by S M Mala
‘Please can we move ya to safety?’ someone shouted. ‘We need everyone downstairs. Bring ya bedding.’
She didn’t care to move and knew Murray would be safe in his room.
There was a knock on her door.
‘Aunt Delores,’ she heard Hatty say and wanted to cry. ‘Are you in there?’ She didn’t reply as she knocked again. ‘They want us to move to where it’s safe. They’re worried things are going to coming through the windows.’
Delores held her breath.
‘She must have gone downstairs,’ she heard Jake say. ‘We’ll go and see what’s happening.’
They walked away and she sat on her bed before going to the fridge and opening the mini bar. Right now she didn’t care what happened to her sorry soul.
‘Jake, are you alright?’ said Caroline in the lobby while giving Hatty a disappointed glance.
He bit his lip knowing this wasn’t the time for a fight.
‘We’re fine. You need to get to one of the larger rooms and stay there. The hurricane’s coming up a speed and everyone needs to be safe.’
‘Come with me,’ she said and he felt bad at knowing he couldn’t.
‘I’ll take you,’ Hatty said and he gulped hard, fearing his aunt would barrage her with insults. ‘Philip and Frederick must be around and they’ll keep you safe.’
‘I can-.’
‘No you can’t,’ Hatty said and Jake realised his fiancé was apprehensive but standing her ground. ‘I won’t stay.’
Hatty grabbed Caroline’s arm and dragged her down the corridor. He smiled seeing the small person manoeuvre the larger woman through the people. Five minutes later as he spoke to the manager and tried to get more information, Hatty came bounding back.
‘Where did you put her?’
‘With Frederick and some American ladies. Aunt Elena’s goin’ kick his rass when she sees what flirtin’ he’s been up to,’ she laughed and he saw a beautiful glint in her eye. She turned to the manager. ‘Not that it’s any of my business but I thought all this glass was reinforced to prevent accidents?’
‘Hatty,’ said Jake, seeing she was up to something.
‘So why move people down here?’
‘Because the electricity will go and the generator can only power up so much light,’ the American woman replied.
Jake noticed the lady was scowling at Hatty while looking flirtatiously at him.
‘As you know, I am Murray Logan’s housekeeper and right hand woman so I need to know all these things to report back,’ she replied, sticking her nose in the air. ‘I also work with his son.’
‘Ah,’ he said, wondering what she was up to. ‘She certainly does.’
‘Now, are you moving Mr Murray Logan or is he safe to stay in his room?’ Hatty continued in her officious manner.
He wanted to laugh but she shot him a dirty look.
‘Mr Murray is very safe. We chose that suite because there are shutters and nothing can get to him,’ the woman said, through gritted teeth.
‘And when the lights go out?’
‘He will have emergency lighting.’
‘And his heart monitor?’
‘There’s electricity,’ the woman replied.
‘And-.’
‘That’s enough,’ Jake said, grabbing Hatty away. ‘Thank you Helen for your help.’
‘She fancies you,’ Hatty said quite loudly, as he shook his head and started to laugh.
‘Don’t start antagonising the staff. They’ve got enough on their plate as it is.’
‘Me?’ she said innocently and started to walk towards the stairs.
‘Where are you going?’
‘I’m going to stay with Murray, where do you think?’ she replied and walked up the stairs while people came rushing down with bedding and bags in their hands. ‘And I need to find Barney.’
‘That little boy Bennett wants to look after him,’ said Jake, observing her backside walking away. ‘I paid him.’
‘And what if Barney wants to go to the toilet?’
‘Hatty, you should be with the others,’ she shouted behind her, going up the stairs. He knew she was ignoring him and walked towards their bedroom. ‘What are you doing now?’
‘Getting a few things together,’ she said. He saw her take a pair of dungarees, a couple of vests and underwear, rolling them up and sticking it into the now bulging satchel. ‘Just in case. I’ve got your computer tablet too.’ Hatty patted her bag. ‘I’ll keep it safe.’
‘I see,’ Jake smiled, knowing he was going to have a hard time prising it off her. He then stopped for a moment as they smiled at each other, momentarily oblivious to the chaos around them. ‘I love you Hatty Ha Ha.’
