A Secret Schemer Page 4

  ‘Trouble is Jena we’ll need to watch her, anyway let’s see what tomorrow brings on that subject, what did you think of Tim?’

  ‘Mm seems cool, although I didn’t really have a chance to chat to him, I can tell you’re captivated though.’

  ‘Yeah I guess I am I got butterflies when I saw him today. It’s been a while.’ I add.

  ‘How about we have a meal in the restaurant one evening, just the four of us?’ Jena suggests.

  ‘Sounds good let’s make it this week if we can; now maybe we should sleep.’

  After setting the alarm we make our way upstairs to our respective rooms, both with our own thoughts of this rather momentous day…..

  When I reach the kitchen I can hear Mary hoovering in the bar, I can tell she is going to be a treasure, what a pity I can’t say that about them all. Maybe today we’ll meet this so called objectionable woman, the sooner the better as I’d rather know what I’m up against sooner rather than later. After making a coffee I walk into the office carrying the two till drawers holding yesterday’s takings, secretly scolding myself for not carrying out this feat last night. No harm done though as yesterday was a special day. With that in mind I complete the task and enter all the necessary data onto the computer. My next commitment of duty is a visit to the bank, which will presumably put a smile on my bank managers face. If every day’s takings are to be that lucrative, maybe I’d become a millionaire in a year….

  Chapter 8

  ‘Oh Lucy I have to tell you I’ve encountered the objectionable woman.’ Jena explains.

  ‘That was quick, what is she really like?’

  ‘To sum her up in a word, Mm discourteous, no has to be repugnant!’

  ‘She’s that bad?’

  ‘Actually far worse, a real nasty piece of work. I was keeping my eye open for her as I thought she’d probably make her entrance today, and I wasn’t disappointed. She came through the door as large as life with the scruffy mutt at her heels. I shot down to ‘greet’ her, pointing to the sign about dogs being on a leash. She growled who are you and told me her dog don’t need a lead and has always come in this pub. Obviously I informed her of the fact this was now a different pub with a different tenant and therefore different rules. I was met by a hurl of foul abuse, as she ranted on alarmingly in words that were difficult to decipher, so I suggested she should maybe come back another day when she had calmed down and her dog was on a leash.’

  ‘OMG poor you Jena sorry I wasn’t there to support you Hun.’

  ‘No problem, to be honest I quite enjoyed it, although it could have been to my advantage if Harry Miles had acted as interpreter.’ We both laughed.

  ‘It’s a shame Emma wasn’t behind the bar.’

  ‘Maybe, seriously though Lucy I believe she fully intends to cause trouble, she’s a bad lot.’ Jena endorses.

  ‘I guess we’ll have to face it as it comes, you do the bank run tomorrow and maybe I’ll have the pleasure.’ I add. ‘Meanwhile we need to keep an eye on Emma.’

  Tim rang me later and asked when we could meet up again, I mentioned having a meal with Jena and Andy, and he thought that was a great idea. He also suggested perhaps we could have a walk on Sunday afternoon, weather permitting, which I’ve agreed to although it has to be after lunches are served. Once again I felt the butterflies in my tummy, is it too soon to feel such a connection I ask myself?

  After a chat with Jena later in the evening, we decided that Friday night would be the best night for our meal, so I rang Tim to ask if he could make it and he agreed readily. I hadn’t booked a band to play for this Friday; I felt it was advisable to leave it for a week due to the opening day celebrations.

  Afterwards in the bar I noticed Harry Miles shuffling in, so without hesitation I walked over for a chat. ‘Good evening Harry, can I get you a drink?’ I proffer.

  ‘Thanks darling I’ll ave a Guinness if you don’t mind.’

  ‘My pleasure, sit yourself down and I’ll bring it over.’

  ‘Thanks girl that’s very nice of yer.’

  I sat at the table with Harry, fully intending to ‘pick his brains’ over Vie Butler. As he was pleased with his free pint of Guinness, straight away his tongue was loosened.

  ‘As she been in yet that Vie?’ He asks.

  ‘Yes she came in today but I was out at the time, what was her connection with the pub Harry?’ I enquire.

