The art of deception Read online

  John beamed. He couldn’t thank them enough.

  ‘You pleased with that?’ George said.

  ‘I am. I’ll be honest, Dad, it’s bucked me up no end.’

  ‘Well, you deserve a life of your own as well as bringing up AJ.’

  ‘So how did it go last night?’ Susan asked.

  ‘I enjoyed myself. We even won our match, can you believe?’

  ‘Good to see you happy again, love. After all you’ve had little to smile over lately.’

  ‘I can’t say I’m happy, Mum. Not yet. I miss Angie terribly, despite her tantrums, but I’m just taking one day at a time. I keep telling myself once she’s learnt to control her emotions and got well again, we’ll get back together.’

  ‘Let’s hope you’re right.’

  ‘I’d better go. I’ll fetch AJ as soon as I can tonight.’

  ‘All right – ring me when you’re leaving, so I know when to do your dinner.’

  ‘I will.’

  For once he wasn’t the first in work; David, Stuart and Sarah were in before him. When he entered the office, David came over to slap him on the back.

  ‘Here he is, the hero of the hour! You played a blinder last night, John. You stuffed their guy good and proper.’

  Stuart grinned. ‘I’ve been hearing about your antics, mate. Sounded like a great performance.’

  ‘Yeah, well. I was just lucky.’

  ‘More than luck – skill and determination,’ David said.

  ‘Well, maybe a bit.’ He grinned. ‘Maybe we’ll do the same when the next match comes.’

  ‘We will.’ Stuart smiled. ‘If you help us win the Regional Trophy, a slap-up meal and drinks are on me.’

  ‘That’s a great incentive,’ Sarah said. ‘Hope you’re up to the pressure, eh John?’

  John smiled. He desperately wanted to speak to her – and more, if he was honest – but it was difficult to chat with everyone else about. Lunchtime, perhaps?

  pg. 191

  Lunchtime came. Joe and David went out for a drink but Sarah declined, saying she’d brought sandwiches. John asked them to bring him two cheese cobs from the pub. Once they’d gone, Sarah moved across next to him and ate her lunch.

  ‘Good news. My parents offered to have AJ one night every week, on the weekend nights. That means we’re free to go out so long as Jack’s out of the way, I suppose.’

  ‘Oh, that’s brilliant! But you can’t stay overnight that often – it’ll just depend on where Jack’s gone. For home matches he’s back around six, and for away games it depends on where it is. Our best chance is when his team are in Europe – then he stays overnight.’

  ‘You’re saying I’ve been too optimistic.’

  She put her hand on top of his. ‘No, not at all. We’ll be together, I promise.

  And when we are, let’s make the most of it. And I want to see AJ as well, to bond with him, just the same as you.’

  ‘That would be fantastic. Someday we’ll be a real family.’

  ‘But I do need to do something about Jack. And that’s the sticking point.

  He won’t take this lying down. He’ll be as mad as hell and that’s going to be hard to deal with. It’ll be very challenging for me but I’ll do it to be with you.’

  ‘Yes, and the same goes for Angie. I keep trying to contact her, but she doesn’t answer my calls. I rang her dad to get her to call me, but she hasn’t. If and when she rings, I’ll ask for a divorce. There’s lots to sort out, but right now it’s a question of wait and see. But that’s for the future. Best enjoy being together while we can.’

  ‘I agree. We’ll have some difficult times ahead; it frightens me, but if we’re brave, we’ll get our reward.’

  She moved to kiss him, but he pulled away.

  ‘Better move, or people will talk.’

  Sarah rolled her eyes. ‘You’re so sensible, John. OK – I think I’ll go out for a walk, since the weather’s so good.’

  ‘Until later, then.’

  By four twenty-five, he’d finished, said his goodbyes and was on his way.

  As he drove through the High Street, he caught sight of someone who looked a lot like Angie coming out of Elliott’s estate agents. At the traffic lights he saw her again, walking in the opposite direction. His heart beat faster. It certainly looked like her. Dear God, did he want to speak with her? He was tempted to shout after her, but feared she might do a bunk if he did.

