A Secret Schemer Read online

  Lucas noticed Tim making a hasty exit from the outside kitchen door on Monday morning, and as he wasn’t due to start work until the evening he instinctively grabbed his jacket and went after him. As it was daylight it was easy to keep him in sight, especially as Tim had a distinctive gait and he was fairly tall. He was heading along the main street towards Victoria, turning right onto Victoria Street, and then he stopped outside of the Nat West bank. He was looking around as though he was waiting for someone; it was easy for Lucas to blend in with the crowd. Before long a guy joined Tim and they entered the bank together, as this bank is one of the bigger branches Lucas found it easy to slip inside. Tim and the other guy were waiting in the queue for a cashier and were deep in conversation. Lucas picked up a paying in slip and began to fill it in, while keeping a close eye on the two guys. While they were at the desk it was obvious they were withdrawing cash, being too far away Lucas couldn’t see or hear anything. As they left the bank Lucas trailed them back out onto the street, where they proceeded to walk further along Victoria street. Keeping a reasonable distance he was taken aback to see them going into the Royal Bank of Scotland. Aware that there are CCTV cameras everywhere in London these days he thought it would be best to do some window shopping while keeping an eye on the bank entrance. After about ten minutes the two men came out of the bank and without hesitation flagged a taxi down, which drove off to another unknown venue. Lucas headed back to the Frog and Toad, uppermost in his mind was Tim’s reasons for lying about his employment. He’s definitely a shifty character. When Lucas went back into the kitchen he bumped into Jena. ‘Hi Jena.’ He said as he hung his jacket up.

  ‘Hi Lucas have you been somewhere nice?’

  ‘If you’ve got a few minutes I’ll tell you.’ Lucas offered.

  ‘I’m intrigued I’ll make us a coffee and we can go through to the restaurant.’

  Sitting opposite each other with a steaming mug of coffee, Lucas relayed his little unplanned journey.

  ‘That guy is a fraud I wish Lucy would dump him now.’ Jena added angrily.

  ‘I tend to agree, however I wondered if he works with the guy he met this morning?’

  ‘Doing what Lucas? He’s a liar, and he’s obviously hiding something.’

  ‘He doesn’t seem to be short of cash, and he was withdrawing money from Nat West this morning. Of course I don’t know what went on in the next bank, it’s all baffling.’

  ‘The first opportunity I get I’m going to follow him when he does one of his evening walkabouts, I’m determined to uncover his sham. Lucy’s a great person and she doesn’t deserve any of this.’ Jena said with fervour.

  ‘If I can help in any way Jena, just say the word. I don’t want to see Lucy get hurt she’s far too genuine for that.’

  ‘Thanks Lucas, me and Andy are going to take a drive over to Orpington to suss his parents address out. I believe all his secrets are stored on his laptop, regrettably he carries it round like a new born baby.’

  ‘Even the most punctilious people have been known to slip up Jena. I think I’ll seek Lucy out and update her on this morning’s mission.’

  Lucas found Lucy in the laundry room busy ironing. ‘That’s my favourite pastime didn’t you know.’ Lucas grinned.

  ‘Mm it’s mine too, did you need the iron?’

  ‘No I just came to relay my morning jaunt to you.’ Lucas explained what had taken place. ‘I hope you don’t feel I’m out of order.’

  ‘Not at all Lucas, I’m grateful.’ After giving Lucas’s story some thought. ‘Do you think he may be working with this other guy, something basic say, and thought he’d invent a more swanky position to impress me?’

  ‘Anything’s possible Lucy, nevertheless a tad far fetched don’t you think?’

  ‘I make you right, though he’s good on computers.’

  ‘So are a lot of people but it doesn’t make them IT consultants.’

  ‘I know, why do I keep making pathetic excuses for him, I have to confront him.’

  ‘Haven’t you tried that before?’ Lucas probed.

  ‘Yeah you’re right, time to man up and put my plan into action.’

  ‘Well I’m always here if you need me.’ Lucas assured.

  ‘I know and I really do appreciate your help.’

