Delicious (A Rumour Mill Novel) (29 page)

           
“Aunt
Cat, I need to ask a favour of you.” Grace replied. Grace changed the subject
quickly before the conversation ended in argument. “Amy, my catering chef and
Thomas, my pastry chef are both very ill. This week we’ve got two celebrity
weddings and three baby showers to cater. I was wondering if you or Corrie be
able to provide me help?”

           
The
other end of the call became silent. Grace knew Cat was still there as she
heard kitchen staff running about.

           
“Aunt
Cat?” Grace questioned.

           
“Unfortunately,
we can’t help you Grace. We’re busy. On Saturday we’re hosting an event for
Ivy-upon-Wye’s women’s league. It’s for charity, a good cause, children with
leukaemia.” Cat replied.
I wish I could
help her, but Grace chose her life. She needs to learn her lesson.

           
“That’s
fine. No worries. I must be going. Lots to do here.” Grace said softly.

           
“Bye
Grace. Love you.” Cat replied.

           
Grace
didn’t say goodbye. Grace cradled the receiver. She felt anger by Cat’s cool
response. Desperately, Grace wanted to hear Guy’s voice.
I need to hear his voice.
Grace’s Blackberry mobile phone rang.
Grace checked her caller id. It was Guy. She answered it.

           
“Hello
Guy! It’s so good to hear your voice! I miss you.” Grace said, instantly in a
better mood.

           
“I
miss you too.” Guy replied. Guy was standing outside a sushi bar. Guy wanted
fresh air after drinking a few too many sakes. Frederick stood inside entertaining
advertising executives. “Did you receive any of my text messages?”

           
“I
received one text message regarding saying you landed safely.” Grace replied.

           
“I’ve
sent numerous text messages since then. I guess they got lost in text message
space. I’ve tried calling too, but the calls dropped or not go through. I
barely got through now.”

           
“I’m
glad you called.”

           
Guy
noticed a quiver in her voice. Although Grace was in a better mood, Guy thought
she sound downtrodden. Guy implored on Grace’s feelings. Grace told him about
her business problems. Guy assured her that she’d be able to handle it. Guy
told her he’ll be home soon enough.

           
“Next
week will be the London Lion’s first game. I want to have ample time with you
beforehand and I hope you can make to the game, Grace. I’d love to see you in
the stadium rooting for us.” said Guy.

           
“I’ll
try to see you on Sunday. It all depends on my staff.” Grace replied.

           
“I’ve
got to go, Frederick’s calling me. I hope everything sorts out soon. I love
you.” Guy said.

           
“Love
you too.” Grace murmured.

           
The
line disconnected. Grace rose from her chair to hurry to the kitchen.
The wedding cakes and other delectable
aren’t going to bake themselves.

♥

The jingle of
Rumour Mill Today
coming on air gained Darren’s attention. He
stopped brushing his teeth, gargled and went over to the telly which sat on a
chest of draws. Darren watched Louise Grimshaw discussing the latest news on
Tamzin’s claims. Darren felt sick to his stomach.
This bitch is claiming I abused her! I burnt her with cigarettes! I
haven’t seen her!

           
Darren
scowled. Darren hated being holed up in a bed and breakfast in Hampshire.
I can’t defend myself.
She’s crying to the media. She wants a
quickie divorce to get to Guy, not because I supposedly did harm to her.

           
After
the media clip Darren contacted DI Jones of London Metropolitan Police at
Scotland Yard. Darren questioned him on whether the media was reporting facts
that there was an appeal for Darren’s arrest. DI Jones insisted that they had
no intention on arresting Darren as they knew he wasn’t with Tamzin. But they
couldn’t ensure his safety from William. DI Jones insisted for Darren to stay
put.

           
“What
about Guy and Grace? Can’t you arrest her on the fact that she threatened
them?” Darren asked.

           
“We’ve
tried contacting Guy’s agent, Mr. Frederick Asante. He hasn’t responded to our message.”
DI Jones said, looking at his computer screen. DI Jones received an email from
an officer investigating the break in at Grace’s house. The fingerprints taken didn’t
have a match. The detective in the burglary division stated Grace wasn’t in
danger nor foresee any danger.

