The Way Back Ch. 10

"The pair stayed there all afternoon. Your PI must have gone home to miss them coming out afterwards. You've got the wrong woman. You tried to kill the wrong man."

"No," she said. "She was fucking Derek as well. Almost admire him, two women on the go at once!"

"Well," Graham's voice cut across our talk. "We've got a problem. You. And her."

He pulled a gun from his belt and I heard the click of the safety catch.

Now in Britain there is gun crime in the inner cities, but ninety-nine percent of the population have never seen a real gun in the flesh, so to speak. I know I hadn't. Let's face it, even our police aren't armed routinely.

"Stand up, Jonsson," I stood up. I was frightened, really frightened.

"What's your plan then Graham?" I asked as belligerently as I could manage, trying to keep the quaver out of my voice. "You going to shoot the pair of us? That's going to leave a lot of evidence around and all of it pointing to you and Stephanie here."

"Oh, it won't be here," he scoffed. "We'll take a little drive in your car. I have friends in town, we'll take care of you both properly this time. No evidence. The car will be incinerated with you two in it. Don't worry, you won't suffer, you'll already be dead. No mistakes this time.

"But before we go, I'll teach you to come meddling and I'll punish her as the slut she is. A good fucking while you watch, I think. Good looking woman, shame to waste her really. Come to think of it, our friends might like a piece of her as well.

"Now," he said, gesturing with the gun. "Hands on your head! You walk slowly out of the room. You lead me slowly upstairs; I'll be right behind you. Steph, you'll hold the gun on him while I have my fun with the Mrs.

"Move, Jonsson!"

Of course I did as I was told. I moved. I realised he really hadn't been thinking clearly. In fact, I don't think he had much intelligence at all. Had he never heard of DNA? There would already be plenty in the house. The pair weren't really very clever but she was the more intelligent and the driving force, though I knew for certain she was insane.

In any case the plan had already failed. There was no car, since we came in Geoff's and I could make sure Graham used the gun in the house before I'd allow him to touch Ann. I was very, very angry at his arrogance, and adrenaline had countered my fear. My flight reflex had turned to fight. He could kill me but I'd take him down with the evidence of my death splattered all over the house.

I walked slowly through the door with my hands on my head, and turned to the left for the stairs, As I mounted the first step I shouted, "Geoffrey!"

"Who--" my assailant began, but did not finish. The front door slammed open, there was loud yelling and a crash behind me, and the gun went scuttering along the hall floor by the stairs. I turned to see Graham and a large policeman in a pile on the hall floor.

Stephanie screamed and started beating on the policeman's back until other officers pulled her off.

Apparently, I learned later, the noise and shouting distracted Graham who turned away from me and towards the front door, through which four or five officers were bursting, the leading officer's momentum knocking Graham over, and falling on top of him!

I turned back and climbed the stairs as quickly as I could, oblivious to the warnings Colin was shouting. I knew it was only Ann who was up there. I tried two bedrooms before I found her. She was tied to a chair, stripped down to her bra and knickers, her body pulled forward to the edge of it, her legs taped to each leg of the chair so that they were apart and her sex was on view and available through the taut fabric of her knickers. Her eyes were at first wild with fear but then with relief as she saw who it was.

Her arms were tied behind her to the back of the chair, pushing her breasts forward, and she was gagged with duck tape. I gently removed the gag, hushing her as she began to cry. Then kneeling down, carefully undid the duck tape round her arms and then her legs, at which she fell forward into my arms. It must have hurt as the tape pulled at the fine hairs on her limbs, but there was no other way to free her.

We were both in tears, shaking and shivering with delayed shock, and that's how the woman police officer found us. She prized Ann's arms from around me and helped her to dress. She was asking her if she had been assaulted. I was still on the floor, and my knees were killing me.

"You can get up now, old friend," came Colin's voice from behind me.

"I bloody well can't," I snarled, and immediately felt his arms under my armpits, lifting me up. My legs buckled and he held me until I could stand. Ann and I were wrapped in blankets by Paramedics and taken downstairs and to a waiting ambulance. I was not aware of very much. Ann held onto my arm tightly all the way to hospital. Not a word had passed between us the whole time, but she kept spasmodically squeezing my arm all the while.

