by Kitty Neale
Finally they wandered off and Alec moved surreptitiously behind them. His thoughts were whirring. Nothing seemed straightforward anymore. He’d once known exactly what was right and what was wrong but now the boundaries were shifting. He didn’t want to think like this. He relied on certainty and yet here were people who deserved nothing but pain walking around flaunting their joy at being alive. It was all wrong. He had to fight it, had to get back to the world where things were clear in black and white.
He lost track of time as he tracked the man and girl along the bright streets, away from the main parade of shops, down some residential roads, past rows of guest houses. Finally they paused and turned, heading down a short garden path to a welcoming front porch. Alec peered from a safe distance, his heart hammering unsteadily in his chest, his anger rising once more. So this was where they were staying. A respectable establishment, by the looks of it – but the people staying there were anything but that. How he longed to punish all of them.
Chapter Twenty
Rhona stretched uncomfortably. She checked her watch; nine o’clock. She was amazed that she’d managed to sleep for that long in the office chair. Her limbs were stiff, and her back ached, but that was nothing compared to the pain in her head. She gingerly touched the spot where she’d been hit and winced, wondering if she was concussed.
Her stomach rumbled and she groaned. There was only the last of the lemonade, and if nobody came to bank the takings, it would somehow have to last her until the bar opened on Tuesday. Perhaps somebody would miss her and send out a search party. Her parents knew where she was going last night. Then Rhona thought about all the times she’d stayed out all night after going to a club, without warning her mum or dad. They’d begun by being furious, anxious, trying to ban her from leaving the house but she’d defied them until they gave up. At the time she had thought it was clever, that she was daring and a free spirit who couldn’t be tied down. Now she saw that it had been stupid. They’d been concerned for her safety and she’d laughed at them. Now she was trapped and they’d be going about their morning business, thinking she was back to her old tricks again and that she’d show up that evening after work.
Nobody would be worried about her when she didn’t turn up for work either. They’d just assume she’d reverted back to her old ways; that she’d been painting the town red all weekend and was now sleeping off the after-effects. Rhona clung to the brief hope that Jean would suspect something was wrong, but it didn’t last more than a few moments. She’d let down Jean most of all over the months and years, and yet the woman had always spoken up for her to the management, even if she’d been sharp with her in private. Jean would be disappointed in her, but not surprised.
That meant she was stuck here and for a moment she almost cried in frustration, but then once again Rhona stiffened with resolve. She’d tried to force the door, but she’d been in so much pain and distress that she hadn’t thought about the obvious. Andy and the man with him must have taken the keys to lock the door when they left, but maybe there were duplicates in case the originals were lost.
After half an hour of careful searching, first through the desk drawers, then the filing cabinets and finally under every surface in case they’d been hidden for safety, Rhona came up with nothing, except a small packet of shortbread biscuits and a bag of crisps in one of the cabinet drawers. Rhona was about to rip them both open when she stopped herself. If nobody came that morning, or she couldn’t find a way out, the meagre amount of food would have to last her for twenty-four hours. She would have to ration them. Gritting her teeth, she carefully took out just two biscuits and put the rest of the packet on a high shelf so that she wouldn’t be tempted to eat them. She then found a jam jar that had been used to keep elastic bands in, and poured a tiny amount of lemonade into it, while trying not to think of her mother’s steaming porridge or eggs on toast, washed down with a cup of hot, sweet, tea.
Rhona slowly nibbled at the stale biscuits and sipped the flat lemonade. She vowed never to turn down her mother’s cooking ever again. When she got out of here she was going to be grateful for everything her mother did for her, instead of complaining she fussed too much. She felt bitterly ashamed of the way she’d treated her parents, only now beginning to appreciate what they’d been through.
Tommy stood at the threshold of the shop, his nerve almost failing him when he thought of how much depended on the next few minutes. Then he told himself to get on with it. Standing there doing nothing wouldn’t get them anywhere.
