A Simple Mistake (19 page)

Nick knew something wasn’t right. He tried to pull his thoughts together but they eluded him and scattered, like fish escaping a net.

He heard muffled giggling. With great concentration, he managed to bring up his hand to shield his eyes from flashes of light that left imprints on gritty lids.

‘He’s waking up!’

‘It’s alright; he’s mostly out of it still. Better hurry though.’

Turning in the direction he thought the whispers came from, he sensed a shape crawl out from beside him. Nick realised he was in bed, and he wasn’t alone.

‘What’s going on?’

His voice was thick and gravelly, and his tongue wasn’t functioning as it should. Something was very wrong.

He propped himself up and the flashes began again. This time he registered a click as well. He was being photographed.

‘Quick! Just a couple more!’

A male voice. With increasing perception he became aware there was a person on his left. He groped with his hand and came into contact with an unmistakably female body. She didn’t seem to be wearing very much.

‘What the—’

As he clamped his hand around the girl’s arm, she gasped and tried to peel his fingers away but a sudden rush of adrenalin gave him strength. His vision was clearing but it was still hard to see, the only light coming from under the bathroom door.

The photographer swore and grabbed his bag. ‘I’m out of here.’

‘Me too.’ Someone else scampered after him.

‘Don’t leave me here!’ The girl clawed at him but Nick was stronger and increasingly lucid. He was also furious.

‘What the hell do you think you’re doing?’

He leapt out of the bed, dragging the girl with him. She nearly fell over and so did he. The room swam but he pulled her upright and peered at her. She was shaking.

‘You were supposed to stay asleep! You weren’t supposed to know!’

‘Know
what
?’ Nick shook her arm. He wasn’t about to let go. ‘Who are you working for? What sordid little magazine paid you to do this?’

‘Please, you’re hurting me!’

Nick dragged her with him as he switched on a lamp, and then loosened his fingers a little. She was very young, only about sixteen. At least, he hoped she was that old or he could be in all sorts of trouble.

He had no choice. He prayed.

God, get me out of this. I know I don’t deserve Your help but I’m desperate.

Even as the last word formed in his mind, the girl crumpled in a sobbing heap. ‘I didn’t want to do it. I’m sorry. Please don’t call the police.’

If he did, it could be worse for him than her but she was too young to realise it. Someone was using her and he was determined to find out who it was. He saw a robe lying on the floor and thrust it into her hands.

‘Put this on,’ he said, ‘and we can talk. I won’t call the police if you tell me who set this up.’

It was then he realised he was only in his underwear. Ignoring his pounding head, he searched the floor for his jeans and located them half under the bed – and began to remember bits and pieces from the night before.

They were in London, in whatever hotel this was. Nick knew he’d had only a couple of drinks, nothing like enough to make him feel the way he did. Had he been drugged as part of a set up? It was possible. He laid the thought aside for later; he had this girl to deal with first. She seemed familiar but he couldn’t quite place her.

‘How old are you and what’s your name?’

‘Tina. I’m seventeen.’ She was still crying.

Seventeen? Thank you, God
.

He left her just long enough to grab the box of tissues from the bathroom and tossed them to her. ‘So what are you doing here in my room?’

The tissues were a wise move.

‘I’m sorry,’ she blubbered, ‘I didn’t want to do this but they made me.’

‘Who’s they?’

She pulled out a bundle and blew her nose loudly. ‘If I tell you, will you promise to help me? I’m going to be in so much trouble.’ She was off again.

Nick rubbed his aching temples; it was going to be a long night. ‘I’ll help you if I can but unless you tell me I can’t promise anything, understand? And please stop crying.’

Her head bobbed up and down.

‘Alright. Let’s start at the very beginning.’ He sounded like Julie Andrews.

‘It’s my Dad. I was doing this for him. He said if I did this one thing it would help him a lot. My sister and her boyfriend said they’d do it – he was the guy with the camera – because Dad promised to give them some money too.’ Her voice wobbled again. ‘Dad owes heaps and he says it’s our fault but it’s not. He gambles it away.’

A nasty feeling formed in the pit of Nick’s stomach. ‘Go on.’

‘My sister talked me into it. She says mean things to my Mum about me then Mum gets mad at me and not her. She always believes Emma.’ She sniffed. ‘Anyhow, Dad said that if we really loved him we’d
want
to help solve the money problem. He doesn’t live with us anymore and he says it’s very expensive having two families, so I said yes. We were already over here with Mum, visiting some relatives. Dad got us a nice room and said he’d pay us some more after he gets paid for the pictures.’ Her voice rose as she began to wail yet again. ‘But you woke up too soon and spoilt it and now I’m going to be in trouble because I’ve told you everything!’

