Scandal (17 page)

Chapter Nineteen

Simone and Neil were just settling down to watch a film when a loud banging sounded on the front door.  With a start, Neil said, “Good God.  Who could that be?”  It was only nine o’clock in the evening but it did seem late for visitors.  Neil told Simone to wait where she was while he went to answer the door.  It was Finn.  He smiled a pained smile as he saw Neil.  “Hi mate.  What are you doing here?” Neil asked.

   “I thought we could go for a drink,” Finn replied, edging his way inside.

   “It’s nine o’clock.  Simone and I were just about to watch a film.”  He couldn’t quite put his finger on it but he sensed Finn was a little agitated.  “Are you alright Finn?  You seem a little tense.”

   “I’m fine.  I just fancy a drink that’s all.” 

   As he scratched a nervous itch on his face, it was then that Neil saw his knuckles, red and swollen.  They’d been mates for years but Neil felt nervous to press for more information.  An awkward silence fell upon them. 

   Knowing Simone would be waiting, Neil said, “Look mate, we’ll go out next weekend but not now.” 

   It wasn’t quite disappointment he saw on Finn’s face, but what it was, he couldn’t identify.  Without replying further, Finn turned round and left.

   “Who was that?” Simone asked as Neil returned.

   “It was Finn.  Something wasn’t right with him Simone?”

   “How do you mean?”

   Shaking his head he said, “I don’t know.  He seemed agitated somehow, nervous maybe.” 

   Feeling troubled by his friend’s mood, he asked Simone to ring Ashleigh, just to see if she knew anything.  After her house phone went unanswered, Simone tried her mobile.  It was switched off.

   “Ashleigh may be in the bath,” Simone concluded, trying hard to think of a realistic explanation.  She hadn’t witnessed Finn’s mood and not wanting to make more out of it than Neil was, didn’t feel there was a problem.  “Come on babe.  Let’s put the film on.  I’m sure it’s nothing,” Simone added positively.  Neil sat next to Simone on the settee, with a look of confusion sweeping his face.  “I’ll ring her in the morning,” Simone said.

   “Okay, thank you.”

Finn returned to the flat at nine forty five that evening met by silence and complete darkness.  The lounge had been left just how he’d remembered, with the coffee table over turned.  He checked the bedroom certain he’d find Ashleigh there, tucked up in bed like the last time.  Their bed only showed that no one had slept in it.  Although it was a little late in the day for having a bath, he checked there also.  The bath was dry, the towels unused.  He stood for a moment hating the silence the flat brought to him.  He began to wonder where Ashleigh could be at this hour.  Knowing she wasn’t at Simone’s made him think about her mum.  She could be there.  Quick fingers flicked through their address book until his eyes fell upon the words mum, Sam in brackets.  A groggy voice answered after the eighth ring.

   “Sam?  It’s Finn.”

   “Hello love,” she replied sleepily.

   “I’m sorry, have I woken you?”

   “Yes dear.  We’re up at five o’clock.”  Despite the intrusion, she didn’t sound annoyed.

   “I was just wondering if Ashleigh was there that’s all.”

   “Ashleigh?” she began in surprise.  “No love.  She came by a couple of days ago but I haven’t seen her today.”  Finn didn’t reply.  “Is everything all right Finn?” she asked, with a hint of worry touching her voice.

   “Yes I’m sure it is.  Sorry to have troubled you.  Bye.” 

   Sam returned the phone to its rightful place, a little baffled about Finn’s abrupt departure.  She snuggled next to Reece who hadn’t been disturbed at all by the call.

   By now Finn was angry again.  Puzzled by Ashleigh’s where-a-bouts, all he could surmise was she must be with
him. 
The door to the flat slammed loudly as he left the flat, causing a picture to fall off the wall.  With gritted teeth and tense fingers, he drove his car to the rectory.  He’d never been before, but as he knew where the church was, was certain the rectory wouldn’t be too hard to find.  Finn didn’t bother to lock his car.  The skid his car had made on the gravel outside alerted Father Michael he had company.  The heavy banging on his front door confirmed the caller wasn’t a friend.

   “Where is she?” Finn yelled, as soon as the door opened.

   “Who?” Father Michael said.

   “Who?” Finn asked astonished.  “Are you soft priest?  Ashleigh, that’s who.  What have you done with her?” 

   Spit hit Father Michael’s face.

   “She isn’t here Finn.  Go home.”  Father Michael remained very cool given his predicament, however, Finn was irate.

   “She must be.”

   “Why must she?”

   “Because she isn’t at home, at Simone’s or her mum’s.”  His anxiety showed again.

    “I’m telling you Finn, she isn’t here, now go away.” 