  ‘She was well in with the couple who ran the old pub, he was a heavy drinker and his misses didn’t like it in the bar with him drunk all the time. So Vie served behind the bar and did more or less what she liked. To be honest girl the place was a shambles, dirty and didn’t smell good either. They lost most of the regular customers and Vie aint never been popular.’ Harry told me in between sips of Guinness.

  ‘So why do you think she’ll cause trouble then Harry?’

  ‘Oh darling, like meself she was born in this manor and she thinks she has the right to do as she likes. Most of the family have spent holidays at her Majesty’s pleasure, if you know what I mean.’ Harry tapped his nose. ‘The story goes that her ol’ man died in the nick serving life for murder.’

  ‘Thanks Harry enjoy the rest of your pint.’ I’d heard enough for today and some of his mates where about to join us.

  Friday lunch time I had the pleasure of meeting Vie Butler, Jena’s description was spot on. She had tied a tatty piece of rope to the mutt’s collar and I’m not sure who was the most pissed off by it the mutt or her….she walked over to the bar with the mutt at her heels and ordered a pint of real ale. Emma is due in any moment to give Archie a break, this I must watch, I had an excellent view as I was sitting at the bar. She hadn’t looked my way although I’m sure she’d sussed who I was, this could be interesting. As Emma passed me she muttered hello as she went behind the bar, Lucas was starting work at the same time as Friday lunchtime was proving to be busy. Vie was leaning across the bar speaking to Emma, who suddenly looked a tad flushed, possibly because she knew I was watching them.

  ‘Hi Lucy how are you today?’ Lucas asked, breaking my concentration.

  ‘I’m fine Lucas and you?’

  ‘Yes good thanks, can I pour you a drink?’

  ‘Mm a small lager would be great.’

  Lucas handed me my drink and started to serve straight away, that’s when I noticed vie was heading my way. Well it’s now or never let’s get this introduction over…

  ‘You must be the boss?’ She asked directly.

  ‘That’s me Lucy Ross, and you are?’ I play dumb.

  ‘I’m Vie Butler and I’ve got a few things to say to you.’ She snapped rudely.

  ‘Well do go ahead I’m all ears.’ I reply.

  ‘We’ve never ‘ad notices up about dogs being on a lead, this is a local pub for people who live in this manor, my dog’s always been able to run around where he likes.’

  ‘I’m sure you’ve noticed that the pub now has a new tenant, has been refurbished and renamed, so many things have changed.’

  ‘Well we don’t like it round here and we intend to get it back like it was before.’

  ‘You say we, may I ask who else you’re including?’

  ‘All the fucking locals, that’s who.’

  ‘Firstly I don’t approve of your language, and secondly I’d like to know how you intend to try and change my pub?’

  ‘If I wanna swear I’ll fucking well swear. The brewery’ll have you out in no time I know ‘em well.’

  ‘Well I’ll wish you luck with that, and I have no intention of discussing this subject any further, however what I will say is take this as a civil warning that I won’t be spoken to in this manner in my own pub.’

  ‘You’ll regret threatening me, so take that as a warning you stuck up bitch.’

  ‘Are you OK Lucy, is this person giving you trouble?’ Lucas prompts.

  ‘Nothing I can’t handle thanks Lucas.’ With that the deplorable Vie Butler followed closely by her scruffy mutt walked back to the other
side of the bar. I noticed that no one else had approached her to speak, so I’m assuming she is a law unto herself. I also feel a trip to speak to Charles Emerson at the brewery certainly won’t go amiss, as I believe this needs to be nipped in the bud. I have learnt from experience that one bad egg can cause problems and they need to be faced head on. This person as Harry Miles has already mentioned, could turn out to be a thorn in my side. I feel I should mention my concerns to Lucas, as he’s been hovering close by in a protective way, which is sincerely appreciated, it shows solidarity. I’ll talk to him when he has his break, as now I’m keeping my beady eye on the dreaded Butler woman. Without a doubt Emma will have to go, she only works for ten hours; I need to think about this one. Shortly after our brief encounter the objectionable Vie Butler sauntered out of the bar trailing the mutt behind her. I watched Emma’s reaction, and for the first time I noticed that same arrogant look in her eyes, something she’d kept well hidden during her interview. As Lucas was still working I decided to go and have a word with Kate about the weekend.

  ‘How are you doing Kate?’

