A Secret Schemer (8 page)

Tonight we have another band
playing and again they are local guys with a female singer, Kate
has seen them before and is going to come in later with her new
man, so that should be interesting….

‘You have more flowers.’ Jena
laughs as I walk into the kitchen. ‘He’s well obsessed with you
girl, next it’ll be a little velvet box.’

‘No way, even Brad Pitt himself
couldn’t change my mind on the dreaded nuptials.’

‘He’s certainly working hard
towards it Lucy, be careful.’

‘If I didn’t know you better I
would think maybe there was a hint of a warning in that
conjecture.’

‘I just want you to be happy
Hun, that’s all.’ Jena adds.

I give Jena a hug as I know she
always has my best interests at heart, and she knows how impulsive
I can be. With that I go upstairs to put the flowers in water and
change ready for later, as it’s Friday night it’s all hands on
deck.

The band was great, playing
mostly covers from the eighties and nineties; they’re called middle
of the road, which I guess summed them up. Kate and Jeff turned up
about nine thirty, he was tall, attractive and toned, seems like
our girl could have hit the jackpot….until I saw him chatting to
Vie Butler. They didn’t sit with her in fact Kate had stood aside
while he was talking, this needs investigating I think….Andy had to
throw a couple of youngsters out during the evening, too much drink
or stimulus, he handles everyone well, there’s no outward
aggression. We were manically busy behind the bar and I did my best
to nip out for glasses, each band have their own set of groupies,
this crowd was having a ball and big spenders. Once again I can
visualise the smile on my bank manager’s face. Tim arrived just
after ten, though I didn’t get a chance to chat, I believe he
realises that’s how it’s going to be, and it doesn’t seem to
perturb him.

While we were having our night
cap I asked Jena if she’d noticed Kate’s guy chatting to Vie
Butler.

‘I did Hun, maybe he just knows
her from the area.’

‘Maybe, although I wouldn’t
have thought she was a person a guy like him would befriend.’ I
added.

‘Let’s ask Kate in the morning,
she’ll solve the mystery connection.’ Jena laughs.

I hope so….

Chapter 11

I stirred early; in fact I
hadn’t slept much at all, so once again I slipped out of bed trying
not to wake Tim. Kate’s new boyfriend Jeff was playing heavy on my
mind….what was his connection with that foul woman. I took a quick
refreshing shower and ran downstairs to sort the tills out. As I
rushed into the kitchen I was surprised to see Lucas sitting at the
table reading a paper. ‘My you’re an early bird, couldn’t you sleep
either?’ I asked.

‘Hi Lucy, no I slept fine, just
not used to lying in bed, so as Mary had unlocked I nipped over for
the paper. Let me pour you a cuppa.’ He offered.

‘Please, that’s just what I
need.’

‘As we were drinking our tea I
could see Lucas was watching me rather intently. ‘Are you OK
Lucy?’

‘Mm not really I’m concerned
about the issue with Kate’s boyfriend and Vie Butler; something is
bugging me about it.’

‘Maybe he knows her from the
area, perhaps using the old pub?’ Lucas tries to placate me.

‘I hope that’s the answer,
although something is telling me different, anyway I’ll find out
when Kate comes in.’

Finishing my tea I head towards
the office when Lucas shouts out. ‘Anything I can help you with
Lucy?’

‘No I’m just doing last night’s
paperwork, thank you anyway.’

Kate won’t be in until eleven
this morning so, when I’d finished in the office I made a couple of
bacon sandwiches, two mugs of coffee and went back up to my flat.
Tim was lying on top of the bed wrapped in a towel. ‘Breakfast in
bed it is then.’ I quip, trying hard to look care free.

‘I hope that tastes as good as
it smells.’ He laughs. ‘You look a little tense Lucy is something
worrying you?’

‘I’m still concerned about
Kate’s boyfriend’s connection with the Butler woman.’

‘I think you’re worrying far
too much, they’re all locals.’

‘That’s as maybe, however the
woman is not the friendly type.’

‘Oh come and relax and enjoy
breakfast with me.’ Tim urges. ‘I have to leave soon, and I hoped
you would come back to bed for a cuddle.’