‘Ya a lucky boy den!’ she said, going into the bathroom and looking around. ‘Everything should be okay.’
‘You should go-.’
‘I’m not leaving Murray while he’s sick,’ she said firmly. ‘Will you go and check on Delores downstairs? I didn’t see her.’
‘Go to dad and stay put.’
‘Aye aye captain.’ Hatty turned and blew him a kiss as he watched her go into Murray’s room and shout. ‘Me ya nurse! Bad luck Mister Murray get ready for ya bed bath. Me got a large loofah far ya today!’ before shutting the door.
Jake laughed and went to Delores’s room then heard loud sobs. He didn’t know what to do. Gently he knocked on the door.
‘Delores? I can hear you so don’t make out you’re not in the room. You have to go downstairs, the storms on its way so-.’
‘Leave me alone!’ she shouted.
‘I can’t and Hatty asked me specifically to make sure you’re alright.’
‘Leave me alone Jacob, just leave me alone!’
He pushed the door and it was locked shut.
‘Let me see you’re fine then I’ll go,’ he said, feeling a building annoyance towards her. ‘Just so I can tell Hatty.’ Delores opened the door and glared at him through her red eyes. Her face was tearstained. She looked drained and old. ‘It’s not safe to be here.’
‘I don’t care.’
She walked back into her room and he could see she’d been nursing some vodka from the small bottle on the side.
‘I can’t leave you.’
‘I don’t see why not, you’re a Logan man so it shouldn’t be alien!’ she spat.
‘You and dad quarrelled? He’s not well and you-.’
‘Why’d you come?’ she said, staring up at him. ‘Why did you come to this island after all these years? Everything was good before you turned up and now it’s changed, everything has changed, can’t you see?’
‘You can’t have him to yourself,’ Jake replied, betraying what he really felt. ‘Your own special place where you can pretend you’re with him.’
‘I am with him.’
‘He doesn’t want to marry you. I heard him say so and I can see you make him unhappy.’
‘What would you know!’ she snapped and marched around, swigging from her glass. ‘I’ve looked after him for years. What do you know about our relationship?’
‘I know he’s still in love with Eloise,’ he said, feeling the bile rise in his throat on admitting it. ‘And he always will be. My mother and you were to stop the pain he was going through but it didn’t work. I know that.’
‘He used your mother and he used me. You must be so proud!’ she said, turning to stare hard at him. ‘Are you getting your own back on me by using Harriet?’
‘I love her.’
‘You don’t.’
‘Look Delores, I don’t care what you think but stay here or go, doesn’t bother me but it will bother Hatty, that’s if you really care about her.’
‘You have a theory?’ she said, walking past him and closing the door. ‘Tell me.’
‘I think you used her to get close to dad and it worked for a time but now she doesn’t need you, she’s capable of standing on her own two feet. I also think you’re jealous of her and it shows.’ Jake swallowed hard after he
said it, looking at her. She was standing too close to him. He was shocked to suddenly find her lips on his as her hand felt his crotch. He pushed her away. ‘What the fuck are you doing?’
Delores half smiled before bursting into tears. Jake opened the door only to see Caroline standing close by.
‘What’s wrong? Why’s Delores crying?’ she asked, peering into the room.
‘She’s drunk,’ he said dismissively, wiping his mouth and heading for his father’s room, confused and shocked.
Jake braced himself against the wall and took a deep breath before opening the door. He found Hatty taking Murray’s pulse.
‘That’s perfectly fine,’ she said, authoritatively. ‘I can confirm you’re alive.’
‘Thank god you’re here,’ said Murray cheerfully. ‘Nurse Hatty’s driving me mad.’
‘Now, now Mister Murray, your proper nurse will turn up soon, that’s if she hasn’t been blown away by the wind. Then I’ll be on hand to look after you. Me not givin’ ya a bed bath today!’
‘Frankly I’d be afraid where you’d shove the loofah,’ he said as she laughed. ‘Can’t you take her somewhere to keep her out of trouble?’
‘Then I’d miss her,’ replied Jake. ‘For a second.’
‘Did you find aunt?’ she asked, pretending to smooth down the bed.
