A Secret Schemer (18 page)

‘I’ll do that Tom, I expect
you’re in a hurry as usual, no time for a cuppa.’

‘Not today Kate, but I’ll
surprise you one of these days.’ He laughed as he made a hasty
exit.

‘So you’re on first name terms
with our postie then Kate.’ I laugh.

‘Well I often have to sign for
something; he’s such a friendly guy.’ She nodded coyly.

‘Good for you, anyway time I
got on with my paperwork.’

Later in the afternoon Jena
caught up with me in the laundry room. ‘Archie’s had another text
saying, ‘do you want a boy or a girl?’ ‘Once again I’ve suggested
not to reply for the time being, as she could be playing her silly
games again attempting to get his response.’

‘Best way at the moment I
agree.’

‘The way I see it Lucy if she
was actually up the duff, wouldn’t she be inconsolable?’ Jena
protested.

‘Normally I’d agree, but we are
talking about Jodie who is an immature teen with a crush.’

‘So for now we sit on it?’ Jena
asks.

‘What does Archie think?’

‘He’s confused as he doesn’t
know what to expect next.’

‘At the moment let’s not rock
the boat so to speak, until the next contact which I’m pretty sure
won’t be long in coming.’ I assure.

Hunger pangs took me running to
the kitchen about seven thirty to see what Kate had on offer; I was
surprised to see Lucas had the same idea as me. ‘So what delights
do you have Kate?’ I asked greedily.

‘Whatever you like Lucy,
there’s two specials, chicken curry and hot pot with
dumplings.’

‘What are you having
Lucas?’

‘I’m having the hot pot
Lucy.’

‘I’ll have the same it sounds
yummy, do you fancy some company Lucas?’ I asked as Kate served two
huge portions of hot pot.

‘I’d be delighted, hey let me
carry the plates through to the restaurant.’

‘Thanks Lucas, see you later
Kate.’ I shouted as we disappeared into the restaurant.

Between devouring our tasty
meal me and Lucas chatted amiably about everyday news. ‘Do you know
I don’t believe we’ve had a really good chat since Christmas day,
seems ridiculous considering we live and work in the same
building?’ I mention.

‘Now I come to think of it Lucy
you’re right, I enjoyed that evening, especially the scrabble.’ He
laughed.

As we’d both finished our meal
I relaxed back in my chair and glanced over at Lucas. ‘So how are
things with you now Lucas?’

‘I’m fine Lucy, in fact feeling
a lot better.’ He replied. ‘I believe that is down to working here,
pleasant atmosphere and charming people.’

‘That’s good to hear, although
sadly not everyone feels the same, have you heard about Archie’s
latest anxiety?’

‘No I thought he was settled in
a relationship now.’

‘Yes so did he I believe,
evidently he’s started to receive text messages from Jodie,
implying that she could be pregnant’. I explain. ‘Please don’t say
a word as up until now Kate has no idea, if this is just another
teenage prank I’d rather Kate didn’t know. The poor woman has had
enough to cope with recently.’

‘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 paper. 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.