  Once the lights changed, he put his foot down and turned around at the first opportunity. Parking his car at the nearest spot, he ran in the direction he’d seen her walking. But she’d gone. He looked up every side road he passed, but nothing.

  How had he missed her? Perhaps she’d got in her car and driven straight past him.

  However, as he walked back, a thought came into his head.

  pg. 192

  He opened the plate glass door and immediately saw Bethany on reception.

  She looked up but didn’t acknowledge him; not a good sign. Still he walked straight up to the desk.

  ‘Hallo, Bethany,’ he said with a smile.

  ‘Hi John. How can I help you?’

  ‘Wondered if you’d seen Angie?’

  ‘No – but she’s on maternity leave, so I wouldn’t expect to. Although she did come in a few weeks ago to say hallo.’

  ‘I just saw her come out of your office a few minutes ago.’

  ‘You must be mistaken.’

  ‘Bethany, you’re lying. Did you know she’s left me and I can’t trace where she is? I’m worried sick. She left our baby with me, too. Did you know that? If you’ve any information on her whereabouts, I’d be grateful.’

  He noticed the tense expression on her face. She was holding something back.

  ‘Err, I’m not sure if I can help. I’ll speak with my boss, see what he says.

  Excuse me for a minute.’

  ‘Be my guest.’

  John took in a deep breath, praying they knew where she was.

  The boss came out behind Bethany; John had never seen him before. He was tall and thin, with ruddy cheeks, thinning hair and bright blue eyes.

  ‘Hi, I’m Taylor Winslow, acting office manager[AB24]. I’m filling in for Duncan – he’s off sick. You’re enquiring about Angie?’

  ‘I reckon you know where she is.’

  ‘I’m afraid I can’t tell you anything without her permission. She no longer works here. She resigned from the company and has a job with another estate agent.’

  ‘Where?’

  ‘As I said, I can’t divulge that.’

  ‘Look here, Winslow, it’s in your own interest to give me the address or I might take the matter into my own hands …’

  ‘I don’t respond to threats. I want you to leave the premises now – or do I have to phone the police to remove you?’

  John laughed. Pompous arse. ‘All right, I’m going. Angie is ill, her family and friends are concerned for her welfare. You owe it to us to tell me. If something happens to her, be it on your heads.’

  ‘Goodbye, sir,’ Winslow said.

  John walked out, slamming the door shut. He hoped the glass shattered.

  Back at his parents’ house he knew he was in a subdued mood, but hopefully they wouldn’t notice.

  As soon as he came in the living room, his mum collared him.

  ‘Hey, you told me you were coming home earlier,’ she said.

  ‘Yeah, well, I got held up.’

  pg. 193

  ‘I’ve left your dinner in the oven.’

  ‘Thanks, Mum. Sorry I’m later than I said. Had to make a detour.’

  ‘Oh, that doesn’t matter, these things happen.’

  ‘How’s AJ?’

  ‘Come and look.’

  There in the dining room, John found his son in a baby bouncer, happily moving his arms and legs; John swore he saw a smile.

  ‘Hey, what a mover,’ he laughed.

  ‘He’s been sitting there for ages. Seems to be enjoying himself,�
� George said.

  ‘He’ll be a lovely little lad when he’s older, and no trouble either,’ Susan said. ‘Sit yourself down, I’ll just see if your meal is hot enough yet.’

  ‘Thanks, Mum.’

  John sat on the sofa, closed his eyes and yawned.

  ‘Had a bad day?’ George asked.

  ‘Not that bad. Came out early – but then I saw Angie while I was driving.

  I got out and ran after her, but I lost her in a side street. So frustrating. She’d come out of the estate agent’s and I thought she’d gone back to work there, but she hasn’t. She’s changed jobs, but they won’t say where. I thought I was getting her out of my system, but now I’m back to square one.’

  ‘It takes time, son. You were together for a long time, and she’s the mother of your son, so it’s not going to be easy to forget her. And I’d say AJ is looking like her too.’

