The art of deception Page 4

  ‘Yes, it’s good to be in the warm. It’s bitterly cold out there. Pity I have to go out later this morning, but people still seem to want to sell their houses even at Christmas.’

  Bethany smiled. ‘Want a drink?’

  ‘Tea, please. Black, no sugar.’

  ‘That’s not like you.’ She grinned. ‘Had too much to drink last night, did you?’

  ‘No, nothing like that. Just trying to watch my weight a bit. You wouldn’t believe how many calories there are in a latte!’

  pg. 22

  Angie went into her office and switched on the computer, still feeling sick.

  It had just booted up when Duncan Drysdale, her boss, shouted her. Tall and thin with thick, prematurely grey hair, he’d taken over the agency from his father five years ago.

  ‘Angie, how you doing?’ he asked.

  ‘Yeah, good, thanks. Be glad when today’s over. I need a rest.’

  ‘Don’t we all. It’s been a hectic year with house prices going up and properties starting to sell again. But that’s great for us … and I’m pleased to say, you’ll be due a five percent bonus in your next pay packet. I wanted to thank you for the work you’ve done. Hopefully when you get back from your appointment, you’ll join us at the Railway Tavern for a drink and a bite to eat.’

  Angie blushed. What she’d feared was now impossible to avoid. She was lost for words.

  ‘When are you going over?’

  ‘Around twelve. If you’re not back, we’ll carry on – just come over when you can, we’ll be there until two. In fact, I’m closing the office at lunchtime – all right?’

  ‘Yes, great.’

  ‘The firm is paying. It’s a small thank you for all the work you’ve done over the past year.’

  ‘OK, Duncan, thank you. It’s nice to be appreciated. I’ll be there as soon as I can, I promise.’

  ‘Good. I’ll see you later.’

  Once she got outside, panic set in and she struggled to hold back the tears.

  But first things first: her appointment with an old couple, living in an enormous detached property and wanting to downsize to a bungalow. Very pleasant they were, too, telling Angie about the family, their five kids who had all flown the nest. But they carried on for over an hour. When she left, she drove straight back.

  As it was well after twelve, the office had closed, as the note on the door explained.

  She got out of the car, tempted to make an excuse and go home. But they’d guess something was wrong, as they knew she was usually up for any social occasion.

  So she sauntered across to the pub, spotting Bethany in the window as she passed, waving frantically. No chance of getting out of it now.

  Angie pushed her way through to the table. Bethany, Duncan, Peter the younger estate agent, Danny the junior, and Elaine, who worked part-time at weekends, were all there.

  ‘Angie!’ Duncan exclaimed, getting to his feet. ‘So glad you’ve made it.

  Come and take a seat, we’ve been waiting for you.’

  ‘Sorry.’

  ‘No problem. How were Mr and Mrs Caruthers?’

  pg. 23

  ‘Talkative. I couldn’t get away, and now I know their whole life history.

  But I think they’ve decided to use us for the sale.’

  ‘Good on you, Angie, looks like it’s another one in the bag.’

  ‘Hope so.’

  ‘Angie,’ Bethany said, ‘I got you a drink in – rum and black. That’s still your favourite, isn’t it?’

  Angie froze. ‘Sorry, Bethany – remember the diet? My early new year’s resolution, I’m afraid.’

  Bethany looked at her strangely. ‘Sorry, I should have realised after this morning.’

  ‘No worries, I’ll get myself a drink.’

  ‘Hey,’ Duncan said, ‘everything is on me. What would you like instead?’

  ‘Just a mineral water, please.’

  ‘You sure? It is Christmas!’

  ‘Yes, quite sure. Thanks.’

  ‘How about a bite to eat? We’ve already ordered ours.’

  ‘Oh, err … I’ll have a chicken salad. Thanks.’

  ‘OK, I’ll order it for you,’ Duncan said, and called over a waitress.

  Angie breathed in deeply and closed her eyes.

  ‘Are you all right, pet?’ Elaine said. ‘You look pale.’

  Angie squashed in to sit beside her. ‘Just a bit under the weather. Not been well. Must have eaten something that didn’t agree with me.’

