The art of deception Read online

  ‘Don’t you dare tell her about me and John. She’ll turn her nose up at me and she’ll just judge me when she hasn’t got the facts in front of her.’

  ‘She won’t. She not like that. You’ll be surprised how nice she is. Actually, she’s a psychiatrist – that’s what she’s gets paid for, to talk to people and help them with their problems.’

  Angie spluttered into her tea. She needed to avoid this woman at all costs.

  <><><>

  Two hours later, the doorbell rang. For a second, she feared it was John.

  Alan leapt up from his seat. ‘That’ll be her!’

  ‘Oh God, I’ll go upstairs.’

  ‘No, you won’t. Please let me at least introduce her.’

  ‘Dad … no.’ Tears came into her eyes, and she had the urge to run away again. But she was trapped.

  Her dad went out to answer the door. They didn’t come in straightaway, and Angie could hear them talking. Her hands shook.

  pg. 152

  The attractive woman behind him when he came in had short black hair and green eyes. Plump, she wore jeans and a smart top and looked about fifty.

  She smiled at Angie and held out her hand.

  ‘Hallo, Angie. How lovely to meet you. I’m Rachel.’

  ‘Hallo.’

  ‘Mind if I sit by you?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘I’ll get us a drink, shall I?’ Alan said.

  Angie studied Rachel’s face. ‘So. You’re dad’s girlfriend.’

  ‘I am, and you’re his beautiful daughter.’

  ‘Not sure about the beautiful bit.’

  ‘You look a lot like your mum.’

  ‘Yes. When people see photos of me now and mum when she was my age, they say we’re very much alike.’

  ‘Yes, that’s very true.’

  ‘I had no idea Dad was seeing someone. Never thought he’d be going on dates again.’

  Rachel laughed. ‘Yes, you get a bit out of practice. But we’re both in a similar position. I lost my husband three years ago – a heart attack – so your dad and I had something in common from the start. He made me laugh for the first time in ages.’

  She smiled. ‘Yes, he is funny when he wants to be. A bit accident-prone, too, I think you’ll find.’

  ‘I’ve noticed.’ Rachel smiled.

  Alan came in carrying a bottle of sparkling white wine, which he put on the table. He filled three glasses to the brim.

  Rachel drunk half of hers immediately. ‘Sorry, I’m a bit nervous,’ she said.

  ‘Be careful, it might go straight to your head,’ Alan said.

  ‘That’s what I’m hoping for,’ she giggled.[AB17]

  ‘Angie’s staying with me for a few days, aren’t you, love?’

  ‘For as long as you’ll have me.’

  ‘That’s great,’ Rachel said. ‘I’d love us to be friends. I never had a daughter, only two sons, so I never had the chance for a bit of girly talk. It gets boring in a house of men where the only conversation is football, cricket and rugby. Can’t understand what the attraction is, but I can leave all that talk to your dad now!’

  ‘Dad, since when did you ever talk sport?’

  ‘I do when I’m with Rachel’s sons.’

  ‘Trying to get your feet under the table?’ Angie teased.

  His face turned pink. ‘I do like football actually.’

  ‘Well, you’re a dark horse, aren’t you? That’s a side of you I never knew about.’

  pg. 153

  The conversation continued in a similar vein for the rest of the evening.

  Pleasantries and small talk, so as not to offend. Rachel seemed a nice enough woman; likeable, but she’d never take the place of Marion.

  At ten o’clock, Rachel looked at her watch. ‘Well, I’d better go. Work in the morning.’

  ‘But …’

  ‘Sorry – another time, Alan.’

  ‘Don’t leave on account of me. This is the twenty-first century, after all.’

  ‘No, Angie, it’s fine. You don’t want a strange lady sharing your father’s bed. When you’re a bit more used to the idea, I might change my mind.’

  ‘OK – it’s your choice. Nice meeting you, Rachel. If you make my dad happy, I’m happy too.’

  ‘I hope I do. And he makes me laugh. I’ll see you again, Angie. I’m so glad to have met you.’

  She gave Angie a peck on the cheek.

