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Chapter Eight

AFTER A RESTLESS night, Jack clambered out of bed. He showered, shaved and dressed, and with Molly strong in his mind, he ran downstairs and looked up the phone number of Molly’s parents.

Twice he dialled the number, and twice he replaced the receiver before the number rang out. ‘Come on, Jack!’ he chided himself. ‘You need to sort things out with Molly.’ He had to make her understand how much going north meant to him.

He took a moment to make a cup of coffee and to feed two slices of bread into the toaster. When the bread popped up, he threw it onto a plate and smothered it in full-fat butter – a long-held weakness of his. He then took time to enjoy his breakfast, while thinking what to do about Molly.

Fortified by his toast and a second cup of coffee, he picked up the receiver and tapped out the number once more. This time he let it ring until someone answered.

‘Hello?’ He recognised the voice at the other end. It was Pauleen, Molly’s mother. A staff-nurse at the local cottage hospital, she was a busy, amiable person – sometimes overwhelming, but in a nice way.

‘Hello, Pauleen. It’s me – Jack.’

‘Oh, hello, Jack. Everything all right is it?’

Not knowing how much Molly might have told her, Jack played it safe. ‘Yes, everything’s fine, thank you. But I wonder if you could please put Molly on the phone. I’m off to work in a minute and need to arrange for us to meet up at lunch-time.’

There was a pause, during which Jack heard her answering someone. ‘No, dear. You go ahead. I’ll just be a minute.’ Returning to her conversation with Jack, she told him, ‘I’m sorry, Jack, but what makes you think Molly might be here?’

‘Are you saying she’s not?’

‘That’s exactly what I’m saying, dear.’ She was beginning to get worried. ‘What’s happened? Have you had an argument and she’s run off? I know how impetuous she can be. Don’t worry, she’ll be back with her tail between her legs.’ She gave a loud tut. ‘I have no idea why she would tell you she was coming to us.’

Having heard her quiet remark to a third person, whom he assumed to be Molly, Jack simply asked, ‘Will you do something for me, Pauleen?’

‘You know I will, if I can.’

‘Thanks. Look, I’ll be at the coffee shop in Bletchley around one o’clock. Molly knows the one. If she does turn up at your place, will you please tell her I’ll be there for about half an hour?’

‘Yes, of course I will.’

‘Thank you, Pauleen. I appreciate that.’

Replacing the receiver, and convinced that Molly had been standing right beside her mother, listening to every word, Jack felt a rush of anger. ‘All right, Molly. I know you were listening. If that’s the way you want to play it, there’s nothing I can do. Meet me, or don’t meet me. I’ve held out the olive branch. It’s up to you now.’

He hoped she would meet him, because he hated the way things were. ‘I want you and me to have a future together,’ he murmured. ‘We really need to thrash this out.’

With the call made, and hopefully Molly aware that he wanted to see her, he turned his thoughts to the imminent meeting with Curtis Warren ‘Who knows,’ he muttered as he went out the door, ‘they might not want me in the new post, after all. If they turn me down, that’s the end of that.’ He smiled a sad little smile. ‘No doubt Molly would be well pleased.’

One way or another, with or without Molly alongside, he meant to pursue the idea put forward by the psychiatrist. It was an astonishing and frightening thought, but he was determined to follow it through.

He hoped the outcome of this morning’s meeting would be in his favour. A definite approval from the big boss would be the first step in a journey that could either save him, or damn him.

At ten thirty, Jack was behind his desk, feeling reasonably confident, but not taking anything for granted.

Just as he was beginning to wonder if they had cancelled the interview, he noticed a black Lexus driving up to the front of the building, and he recognised the man inside as Curtis Warren, the boss himself.

‘Hey!’ Jan the receptionist poked her face round his office door. ‘I expect you’ve already seen him, have you?’ She made a sad little face. ‘If he approves the posting, don’t take it, Jack. I’ll miss you too much. We all will.’

