Un-Break my Heart: Book 2 (The Heart Trilogy) (57 page)

Chapter 69

Mitchell had returned home to find a sarcastic note stuck onto the door of the barn.

“Next time tell me where you’re going” was all it said.

Fuck, it was like being a little boy all over again, although he never remembered a time James had asked him that question. He looked back at the house but it was in darkness and the Mercedes was not in the driveway so he guessed she had gone out too.

Still un-decided as to his plan of action Mitchell opened the door and got changed. He headed to the gym and worked out for an hour until his muscles burned from fatigue.

Then after a quick shower and change he put some music on and started to dance. The tracks were on random and he only stopped when the slow piano strains of “She’s like the wind” filled the room. It echoed around him, penetrated his ears and slowly drifted towards his heart. With all that he had discovered over the last couple of days he knew what the right thing was to do. His Dad had invited him to Christmas Eve dinner and he knew now that he would go. Perhaps seein
g
Charlott
e
would make the decision he had to make easier?

He was still dancing when his Mum pushed open the door and marched in

“I had plans for us today and you just shoot off and leave at the crack of dawn without telling me?”

“Sorry Mum, I didn’t realise you needed to know all of my movements”

With the words echoing around the room he thought of all the things he had seen and read on her computer.

“My accountant is calling later and I don’t want to be disturbed at the house. But if you want to pop up for some supper later I should be done by seven”

Mitch nodded and tried to contain a smile from showing on his features. This was perfect. If Keith turned up he would see if he could intercept him when he left. If it was someone different then he would know that Keith Madison was someone else.

His mum stalked out and returned to her house, whilst Mitch grabbed a quick shower and then positioned himself so that he could watch the driveway. He didn’t have too long to wait before a car lit up the driveway and Keith did indeed step out and inside. With his computer on he typed in the name “Keith Madison” but was puzzled when nothing showed up. The time ticked by and then just before seven Keith emerged into the yard. Waiting until Felicity had shut the door Mitch sprinted out and towards the car.

“Excuse me” he shouted.

Keith turned and looked startled to see him and quickly opened his car door.

“Can I talk to you” Mitch asked again, reaching the car and managing to grip the door to stop Keith from closing it.

“I’m sorry but I’m late for my next appointment” Keith stated, starting to pull the door shut.

Mitchell moved closer so that he stood in the arc.

“Just one question then” Mitch started “Were you at Dusk till Dawn last month”

Keith nodded “Yes I do the books for Mr King” he lied smoothly.

Mitch smiled and stepped aside so that Keith could close the door and pull off down the driveway. Just then the outside light came on and he noticed Daniel standing under the porch. How much of that exchange had he seen?

“Are you coming in then?” Daniel asked.

Mitchell nodded and slid past his bulk and into the kitchen.

“You know that I will have to tell Felicity you’ve been talking to Keith”

“I don’t think you should, otherwise I might have to tell her about you and Olivia the other night” Mitch retorted.

He watched with glee Daniel’s face turn puce in the kitchen lights.

“I think you must be mistaken” he mumbled. Mitch pulled out his phone and played the voice recording that he had taken.

“Am I?” Mitch smirked “Perhaps it’s best for both of us that Keith and I and you and Olivia remain our little secret”

Strolling through Mitchell watched his Mum proceed towards them, her bearing almost regal as if they were her minions.

“Mum” Mitch said, kissing her cheek.

“Son, I’m sorry about my little outburst earlier. It’s Christmas so why don’t we forgive and forget”

“Sure, Mum” Mitch said, taking her arm as they headed for the small sitting room.

“Dan, has the take-away arrived yet” Felicity asked.

The evening passed without mishap before Mitchell took his leave. It had been a struggle for him to maintain his composure with all the new information he had managed to gather.

“I’m having a big party tomorrow night for Christmas Eve, if you wish to invite any friends then the more the merrier” Felicity said.

“I’m not sure yet, I’ll let you know tomorrow” he replied.

Back in his place Mitch quickly packed a small bag and his laptop. Wanting to appear normal he slept and then headed over to the main house and cooked breakfast for his Mum and Daniel.