           
“Why
didn’t you contact Guy directly?” Darren growled, impatiently.
It’s as if Scotland Yard aren’t taking my
accusations seriously. The police know Tamzin’s a live-wire and William’s
blackmailing me. They have all the evidence they need for an arrest!

           
“We
feel your accusations don’t stand ground. Instead you come off as a jilted
husband who wants blood rather than arrest. If Mr. Dowling and Ms. Knowles are
in danger we would’ve seen some evidence by now.” DI Jones said. “I can’t
discuss this case any further, unless you have proof of your situation with Mr.
Smythe.” DI Jones swivelled in his chair. He stood on his feet, grabbing his
jacket to head out for lunch.

           
“Accusations?
Tamzin’s threats aren’t accusations. Tamzin will get her way and will do harm
to Guy and Grace. Something must be done. Can you, at least, arrest her?!”
Darren cried out.

           
“Threats
aren’t good enough. Tamzin is feeding you a load of bollocks. Why don’t you
stop worrying about Mr. Rowling and Ms. Knowles? Focus all your energy onto
resuming your career.” DI Jones advised irritable. DI Jones workmates signalled
to him to get off the phone as they wanted to hurry to the pub.

           
Darren
slammed the phone down without regards to DI Jones. DI Jones looked at the
receiver, shrugged as he placed it in the cradle and hurried out the door.

           
I’ve got to do something about this before
someone gets hurt.
 
This is the final
straw!

♥

It was nearly midnight by the time Grace
finished with the cakes. A few of her staff who offered to work late were long
gone. Grace turned off the kitchen lights and went to her office to collect her
handbag.

Grace toyed with
the idea of calling Guy’s driver to collect her to take her home, but she
thought it was possible to catch the last tube train home. Grace rubbed her
neck. An overwhelming feeling of exhaustion befell her. She wanted a hot bath
and her own bed,
with Guy in it of course
.
Grace wanted his strong arms around her; Guy’s kisses as he told her some silly
story or talked to Grace about life in general.

After Grace filed
some documents away, she grabbed her handbag and keys to lock the bakery up.
Suddenly Grace was stricken with nausea. Grace dropped her keys and bag onto
the desk to run to the loo. She fell to her hands and knees by the toilet to
heave.
Oh god! I can’t have the flu now!
The possibility is highly likely.

           
When
Grace finished, she rose to her feet.
I
don’t feel sick like the flu, I just feel tired.
Grace shook the feeling
away. She grabbed her belongings to hurry out the door.
I can’t miss the last tube train!

           
As
Grace walked to Covent Garden tube station, another feeling replaced her
tiredness. The cool air and sounds of people in nearby pubs heightened her
sense, but it wasn’t one of calm. Grace felt as though someone was watching her
or following her. She clutched her handbag as she looked over her shoulder.
Grace took out her Blackberry in case she had to dial 999. Finally she
approached the station and banged on the gates. It was closed.

           
“Shite!”
Grace swore under her breath.

           
“Grace,
Grace Knowles.” A familiar masculine voice said.

           
Grace
turned to her left. She saw a man in dark jeans and a grey hooded sweatshirt
standing several feet away from her. She couldn’t see his face as the hood hid
and created shadows. Grace didn’t recognise him.

           
“Grace
you’re in trouble. You need to come with me now!” the stranger demanded. People
walking pass looked at Grace and the figure.

           
“I
don’t know you, but you need to leave me alone.” Grace said firmly. “I’ll call
the police.” she threatened.

           
Grace
walked away, but the man followed her. He picked up his stride as Grace created
distance. Grace felt fear coursing her body, her pulse racing rapidly. Grace entered
a pub for safety. The stranger stood outside watching Grace get lost in the
crowd of patrons.

Grace dialled
Billy, Guy’s security guard. Billy answered the call, Grace felt relief. He
promised to be at the Nag’s Head in fifteen minutes. As she waited, Grace
ordered a drink at the bar.
I need
something to calm my nerves.

