Chapter One

 

Karen watched. The body language was all there. She shouldn’t be here! She should’ve hired someone.  She couldn’t leave now though! She was glued to her seat. Paralyzed to the spot! How could someone be so two faced? It was as though she were reading a book. This kind of thing doesn’t happen in real life, not to her anyway. The past was supposed to be behind them, not loitering provocatively in the present!

Oh shit! They were parting. They would surely walk this way and see her. No, no. They kissed goodbye, a lingering romantic kiss, and went their separate ways, further into the bowels of the shopping centre.

Karen finished her cappuccino and tried to let the facts settle in her mind. Back to Principles where she’d seen that gorgeous red skirt. She deserved a present. Maybe they’d have a top to go with it. And some shoes. And perhaps a handbag. She definitely deserved to spend some of the bastard’s money.

 

 

Chapter Two

 

Jamie looked at his watch. 0356. Selina still wasn’t home. He’d kill her when he got his hands on her. She knew what time she was expected in, irrespective of whether he was working late or not. He rolled over towards Grace and rubbed his wife’s arm. She pushed him away. How unusual!

‘Go away.’

‘Selina isn’t back, Grace. Who did she say she was out with?’

‘I wasn’t really listening, I was watching Eastenders.’

Jamie got out of bed and made his way down to the kitchen. Why had he married Grace? Jesus, she’d never loved him from the start. Never mind the fact he was doing the right thing. So long as she got to have a comfortable life she didn’t feel it necessary to be nice to her husband, she hadn’t for the whole fifteen years of their marriage.

Jamie found his mobile phone and scrolled through to Selina’s number. He pressed the call button and waited for the call to connect. But what if it didn’t connect? Where would he start the search? All sorts of thoughts started running through his mind. His heart started pounding.

‘Dad?’

‘Selina!’ Jamie was so relieved the call had connected, his heart beat slowed a little.

‘Dad! I don’t know where I am!’

‘Jesus, Selina! I’ve been going out of my mind. Why didn’t you call?’

‘I dunno. Come and get me, dad, please.’

‘Where do you think you are?’ Jamie asked, rummaging in his jacket pockets for his car keys. They had to be there, he’d only just used them to lock to the door!

‘We were at Lucy’s, then we went for a drive, but some of the boys got a bit aggressive, so we got out, and I don’t know!’ Selina wailed.

‘Come on, honey, you know every street in Mormper. What direction did you leave Lucy’s in?’

‘We headed down Castle Street first, took a left on to Palace Avenue, right at the end, Mansion Row, then I got disorientated. They started spinning round and round and stuff! I don’t know if we’ve ended up outside Stepsley or Bellion. The shadows are so confusing! I’m so lost, just find us dad! Please, hurry!’

‘I’m on my way, buttercup. I’m calling Charlie and Bob. If they get to you first go with them, they’ll let me know. I’m going to have to hang up on you, sweetie, to be able to ring them. I’ll call you straight back, I promise.’

‘Dad, I’m scared.’

‘I know, honey. We’re only five minutes apart. I promise.’

Jamie started the Audi and headed for Bellion. She was far more likely to be there, surely. The boys had a better escape route away from Mormper in that direction, whereas Stepsley kind of hemmed you in like a cul-de-sac.

He rang Bob on the way. Bob was out the door and on his way to Stepsley before Jamie had hung up. Bob was to ring Charlie. Thank god none of them had fallen asleep yet. It had been one of those nights, where you needed to wind down with a drink or two, preferably alcoholic, before going to bed.

‘Selina?’

‘Dad! You were gone for ages!’

‘It was two minutes, babe. Bob and Charlie are headed for Stepsley. I’m almost at Bellion. Are you on the main road, do you think?’

‘Yes. No street lights, but white lines on the centre of the road.’

‘Can you see any headlights?’

‘No.’

‘Are you alone?’

‘No. Lucy’s here.’

‘Ok. Stand in the middle of the road. If you see headlights, move, but not so as I won’t see you. I’m not travelling too fast, but I need to be able to see you.’

‘Ok. I’m in the middle of the road. Right on the white line.’