  ‘That’s a shame, with Christmas coming up.’ She dug a playful elbow into Angie’s ribs. ‘You sure it couldn’t be anything else?’

  ‘Err … no.’ She shook her head, but her face grew hot.

  Elaine’s eyes widened. ‘Oh my God, I’m right! You’re pregnant, aren’t you?’

  Angie couldn’t look at her, but sensed them all staring.

  ‘Are you, pet?’

  Eventually she nodded.

  ‘How wonderful,’ Peter said. ‘What a coincidence, with Polly already three months gone. We can swap sob stories!’

  Angie laughed nervously. ‘Maybe. Has she got any tips for morning sickness?’

  ‘Oh dear – suffering, are you? Sorry to say Polly’s blooming. No sickness at all. And she’s eating like a pig, more than me right now.’

  ‘You’ve kept that quiet, Angie,’ Duncan said.

  ‘Well, I only found out a few days ago. It’s very early days still.’

  ‘If you need any time off, don’t worry – I’m sure we’ll accommodate you.

  After all, you’ve been a diamond to us over the past five years.’

  ‘Hopefully I won’t need to take many days off. I want to get through these nine months and have a healthy baby.’

  ‘I’m sure you will,’ said Elaine.

  pg. 24

  ‘But what if I’m bad when I’m out visiting clients. How embarrassing if I was sick then.’

  Duncan frowned. ‘Yeah, you have a point. Maybe we should cut down your appointments a bit. Bethany’s itching to get out there, aren’t you, Bethany?

  Why don’t you take her with you after the holidays, and when she’s fully competent, you can spend a bit more time in the office.’

  ‘OK. Thanks, Duncan. I appreciate it.’

  <><><>

  She came home early, and John wasn’t there. So she lay on the bed and fell asleep; no wonder, after last night.

  When she felt something on her lips, she jumped. Opening her eyes, she saw John’s smiling face in front of her.

  ‘You all right? Did I startle you?’

  ‘No, no, no. I was having a weird dream. For a second, I thought you were someone else – a guy I went out with years ago. He didn’t like it when I broke up with him. Kept sending me horrible texts, threats like if I can’t have you, no one else will. My dad sorted him out in the end, but he frightened me. I dreamt he was going to kill me.’

  ‘I wonder what made you dream about him now suddenly?’

  ‘No idea. Stress?’

  ‘Yeah, could be. So how was your last day?’

  ‘All right. Duncan took us out for a meal – paid for the lot himself. And he told me I have a bonus coming for all the hard work I’ve put in during the year.’

  ‘That was decent of him.’

  ‘But they found out I’m pregnant. I didn’t want anyone to know yet, but I couldn’t lie when Elaine came right out and asked me.’

  ‘That’s good. So can we tell everyone now?

  ‘No. I want a peaceful Christmas without all and sundry fussing over me.’

  ‘Angie, you’ve told the guys at work – what’s wrong with telling our families too?’

  ‘Don’t push me. Let’s wait until the new year,’ she snapped.

  ‘Why? Not ashamed of being pregnant, are you?’

  Angie stormed out. If he told anyone without her permission, there’d be hell to pay.

  pg. 25

  Chapter 6

  ohn was the first to
wake on Christmas Eve. He thought about going out to the shops without telling her, seeing as she hadn’t got up yet, but decided J against it. She’d kick up an almighty fuss. So he waited. At least she must have had a good night’s sleep.

  She came into the kitchen half an hour later in her dressing gown, looking irritated.

  ‘John, why didn’t you wake me? We’re supposed to be going shopping.

  There’ll be nothing left!’

  ‘Sorry – but I thought it best not to wake you. Are you still suffering?’

  ‘Yes, but I want to make sure Christmas goes off smoothly, with your parents coming round for dinner.’

  ‘You’d better get a move on, then. The shops shut at lunchtime, don’t they?’

  ‘OK. Let me have a drink and get dressed, and I’ll be ready.’

  ‘What about having a bite to eat too? You’ve got to eat, Angie.’

  ‘I’m not hungry, that’s all. Don’t start that again, John. I’ll eat when I can –

  and not before.’

  Within half an hour they were driving to Dexford town centre, and only just got a spot in the supermarket car park.

