accident. The food in the fridge was no longer edible, dust like a fur coat over anything that didn’t move, and the lawn outside was like a jungle.
Not having the time, or the energy to tackle more than the inside, Flic hired a gardener. He had the backyard sorted in a day and a half, then started on the front. One thing less for her to worry about, and worth every cent of the bill.
She bagged Jason’s clothes and donated them to charity. The decent linen she kept, the rest went out as rags. She threw piles of dirty laundry in the big green bin awaiting rubbish collection day. The
desire to clean up after him left her long ago and all she wanted was the quickest solution to see her back on the road and leaving it all behind, again. Renting the house fully furnished saved time. There were only a few things she wanted, some she boxed and packed in the storage unit she hired, and the rest was in her car to be taken back to the cottage.
Given the location and condition of the house, once Flic had finished scrubbing, the real estate agent was certain it wouldn’t take long to find a tenant. Signing the necessary documents, authorising her mother to act on her behalf, she was relieved to hand over the key. Another chapter in her life came to an end.
It was times such as these that Flic was grateful for modern technology. Legal affairs could be handled mostly via email. It was the most convenient arrangement for her given the distance she had to travel.
Jason’s estate wouldn’t be enough to cover the mortgage, but she could sell if necessary. It would never be a home to her after what he had done. One irresponsible choice had destroyed a relationship of years. Even in death she hadn’t forgiven him, and wouldn’t. His loss of life hadn’t granted Ellie hers in return.
“FLIC, YOU CAN’T not go, that would be disrespectful,” her mother yelled, when she refused to get up and ready for Jason’s funeral.
“Why when I wouldn’t even speak to him on the phone? I’m not a hypocrite.”
“Flic it’s a short and simple cremation, he will be lucky if he has a half dozen people attending. Besides, I think it would be good closure for you.”
Her mother had a point. Technically she was still his wife, but she didn’t even like the man, why should she stand by his coffin and pretend she wanted to be there? A small part of her doubted her decision, thinking she may regret it later on if she didn’t go. Every time she chose to ignore the persistent nagging she would stumble over a mound of growing guilt. If she was feeling it already, she knew the years would layer it thicker until it spoiled her future, as he had her past.
She loved him once, and no one deserved a dismal send off. He’d made many mistakes and she’d contributed to making his life a living hell for the past nine months, but in the end he too paid the ultimate price. A few hours was not too much to sacrifice for the man who stood by her, holding her hand during labour. The man she had believed would be the love of her life until she too left this life.
“Okay, I’ll go, but don’t ask me to speak or do anything, because if you do I promise I’ll leave and I don’t care what anyone thinks.”
“Good girl.” Her mother smiled at her, as an owner would an obedient dog.
Regardless of whether she was running away, or eager to get back to work, Flic didn’t stop to analyse it. Her car was packed, awaiting the services end, when she could drive home to her cottage. Having completed all she’d set out to achieve, the funeral was the only thing stopping her from leaving immediately.
Her relationship with Sally was strained and hadn’t improved since moving out. The hostility dragged her down lower than low and she couldn’t handle being subjected to it for too long. Even Dave, in the state she’d left him provided a more appealing atmosphere. Distance and limited interaction seemed the ultimate solution.
The service was short, but tasteful, with about thirty people in attendance. Her mother had focused on the man Jason was, rather than the one he’d become. She hadn’t lied when writing the eulogy, explaining Ellie’s death as a tragic accident she knew Jason regretted, which led to his death. Wishing his troubled soul to rest with the daughter he loved no matter the fatal mistake he’d made, her words were sincere.
The slide show was gut wrenching, reminding Flic of the happy times they’d once shared and how much his irrational decision had cost them all. She sobbed when she didn’t think she would cry, and left the service stricken with guilt and sadness.
“I wish you’d wait until tomorrow, you’re not in any fit state to be driving on your own.”
Flic stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her mother. “I love you, Mum and I’m grateful for all you did for Jason, but I don’t belong here anymore. I don’t expect you to understand, but please respect me enough to support my decision.”
MIM HAD INSISTED SHE take the weekend off, but Flic wasn’t convinced that would be best. The sooner she faced the gossip, the better. Jason had made it easy for her, proving she wasn’t a lying cheat, but a victim of abuse. As much as she hated the classification, the bruising alone was enough to back up the rumours.
