Off the Record (24 page)
Authors: Alison Rose
‘Kate!
Oh, God, no
! ‘Kate!’
A woman ran out of the house next door, pulling a thick dressing gown around her.
‘I’ve rung the fire brigade. Thank goodness the vicar’s not there.’
‘Kate’s in there!’ he yelled, taking off for the path round the side of the house.
The noise of the flames grew as the fire took hold. Paul’s heart was in his throat as he saw that the back was alight too. The smell of fuel barely registered as he dodged sparks and smoke, heading for the back door.
‘Kate! For God’s sake, where are you?’
‘Up here!’
To his right was a single-storey extension, and above it a window was open and Kate was there, her face pale, something white clutched in her arms.
‘Hang on, I’m coming up!’ he called, reaching for the gutter.
‘No! It’s not safe! Stay there! Here, take this …’ She swung the bundle over the window ledge and dropped it towards him. ‘I’ve just got to get…’
His arms closed around it. ‘What the…’ A pillow case full of books? He flung it onto the grass behind him. ‘Kate?’ She wasn’t there. ‘Dammit, Kate! Get out of there!’
He leapt and grabbed the gutter, but it broke off in his hand and he fell back, cursing. He jumped up, only to be knocked back again as something in the kitchen exploded and the window blew out, sending heat and debris out into the garden.
‘Kate!’ he cried. ‘Kate!’
‘Where is she, mate?’
He looked round. A man. A neighbour?
‘Up there,’ he pointed. ‘She was there, but she’s gone. Kate!’
‘Hang on, I’ve got a ladder. Be back in a minute.’ He disappeared into the darkness.
Paul didn’t want to wait. He didn’t have a minute. He moved round the other side of the extension and used a window ledge as a foothold, swinging himself up onto the roof. Slates slipped, nearly taking him with them, but he hung on, his eyes on the window that Kate had disappeared from.
‘Kate!’ He had just reached the wall when she appeared, pushing a box over the ledge.
‘Oh, Paul! Help me!’
He reached for her.
‘No, I’m OK. Take the box.’
‘Fuck the box! Get your butt out of there! Do you wanna die?’ Fear and frustration fuelled his anger.
‘Not without the box!’ she yelled back. ‘Take the bloody box!’
The roar of the fire, the shouts of neighbours and the growing wail of the approaching fire engine went unnoticed as they shouted at each other.
‘Here, Katie, love, give it to me. Then let him get you out, for God’s sake!’
Paul watched with disbelief as she smiled as her neighbour reached them and held out his arms for the box. Then she was swinging her legs over the sill. With a cry he pulled her to him, taking a moment to hold her tight and reassure himself that she was alive. She clung to him, trembling like a leaf.
‘Let’s get you out of here, and then I am
letting you go. You got that?’
Alex received a call from the bishop just as she was about to go to morning prayer. He didn’t bother with the usual pleasantries, but asked her to explain the photograph of the ‘torrid embrace’ she had indulged in on her own doorstep, in full view of anyone who happened to be passing, which now graced several tabloid newspapers.
She was stunned. Someone had been spying on them! Through the embarrassment, she felt anger welling up.
‘I’m sorry, Bishop, but I don’t have an explanation.’
‘I beg to differ, Alexandra,’ he said. ‘I assume this is the same man connected with the previous … unfortunate incident?’
‘That’s nobody’s business but mine and the gentleman concerned.’
‘When the incident happens on the threshold of church property, and involves a minister of the church, then it becomes my business.’
‘I’ve done nothing wrong,’ she insisted. ‘I’ve committed no sin and I’ve broken no laws.’
‘I’m sure that’s true, my dear, but you must appreciate that your actions do not set a good example. The fact that the person you are involved with happens to work in a morally dubious industry doesn’t help.’
‘That’s ridiculous!’ She exploded. She couldn’t believe she was hearing this. ‘He is one of the most upright, honourable men I know, and to tar the whole music industry with the brush of questionable morals is just plain daft! Do you ever listen to rock music, Bishop? Some of the most moral teaching I’ve ever encountered can be found in contemporary songs.’
‘Oh, do calm down, my dear. I’m not your enemy here, regardless of how it might seem at the moment.’
Alex remained silent, not trusting herself to speak. The bishop sighed. ‘I’ve known you for a long time, Alexandra, and you’re a fine priest. But the Devil is abroad, my dear, and is making mischief for you. If you insist upon continuing your relationship with this man, then I’m afraid that things will continue to be difficult. One or two of your parishioners – not the most sympathetic souls I’ll admit – are suggesting that you be removed from the parish.’
‘But that’s not fair!’
‘No, it isn’t. But this latest incident has given them more ammunition, particularly as your friend was seen to enter your house and didn’t leave for some time.’
Alex was glad that the bishop couldn’t see her face, flushed with anger as the implication sank in. ‘We did nothing wrong.’
‘I’m sure you didn’t. But you showed poor judgement. Now I suggest that you take these few days to pray and consider your future. Because I’m not sure how long this can go on before I have no choice but to take action.’