‘Sorry darling I really need to
sort this out first, do you have to leave so soon?’

‘Yeah I have a few jobs to do
on line, you know all technical jargon.’

‘Thank goodness I’m a techno
phobe.’ I muttered while eating my sandwich.

‘You’re not that bad, I mean
you keep all the bookwork on your computer.’

‘Mm but that’s a set programme,
which is pretty plain sailing as you know.’

‘Come on Lucy I’m sure you’re
not as bad as that on computers.’ He assures.

‘Trouble is Tim I have little
interest in technology, Jena’s far better than me.’

‘Is she now?’ He adds.

‘Well she’s not a hotshot like
you, although most people are better than me.’

‘It’s my job babe, it earns me
a living.’

‘Mm and is going to make you a
millionaire.’ I tease.

‘I’m working on it.’ He
laughs.

As I lean across the bed to
plant a kiss on his cheek, Tim squeezes my hand.’ Are you sure I
can’t tempt you?’

‘My heart is telling me to
stay, though my head has other ideas.’ I utter as I make for the
door….

Walking into the kitchen I can
hear Kate’s dulcet tones as she chats to Jena and Grace. ‘Good
morning ladies, how are we all?’

‘Fine thanks Lucy.’ They reply
in unison.

Not wanting to be rude to
Grace, I need to get Kate and Jena on their own. ‘Grace would you
be an angel and bring the two A boards in honey.’

‘Sure Lucy.’

‘Sorry Kate but I have to ask
you something, and really don’t want to involve Grace.’

‘That’s OK Hun fire away.’ Kate
urges.

‘Last night I noticed Jeff
speaking to Vie Butler in the bar, do you know his connection with
her?’

‘I don’t know who Vie Butler is
Lucy, though he did have a chat with a woman sitting with a dog on
her lap.’

‘That’s her Kate.’

‘OMG I had no idea, anyway I
stood back and with the band playing it was impossible to hear
their conversation.’ Kate responded tentatively.

‘I realise this must sound
rather intrusive, nevertheless could you please find out the link
between them. You know the woman is causing unnecessary annoyance
to both me and the brewery, therefore any information on her would
be appreciated.’

‘Of course Lucy, as soon as I
see him, I’ll ask, I only got a quick look at her and she’s
certainly as you all describe.’

With that Grace came back in
the kitchen.

‘If Kate can spare you Grace
I’ll help you re-write the boards.’ Jena offered.

‘That’s fine Jena.’

‘I must sound piteous worrying
about this dreaded woman.’ I mutter.

‘Not at all Lucy, I know she’s
causing problems, you leave it with me love. I expect he knows her
from the old pub, as he said he used to frequent the place in the
early days.’

‘’Besides all of that Kate, is
the new love life making headway?’ I laugh.

‘Absolutely, in fact I’d say
there is definite chemistry bubbling.’ We both laugh as Lucas
appears in the doorway.

‘Am I interrupting?’ He asks
cautiously.

‘Not at all, just usual girlie
chat.’ I laugh. ‘How about we all have a cuppa before lunches
begin?’

‘I’ll put the kettle on then.’
Lucas adds.

The weekend passed without any
major incidents. My mind is still on Kate’s boyfriend Jeff, and as
she won’t be in until Tuesday morning I once again have to be
patient.

Tim had stayed over for the
past three nights and I was a tad surprised when he mentioned
moving in, his reasoning being that he would rather pay me rent
than his present landlord. Somewhat mystified I am, as sharing my
bedroom permanently hadn’t been on my agenda…Just yet anyway. After
a heart to heart with Jena, who thought it was much too soon, I
suggested that he could move into my spare room on the condition I
had my own space. Jena thinks I’ve lost the plot to even consider
it, I feel she’s always been a little unsure of Tim, maybe she can
detect things that I’m far too loved up to see. He had recently
referred to the fact that Lucas had moved in, to which I explained
that Lucas was a valuable member of staff and happened to be down
on his luck at the moment. His reply had been that I had a large
second bedroom that he would eagerly rent from me and promise not
to crowd me. I’m continuing to contemplate this carefully, as well
as listening to Jena’s point of view, although my main concern at
the moment is still Vie Butler and Jeff’s connection…

Monday seemed to drag; the
weather had taken a turn for the worse with blustery winds and
lashing rain, strangely enough trade increased during bad weather,
so I had nothing to complain about. The bank manager was full of
compliments for the way the business was taking shape, which had
raised my spirits, so why was I so anxious about Kate’s boyfriend’s
connection with Vie Butler…have I suddenly turned into a
psychic?’