Jack smiled, ‘Let’s not jump the gun, eh?’ he warned. ‘We don’t know for sure that I’ll get it.’

‘Oh, you will.’ Like everyone else there, she knew it was a foregone conclusion. Catching sight of Stuart Branagan making his way to Jack’s office, Jan slunk away. ‘See you later, eh? And good luck.’

A few moments later, Jack was summoned to the main office.

‘Sit down, Redmond,’ Branagan commanded. ‘You already know Mr Warren.’ Warren was a tall, well-built man of confident stature.

‘Great to see you again, Jack.’ Reaching out, he shook Jack by the hand. ‘I understand you’re ready to take on the responsibility for the new showrooms. Am I right in thinking that is still the case?’

Jack nodded. ‘You are. I have with me the signed contract. If you want me there, I’m ready to go.’

‘Mmm. Well, there are a number of reassurances we need from you. Firstly, Do you understand that this is a long-term responsibility?’

‘I do, yes.’

‘And are there any reasons why you might not be able to stay the course, if the job was offered to you?’ He gave a knowing smile. ‘Obviously, we’re concerned about domestic arrangements – that kind of thing.’

Jack was brusque but respectful. ‘First of all, can I say I was led to believe that the post was already offered – subject firstly to my acceptance, and then to your approval.’

The other man smiled again, only this time his smile was genuine. ‘That is absolutely true, yes. In fact, I was the first to suggest you for the posting. I’ve known you for a long time, Jack. Having worked together for some years, I believe you’re the right man for the job. I know from experience, you won’t let us down.’

His smile faded. ‘As you can appreciate, this new venture is costly, and needs to be monitored at every step. We have to be sure that it’s going to work. In other words, we don’t need any hidden agendas, which is why I put that question to you just now.’

‘I appreciate that. But you should know me better than most, and what I’m saying is, there are no hidden agendas – at least not on my part.’ His deeper meaning did not escape them.

Curtis Warren looked him in the eye. ‘Unfortunately, Head Office still remembers a certain occasion some four years ago, when you actually turned down a posting very similar to this one, and later on, the job Mr Branagan is doing so ably now. So, you can understand why we need to be sure it’s what you want this time round.’

‘You can be sure. You have my word on it.’

From the receptionist desk, Bill West and Jan watched with great interest. ‘Looks like he’s getting a right grilling,’ Jan commented, secretly pleased. ‘I know Jack, and he’ll only take so much before he tells them to shove it where the sun don’t shine.’

‘Remember, it’s a managerial post,’ Bill reminded her. ‘You don’t easily turn your nose up at an offer like that. Well, I know I wouldn’t!’

Jan made him a promise: ‘Your turn will come,’ she said confidently. ‘You’re made for promotion.’

‘Are you saying I suck up to the big guys?’

‘Not yet, no. But you will.’

‘Hmph! Thanks for that. I thought you and I were on the same team?’

‘We are. Only I’m happy just being a dogsbody, while you and Jack are meant for higher things.’

‘Hey, that’s a really nice thing to say. Thank you, Jan.’ Bill gave her an appreciative glance.

‘I really don’t want him to go,’ she said woefully.

Bill grinned. ‘I knew it! You’ve got your eye on Jack, haven’t you?’

Jan blushed bright pink. ‘Don’t be silly!’ It was the truth though.

Seeing how embarrassed she was, Bill said, ‘Sorry, I shouldn’t have teased you like that. None of us want Jack to go – he’s the backbone of this place. I’ve only been here for a few weeks, but even I’ve noticed what a waste of space Branagan is. Jack does twice as much work and shoulders too much responsibility. Our so-called manager squats behind that desk, like a fat king summoning the minions. I’ve yet to see him dirty his hands, or even make his own cup of tea. He doesn’t even pull his considerable weight when the salesmen are run off their feet, or someone is away sick.’

Jan was horrified. ‘Ssh! You’d best not let him hear you, or you’ll be out on your backside before you can say “Jack Robinson”!’