‘Not quite everything.’ With a great effort, Nick managed to keep his tone gentle. ‘You haven’t told me who your father is.’

He’d worked it out, but needed to hear her say it. He knew where he’d seen her before, too. Quite a few times, when she’d been a lot younger than she was now. The nasty feeling in his stomach had become a hard lump.

Her eyes swam. ‘My dad is your manager, Malcolm,’ she said.

* * *

Tina dressed, using the clothes from the bag she’d hidden in the bathroom. Nick made her go with him to James’s room and woke him to explain what had gone on. James was incredulous and equally determined to find Malcolm and have it out with him.

Nick knew it was too late to stop the photos from being used. Emma’s boyfriend would have given the memory card to a prearranged courier straight after he’d left the room, but it wasn’t too late to try and stop it happening again.

They left Tina with a security guard while they searched the gaming area for her father. They found him at the poker machines, feeding in coins, one after the other, a beer growing warm in his hand. Malcolm was alarmed at first but let them take him to his room without offering a word of protest. He didn’t even ask why they were there and seemed almost grateful they’d come. It was very odd.

He asked Tina to make her father some coffee and they began to unravel the story. Piece by piece, it all came out, right from when Lainey had copped the blame for Mia’s article. James’s eyes met his in a mute apology.

Malcolm had been trying to gamble his way out of debt for a long time. The pressure of having two families had been a large part of it. He’d become addicted to any form of gambling as he’d tried to sort out his problems. Both his houses were mortgaged to the hilt, his credit cards were maxed out and he had other loans he couldn’t pay. Things had become progressively worse as he’d lost more and more money at the casinos. Then he’d come up with the idea of making money through the boys, in the form of personal information, photos, anything. He was desperate.

By the time he got to this part of his confession, Malcolm became an incoherent mess. He was a broken man; he had betrayed his families and his boys and was beside himself with shame.

Tina sat there, white and trembling as she learned just how bad things were. After he’d phoned for a doctor, James called Tina’s mother. She was furious at being rung at four in the morning and even angrier when she got there and found out what Tina and Emma had been up to.

Both Nick and James felt sorry for the girl. She was a victim of circumstance but there wasn’t much else they could do. She was under eighteen and needed to be in the care of her mother.

The doctor examined Malcolm and sedated him, telling them to keep a close eye on him and to get him some psychiatric treatment as soon as possible. He promised to check in on him at noon, and he would advise them what to do next.

They went back to James’s room and phoned the head of their Public Relations department. He was astounded at what had gone on and said he would get back to them as soon as he’d worked out a plan of action.

‘What a despicable thing to do!’ James commented in disbelief as he hung up. ‘I can’t get my head around it. He was our friend, like a father to most of us for all these years and he goes and does something like this. It’s incredible. And
Mia!’
He was becoming irate. ‘How’s she going to get over this? She trusted him too.’

‘And Lainey,’ Nick said, ‘he used her as well.’

‘You’re right.’ James sat down, his anger diffused. ‘We all blamed her. Except you. You knew she wouldn’t do anything like that. Man, she must hate us.’

‘No, she doesn’t hate you. She understood why you would think it was her fault. She’s always said that the truth would come out.’ Nick winced and massaged his forehead. ‘I hate to think what these photos are going to be like. There were
two
of them in bed with me. It isn’t going to look good. I’m going to cop a lot of flak.’

James looked grim. ‘I guess we’ll know by tomorrow. You’d better try to get some rest.’

By the time he got back to his room it was six o’clock in the morning. He was exhausted, his head throbbing, his mouth as dry as a desert.

Nick remembered what he’d said to Lainey the last time they’d spoken and was so glad he had. He hoped she’d still believe in him after this and thought she would but he needed to hear her say it. He’d phone his mother first and then Lainey.

Hannah was as horrified as he thought she’d be. She brushed aside his apologies and reassured him she’d be fine. She’d be praying for him. For once, he acknowledged what she said about prayer and thanked her. He knew he was going to need it.

She had a bit of news of her own. Adam and Lara had bought their own place and Lainey had moved into their flat. Surprise, surprise. He jotted down her new phone number and hoped she’d be home from work.

