I SHALL FIND YOU (15 page)

After supper Godfree and Rose sat on the sofa when his phone buzzed. Inspector Linda came on the phone and spoke for a few minutes. They had arrested James. He admitted to taking the girls. Evidence of the missing girls had been found in the house. She told them to watch the news. They thanked her for notifying them.

After the call they stared at the other stunned.

“To imagine he was at my house that night, picked that girl and picked her,” Godfree said. “It was him all this time.”

“He’s nothing but a monster,” Rose said.

“How did I miss it before? He dropped hints.”

“He taunted you, to show off how clever he was.”

“It seems unreal, like it’s all a dream.”

“To think my dad wanted me to date that killer. Let’s check the news.”

James’ arrest was already flashing news on all major TV stations. The two detectives were attending a press conference. James Antony, a local Stones electrician had been arrested after a tipoff from two engineers he worked with. Their information proved invaluable. Police could not give their names at the moment. The search became murder as the suspect admitted to murder of the three missing blonde girls and a black man called Moto.

Detective Martin with Inspector Linda were at the press conference answering questions from reporters. They said the arrested man had led them to the cellar where he chained the girls. The murderer led them to a lake he claimed to have dumped the bodies. Gruesome pictures of police divers lifting four black bags from a lake in the woods came on the screen. James admitted to killing the girls and man, showed no remorse. Only stressed he was settling scores with his parents and the people that failed him. He seemed proud of what he had done. The murdered girls were blonde and pretty and reminded him of his mother.

“He was sick, wanted to kill me too, Free,” Rose said.

“He meant to.”

When the phone rang she glanced at Godfree, showed him the screen before she replied and then put it on loud.

“What’s do you want, Dad?”

Frank’s voice was emotional. “Rose, have you seen the news? The police just arrested James for the murder of those missing girls! It was him! I’m utterly horrified.”

“Are you forgetting you sent him to me?”

“I’m sorry, thought I knew him.”

“No, you wanted was to stop me getting close to Free, were pushing me to a killer. I could be one of the dead girls in that lake all thanks to you.”

“I’d never would have lived with myself, needed to know how you are. Rose, I’m sorry.”

“We’ve nothing to say to each other. Godfree never hurt me, but your killer friend wanted to, and I would have joined those bodies in the lake. I expect you to accept and apologize to him. If you aren’t ready just stay away from us.” She ended the call, glanced at Godfree. “He thinks all’s normal now after what he did. Suppose I had gone out with that killer, Free? And my dad couldn’t even see what a beast he was.”

“He sounded sorry.”

“Sorry? I’ll believe him when he apologizes to you. I’m not ready to talk to him.”

“Give him time. He hasn’t shouted at me since Baldwin talked to him.”

“Only because the managing director told to be civil to you, or leave. That was hard on him. He’s hurt. Mom told me. Before she left for this place this evening she made it clear he must apologize to us. My mom’s sweet-tempered but she lost it with Dad. I won’t talk to him. What’s difficult in accepting his blunder to you? He still dreams I’ll dump you and run back home, perhaps.”

“He said too many hurtful things. Now he has this extra shock of James, needs time to digest this. Am sure he’ll talk to me.”

“Don’t make it easy for him.”

After thirty minutes the doorbell rang. Godfree stood to answer it. A slim woman with light coloured hair stood outside with a short plump girl.

“Mom, Loyce!” Rose said. “Come in.”

They entered and hugged.

“We saw the news. Who’d have imagined James was a killer? Your dad owes you an apology.”

Mrs Clarke glanced at him, smiled and shook his hand. “I want to say thank you for helping my daughter that day in town and keeping her safe, Godfree.”

“It was nothing ma’am.”

“It’s also him who went to the police about James mom,” Rose said. “Godfrey started having strong suspicions and told me. I helped him investigate.”

Mrs Clarke hugged him. When she stepped back she wiped a tear. “It could have been my daughter in that lake. Thank you.”

The girl threw herself at Godfree and held him. “I’m Loyce, her older sister. Couldn’t wait to meet the guy my little sister’s fallen all crazy for. Mm, you aren’t bad looking. Wish I had got you first.”

“Hey,” Rose said. “That’s my man. Find your own.”

The girls laughed, sat with Godfree in the middle. Rose offered them tea. She called Loyce to join her in the kitchen.

