Before the Storm
Page 29
Ellie shook her head in admiration. ‘Meredith, I’m so proud to know you. Of course we’ll help. If you’re free, come round for dinner tonight and break the news to Patrick.’ She gave a small chuckle. ‘I’ll make sure his good whisky is on hand.’
‘I hope he isn’t too shocked and disillusioned when he hears what I have to say,’ said Meredith.
‘I doubt he will be.’ Ellie smiled.
*
As soon as she arrived home, Ellie lit the wood-fired oven and, once it had heated up, cooked a chicken she’d marinated in brine that morning. She knew that it would crisp up in the old stove. Then she made her grandfather’s favourite dessert, baked egg custard, using her nana’s recipe and cooking it in her brown pottery baking dish.
Meredith, Ellie and Patrick enjoyed a quiet meal sitting around the big kitchen table. After they’d finished eating, Patrick rose and thanked Ellie for the amazing food.
‘Now,’ he said, turning to Meredith. ‘Tell me what all this is about.’
Meredith gave Ellie a wink as she and Patrick headed for Patrick’s study with the whisky and two glasses.
Ellie stacked the dishwasher and took Sam for a walk to the top of the hill behind their house, where she looked down from the cliff at the roiling sea foaming around the dark rocks. Outwardly, Meredith was such a strong and sensible woman, Ellie thought. It simply couldn’t be allowed to happen that she could be blackmailed and lost to the community.
Walking back home, she had the uncomfortable sense that her idea of Storm Harbour being a safe haven was slipping away. Was someone out there, watching, wanting to harm them? She clipped the leash on Sam, who looked rather puzzled at being fettered instead of snuffling ahead at his own pace as he usually did.
Returning to the warmth of the kitchen, Sam stretched, ready for bed, and looked at Ellie. A burst of laughter erupted from Patrick’s study, followed by the sound of Meredith’s steady voice.
Ellie smiled and took a glass of wine and a book into the old sitting room and settled by the fire. Sam spread out at her feet and started to snore.
It wasn’t till Patrick rested his hand on top of her head that Ellie realised she’d dozed off.
‘Hey, Possum, bedtime. Thanks for a beaut dinner.’
‘My pleasure. So, what did you think of Meredith’s story?’ asked Ellie.
‘I always knew she was a strong woman, and your nana greatly admired her. We’ll help her, Ellie. Whoever’s out there won’t beat us.’ He reached out his foot and gently nudged Sam with his boot. ‘Bedtime, mate.’ Patrick blew a kiss to Ellie. ‘I’ve locked up, sleep tight.’
*
The days had flown by. Ellie had texted Roger and told him firmly that she would need at least a week to consider their conversation, and been pleased when Roger meekly acquiesced to this request. This gave her time to think about things and see how she felt about it all. She had fun doing her ‘homework’ for Mike, dreaming up a few IT ideas. And she put the finishing touches on her article about Ben, asking him a some final follow-up questions before he and Sally headed to Horsham for Peter Jensen’s fundraising day. They promised to take photos for the paper so Jon could write it up, and Sally was taking her recording gear to cover it for her radio program.
When the article came out – her first published article for The Storm Harbour Chronicle – Ellie was surprised by how overwhelmed she felt, seeing it in print. She had worked hard on it, and was proud of what she’d done. She knew that Patrick felt the same: the day it was published, he tied a big red bow around Sam’s collar and took a bottle of champagne into the office, leading Jon and Maggie in a toast to ‘my granddaughter, journalist extraordinaire’. Ellie wasn’t the only one who wiped away a tear or two.
For the rest of the week, though, Patrick had secluded himself in his office with Sam, banging out Meredith’s amazing story, telling Ellie, ‘It’s a fine line to tread between exposé and being objective and balanced. I hope people read it with an open mind and heart. She’s such a trouper, and she’s been so disarmingly frank. It was a different time and place back then. Context is everything in stories like these.’
‘Yes. I think it’s so much better that we’re telling this story rather than allowing it to appear as a sensational tale on social media. When is the printer set to roll? I’d hate the story to leak before the paper comes out,’ said Ellie.