It took only two rings before she picked up but it felt like ten.

‘Lainey, it’s Nick.’

‘I’m so glad you’ve rung. You’ve been on my mind all day. Is there something going on?’

What a woman
. ‘You could say that. I’m in a bit of a mess. Have you got time?’

‘All you need. What’s up?’

Nick drew a deep breath, feeling apprehensive. ‘You were right about Malcolm,’ he said, and then relaxed. This was Lainey he was talking to.

Living with Hannah for the past three months had been great but it was wonderful to have her own place. Lainey had thought she might get a bit lonely by herself but so far she loved it. The flat was under Jim and Beth Miller’s place on their quarter acre block, looking out onto the bush.

It had been renovated before Adam and Lara had moved in. The walls were off-white, the tiles were terracotta and the tiny living area and bedroom were carpeted in a soft wool.

It was fully furnished, including a very comfortable double bed so Lainey could spend her money on decorative items. She had decided to go with a beach theme and intended to use lots of pale blues and whites when she had a chance to go shopping on the weekend.

She’d been home just long enough to make herself a cup of coffee and open a packet of chocolate biscuits when the phone rang. She wasn’t all that surprised to hear Nick’s voice. Lainey had felt disturbed all day whenever she thought about him. And every time she got the feeling of uneasiness, she had prayed.

As he told his story, her first thought was for how rough it was going to be for him, followed by sadness and compassion for Malcolm.

‘Are you feeling alright?’ she asked. ‘You’ve had a dreadful night. You must be exhausted.’

‘I’m pretty tired but I’m more worried about the fallout from these pictures. Mind you, if some other disaster occurs, this will be nothing. If not, I could be a talking point. Either way, they’ll be sure to turn up in a magazine somewhere.’

‘But can’t you do anything? Have a press conference or something?’

‘To be honest, Lainey, people are going to think what they like. It can be better just to endure it for a bit and it’ll all get forgotten. You’ll see.’

‘It’s so unfair.’

‘Yeah, well, that’s the way this game gets played, just like anything else. You win some and you lose some. Usually we have a lot more wins than losses.’

‘Nick?’

‘What.’

‘
No matter what anyone says, I know you wouldn’t have done this.’

There was a pause. ‘Thanks, Lainey.’

‘And if anyone near me says anything to the contrary I’ll hit them.’

Nick’s chuckle came down the line then he became serious. ‘I hope the media don’t involve you. You never know how deep they might dig just to get a story. They could decide your previous involvement with me might be worth investigating. I hope not, Lainey, but be aware.’

‘That’s alright. I’ll just hit them too and take the heat off you.’ She was making light of it but at the same time she was concerned. It could affect her job.

Nick was right there with her. ‘You might want to tell your principal. After all, you teach at a Christian school and if they come after one of their teachers about something like this it isn’t going to reflect too well. You’d be better off being up front. Is he okay?’

‘He’s terrific.’ Lainey had a huge amount of respect for Brian Green. ‘He’ll be supportive I’m sure. How’s Malcolm?’

‘He’s sleeping for now but I don’t know what to expect when he wakes up. I’m worried he’ll be suicidal.’

‘You’ll have to keep a close watch on him. Can’t his ex-wife help out?’

‘I doubt it. She wasn’t very nice to her daughter so I don’t think she’ll be kind to him after all the trouble he’s caused her.’

‘No.’ Lainey bit her lip then confessed. ‘I knew a bit of what he was up to. I found out by accident.’

‘What do you mean?’ Nick sounded bemused.

Lainey told him about her encounter with Malcolm back in January.

‘How come you never told me? I can’t believe you said that to him!’

‘No, well, he was drunk and I have no idea if he remembers any of it. And as for telling you, I didn’t think there was any point. For a start, you’d told me to be careful what I said about him and I couldn’t see that it would achieve anything by letting you know. I knew you didn’t think I’d leaked the information for the articles so I had nothing to prove to you. It just happened, that’s all.’

‘I still wish you’d told me.’

‘It certainly fills in a piece of the puzzle.’

‘A very complicated one.’ Nick yawned. ‘I’m so annoyed about these pictures. I’ll look as if I’m on something which was true, but it wasn’t by choice. Malcolm admitted he spiked one of my drinks. I trusted that guy, we all did. He might have huge problems, but it still doesn’t alter the fact he sold us out.’

‘You’ve got every right to be upset but at least you don’t have his life. It must be a living hell.’