           
Fifteen
minutes later, as promised, Billy entered the pub. He found Grace pinned to the
wall looking at her Blackberry.

           
“Are
you ok? Is the stranger here?” Billy asked, looking around. He reminded Grace
of a buff Vinnie Jones.

           
“No.
No, he didn’t come inside. I was worried he might be waiting for me outside. I
think he’s gone.” Grace replied. Grace set her glass on a nearby table.

           
“Do
you think you know the stranger? Did his voice sound familiar to you?” Billy
questioned.

           
“No,
I don’t believe I know him. Oddly his voice did sound familiar to me. I just
want to go home. I’m not feeling well.” Grace replied.

           
Billy
understood. He saw that Grace had quite a fright.

           
“Let’s
get you home then. You had a scare.” Billy said.

Billy placed the
palm of his hand on the small of her back to escort Grace out of the pub. Billy
looked around once more to see if someone was following them.

Billy opened the
Range Rover door and Grace climbed in. She leaned into the plush leather seat,
inhaling the scent of Guy. It was the closest she would have of him till she
reached Tooting Bec. Grace fell asleep.

♥

orrie bushed from her long drive to London
from Ivy-upon-Wye, couldn’t wait for a cup of tea. Despite protest from Cat,
Corrie left in the wee hours of the morning. Corrie was disappointed in Cat for
speaking in Corrie’s turn. Corrie told Cat when their niece needs them; they
should heed the call regardless of what they thought of her boyfriend. Cat
insisted the charity event was more important than Grace’s dilemma. At dinner,
Cat and Corrie argued their points. It left Cat annoyed and Corrie went off to
bed to get her rest for her early start. Corrie left a note on the kitchen
counter stating she’ll be back by Saturday.

           
Corrie
turned the key in the door lock to Grace’s flat. An unexpected yapping Yorkie
pup greeted Corrie. As Corrie moved around the flat, she noticed Grace was at
home and not at work. Slowly Corrie opened the door to Grace’s bedroom. She saw
Grace sleeping soundly under her duvet cover.

           
“Grace?
Grace?” Corrie whispered. “It’s 8 AM.”

           
Grace
turned around. Groggily she saw Corrie standing at her bedroom door.

           
“When
did you get in?” Grace asked.

           
“A
few minutes ago. I’ll put the kettle on and let this dog out. It seems to have
piddled on your floor.” Corrie replied.

           
Grace
nodded. She watched as Corrie walk away with Mrs. Tiddlywinks scampering behind
her. Grace got up. Sluggishly she went to the loo for a quick shower and change
in fresh pyjamas. She threw her robe over and headed out into the lounge.
I must have the flu. I never slept in like
this before. Luckily Mark called me early this morning to say Amy’s much better
and will be at work today.

           
“Good
morning Grace. Whose dog is this?” Corrie asked as she handed Grace a mug of
hot milky tea.

           
“Good
morning Aunt Corrie. She’s my dog. Her name is Mrs. Tiddlywinks. Guy bought her
for me.” Grace replied as she curled up on her couch. She blew the steam off
the top of her cup. “What brings you to London? Aunt Cat said you’re unable to
help.” Grace added before taking a sip of her tea.

           
“Cat
spoke for herself. I understand you need help and so I came to help.” Corrie
said patting Grace’s hand. “You look a bit under the weather. Are you feeling
ill?” Corrie saw Grace looked awful.
Her
skin’s pale and grey.

           
“I
think I’ve got the flu like Amy and Thomas had, I just want my rest.” Grace groaned.

           
“I’m
here now. After my tea, I’ll go to Delicious to pick up the slack. Don’t you
worry.” Corrie said.

           
“Thank
you so much, Aunt Corrie. Is Aunt Cat still angry with me in regards to dating
Guy?” Grace asked. Grace needed to know the truth.

           
“Catherine’s
still angry. Cat wants you to be with a man who’s good for you. I, too, want
what’s best for you. It seems some footballers are out to break girl’s hearts.
You read it in the paper all the time. Look at Darren and Tamzin. You were at
their wedding. Their marriage gone up in flames faster than the great fire of
London. At one point, you wanted nothing to do with Guy. Now you’re in London
dating him.
 