  Once she’d gone, Alan had a silly smile on his face.

  ‘That went rather well, didn’t it?’

  ‘Maybe, maybe not. I felt pretty uncomfortable.’

  ‘Yes, we all were, but you’ve only just met. Did you like her, though?’

  ‘It’s too early to say. You’ve done all right for yourself, Dad. Hope it works out for you.’

  ‘Thanks, love, that means everything. Hope you and John find a way around your problems, too.’

  ‘That’s not likely, but I guess it’s the thought that counts.’

  Angie felt strange sleeping in the bed she’d slept in for all but the last five years. It was nice to be home, but she missed John.

  <><><>

  When John got into work, he looked for Stuart, to let the man know the state of his home life, but there was no sign of him. As he walked to his desk, he saw Sarah.

  ‘Hi, John, how’s it going?’

  John shrugged. ‘Could be better.’

  ‘Things still not going well?’

  ‘That’s an understatement.’

  ‘Oh, and why’s that?’

  He wasn’t sure about telling her but his need to confide in someone was too great to resist.

  ‘What are you doing lunchtime?’

  ‘Nothing much. Or at least I’ve got nothing planned.’

  ‘Come across to the pub, then, and I’ll explain. Hope you’re a good listener.’

  pg. 154

  ‘I am. And I’m flattered you’ve put your trust in me.’

  ‘See you at one o’clock, then.’

  ‘Sure thing, John. Chin up, eh?’

  Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Stuart walk in.

  ‘Stuart, can you spare me a minute, please?’

  ‘Yeah, sure. Take a seat.’

  John closed the door behind him. Stuart took off his coat and sat opposite him.

  ‘How are you doing, mate? Has your wife turned up?’

  ‘In a manner of speaking. No idea where she is, but she sent me a text.’

  ‘I feel for you, John – so soon after the baby, too. If we can help, please let me know.’

  ‘As a matter of fact, I do have one small request. My parents will be looking after my son while I’m at work. I wondered if I could come in later – say 9.30 – and leave earlier at 4.30? I’ll work my lunch to make up the time.’

  ‘Not a problem with that but I’m concerned you’re having no lunch.

  Promise me you’ll take at least fifteen minutes – we all need a break.’

  ‘All right, I promise. Hopefully it’s only for a few weeks, until I make more permanent arrangements for AJ. Although my parents will look after him for now, as they’re in their sixties I don’t want them to do it for too long.’

  ‘OK, mate, it’s up to you.’

  ‘Can we start tomorrow?’

  ‘Sure, I don’t see why not. Keep me informed of any more developments.’

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘Good luck, John, I hope Angie sorts out her problems.’

  ‘Thanks for your support, Stu, it means a lot.’

  John left the office, not motivated at all. But he had a family to keep, and needed the money.

  At one, after phoning his parents about AJ, he caught sight of Sarah coming towards him.

  ‘You still want that drink?’ she asked.

  ‘Yeah – actually, I need more than one, but I don’t want to get into trouble.’

  She laughed.

  The pub was only across the road.

  ‘What can I get you to drink?’r />
  She thought for a moment. ‘Just a Coke, please.’

  ‘How about food?’

  ‘A burger and chips.’

  ‘These are on me.’

  ‘There’s no need, John.’

  ‘There is, since I need your shoulder to cry on.’

  She smiled. ‘I’ve got a few spare tissues handy.’

  ‘Thanks.’

  pg. 155

  Sarah found a table towards the rear of the room while John ordered the food and brought the drinks to their table.

  ‘There you go,’ he said, sitting down opposite her.

  He had a pint of lager, half of which he drank at once. ‘God, was I thirsty,’

  he said.

  ‘Hey, watch how you’re drinking that. Don’t think I can carry you back to work!’

  ‘Don’t worry, I’m only having the one. I’m not that stupid.’

  ‘So, what’s going on with you and Angie?’

  ‘She left the baby with Mum and Dad and did a bunk. And then sent me a text message saying she couldn’t carry on and needed time to herself, and not to contact her. She’s gone to live with some friends or maybe her dad – I’m not sure which. It’s a big blow.’