‘Yes,’ Jake said and noticed his father’s smile disappear from his face. ‘She’s fine.’
‘Good,’ smiled Hatty and then looked towards the window with the shutters pulled down. ‘There’s going to be a lot of damage to your buildings, do you know that?’
‘I realise some things will get broken,’ Murray said quietly. ‘But we’ll get everything fixed.’
‘What if my house gets damaged?’ Hatty had her hands on her hips as Jake sat in the chair, still reeling over what Delores did to him and feeling sick. ‘Will you fix it for me?’
‘You are such a selfish little girl sometimes,’ Murray wearily replied, then Jake realised he was staring at him. ‘Hatty, if you want to be helpful could you get some orange juice for me?’
‘I know the way to the kitchen I’ll be right back,’ she said, taking off her satchel and placing it on his bed. ‘Look after that.’
Hatty walked past and bent down to kiss Jake gently on the lips before heading out of the door.
‘What did she say?’ Murray asked, shuffling up on the bed as Jake rushed to help him.
‘She was a bit drunk,’ he replied quickly. ‘And being her usual rude self. I take it you quarrelled?’
‘We had words.’
‘Do you want to talk about-.’
‘Best not,’ he said, looking uncomfortable. ‘When this is all over I’ll explain but keep an eye on her as I know she was pretty upset when she left here.’
‘You upset her?’
‘I told her the truth.’
‘I see,’ said Jake, trying to see if he could gather some more information from his father but noticed he was looking away. ‘When Hatty gets back we’ll give you some peace and quiet.’
‘How’s she coping?’
‘She was hiding out by the swimming pool today so I know she’s scared but I’ll look after her, don’t worry about that.’
‘I don’t,’ he said, quickly glancing up at him. ‘And you’re still set on getting married?’
‘A year tomorrow to be exact,’ he laughed.
‘No!’ Jake heard from behind him to see Caroline standing at the door. ‘You’re not marrying her!’
‘Caroline,’ said Murray, suddenly agitated. ‘It has nothing to do with you!’
‘Look Aunt Caroline can we talk about it another time, can’t you see dad needs to rest?’ Jake replied, knowing his aunt looked furious as he realised he’d dug himself into yet another hole.
‘You can’t throw your life away on her! By all means have a fling but not marriage, no way!’ she said, storming towards him, turning to Murray. ‘You set this up didn’t you? You forced him into this?’
‘He did not and leave him alone!’ snapped Jake, seeing his aunt’s surprised glare. ‘Dad had a mild heart attack only a few days ago and he doesn’t need this stress. I’d appreciate it if you keep this information to yourself.’ He felt a surge of anger rise through him. ‘I love her and she loves me. Hatty didn’t ask me to marry her it was the other way round. I want to be with her for the rest of my life.’
‘You’re young! You don’t-.’
‘I know how I feel and I don’t want anyone telling me different,’ he said looking at Murray who was staring at Caroline. ‘We live in different times and whatever you think about things, well it’s not my problem and you’ll have to get used to it.’
‘Will I?’ she said. Jake looked at her standing in the room as if dwelling on something before she shook her head from side to side. ‘Do you think your mother would want this?’
‘What’s Jane got to do with this?’ barked Murray and Jake saw him take a sharp breath.
‘Are you okay dad?’ he asked, agitated with his aunt before snapping. ‘Could you just go and we’ll talk about this later. And don’t go upsetting Hatty!’
Hatty merrily walked down the corridor with a jug of orange juice and a glass. She then saw Caroline storm out, then stop.
‘This isn’t over, do you hear me!’ the woman sharply said as Hatty didn’t know what to think.
She rushed to Murray’s room and saw Jake leaning over the bed.
‘Your Aunt Caroline-.’
‘Leave it!’ snapped Jake as Hatty bit her lip seeing Murray weakened.
‘Don’t take it out on her, it’s not her fault,’ said Murray quietly as Hatty walked to the other side of the bed and put down the jug of juice.
‘Sorry Ha Ha but Caroline just found out we’re getting married and she’s not happy.’
‘I noticed,’ she said, seeing Jake was upset. ‘That’s why she said ‘it isn’t over’, makes sense.’ Hatty stroked Murray’s head. ‘Do you need me to drag your nurse out of the bar?’