You never told us why.”

           
Corrie
laid her cards out for Grace. Grace shook her head.

           
“He’s
not what I’d imagined him to be. Guy’s really great, Aunt Corrie. He loves me
and I love him. I’m not a child.” Grace said. “Why did you mention my father?
What did my father do to my mother for you both to hate him?”

           
Corrie
looked down at her tea cup.

           
“Nothing.
Your father did nothing at all except loving Jane. We felt Gordon took a piece
of us away when he married Jane. At the time, Jane living in London married to
Gordon was as if she was moving to the moon. She was so far away from us. I
think Cat and I envied her.” Corrie admitted. “Grace, you resemble your mum so
much. After your parents died, when we came to collect you, Cat and I made a
vow to never let you go. We believed we got a piece of Jane back. It’s hard to
let you go and even hard to view you as an adult when all we see is Jane.”

           
“I
understand, but it’s time for you and Cat to let go. I’m my own person with a
great business. I think I can make the right decisions on my own. It’s
something I wish and hope you both will accept.” Grace said, pausing to put her
mug down. “I wish Cat wasn’t disappointed in me.”

           
“Cat
isn’t disappointed in you. She’s proud of you and so am I.” Corrie replied
getting up from the sofa.

           
“Thank
you for coming to my rescue.” Grace said.

           
Corrie
leaned over Grace to hug her tight.

           
“That’s
what family is for. No matter how old you get, I’ll always be here to help you.
I must be going. I’m sure Mark’s pulling his hair out. You get the rest you
need and I’ll sort the business out.” Corrie replied. She collected the cups
and brought them into the kitchen. Corrie let Mrs. Tiddlywinks in from the
garden. She went to the loo, spruced up and returned to the lounge.
 
Corrie said goodbye to Grace and promised to
make her a nice dinner when she returned.

           
Grace
scooped Mrs. Tiddlywinks in her arms, grabbed the remote and turned on the
telly to watch
Jeremy Kyle
.

♥

Things
aren’t going as planned. This wasn’t supposed to happen.
Trevor grimaced at the thought that the Spanish police decided to
pursue all the charges against him. The charges were statutory rape and
physical assault of a prostitute. It didn’t help his case that the prostitute
was a young girl. His solicitors visited him at the Rabbit and Hare to tell
Trevor the bad news.

           
“Unless
you go on your own accord, you’ll be extradited to Spain. It’s been leaked to
the media and its making news as we speak. Your public relations agent dropped
you and it’s up to us to make a statement. We will claim your innocence, but
you must go to Barcelona and answer to these charges.” His chubby faced
solicitor said whilst watching Trevor cutting into lamb.

           
“Take
this, James.” Trevor said pushing the lamb away. James didn’t move fast enough
for Trevor.

           
“I
said take this
NOW!
” screamed Trevor
at the top of his lungs. He threw a knife at the shaking boy, a junior chef. It
missed James. Everyone in the kitchen jumped at his violent reaction.

           
“Yes
Chef.”James meekly replied. James grabbed the lamb and scurried away.

           
Trevor
slammed his hands down onto the stainless steel counter. His nostrils flared
angrily like a bull. His eyes filled with rage.

           
“Alfie,
you told me this will be sorted. You said you’ll get them dropped. I thought
you paid them off! I thought you paid the police and that whore as well! That
whore wanted me to fuck her and I did fuck her! Now she’s crying rape because
she doesn’t like a bit of rough foreplay
?
She’s a whore!
This isn’t my fault!” Trevor snarled. His scarlet eyes
narrowed on Barrister Alfred Whitaker.

           
“I
won’t discuss details of the case. We should do this in a private setting.”
Alfie replied moving his hands around. Alfie felt Trevor’s angry reaction
wasn’t to be done in public.

           
“Private
setting? You came to my business with this news. You sought me out! You
should’ve arranged a private setting, you dimwit fuck! Here, I’m paying you!
Get out!
” Trevor roared. “
GET OUT!
”

           
When
Alfie didn’t budge Trevor slammed his fist into the shelf above his head that
held plates of china. The force of the punch cause several plates to fall and
shatter.