  ‘That’s so sad. Lots of women suffer before and after pregnancy, but it feels like she’s suffered more than most. I’m sure things will improve, though.’

  ‘I don’t know. Right from when she found out she was pregnant it’s been a nightmare. The morning sickness lasted the whole nine months and she ended up in hospital with it, remember? And since AJ was born, she’s never taken any interest in him. She said she wanted to go back to work to get out of the house, but they wouldn’t let her because they’d already set someone on for the six months. And when she couldn’t find a temporary job, she wanted me to agree to … to have the baby adopted.’

  John’s eyes filled with tears. Sarah squeezed his hand across the table.

  ‘Come on, John. That’s terrible, of course, but I reckon this is just because she’s sick. I sure she’ll be back to normal before you know it. She’ll soon realise what she’s missing, you can bet on it.’

  ‘I’m not so sure. She went to the doctor, but refused to take any more antidepressants than she’s been prescribed. And … and she’s been violent with me. She did this to my nose, by whacking me with a broken mug. She’s hit me more than once, and she trashed our kitchen. Every cup, plate, saucer and glass smashed to bits. She’s ranted and raved at me over the most trivial of things. I can’t fight back, Sarah, she’s a woman. I’m at my wits’ end.’

  ‘Oh my God, John, that’s awful. I can’t believe she’d do these things – I mean, whenever we’re out together, she’s lovely, friendly and funny. I feel for you.’ She gasped and clapped a hand to her mouth. ‘She’s never harmed the baby, has she?’

  ‘I feared that, too, but she hasn’t. Although she has no interest in him, she’s always done what she needs to do for him.’

  ‘Deep down, she loves him, I’m certain. All this violence and anger is probably just a cry for help.’

  ‘But I’m doing my best. Whenever I’m there, I do the chores. She only does stuff when I’m not there. What else can I do to help her? I’ve done my best

  – can’t do any more.’

  pg. 156

  ‘Do you ever go out together?’

  ‘Sure, before she got pregnant. But since then … rarely, because she was ill, and then AJ was born …’

  ‘That’s so sad – you always seemed like the perfect couple. AJ should have been the icing on the cake, shouldn’t he?’

  ‘That’s what I thought, yes.’

  Sarah noticed tears welling in his eyes and decided to steer the conversation in a more practical direction. ‘So, what will you do with the baby when you’re at work?’

  ‘Mum and Dad are minding him, but five days a week is a lot to ask.

  They’re both in their sixties – in good health, but at their age, you never know what might happen. I’ll hire a nanny or a childminder, but that option doesn’t sit well with me.’

  ‘Lots of people do it, John.’

  ‘I suppose so. But it will be hard for me to bring him up on my own.’

  ‘At least you’ve got him. What if she’d taken him with her? Who knows how often you’d see him? Be grateful for that, John.’

  ‘Yeah, you’re right. If I lost him, I’d be devastated.’

  ‘As I’ve said, she’ll come home. She’ll soon get fed up of staying with her friend and since she’s not working, she’ll be bored to death.’

  ‘When you say it like that, I feel better. I always said you’d make a perfect counsellor.’

  ‘Funny you should say that …’

  ‘Hey, get off with you. Sarah, you won’t say a word, will you? Not even my parents know what’s been going on. It’s not nice – it’s taken a lot of courage to speak to you. Not sure I could confide in anyone else, even Stuart.’

  ‘I’m flattered you chose me. Wonder what I’ve done to deserve it?’

  ‘You’re a good friend. One of the best, Sarah, and I don’t say that lightly.’

  He began to cry again.

  ‘Hey, John, come on now. Pull yourself together for little AJ. He needs you now, more than ever. You ought to see the doctor yourself if you’re that low.’

  ‘Yeah, I might do that.’

  ‘First thing in the morning.’

  ‘Err … Yes. I’ll ring the doctor’s when I get home.’

  The food came and while Sarah wolfed her food, John found he wasn’t hungry.

  ‘You not eating?’

  ‘Not hungry. I’ve lost my appetite.’