Just then, a customer arrived and Bill rushed to attend to her, all the more eager because she was young and easy on the eye.

Half an hour later, Jack emerged from the main office. Jan held her crossed fingers behind her back, hoping that he had turned the new posting down, or that the powers-that-be had changed their mind, for whatever reason.

The look on Jack’s face said it all. ‘Oh, Jack! You got it, didn’t you? Say something, dammit!’

Jack leaned over the desk, smiling from ear to ear. ‘Yes, I got it, Jan, my little darling! I want everyone to come to the Red Lion tomorrow night. It’s time to party!’

‘Congratulations, Jack!’ she was genuinely pleased for him. ‘We’re not losing you just yet though, are we?’

‘Not yet,’ he reassured her. ‘There are a number of things to be put in place before I can move up there. Somewhere to live, for one.’

Buoyed with a sense of accomplishment, Jack went about his work with renewed enthusiasm. Suddenly, his life was changing, and he was both excited and anxious. This was not just an ordinary move; it was far more important than that. He felt as though he was on a runaway train and didn’t know where it might stop.

Time alone would tell whether he’d made the right decision.

Just before one o’clock Jack drove to the little café in Bletchley, impatient to tell Molly the news. He was apprehensive as to how she would take it, now it was a done deal. Would she understand? Maybe overnight she had thought about it, and was ready to give way on her decision. He hoped so. Either way, for him there was no going back.

The café was a small, family-run business, with home-cooked food and a smile served with it. Jack found it a welcome oasis in the storm of life. He ordered a coffee while waiting for Molly to come.

‘Well, here you are again, Jack – deep in thought as usual,’ said Maria, the friendly waitress. She glanced about. ‘No girlfriend today, then?’

He returned her smile. ‘She’ll be along shortly.’

‘Same as usual, is it?’ She got her pad and pen ready. ‘Or would you rather wait for the young lady?’

‘I’ll wait,’ he decided. ‘Meantime, I’d love one of your special coffees.’

After two cups of coffee Jack realised that Molly wasn’t coming. With a sinking heart he paid the bill, and left.

En route to the office, he wondered if he should try to get hold of her at her workplace. Or maybe he should call Pauleen again. Perhaps she didn’t tell Molly he’d called earlier. Or maybe Molly just wanted to make him suffer.

Once inside the office, the manager approached him. ‘You’re late back from lunch again, Redmond. Don’t think you can start taking liberties, just because you’re leaving.’

‘Sorry, Mr Branagan. I got caught up, but I’ll make up the time, as always.’

‘See that you do.’ With a face that told its own story, he stomped off.

‘He’s jealous as hell because Curtis Warren likes you.’ Eagle-eyed Jan didn’t miss a trick.

Once inside his own office, Jack called the estate agency where Molly worked.

‘Banbury’s Estate Agency, Julie Hart speaking.’

‘It’s Jack here,’ he answered. ‘Could I possibly have a quick word with Molly?’

‘Sorry, Jack. Molly rang in to say she wouldn’t be in today.’ Julie gave a knowing little chuckle. ‘I don’t know what the pair of you got up to last night, but she sounded somewhat the worse for wear.’ Seeming to have suddenly realised something, Julie paused to ask, ‘Didn’t you already know she wasn’t coming in to work?’

‘No. I had an urgent meeting, so I had to leave early,’ he lied, to allay her suspicions.

‘Well, I’d give her a ring at home if I were you.’ She tutted. ‘Our Molly did not sound a happy bunny.’

Jack went along with her chatter. ‘You’re right,’ he said pleasantly. ‘That’s what I’ll do. Thanks, Julie.’

‘You’re welcome.’ There was a click and the phone line went dead.

Throughout the afternoon, Jack was run off his feet, but the minute he got a break, he rang Molly’s mother again, only this time it was her father who answered. ‘Hello, Ted. Is Molly there?’

‘No, she is not. And from what Brian just told me, she’s in no fit state to be anywhere. I’m sorry, Jack, but don’t you think it’s about time you and Molly sorted your differences out, once and for all?’