  ‘Thing is, Dad … I’m seeing someone else.’

  ‘You what? Well, that’ll complicate matters.’

  ‘Yes, it will. And it’s worse than that. She’s married.’

  George shook his head at his son.

  ‘I guessed you wouldn’t approve. She’s nice, and so easy to talk to.’

  Susan brought in his dinner on a tray. She put it on his lap and while he ate, George told her what had happened.

  She looked horrified. ‘That’s a bit soon, isn’t it?’

  ‘I thought you’d say that.’

  ‘I mean, there’s still a possibility she might come home when she’s well enough. Why didn’t you wait instead of gallivanting with another woman? You risk losing everything, John. And what if she won’t leave her husband?’

  ‘She will. He’s a violent thug who thinks it’s OK to use his own wife as a punchbag. And he spends most of his time with his mates watching football matches.’

  ‘So why hasn’t she left him already?’

  ‘I don’t know. Either she’s frightened, or she’s waiting for the right moment.’

  ‘A likely story. She’s bored because her hubby is always out with the lads.’

  pg. 194

  ‘Anyway, I just wanted you both to be aware of the current situation. I have no idea what will happen, but we get on well and I intend seeing her when I can.

  She loves kids, too – she’s met AJ and he took to her really well.’

  ‘So, what’s her name and how did you meet her?’

  ‘Sarah. I work with her.’

  Susan’s mouth dropped open. ‘You’re playing with fire, love. And I promise you, it’ll end in tears. But it’s your life – it’s up to you how you live it. I couldn’t stop you even if I wanted to. Hope it works out for you, whatever you do.’

  ‘Nothing’s certain in life but I’ll give this my best shot because Angie isn’t coming back. And AJ needs a mother and a father; I can’t be both.’

  ‘That’s true. But remember we’re always at hand to help you.’

  ‘Thanks for that but you’ve got your own lives to lead now you’re retired.

  You need to be together.’

  ‘They’ll be plenty of time for that afterwards. Whenever you need us, we’re here to support you.’

  ‘Thanks, Mum. I’d better go, we’ve been here long enough.’

  They helped him get AJ in the car and brought out his things to be put in the boot along with the pram.

  As they waved, he knew he’d always be in good hands.

  pg. 195

  Chapter 38

  he weekend was the best time to leave, Angie thought, a week later – and with her dad out shopping with Rachel that Saturday morning, she had the T perfect opportunity. The night before, she'd packed her belongings in a large suitcase and stored it in the wardrobe.

  She had breakfast as normal, but began to shake when she saw Alan come into the kitchen, all smiles, ready to pick Rachel up.

  ‘Right, I’m off,’ he said, putting on his coat. ‘Anything you want while we’re out?’

  ‘Yes, a packet of hot cross buns and some chocolate biscuits if you don’t mind.’

  ‘OK. See you later.’ He bent over and kissed her cheek.

  She stopped trembling once he’d gone; giddy with excitement, she rushed upstairs, pulled out her suitcase from the wardrobe and dragged it to her car.

  Without looking back, she drove off. The journey of over twenty-three miles was uneventful, and by ten o’clock she was unlocking the door of her new apartment.

  On the first floor, it had two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and bathroom, all decorated to a high standard. The rent was higher than she’d expected but she felt comfortable away from Dexford. Surely nothing could go wrong here.

  Around twelve o’clock her mobile rang; her father. She didn’t answer it.

  He rang six more times and then resorted to texts. She deleted all of them. Even Rachel got in on the act, which made Angie angry enough that she decided to change her phone and get a new number. Now none of her family or friends could bother her unless she wished to contact them. Sheer bliss.

  The next week dragged, with nothing to do and no one to talk to. Without the incentive of going back to work, she might have gone crazy.

  Come Monday morning, she was eager to go and arrived at Davidson and Co [AB25]half an hour early.

  She waited outside the office and spotted two young girls walking towards her. The brown-haired one smiled at her and the blonde girl spoke. ‘Hi, you must be Angie.’

  ‘Yes, I’m due to start today.’

