The art of deception Read online

  ‘Sure, no problem.’

  Alan returned, washed, in jeans and red jumper; he’d even combed his hair back. He sat next to Angie at the end of the table.

  ‘How’s the dresser progressing, Dad?’

  ‘Good – should be finished by tomorrow, if I’m not interrupted.’

  ‘John’s had a big upset. A friend of his was murdered yesterday. They think it was her husband, who’s since disappeared.’

  ‘Wow, that’s terrible. You have my heartfelt sympathy.’

  John mentioned the theory that Sarah had been having an affair and that she was about to leave her husband.

  Alan slammed his fork down. ‘Well, if that’s the case, she’s got what she deserves. Can’t abide infidelity. When you get married, you don’t go off with other men.’

  ‘Dad!’

  ‘No, I’m sorry, but it makes my blood boil.’

  ‘Anyway, let’s talk about something else,’ Angie said, determined to change the subject before things got out of hand.

  ‘Like what?’

  ‘Baby AJ, for a start,’ she said.

  ‘Right. I’m sorry, John. Yes, AJ’s a belter, and it’s lovely to see him. Even better is seeing you two in the same room, and talking.’

  John nodded and Angie smiled.

  pg. 213

  ‘I’m so glad I persuaded you to get in touch, love. I want you two to try again because before this upset you were the perfect couple. And you can be again. What do you think, John?’

  ‘I think … I’d love you both to play a part in AJ’s life. A child should always have a mother and a father, don’t you think?’

  ‘You should ask Angie that question. All I’ll say is that I did my best under difficult circumstances.’

  ‘You did well, Dad, but no one can ever take Mum’s place, you know that.

  How is Rachel, anyway? I expected her to be here with you.’

  ‘She’s in London at a conference. Should be back in a few days. I miss her.

  Pity she’s not here, she did so want to meet the baby. Never mind – there’ll be other times.’

  Once the meal was over, Alan got up. ‘OK, time I made myself scarce. You two have got plenty to sort out, without me being in the way. I’ll go up and watch TV in my bedroom. Give me a bell before you leave, though. I’d like to say goodbye to my grandson.’

  ‘Of course. Shouldn’t be too long,’ John said.

  ‘And don’t worry about the washing-up. We’ll do it in the morning.’

  ‘Well, I’ll just take the dirty dishes out and put them in the sink,’ said Angie.

  <><><>

  John sat in front of the TV, keeping the sound low because of the baby. His

  breathing quickened as he waited for Angie to return from the kitchen. It had suddenly hit him that he had no idea what to expect, or what he wanted after having lost Sarah in such a catastrophic way. He didn’t look forward to a meaningful discussion.

  She sat down opposite him, but looking straight ahead instead of at him.

  He couldn’t think of a single thing to say.

  ‘I know you were seeing her, John,’ she said suddenly.

  ‘What? Seeing who?’

  ‘Sarah.’

  ‘And what makes you think that?’

  ‘Because I saw you together outside the house, acting all lovey-dovey.’

  ‘Oh, did you now? And where were you?’

  ‘In my car up the road. Dad had dropped a few hints about you, so I decided to find out the truth for myself. You bastard – I’ve only been gone a few weeks and already you’re seeing someone else.’

  ‘Did you expect me to live like a monk for the rest of my life? You never contacted me, or answered any of my calls. I was under no illusion where I stood with you. Why shouldn’t I find a girl who wanted me when you didn’t?’

  ‘I was fucking ill, you moron.’

  pg. 214

  ‘Keep your voice down, you’ll wake the baby – and your dad will wonder what’s going on.’

  ‘Couldn’t care less!’ she yelled. ‘How could you do that to me?’

  ‘Well, it hasn’t done me any good, has it? I haven’t got her anymore, have I? That demented husband of hers must have found out and killed her.’

  ‘Serves you right.’