  After Lucas had gone I found myself musing over what he’d discovered this morning. Who is the other guy, he has to be a work colleague. However what kind of work? Is he self employed? Does he actually carry out IT work or is he a salesman or labourer? He needn’t have lied as I’m not influenced by positions or salary, the person is far more important. Have I made him feel the need to lie? Surely not, it’s not in my nature. I wonder where they were going in the taxi on a Monday morning. Questions keep spinning through my head. I agreed to wait until his fortieth birthday, although at that time I wasn’t aware he was lying about his job. As soon as he goes out in the evening again and Jena’s able to follow him, I’ll search his room. This is all becoming so cloak and dagger, thank goodness I have a sense of humour as I’m beginning to feel like my favourite sleuth Columbo. Ironing finished I make my way upstairs to hang things up, as I passed Tim’s door instinct made me try the handle, locked as always. I won’t go in there today I’ll be patient and wait until Jena has him in her sights. While I was putting my ironing away, I became aware of the sound of someone in the passageway. Placing the rest of the garments onto the bed I went to the doorway to see who was about. To say I was shocked to see the back of someone disappearing into Tim’s room would be an understatement, because it wasn’t Tim. I crept along the passage and stopped outside of his room to listen (why am I creeping I ask myself it’s my building) what has this guy turned me into? I could hear voices, so without a doubt he had someone else in the room. The sound was indistinct so I couldn’t tell if the other person was male or female. My impulsive fiery nature was urging me to burst into the room, nevertheless I’d gone this far, I had to stretch my patience a little while longer. Maybe it’s someone he’s working with, I mean it is daytime and anyone could have seen them arrive, although on reflection the kitchen is usually empty at this time of the afternoon, being the graveyard shift. We don’t start serving food again until six o’clock. I spent anther hour or so tidying the flat, no one had left his room. As I made my way back downstairs I could still hear the muffled voices. Once in the kitchen I made a mug of tea and grabbed a handful of biscuits then I sat at the table with Lucas’s daily paper. I’d positioned myself so I could see the outside kitchen door, unless he’d planned to stay up there for hours I’d have a birds eye view when they left. After another hour, and yet another mug of tea I’d become extremely bored, plus I had other work that needed my attention. So I folded up the paper and took the mugs over to the sink, when I heard a click. Oh for goodness sake how could I have missed them? The outer back door was closing, so I rushed over and pulled the door open and peered outside just in time to hear the gate closing. I thought about opening the gate to see who’d left the pub, however living on a busy street as we do, you’d be very lucky to catch a glimpse. This made me realise that when Jena goes for the follow she’s going to have to be prepared and move fast. I guess it was easier for Lucas this morning as it was broad daylight. Time was pushing on now and I felt as though I’d wasted a large part of my day. My thoughts turn over like the pages of a book, and I find myself reverting to the same dream. Where there is always another person who is hidden from my view….

  ‘Wow you look as though you’re miles away Lucy, what’s up?’ Jena brought me back to the present with her rhythmic voice.

  Out of the blue I was filled with soured emotions; my eyes were stinging with unshed tears. Jena came over and gave me a hug and the hot tears began trickling onto my cheeks.

  ‘Whatever’s wrong Lucy?’ Jena asked gently as she hugged me close.

  Stifling a sob and trying to pull myself together. ‘I’m sorry Hun just me being stupid.’ I mumbled as I grabbed a tissue that Jena was offering me.
Dabbing my eyes I realised that Lucas had walked into the room.

  ‘Would you rather I left you alone girls?’ Lucas said awkwardly.

  ‘No..no Lucas I’m over reacting.’

  ‘No you’re not Lucy Ross I know you too well, so how about you tell us what’s been going on while I make a pot of tea.’

  I sat quietly ruminating over the days events while Jena made tea for us all, when we were all sat with a steaming cup of tea. I described in detail the afternoon’s events. ‘I feel so frustrated that’s what’s upset me, because during my deeply haunting dreams and days like today I can never see the other person. For some unknown reason they are always hidden from my view, I’m beginning to feel an unknown power is preventing their exposure.’

  ‘I’m sure that’s not so Lucy, the subconscious has a habit of playing unfathomable games, especially when you’re in a confused state of mind.’ Lucas offered.

  ‘I agree Lucy, the guy is a total enigma and until you’re able to resolve his weird behaviour, nothing’s going to change.’