‘That’s why I want to speak with her,’ Jack answered honestly. ‘I’ll try to contact her at Brian’s. Thanks, Ted. Sorry to have bothered you.’

He rang Brian’s landline number. ‘Is Brian there, please?’ he asked. He suspected it might be wiser to speak with Brian before he asked for Molly.

‘’Fraid not. He’s in a meeting at his office this afternoon. I’m Malcolm Salter, his business partner.’

‘Oh, I see. The thing is, Malcolm, I need to speak to Molly. She is still there, isn’t she?’

‘Yes.’

‘Could you ask her if she’ll come to the phone, please?’

There was a pause, during which Mal seemed to be considering Jack’s request. Then he said, ‘OK. I’ll go and get her.’

After a few moments, Jack was relieved to hear Molly’s voice down the line. ‘What do you want, Jack?’

‘I want you, sweetheart. I need you to come home. I’ll try to get away early from work. I can come and collect you, if you want?’

When she gave no answer, he was hopeful. ‘I’m sorry we had that row. I love you, Molly. You know that, don’t you?’

‘Have you turned down that promotion?’ she asked sharply.

‘No. I’ve accepted it. You knew I’d made up my mind.’

‘So, everything I said, everything I feel about this business – none of it meant anything to you?’

‘Of course it did – it does! I know the score. I want to go and you want me to stay. But we’re intelligent, mature people. Surely we can find a middle way. We need to sit down and thrash it out, or we’ll never find a solution. Please, Moll. Come home. Let’s try again.’

‘I’m not coming home, Jack. We’re finished, you and me.’

‘Don’t say that! You can’t mean to throw away everything we’ve built up, just because I accepted the promotion?’

Suddenly Molly launched into a screaming attack: ‘It’s never just been about the promotion anyway – it’s the fact that you don’t care what I think! Look, Jack – I mean what I say. Some time tomorrow, when you’re at work, I’ll come and get the rest of my belongings, and that’s an end to it. I don’t want you calling me, and I never want to see you again. You’d better believe it, Jack. No more contact; no more talking. I don’t want you any more. It’s over. Have you got that?’

Before he could answer, she slammed down the phone, and he was left with her harsh words ringing in his ears.

Molly ran back up the stairs and into the bedroom. Concerned for her, Mal followed and he was surprised when Molly instantly wrapped her arms round his neck and drew him down onto the bed. ‘Make love to me,’ she urged, tantalisingly straddling him, ‘I don’t need him when I’ve got you.’

Mal held her off for a moment. ‘Do you mean that, or are you just saying it because you’re angry with Jack?’

She laughed out loud – a harsh, spiteful sound. ‘I’m angry, yes. But not because of Jack.’ Her tone softened. ‘I’m only angry that I ever left you in the first place.’

That was all the encouragement he needed. ‘You’re really never seeing him again?’

‘Never!’

‘If you really want him, Molly, you know I would step aside.’

‘You’d better not!’ She pressed her body into his. ‘I’m yours now, Mal. And don’t you ever forget that.’

Mal heard only what he wanted to hear. He adored her, and she knew that. But even then, for the sake of Molly’s happiness, he really would have let her go, although it would have crippled him to do so. He prayed she was not lying to him, like last time, when she broke his heart. He had to trust her now, because life without her was too empty.

But Molly had no conscience. No shame. Jack was still her priority. Yes, he needed bringing under control, but she already had that in hand. Emotional blackmail was a powerful thing.

In her arrogance, she truly believed that now Jack had been given a glimpse of what life would be like without her, he would give in and abandon his plans. Like all men, he would lick his wounds, then he’d be all over her, begging her to come back. Meantime, she would enjoy Mal and his puppy dog devotion, in every way possible. Live for the minute, that was her motto.

When she now suddenly responded to Mal’s touch with a crazed, sensual energy, he foolishly believed it was his own prowess that had aroused her in such an exciting way.

But then, that was exactly what she wanted him to think.