‘Good girl. Where’s Lucy?’

‘She’s sat on the grass. She hasn’t spoken to me since we got out of the car.’

‘How long have you been there?’

‘About three quarters of an hour.’

‘Jesus! You know I’m going to want to investigate this, don’t you.’

‘I think that’s why Lucy isn’t speaking to me. It would be very uncool.’

‘Uncool? Uncool! I’ll give her bloody uncool!’

‘Dad! I can see headlights! God, they’re bright! They’re too high for you, dad. Is Bob in the Jeep? It could be a Jeep.’

‘Quite possibly.’ 

‘Dad, it’s ok. It’s Bob!’

‘Ok, get Lucy in the Jeep first. Let me talk to Bob.’

‘Ok. I love you, dad.’

‘Love you too, buttercup.’

Jamie’s heart pace slowed now he knew his daughter was safe. He hadn’t realised until that moment how scared he was. His knuckles were white, gripping the steering wheel. Someone was going to pay for this!

‘J. What’s up?’ Bob’s deep, gruff voice came on the line.

‘Bob! Thank god! Put the child locks on. Don’t let them out until I’ve questioned them. Something doesn’t sit right here.’

‘No problem. Charlie’ll meet us at yours.’

‘Thanks Bob, see you in five.’

He wanted answers. Answers he knew his daughter would give. But he was sure her friend wouldn’t cooperate. He thought he already knew most of the answers. The girls wanted to impress the boys so they got in the car with them. The boys then decided to show off, like they do. They probably knew who Selina’s father was – just about everyone in Mormper did! That was why they had disorientated her down Mansion Row. The road was wide enough to go round in circles without coming close to touching a curb stone. He was sure ‘being aggressive’ as Selina had said really meant in a sexual way. If he got his hands on them he’d kill them all!

Before Jamie knew it he was back in front of his house. After a couple of moments Charlie was there, followed by Bob.

Charlie walked round to the passenger side of Bob’s Jeep and climbed in. Jamie walked to the rolled down window.

‘No comments so far, boss.’

Jamie nodded.

‘Dad?’

‘Selina, you know the drill.’

Selina nodded and turned to her friend.

‘Lucy, you don’t have a choice. We’ve been picked up at almost half four in the morning by three coppers, it’s totally suspicious. Unless you answer my dad’s questions, he’ll take you down to Vasley Street and follow protocol,’ Selina advised her friend.

‘It’s all your fault anyway! If you had let them get their own way they would’ve brought us home safely!’ Lucy yelled.

‘Rape carries a sentence, Lucy. And have you forgotten we’re minors!’ Selina defiantly told her friend. Police officer in the making, she made Jamie so proud!

‘She’s right,’ Charlie nodded from the front seat, still staring out the windscreen as though not actually listening. Normal behaviour for Charlie. Appearing completely detached from the situation. As if!

‘It wouldn’t have been rape!’ Lucy started to protest.

‘Yes it would! I didn’t feel comfortable with those guys, and neither did you, I saw how afraid you looked. That’s why I insisted we get out of the car! They wouldn’t have settled with that. They had their friends following us in another car. They would’ve got to use us too, like cheap pieces of meat. They were bragging about Chelsey and Merrina, and how they used them, for god’s sake! I can not believe what you are saying!’

‘Fenny loves me, Selina. I can’t believe you don’t understand that! I would do anything for him. Maybe you’re just jealous!’

‘Jealous? Of Fenny? Oh, man! Lucy, let me explain something to you. You are 15 years old. He’s 24! He’s been shagging around for years! He’s got about three kids by various different girls all over the county! Like, hello! He doesn’t love anyone but himself. If he loved you he wouldn’t have driven you to a lonely country lane. And he definitely wouldn’t have been with his friends, would he? God, you’re so stupid! Dad, I want to go to bed, I’ve had enough. I’ll answer any questions in the morning. I can’t answer with this idiot here anyway. She seems to think I’m the one in the wrong here! Can you believe that?’

Jamie opened the door and let his daughter out.

‘Bob, you ok to take Lucy home?’

‘Sure thing, boss. She’s on my street.’

Charlie got out of the Jeep and headed to his Golf.

