by Karen Osman
A.
37
Angela
Angela paused outside Archway Tube station after work on a Monday evening. Around her, people swarmed like bees, relieved to be emerging from the underground. She checked her watch again. She’d taken Mitchell’s advice and had arranged to meet Susan outside Evelyn’s council estate block at seven o’clock. It had just gone six forty-five. Beyond, Angela could see a stream of double-deckers and hoped the W5 had not left yet. Hurrying to the bus stop, she was relieved when she saw it slowly turn the corner and trundle towards her. Having stepped on and paid her fare, Angela stood holding on to the bright yellow bars, as the bus strained up the incline. Evelyn’s flat was only fifteen minutes away but walking uphill in high heels was not something she relished. She was not normally a bus person. She could have taken a taxi, but they were difficult to get during rush hour. She alighted and walked down the dark street, the light from the sporadic lampposts her only guide. Approaching the fringe of the estate, she was surprised not to hear the Morse code of skateboards on the steps and as she drew nearer to Evelyn’s block, she saw Susan hadn’t yet arrived.
Angela was still a few minutes early. She looked up at the empty stairwell. Should she? Why not? She climbed the stairs and hovered on the landing just below Evelyn’s, watching and listening. Everything was quiet but if she strained, she could hear a television. Evelyn’s? Then out of the corner of her eye she saw movement down below. Leaning over the barrier, she saw Susan approaching the block and Angela quickly descended the stairs, circling round so Susan wouldn’t notice the direction she’d come from.
‘Hi, Susan!’
She saw the older woman jump.
‘Sorry – did I startle you?’ said Angela, putting a hand on her arm.
‘Oh, no, it’s fine. Have you been waiting long?’
‘Not at all, I just got here as well.’
‘Shall we go up?’ asked Susan.
‘Yes, absolutely,’ replied Angela. ‘I’m ready.’
38
Evelyn
Apart from letting Charlie do his business on the grass outside, Evelyn hadn’t gone outside very much. She told herself it was because it was cold – she could already see frost climbing her bedroom window each morning – but she knew that really it was because she was scared. Although she’d ripped up the anonymous letter immediately, she could still remember every word of it. Someone had found out she’d called the police, but who? Who would send such a thing?
The neighbours opposite her were dead. Dougie would be her first guess although an anonymous note wasn’t really his style. She doubted whether he could even put pen to paper. No, if it had been Dougie, wouldn’t he have sent round one of his sons? What about Billy? Unlikely. He was a complete nutjob, but he wasn’t a coward. If he had something to say, he would say it, even in his underwear. Evelyn continued going through everyone on the estate. Suddenly, she felt alarmed: what if the letter and the person who had followed her on her way back from bingo were linked? It had to be a coincidence, surely.
The worst thing was she couldn’t talk to anyone about the letter because then they would know that she’d called the police. Even Brenda. She would be horrified that she’d involved the pigs. Evelyn sunk down in her chair while Charlie tried to jump onto her lap. Not even he could alleviate her fear and Evelyn started to feel the walls close in on her.
The only good thing that had had happened over the last few days while she was hiding at home was Susan’s call. Much to Evelyn’s amazement, Angela wanted to meet her again. This time, Evelyn was determined to do better. This was her second chance and she wasn’t going to mess it up. That day she had cleaned the flat from top to bottom but she hadn’t been to the shop to get milk and they were due in two hours. She had meant to go earlier but she’d kept putting it off and now it was dark.
This is ridiculous, thought Evelyn. I can’t stay a prisoner in my home for ever.
Getting up, she grabbed Charlie’s lead and went to the front door with every intention of leaving. But as she saw her own letter box, she imagined an anonymous hand slipping through, cloaked in a black glove, and suddenly she knew she couldn’t go out there. What if he was waiting for her? In the end, she’d called Doreen upstairs to see if she could borrow some milk and biscuits.
‘I’d come up for them but my legs, Doreen, they’ve been giving me so much grief the last few days. I’m struggling to walk to be honest,’ complained Evelyn, hoping she would offer to bring them down.