  ‘Thanks for being so sympathetic – sounds to me like you’re glad she’s dead. So why did you ask me round in the first place? Looks like I was right about coming here on a fool’s errand. Think I’d better leave.’ He got up from his seat.

  ‘Please yourself,’ she said indignantly.

  He put on his coat and took AJ, still sleeping, to the car. He slammed the door shut and turned the ignition key. The car coughed … but wouldn’t start. He tried again, with the same reaction. And once more. What was the matter with the damn thing? He tried a dozen times, but still no joy. He was desperate to get away from this place once and for all, but for now that was impossible.

  He got out and opened the bonnet, but he knew nothing about cars except how to drive them. Glancing up, he saw Angie coming down the drive towards him. He’d need to phone someone to come out to it – only as he searched his coat pocket, he couldn’t find his mobile. Unbelievable.

  ‘Something wrong with the car, John?’

  ‘It won’t start – and now I’ve lost my phone, too.’

  ‘You’d best bring AJ back inside – he’ll catch cold.’

  John stared at her as if she was to blame, but he had no choice.

  So he carried the baby back into the house, wondering what on earth to do next. He’d have to borrow Alan’s phone, or Angie’s.

  ‘Can I use your mobile to phone the AA?’

  ‘No, it’s all right, I’ll phone for you,’ Angie said, producing her phone.

  ‘They’ll want to speak to me,’ he said.

  ‘I seem to remember we’re both on the policy. Don’t worry, I’ll sort it.’

  She walked towards the window, and he heard her talking. When she’d finished, she returned to sit by him.

  ‘One to two hours, they said.’

  ‘This is ridiculous. What shall I do about the baby?’

  ‘If it comes to it, you’ll both have to stay here – nothing more you can do.’

  ‘I suppose not.’

  John heard a cry from inside the pram. He laughed.

  ‘It never rains but it pours,’ she said. ‘Did you bring enough bottles with you?’

  ‘Yes, I always do.’

  ‘So, it’s not a problem, then.’

  ‘No. I’ll get him out if you’ll warm the bottle for me. Think I left one in the fridge.’

  ‘OK.’

  pg. 215

  Five minutes later, AJ was sucking away on his teat. In no time, he’d drunk it and had his nappy changed. Angie hadn’t volunteered any help, and although she watched, she still didn’t want to get involved.

  ‘Like old times, isn’t it?’

  ‘Yes – with me doing everything.’

  ‘Well, you always liked to take control.’

  ‘I’m surprised your dad hasn’t come in, wondering what’s going on.’

  ‘Probably immersed in a film.’

  ‘I’ll try to get him to sleep. If the AA arrive in the meantime, can you take over?’

  ‘Be my pleasure, John.’

  It took half an hour before the baby was asleep. John was worn out and irritable. ‘What the hell’s happened to them? It’s been ages.’

  ‘They’ll be here soon enough. Want a drink while you’re waiting? I’ll do you a whisky special if you want, like Dad gives me.’

  ‘No thanks, I’m driving. A coffee would be nice, though.’

  ‘OK – coming up.’

  John was thirsty and drank the coffee almost in one go. It was strong and bitter, but he didn’t care.

  ‘Nice?’ she asked him.

  ‘Yeah, fine.’

  ‘Good. If that AA man doesn’t come until late, sleep over here until the morning. Dad has a
nother spare room besides mine.’

  ‘I’d hate to impose on you,’ he said, yawning and rubbing his eyes.

  ‘You all right?’

  ‘God, don’t know what’s come over me. I feel a bit strange – giddy and sick. Probably just everything finally catching up with me. Think I need some fresh air.’ He got up and almost fell over, grabbing on to the sofa for balance.

  John moved towards the kitchen and felt the room going around; he had to get outside quickly. Reaching the back door, he opened it and staggered out into the garden, taking in deep breaths. His sight was fuzzy. He reached Alan’s workshop and, making for the door, caught sight of a mound of grass cuttings.