He pushed open the door and came face to face with the man who had abused and terrorised Mavis for so long. It was almost unbelievable. The man’s skin was pale, his hair mousy and thin, his moustache neatly trimmed. Everything about him indicated he was weak. Tommy felt a surge of confidence, knowing he could easily beat him in a fight if it came to it, but hastily reminded himself that this would be the worst possible outcome. He had to stay in control, whatever happened.
‘Hello,’ he said. ‘Are you Charles Collier? I’d like a word with you.’
The man’s eyes narrowed. ‘Would you indeed? And what makes you think I’d want to talk to you?’ He paused and his voice grew lower. ‘I know who you are. I’ve been watching you and I even know where you’re staying.’
Tommy nodded, trying not to be thrown off course by that unpleasant revelation. He should have seen that coming. If he’d been able to observe Alec, then logically Alec would have been able to see him too – and he would have had all week to do it. ‘I think you’ll want to hear what I have to say,’ he began.
‘I doubt it very much,’ said Alec, brushing the long sleeves of his shirt as if they’d become dusty.
‘I won’t beat about the bush,’ said Tommy, deciding to cut to the chase. ‘It looks as if you’ve made a life for yourself down here and from what I gather it’s been quite successful.’
Alec hissed at that, seemingly disturbed by the idea that someone had been talking about him. ‘That’s as maybe. It has nothing to do with you.’
‘But it does,’ said Tommy. ‘I think you know why. You’re still married to Mavis. She wants a divorce.’
Alec shut his eyes and his mouth turned down at the corners. ‘I’ll thank you not to mention that woman’s name in here. She is nothing to do with me. She is a slut and a disgrace. I’ve seen how she acts when given the opportunity, her hands all over you and wearing those tight dresses, nothing but thin little straps holding them up, it’s an affront to decency. Eating chips in public like a common whore. I washed my hands of her long ago.’
‘Not legally, you didn’t,’ Tommy persisted, trying not to become incensed at the completely unfounded slur on Mavis’s reputation. ‘If you hate her so much why don’t you divorce her and have done with it? Then you could … you could find yourself a different woman.’
That was the wrong thing to have said, Tommy realised, as the man’s eyes grew bright with fury.
‘How dare you even suggest such a thing!’ Alec seemed to be having trouble breathing. ‘All women are unreliable and untrustworthy. Don’t come into my shop and speak such filth. Get out. I don’t want you in my sight a moment longer.’
Tommy didn’t move. ‘If you think like that then divorce Mavis. Or let her divorce you.’
‘Never!’ spat Alec. ‘It’s a disgraceful suggestion. What if it were to become known that I had gone through such a shameful process? My reputation and business would be ruined. Now get out, I shan’t ask you again.’
‘You’re here in Devon, using a different name, so I don’t see how anyone would find out,’ Tommy pointed out. ‘Not only that, if you agree to a divorce, I’ll make it worth your while.’
‘What? You’re trying to bribe me? How dare you. Get out, leave my premises and don’t come back.’
‘Bribe you? No. Look upon it as a bonus, something to expand your business.’ Tommy gave the man a moment to take in what he was saying. ‘Think about it. Don’t turn it down out of hand. I’m sure you’d like to g
et in rarer stamp samples, appeal to the real specialists, but that costs money.’
Bingo. Tommy saw that this idea had hit home. Alec clearly craved to be known as a cut above the average stamp dealer. At last he had his bargaining tool. ‘Think what you might make of this business if you had the reputation of offering only the finest, the hard-to-locate exhibits. You’d be the first person all the genuine collectors would call. Imagine it. Your standing in the local business community would rise.’ He paused. ‘I bet they’re a bit of a closed circle, aren’t they? Not used to welcoming outsiders? Just imagine if you could make a big donation to the Rotary Club or the Chamber of Commerce. They’d open their arms to you then.’