Clearing the plates they were startled to see a police car pulling into the driveway. Daniel looked shocked, but Felicity remained calm as she opened the door. Mitchell recognised the one officer as his Dad’s friend Rob, but apart from a nod of the head he never let on that he knew Mitchell.

“Mrs Carmichael-Astaire” Rob stated.

“Yes, how can I help you officer”

“Just a couple of questions if you have the time”

“Fine, let’s go into the conservatory. Dan would you get the Officer’s a tea or coffee?”

Mitch took the chance to slip out and headed over to his place to wait. Quickly he pulled out his phone and tapped a short message to James.

“Do you know why the police are here talking to Mum?”

James’ reply was a surprise

“No idea, son. Are you still coming tonight?”

Mitchell paused and then replied.

“Still not sure, Mum has a big party planned”

The caterer’s arrived and Daniel took charge with the police still being present in the house. Mitch watched as the Police left the house and grounds and then he hurried over to help with the party preparations. Walking into the conservatory the atmosphere immediately changed from warm and festive to cold as ice. The sky outside the windows looked grey and full of the promise of snow.

“Mitchell, do you know anything about this” Felicity demanded.

“The police?”

“Fucking hell, the police turning up, asking questions about Anthony’s death five years ago, then asking if I remembered where I was in November of 1996. That’s sixteen years ago, how the hell would I just be able to pluck that from my brain”

Mitch watched her pacing back and forth across the tiles, her heels the only sound in the whole house. He shook his head and wondered what was going on.

“Where’s Daniel, I need him to find my phone so that I can call someone about all this. They’re coming back in the New Year to search the place and apparently the case into my husband’s death has been re-opened, something about further evidence coming to light?”

“I could always ask Dad…I mean James as he might be able to ask around” Mitch suggested.

“No, he doesn’t need to know anything about all this”

Daniel appeared in the doorway and held out her phone.

“Now, just get everything ready, tell the catering staff where everything is to go as we haven’t much time to get ready”

Mitch hurried out the door, closely followed by Daniel and they set about getting the house ready for the party.

“Do you really not know anything about this?” Daniel asked Mitch.

“Nope” Mitch replied “Why, do you?”

The two guys warily faced off to each other, the tension between them mounting.

“I’m watching you Mitchell, the minute you slip up I’ll be there to tell Felicity all about it”

“Frightened you’re going to lose any inheritance you think you might get in the future” Mitch sniped.

When the house was ready to accept guests Mitchell sloped off to get ready. Getting dressed he heard his phone ting and spotted a message from Simon.

“My mates managed to open the file for you. He’s sent it back to your laptop”

“That’s great. I might just have time to take a look”

“Merry Christmas Mitch, hope to see you back in the New Year”

“Merry Christmas, no doubt you will”

Looking outside he shivered at the snow that had just started to fall onto the ground. He found his laptop bag and pulled it out, the email waiting for him. Did he really want to see what was in the file?

With his finger poised over the icon he hesitated. There was more than enough evidence in the other files that he had saved. Did he really need to see what other things his Mum was up too? Just then his phone rang and he almost jumped in the silence of the barn.

“Mitchell, are you online?”

Shutting down his laptop he took a quick breath and replied.

“Just finished checking my email, why?”

“Oh, no…nothing its fine, but why don’t you head over to the house now as you might be able to help me with something”

“Can’t Daniel?”

“No, it’s you that I need”

“I’ll be there in ten minutes I just need to finish getting ready”

Feeling on edge Mitchell packed the laptop at the bottom of his bag and then snuck outside to place it in the hard case on the back of his bike. In a final moment he pulled out his phone an
d
Charlotte’s number. He typed a short message before he strolled towards the house. Already his heart was hammering in his chest but he hoped that his acting skills would hide his sudden nerves.

Daniel showed him in and they headed to Felicity’s study

“Come in Mitchell, I think there’s something we need to talk about” she said, her tone quiet but deadly.

“Daniel, please wait outside until I call you” she commanded.

Alone with his Mother Mitchell took a swallow as she beckoned him to the seat next to hers

“I was going to send you this attachment” Felicity said “But for some reason it won’t let me”

Mitchell felt her stare on his neck as he tapped on a couple of things and then realised she had misspelt his email address.

