A Secret Schemer Read online

  ‘What’s your take on it all Lucy?’

  ‘To be honest somewhat bewildering, Jodie had been quiet for a while and we all thought she’d learnt her lesson, obviously not.’ I define. ‘Jena’s working through it with Archie, and she’s advised him not to reply to any of the messages just yet.’

  ‘Best advice I’m sure, until you know if there’s any truth in the matter. I thought his experience with Jodie had really straightened Archie out.’

  ‘Oh I’m sure it did, this is one of those times when something comes back to bite you on the bum so to speak.’ I laugh.

  Lucas grinned at me. ‘It’s essential that you keep that facetious sense of humour.’

  ‘I would never have survived this long without it Lucas.’ I smile. ‘Changing the subject would you give me an honest answer to a rather odd question?’

  ‘If possible, I’m intrigued.’

  ‘What do you think of Tim as a person?’

  Lucas took a deep breath and stretched backwards in his chair, and then he looked at me quizzically. ‘I’m not too sure how to answer that Lucy or even if I can, I really don’t know much about him.’

  ‘I guessed you’d probably say that.’ I then gave Lucas a brief insight into what I knew about Tim and how Jena felt about him. Describing my reasons for the question, as sometimes you can’t always see what’s right in front of you.

  ‘The only comment I feel eligible to make is that he doesn’t appear to socialise with others who live and work here. However from what you say he seems to be something of an enigma.’

  ‘My thoughts exactly, after our meal last night I’ve decided not to probe him any further about his family for a while as maybe his childhood memories weren’t great. I hope you didn’t mind me asking for your opinion.’

  ‘No at all, anytime you’d like a chat I’m always here Lucy.’

  ‘Thanks I appreciate that, by the way simply for future reference are you any good at technology?’

  ‘Not bad as it goes, very self taught though.’

  ‘I’ll keep that in mind for when I have a problem with the pub programmes, now I’d better do some more work. Thanks for your company and enjoy the rest of your night off.’

  ‘It’s been my pleasure Lucy.’

  As I headed into the bar I thought about Lucas, I wish he could find a partner, the trouble is I don’t think he’s looking. There are plenty of female customers who would love to get to know him; maybe he needs a bit more time to get over his traumatic experience. Now let’s find out if Archie has had any further text messages. As Archie looked busy I made a bee line for Jena who was chatting to Andy at the end of the bar. ‘I hope I’m not intruding?’ I ask cautiously.

  ‘Of course not Hun, I’ve got news for you anyway.’

  ‘Great, is it good or bad?’

  ‘D’you want me to disappear girls?’ Andy asked.’

  ‘No stay put.’ I say positively.’ We don’t have many secrets from you honest.’ I jest.

  ‘Yeah she’s sent another message tonight stating one blue one and one pink one, personally I feel she’s taking the piss. Trouble is only time will tell, I’d like to talk some sense in her silly young head.’

  ‘What have you said to Archie?’

  ‘Same thing, ignore her at the moment, I believe if there is any truth in this, she’ll become far more demanding. At the moment the messages could just be game play.’

  ‘Ok honey let’s see what tomorrow brings, meanwhile I have a stack of washing to do, see you later guys.’

  In the laundry room I found myself once again reflecting on Jodie and the reason for the menacing text messages. I’m sure if Kate was aware, she’d be horrified, so then it hit me, was I doing the right thing by protecting Kate. Yes she would be horrified; although I’m sure she’s not going to thank me for with holding this information from her. So I made a split decision that I was going to tell Archie that he really must allow Kate to read the text messages, what right have I got to keep this information from Kate about her own flesh & blood. If there is any truth in the messages, time could be of the essence where a pregnancy is concerned. Without further ado I hastily made my way back to the bar to seek Jena out. After I’d relayed all my thoughts to her she was in total agreement with my decision, so I went behind the bar to enable Jena to speak to Archie. By closing time it had been settled that as soon as Kate arrived for work in the morning Archie would be waiting in the restaurant to reveal the messages to her. I’m sure this is the correct way of dealing with this issue, if it’s Jodie’s idea of a wind up prank, or if the suggestions are valid. Either way this needs to be tackled now….