Patrick chuckled. ‘You sound just like a newspaper editor!’
Finally, towards the end of the week, Patrick strolled out of his office with Sam at his heels. His glasses were pushed up on his head, his hair was mussed from running his hands through it, and he looked faintly pleased with himself.
‘I’ve just emailed you the piece. See what you think,’ he said gruffly. ‘I’m going to take a stroll, get some air.’ He clipped on Sam’s lead and the two of them disappeared out the Chronicle’s front door.
Ellie read the story and forwarded it to Maggie.
‘A sneak preview for you, Maggie,’ she called out across the office. ‘Poppy’s captured Meredith’s story so well. It’s balanced and has a real sense of compassion for her and the women she worked with.’
She went and put the kettle on as Maggie read the article.
‘Astonishing! I had no idea the mayor had done any of this,’ Maggie said, looking up from her computer when Ellie handed her a cup of tea. ‘How brave of her to open up like that. And you say Patrick didn’t know anything about this before this week?’
‘That’s right. Meredith had told me, but I don’t think anyone else in Storm Harbour knew. Well, that’s not right, of course. Somebody does know and they’re threatening to expose her.’
‘So you knew?’ said Maggie, sounding surprised.
Ellie sat down opposite Maggie’s desk and nodded. ‘I was in a bad way one day. Meredith shared her story with me, to help me, which it did,’ she said gently, and Maggie looked at her with concern. ‘How do you think the article will go down in town?’
‘Tricky. It will depend on where people stand regarding council and community, morals and values. You can’t tell me there aren’t a lot of people around here with more than a secret or two lurking in their past. So you say she’s doing this because she’s being threatened?’ Maggie asked.
‘You got it. Vicious letters dropped in her mailbox and the trolling on social media,’ said Ellie. ‘I bet there are a lot of women who have been put in a similar position; that is, who’ve been threatened, overtly or more subtly, by someone who thinks they’re more powerful. Which they generally are, because they’re a man, or have money and position, or who use standover tactics to get what they want.’
‘Even so, this will rock a lot of people,’ Maggie said. ‘But I think Meredith is smart. Publishing her story with us doesn’t leave her enemy anywhere to go. Patrick has written such a fair and even-handed yet heartwarming piece. I didn’t think the tough old boy had it in him. Why didn’t he ask you to write it?’
‘Because it needs wisdom, astuteness as to how far he can go legally, objectivity, fairness and heart – as you said. Everything that makes him a great newspaperman,’ said Ellie fondly.
‘We’d better ask the printer to increase the print run,’ said Maggie. ‘Wait till Jon reads this!’
The front door opened and Patrick walked back in, taking off his fedora as he did so.
‘Hi, Poppy, the article is great,’ Ellie said to him.
‘Patrick, well done!’ Maggie stood up and gave him a hug.
‘What’s that for?’ He looked sheepish.
‘For writing something so sensitive with such grace and heart and truth,’ Maggie said.
‘Oh, is that all.’ He couldn’t help a pleased smile. ‘Ellie showed it to you?’
‘It’s going to be the talk of the town. Have you alerted Meredith that it’s finished?’ asked Maggie.
‘Yes. I just wen
t down to her office to give her a heads-up. In case she wanted to leave town! Just kidding. Meredith said she won’t vary her routine tomorrow. We are, however, going to meet for a drink at the end of the day . . . just in case.’ Patrick put his hat back on and pushed it to the back of his head, then rubbed his hand across his eyes. ‘Now I’m going to take Sam home and have a nap. The paper goes to the printer tonight. I want to be there for the morning delivery.’
‘Why, Poppy?’ asked Ellie.
‘I just like to see people’s reactions,’ said Patrick with a smile. ‘Can’t help myself. There are always people who get up early, wanting to be the first with the news,’ he added. ‘Maggie, what say we all meet for breakfast in town, around eight o’clock? Market morning, everyone will be about. Can you let Jon know, if he’s available? The more the merrier.’
‘To man the barricades, you mean?’ Maggie smiled. ‘You bet, I’ll be there.’