‘And with diocesan finances being what they are, you’re looking to cut clergy posts rather than reshuffle them,’ she concluded miserably.
The bishop didn’t correct her. ‘I will pray for you, my dear, and we will talk again at the end of your retreat.’
With a heavy heart she put the phone down. Why was it so difficult for people to accept her and Johnson as a couple? He was a good man and she loved him. The thought of having to choose between him and the Church appalled her. She headed for the chapel, hoping that morning prayer would be over and she would have the place to herself. She needed to have a good long chat with the Almighty. But before she got there, she was called to the office to take another phone call.
Going back the next morning was one of the hardest things Kate had ever done. She was grateful for Paul’s reassuring presence beside her. She doubted if she could have faced it alone. As they turned into the street she saw what was left of the house. Her stomach turned over. All gone. Nothing left but a blackened pile of bricks and charred wood.
The drive was blocked by a police car and a van from the fire brigade. A group of people stood on the pavement. Kate recognized some as neighbours and one or two reporters from the local paper. Paul swore under his breath and told Derek to drive past and park further along the road. As the car drew to a halt Kate reached out a trembling hand for the door handle, only to be stopped by his warm grasp on her shoulder. ‘You don’t need to do this. Leave it to the cops.’
‘I’ve got to. I need to.’
‘OK, then I’m coming with you.’
She gave him a brief, distracted smile and nodded. ‘Thanks.’
They got out, and Kate nearly gagged on the stench. She covered her mouth with her hand, finding a brief respite in the fresh scent of the shower gel she’d used to wash away the smoke and soot from her body a short time ago. Dust and smoke still hung in the air, making her cough. Her scorched lungs and bruised ribs protested, and her eyes stung as she squeezed them tight against the tears that threatened to overflow.
‘This is crazy! You should still be in the hospital.’ Paul held her tight, his concern making his voice harsh.
She took comfort in his arms, sure that she’d collapse in a heap without his strength to support her. The coughing subsided and she took a slow breath through her mouth, trying to avoid the sharp, foul smell. But as the thick air passed over her tongue she realised she could actually taste it. What had once been her family home, a place full of love and laughter, had become little more than an acrid, sour flavour in her mouth. She wanted to be sick, to spit it out, to rid herself of it. Despair hung over her like a cloak.
The group swarmed forwards, but Kate ignored them. She didn’t want sympathy, and she sure as hell didn’t want to answer any more questions. A couple of policemen and a handful of JBB security men stood their ground, stopping people from getting any closer. The reporters tried to call out questions, but they went unanswered as Kate focused on the ruined house.
It hurt to look at it. The roof had gone, collapsed into the shell of the house, taking both floors with it into the basement. The front wall, scarred and buckled by the heat, swayed wearily towards the street. The front door and all the windows were gone. She thought it looked like a skull, staring blankly out at a world it didn’t recognize. Her mother’s beautiful garden was a sodden mess of mud and trampled flowers.
It was impossible to reconcile the destruction in front of her to the happy home it had been. He was right. That place was gone.
A barrier of police tape blocked the path. It fluttered in the wind, broadcasting its
DO NOT CROSS
message in staccato whirrs and snaps on the breeze, reinforcing the fact that this hadn’t been an accident. She felt the chill of fear spread up her spine.
‘Thank God Mum was away,’ she said. ‘If she’d been in …’ She sucked in a sharp breath, remembered panic stabbing her like a physical pain. ‘I don’t know what I’d do if I lost her. Since Daddy died she’s …’
‘Hush, sweetheart. She’s OK. You talked to her this morning, didn’t you? And my dad’s gone to bring her back.’
She nodded. ‘Yes, I know. But look what she’s coming back to! Everything she owned was in there. She’ll have nothing but the stuff she took with her. ‘
‘She’ll have you. Which she might not have, considering how crazy you acted. I swear I almost had a coronary when you went back for that damned box of stuff. Why the hell d’you do it?’
She grinned, despite the tears making silent tracks down her cheeks. ‘I could hear you yelling over the noise of the fire.’ Her expression sobered as she touched his cheek. He leaned into her hand, putting his own over it, then turned his face and placed a gentle kiss on her palm. ‘I had to get the photo albums and our family Bible. I couldn’t let them burn. They’re all we have left of Daddy. It would break Mum’s heart to lose them.’
‘Right, so instead we could have lost you. It was a stupid thing to do.’
‘You said that loud and clear last night. I’d do it again, though,’ she declared.
He sighed. ‘Yeah, I know. Just remember none of us want to lose you, OK?’
Her breath caught in her throat. He looked different. His mask was gone. Now she saw the real Paul, his sombre strength, his loving concern.
She realised she was glad she loved him, the serious, beautiful man who held her. She’d fought it since the moment she’d set eyes on him, trying to keep her heart safe. But even if it ended tomorrow, she had been blessed by knowing and loving him. She opened her mouth to speak, but he laid a gentle finger on her lips.
‘No, don’t say anything. Not right now. Whatever you say now, you’ll probably regret later on. Besides,’ he gestured with his head at the growing crowd. ‘We’ve got an audience. Let’s move.’