   As Finn tried to shoulder barge his way through the door, Father Michael stood in his way.  Although he was a couple of inches shorter that Finn, he carried a bit more weight which helped his strength.  He pushed Finn backwards a little to stop him from gaining access.

   “Move priest,” he spat.

   “Finn, I’m going to call the police if you step inside.” 

   After a bit of tousling, Finn clenched his fist, swinging it round, catching Father Michael in the mouth.  When he realised what he’d done, he turned round and ran.

   Once Father Michael had shut the door, his whole body began to tremble.  With a spattering of blood dribbling down his chin, he went to the bathroom to clean it up.  The cut on his lip was only minute, wondering if Finn’s knuckles were in a worse state than his lip.  A shot of brandy would have worked wonders for his trembling hands, but being the man he was, he made do with a cup of tea.  He hoped Finn didn’t think to go to the hospital.  Surely he wouldn’t dare show himself.  Taking his phone, Father Michael quickly rang the hospital, leaving a message for the ward sister to be aware that Finn could be on his way to try and see Ashleigh.  Luckily, visiting hours were over so if he did show himself and cause a scene, it’d be security he’d have to answer to.  The church would be in darkness and locked up so if Finn thought of looking there for her, he wouldn’t get very far.

   It had been a very trying and tiring day for Father Michael.  The silence around him wasn’t pleasant tonight.  Sometimes, being a priest could be a lonely life.  He didn’t even have a dog or a cat for company.  Once again his thoughts were of Ashleigh.  Her life was in turmoil too.  He’d suggest to her in the morning to ring her mum.  A girl needed her mum at certain times; Father Michael now certain this was one of those times.  Of course, he’d be there for her but he supposed that because of the allegations made about him, he’d have to keep his distance.  Tonight would be his last evening at the rectory.  Tomorrow he’d have to search for new accommodation; hopefully it would only be for a short while.

   By the time Father Michael went to bed his nerves had calmed.  Finn needed help.  The man was out of control.  It was too late in the day to do anything, but first thing in the morning he’d report Finn’s attack on him to the police
and
the church.  See what they made of that!

Chapter Twenty

Finn made excuses the next day at work for Ashleigh’s absence, saying she had the flu.  He had no idea where she was.  The thought had occurred that she may be walking around aimlessly, slightly dazed or confused.  He remembered her hitting her head on the car as he’d forced her to sit down.  If he stuck to the story, insisting she had flu, at least he had a week or two of borrowed time, time he needed to find her.  Finn wasn’t sure if the people he had spoken to the night before were hiding her.  Deep down, he didn’t think so.  They’d all sounded genuine when they’d said they hadn’t seen her.

   His hand was painful.  The middle knuckle was bruised and very swollen.  Writing was impossible but he had to pretend nothing was wrong.  Miss Taylor came round to his desk sensing something.

   “Are you alright Finn?” she asked with the seductive tones she always used on him.

   “Yes, just busy.” 

   Walking behind him, she placed her hands on his shoulders and began to massage them.

   “Relax, you’re so tense,” she said.

   “Am I?” 

   Normally, he would have loved her massages.  It was something she always did once they were alone in the hotel room.  She’d start with his shoulders, working her fingers so they slid down to the buttons of his shirt where she’d slowly open them one by one.  Then she’d caress his chest, digging her long nails in gently.  That usually sent him wild.  In no time at all he’d be on her, kissing her hungrily.  He was a good lover she thought.  She wanted him all to herself but he was married to Ashleigh.  The trips away were the only time she got to have him all to herself.  He had promised her more, telling her she just had to be patient.  There would be a way for them to eventually be together, but it would need a little time to sort out.  He had a plan, one which only he knew about.  It was a spectacular plan, a dream come true.  Miss Taylor clung to his hopeful words, knowing that if she waited, he’d one day be hers for good.  She’d wait for as long as necessary if it meant being with Finn.  She knew that today though, was not going to be that day.

   Flicking away her teasing fingers, he snapped when he spoke.  “Not now, dad could walk in.”

   “That doesn’t usually bother you.”

   “Well it does today.” 

   She quickly got the message, taking herself back towards Jack’s office.  Hoping he wasn’t getting bored with her, she knew she couldn’t let him slip away from her.  Miss Taylor loved him.  In some ways, she felt he owed her.  There were things between them that could ruin Finn’s relationship with certain people.  Her love for him would never allow her to tell anyone their secrets though.  She was bound to him; would do anything for him – anything at all.

   Miss Taylor looked over her shoulder at him, noticing his furrowed brow.  The stress radiating from him was like electricity.