  Chapter 24

  Lying in bed I couldn’t get comfortable and sleep seemed a million miles away, a mish mash of thoughts were sweeping through my mind, as I twisted and turned. After about an hour of restlessness I slipped out of bed, donned a robe and went through to the kitchen to make a hot chocolate. As I’d had no comfort in my bed I curled up on the sofa in the lounge. Between noisy slurps of the scrumptious hot chocolate I continued to muse…. My mind was now wandering back to the day I knew I’d been offered the tenancy on the Frog and Toad, the same feeling of elation engulfed me. My first tenancy, a dream come true all I’d hoped for, and now five months on I could scarcely grasp how rewarding financially the pub was proving to be. Considering the country was still in financial turmoil and small pubs were closing down on a daily basis. How fortunate am I, all thanks to a fabulous hard working staff, great entertainment and an appetizing menu. Yet in my wildest dreams I wish to own a free house that would be my ultimate desire. I guess we all have dreams and that’s the one thing that nobody can take away from us. Where would my dream pub be located, in London, in the country or even abroad’ maybe Spain near my parents? That dream is for another day, I’m truly happy where I am in the Frog and Toad and believe me I count my blessings. At this moment in time I want to help Kate work through her problems, and then consider where my own relationship is going with Tim. Reflecting on my conversation with Lucas earlier today, I suppose my question about Tim was a little full on, the guy was hardly going to say I think he’s an ignorant bastard (even if he thought it). Jena is the only one who’ll give it to me straight. A noise brought me out of my musing, it sounded like a door closing, and I jumped up and quietly pulled the door open. As it was dark in the hallway I couldn’t see anything, after a minute or so my eyes began to focus and I crept soundlessly towards Tim’s bedroom. The door was closed as I’d expected, however I could hear noises coming from inside, it was difficult to decipher what they were. Surely there couldn’t possibly be anyone else in the room, had he been out and only just returned? I had no idea. I stayed as though glued to the carpet for the next couple of minutes; apart from a slight rustling sound the room fell silent. What on earth was the time and how long had I been in the lounge I’m not sure, as I reached my bedroom I glanced at the bedside clock and could see it was two thirty. Did I hear a door close? With this in mind I scrambled back into bed and drifted into a dream filled sleep….

  In my dream I saw Tim running up the stairs, carrying his shoes, there was another person running close behind him, although I couldn’t see a face. He quickly opened the door and they both entered the room, then I heard the door click…. Inside the room he was pulling the duvet across the bed and the other person climbed into the bed, their face concealed. Tim was using his lap top, typing speedily for a while. Then he closed the lid down and went to the far side of the room, his back was to me he was bending down, all I could see was piles of paper. Slowly he went over to the bed and slipped under the duvet….I woke with a jolt, it was seven o’clock, I tried to interpret dream from reality my mind was hazy, indistinct. Taking a shower seemed like my best option to bring me back to earth, the warm water was soothing. Dressing hurriedly I ran down the stairs to the kitchen, a cup of coffee would revitalise me I was sure. I switched the kettle on, Mary must be working in the bar and no doubt Lucas would be buying his p
aper. With a steaming cup of coffee in my hand I sat down at the kitchen table and endeavoured to relive the events of last night. The dream was confusing, had Tim been out, did he have someone else in the room; I dreamt there was another person with him even though I couldn’t see a face. I have to talk to Jena she’s the one person I can rely on, she’ll probably tell me I’ve lost the plot.

  ‘Hello Lucy, you look as though you’re in a dream world.’ Lucas observes as he walks into the kitchen.

  ‘Hi Lucas you’ve hit the nail on the head, I’m not sure if I’m awake yet.’ I struggle to laugh.

  Once Archie arrived, Jena got him installed in the restaurant with coffee and biscuits and we waited anxiously for Kate to appear. I knew she would be baffled once I told her Archie was waiting in the restaurant for her, so I thought it best if I went in with her. Hearing the kitchen door opening all eyes were on Kate as she came in. ‘Good morning, is something up you all look a bit odd.’ Kate said as she removed her coat.

  After acknowledging Kate, Lucas and Mary made a hasty retreat leaving me and Jena in the kitchen. Jena poured Kate a cup of tea and now it was time for me to explain what was going on. ‘Kate, Archie is in the restaurant he has something to show you, so why don’t you bring your tea through with you.’ The look on her face showed she was totally bewildered, which was no surprise, poor girl.

  ‘What’s this all about Lucy?’ she asked quietly.

  I wasn’t about to lie completely. ‘It will be better if Archie explains everything to you honey.’

  Kate sat opposite to Archie, since his previous involvement with Jodie, they have barely spoken. ‘OK Archie what’s this all about?’ Kate asked abruptly.

  ‘I think you should read these text messages I’ve received from Jodie over the past three days.’ Archie handed his mobile phone to Kate.

  I felt for Kate as she read the messages, noting the look of horror on her face. ‘This is crazy, have you been winding her up or something Archie?’

  ‘I haven’t contacted your daughter since we last spoke Kate, in fact I’ve settled into a relationship.’

  ‘Well something must have sparked this off, Jodie can’t possibly be pregnant as these messages imply. She hardly ever goes out and I’d know for goodness sake.’ Kate uttered shakily.

  ‘Well would you ask her why she’s sending these messages to me then Kate?’

  ‘Naturally, are you sure you haven’t been bothering her again?’ Kate fired back at him.

  ‘I’ve never bothered your daughter Kate; it was the other way round.’