Before I allowed them to take me into A & E, I phoned Greta, and found that she was holding the fort well.

"Jenny arrived and told me about your adventure," she was clearly worried, "Are you OK Daddy?"

I reassured her and rang off.

We spent about four hours in separate cubicles at the hospital, and eventually I simply got up and wandered out. A nurse bustled up to me and told me to go back, but I pointed out quite forcibly that I was over the shock and was going home. At this Ann appeared from another cubicle.

"Take me with you," she said and I offered my arm. She smiled that smile of hers, and tucked her arm in mine. We left after signing a release form to indemnify the hospital, and calling a taxi, were driven home.

"Come home," she said. "I can't face being alone tonight."

So I went home. The boys greeted us with great enthusiasm and then Greta came out. Stood a moment, burst into tears and ran to us. We had a three-way hug until she quietened.

"All in one piece," I said, which provoked another round of tears. So, arm in arm in arm we stumbled into the house.

Jenny had cooked a stew. The children and she had eaten long since, but we felt hungry and ate with enthusiasm. Jenny told us that Geoff phoned her and asked her to help Greta out, telling her the story. We had little to say, glad to be simply warm and safe. Ann kept shooting adoring glances at me, which made me feel rather uncomfortable.

Later on Jenny helped Ann to bed the boys down, and then left. Ann and I sat in the living room. I felt whacked, and Ann looked very tired.

"Allan."

"Yes?"

"Stay the night?"

"OK."

"With me?"

I was uncertain of the wisdom of it, and my delay in answering conveyed this to her perfectly.

"Allan, you don't have to do anything, just hold me."

I stood and held out my hands to her, pulling her out of her chair. I put my arm round her shoulders and felt hers go round my waist. So entwined we climbed the stairs. We passed Greta's room and she looked up. Her smile lit up her face as she realised where we were going together, and then, once again, she dissolved in tears.

Ann disengaged and went to her and I stood in the doorway. They whispered together and before long Greta was smiling through her tears. She looked at me and I knew I had to hug her goodnight. Ann got out of my way and I sat and took my daughter in my arms.

"We need an early night, Chicken. The excitement has done for me."

"You're Mum's hero, you know that?" said a still tearful but happy Greta. "You came riding to the rescue on your big white horse."

"Well actually in Geoff's Merc," I answered.

Greta laughed. "But you saved her life, Dad."

"No Greta, it was you who saved her life. If you hadn't had the presence of mind to phone me, and without your description, I wouldn't have known who it was. You're the star."

Ann nodded from the door. "I'm so proud of you," she said.

"Good night, God Bless," I said, kissing my daughter's head.

"Good night, Daddy," she said, hugging my waist, with a pride I felt I did not really deserve.

Ann had gone. I used the bathroom and entered the bedroom, her bedroom. She was already in bed, only her head visible. I stripped down to my boxers and climbed in beside her. Shock. She was naked.

"Allan," she reproved me, "we've never slept in clothing. Are you going to start now?"

I dutifully pushed my boxers off. I would like to say I began to get an erection, but it would be a lie. I was too tired. Ann scooted over to me and we entwined our bodies quite naturally. I felt her soft breasts against my chest, her legs either side of one of mine, pushing her vulva against me, her hairs prickling my thigh.

"Your body hasn't forgotten how we always used to cuddle, even if you have!" she smiled that oh so loving smile, as we lay eye to eye.

I was drifting off when I heard "Thank you my darling." Or perhaps I dreamed it, but I don't think so.

However, the night was far from peaceful. Ann had nightmares, sitting up in bed and shouting, quivering or sobbing. I had to wake her again and again. About four, as vestiges of light became to show in the east, she settled and I slept. The next thing I knew it was morning, and the alarm sounded. I quelled it but Ann did not stir, so I had to.

------

FIFTY-ONE

So Wednesday was yet another manic day.

Disconnect the phone in the bedroom and shut the door to let Ann sleep. Get kids up for breakfast and schools.

Answer the phone. A reporter. Put phone down. Check everyone had everything they needed. Answer the phone, the BBC, put phone down. See children off after checking we were not once again besieged by reporters at the gate. Answer the phone, assure Geoff we were still ok, but that I would not be in. Answer the phone, ask the police to call later in the morning -- like lunchtime -- for statements.

