Layers of Deceit, page 26
In a way, there were similarities in the situation between Cyril and Nathan and between Joshua and Abigail. There was blame on both sides, creating a grey area where you could feel sympathy for both parties. Dishonesty lay behind both scenarios and exactly where the balance of guilt fell could be argued long into the night.
‘How about we open that bottle of red?’ I head Craig say.
‘OK. Why not?’ said Nathan. ‘I really appreciate your company this evening. I needed it.’
Chapter 62
I went to bed about 11 p.m., leaving Craig and Nathan downstairs to finish the bottle of red wine, which was unsurprisingly easing the tension in the room. I felt mentally exhausted and must have fallen asleep fairly quickly, but when I awoke with a start just before midnight, the bed next to me was still empty. Carefully tiptoeing to the top of the stairs, I listened and heard Craig’s voice, followed by Nathan’s laughter. Perhaps Craig was relaying one of his amusing stories no doubt made funnier by the consumption of alcohol.
I returned to bed, and as I tried to doze off again, I thought back to our chat with Nathan. Hopefully, recent events would be a turning point for him, and he could make a success of his business or get a well-paid job. It couldn’t have been easy for him losing his mother at a relatively young age and having to witness his father’s descent into alcoholism. By tomorrow, he would be out of our lives, and I could forget about him. Although it was only a couple of weeks since he had moved in next door, it had been quite eventful.
I was in the middle of another dream about QexChem, where I was struggling to purify a particularly troublesome reaction mixture when I felt Craig’s presence in the bed. He snuggled up to me, snaking his arm around my waist as I allowed myself to drift back to sleep.
**
‘Ah, good morning!’ I said to Craig as he shuffled into the kitchen. I had been up for a couple of hours and was flicking through the news on my tablet.
‘Don’t let me do that again,’ said Craig. ‘I’ve not drunk that much in ages.’
I raised my eyebrow. ‘I know. I saw the empty bottle of whisky on the side.’
‘It wasn’t a full bottle,’ replied Craig.
‘It’s not now!’ I laughed.
‘Don’t be so loud,’ said Craig. ‘Can I have a coffee, please?’
I smiled and went to make a cafetière of coffee, as I had a feeling Craig might need more than one cup. ‘I think you should have some water first,’ I said, putting a glass in front of Craig. ‘I wonder what time we will see Nathan?’
‘I’m surprised he’s not up already. He can drink for England. Perhaps it’s a family trait?’
‘Shush, he might appear,’ I said.
‘You know, I reckon Cyril is a secret drinker too. We wondered what he did in the evenings.’ Craig groaned. ‘Oh, I’m not looking forward to going around when Nathan collects his stuff, but I can’t trust them on their own after what happened. Cyril might have found a machete or a knuckle-duster or something.’ Despite a hangover, Craig still had a sense of humour.
‘Cereal or toast?’ I said.
‘Er, no thanks. I’ll just have the coffee for now,’ Craig replied, looking slightly queasy.
I could hear movement upstairs.‘I think your drinking buddy is up and about.’
‘I want to make it clear that Nathan led me astray. He practically forced the whisky down my throat. I think I might join a temperance society.’
‘Do they still exist?’ I said, but before Craig could reply, Nathan inched open the kitchen door. ‘Oh, hi, come in. Would you like some breakfast?’ I said.
‘Well, yes, that would be great. Cereal if you have some.’
Nathan looked as fresh as a daisy, and I could see Craig looking at him with disbelief.
‘Morning, Craig. OK?’ said Nathan.
‘Yes, fine, thanks,’ lied Craig. ‘Did you sleep well?’
‘Great. The bed’s so comfortable.’
I left Craig and Nathan to finish their breakfast and went out into the garden. I could hear Cyril pottering about on the other side of the fence. Normality had returned to Burlam Avenue.
**
Craig chaperoned Nathan whilst he collected his things from next door. I was still annoyed with Cyril, and after the previous day, I stayed at home. However, I’d peeped through my front window a few times as Nathan loaded up his car, before coming to say goodbye to me.