However, the town talk was the least of her worries. A place to live was not so easy to solve. Perhaps she’d have to consider the commute from a nearby town, if she exhausted all other options. As silly as it sounded, she was even willing to explore the possibility of purchasing a caravan to park at the local camping ground. A little desperate, but it could be fun, like a long-term holiday. Her mother would be horrified.
She didn’t want to give up her job at the restaurant or The Fairy Realm. Besides, Lacey needed her. She’d looked drawn and tired before Flic left, her sparkle not so bright as usual. Of course she hadn’t complained, but even as self-absorbed as she’d been Flic had noticed.
As a single mother and a business owner, Flic wasn’t in the least surprised the work load was catching up on her. The added stress inflicted from her and Dave probably didn’t help either, and for that she was sorry.
Her instincts had been right about Dave. The combination of two damaged crazies didn’t equate to anything good, and she was relieved she hadn’t wasted too much time on him. Admittedly she already had strong feelings, but it’d be no different to if another hot looking, intellectually engaging man walked through the door of the restaurant and paid her attention. He’d proven untrustworthy. She’d already seen how that could end and had no interest in experiencing it a second time.
Keeping a low profile, not wanting to disturb Dave, Flic went to bed soon after she arrived home.
She’d speak to Mim in the morning in hope to resume her usual shift the following evening. Although she didn’t want to disrupt plans made to accommodate her having to leave at short notice, she needed a distraction. A busy Saturday night shift would be perfect.
TAKING A DEEP BREATH, Flic hesitated outside the front door of the restaurant. It was one thing to think rumours would be on her side, but embarrassment and uncertainty kicked in. The town’s people would know of Jason’s accident by now and she expected to be inundated with questions. She’d rather the discussion than the stares and whispers she knew would come also.
“Flic, you’re back. I wasn’t expecting you until after the weekend at the earliest.”
She shrugged, and was grateful Mim’s greeting implied nothing more than if she’d been away on holiday. “There wasn’t really anything left for me to do, I suppose I just wanted to come home.” She shrugged again, still feeling a little awkward.
“Good for you.” Mim patted her on the shoulder as she headed in the direction of the kitchen. “Have a seat, I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
Flic sat at their usual table, hoping Dave didn’t turn up for breakfast, but doubted it. The best way for her to avoid him would be to stay out for most of the day. Too angry still to discuss her past, and as they weren’t seeing each other as more than landlord and tenant, she didn’t feel the need to reveal all to him anyway.
Mim slid into the seat opposite. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine thanks, Mim. I’m sorry I’ve caused you so much trouble. I thought I’d left it all behind and am sorry it caught up with me here.”
“It usually happens that way, when you least expect it. Believe me when I tell you, the whole incident may have been messy, but you didn’t cause me any trouble.”
“I guess I just want to move forward, but it’ll haunt me for as long as people remember.”
“Where does Dave stand in this forward movement?”
Flic sighed. “On his own path.”
Mim nodded, but her silence spoke volumes.
“I know you and Lac
ey had high hopes for us, but clearly it’s not meant to be.”
“You have to do what’s right for you. Now can I get you something for breakfast?”
“Pancakes, please.” A big meal would mean she wouldn’t need to go home, anytime soon. “Oh and Mim, can I come back to work tonight?”
“If you’re willing, I won’t say no.”
“Great.” The day started out better than she hoped. Maybe she’d push her luck and try the real estate, but quickly decided against it. Whether Dave liked it, or not, she’d paid for a month and would stay every day of it, unless she found alternative accommodation in the meantime.
FLIC ARRIVED HALF AN hour early to work. As usual, all was set and ready to go. A quick scan over the reservation page indicated a quiet evening.
“Does Lacey know you’re back?”
“I don’t think so, I’ve been keeping a low profile since yesterday.”
Mim nodded.
Flic had noticed the reference to Dave didn’t stir a response. She wondered if his abandonment the other night saw Mim still as disappointed in him as she was. Although, she tried not to think about it too much, as his actions still fuelled occasional bouts of anger. Having nowhere to redirect her feelings, Flic preferred to write them down hoping the release would be enough to calm her should she be challenged on the subject, and lose the little composure she had left.
To keep her mind off the topic, so as not to wait around for her shift to start, she busied herself wiping over the fridge shelves and stocking them full. A tiresome job, but it had to be done.
The quiet night did little to distract her.
“Where is everyone?” Flic had never seen the restaurant so deserted. Even the breakfast crowd was bigger.
“Keeping a low profile, I guess.”
Flic looked at her and frowned.