‘Ah, Evie, sorry to hear that. Give me ten minutes, and I’ll drop them down so you don’t have to struggle with the stairs.’
‘Thanks, Doreen, I owe you one,’ replied Evelyn.
She put the phone down with a sigh of relief. She’d have to go out at some point but for now she was safe. Going into the kitchen to put the kettle on, she paused mid-step: what if the sender of the anonymous notes had been Doreen? She pushed the thought away immediately; she was becoming paranoid.
A few minutes later, she opened the door to her neighbour, gratefully taking the items off her.
‘Thanks so much again, Doreen. I’ll return them as soon as I’m up and about again.’
‘No rush, Evie – hope you feel better soon.’
As she watched Doreen climb back upstairs, Evelyn caught sight of a shadow on the stairwell below and quickly closed the door, heart hammering. She had to pull herself together. Charlie was waiting for her, enticed by the packet in her hands, and she hurried through to the kitchen to put the biscuits on a plate. Charlie followed. He wasn’t used to being ignored and eventually lay down, resting his head on his front paws and looking up at her.
‘Sorry, Charlie,’ said Evelyn, giving him a quick scratch between the ears. ‘These aren’t for you. Here, have some of your own while I turn the TV off.’
In the living room, Evelyn took one last look in the mirror over the fireplace. She was ready. At that moment, she heard Angela and Susan at the door. Inviting them in, she led them through the hallway and settled them into the living room while she served tea, trying not to spill anything on the now gleaming coffee table.
‘Did you find out what happened to your neighbour?’ started Angela, making conversation, as she took one of biscuits Evelyn offered. The remnants of police tape still criss-crossing the front door had served as a vivid reminder of their first visit.
‘Murdered!’ announced Evelyn. ‘Well, you saw the blood on the walls, no doubt. Can you believe it? Apparently, someone broke in and stabbed them.’
‘Them? How many were there?’ asked Angela.
‘Quite a few, I think, from the racket they used to make. I saw three bodies come out of there.’ Evelyn, encouraged by their shocked faces told the tale of the bodies being removed on stretchers.
‘Why would anyone do such a thing?’ said Susan, disbelief on her face.
‘Well, Doreen upstairs said she thought it was something to do with the drugs business. They trashed the place at some point, as well.’
‘I hope the police catch who did it,’ said Susan.
‘They were round ’ere, the bobbies, asking me if I’d seen anything strange. Been here twenty years and there’s been some right goings-on, but I’ve never seen murder, not in all the time I’ve been living ’ere.’
As the conversation moved on, Evelyn thought Angela seemed more relaxed this time. She’d tried not to take offence when Angela had eaten only one biscuit, but she supposed it would take a lot of discipline to keep a figure that slim. Angela asked her plenty of questions: what she liked to do in her free time, when she’d moved to the estate, and how long she’d been playing bingo. Evelyn was pleased at the interest and felt more comfortable now that the topic was no longer focused on the past. She found herself intrigued by Angela, especially her job, and wondered aloud if Angela could help her get a new flat (she would try but she dealt in criminal and corporate law); was it anything like LA Law (no, nothing as dramatic), and did she get paid lots of money (yes, she got
a decent wage but she worked very long hours and the profession favoured men). She also asked Angela about her adoptive parents, who she thought sounded very posh – James and Rosemary – but then listened, sadly, as Angela told her about James’s illness.
The hour passed quickly and the conversation drew to a close. Then Evelyn was struck by a thought.
‘Will you be coming back ’ere anytime soon?’ she asked as Angela put on her coat. ‘It would be nice to see you again,’ she added.
Angela paused, caught off guard, but pleased to be asked. ‘Yes, of course, if you would like me to.’
‘Well, I need a favour. I’ve lost my spare key – God knows how I’ve done it – but I need it recutting. I’d ask one of these lot round ’ere but you just never know… and with recent events… Anyway, I’m pretty sure a fancy lawyer’s not going to fleece me!’ she laughed.