“Can’t trust you alone with my boyfriend. Mom, can I trust you?”

Everyone laughed.

“I don’t see her returning home,” Mrs Clarke observed. “Not with the way she’s strutting like she owns this house. Are you enjoying having her here.”

“I love having her.”

He boasted about how generous she was, ironed clothes, cooked and more. Mrs Clarke agreed. She missed her because she did a lot at home. Rose was generous and giving and seemed happy and relaxed here. He mustn’t take too long before he slipped that ring on her finger as Mrs Clarke needed more grandkids. One of these days she and Frank would retire and that house was going to be empty.

“You already have grandkids.”

“Two in Australia, but they’re too far. Only time I see them is when we visit, or they come over. Not good enough. My daughter-in-law in the Midlands hates kids, is a career woman. So it doesn’t seem like there’s one coming from that side. Rose’s different, she wants kids. What about you?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t see her refusing a ring.”

“Wish I had your husband’s approval.”

“He’s been pushing a killer on Rose. Feels guilty. That should make him realize now what an idiot

he’s been by fighting you. Being a rascal isn’t in Rose’s best interests. Her happiness matters. Me and my two daughters are on your side. Let’s see how long he will stand isolated in the home. Feel free to call me and I hope I’m welcome here.”

“You’re welcome, ma’am. Anytime.”

“Thank you, son.”

He felt giddy. Despite her husband’s disapproval, he had her stamp of approval. She wanted her daughter settled and was looking forward to children.

"Mom, Free," Rose said as she joined them with the tea. “What secrets are you sharing?”

“We were talking about children,” her mother said.

“Children?”

“Looks like you both like them.”

“You’re meddling already. I haven’t even been with him for a month and you’re already planning our future. Don’t allow her, Free. She won’t leave us alone. Tea for everyone.”

Everyone shared cooked nuts. Mrs Clarke and Godfree talked about allotments. She offered ideas, would not mind dropping by and seeing what he was up to. She and Loyce did not seem in a hurry to leave. Before they left she smiled at Godfree.

“I had a good time, will be back.”

“As I said before, you’re welcome,” Godfree said.

Rose and him waved them off.

“Mm. You charmed them. They liked you. So my mom will be coming to your allotment. Looks like she thinks you’re the real deal for me.”

“Ain’t I? I like them too. When a girl runs to you from her family, it means only one thing.”

“What?”

“That she’s tired of being alone.”

He watched her iron clothes and put them away. On Saturday she planned adding to his wardrobe. Pointed out a maintenance manager had no business going around looking like an unemployed bum with holes in his pants.

“Bum? Madam, you do have a colourful choice of words. You’re acting more like a wife each day. Preparing breakfast, ironing my clothes and choosing my clothes.”

“You chose my clothes too this morning. Besides you like me in the house. Loyce called, said she’s put my name on the housing list and there’s a house if I’m interested. It’s empty, so can even to see tomorrow. Thought I’d tell you so you’d know in advance.”

“I see...thought you’d stay longer. Rose, I wouldn’t be able to iron clothes as well as you. Plus, you know it won’t be the same without you in this house. Who’s going to rub your neck and carry you upstairs when you fall asleep on the sofa, huh? Someone’s got to do it. Thought of that?”

“We’ll visit each other.”

“So you want to leave?”

“Hey, I said I was looking for a place, didn’t I? Don’t remember saying it was permanent. If I like the place tomorrow, I’m leaving.”

Frank greeted him as he walked into the workshop. He responded, surprised.

“A real shock about James, huh? Can’t reconcile myself to the fact we worked with a murderer.”

Godfree nodded. “It’s scary.”

“I never even suspected him.”

“You weren’t the only one.”

Godfree proceeded to his office, puzzled by the new amiable Frank. The talk in the factory was all about James. People suspected it was him and Rose that had gone to the police. An hour later Frank came into the office and pulled an armchair.

“Can you spare a minute?”

“Sure.”

“Eh...there’s no easy way to say this. I’ve been outright nasty to you from the first day you started working here. My worst mistake was to send that killer to my daughter. You saved her, she didn't have to choose him. She might have to please a meddling old man. Can’t imagine what would happen if he dated her. I’m grateful you went to the police. He dropped hints to me too but I never picked it. But you and Rose caught it. I called you horrible names. What I'm trying to say now is sorry. I messed up. If you punch me I can't blame you.”