‘Be seeing you about six o’clock, boss.’

‘See you, Charlie. Thanks.’

Bob drove off, towards Tower Place. Charlie turned his car around and headed in the opposite direction to Fortress Way.

‘Come on, Sel. Let’s get you inside,’ Jamie said with an arm around his daughter, leading her into the house. No more interrogation. Not for tonight.

‘I can name them all, dad. Kieran Fench, Allan Dunn, Simon Archer, Mark Bloom, Rory Cheedle, and Gary Edwards, he was driving our car.’

‘You’re sure?’

‘You want me to say it under oath or something?’

‘Hey! I’m just trying to get the facts here! Were they coherent?’

‘Yes, perhaps a little slurred. But not much, they’d maybe had a few cans, but they were smoking normal cigarettes.’

‘As opposed to?’

‘Joints, dad.’

‘Ok. Do you know which one was driving the other car?’

‘Not one hundred percent. I would guess Simon Archer. He lost his licence a couple of months ago and won’t let any of the others drive him anywhere. Idiot. He definitely wasn’t in the same car as me and Lucy.’

‘Thanks, chicken. Would you like a drink?’

‘Please. What are you going to do?’

‘Surveillance. If Lucy isn’t willing to talk I can’t force her to. It’s not worth it. Your word against six lads isn’t going to stick as much as it should, so we’ll forget that too, besides, I’ve already got a pretty clear picture of what happened out there. I recognise all the names you’ve given me, babe, so when I get a spare couple of hours I’ll catch Archer, driving without a licence, hopefully intoxicated, high as a damn kite would be better. I’m sure we can come to some sort of an arrangement about a decent stint in prison.’

Selina smiled, ‘I’m so lucky to have a dad like you. What would I do without you?’ Selina hugged her dad.

‘I’m not going to answer that question. I think we both know the answer anyway.’

‘Yeah, I’d be dead by now.’

Jamie gave his daughter the glass of milk he’d poured for her and then sent her off to bed with a flea in her ear for getting into the car with those thugs in the first place, and for not contacting him immediately.

Jamie found his Jameson’s and poured a generous measure into his tea. Now he was really off duty. His daughter was safely tucked in bed. His wife was asleep and probably dreaming of her latest shag. This was Jamie time.

 

 

Chapter Three

 

Karen scrolled through Michael’s phone. She found saved messages in the inbox. At first she overlooked them. They were from Jamie Robertson. She knew of Jamie. His daughter was in her year 10 English class. He was a policeman. Some kind of Sergeant, she thought. So, why would a policeman be texting her husband? Let’s see what they’re saying.

 

HI THANX 4 LAST NIGHT IT REALLY PICKED ME UP GREAT FILM CU SOON

 

Innocent enough. He had told her he was going to the cinema with the lads. Although his reason was high sales so the manager was treating them. Jamie definitely did not work with him, he was definitely some sort of police officer.

 

HIYA JUST THOUGHT I’D TEXT C WOT UR UP2, NOT A LOT GOIN ON HERE, JUST BOREDOM! X

 

Ok, the ‘X’ seems a little unnecessary. Maybe a habit of texting his daughter and wife? An easy mistake to make.

 

I NEVER KNEW U WERE SO TALENTED. I SHOULD’VE NABBED U YEARS AGO!

 

Michael is a very conscientious employee. Maybe Jamie wanted him on the force. Karen suddenly felt that maybe she was being a little bit too suspicious for her own good. Ok, so she didn’t know the woman he was in town with. But these messages were not from a female, just friendly banter between to guys. Thank heavens!

Just one more and she’ll believe it’s Jamie Robertson.

 

I’M THINKING OF U WHILE SHUT ALONE IN MY ROOM. DO U WANT TO HELP ME?

 

What does that mean? Undercover work? Ok, one more, just for confirmation.

 

U KNOW EXACTLY WOT I MEAN, GORGEOUS. OR WAS FRIDAY NITE NOTHIN 2U? I CAN

ARRANGE4 UR WIFE2FIND OUT U KNOW!XXXXXXXXXX

 

Karen froze. This was clearly not the reply of Jamie Robertson. She needed to find out who this was, and whether they had anything to do with Jamie. She certainly hoped Selina wasn’t involved in any way.