  ‘You took advantage of her though didn’t you Archie!’ Kate shouted

  Time for me to intervene I think. ‘Kate why don’t you go home and speak to Jodie, I’ll help Grace with the meals until you return.’ I suggested softly.

  ‘Are you sure, I’m so sorry Lucy.’ Kate’s eyes were glistening with unshed tears.

  ‘I’m positive Kate, however before you go I would let Archie send you copies of the messages, if that’s ok with you Archie.’

  ‘Sure if you give me the mobile number.’

  By the time Kate had left and Archie had gone into the bar I spent a while with Grace sorting out the lunch time menu specials. Then I sought Jena out so I could discuss my weird dream. While I was explaining my night time escapade I watched the frown appearing on Jena’s face. ‘You look a tad uneasy Hun.’

  ‘Not uneasy as such Lucy, I’d say more bothered about you, first not sleeping and second the dream, a rather odd dream.’ Jena explained. ‘Have you heard from him since you went out for the meal?’

  ‘Yeah he sends me a message every day.’

  ‘Would that be a repeat message Lucy?’ Jena adds with a touch of sarcasm.

  ‘I must admit they don’t vary much, mostly saying he’s working hard.’

  ‘When are you seeing him again?

  ‘I would imagine Sunday lunch.’

  Jena raised her eyebrows in despair then slowly shook her head, as I walked away from her.

  As orders started to come in from the restaurant I tied my hair back and donned a white apron, then me and Grace got stuck into serving. It was a couple of hours before Kate returned, by the look on her face it was difficult to decide if the news was good or bad. ‘Most of the rush is over Kate, so shall we have a cuppa when the restaurant closes?’ I ask tentatively. As I’m sure she doesn’t want to discuss Jodie in front of Grace.

  ‘Yeah that’s fine Lucy, and thanks again for covering for me.’

  I went into the office and carried on with my paperwork, personally I’ll be delighted when this Jodie scenario is well and truly over. Not only is it causing Kate stress, it’s not doing the rest of us a lot of favours, especially Archie. I know he should never have slept with her; nevertheless it must be extremely difficult to turn down an opportunity when it’s offered on a plate. There’s no way I’d have her back here to work, even if she vowed she’d changed her ways (leopards and spots comes to mind). Kate knocked on the office door armed with a mug of tea. ‘Can you spare a few minutes Hun?’ She asked softly.

  ‘Of course Kate, let’s go through to the restaurant.’

  ‘I’ve spoken to Jodie and I still can’t believe how blunt she was, my parents are so upset they were speechless. She says she missed her monthly and another one is due now, Lucy she is so blasé about the whole situation, I’m not sure how to handle her. She wants Archie to pay, all she did was rant, in the end mum told me to come back to work and she would try to speak to her on her own.’

  I’m waiting for the floods of tears, however they didn’t come. Kate looks as though she’s full of anger. They do say the worm turns and maybe her daughter’s rebellious behaviour has tipped her over the edge.

  ‘To be honest I wanted to shake her, she’s never been brought up to behave like this. What the hell do I do Lucy?’

  ‘Not having kids of my own, I would say take her to the doctors to confirm her condition for a start. Then you’ll know if she’s telling the truth or is it just another wind up because Archie didn’t want a relationship with her.’ What I actually wanted to say was that Archie had rejected her, however I thought it may have been too harsh a word, being as he is not in favour.

  ‘Yeah I’ll make an appointment; I just couldn’t stay in the house with her, especially with my parents being so upset.’

  ‘Bottom line Kate do you believe her?’ I ask tentatively.

  ‘For sixteen years I’ve brought her up to be honest, lately though I feel I don’t know her. So my answer is, I haven’t a clue.’

  ‘In these circumstances maybe it would be better for Jodie to speak to an outsider, perhaps she’d open up then.’

  ‘What you mean a counsellor?’ Kate asks quizzically.

  ‘No actually I’m thinking of Jena, she is an excellent diplomat, if anyone can help Jodie she’s the one. The way I see it you’ve nothing to lose, and everything to gain. The trouble is with you and your parents you’re all too close to her, an outsider like Jena could be just what she needs.’

  ‘Would Jena do it and if so how could I initiate it?’ Kate probed.

  ‘Leave it with me Kate; just get her to the doctors.’ I assure.’ Let me know when she’s seen the doc and then I’ll set it up.’

  ‘Thank you so much Lucy.’

  ‘Nothing to thank me for, we’re friends aren’t we.’

  My next port of call was the bar, to inform Jena that she was now installed as our in house counsellor. I know from old that Jena will enjoy this, as she loves a challenge. She is definitely the right person to confront Jodie, as Jena is level headed and empathic. As I mentioned to Kate earlier she or her parents were far too closely connected. I truly believe Jena will get her to open up, and if my hunch is correct the girl will be relieved to spill it all out.