“Here you go Mum, simple” he said, pressing the button.

“Thanks, darling. It’s just a list of all the documents you will need for when we visit the Solicitors next week and get everything signed over with the money”

He nodded and watched as she crossed the room and picked up the glass decanter.

“Let’s have a quick drink together before the guests arrive”

Mitch nodded and closed down her computer while he waited. She handed him the glass of brandy and paused.

“To the future” she said.

“The future” Mitch echoed, as he gulped his down to calm his shaking nerves.

Chapter 70

The run up to Christmas had passed with speed at the Radio Station but as Christmas Eve dawned I yearned for my few days of holiday over the festive period. Since Mitchell an
d
Charlotte’s break-up I had felt emotionally drained, trying to keep her spirits up as well as those of James. I was really looking forward to seeing Sarah and Chris on Christmas Day, but first it was the Christmas Eve family dinner this evening. Luckily Pam had offered to cook and James was on leave too so all I needed to do was get home from work on time.

The studio building was a shrine to Christmas as Naomi had taken the task of decorating the studio to the top level. A huge Christmas tree dominated the reception area and then tinsel, banners and balloons hung in every available spot through the staff room, studios and even into mine and Greg’s office. I had a wonderful Christmas Hamper to give away on my lunchtime show and then I wasn’t back in until the day after Boxing Day. Jack had gallantly offered to do double shifts following up his show by covering mine for the couple of days. In return I was standing in for him on New Year’s Eve and Day as James was working so it made sense.

Finishing my show I headed into the corridor and bumped straight into Greg, holding a giant magnum of champagne.

“Hope you’re staying for the evening entertainment?”

“I’d love to but I’m sure my staff would have a better time without the boss around” I grinned.

“Please” he turned pleading, puppy dog eyes on me.

“Just for half an hour” I said “I’m afraid I have family commitments after that”

I headed into my office and replied to all the necessary emails before I shut down and prepared to have a quick drink before leaving.

The staff room was packed with everyone as Greg dispensed the champagne and then tapped his glass.

“Well, guys. We’re almost at the end of our first month and what a first month it’s been. You’ve all worked so hard and I just wanted to say Thank you once more, keep up the good work and Merry Christmas”

“Hear, hear” we all chorused as we listened to all the corny Christmas tracks that Mickey was playing on the final show of the day.

“We’re going clubbing later Steph, if you want to join us” Jack said, creeping up behind me and grabbing a cheeky kiss under the large bunch of mistletoe.

“I’m afraid I’ll have to pass, but you can all party twice as hard for me” I said.

Just then Naomi shrieked and ran to the window

“Look it’s snowing”

We all watched the first few flakes drift down from the white sky and start to settle on the ground. I watched her turn around a
s
Leo
n
pulled her closer and under the mistletoe.  Just then my phone rang

“Steph, are you heading home as it’s started to snow” James asked.

“Yes, I’m just leaving and yes I’ll drive carefully”

Just before I could make my escape Gregory placed a hand upon my waist

“You know I couldn’t have done all this without you” he breathed, his mouth leaning in towards my ear.

“I’m sure you could have, I just did the easy bit and gathered the best DJ’s I could find”

“You’re beautiful, James is a lucky man but I hope he won’t mind if I just steal one kiss”

I couldn’t say no with the sprigs of mistletoe so evident in the room. He tilted my chin and planted a huge kiss on my upturned lips.

“Merry Christmas, my radio station angel” he murmured. His voice was loud enough for Lesley to hear.

“Merry Christmas, Greg” I said, twisting out of his embrace as the heat licked up to put blooms of colour on my cheeks. I saw Lesley give me a look as I left the room and I hoped she wouldn’t read anything into Greg’s words. I was well and truly spoken for and he was waiting for me. I grabbed my coat and headed outside into the magical changing landscape. The city’s Christmas lights twinkled and glowed against the white snowflakes that started to cover the grey pavements.