  And at the bottom, he thought he saw a pair of feet. Christ, what was the matter with him?

  His legs went from under him and he collapsed onto the grass mound.

  When he tried to get up, he was confronted by a woman’s face.

  Her eyes were wide open and she was definitely dead.

  ‘Oh my God,’ he cried out. ‘Shit, shit, shit!’ His legs felt rubbery and he was unable to get up. He gasped, frantically trying to get away from the body.

  <><><>

  pg. 216

  Angie rushed out and found John on the grass, wondering what was wrong with him. Then she caught sight of the body too and stopped in her tracks.

  She recognised her at once: Rachel.

  Before she had time to scream, a hand grabbed her arm. She froze and turned to face her father, his eyes wide and full of anger. There was a demented scowl on his face, as if he meant her harm.

  ‘Get inside and stay there,’ he growled, pulling her into the kitchen and slamming the door so hard it bounced open again.

  Angie looked up, and now the scream came. In his right hand, he held a carving knife, pointing it straight at her.

  ‘What the hell were you doing outside? I told you to keep him in the house!’

  She shook her head, weeping, unable to look at him.

  ‘Dad, what have you done? That’s Rachel out there, dead! And what about John? Did you do something to him too?’

  ‘Just a little something in his coffee, to calm him down. I heard you rowing, so I disabled his car and took his mobile. He needed taking care of.’

  ‘Dad, I … I … what’s going on? Why would you kill Rachel? It makes no sense! You love her!’

  ‘I had to. I told her what I did to Sarah, and she threatened to go to the police, the silly cow.’

  ‘W … what did you do to her?’

  ‘I went to her house and killed her – with this knife, as it happens. She was going to move in with lover boy John – I saw the suitcases in the hall. You would have lost him forever.’

  Angie shook her head and tried to pull her hand away but his grip was like iron.

  ‘I got rid of that Sarah so you could get back together with John. But I when I heard you fighting, I realised the bastard didn’t deserve you, and I couldn’t let him hurt you. You’ve been through enough.’

  ‘I never asked you to do that. You’re frightening me, Dad. I’m not sure I know you anymore.’

  ‘Doesn’t really matter. You’re going to die as well – you know too much now. And soon you’ll get bipolar anyway. I can’t look after you and AJ.’

  ‘Please don’t hurt me, Dad. I’d never tell anyone, I promise. And I might not get bipolar, you said so yourself.’

  ‘It’s too much of a risk – I can’t trust you. You’d go to the police, your conscience would make you,’ he said, pulling her closer, the tip of the knife pressing into her stomach.

  ‘But I love you, Dad.’

  ‘Really? You don’t know what it’s like to love when you have something wrong with you. But now you’ll never find out.’

  ‘What are you talking about?’

  pg. 217

  ‘I’m talking about bipolar. Your mother was ill, but she had depression and not bipolar. I’m the one with bipolar. I’ve kept it hidden for years; only my psychiatrist – Rachel – was aware of it.’

  Angie gasped.

  ‘Your mum didn’t kill herself, and you didn’t do it – I did. When she was on the hill and slipped, I could have saved her but I chose to let her go. She was out of control. Wouldn’t do as she was told. And wanted to shop me to the police.

  So she had to die.’

  Angie stood still, then tried to make a run for it, but he was too quick. He tightened his grip on her arm. ‘You’d betray me as well, so sadly although it pains me you have die too…’

  Out of the corner of her eye, she glimpsed John, unsteady on his feet but with a large stone in his hands. Alan had his back to him.

  Oh please God, don’t let him see. Don’t let anyone else die needlessly.

  Alan pulled back his arm.

  She closed her eyes.

  John brought the stone down hard onto the back of Alan’s head.

  Alan grunted, turned around and tried to grab John, but blood was streaming down his neck, and he fell backwards onto the kitchen floor.

  Then John collapsed, the effects of whatever he’d taken sapping his strength.