“It’s okay. Let’s forget the past.”

“Thanks.” Frank squeezed his arm and stood. “I want to speak to Rose. Last night my wife and Loyce told me the same before visiting you. Truth’s I want my family back.”

“You have a fine wife and daughters, sir.”

“I messed up. Rose’s ignoring me, looks away each time we meet. Can you call her, tell her I’d like to come over and we talk? Or she can choose the place and time. She’ll listen to you.”

Frank looked defeated.

“I'll talk to her.”

“Thanks. Appreciate that.”

Frank patted him. After he had left Godfree called Rose. In two minutes she arrived and sat. He gave her Frank’s request.

She lifted her eyebrows. “He apologized?”

“Yes, also asked me to call you. Wants to speak with you. You’ve been giving him the cold shoulder.”

“He’s been impossible. So the mountain approached the insignificant hill after all?”

“Looks that way. Talk to him. Don’t kick him. He’s already down.”

“After the way he treated you, now who’s asking my dad be shown respect?”

“He isn’t a horrible person. Just wants his daughter back.”

 “Tell him we’ll talk in my car during dinner.”

***

Rose was in her car when Frank arrived.

“Hello, Rose.”

“Hello.”

“I came to apologize for my awful behaviour. I was rude to Godfree, have already said sorry to him. What I’m saying is I want my girl back. Need another chance. What I mean is I’ll understand should you shout and order me to leave. But that won’t make me give up. I’ll even come to Godfree’s place to see you if that’s what it’ll take for you to see your old man blew it.”

She did not look at him. “What changed? You sure want him for tea now? He’s still a refugee. And what about Loyce? Are you going to accept now she lied?”

“Yes. I couldn’t before and even send James to you. Got scared you were starting to like Godfree, and panicked. Only I never knew I was pushing you towards the blonde abductor. Can you forgive me, Rose?”

“No. I’d like to scratch your face, not talk to you for a year. My boyfriend called, showed you respect. All he faced in turn was a snarling man who called him vile names. That wasn’t all, he was even accused of something horrible. I’m still mad at you.”

“I have disappointed my wife and daughter too. Give me another chance. I’ll talk to Loyce. It took courage to confess she lied. Godfree isn’t the monster I portrayed. Bring him home.”

She felt his hand touch hers tentatively. She did not move hers away.

“He’d like that I’m sure. You have come a long way, Dad.”

“Yes. Let’s go see him. He’s a fine guy. Will you forgive me?”

Her voice caught. “It’s okay, Dad.”

He kissed her cheek. “Thanks.”

***

Godfree was in the office when father and daughter came in, cups of coffee in their hands pulled chairs and sat. Frank placed a steaming cup of coffee on his desk.

“Got you a coffee.”

“Thanks.”

“It’s not poisoned.”

Godfree grinned. “I didn't think it was.”

“We talked. I apologized for my behaviour, understand her hurt. She held back no punches. I let her know I was way out of order, that I’m still her dad, but as much as I was angry I never wanted her to leave home that way. But she stood for what she wanted. When a father still wants to see his daughter in pigtails it’s hard to let go. You’ll understand when you have children too one day. Godfree, I’d like you to come home for tea, or dinner, anytime. Rose knows the directions. You don’t need another invitation. Bring him, Rose.”

“Thank you, sir. We’ll drop by soon."

Rose’s face broke into a smile. “Free, ask if his rifle won’t be loaded when we visit.”

“You’re not planning to shoot me?”

“I did consider it, but I’ll have three angry women on your side. So there’ll be no shooting.”

A machine operator tapped on the door, reported an electrical fault on a machine. Frank stood.

“I’ll come take a look now.” He put his arms around his daughter and Godfree and squeezed their shoulders. “See you guys later.”

“Dad,” Rose said. “I’ll forgive you as long as you don’t shoot him.”

“You've already forgiven me. Besides, you can always get another guy.”

“I’ll stick with want this one.”

“You can keep him.”

“Thanks.”

The two smiled at the other. Frank punched her shoulder, did the same to Godfree, before heading for the door his step light. They watched him leave, close the door behind him, pick his tool bag and make his way down the steps to the factory floor before turning to face each other.

Rose shook her head. “Can’t believe he invited you home.”