Alec shook his head but he was tempted. It had been more of a struggle than he wanted to admit, getting any local business contacts. His immediate neighbours barely counted. They weren’t of the class he wanted to mix with. He fought with his instinct to get this obnoxious man out of his shop as soon as possible. ‘I’ll think about it,’ he finally said, pursing his lips in reluctance. ‘I won’t promise anything. I can’t just shut up shop you know, so you’ll have to meet me after work, and make sure you come alone.’
‘Fine. Name your place and time.’
‘Six o’clock,’ Alec said. ‘In the car park at Marine Head.’
Tommy wasn’t sure where it was but told himself he had plenty of time to find out. He turned for the door. ‘Right, see you there,’ he said.
‘I don’t understand, Tommy,’ protested Lily later that day. ‘You never said anything about this job before. What’s so urgent that you got to think about work while you’re on your holiday? Let ’em wait. Mrs Hawkins is cooking something special a little earlier than usual, and she’s also offered to babysit so that we can all go out on our last night.’
‘When a chance of work comes up, you have to take it,’ Tommy said, trying to keep his expression relaxed. ‘That’s right, isn’t it, Pete?’
‘What? Oh, yeah, absolutely.’ Pete sounded vague and was clearly thinking about something else, as he had been for most of the last week.
‘I’ll have a quick bite with you, pop out to see these clients and then be back with you before you know it,’ he promised.
‘Well you make sure you are,’ said Lily. ‘I know what you men are like when you start talking business.’
‘I’ll be back before you know it. I just don’t want to lose what might be a lucrative contract,’ Tommy said, hating that he had to lie.
‘Then you’d best go to meet them then,’ Mavis said affably. ‘If it drags on a bit longer than you’re expecting, you can meet us in the pub.’
Tommy smiled, glad that unlike her mother, Mavis wasn’t making a fuss. He then asked Mrs Hawkins if she would mind if he used the telephone to order a taxi.
When the meal was ready at five o’clock, Tommy managed to eat his in double-quick time and then apologised to Mrs Hawkins before bending down to give Mavis a quick kiss on the cheek. ‘I’ll see you soon.’
Tommy hoped that was true, though he had no idea how long it would take to get to Alec Pugh’s chosen meeting spot, nor how long it would take the persuade the man. Still, he now had a clear idea of how far he could afford to go when he bargained with him. Whatever he ended up offering, it would be worth it. He’d already arranged for a taxi to pick him up and as he got into it, Tommy felt no regret that he hadn’t told Stan what he was doing. He’d thought it through and decided against it as he didn’t want to involve his friend more than he had to.
‘Marine Head, mate,’ he said. ‘Can we get there before six?’
The driver shrugged. ‘Depends on the traffic. Some days it’s better than others. People are still coming home from work. What’s the rush?’
Tommy tapped his foot up and down with impatience. That was the trouble down here – nobody seemed to be in a hurry. ‘I’ve got someone waiting, that’s all,’ he said, striving to keep the strain from his voice. ‘I’ll need you to wait for me when we get there.’
The driver met his eye in the rear-view mirror. ‘I don’t know about that.’
‘I’ll make it worth your while,’ said Tommy, his tension growing.
‘In that case, fine, I’ll wait.’
Tommy sat back. Most people had their price. It was just a question of knowing when to mention it. No doubt Alec would be the same.
The driver pulled into the car park, which was emptying rapidly as all the tourists made their way home after an afternoon of beaching or walking. There were hardly any vehicles left once he’d finished parking. Tommy looked around and at first couldn’t see anybody. Then he spotted a lone figure on the far side of the area.
‘Right, I’ll be back with you as soon as I can,’ he said, handing over the first part of the fare to the driver, who didn’t seem to be very interested. He was already reaching for his newspaper and barely looked up.
Tommy strode towards Alec, who hadn’t waited for him but had already set off along the cliff path. He struggled to reach him – the man was fitter than he’d thought, or perhaps he was just used to these narrow, uneven paths. Tommy cast a glance down to the rocks below. He wouldn’t want to lose his footing here. Perhaps he should have worn something with a better grip than the new sandals he’d picked up from a shop on the seafront a couple of days ago.