‘Kazza! Do you know where my phone is? I’m expecting a call!’ Michael called from the kitchen.

‘No, darling. I haven’t seen it. Do you want me to ring it?’ Karen asked, quickly exiting all the menus until the picture of a Porsche whatever appeared, then returned it to Michael’s suit jacket. Who was he expecting to call? Jamie Robertson??

‘Well, I’m surprised it hasn’t rung already. That brother of mine!’

‘What has George done?’

Michael joined Karen in the sitting room. He heaved a sigh before telling her about George’s close encounter with the police. Karen wasn’t really listening. She was more intrigued with Michael. How could he just sit there and chat away like he wasn’t having an affair? The nerve of him. Perhaps that was why he was such a good salesman. Karen just wasn’t interested anymore. He made her skin crawl.

 

 

Chapter Four

 

‘Ok, so are you all clear on that? Five thousand words by next Friday?’ Karen looked around, twenty five heads nodded reluctantly.

The class packed their things away and headed out of the classroom. Selina stayed behind, as she had been asked to at the beginning of class. She was a little worried. She had nothing to be afraid of, surely. Her course work was always completed on time, to a good standard. She had no outstanding homework. There were no complaints from any of her other teachers.

‘Thank you for staying behind, Selina. Don’t worry, you’re not in trouble, come over to my desk, would you?’

Selina visibly calmed. Her warm smile reappeared on her face, and Karen took it to be an invitation to speak.

‘Do you know if your father does any kind of private detective work?’ Karen asked.

‘No, Miss.’

‘Ok, do you think it would be possible for him to ring me on this number?’ Karen asked producing a business card with her husbands name on it.

‘This is for Mr Wood, Miss,’ Selina observed.

‘Yes. My number is on the back. I should be most grateful if you pass it on to him tonight. It really is most urgent that I speak with him as soon as possible.’

‘No probs, Miss.’

‘Thank you, Selina. Off you go.’

Selina understood herself to be dismissed. She left the classroom and waited by the old oak tree for Ella. Ever since the incident with Lucy she had steered clear of that group and found a kinship with Ella MacIntyre. Ella didn’t generally fit in, she wasn’t cool so Lucy’s group made fun of her.

Her father had died the previous summer of cancer and she had taken it really badly, no one had wanted to talk with her about it, no one wanted to be her ‘shoulder-to-cry-on.’ Selina had been the first person to broach the subject with Ella, who gladly told Selina everything. Crying with happiness and sorrow during her sad tale. She now lived with her grandmother. Her mother had died during child birth, and her father had done a really good job of being both mum and dad right till the end. Something Selina could relate to.

Ella approached from the sports hall. She looked as glum as she always looked on Friday. Selina always managed to cheer her up on the walk home though. One of her dad’s better skills to have acquired.

 

Chapter Five

 

Karen kept glancing at her phone. When would Jamie Robertson ring? No doubt when she got in her car and started driving home. She picked up her bag and stuffed her weekend homework – marking Year 9 Shakespeare essays – in it. She decided to stop off at the shop on the way home. A box of maltesers would be perfect company tonight, especially if Michael did his usual stop out, at his floozy’s no doubt.

As Karen locked the classroom door she heard her phone going crazy in her bag. She fumbled through her bag to find it.

‘Hello?’

‘Hi, Miss Wood? Or Mrs Wood?’

‘Mrs. Speaking.’

‘Hi, it’s Jamie Robertson. My daughter, Selina, asked that I ring you as soon as possible.’

Karen heaved a sigh of relief, ‘Yes, Mr Robertson, I was wondering if you have made my husbands acquaintance?’

‘Please, it’s Jamie. And no, I don’t believe I have. Should I know him?’

‘Well, I’m not quite sure how to answer that question. Would it be possible to meet you? Perhaps only for ten minutes or so, but it’s quite complicated over the phone.’

‘Certainly. I’m not due at the station until six. Would before six be ok?’

‘Yes, thank you. Would it be possible for you to come to my house?’