  ‘I know you’re both right.’ I added.

  ‘Well honey time you did something about it.’ Jena remarked. ‘Me and Andy will go and suss out his parents house this week, and as soon as he goes out in the evening tell me.’

  ‘On reflection Jena by the time I see him going out I then have to find you and once again he’ll have slipped the net.’

  ‘Time to be more pressing Lucy.’ Lucas advised. ‘Ask him when he’s going out, even by a text message.’

  ‘Yes Lucas is right, time to be pushier Hun, for goodness sake love this is your gaff, not his.’ Jena implored.

  ‘Take care Lucy I have to split now and relieve Archie from the bar.’ Lucas said as he made his way to the door.

  ‘Cheers Lucas.’

  ‘I’m going to meet Andy Hun, make sure you keep busy.’ Jena added.

  ‘Oh I’ll be fine Jena in fact I’ll go in the bar and if anyone wants a meal I can see to it straight away.’

  ‘I tell you Andy he’s really getting to her, what I wouldn’t do to the slippery bastard.’ Jena said angrily.

  ‘Remind me not to get on the wrong side of you babe.’ Andy laughed.

  ‘How d’you fancy a quick meal and having a run out to Orpington to suss out his parents place?’

  ‘Don’t you think it would be best in daylight, we could go tomorrow afternoon if I finish early?’

  ‘Ok I guess you’re right darling, tomorrow it is.’

  ‘I’m always right babe you know that.’ Andy laughed.

  ‘I knew there was a reason I loved you.’ she giggled.

  ‘Between us all we’ll get to the bottom of it, what a shame she couldn’t have fallen for Lucas he’s a cracking guy.’ Andy declared.

  ‘Life is never that simple, especially where Lucy Ross is concerned. She’s never been a run of the mill kind of girl.’ Jena remarked.

  ‘Are there any specials on the menu tonight babe?’

  ‘Kate’s off so Lucy’s doing meals, let’s go in the bar and see what’s on offer.’

  ‘Hi you two, are you looking for food?’ I asked as Jena and Andy came into the bar.

  ‘Now that depends if you have something tempting on offer.’ Andy replied.

  ‘Kate’s left a chicken curry which I have simmering on the cooker as we speak.’

  ‘Sounds good to me can I order two healthy portions, to be served in the restaurant.’ Andy teased.

  ‘I’m on my way and would sir like it with rice?’

  ‘Oh yes and all the trimmings, can we have it in the kitchen though I feel like slumming it tonight.’ He laughs again.

  ‘Ignore him Lucy I’ll sort it out, why don’t you come and join us as I bet you haven’t eaten.’

  ‘Ok why not, see you in a bit Lucas.’ As I followed Jena and Andy into the kitchen I wondered where the elusive Tim was tonight, in or out. Tomorrow I’ll send him a message saying I need a chat, pushier they said well here goes….

  Chapter 30

  After another restless night in my world of dreams, I realised how much they were influencing my thoughts. As this morning I’m convinced that the ‘other’ person in my dreams, the one who is always concealed from my view, is a woman. A single dream is more supreme than a hundred realities; they are true while they last. Your visions will become clear only when you look into your heart. Now I am searching deep within me to realise my true beliefs. Once again I had envisioned Tim’s room and as before everything appeared the same, total disarray. The other person was covered up in the bed as though asleep, and he was sitting at his computer. The power of the dreams is dominating my thoughts, control of which is restrained by not having the answers, in fact the truth. I know I have to be patient for a little longer and I’m finding it difficult to speculate just how much this whimsical affair (for want of a better description) is affecting me. I can’t believe I allowed myself to break down yesterday in front of Jena and Lucas, not at all like me. Frustration is my main issue, enigmatic and uncertain. I honestly feel as though there’s a huge can of worms about to burst open with an unpredictable outcome. Have I actually convinced myself there’s something unfavourable in the offing? Or have I soaked up everyone else’s predictions of Tim being a ‘slippery’ character that I’m beginning to prepare myself for the worse. Only time will tell. My mobile burst into action which immediately stopped my musing, to my surprise it was a text message from Tim himself. He asked if we could meet up for a quick chat later this afternoon. OMG has he become a bloody mind reader now, as that was exactly what I was going to ask him! Realising it was already eight o’clock I dashed into the bathroom for a shower, as I really had to catch up on my paperwork today.