‘What’s Meredith doing tomorrow morning?’ asked
Ellie.
‘Says she’s going for a walk, then to the markets, and after that she’s doing some work and then meeting a friend for lunch, as she always does.’
‘Poppy, what about Sally? Does she know about this? We are supposed to be collaborating. I feel badly not giving her some notice.’
‘Radio is live and instantaneous. I’m not saying Sally would do this, but if they knew they could winkle a copy out of the printer and beat us to it, I’m sure her boss would do just that. Besides, she’s in Horsham right now and probably having a grand time.’
‘Sally is a pretty ambitious journo, as I recall,’ said Maggie. ‘This is better kept in the tent.’
‘Just tell her in the morning that we’re doing a story on the mayor. If she wants to follow up after the paper comes out, that’s up to her,’ said Patrick.
Ellie worked in the office for the rest of the day, not wanting to disturb Patrick, who was resting at home. She set up an alert on her computer to notify her any time the mayor’s name came up so she could monitor the troll and take down any nasty attacks. She also worked on a few business concepts to prove to Mike that her brain was still churning out ideas.
In the late afternoon she rang Cassie.
‘Hi, Cass. I’m heading home, just thought I might come over for a sundowner. Are you busy with guests or anything?’
‘We’ve just booked in two couples in their motorhomes but I’m free now, so a sundowner would be terrific. Actually, I was going to call you. I have some news, but it can wait till you’re here.’
‘Okay, great. I’m on my way.’ Ellie smiled at the cheerful note in Cassie’s voice. She and Steve had been so worried about the rumours going around about the caravan park; it was nice to hear her sounding upbeat.
Cassie waved as Ellie drove in the main entrance.
She was seated at a little table outside their cottage. She’d made a small garden bed for flowers, herbs and vegetables by the side of the house and Ellie noticed that the flowers were blooming.
‘Hi, Ellie. How’re you going? Would you like a glass of wine? Or do you want to try my fruit cocktail? There’s no booze in it, but it tastes fantastic. Lucy and James gave us a bucket of fruit from their orchard.’
‘Yum, sure, thanks. It sounds delicious,’ Ellie said, sitting down.
Cassie went inside and came back with a tall glass filled with the orange-coloured drink.
‘Cheers,’ she said, handing it to Ellie.
‘So, you said on the phone you had some news?’ Ellie said.
Cassie glanced down, then looked over at Ellie with a broad smile on her face.
‘I’m pregnant, Ellie. It’s early days, but I just feel so happy.’
‘Cassie! I’m thrilled for you. Oh, congratulations.’ She reached out and squeezed Cassie’s hand.
A shadow briefly crossed Cassie’s face. ‘It will be all right this time, I just have a feeling. Steve does too,’ she said. ‘But we’re not telling many people yet.’
‘Your news is safe with me,’ said Ellie.
‘Don’t put anything in the paper!’ Cassie winked, and Ellie chuckled.
‘Front page, obviously!’
‘Introducing her or him to Storm Harbour will be enough to start with.’ Cassie laughed. Then her expression changed, and she said, ‘We just hope we’re not going to be evicted and have to start over somewhere. That would be harder with a baby in tow.’
‘We can’t let that happen, Cass. The town will fight any development here, believe me.’
‘Mmm, let’s hope so.’
‘I’m so happy for you both,’ said Ellie brightly. Then, steering the subject away from the development, she added, ‘I wonder how Ben and Sally are going in Horsham.’
‘Well, it sounds like they’re having a ball. Ben’s being feted around town as the hero, which he is. He rang this morning to tell us he’s moving out.’
‘Of the park?’ said Ellie in surprise. ‘Is he moving up to Queensland to work on that new job he mentioned?’
‘No.’ Cassie smiled. ‘He doesn’t want to make a big noise about it, but he thought he should let us know in case someone wanted his spot. Ben and Sally are moving in together! Looks like it’s getting serious. I’m so pleased for Ben. He seemed a bit of a loner when he turned up here.’
‘Oh, wow, what fabulous news! I’m so happy for them,’ exclaimed Ellie.