‘Of course. What’s the address?’

‘Twelve, Palace Avenue. Would about five o’clock be ok? I’d rather speak with you before my husband gets home from work. That’s if he decides to come home tonight,’ Karen said, more to herself than her listener.

‘Sure. Do I need back up?’ Jamie joked.

Karen laughed, ‘sadly, Jamie, you might.’

‘Seriously?’ Jamie sounded shocked.

‘Yes. Perhaps not while I speak with you though.’

‘Is Selina ok?’

‘Oh yes, this is nothing directly linked to Selina at all. She’s a model pupil, wonderful in fact. If only you could attend her parents’ evenings, they really are quite something. It would be so lovely to be able to compliment parents rather than complain to them all the time! We have a parents evening coming up just before the end of term.’

‘I’ll try and get the time off for that next one then. Does my wife not attend, Mrs Wood?’ Jamie asked, genuinely interested.

‘No, sadly not. Selina told me it was something of an awkward situation.’

‘That means her mother can’t be bothered. I’m afraid my wife’s opinion of importance is watching her soaps, Mrs Wood, not taking an interest in her daughters life. And I may say some quite unnecessary things about her, if you knew her you’d realize why. Anyhow, I really shouldn’t be bothering you with all this. And I shall be over about five.’

‘Thank you, Jamie, see you soon.’

‘Goodbye Mrs Wood.’

 

Chapter Six

 

Why the hell had he said all that? He didn’t even know the bloody woman! She sounded nice too. What a shame she was married. Jamie knew of his wife’s antics with other men. He had once decided to start a relationship to get him away from his wife, but the girl had wanted more, he couldn’t possibly leave Grace. More so Selina. How could he break up the family home while Selina was still at school? It didn’t work as he’d expected, so he knew it would be after Selina had finished studying completely before he made the leap. With her.

‘Sel, you ok to get yourself some dinner, babe?’ Jamie called down the hall to his daughter.

Selina was dancing and singing her way through ‘Hairspray’ and drooling every time ‘Link’ came on screen.

‘Hey! Selina! I’m talking to you!’ Jamie called.

‘Hey mama, hey mama, have some fun!’ Selina sang.

‘I haven’t left this house since 1951!’ Jamie joined in, knowing he wouldn’t get any sense out of her until the song was over.

Selina beamed at him and carried on singing. Jamie danced with his daughter. Every time they had this fun he felt guilty. This should be Grace, not him, singing and dancing along with his daughter. Selina never complained though.

‘Good one, dad!’ Selina said, slightly out of breath.

‘Jesus! That’s worse than my gym workout!’ Jamie complained.

‘Did you want me for something?’

‘Yes, you ok to get yourself some dinner? I’m off out a bit earlier tonight.’

‘Sure. Are you seeing Mrs Wood?’

‘Yes. I rang her as soon as you told me. Seems a bit cryptic to me. Maybe I should take Bob.’

‘Nah, she’s really nice, dad. You have to promise me not to talk about me!’

‘We already did that. I can tell you now I’ll be making an appearance at your next parents evening!’

‘Why?! Oh, dad!’

‘That’s between me and your teacher. If she thinks I need to attend parents evening, that’s that. I’m attending.’

‘But I always do my homework and everything! Hang on, are you winding me up?’

Jamie grinned, ‘me? Would I?’

‘Dad!’ Selina threw a cushion at him, but he was much quicker and blocked it, picking her up and tickling her.

‘Dad! No!’ Selina shrieked, wriggling to try and free herself. But she loved it.

‘Well, after all that excitement I’m off. God knows what time your mother will be home, but if she’s not home by ten give me a ring, if you can’t get me ring Bob or Charlie. Ok?’

‘Yes, sir! Dad, sir!’

‘Oh, shut up! I love you, pumpkin.’

‘Love you too, dad. I hope you have a quiet night.’

‘Me too, babe.’

Jamie made his way back to the kitchen. Keys. Phone. Jacket. Mrs Wood’s.

