Her mind had been swiftly wiped clean of any doubts whatsoever when Geraldine opened a door and they stepped inside a bedroom so beautiful it literally took her breath away.
There was a large double bed centre stage with a diamanté-studded cream headboard, champagne-coloured bedding and a matching sparkly throw. Fitted mirrored wardrobes entirely lined one long wall.
Geraldine had walked over to a door, opening it so that Holly could see the stylish black and white en suite bathroom beyond.
‘It’s so beautiful,’ Holly had exclaimed.
She’d stood by the large picture window that overlooked the front of the house and spotted the fountain Brendan had driven around earlier. From this vantage point she’d been able to see that the gravelled driveway was flanked with mature bushes and trees, with just a glimpse of the imposing metal gates beyond.
Suddenly Geraldine had been beside her, encasing Holly’s hand in her own warm, dry fingers.
Holly had managed, somehow, to keep the startled look from her face.
‘Do you think you could be happy here, Holly?’
‘I do.’ She’d placed her other hand on Geraldine’s arm, overcome by a rush of gratitude. ‘I really do think I could.’
* * *
The next twenty-four hours had been a whirlwind.
Geraldine wouldn’t hear of Holly going back to the apartment for her belongings.
‘Brendan will arrange for someone to pick up your things. Probably best to throw most of it away anyway,’ she’d said dismissively. ‘You’ve probably noticed we prefer clean and new here at Medlock Hall. No bad memories, no insecurities that old stuff keeps hold of, you know?’
Holly had nodded in agreement. She’d known exactly what Geraldine meant.
All the clothes she’d brought with her to Manchester had memories attached. Of feeling less-than while wearing them. Labelled an ugly duckling and never quite matching up to the other girls at school. She wouldn’t be shedding any tears by letting them go.
‘I’ll give you a tour of the house later. We have a gym and pool in the basement that you can use. It’ll take no time at all to get rid of that puppy fat.’
Holly had swallowed down the lump in her throat. The girls at school had called her lard ass every day during her last year. Puppy fat was a kinder term, but everyone knew it meant the same thing.
Just before lunchtime, Brendan had swept back into the house.
‘She’s going to stay!’ Geraldine had clapped her hands childishly as he embraced her.
‘Brilliant news,’ he’d beamed, opening his briefcase. ‘I got Myra to draw up a contract on the off chance. Nothing to worry about, just covers us and protects you, you know the kind of thing.’ He’d waved a silver pen at Holly. ‘Have a read-through, make sure you’re happy with everything and sign at the bottom.’
Holly had accepted the proffered pen and started to read through the contract, although it had been difficult to focus on it because Brendan had continued talking to her.
He’d told her briefly that Markus had begun his new job as assistant manager at one of his nightclubs.
‘One of my guys will bring your stuff over from the apartment later,’ he’d said. ‘Markus has already left for Newcastle.’
‘Newcastle?’ She’d stopped reading and looked up at him in surprise.
‘That’s where the club is.’ He’d shrugged. ‘Got to follow the work, right?’
What he’d said was true, of course. Markus had to pursue his own new start, but she’d felt unexpectedly vulnerable at the news that he’d already left. There was nobody here she knew well any more. She was alone in a strange city.
‘Hey, don’t look so put out.’ Brendan had smiled kindly. ‘We’ll look after you.’
She’d smiled back gratefully. She had no right to feel sorry for herself, living the dream like this.
‘Holly… come and see!’ Geraldine had called brightly from the hallway.
She’d pushed the contract aside and stood up.
‘Can you just sign that before Geraldine commandeers you? Myra will chew my ear off if I go back without it, and I have another bloody meeting in an hour.’ Brendan had held out his hand for the paperwork.
Holly had hesitated. She’d hardly read any of the contract yet, and there were four double-sided stapled pages filled top to bottom with official-looking typed clauses.
‘I’ll bring a copy back with me later so you can read through it at your leisure,’ Brendan had added. ‘Is that OK with you?’
She’d smiled and nodded, signing and dating the document on each page, as indicated.
Why give it a second thought? She’d got to stop acting like everyone was just waiting to do her down. She reminded herself that she’d left that all behind now. She was among professional people who were going to help her make a better life.
‘We’d usually want references, but I think we’re pretty good judges of character, and we know Markus,’ Brendan had said. ‘You seem like a good sort to me.’
She’d blushed. Then Geraldine had called her name again.
‘Thanks, Brendan,’ Holly had said before leaving the room. ‘I really do appreciate what you’re doing for me.’
Chapter Forty-Five
David
Two years and three months ago, I found out that Mr Brown, who lives two doors down, was having an extramarital affair.
I’d realised over time. Although I’ve always kept an eye on proceedings from my bedroom for Neighbourhood Watch purposes, I had a full-time job at the printing firm at the time, and in those days I enjoyed visiting the local library’s reading room so I didn’t sit at home in my room as much.
Mr Brown had lost his job and been out of work for a few weeks, and Mother had told me that Mrs Brown, who sometimes took tea with Mrs Barrett of an afternoon at the local café, had been forced to increase her hours at the local dental surgery when their income dropped.
The surgery opened at eight a.m. prompt, and Mrs Brown, who struck me as an organised, efficient individual, would leave the house at seven fifteen in the morning, five days a week.
It just so happened that at that precise time, I’d already taken my shower and would be getting ready in the bathroom for work myself.
I’d always have the side-opening window ajar to help disperse the trapped steam, and as I stood in front of the mirror combing my hair one particular morning, I noticed that, fifteen minutes after Mrs Brown had left, a black cab pulled up.
A woman – who, it had to be said, looked quite a bit younger than the lady of the house – got out and was met at the door by none other than Mr Brown himself.
Truthfully, I didn’t think much of it at the time, but when it happened twice more that week, my interest was most definitely piqued.
The third time the taxi dropped the young lady off, I gave in to an impulsive whim. I called work and informed the office that due to a minor medical matter, I’d be a little late in.
I left the house and waited at the end of the crescent, where I had a good view of all the houses. Within the hour, Mr Brown’s front door opened and he kissed the young lady goodbye in full view of anyone who cared to watch. There was no cab to collect her, and she walked down to the main road, towards me.
When she passed me, I looked at my watch as if I was waiting for someone. She was young and pretty and smelled faintly of talcum powder.
That was the first time I’d been close to Miss Della Carter, and as soon as she’d disappeared around the corner, I had a very strong urge to get close to her again.
Chapter Forty-Six
Holly
At the end of the day, the staff gathered their belongings. Martyn was first out, calling goodbye to the others.
‘Damn it!’ Holly and Ben both turned at Emily’s loud cursing as she came downstairs in her flat driving shoes, rifling in her handbag. She stomped over to her desk and dumped the bag on there.
‘What’s up?’ Ben asked.
‘I can’t find my car keys,’ she muttered. ‘But they’ve got to be in here somewhere.’
Josh passed on his way out of the shop and stopped to watch, mildly curious.