Craig returned, holding his back. ‘Ouch, I think I’ve pulled a muscle loading a big box of books into the car.’
‘So, how was it next door?’
‘OK, although a bit strained, not surprisingly. However, there was a surprise at the end,’ said Craig smiling.
I raised my eyebrows. ‘I’ve had enough surprises for a while. I hate the word surprise.’
‘Well, Cyril kept out of the way whilst Nathan packed up his stuff, and we chatted a bit about this and that. Then Nathan came back in and apologised to Cyril, who then apologised for fooling him. I think Cyril realises he went too far. So, I started to inch out of the door, and then Cyril picked up an envelope and gave it to Nathan, explaining that it was a cheque to help him out until he got a job. Nathan said he didn’t want it, but Cyril pleaded with him to take it, so Nathan thanked Cyril, and they hugged each other.’
‘Oh, well that’s good to hear.’
‘Nathan drove off, and Cyril told me it was a cheque for three thousand pounds. I didn’t ask him, of course, but he was keen to tell me. I think he’s keen to salvage his reputation.’
‘I can imagine. So everyone lived happily ever after?’ I replied.
‘Hopefully. Let’s say it was more amicable than it was yesterday afternoon.’
Perhaps Nathan and Cyril had taken the first steps towards reconciliation, but I was still hurt by my neighbour’s actions.
‘I had a cheese sandwich whilst you were busy next door. Shall I make you one?’ I said.
‘Oh, no thanks. I’m not very hungry,’ replied Craig.
‘I wonder why that might be?’ I laughed.
‘I’m on a fast day today. I’ll just get some water, and then I’m going to have an afternoon nap.’
Craig did look washed out. His overconsumption the previous evening was taking its toll. ‘Sleep well,’ I said to him. ‘I think I’ll read my book.’
‘Oh, why don’t you come up with me?’ said Craig. ‘I’ll sleep better if I’ve got someone to cuddle.’
‘OK. Just for a short nap,’ I replied. ‘And if Cyril has any accidents, he can find someone else to look after him.’
Chapter 63
After the excitement with our neighbours, the next week was pleasantly uneventful. I concentrated on gardening, walking when the weather was fine, Craig’s blog, and some retail therapy. I found that keeping myself busy was the best way to stop churning through the emotional trauma from my spell at QexChem and Cyril’s duplicitous behaviour. I had found myself deliberately avoiding him. If I knew him to be busy in the back garden, I would go around to the front and vice versa. Maybe I was acting childishly, but for the moment, it suited me. In time, I knew that my relationship with Cyril would revert to normal, but I wasn’t ready for his next pet moan to burden me. If only we had some new neighbours in Burlam Ave to attract Cyril’s attention, but sadly, my other next-door neighbours hadn’t moved in yet. I assumed this was because the previous occupants had left the place needing some remedial work before it could be re-let.
The following week we attended the inquest into Joe Fisher’s death, which took place at the Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone. I had been dreading the occasion as I knew it would bring back memories from David’s inquest almost nine months previously. Although it was a formality, and we were unlikely to have to answer questions directly, I was looking forward to putting it behind me. Only then did I feel that I could fully close that chapter of my life and concentrate on my new relationship with Craig.
Katy represented the police and read out a statement about what had happened that fateful night when Joe had abducted me, and we had fallen into the sea. Craig held my hand tightly throughout, which was a great comfort for me. Joe’s parents had also prepared a statement about their beloved son, along with an apology to Laura and me for the pain and trauma he had caused. It was a touching moment, and I felt sorry for them, as I did for Bella who sat with her grandparents, occasionally dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. My friend, Laura, sat with Craig and me, impassive and emotionless.
As predicted, the coroner delivered a verdict of misadventure, and the inquest was closed. It was over, and although I would never forget my ordeal, in time, the memories would hopefully take a back seat to other more pleasant ones.
I didn’t get a chance to ask Bella how she was getting on as she left hurriedly with her grandparents. Perhaps Laura would update me in the future as I knew she planned to keep in touch with Joe’s daughter. As a way of drawing a line under the sad episode, Craig, Laura and I went for lunch at a nearby pub before returning home.