He held up the tape, and they ducked under.
‘You can’t go in there,’ called one of the constables.
‘It’s her house,’ Paul replied.
‘You still need to stay behind the tape, sir, it’s dangerous. And we’ll need to ask some questions.’
‘They already did last night. Right now she needs to get away from prying eyes. We’ll be careful. I’m taking her round back.’ He took her hand and led her around the side of the house.
Kate tried to muffle her cry of distress. The rear was as bad as the front. The area nearest the house was a mess of scorched turf and mud. The flower beds were decimated. Only the stone bench on the little raised terrace at the back of the garden seemed untouched. She picked her way slowly towards it. A flash of white caught her eye. A fragment of paper fluttered limply on what was left of a rose bush. Gently, she disentangled it. Underneath was a single bud left on the shrub, a hint of pale lemon peeking through the dark green foliage. Kate stroked it, the single symbol of life amidst the destruction. She sniffed and wiped her eyes, pressing her thumb and forefinger against them for a moment, her head bowed.
‘I can’t leave this here,’ she whispered, opening her eyes and reaching for the flower. She sank onto the bench, cradling the rose in one hand and the paper in the other. He sat beside her, putting an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close.
‘What does it say?’ He nodded towards the fragment.
She shrugged, laying the rose gently down beside her before smoothing it out. It had been torn by the thorns and part of it had been burnt. Most of the writing was smudged, but Kate recognized her mother’s hand.
‘Looks like some sermon notes. Yes – there – Matthew 6:25-34. Hang on, I know this one … it’s one of her favourite passages …’ she shook her head. ‘I can’t think straight. What? … ah.’ Realisation dawned, and she began to laugh.
‘What is it? What does it say?’
She laughed harder, crying at the same time now. ‘It says we have … have to trust God and n … not worry! Can you believe it? The only thing to survive the fire is a bit of paper saying God will take care of everything, and not to worry.’
‘Sounds like good advice.’ He wiped a stray tear from her cheek and smiled. ‘It’ll be OK, I promise.’ He leaned down to kiss her. With a sigh she lost herself in his embrace. In his arms she felt warm and loved and safe. She didn’t know how long they might have stayed like that if the police officer hadn’t approached them to say that her mother had arrived. Kate pulled away and took off running, reaching her mother as she got out of the car.
‘Mum!’
Alexandra opened her arms and hugged her tight. ‘Oh, my darling girl! I’m so glad you’re all right!’
They wept as they held each other. The men, joined now by Paul’s father, stood waiting, their expressions a mixture of sympathy and helpless frustration as the women were surrounded by a small knot of people. Neighbours. Paul recognized one or two who had helped him to pull Kate away from the blaze the night before. Jake and the guys were keeping anyone with a camera or a notebook at bay.
After a few moments the officials moved forward, edging their way through the group to speak to the women.
‘You OK, son?’ Johnson put a hand on his shoulder.
‘I guess.’
They stood in grim-faced silence for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts, Paul focused on Kate; Johnson on her mother.
‘Is Alex OK?’
‘I don’t know. She was so quiet on the way over. I guess she needed to see Kate for herself to make sure she was all right.’ He turned to look at what was left of the house. ‘Jeez! What a mess! Maybe we should get them away from here. I’m not sure she’ll hold it together when she gets a good look at this. You sure this was deliberate? These old places are like tinderboxes.’
‘Oh yeah, it was deliberate. Last night we were gagging on the smell of gasoline. Someone meant to do this, and they didn’t care if anyone was in the house. Maybe they even knew. Someone called when I was there earlier, and hung up.’ He took a deep breath, fists clenched at his sides, his eyes cold. ‘If I ever find the son-of-a-bitch, so help me, I’ll kill him.’
His father nodded as one of the neighbours approached. The woman looked exhausted.
‘Ma’am.’ Paul shook her hand. ‘I saw you last night, helping out.’
The woman blushed. ‘I just brought out a coat and slippers for Kate. I couldn’t leave her out here in her jammies.’
‘We appreciated it. Thanks.’
‘It was the least I could do.’ She looked around. ‘Did you bring the other woman with you?’
‘I’m sorry?’
‘The American woman, who was here yesterday. I met her outside the vicarage. I thought perhaps she wanted to speak to the vicar.’ She shrugged. ‘Some people do – you know – when they’re troubled. They just turn up at a vicarage and ask for help. Alex says it’s an occupational hazard.’
‘And this woman wanted to see her yesterday?’ Johnson asked.
‘She said not. I went out and spoke to her. Said she was just looking, and left.’
‘Hang on, back up a minute,’ Paul interrupted. ‘What makes you think she was with us?’
‘Well … I don’t know for sure, my dear, but she talked like you do. And you’re from that band … J something, isn’t it?’
‘JB.’
‘That’s it! That’s what she had on her jacket. Nice one it was, a zip-up in dark blue, with ‘JBBand’ embroidered right here,’ she pointed to just above her heart, ‘in red.’