  Tim sent me another message during the day asking if we could meet up around four o’clock in the restaurant. (My first thought is he always manages to select a time when the restaurant will be empty). Oh well I wanted to see him anyway, so with that in mind I made my way into the kitchen early to make a pot of tea, which I placed on a tray along with a selection of biscuits. Tim walked into the restaurant just after four and kissed me on the cheek before he sat down. ‘Tea and biscuits babe that’s very thoughtful.’ He said smiling.

  ‘Don’t they say a cup of tea is a cure for everything?’ I returned his smile, and then began to pour the tea. As he didn’t attempt to speak I pushed the plate of biscuits towards him, selecting myself a custard cream I chomped as I observed. ‘This is an unusual time for you to be around isn’t it.’ I probed.

  ‘Not really darling it always depends where I’m working.’ He muttered.

  Well you’re certainly not working for Randall and Hartley that’s for sure was on the tip of my tongue to voice. However today is not the day for a confrontation?

  ‘I just wanted to tell you I have to work away for a few days; I should be back by the weekend though.’ He said cautiously.

  ‘Mm are you going somewhere nice?’

  He hesitated slightly and then said with a sigh. ‘Scotland.’

  ‘Wow that’s going to be a long journey, when are you leaving?’ I asked with interest.

  ‘About seven this evening, I’m travelling through the night.’

  ‘When do you expect to be back?’

  ‘As I mentioned by the weekend, in fact I hoped we could spend Sunday together, what do you think?’

  ‘That sounds ok to me.’

  ‘It’s only two weeks to my birthday babe, and I realise I have a lot of making up to do.’

  At this point it would have been so easy to tackle him about the non existent firm of Randall and Hartley, plus the person he had in his room yesterday afternoon. Nevertheless I restrained myself as he’d just reminded me his birthday was just around the corner. When I’m in his company he always manages to charm me, why, I wish I could answer that. I know what Jena would say. Speaking of which, I must send her a message about his movements tonight. ‘I rather feel you do have a lot of making up to do.’ I said boldly. ‘I mean
when did we last spend a night together?’ The answer to that is never, as he doesn’t ever stay with me all night.

  Grabbing hold of my hand he squeezed it tight. ‘Until Sunday then Lucy, I’ll keep in touch.’ As he got up he leaned across and briefly kissed me on the lips.

  I watched him walk out of the restaurant, realising he hadn’t touched his tea or biscuit. Taking my mobile out of my pocket I quickly typed a message to Jena explaining about tonight, in the hopes she’ll be able to see which way he goes. One thing is for sure there’ll be plenty of time to search his room. Within minutes Jena had replied, saying she and Andy were in Orpington and be heading back soon with lots to tell. Well that has certainly got my taste buds going, I need to keep myself occupied until she gets back or I’ll explode… Back in the kitchen Kate had arrived early and looked as though she’d won the lottery.

  ‘Now that is a sight for sore eyes, Kate with a beaming smile.’ I said cheerfully.

  ‘For the first time in ages Lucy I can see a little light at the end of the tunnel.’ Kate added laughing.

  ‘Do tell me then, don’t make me guess.’

  ‘Well I’ve managed to get Jodie into an academy in Chelsea to finish her schooling; I just hope she doesn’t let herself down.’ Kate explains.

  ‘That’s great news Kate, how did you manage that?’

  ‘It’s one of those long stories and I’ll tell you when we have more time. Anyway I have more news; Tom has asked me out on a date.’

  ‘Oh Kate I’m so pleased for you love, when and where do tell?’

  ‘He’s going to come into the bar on Thursday night and wait until I finish, then we’re going for a late drink. I really like him Lucy he seems a grounded sort of guy and that’s what I want.’

  ‘Good luck to you Hun.’ With that I gave Kate a hug as I so want her to be happy.

  The kitchen door burst open and Andy and Jena stood in the doorway looking a tad pleased with theirselves. Was that good or bad I asked myself, after all they’d just been to suss out Tim’s parents house.