Part 16 (2/2)

He was galvanised into action. Saving your marriage was all very well, but this was his Land Rover. 'What?

'Shes still on the phone if you want her.

He grabbed the receiver. 'Tanya? When? Where? s.h.i.+t. On my way. Mrs C., can you get me a taxi please?

She went out. He grabbed his jacket.

'Jenny, Ive got to rush. Its Friday and I bet theyre closed over the weekend. Ill see you later.

A door slammed and the room was full of the lack of Russell Checkland.

'So, still married, then?

'It would seem so.

'Good or bad?

'G.o.d knows.

'Lets have a look at the watch. Actually, its very pretty. Looks nice on you.

I twisted my wrist again.

'Interesting. Hes had it for years and never given it to Francesca. An idiot, but not a complete idiot.

'Can we not talk about Francesca for a bit?

'Good idea. Whats for lunch?

He turned up about four hours later, tense and sulky and with a large red mark on his cheek. I could tell by the way he was standing that he was still pretty tightly wound. He said nothing for a moment, and then took a deep breath.

I raised an eyebrow. A reluctant grin stretched his face. You had to hand it to him he did have a sense of humour.

'She hit me.

'Who? I asked in bewilderment. Surely not Mrs Pargeter, our last, best hope against motorcar mayhem.

'Tanya. I called in to thank her. The least I could do. And if Id been able to get a word in edgeways, I would have. She no sooner clapped eyes on me than she launched herself from behind her desk, yelled at me in German for about ten minutes, and then thumped me. These Germans really fetch a wallop, you know. Apparently, if I dont pull my stockings up (Im sure she meant socks), anyway, if I dont pull up some item of hosiery then shes going to sort me out properly. She really is the most terrifying woman. I take my hat off to Andrew. Stop laughing. You are my wife and the companion of my bosom and I really expect more from you than giggling at my misfortunes. Im in pain, you know.

' Probably best not to mention thats two women whove hit him in the s.p.a.ce of three days. It only needs you to have a go and hes got the hat-trick.

'And it cost me about four times more than shes worth to get the d.a.m.n thing back again, as well.

'Who, Tanya?

'No, my car, of course. Concentrate, Jenny.

'Sorry.

He sighed. 'Shall we have something to eat and a quiet night in? Pretend were a normal couple?

I nodded.

Mrs Crisp regarded the bruise with an expert eye.

'Do you want some steak?

'For internal or external application?

She just smiled.

'Youre enjoying this, arent you?

She smiled again, eyes not quite as unfocused as they usually were at this time of day.

'Dinner is served, Mrs Checkland.

We sat down to our first meal as husband and wife. Russell kept up a constant flow of chatter, almost as if he was trying to keep something at bay with a wall of words. Finally, he drew breath.

'It occurs to me I have amends to make. Would you like to do something nice tomorrow? Shall we go out somewhere? Where would you like to go?

'Rushby, said Thomas instantly. 'Lets go and see the sea.

'Id like to go to the ... coast, I said. 'Can we go to Rushby?

'Excellent idea. Well have a wander along the beach, see if anything interesting has been washed up a new roof would be good fish and chips for lunch, have a go on the funicular railway, and, if you like, stop somewhere nice on the way back to eat. Good suggestion, wife. Feel free to make more whenever you feel like it.

'Thank you, I said, and the sarcasm wasnt lost on him. He grinned.

His phone rang.

Everyone knew who it was.

He scrabbled in his pocket, dragged it out, looked at the screen, frowned, and put it away again, saying curtly, 'Voicemail.

'Well, said Thomas. 'Im not happy that she rang, but thrilled he didnt answer it.

'Not now, anyway.

' No, really. That must be the first time ever that hes not taken a call from her. Imagine whats going through what pa.s.ses for her mind. And we have a trip out tomorrow. I like Rushby. I can do my Chariots of Fire thing along the beach. Have you ever seen it? Its very impressive.

'Seriously?

'Yes, why not?

'Its a good job youre invisible.

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