**
About an hour after we had returned home from the inquest, the doorbell rang. We weren’t expecting anyone, so Craig went to answer the door. As I heard Cyril’s voice, my stomach flipped. Although I was reluctant to speak to him, I knew I couldn’t carry on avoiding him forever. Craig was prevaricating to prevent me having to endure Cyril, but I decided it was time to chat things through.
‘Hello, Cyril, do you want to come in?’ I said, going to join Craig at the door.
‘Oh, well, not if you are feeling tired. I didn’t realise the inquest was today. I can come back another day,’ said Cyril looking embarrassed. ‘But these are for you.’
‘Oh, those are lovely, thank you,’ I replied, taking a large bouquet from him. ‘Come in, it’s fine.’
Our guest waited for me to offer him a seat, then perched on the edge of the chair. I rather cruelly gave him the silent treatment, deciding the onus was on Cyril to break the ice.
‘Sarah, I want to apologise to you. I’m sorry that you thought I was losing my memory. Please can we be friends again?’
I looked directly at Cyril and realised how difficult it must have been for him to speak from the heart like that. I’d never known him to be an emotionally demonstrable person, quite the opposite.
‘Apology accepted,’ I replied. ‘Of course I want us to be friends. I, well, I didn’t like the way you fooled Nathan, and us. I’ve been worrying about you.’
‘I was the fool,’ said Cyril. ‘I’m sorry. I got carried away with my plan. Thinking back, I’m not sure why I did it.’
‘Had you really lost your loppers?’ I said.
‘I deliberately hid those to fool Nathan,’ said Cyril, sheepishly, ‘but he was keen to go along with my charade as it suited his plan.’
‘What about your keys that day when you came around here?’
‘I couldn’t find my keys, but I’m sure I put them in my jacket pocket, so I think Nathan took them out to make me think I was forgetful.’
I sighed. ‘Look, we can debate who did that and so on, but I’m not sure how useful it is. I think we need to move on. But, Cyril, that afternoon when we found you in the garden with a cut on your head, did you injure yourself deliberately?’
‘No, not at all. As I told you, I was getting a tool out of my shed, and it had become caught against something else. When I tugged it free, I tripped over and banged my head. I was quite lucky. I could have had a much nastier injury.’
‘Oh, well, at least you didn’t fake that,’ I said, looking over to Craig, who gave me a weak smile. ‘I’m having trouble understanding why you decided to humiliate Nathan because that seemed to be what it was all about.’
Cyril looked down at his hands, then looked at us both. He looked uncomfortable, but I didn’t have a great deal of sympathy. After all, we had endured a highly embarrassing display at his house. ‘I’ve had time to think about things, and I realise now that I was trying to make up for my lack of care towards Ralph. He was my younger brother, and I should have tried harder to help him when he was struggling with his addiction. Instead, I let my prejudices and resentment towards him get in the way. I was a poor brother to him.’
I felt my eyes prick. Seeing Cyril open up towards us was very moving. It must have taken a huge effort to be so frank with us. ‘We all do things we regret, Cyril. It’s often not until people are no longer with us that we realise that.’ I knew the feeling only too well. Only when David had taken his own life, did I regret not helping him more with his inner demons.
‘Instead of looking down on Ralph when his wife died, I should have offered to help him. Just because I didn’t like his lifestyle didn’t mean I couldn’t have helped him more. We are all different. I shouldn’t expect everyone to be like me.’
‘Well, it’s nice that you got in touch in the months before he died,’ said Craig. ‘You did help him then.’
‘Yes, but it was too late. And poor Nathan, having to deal with an alcoholic father. I realise now how hard it’s been for him. I believed Ralph when he said that Nathan was stealing from him. That was stupid because I should have realised his drinking was affecting his brain.’ Cyril shook his head. ‘You see, it all goes back further than Ralph and me. What I mean is that some of my resentment stems from the way my father was towards Ralph. Despite Ralph’s lifestyle, he was my father’s favourite. My father is long gone, and my resentment should have died with him. Instead, I let it fester and took it out on Ralph and then Nathan.’