‘I know. I do feel sorry for him but I’m angry more than anything.’

‘I don’t blame you. I’d be just the same.’

‘No, you wouldn’t. Look what you said to him at the casino. You’re a better person than I am.’

‘I’m not. You know I’ve got a temper and get moody.’

‘Don’t sell yourself short. What you said that night was extraordinary.’

‘What I said that night was from God,’ Lainey said. ‘I’m no saint, but I’m willing to be used whenever He needs me.’

‘He answered my prayer, Lainey.’

The packet of biscuits hit the floor. ‘Sorry?’

‘I prayed for help and God answered.’

Lainey’s heart started thumping. ‘He loves you, Nick. You can put your trust in Him – He won’t let you down.’

‘Yeah, so you say.’ He sounded pensive rather than sarcastic.

‘When are you coming home?’

‘We’re supposed to leave the day after tomorrow but I’m not sure now. I’ll have to stay in Sydney until we work a few things out, but I’ll phone you.’ He sounded very weary. ‘I’m glad we’re having a big break; we’re going to need it.’

‘You certainly are. Nick? Malcolm’s wife is going to be devastated. Will you be able to talk to her?’

‘See? You’re a kind person, Lainey. Yes, I’ll definitely be speaking to her. It’ll be harder on her than anyone. Will you look out for Mum for me?’

‘Always. We look after each other.’

‘I know you do. I’ll call you soon. Thanks for listening, Lainey.’

‘No problem. I’ve eaten a whole packet of biscuits though.’

Nick laughed. ‘Don’t ever change.’

‘Not in that department I won’t. Go to sleep.’

It had grown dark by the time she hung up. As she thought about what he’d said, her faith swelled and her seedling of hope grew another, stronger shoot.

* * *

Lainey went over to Adam and Lara’s and told them Nick’s story. They were as shocked as she’d expected. There was nothing any of them could do except pray and they did, asking the Lord for a miracle, that the pictures wouldn’t make it to print.

She made an appointment to see Brian. He asked a question here and there but mainly let her talk. Lainey explained more about her relationship with Nick, to the point of telling him about their reunion and subsequent break up.

At the end, he leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. ‘You obviously know him very well.’

‘Yes, sometimes better than I know myself, I think.’

‘And you believe what he says about these photos being a hoax?’

Lainey nodded. ‘Without a doubt. Adam’s the same.’

Brian took his time before he spoke. ‘You’re a sensible and mature young woman Lainey. I trust your judgment, both from what I know of you in a professional capacity and in your walk with God. If there are repercussions from this incident I will support you. I’m grateful that you have been honest with me.’

‘Thank you. The last thing I want is to cause any trouble for the school.’

‘Of course.’ He inclined his head. ‘I hope Nick is aware of how lucky he is to have someone like you standing by him.’

‘Yes, I think he does.’ Lainey felt herself begin to blush.

‘Relationships with unbelievers of the opposite sex can become complicated but I’m sure that one day, your prayers for Nick will be answered. Can I pray with you, Lainey?’

She was thrilled when Brian prayed for exactly the same thing they all had.

* * *

Two evenings later Nick phoned from his place in Sydney.

‘Hi, Lainey.’ He sounded exhausted, even in those two words.

‘Hey. Are you alright?’

‘Absolutely wrecked. I called Mum but she’s out.’

‘She’s got her homegroup tonight.’

‘I forgot about that. I’ve lost track of what day it is. Lainey, have you seen or heard anything about the pictures?’

‘No, nothing. Have you?’

‘No. It’s really strange. It should’ve all happened by now.’

‘I would’ve thought so too.’ She took a breath, spurred on by an inner sense of what she should say. ‘Nick, we’ve been praying the pictures will never show up.’

There was silence and she wondered if she’d gone too far.

‘That would be a miracle,’ he said finally, ‘and I don’t deserve one.’

‘None of us do. We don’t deserve anything. It’s called grace, Nick.’

Silence again, then she heard him sigh. ‘Look, I’m going to bed now. I’ve only just got in and I’m shattered. I’ll keep in touch.’

‘How’s Malcolm?’

‘Not very good. He’s on medication and he’s being watched. Lainey?’

‘Yes?’

‘Thanks for praying.’

‘You’re welcome.’

She hung up, her heart a mixture of emotions. He’d sounded so empty and flat. Maybe, she thought, he was exactly where God wanted him.