  They went around the store, getting their last essentials for Christmas. John had expected her to take over as soon as they started, but she hardly spoke and allowed him to put in whatever he’d written down. She seemed in a trance. He frowned, but carried on until they came to the checkouts.

  ‘All right, Angie? Listen, I’ve got everything I think we need. Is there anything I’ve missed?’

  ‘No. Come on, John, let’s get these things paid for. I want to go home. I feel sick again.’

  ‘OK. I’m being as quick as I can,’ he said, putting the last items on the conveyor.

  He stuffed everything into the bags haphazardly while Angie stood by the trolley waiting to get out. He would have appreciated some help, but considering how she’d been the past few days, he kept quiet.

  She pushed the trolley through the car park – almost getting hit by a car in the process – then left it to him to put the shopping in the boot. He drove off without saying a word, but out of the corner of his eye he saw her place a hand in front of her mouth.

  Oh God, no – not in the car, he thought.

  ‘You all right, darling?’

  ‘No, not really. Can you drive a bit faster?’

  ‘I’m trying. But it’s better to be sick in here than have an accident.’

  pg. 26

  She shrugged her shoulders, while John drove as fast as he dared, and they made it without incident. But when she got out, she rushed to the front door, opened it and ran inside. John had to bring the shopping bags in himself while she was locked in the downstairs toilet.

  He’d had time to make a cup of tea before she came in holding her stomach.

  ‘Have you been sick?’ John asked.

  ‘No. But I kept heaving – good job I didn’t have any breakfast. Those tablets aren’t working.’

  ‘Can you increase the dose? I don’t want it to spoil our Christmas.’

  ‘God, is that all you care about, your bloody Christmas? What a shame if your poor little wife is poorly and you can’t enjoy yourself!’

  ‘It’s not like that. But if you can take the full dose, do it.’

  ‘I’m not putting the baby’s life at risk for the sake of a few tablets and Christmas.’

  John needed to stop this turning into a full-blown argument.

  ‘OK. It doesn’t matter. I’m sorry.’

  ‘Me too. Let’s grab a bite to eat. I’ll try a tin of soup with some bread, maybe I can keep that down.’

  ‘Don’t forget we’re supposed to go your dad’s this afternoon. We’ve wrapped his presents, haven’t we?’

  ‘Yes. I told him we’d be there at three.’

  ‘Right then, let’s eat and chill out before we go. Are you going to tell him about the baby?’

  She nodded, but he thought she looked uncomfortable.

  <><><>

  After lunch, she dozed but didn’t sleep. Instead she thought of the afternoon to come with her dad, hoping he’d remember that he wasn’t supposed to know about the baby, and hoping he wouldn’t mention her mother’s illness. John still thought Marion had died in a car crash, and Angie wanted it to stay that way.

  ‘You awake?’ John said.

  She opened her eyes, rubbed them and smiled. ‘I wasn’t asleep, just resting my eyes.’

  ‘Come on, let’s go. We don’t want to be late for your dad.’

  ‘I won’t be long. I’ll just get changed and freshen up.’

  He was already wearing his overcoat when she came downstairs.

  ‘Got the presents?’

  He pointed. ‘In that plastic bag on the settee.’

  ‘Good, come on then.’

  [AB2]The house was a neat and tidy semi on the outskirts of Dexford, a shiny Fiesta parked on the cobble-paved drive. There were smart blinds in the windows and the red door was new.

  pg. 27

  ‘Like the door,’ John said as they walked towards it.

  ‘Yes, me too. Better than that battered old thing he had before.’

  She rang the bell. Within seconds, the door opened and there stood her father, Alan, a stocky man with a weathered face, muddy brown eyes and thick, grey hair brushed back from his forehead.

  ‘Angie, John – great to see you,’ he said. He kissed Angie on both cheeks and shook John’s hand. ‘Come on in, out of the cold. Come through to the living room.’

  The first things anyone entering the house noticed were the photos on the walls. Pictures of his wife Marion, and of Angie. Blonde and beautiful, they could have been sisters. Angie as an adult – the woman Marion never knew – was the image of her mother.