  ‘If you don’t want your chips, I’ll eat them – I’m starving.’

  ‘Help yourself.’

  A few minutes later, John glanced at his watch. ‘Time to go back.’

  ‘Yes, unfortunately. That burger was lovely. We must come here more often. Maybe invite the other guys, too.’

  pg. 157

  ‘Yes, but not to talk about my problems. We keep this to ourselves.’

  ‘If you say so. And John – stop worrying. Give her time and she’ll come running back,’ she said, squeezing his arm.

  ‘That’s what I keep telling myself.’

  ‘Why don’t you bring AJ around to mine one night? I’d love to get acquainted with him.’

  ‘Oh, that’s kind. Won’t your fella mind?’

  She rolled her eyes. ‘Nah. He’s out twice a week, football training. I get cheesed off on my own in front of the telly.’

  ‘Make sure he’s OK about it first.’

  ‘I will.’

  Back at work, John sensed the others were looking at them. He wondered if he’d done the right thing by confiding in her.

  pg. 158

  Chapter 32

  he following morning, Angie woke early, having heard her dad snoring away, as loudly as ever, in the next room. Dawn was fast approaching as T she looked out of the window. The sky was blue without a cloud in sight; another fine day was coming. Pity this didn’t make her feel any better. The appearance of Rachel on the scene had knocked the shine off her plans.

  Depressed, she sat in the living room watching breakfast TV, a bowl of cereal on her lap. Her plan to stay with her dad had gone up in smoke. She knew she had no right to spoil his relationship, even though she didn’t approve. He’d be disappointed, but at least he had Rachel.

  He came downstairs, in jeans and an old T-shirt, obviously planning to spend the day in his shed, where he restored old furniture. He made a fair amount of money from it, as he was highly skilled; Angie had seen him in action and was in awe of his talent.

  ‘You’re up early, Angie. Couldn’t you sleep?’

  ‘I slept for a bit, but I woke up at four. Had a bad dream – although you snoring didn’t help.’

  ‘Oh dear – sorry, love. I’ll stick a peg on my nose in future.’

  ‘You haven’t changed. It’s like a pneumatic drill.’

>   He smiled, his face flushing. ‘That’s what Rachel says, too.’

  ‘I’m not surprised.’

  ‘If you want breakfast, there’s plenty of stuff in the cupboards. The fridge and freezer are well stocked too, although I might need to go to the supermarket soon now you’re here.’

  ‘Wanted to talk to you about that.’

  ‘Sure. Listen, I don’t need any money off you. Business is booming, I have more work than I can handle.’

  ‘No, it’s not that … Dad, I can’t stay here now Rachel is on the scene.’

  ‘Oh, love, honestly, she isn’t put out. She likes you. You don’t have to go.

  Look, I know I tried to talk you out of staying with me in the first place, but I’ve kind of got used to having you around now. Why not wait until you’ve sorted yourself out? You’ll be so lonely living on your own.’

  She shook her head. ‘No, Dad. Rachel isn’t Mum, is she? We’d all be uncomfortable with the arrangement – it’s only right I look for somewhere else.

  I was pondering over it last night. And it’s not only that; for as long as I’m in the same town as John, we might bump into each other. I can’t face seeing him and the baby. I’m going to look for a job somewhere else.’

  ‘I don’t think there’s any need for that, love. Why not find a flat close to us, so you can pop in and we’ll come to you as well. Do you really want to be on your own, with no one to turn to? That won’t be good for you, especially right now, when you’re not at your best. You need someone around to support you.’

  pg. 159

  She groaned. ‘Dad, I hear what you’re saying but I’ll do as I see fit. Why did you wait until yesterday to tell me about Rachel? If you’d told me earlier, you’d have saved us both this upset.’

  ‘I never dreamed you’d come home, so I didn’t think you needed to meet her, but now everything’s changed. We haven’t decided what we want in the future. She stays over sometimes, but she went through hell when her husband died, and she wants to tread carefully this time. We get on well – but it’s early days yet. But I want you to share in our happiness.’

  ‘And I will, but not by living here. I’m sorry, Dad. My mind’s made up.’