           
“
GET OUT NOW!
”

           
“Trevor
if you don’t comply, Scotland Yard and Interpol will be collecting you. We
assured them it wasn’t necessary and that you are willing to go back to
Barcelona on your own, if they can keep this out of the media till tonight.
Trevor, please think about going to Barcelona without police assistance.” Alfie
said.

           
Trevor
clenched his French knife. He readied himself to throw it at Alfie. Alfie
placed his hands up and walked out of the kitchen, praying that Trevor will
come to his senses.

♥

Tamzin sat in her lounge with
Rumour Mill
staff for an exclusive
interview regarding the abuse she endured during her marriage to Darren. It was
arranged for a flat fee of £30,000.
Trevor
done me well.
Tamzin thought cheekily. He punched Tamzin hard on her right
cheek and gave her Chinese burns along her arms.

           
From
the threshold William watched as Tamzin described the horrors she endured by
Darren to the reporter, whilst the photographer snapped pictures. Tamzin
explained Darren losing the Premier game and the shock of a baby with a
stripper who he presumably raped gutted her.

           
A
thin wry smile cracked along William’s lips.
My Princess, the story teller. This has to get Darren into the open. As
soon as the bastard makes his appearance, the quicker he’ll be killed. Tamzin
will make pretty pence coins on his insurance cheque.
William’s henchmen
did their job. They staked and sniffed out every spot Darren was known to
frequent.
Finally the Premier season is
to begin, hopefully he’ll show up for his first game. Darren’s obligated to
play.

           
Darren’s
solicitors contacted Tamzin to tell her that they plan on discrediting her
stories. They knew the allegations she was making were false. Darren didn’t
need to come out of hiding as long as he had his high-priced barristers as advocates.

           
I’ve got to get Alana to sell her story! She
needs to stick with the plan and if she screws up now, I’ll kill her too!
William frowned at the thought. He liked Alana.
She’s a good fuck, but loose ends need to be severed.
William
recalled last night’s conversation with Alana.

           
‘You can’t do this to him. He’s a good
father to Max. He is better father than you and more than you’ll ever be. You
know he’s never laid a finger on Tamzin. Darren maybe an arse and a player, but
a domestic abuser and a rapist? No one will believe it.’ Alana said.

           
‘Alana, you’ll tell the press and
police Darren raped you.’ William insisted as he exhaled smoke. William sat at
Tamzin’s dining room table waiting for the maid to bring him spotted dick
pudding.

           
‘You know, I went with Darren only
‘cause you paid me. You knew it was to blackmail him. When I didn’t get
pregnant, you knocked me up. You changed the DNA report. I went along with it
for the money, but now I can’t, I got Max to worry about.’ Alana cried. William
sat silently. William listened to Alana as he ate his pudding.

‘Please William. Don’t make me do this.’ Alana pleaded. William
heard the tears. He ended the call.

           
William
knew what he had to do. All he had to figure out was what to do with Max, his
bastard child about to become an orphan. Tamzin’s interview was interrupted by
a mobile phone vibrating loudly. It was the reporters.

“Pardon me for a
sec.” the reporter said.

Tamzin nodded. She
continued to pose, pout and look sad for the photographer as he continued to
take photos.

“I need to end this
interview now. Major story’s breaking and I must cover it.” the reporter said
getting up from her chair. She motioned to the photographer to pack up.

“What’s more
important than me?” Tamzin asked getting up from the sofa to follow them out.

“Celebrity chef,
Trevor Hare is being flown to Barcelona to answer criminal charges of statutory
rape and assault. It seems men are going mad with abuse lately, eh.”
 
the reporter replied brushing by William. “I
need to get to his solicitors office before the BBC does.”

The slamming of
the front door echoed through the home. Perplexed, Tamzin looked at William for
an answer. Tamzin bit her lip in tart disappointment. Suddenly Tamzin’s mobile
began to ring. She went to collect it from the side table in the lounge as
William went to fetch an apple in the kitchen.

“What have you done?”
Tamzin murmured
stern. “
Where the bloody hell are you?”