  ‘Yeah good Lucy, we’ve been quite busy and I’ve had several bookings for Sunday lunch.’

  ‘Great stuff, now about Sunday Kate as soon as lunches are over get yourself off home, at least you’ll get a longer break with Monday as well.’

  ‘What about Monday though Lucy how will you manage?’

  ‘Just fine, don’t you worry I’ll cover any meals required and Grace will be in at lunch time. So Kate tell me about your next date?’ I ask eagerly.

  ‘It’s Sunday evening, would you believe I’m meeting him in here.’

  ‘Does he know you work here?’

  ‘No, well I haven’t told him, he just asked me to suggest a nice pub.’ Kate laughed.

  ‘Mm should be fun.’ I add.

  ‘Oh by the way Lucy will it be OK if Jodie comes in to wait on table on Sunday lunch, you won’t have to pay her I’ll do that.’

  ‘I’d love her to come in and help and of course I’ll give her some pocket money.’ I laugh and tap my nose.

  ‘They’ll be sixteen next month; I want to encourage her to do something useful, Josh is learning to play the guitar so they’re drifting apart a bit now.’

  ‘She can come in and help anytime Kate it’s not a problem Hun.’

  ‘Trouble is Josh goes off to hang out with his mates and she’s left with my parents. She loves them dearly but you know what it’s like being a teenager, and she thinks this place is awesome.’

  ‘I can just about remember being a teenager….I think, Kate let her come whenever she wants Hun.’

  As we’re chatting Lucas comes in for a break. ‘Is this girls only or can anyone join in?’ He smiles.

  ‘The more the merrier.’ We say together.

  While Kate carried on cooking, me and Lucas took our coffee into the restaurant and I told him the story of the discourteous Vie Butler…so far.

  ‘I could tell there was something amiss Lucy, obviously you had no idea about her or the connection to Emma before you employed her.’

  ‘No neither me nor Jena picked up on anything untoward during Emma’s interview. I’ve decided to have a word with the brewery tomorrow and forewarn them of contact from the unpredictable Vie Butler.’

  ‘I’m sure they’re used to weird people in this trade.’ Lucas adds.

  ‘Unfortunately they are, every pub has a bad apple and this one is proving to be rotten to the core.’

  ‘If you get a problem Lucy and I’m not around, don’t hesitate to ring me and I’ll be here in a flash.’ Lucas promises.

  ‘Thanks Lucas that’s reassuring as you never know how far these people will go, especially when we have no idea of the underlying reason for the reaction, and there usually is one.’

  ‘The family sound disturbing, rebellious.’ Lucas advises. Don’t worry Lucy you have a strong support team.’

  ‘That’s heartening Lucas, thanks.’ As I got up to leave the restaurant I paused. ‘Hey don’t forget to have a meal.’ I smiled.

  Some time later I was in the restaurant with Jena, Andy and Tim, the conflict with the Butler woman temporarily forgotten. I’d decided that I didn’t want it to be a topic of conversation while enjoying a meal; I would divulge the details to Jena in the morning. We all settled for Kate’s special, which was chicken curry and very tasty it was too. Then me and Jena indulged in a yummy slice of fudge cake and dollops of thick cream, the guys settled for coffee.

  ‘So Tim what do you think of the Frog and Toad so far? Jena asks.

  ‘Impressive Jena and the food is delicious too.’ He adds.

  ‘How are your new lodgings Andy?’ I ask as I finish my last mouthful of creamy fudge cake.

  ‘They’re pretty good, very clean and the foods basic but tasty.’ Andy replies. ‘A couple of my work mates are staying there as well, so we go for a quick pint before we turn in.’

  ‘So where do you live Tim?’ Jena enquires.

  ‘Oh I have a studio apartment, just a large room really with dividers, it’s adequate when you need to live in the city.’ Tim explains. ‘I would love a bigger place; however the prices are beyond me at the moment.’

  ‘Well you’ll be able to rectify that Tim when you make your million.’ Jena laughs.

  ‘So Lucy’s been spilling my secrets.’ He jests.

  ‘What’s all this then?’ Andy chips in. ‘Million quid eh?’

  ‘Don’t get too excited Andy, Tim has a dream that he’s going to be a millionaire by the time he’s forty.’ Lucy laughs. ‘Left it a bit late though as he’s already thirty nine.’