  Angie and John sat by each other on the white leather settee while Alan sat in the armchair.

  ‘Right then, you two – want a drink?’

  ‘Just a lemonade,’ Angie said.

  ‘Fruit juice, please.’

  ‘Well, you’re a proper pair of killjoys, aren’t you? Come on! It’s Christmas!’

  John shrugged. ‘I’m driving.’

  ‘And I’m pregnant,’ Angie said.

  Her dad acted his part perfectly. ‘What? Did I hear you right? Pregnant?’

  ‘I found out a few days ago.’

  ‘Was it an accident?’

  ‘Dad!’

  John intervened. ‘Does it matter? What matters is that she’s pregnant, and that we’re happy and so will you be, grandad.’

  Alan smiled. ‘Yes, I am. Can’t believe it. A grandad, eh? Makes me feel old all of a sudden.’

  They both laughed.

  ‘This calls for a celebration. Shame neither of you can drink.’

  He returned from the kitchen with a lemonade, an orange juice, and a glass of something fizzy.

  ‘What you got there, Dad?’

  ‘Asti what-do-you-call-it. I’d meant to open it tonight anyway, but it seems I’ll have to drink it by myself.’

  ‘We’d love to help you, Dad, but we both need to be careful.’

  Angie’s father gave them sandwiches and slices of Victoria sponge cake, which he’d made himself.

  ‘This cake is delicious,’ Angie said. ‘You’ve become a good cook since Mum died.’

  ‘Yes, I was determined to keep you well fed, although I must admit I learnt a lot from your mother. This is one of her recipes – do you remember it?’

  pg. 28

  ‘You made it just as good. Tastes as if mum had cooked it herself.’

  ‘Glad you like it. I’ve kept them all, and I even cook a few for myself when I’m here on my own.’

  Angie felt tears building up. ‘Wish she could be here to see our baby.’

  Alan put his hand across the table and squeezed hers. ‘You’ve no idea how much it hurts me too. It’s been a long fifteen years, but never a day goes by without me thinking of her. She would have been so happy … although I don’t imagine she’d like being called
nanny.’ He had tears in his eyes too. ‘You never really get over losing a loved one. I live with it, but I’ll never forget her.’

  ‘Never wanted to meet someone else?’ John asked.

  ‘No, never. I have my memories, and no one can take those away from me.

  I’m not lonely – I’ve kept myself busy in my garden, and I’ve got my allotment and the fishing. And I’ve got my workshop, of course. Doing up all that old furniture keeps me busy and provides me with a living. That takes my mind off Marion.’

  ‘Dad, you can always come to us whenever you want. And when your first grandchild is born, we’ll come even more often.’

  ‘Thanks, love. I know you mean well, but I won’t impose on you – I’ve told you that before. But if you want to visit me, you’re more than welcome.

  Anyway, now you’re here, why don’t we swap presents?’

  ‘Sure. John, give Dad the bag,’

  ‘Here you go. Happy Christmas,’ John said, picking up the bag.

  ‘Thanks, both of you.’ Alan got to his feet. ‘Let me get yours, they’re in the bedroom.’

  ‘All right, darling?’ John asked while he was gone.

  ‘I’ll have to be, won’t I?’

  ‘You didn’t eat as much as normal, but more than you have recently. I’d say you might be on the mend.’

  ‘Maybe, but I feel sick again already. No idea how I ate all that, but I didn’t want to hurt Dad’s feelings.’

  ‘I understand. Good on you. I know how close you are to your dad.’

  Alan returned, carrying his own bag.

  ‘For you both,’ he said with a smile.

  ‘Thanks, Dad. Shall we open them now, or wait until tomorrow?’

  ‘Open them tomorrow. I’ll only get embarrassed if I’ve bought the wrong thing.’

  ‘Are you sure?’ Angie asked.

  He nodded. ‘Let’s just have another drink … but if you need to shoot off, that’s fine by me.’

  ‘No, Dad, we’ll stay. But I should let you know I’ve been feeling sick a lot.

  If I run off to the toilet, it’s not your food, honestly!’

  He smiled. ‘That’s OK. Thanks for letting me know. Must be awful to have that all the time.’