‘Wish I could have a drink,’ he sighed as Hatty poured him an orange juice.
‘I’m dreading going downstairs,’ she said honestly, as Murray grimaced.
‘You might as well talk to her now and get it over and done with,’ he gently said, touching her hand. ‘I never wanted the pair of you to go through what Eloise and I did. It’s horrible when people don’t accept your decision, regardless of how old you are. And it hurts when they don’t appreciate you love someone. I buckled under the strain, the biggest mistake of my life.’
‘We can’t leave you,’ Hatty said, staring into his eyes. ‘Whatever anyone says, it doesn’t matter as I know how I feel. As for him?’ She flicked Jake a glance. ‘Who knows?’
‘I didn’t mean to snap,’ he said guiltily.
‘Don’t do it again!’ she said sharply and kissed Murray’s cheek. ‘I’ll keep out of your way and keep your nurse’s company at the bar.’
When she went down stairs, many people were in the basement and in the larger secure rooms. A few people were having a drink, ignoring the worries around them. Hatty walked to the kitchen, nodded to the manager and poked her head to see people cooking.
Then she heard Ethel.
‘Dat not ‘ow ya make it!’ the old woman snapped at the young chef.
‘I’d leave her as she bites,’ laughed Hatty, seeing Ethel had taken over the kitchen and her daughter Mercy was close by. ‘What ya doing Auntie Ethel?’
‘We need proper food,’ she said with extreme authority. ‘An’ me sick an’ tired waitin’ for dis blasted hurricane to pass.’
‘Tonight or tomorrow,’ Hatty sighed. ‘Do you want me to help?’
‘No!’ the woman barked, making Hatty laugh. ‘Stay out of trouble. Me see ya aunt gettin’ ‘erself merry.’
‘Delores?’
‘Well it not me,’ said Ethel, walking towards her. ‘Me not see Delores like dat before. Go an’ see she alright.’
‘All these bloody aunts
,’ she blurted out. ‘Not you, but Jake’s aunt is annoyed about Jake and me. She said-.’
‘What dat?’ Ethel asked, looking at the chain around Hatty’s neck.
‘Nothing,’ she said, putting her hand on her throat.
‘Lemme see.’
‘No,’ Hatty said but Ethel prised it from her neck and her eyes widened then she looked at Hatty. ‘It’s a present.’
‘It ya moder’s,’ she said and Hatty noticed Ethel let out a little sigh. ‘Me never tought me see it again.’
‘Well you have,’ said Hatty, realising she was going red.
‘Why ya shine?’ Ethel asked. ‘Ya not wid child?’
‘No I’m not,’ she said, seeing the old lady’s hand head towards her stomach as she slapped it away, making Ethel laugh.
‘Leave her nah?’ said Mercy, rolling her eyes at her mother before smiling at Hatty. ‘Ya boy nice.’
‘Yeah,’ Hatty said as Ethel smiled. ‘Now I’m going to find aunt or go to the bar, whichever comes first.’
She walked out, tucking her necklace back in, and noticed the men standing by bar as hardly any women were about.
Hatty jumped up on a stool at the corner and waited to be served. She noticed it was the manager, called Helen, who ignored her for ten minutes before a man pointed towards Hatty.
‘What can I get for you?’ the woman smiled.
Hatty knew a false one when she saw it.
‘A bottle of champagne,’ she said flatly, watching the woman sneer. ‘Two glasses.’
‘You know we are charging for alcohol,’ she said snootily.
‘Then put it on my room,’ sighed Hatty, reaching for the snacks at the bar as the woman turned to get a bottle from the fridge and opened it, pouring out a glass. ‘No!’ She put a hand over the empty glass. ‘Just one for the time being and I’d like an ice bucket.’
As she sipped her champagne, Hatty observed the people walking about, but in all that time, she could hear the sound outside which was being muffled by the human noise within. She stared into space then glanced around, knowing people were keeping their distance but looking at her. A pair of women in the far corner were whispering and glancing over.
‘Champagne?’ Jake said, suddenly standing next to her with his laptop in his hand. ‘What are you celebrating?’