The roads were still clear but I worried about Sarah and Chris making the journey the following day. However as I parked in the driveway I noticed an extra car there. Inside James called me through to the lounge

“Look who arrived a day early” he beamed, as I noticed Sarah and Chris already quite at home on the sofa. Charlie was huddled up in her fluffy pink jumper with pink and grey checked leggings beside the hearth, Jester panting beside her but refusing to move. Peter looked up from his usual chair and smiled as Pam bustled in with a glass of mulled wine.

“We’re just waiting on Darren and Sophie now” James said, trying to stay cheerful as he pondered on whether to mention Mitchell’s name.

“I’m going to head up for a shower and to change” I said.

He grinned at me and I smiled back before heading upstairs. I only got as far as turning the shower on when James appeared in the doorway.

“God, I wish it was just the two of us here” he breathed.

“Why”

“Because I just want to rip all your clothes off now”

Smiling I reached up and wrapped my arms around this lovely man of mine.

“Later” I soothed.

“You bet”

I laughed and realised that there was a glimmer of light in his eyes that had been missing since Mitchell had left.

Before he decided to join me in the shower we heard a car pull up in the driveway.

“Go and play host to your son and his fiancée” I pushed him towards the door.

James did as he was told and I quickly peeled off the layers and stepped under the hot stream of water. The scents from the kitchen assaulted me as I stepped back downstairs and went to give Pam a hand. A pan of her Leek and Potato soup simmered as she checked the pork in the oven.

“Can I help” I asked

“Just lay the table and you can help me serve up later. I’m still waiting”

“For Mitchell”

“Yes” she whispered “It would make James’ evening if he turned up”

“I know” I replied, thinking of what his presence would do to my daughter. Would it bring her hope or sorrow?

The music channel was on the television competing with the conversations amongst our family and friends. The only one who seemed left out was Charlie as she stared vacantly at the flickering flames, her hand running up and down Jester’s soft coat. She was the odd one out, a single person in a house full of couples. Kneeling down I put an extra log into the centre and sat back on my heels.

“Do you think he will come?” she asked.

“I really don’t know, sweetheart”

I watched her cast a glance in the direction of the Christmas tree, a mountain of parcels already there. Looking up I noticed Sarah was staring at the two of us. She gave me a small smile and I felt glad to have her support.

Just the
n
Charlotte’s mobile phone beeped and she picked it up from the floor to check it. I saw shock flicker over her eyes that were steadily brimming with the first few tears.

“Oh my god, he’s coming home. Mitchell is coming home” she stuttered. James turned to stare at her

“Are you sure” he asked.

“Yes” she squeaked “Here, take a look” she handed James her phone with shaking hands. He nodded and a huge smile lit up his face, it was almost brighter than the lights on the tree.

“It’s true Mitchell’s message just says Charlie I’m coming home”

Charlott
e
quickly sent a message back

“Mitchell, I can’t wait to see you but please ride carefully in the snow xxx”

She left the room and ran upstairs to get changed again, ready for his arrival. Then scooping up all the little presents she had bought for him she carried them down and we all watched as she scattered them under the bulging pile beneath the Christmas tree. Pam appeared in the doorway having heard all the commotion.

“Mum, Mitchell’s coming home” James said, pulling her into his arms “I think I’d better get that bottle of champagne on ice”

Pam smiled around the room

“I don’t think the food will spoil if I turn the heat down”

With all the family waiting expectantly James walked over to me and opened his arms.

“This is perfect” he breathed, planting a kiss on my lips that lasted for so long that I thought I was going to pass out. Looking around the room I smiled as Pam perched on the armchair next to Peter, his hand rested on her lap. Darren and Sophie had taken the other arm chair as shyly she turned and pressed her lips onto his, mirroring our gesture.

Chris had wrapped his arms around Sarah’s shoulders and gave her a squeeze as they watched the flames of the fire.

Finally I sa
w
Charlott
e
move a dining chair from beneath the table and carry it over to the window. Jester followed her as if he somehow knew that we were all waiting for the same person
.
Charlott
e
rested her head in her hands, pressed against the cold frosty window pane. The snowflakes framed the scene to perfection, forming a pattern on the outside.

“He’s coming home” she breathed, as her favourite song played in the background.

             
“
Just remember, you’re the one thing I can’t get enough of

So I’ll tell you something, this could be love because…..”