Phone Ann's office telling them that she would not be in and that I didn't know when she would be. Make tea for Ann, who I hear using the bathroom. Answer the phone and tell the BBC no comment. Change answer-phone message as before and let it ring.

Take tea to Ann, who's sitting up in bed looking lost. I admire her firm breasts, the exhibition of which she does not notice. Does she want some breakfast? I go down and toast some English muffins.

I tidy the kitchen while Ann has breakfast in bed. There's a knock at the door. A reporter. I invite him to choose his own destination but suggest a couple as long as he leaves here. I invite Ann to dress before the police arrive.

Doorbell. The police, or rather Colin and a female high-ranking police officer in uniform. I feel impressed and honoured by such rank. I tell Colin so. I am told by him not to take the piss. Ann comes down dressed and looking tired but tidy. I make coffee for everyone, after all it is eleven thirty.

At this point everything slowed right down. Making statements to the English police is a unique experience. You travel back in time from the electronic age. You dictate your statement to the officer, who writes it down longhand, often in pencil. Each sentence is discussed. The day stretches before you into the far future as you inch through the events, ensuring that what is written is absolutely accurate.

Ann learned the details of my part in the drama. I learned of the minor sexual assaults of Graham on her, drawing his finger along the gusset of her knickers and his hand over her bra-covered breasts. I became very angry but it was a pointless feeling. The other officer, Joyce Frederick, said I'd prevented a worse assault. It was some help I suppose.

"Well, the Fanshaws certainly saved us the trouble of building a case against them," said Colin. "What they did yesterday, and the other evidence you put together will convict them of your assault and this second attempted murder. Your little gizmo got the whole conversation -- all the evidence we need."

By the time we were finished, it was early afternoon. They left and we ate beans on toast, smiling at each other across the kitchen table. Suddenly Ann looked aghast.

"Work!" she cried. "I should be at work!"

"I phoned them," I said. "You're not going in till next week. They were very worried about you."

She relaxed.

After the meal we continued to sit where we were. I suddenly felt exhausted, and as often happened when I was very tired, my various injuries began to play up. This time the pain was stronger than usual.

Strange that it was in that moment I knew. Whatever had been holding me back had evaporated with the events of the previous day and the night we spent together. I knew already that I loved Ann and thought that she loved me: after all she'd made that obvious for weeks.

Now I knew I had to come home, to be with her. There was a feeling of worry about my sudden bouts of temper but even that seemed unreal now. My own actions had revealed my true feelings for Ann. It turned out I was wrong.

"I'd like to come home," I said. "I mean really come home."

Ann looked at me. If I was expecting a rapturous smile and open arms, I was to be disappointed.

Instead she looked uncertain.

"I don't know," she said with a frown.

My anger started to rise again; in pain and weariness it happens easily. I had been right to worry about it.

She could tell I was angry.

"Allan," she said sharply, "you said you would control your anger."

She was right, I had. So I did. Indeed I slumped back in my chair, my posture reflecting my feelings. Suddenly I felt I couldn't take any more of this. I needed to be alone, to take my stronger painkillers and to sleep. I had had enough.

I got up slowly, my joints creaking, turned and made for the door.

"OK, I'm not coming home. I'm going back to the flat."

At this she became animated.

"No, Allan!" she cried, "I'll explain! Please don't go without listening to me."

"No," I said flatly, feeling all her rejection as a heavy weight. "I'm going. I'm exhausted and in pain and you have rejected me. When you're ready to accept me, you'll have to ask. Then I'll decide, and after this, it's not a foregone conclusion. I certainly won't ask you again."

"Please," she begged, her agitation growing, "I really need to explain."

"I told you. I'm too tired. Goodbye," I said and walked out.

Of course, as I entered the flat, I knew this was not the end of the matter. The phone was already ringing.

It was David. He did not waste any time.

"Allan," he said, "Ann has phoned Vivienne, and Viv is keeping her promise not to interfere. What's going on? Ann's in floods of tears and babbling that you've left her. After yesterday she needs you; emotionally she's not that strong."

I sat down with the phone, "It may have escaped your notice that I'm not that strong at the moment either. I was there with Ann you know. I'm very tired and in a lot of pain. I don't need this.