Angela ignored the flash of disappointment. ‘Of course, I’ll get it cut for you and bring it back next week,’ she said, slipping the key into her purse. ‘Just a thought, though: if you’ve lost it, is it not better to change the lock?’
‘Nah,’ replied Evelyn. ‘The key doesn’t have my address on it. I probably lost it at Tesco – gone forever. No point paying out when I don’t need to.’
Perhaps there could be a real chance for them after all, thought Evelyn. When Angela agreed to do her a small favour and get her key cut, Evelyn realised just how useful it might be to have a grown-up daughter in her life, someone to look after her in her old age, like she did for her own mother. Someone to help shop, cook, and clean, although of course Evelyn would be a lot more gracious than her own mother and certainly a lot more appreciative.
But it was when Angela opened her purse to put the key inside for safekeeping that Evelyn saw the photo. It was in a clear plastic wallet on the inside flap and showed a young teenage Angela sitting in a garden seat, with a woman’s arms around her from behind, the two of them smiling widely for the camera. But it was the man on the left of the girl, his warm embrace circling the two for that perfect family photo, who made the breath leave Evelyn’s body. It couldn’t be, could it? Yet, the evidence was staring her in the face. It must be a mistake.
Quickly seizing the opportunity, Evelyn faked a smile. ‘That’s a lovely photo. Is that you with James and Rosemary?’ Both Angela and Susan froze at the question, Susan recovering much quicker. But Angela handled it well and answered with obvious pride in her voice.
‘Yes, it is. This was taken over ten years ago now but it’s still one of my happiest memories.’
‘How lovely,’ replied Evelyn. ‘What did you say the family name was?’
‘I didn’t, but it’s Steele.’
Evelyn swallowed hard.
Susan was watching the exchange carefully and Evelyn knew she would have to be quick. She leant in to Angela, taking the purse in her hands and looked closely at the image. There was no doubt in her mind.
‘It looks a beautiful garden – where was it taken?’
‘Thank you. At our house in Tetbury, by one of our neighbours, if I remember correctly.’
‘Tetbury? I don’t think I’ve ever been there. Do they still live there then?’ asked Evelyn, her voice sounding strained to her own ears though she focused on keeping her questions light and casual.
‘They do,’ replied Angela. ‘I don’t think they’ll ever move – they love it there.’
‘Well,’ said Evelyn, handing the purse back to Angela, ‘it’s always nice to keep these memories, isn’t it?’
Susan smiled her approval and Evelyn was pleased that she’d managed to disguise the shock of seeing him in the photo.
After they left, Evelyn leant against the wall, mulling the picture over in her mind. How was it possible that he was even in the photo? And why was Angela referring to him as her dad?
All of sudden, Evelyn felt weak. She walked unsteadily into the living room, using the wall for support. What had he done? Collapsing into her chair, she closed her eyes and leant her head back, trying to think of an explanation other than the one assaulting her. He wouldn’t do that to her, would he? Not without telling her? Opening her eyes, she picked up Charlie from where he sat at her feet, holding him close as if he could protect her from the dawning realisation of Jimmy’s actions. However he’d done it, she knew she needed to get to the bottom of it, and once she did, he would pay – and she wasn’t just talking about a bit of a fright from Dougie and his bulldog. Oh, no, cancer or no cancer, he would pay severely if it was the last thing he did on this earth.
39
Angela
Angela almost didn’t make it to the adoption meeting. One of the partners, Dereck Lyndhurst, had approached her late afternoon to do some research for an urgent case. He was a quiet, methodical man, whose habit of thinking for several seconds before responding to a question frustrated the newer associates. Yet Angela had discovered it was often worth the wait. While Lyndhurst had none of the loud-mouthed brashness of the other partners, he was well-respected by his clients and peers alike and whenever Angela worked with him, she always learnt something new.
Last-minute requests didn’t bode well for her personal life though and she didn’t think she would finish in time. Luckily, one of the interns, eager to show willing, had helped her and she had the typed-up report ready in hand just under three hours later. Dropping it off with Mr Lyndhurst’s secretary, Angela was looking forward to seeing Mitchell and she did a quick stop in the ladies’ toilets to refresh her lipstick before hurrying out of the office.