 

 

Chapter Seven

 

Karen stirred the cheese sauce and tasted it. Mmmm-mmm. Just right. She poured the mix over the cauliflower and put it in the oven. She was getting good at meals for one again. Like during her university days, when everyone else ate in town on a Friday, but she had wanted to save as many pennies as possible.

She had tried calling Michael but his phone went straight through to voice mail. That had become a Friday night regular, obviously you turn your phone off whilst in the pub! How could he think she was this stupid? Bloody idiot!

The doorbell rang. Karen hurried down the hall to answer the down. She opened the door expecting Jamie Robertson.

A very handsome blonde man stood before her. This couldn’t possibly be Jamie Robertson, could it? He was nothing she’d expected. This surely couldn’t be him? This handsome specimen? Wow!

‘Hi, Mrs Wood?’ Jamie asked, smiling Selina’s smile.

Oh that smile! It looked sweet on Selina, it looked positively seductive of this beau! Compose yourself, Karen!

‘Yes, but please, it’s Karen. You must be Jamie.’

‘That’s right.’

‘Please come on in, could I get you a drink at all?’ Karen was stumbling over her words now. She felt like a teenager again! Her legs had turned to jelly. Her heart was beating fiercely against her chest. He was sure to hear it!

‘A tea would be great. Milk, no sugar, sweet enough already!’ Jamie joked. That smile appeared again!

Karen laughed, ‘please go through to the sitting room, I’ll join you once I’ve made drinks.’

Jamie obediently sat in the sitting room. Beautiful house. Karen knew how to decorate and accessorize. This put his and Selina’s efforts to shame!

‘I apologise for calling you so suddenly, Jamie. I have been doing a bit of snooping around my husband, and he seems to have a fair few suggestive text messages allegedly from you,’ Karen set the tea on the coffee table in front of Jamie, and took the seat next to him on the sofa. She had somewhat composed herself now. Her heart was beating at its normal pace. She was trying not to look at him though. His blue eyes pierced her, as though he were reading her mind.

‘I’m afraid I don’t even know your husband.’

‘Yes, I thought as much. My husband is clearly having an affair. I was wondering if you would be able to find out a bit more for me, so as I can challenge him with more evidence and get rid of him once and for all.’

Karen spoke with such vehemence Jamie wondered how she’d cope if she were in his situation, with his wife constantly having affairs, ever since Selina was born and before too.

‘Did you make a note of the number?’ Jamie asked, business like, thinking he probably already knew the answer.

‘As a matter of fact I did. Here we go,’ Karen handed Jamie the scrap of paper.

‘Well, this isn’t something I need to investigate too thoroughly,’ Jamie said, recognising the number immediately, and wondering how to break it to Karen. ‘The entry in your husbands phone, did it just say Jamie?’

‘No, it said Jamie Robertson. Had it been as vague as Jamie I never would’ve known, and wouldn’t have thought to ask you.’

‘Right surname. Wrong forename.’

‘I’m sorry, I’m not sure I follow.’

Jamie met her gaze, ‘this is my wife’s number. Karen, I’m so sorry.’

Karen froze. How could she not have seen that? Oh what a can of worms! How the hell would Jamie react now? Hang on! He’d just apologised! What-?

‘Don’t be too stunned. My wife is somewhat, loose. We very much lead individual lives. My priority is Selina. She means everything to me, and the one thing Grace and I agree on is that we won’t separate until Selina’s finished studying.’

‘Oh, I’m so sorry! I had no idea!’ Karen blushed slightly.

‘Don’t worry,’ Jamie smiled. ‘I’m more concerned about you. How are you going to cope knowing this? I’m used to it. It’s become something I shrug off now.’

Karen shook her head. There were just no words.

‘My advice? Take a long hot bubble bath, get rid of all that tension, get a bottle of wine, watch some cheesy movies, and act like you know nothing. I’ll have a word with Grace tomorrow, and get back to you.’

‘Ok. Thank you. God, I could do with a weekend at a health spa! Get this pain out of my shoulders! I think I’ll take your advice, long hot bubble bath, movies. No wine though, I used to have an alcohol problem,’ Karen said rubbing her neck and shoulders and wondering why the hell she’d just told this gorgeous stranger that.

‘Oh, I’m sorry.’