"Last night she begged me to stay overnight in her bed for comfort, David. I nursed her all night through her nightmares, so don't lecture me on how weak she is. You are aware that she's been saying I belong with her and she'll wait until I'm ready to go back? Well, this afternoon I asked her if I could go home.

"She did not say yes, David. She said 'I don't know'. I've had it up to here with her. When she does know she can ask me to go back, and I'm not promising I will, after being kicked in the teeth like that. OK? Now I'm going to bed."

"Oh," he said.

"Yes. Pass the good news on to Viv will you?" and I hung up.

There were no further calls. I took my pills, and crashed. It was four in the afternoon and I did not wake up until six the next morning. I still ached, but felt refreshed. I lay abed until seven, listening to the ramblings of the DJ on the radio, and then got up and went to work.

My reception was, if not frosty, without enthusiasm from my PA. Jenny made no comment but the atmosphere was not warm. I assumed it was to do with Ann and my disagreement. I did not care; in fact it made things easier. There was little for me to do.

Jenny announced that she was going over to see Derek and taking Lucy with her for the first meeting. She did not invite me. Geoff was preoccupied with a tricky little problem. So I decided to go and see my staff at the Health Club. I left a message with Judy where I was going and that I would not be back that day.

I put the terrified girl who had been rude to me before at her ease, assuring her that her job was safe but she would have to undergo training. Then I talked with Martin.

Our meeting was constructive, once I'd told him I wasn't going to interfere beyond bringing in someone for some in-service training in customer relations, and that I thought he was doing a good job. He was intrigued by my latest escapade which he said was all over the local news the night before. I learned from him that Stephanie was remanded to a secure hospital and that her cousin was remanded in custody until their trial at the crown court, which would be lumped in with that of the three thugs and O"Malley.

By the end of the meeting we were getting along well. I told him I'd want to see the books and get to know the staff. Gary was not in that day, so I left a message that his job was safe, provided he underwent training and was less threatening.

I went home. At least something constructive had been done, and I felt better on the drive back. However, on entering the flat all my depression about Ann and our parting the day before surfaced again. I set about making a curry to keep my mind off it as long as possible. I snacked on fruit by way of lunch and let the curry develop slowly in the oven. I took a nap in the afternoon, and was taking the curry out of the oven about four-thirty when the doorbell rang. My spirits sank. Who was coming to tell me what to do?

Greta. She stood nervously at the door.

"Come in, then," I smiled and she relaxed, letting out a sigh of relief. She hugged me and I hugged her. She went and got herself a drink of fruit juice and sat herself down in the living area.

"I suppose you know why I'm here," she said, looking at me anxiously.

"Yep! You're going to tell me about Mum and how upset she is. Well, Chick, so am I. This time she's going to have to come to me."

"Oh, you two!" she grumbled, "both of you as obstinate as each other! I don't understand. You went to bed together."

Did I have to explain? Well, she was nearly eighteen.

She interrupted my thoughts with, "If you think Mum's sent me you're wrong. This is me. I want a bit of peace! Can't you both patch it up?"

"Did Mum tell you why I left?"

"Yes."

"What did she say?"

"She told you she wasn't sure about you coming back."

"Right. After telling me over and over how we are still really married, how she still wants me. Then as soon as I say I want to come home, she says she doesn't want me."

"She didn't say she didn't want you, Dad."

"No she said something which amounts to the same thing. When she's sure, she has to come here and ask me nicely to come home."

"She may want to talk first."

"No more talk. This has gone on long enough. Either I come home. Or I don't."

"Oh." She looked thoughtful. Then she brightened. "But I could come and tell you what she wants to say, couldn't I?"

"I can hardly stop you, my darling daughter, can I?" I laughed, "but it doesn't mean I'll reply to you. She has to come here."

"I still don't understand all this, I mean, you went to bed that night."

"Mum wanted company, comfort, security. That's all."

Greta smiled knowingly.

"No, Greta," I snapped. "I mean exactly that. Just someone to be with her. She was afraid, She kept waking up with nightmares all during the night. I was knackered in the morning."

"She did last night as well. She could have done with you again. And she still..." Her sentence petered out as she realised the contrast in Ann's attitude between the night before and the next day.