  Angie screamed and screamed and didn’t stop until the police arrived.

  <><><>

  John woke, his eyes fuzzy, hardly able to move due to exhaustion. He was in a bed and felt as sick as a pig. He could just make out Angie, the baby in her arms, and tried to smile, holding a shaky arm out towards her. He felt her hand clasp his own and saw tears in her eyes.

  ‘Where am I?’

  ‘In hospital. They had to pump your stomach or you would have died.’

  ‘What happened to me?’

  ‘I’m sorry. Dad told me to make you a drink. He must have put something in it – I had no idea. Then when he got me inside the house he told me he was going to kill me too. But you … you saved my life.’

  ‘I thought I was dreaming that. Did I hit him with a boulder?’

  ‘Yes. He’s dead, John. You killed him to stop him from killing me. It was self-defence, the police assured me of that, so you’re not in any trouble.’

  ‘But why? I don’t understand what it was all about,’ John said, his tired eyes fluttering.

  ‘I’ve got a confession to make,’ Angie said, looking downcast. ‘I’ve kept a secret from you because I feared I’d lose you.’

  pg. 218

  She squeezed his hand, and his stomach flipped as he tried to imagine what she’d tell him.

  ‘I told you Mum died in a car crash – but I lied. Mum was very ill; everyone, including the doctors, thought she had bipolar. She and Dad used to have terrible rows, and this last time, she threatened to kill herself and drove off.

  Dad and me followed in his car, but we couldn’t catch her up or stop her. She drove for ages and we ended up on top of this great big hill, where she got out and ran off. I wanted to go with him, after her, but he ordered me to stay put and locked me in the car. I can remember shouting and screaming but it was no good.

  ‘He went after her; I saw her turn around and they started arguing again.

  She ran off and raised her arms as if she was about to fly, but instead she jumped.

  Dad managed to grab hold of her, and I thought he’d got her. And then he hesitated and let her go.’

  ‘Oh my God.’

  ‘I went berserk, banging on the windows and the doors but I couldn’t get out. And when Dad came back, I started hitting him and he had to slap my face to calm me down.

  ‘Later, Dad told me she’d killed herself and there was nothing he could have done to save her. But he did let her die – I know, because I saw it with my own eyes. After that, I sort of blanked it out, although later I did start having these horrible dreams where I was the one who failed to save her. I blamed myself and Dad let me believe it.’

  ‘So, you’ve had that on your conscience ever since? That’s awful.’

  ‘I couldn’t tell you about the bipolar because it can be passed down to the next generation. There’s a chance AJ could
get it – and me too – and I thought you’d leave me if you knew, or you wouldn’t want any more children with me.’

  John shook his head. ‘Of course, I wouldn’t have left you, and I would have still wanted children, despite the risk. No wonder you were so het up, with all that fear on your shoulders. You should have trusted me, had faith in me. I love you and always will.’

  ‘And then I found out Mum didn’t have bipolar at all, but depression – he’d lied all along, to put the blame on her. He was the one with bipolar, diagnosed before I was born, and I never guessed. He always seemed so normal to me, looked after me so well after Mum died. He’d concealed it from everyone. except Rachel, but it cost her, her life. He killed Sarah to make you come back to me, but then when you discovered Rachel’s body, he knew he had to kill both of us too.’

  ‘This is incredible,’ John said.

  Her lip trembled. ‘The police have searched the house.’

  ‘Fucking hell. We’re all lucky to be alive.’

  ‘When you were behind him, I kept praying you’d be able to stop him but when you collapsed, I thought I’d lost you too.’

  pg. 219

  ‘How could I die, when I have such a beautiful wife and a gorgeous son waiting for me? Angie – after this, we can face anything together.’

  She went to him, and held him as close as she dared along with baby AJ, aware of how lucky they were to have each other. From now on, he knew, they would be together for as long as they lived; even if the worst happened, they were ready to meet the challenge.

  THE END

  pg. 220