At last Tuesday morning and I’m
wide awake at six o’clock, after an early shower and a quick look
at the early news reports I make my way down to the kitchen. No one
else is around so I make a coffee and pick up a copy of last nights
Evening Standard.

‘Good Morning Lucy.’ Mary says
cheerfully. ‘You’re always an early bird.’

‘Hello Mary, yes not keen on
wasting the day under the duvet.’

‘Lucas is the same I usually
share a cuppa with him each morning.’

‘I’ll pop the kettle on again
then as I expect he’ll soon be down.’

‘Good idea love, I thought I’d
better mention Lucy the tissues have gone missing from the ladies
again, maybe I should glue the box down.’ Mary explains.

‘It makes you wonder if it’s
worth trying to improve the toilet area.’ I grumble. ‘I have my
suspicions as to who the culprit is.’

‘It’s not me.’ Lucas chips in
with a smile. ‘You’ve both beaten me to it this morning
ladies.’

‘Gosh can’t any of you lot
sleep?’ Jena joins in with her usual chirpy grin.

‘You’re just in time to make
the drinks Hun and some of that yummy toast.’ I laugh.

Some time later when all the
cleaning was finished I walked back into the kitchen to find Kate
had arrived a little early and looking rather down in the dumps. I
hope her relationship with Jeff hasn’t fizzled out.

‘You’re looking a tad dejected
honey, what’s wrong?’ Although I was desperate to know the answer
to my question, I certainly didn’t want to see Kate looking so
depressed.

‘Lucy I don’t know how to tell
you this Hun, as I know it’s going to upset you.’

‘Hey come on it can’t be that
bad surely, you’re not going to leave are you?’ I ask
agitatedly.

‘No of course not I’d never do
that, however this is going to cause a problem I know, Vie Butler
is Jeff’s mother’

‘OMG,’ I gasped. ‘I certainly
didn’t see that one coming.’ I could feel myself trembling inside,
what would happen now for Kate, she’d be pushed into making a
decision, all kinds of things started flashing through my mind.

‘I’ve talked to Jeff, I tried
to explain as diplomatically as possible, about how his mother had
been contacting the brewery and causing problems for you. He
stopped me mid flow assuring me he was aware as to what had been
going on.’ Kate continued uneasily.

‘So what is the bottom line
Kate?’ I ask cautiously.

‘Jeff looked rather sullen as
he left, saying he’d have to speak to his mother.’ Kate added
gloomily. ‘I haven’t heard from him since.’

What a situation, I have to do
my best to sort it out as the last thing I want is for Kate to be
hurt because of this dreaded woman….

Chapter 12

By Wednesday evening Kate still
hadn’t heard back from Jeff, she’d promised to contact me as soon
as she had. The subject is continually on my mind especially as
Kate’s personal life is now involved. At the end of the day the
resolution will be in Jeff’s hands, depending on how deeply he
feels for Kate. The whole issue is a terrible shame as Kate has
waited a long time to meet someone who she connects with, I guess
only time will tell. I was sitting in the restaurant eating my
evening meal as I pondered over the plight at hand, when Jena came
to join me.

‘You seem deep in thought Lucy,
what’s happening?’

‘Same old Hun, I just want it
all to be sorted out, for Kate’s sake more than mine.’

‘I reckon it’s down to Jeff’s
feelings, surely he must know his mother’s traits, what do you
think?’

‘Yeah I think you’re right
Jena, anyway let’s change the subject before it drags us all down,
so Hun how are things with Andy?’ I ask heartily as I try to focus
on a happier subject.

‘Great Lucy we get on so well,
true soul mates, I’ve been considering asking him to move in, I
would so value your take on this?’