Finally Alec slowed as he turned a bend in the path, the area now a little wider. ‘I think this is far enough,’ he said as he turned to face him.
‘It’s a strange place to meet.’
‘I didn’t want to be seen talking to the likes of you,’ Alec said, his expression supercilious. ‘There are no witnesses to our meeting here.’
Tommy’s blood began to pound in his ears. ‘You’re no better than me. I’m a businessman too.’
‘Is that so? All right then, let’s talk business, or should I say, let’s talk about my wife.’
When he thought of that smug face next to Mavis’s, those pale hands touching her, hitting her, Tommy’s head swam and it was all he could do not to reach out and grab the man around his neck. Somehow he managed to contain his temper and took a deep breath before saying, ‘I said I had an offer to make you. Well, here it is.’ Tommy named a sum that was actually half what he could run to but there was no sense in laying all his cards on the table if they were here to bargain.
Alec grunted. ‘I have spent the afternoon contemplating what would happen if I agree to your proposal. My children would be in the care of a slut, and a man who is prepared to bribe me for her freedom. I have watched you with my wife, seen your disgraceful and lecherous behaviour in front of my children, and I don’t want them tainted by such low morals. I’ve therefore already decided that I won’t be taking your bribe money.’ He turned to gaze out towards the horizon, as if Tommy was no longer worthy of his attention. ‘Now listen to me. If you do not persuade Mavis to give me full custody of my children I will expose her for the adulterous slut that she is. I will prove that she is an unfit mother and she will never see the children again.’ He gave a small, calculating smile. ‘Also, the scandal when I name you is sure to adversely affect your business and you won’t want that, will you? Two can play at this game. I’ve been checking up on you this afternoon while you’ve had your disgusting fun on the beach. You and my wife are adults and I can’t stop you, but I will not have my children’s minds infected with your degenerate natures. They require discipline and I now understand it is my business to see to that.’
Tommy lost control of his temper, pushed beyond the limit by these ridiculous slanders, but fuelled by the thought that the authorities might believe them. ‘You don’t give a shit about those kids,’ he shouted. ‘You beat them just like you beat Mavis and then you buggered off, without so much as leaving them two pennies to rub together. You haven’t bothered to contact them since so why would you care now?’
‘Because I have seen the error of my ways. It was remiss of me to abandon them to your lax care, but I can remedy that. It’s up to you. Ei
ther you persuade Mavis to give me custody, or I take steps to leave my wife’s reputation in the gutter where it belongs, and take you down with it. You have the choice. It’s more than you deserve, but I am a fair and reasonable man.’
Tommy couldn’t believe his ears. ‘You piece of shit! You fucking bastard! You wouldn’t dare!’
‘I think you’ll find I would,’ said Alec. ‘However, I appreciate that this has come as a shock to you. You thought you were coming here to buy me off, but that isn’t going to happen so I’ll give you until morning to think about it. You know where to find me.’ With that he turned and began to stride along the cliff path that soared above the now-deserted beach and rocks.
For a minute or two Tommy watched him go, not quite able to take in that the tables had been turned so completely. Then he gave himself a shake. He wasn’t going to let this man ruin Mavis’s life – he’d done enough to wreck it already. As the gulls circled above his head, he came to a decision. Gathering his resolution, he ran after the stooping figure along the precipitous cliff path. As he rounded a corner the sun glinted off a windscreen back in the car park but he was too angry to notice.
Meanwhile, the taxi driver, bored with his newspaper, had decided to get out of the driver’s seat and stretch his legs. He began to wander towards the start of the cliff path. The air was still and the noise of the gulls carried from the faraway seafront.
Tommy broke into a sweat as he hurried after Alec Pugh, scarcely registering the jolt in his ankle as he narrowly missed slipping on an uneven stone. All that mattered was catching up with the bastard who thought he could ruin all their lives. Tommy couldn’t allow him to do that. Too much was at stake. Mavis had been through enough. So had the children – and so had he.