Arriving at the church hall, she was just in time, slipping into her seat as Susan called for the meeting to start. She saw Mitchell and her sense of anticipation increased as their eyes locked.
She also saw some of the now familiar faces: Katie, Linda, Simon, Tracey, and Ken. She knew them, in some ways, better than she knew her own friends. Despite her initial reluctance to attend the support group, she had to admit she was glad she’d made the effort. They were all so different from each other yet had an understanding that could have surpassed even the deepest of friendships. She thought of Lucy and felt guilty. Although her friend had left several voice messages on her answer machine, Angela hadn’t called her back as she’d had so much going on, and when she did have the time, late at night, she knew her friend would be catching up on some much-needed sleep. Digging in her bag, she pulled out a notebook, writing a reminder to call Lucy on Saturday morning.
As Susan began, Angela was pleased to see Leo wasn’t present.
‘Evening all, everyone ready to begin?’ called Susan as the noise began to die down. ‘We’ll have our usual sharing of updates and questions and then I want to talk a little bit about a new programme that Family First are about to launch, which some of you might be interested in.’
As each member took their turn, Angela shaped her own contribution in her mind. She noticed there were a couple of new members – an older man of about forty called Geoff, who walked with a stick, and a woman called Lindsey, who didn’t look anyone in the eye.
‘Angela? Anything to share?’ asked Susan, when it came to her.
‘Yes,’ she replied. ‘I met Evelyn, my birth mother, for the second time last night and it went well – better than last time, anyway. I’m glad I decided to try again with her as the first meeting wasn’t easy.’
‘Well done, Angela,’ said Ken, who was sitting on her left and always liked to comment after each person spoke. There were rumours he was training for a group lead role similar to Susan’s.
‘Thanks,’ she replied. ‘I feel sure we can meet just the two of us now,’ continued Angela, more to Susan than anyone else. ‘It’s been great to have you there but hopefully we’re in a good place.’
‘That’s good to hear, Angela. I trust you’ll keep us all updated with how you’re getting on?’
‘Of course,’ Angela nodded, recognising the not-so-subtle request to keep attending the meetings. Luckily for you, Susan, I have another reason to attend the
meetings now, thought Angela, sneaking a sliding glance at Mitchell.
‘Leo says she was a druggie,’ piped up Katie suddenly, ‘is that true?’
‘Katie!’ exclaimed Susan quickly. ‘I really don’t think that’s an appropriate question, do you?’
‘Why not?’
‘Because—’
‘It’s all right, Susan,’ interrupted Angela, rearranging her face into a tight smile. Clearly, her message to Leo hadn’t been strong enough.
‘Evelyn’s been clean for over ten years now, Katie. It’s an incredible achievement.’
‘Once a druggie, always a druggie,’ said Katie resolutely to no one in particular.
What is her problem? seethed Angela silently. All she has to do is hold her baby and keep her mouth shut about other people’s business.
‘That’s enough, Katie,’ replied Susan, sharply. ‘Angela, anything else?’
‘No, I’m done,’ she replied.
‘Right, well, thank you, everyone. So next on the list is the new programme that Family First is launching. This is basically a mentoring programme to help young adoptees settle into their new families. Of course, we need mentors, and who better than all of you?’
As Susan passed around the leaflets and the group started chatting, Angela narrowed her eyes at Katie, struggling to control her anger.
*
As the meeting came to an end, Angela quickly picked up her bag, about to approach Katie.
‘Come on,’ whispered Mitchell, coming up behind her. ‘Let’s get out of here and go and get a drink.’
Giving Katie one last cold look, Angela followed him out onto the street. He took her hand and they walked away from the church hall. As soon as they were out of sight, he leant in to kiss her. Angela responded, wrapping her arms around him, her earlier fury forgotten. As they entered the bar, the warmth surrounded them, and Angela knew there was nowhere else she’d rather be – not even at the office.
‘So, you met Evelyn again,’ acknowledged Mitchell as they sat down with their drinks.