  Jena wasn’t at all surprised when I told her I’d offered her services. With that arranged I headed upstairs to my flat, as I was about to open the lounge door I heard Tim’s bedroom door open. Stepping bac
kwards into the passage I called out. ‘Going somewhere nice?’

  His foot was on the first stair as he turned around to face me, he looked startled. ‘Oh sorry Lucy I didn’t see you there.’ He mumbled.

  Truthfully I was unaware if he’d heard me or not, nevertheless he had that sheepish look on his face that was becoming all too familiar. As he appeared lost for words I probed a little more. ‘Late meal is it?’

  ‘Oh..Oh no I have to meet a work colleague for a coffee and a chat, I’ll call into the bar tomorrow if that’s ok darling.’ With that he ran hastily down the stairs. Now why do I think he made that excuse up on the spot, especially saying he was meeting a work colleague, knowing then I wouldn’t ask to join him. Am I making far too much of his demeanour, is my imagination running away with me, with Jena’s help I must add. Maybe the guy likes his own space, as he’s previously said he’s lived alone for years. Adapting to living in a public house could be slightly unnerving. I’m finding the situation bewildering, he’s not the only one who’s lived on their own for years, in pubs with staff maybe, although I’ve never actually lived with a guy. To be honest I’m not now, we may live under the same roof though as single people. Once in the lounge I checked the time and it was eight fifteen, I’d done this automatically as I knew that I would listen for his return. Curiosity was over whelming. I sent Jena a message stating that if I was wanted would she ring me, as I was upstairs in the flat. I contemplated going into his room again, although I deemed he wouldn’t be gone that long being as I’d seen him leave. Here am I acting like the lodger in my own pub, get a grip Lucy Ross I berate myself. How have I ended up in this predicament, I certainly didn’t envisage this happening when I took the tenancy. Me, Jena and Kate, we were all up for trying out the dating site, it’s worked well for Jena. Kate drifts from one calamity to another, and as for me I haven’t a clue what you’d call it. Tim’s a charmer, easy on the eye, and on the odd occasion when we spend time together he can be good company. What’s it all about? I moved over to the window and gazed dreamily at the city lights, as I looked to my left I could see Big Ben and the Ferris wheel towering above the buildings. There was traffic queuing at the lights in the street below, horns blasting in anger for no apparent reason. Loud music boomed noisily from car windows and countless people were darting in and out of the traffic. Planes soaring overhead on the flight path to Heathrow airport, all of these sounds become a part of everyday life in fact you rarely notice any of them. The city I love, my concrete jungle….My mobile burst into action bringing me back to reality. It was Jena saying why don’t I stay upstairs as she’d lock up. So I stretched out on the sofa and switched on the TV, after endlessly switching channels I settled for a DVD. As I relaxed my eyes were drooping and before I knew it I had drifted off to sleep. Sometime later I woke to the sound of footsteps on the stairs. In the darkness I fumbled to find my phone and check the time, only to realise it was one o’clock, surely that wasn’t Tim just come in. By the time I’d slipped into the hallway there was not a sign of anyone, moving close to his door I could hear sounds emanating from within. So once again he’d been out late, my issue with tonight is the fact he lied. At around eight o’clock he was going to meet a colleague for coffee, five hours later he arrives back. baffled as to his whereabouts yes I am, resentful of his lies. If I’d had a couple of glasses of wine I would hammer on the door and sort this out now. However I haven’t so I walked back into my bedroom and slammed the door in anger, and for the first time since I’d moved into this pub I locked it….Even though I was angry I felt utterly exhausted and within minutes I fell once again into a dream filled sleep….I was running down the stairs behind Tim as he left the pub, it was dark and he seemed to be in a great hurry. I was finding it difficult to keep up with him, he suddenly turned into a side road, and there was a pub to the side. I knew it was a pub as I could see the sign swinging in the breeze, I could see a word ‘Ye’ however that was all. Tim quickly vanished to the side of the building, where was he, there was an alleyway and it was so dark I stumbled along and had to touch the side wall to keep my bearings. I came upon an alcove and as I focused on the surroundings I could see two people in the shadows, it was far too dark to figure out who they were, although I knew it must have been him. Then in a flash they were gone, and the alleyway was as sullen and dark as a dungeon….I was roused from my reverie by the sound of rain pelting noisily on the windows. Once again the previous night’s events were foremost in my mind. How I’m going to deal with them is another question. My dreams are disclosing that it’s plausible he has another woman in his life. Can I believe what I’m seeing in my dreams…. Tim is himself a visionary; with his slapdash scheme of becoming a millionaire by the time he’s forty (which is now a couple of months away). My anger has subsided somewhat, nevertheless I have no intention of ignoring his exploits of last night. Now it is time to devise my plan of action….