They chatted for a while, then Ellie finished her drink. ‘That was delicious. I’d better go and see if Patrick has thought about dinner.’ She smiled at Cassie as she stood up. ‘Don’t let all the rumours, innuendo and stuff get you and Steve down. And please thank him again for shadowing me at the lighthouse.’
‘I won’t pry and ask who you were meeting,’ said Cassie. She put down her glass, stood up and reached out to her friend. ‘Thank you for sharing our secret.’
‘Cassie, it’s the very best news.’ Ellie hugged her. ‘I’m really excited for you both.’
She walked towards her car, then turned back and looked at Cassie, who was taking the glasses inside. Ellie thought about the friendships she had made since moving to Storm Harbour and smiled with delight at the good news about Cassie and Steve’s baby.
*
Sam stirred and raised his head. Sleepily Ellie glanced at the window, where a glow of backlit clouds glimmered in the still-dark sky.
‘Too early, Sammy. Go back to sleep.’
She listened as Patrick’s car headed into the predawn. Off to the printer, she remembered, as she slipped again into sleep.
By the time Ellie and Sam arrived in town, shops were opening, early morning walkers and exercisers were out and about and people were strolling along the main street, looking for coffees.
As Ellie walked up the street with Sam on his leash, she started to notice people carrying or reading the paper. A youthful photo of pretty Meredith was displayed under the banner headline on the front page – A Mayor for the People.
Patrick, Jon, Maggie and Roly were sitting at a few small tables they had joined together outside Patrick’s favourite café, and some copies of the Chronicle lay around on them.
They made room for Ellie, and Sam settled at their feet with a water bowl.
Roly raised his coffee mug and saluted Patrick. ‘Award-winning journalism, old chap. And bravo to Mayor Meredith!’
As they all raised their coffee mugs with cries of, ‘Here’s to our mayor!’ and ‘Go, Meredith!’ several passers-by nodded and lifted a hand in greeting and support, while others frowned and looked disapproving. It seemed as though every second person walking by wanted to stop and chat and give their opinion on the piece.
‘Have you spoken to Meredith today?’ asked Ellie.
Everyone looked at Patrick.
‘I haven’t heard from her this morning,’ he said. ‘She spoke. I wrote. That’s a lot of trust. I
hope she approves. She’s a very decent person.’
The waitress took Ellie’s order while she quietly texted Meredith. R U OK? Reactions??
Meredith answered almost immediately. Mixed reviews so far.
Want to join us?
Maybe later.
As if on cue, alerts started to come in on Ellie’s phone that Meredith was being mentioned on the newspaper’s website. Ellie quickly checked, and deleted any aggressively negative comments.
She looked up and saw Patrick watching her. She raised an eyebrow and said, ‘Mixed reviews – that’s all Meredith said in her text.’
‘Well, I think we’ve achieved the aim of getting Meredith’s story out first, as she told it. People can give us their views about it, and there’s no doubt they’ll be mixed, but at least they won’t be based on potentially untruthful anonymous posts on a computer screen,’ he said.
‘You’re right, but nonetheless this could divide the town,’ said Roly.
‘Perhaps, but does that matter?’ said Maggie. ‘People love to gossip and take sides. But when it comes down to who is going to look after their interests, I think people will still side with the mayor. She has only ever done her best for this town. Dedicated her life to it, since becoming mayor. You can’t fault her there, no matter what you might think of her history. And who hasn’t looked back on their youth and thought, “Oh I shouldn’t have done or said that”?’ she said firmly.
‘Well said, Maggie,’ agreed Patrick.
Ellie’s phone rang. She stood and walked away to answer it.
‘Hey, I just read the paper online!’ said Mike. ‘What a brilliant piece on Meredith. Please congratulate Patrick for me. It’s very balanced, especially knowing what good friends they are.’
‘Thanks, Mike. You’ve read it already; that was good of you.’
‘Well, I don’t read every issue, but I had to see today’s after you hinted that there might be something special in it. How’re you?’
‘Fine, thanks. Yes, it’s a terrific piece. Of course, reaction so far has been a bit split.’