  More laughter from us all as we decide to move into the bar for drinks. Lucas and Archie are both behind the bar and the atmosphere is buzzing. Tonight I feel happy and as Tim clasps my hand, I can feel those butterflies once again in my tummy and I hope they will stay there forever….

  Chapter 9

  As I slowly open my eyes, I can feel I’m still entwined within Tim’s arms, the memories of last night drifting through my thoughts like gossamer….what an enjoyable night it had been, and so long since I had felt the intimate warmth of affection. Carefully I slipped out of bed hoping I hadn’t woken Tim, and made my way into the shower room, standing under the flow of warm water my body felt tingly and refreshed. Wrapping a towel loosely about me I went back into the bedroom, Tim was still sleeping so I dressed hastily and crept out of the room.

  Mary was busy cleaning so I put the kettle on, and for the second morning this week I had to catch up with last night’s paperwork in the office. Only me and Jena know where cash is kept in the building, and being Saturday there’s no bank trip to do today..

  A little later I made Mary her usual cuppa and then two mugs of coffee which I took up to my bedroom; Tim was just beginning to stir, so I placed the coffee on the bedside table.

  ‘Hey you’re an early bird.’ He said sleepily, taking my hand.

  ‘Mm there’s always something to do in this trade, I hope I didn’t wake you earlier.’

  ‘No not at all, can I do anything to help?’ He asks.

  ‘Thanks, however luckily for me I have a great team of helpers.’

  ‘Last night was amazing Lucy.’ He gently pulled me back onto the bed. ‘Can you stay for a while?’

  ‘Mm how can I refuse?’

  Within seconds we were in a passionate embrace, making love sensually…..until we’d both fulfilled our desires….as our breathing slowed Tim kissed me tenderly. ‘Lucy Ross you are a ravishing woman.’

  ‘Why thank you kind sir, you’re rather irresistible yourself.’ I tease. ‘Sadly I have to depart and work through another day though.’

  ‘You haven’t forgotten about our walk on Sunday afternoon?’ Tim ensures.

  ‘Never, three o’clock by Chelsea Bridge if that will suit.’ I laugh.

  ‘Perfect, is it OK if I take a quick shower before I leave?’

  ‘Of course help yourself.’ As I leave the room I turn and b
low him a kiss.

  Just after lunch Jena came into the kitchen to find me. ‘Lucy you have to come and see this, we’ve not only been blessed with the unbearable bitch she’s now brought her mate in.’ Jena declares.

  I follow her into the bar and we behave as though we’re in deep conversation with Lucas who is working. I sit so I can get a birds eye view of what could be Vie Butlers only friend. They are both drinking pints of bitter and her buxom chum has the scruffy mutt sitting on her lap. Nice… Lucas informs us they’re now on their third pint of bitter.

  ‘I’ll stay in here Lucy just in case anything kicks off, I can start making out the next rotas.’

  ‘OK Hun I’ve got a few jobs to do in the office so shout if you need me.’

  Personally I think Vie Butler is making a stand, letting me know she’s going to be around. Next time I see Harry Miles I’ll ask him about the buxom chum. I fully intend to ring Charles Emerson on Monday morning first thing, until then there’s little we can do but let it take its course. While working in the office I give the events of last night some thought, the meal was enjoyable as were the drinks in the bar. I’m surprised that I slept with Tim so soon, he is such a charmer and I succumbed to those charms so readily, what a loose woman. I find my thoughts wander to Archie and Lucas. Archie is certainly a hit with all the youngsters in the bar, he’s a natural flirt and is loved by girls and guys alike. Where as Lucas is a hit with all the ‘cougars’ (and believe me we have a few in this area). Nevertheless he doesn’t appear to have submitted to any of the offers, unless of course I’m missing something. He is an enigma, I believe he’s been badly hurt by someone or something and just wants to work it out of his system; he spends most of his time here and is always willing to help. I’m sure eventually we’ll find out, however I would never ask as he’s entitled to his own privacy. I’m so pleased that Jena is happy with Andy. I know it’s far too soon for them to move in together, but when she’s ready she’ll tell me and let’s face it there’s plenty of room for them here.