  ‘I’m Susie, this is Deb.’

  ‘Pleased to meet you. Sorry I’m a bit early.’

  ‘Better early than late,’ Susie said as she unlocked the door.

  Angie smiled. ‘Yes, I suppose so.’

  ‘OK, Angie, you’ll be with me for the first week. It’s your job to look after prospective sellers and buyers. You find a good mix here, but it’s mostly wealthy and middle-class clients, searching for properties at the higher end of the market.

  pg. 196

  As you’re aware, as a small rural town, we have lots of farmers, country squires, that kind of thing. Most of them still living in another era!’

  ‘Sounds really interesting.’

  ‘Yeah, can be, although some of them are very stubborn, not willing to budge on their asking price, and then they blame you when they can’t get what they want.’

  Angie smiled; despite taking an extra tablet that morning, she felt nervous.

  If she messed up again and lost this job she’d be devastated.

  Luckily, she bluffed her way through with Susie’s help. At home, she was glad it was over – but now faced an evening on her own. She opened a bottle of wine to ease her anxiety; slowly, the alcohol took effect, and she felt better. She finished the whole bottle and fell asleep.

  The next morning, she woke on the living room floor with a pounding headache, the empty bottle beside her. When she sat up, she threw up all over the carpet.

  How the hell had she let herself get in this position again?

  As she wiped the sick off her clothes and the carpet with a wad of tissues, she glanced at her watch. It was eight-twenty.

  ‘Shit!’ She should be at work in thirty minutes’ time. She’d never make it.

  So she found her mobile and phoned Susie.

  ‘Sorry to phone you, but I just realised I have a dentist’s appointment at nine. I should have told you yesterday, but what with everything going on, it slipped my mind.’

  ‘All right, Angie, that’s no problem. When will you be in?’

  ‘About nine-thirty, with luck.’

  ‘OK. I’ll see you later, then.’

  Once Susie had rung off, Angie breathed easier. She had to stop drinking.

  She felt better for a time but soon came down with a bump.

  She skipped breakfast, had a quick shower and dressed, had a cup of black coffee and got into her car. Still light-headed, she knew she shouldn’t be driving and was relieved to get to the car park in one piece.


  From there, she ran to the office building; it was nine-forty. Susie was with a client.

  ‘Hi, Deb, sorry I’m late. What I can do while I’m waiting for Susie?’

  ‘Er … tell you what. You could hold the fort on reception while I carry on with some paperwork, please.’

  ‘Sure, no problem.’

  Deb disappeared into an office, leaving Angie to fend for herself until Susie was free. Her hands trembled as she waited for someone to come in. Her heart beat hard against her chest when a young couple came in and showed a keen interest in the display of new properties for sale, but they didn’t enquire about any of them.

  pg. 197

  Then suddenly she had the urge for the toilet and ran off, leaving the desk unattended. Upon her return, Susie was manning it.

  ‘Who’s supposed to be on reception here, Angie? I saw Deb at her computer and she told me you were covering. Yet when I came out of my office, two people were waiting but no one was there to see to them. On no account are you to leave that desk unmanned again.’

  ‘Sorry, Susie, but there was no one in when I left, and I was back in five min—’

  ‘That’s no excuse. If you need the toilet, ask someone to take over. This could have left us in an embarrassing position. Not only that, it’s very unprofessional. Customers come in expecting help and advice, and if we’re not there to serve them they leave. If I hadn’t noticed when I did, Lord alone knows what might have happened.’

  Tears streamed down Angie’s cheeks. ‘I’m sorry – I promise you it won’t happen again.’

  ‘You’re right, because if it does, you’ll be on a warning. I have to say, I’m surprised, after the glowing praise your previous employers gave you. Anyway, I’ve said my piece, so dry your eyes – we have work to do.’

  This mortified Angie. No one had told her off in this way before. She felt humiliated; she wasn’t sure if she could carry on.

  Susie left her to attend to the customers on her own, which was another bombshell. To do this after one day, when she was already fragile, seemed unfair – almost as if they wanted rid of her. Well, she’d show them.