‘We all make mistakes. I wish I’d done more to help my son, Micky. He started to take drugs and became addicted, but I kept pretending that it wasn’t serious.’
‘Oh, I didn’t know you had a son,’ said Cyril. ‘Is he OK now?’
‘Fingers crossed he will be OK, although, you never know with an addiction. I just hope that he can finish his degree and get a job he enjoys doing.’
Cyril nodded. ‘Well, that’s good.’
‘How’s Nathan getting on?’ said Craig.
‘OK. He’s found a flat to rent in Canterbury which will be available in a few weeks. He’s invited me around to see it when he’s sorted himself out. Also, he’s applying for jobs as well. I think he’s got an interview in London.’
‘Excellent,’ said Craig. ‘Let us know how he gets on.’
‘He’s sold that car of his and bought something a bit less ostentatious.’ Cyril gave one of his characteristic sniffs at his latest comment. ‘He also told me that the sale of his house should complete next week. Let’s hope he will use the proceeds wisely.’
I wondered whether Cyril was going to start on a derogatory lecture about Nathan’s financial acumen, but he quickly added, ‘I’m going to keep in touch with him. I’d like to see him do well. He deserves some success after what happened to Ralph. Which reminds me, as well as sending Ralph’s money to the cancer charity, I’m going to make a donation to an NHS dementia charity. Out of my own money, I mean. It’s the least I can do.’
‘Oh, well, that’s a nice idea,’ I replied, hoping that we were nearing the end of our conversation as it was becoming emotionally draining, especially as it had followed the inquest.
‘Sarah, I’d like to make it up to you,’ said Cyril. ‘It’s important to me.’
‘There’s no need. It’s nice that you’ve come around to speak to us. It’s not easy to apologise in a situation like this. Craig?’ I said.
‘Yes. Thanks, Cyril. It’s good of you to come around’ said Craig, giving Cyril an appreciative smile.
‘But I’d like to get you a present. How about some wine? Are there any particular wines you like?’ said Cyril.
‘We aren’t fussy,’ I replied. ‘Thank you, a bottle of wine would be nice.’
Inwardly, I felt myself relax. I was pleased that Cyril had made the first move to put matters behind us. Bearing a grudge could be very destructive, in particular, if left to fester. I’d had enough stress recently, and I hoped I could look forward to happier times ahead.
Chapter 64
The following week, Micky started his final year at university in Canterbury and kept his father regularly updated. His calls and texts were enthusiastic, and although he was new to the course, his fellow students appeared to be welcoming and helpful. This was a huge relief to us both, although there was always the worry that he might be tempted by drugs again.
As I thought back over the dispute between Nathan and Cyril, in particular the subject of wills, I realised that at some point, I ought to update mine. Although it was still valid, it was out of date as David was named as my main heir apart from some charitable donations. As David was now deceased, my named charities would inherit the whole of my estate. I needed to update it as a matter of urgency, naming Craig as my main beneficiary. Without Craig’s knowledge, I typed out a will with the aid of the Internet and took it to a couple of neighbours down the road for witnessing. I felt more content knowing that I had sorted out this piece of administration, but I knew that I could feel even happier. The problem was, did Craig feel the same way? It was hard to gauge his feelings.
Meg accepted Craig's first two chapters for the book with only slight alterations, and she recommended him for some future work after he had finished this current book. That together with his articles for Modern Science ensured he was becoming firmly established as a science journalist. When I saw him so content and interested in his job, I was pleased that I had recommended him to Clare.
So we settled into an easy-going existence, looking forward to the future and hopeful for many more years together. We seemed to be able to sense what the other was thinking, sometimes finishing each other’s sentences, at times not even needing to verbalise our thoughts. Buoyed by this feeling, I decided to chance my arm. I felt that I had to broach the subject, otherwise, it was hanging over me, taunting me every day, and at times, triggering one of my debilitating headaches. As it was now the end of the working week, I decided now was the time to discuss matters. I’d spent half an hour having a relaxing bath, just so I could have some time alone to compose my thoughts.