   “Will you let me take you out to lunch later?” she asked, just before returning to Jack’s office. 

   He paused for a second, realising he shouldn’t be taking his problems out on her.  With one of his typical smiles, he looked at her, melting the earlier frostiness.

   “Sure.  Shall we say one o’clock?”

   “Great.” 

   Knowing her day would be so much better now with Finn on her side, Miss Taylor left his office in search of Jack.  Having lunch without little Miss Ashleigh breathing down Finn’s neck would mean they’d be able to find a quiet corner in a pub and spend a whole hour alone.

The phone call Sam received at work the next day left her feeling sad and uneasy.  Hearing Ashleigh’s frail voice saying she needed her help, chilled her bones.  It became clear now why Finn had phoned her the day before asking of Ashleigh’s where-a-bouts.  How could a man do that to anyone let alone his own wife?  Reece was equally upset once Sam was able to find a minute to tell him.  The hospital was expecting to keep Ashleigh in for one more day.  Sam had told her they’d visit her later that day and pick her up when she was discharged.  The family they’d created between them had certainly become a true family.  There was no pretending, just love.  They truly believed in their own role as father, mother and daughter.  Now was one of those times when they needed one another more than ever.

Father Michael had managed to find himself a room at a bed and breakfast.  He’d been in touch with Father Lucas, explaining what had happened during Finn’s fuelled visit.  He didn’t pass comment on Finn’s outburst, just kindly informed Father Michael that he’d arranged to speak to Ashleigh in hospital later.  He wanted to meet, for himself, the young woman behind this whole mess.  In his own heart, Father Lucas wanted to believe Father Michael’s words, that it was just the work of a jealous husband who was simply spreading lies to destroy the lives of others.  He’d heard what Finn had done to Ashleigh.  He didn’t agree with this type of behaviour, but it didn’t for one minute put Father Michael in the clear.  There’d been other occasions where young priests had fallen for women, giving up their priesthood and the commitment to God for the love of a woman.  Father Michael seemed a good man.  He’d made many friends in his parish so far but even priests could stray.  After all, they were only human.  Perhaps Father Michael
had
fallen for Ashleigh, Father Lucas thought.  As the saying goes; there’s no smoke without fire.  Only time would tell.

   Sam wasn’t the only person that day to receive a call from Ashleigh.  Simone also heard from her. 

   “Simone?” a quiet voice asked.

   “Yes,” she replied, unsure who the caller was as they were not ringing from a known mobile.

   “It’s Ashleigh.”

   “Are you alright?  You don’t sound too good.”

   “I’m in hospital.”

   “Oh my God Ashleigh.  What’s happened?”

   The last thing Ashleigh wanted was to turn Finn’s friends away, but they needed to know what he’d done.  She also knew her marriage to him was over.  Finding it hard to explain what she’d been through at the hands of her husband, Ashleigh wiped fresh tears from her face before taking a big breath.

   “It was Finn,” she began.

   “Finn?”  Simone’s thoughts went back to last night.  Neil had known there was something wrong with him.

   “There’s been other time’s when he’s been aggressive towards me but Saturday was the worst.”

   “Ashleigh, I had no idea.  I’m so sorry.”

   “It’s not your fault Simone.  I chose not to face up to reality and what he was capable of.”

   “How long are you going to be in hospital for?”

   “I’m coming out tomorrow.  Sam is going to let me stay with her.”

   “That’s good.  Listen, Ashleigh, let me know if you need anything, anything at all.  I’ll come round to see you once you’ve got yourself settled.”

   “Thank you.”  Ashleigh hadn’t seen much of Simone over the past year since marrying Finn and upon hearing her voice, she soon realised she should have told her what was going on.  What a fool she’d been.  “Simone?”

   “Yes.”

   “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about what he’s been doing.”

   “Me too, but I know why you didn’t.  Have you thought about what you are going to do?”

   “I’ll have to leave work and leave Finn.”  It was a sad and frightening prospect. 

   “I don’t know what Neil will say to the whole mess.  He’ll be as shocked as me I think.”

   “There’s one other thing I need to tell you.”  Something about Ashleigh’s change of tone made Simone wonder what other surprises she had for her.

   “I’m listening.”

   “I was pregnant.”

   “Was?”

   “I’d found out on Saturday morning.  Finn didn’t know, still doesn’t for that matter.  He kicked me in the stomach several times.  I lost the baby later that day.” 

   Simone could hear Ashleigh crying again.  “Oh Ashleigh, I truly am so, so sorry.”

   “I know,” she whispered. 

   Finding it hard to continue, Ashleigh said she’d have to go.  Simone understood and confirmed she’d be round to see her at Sam’s in a couple of days.

   The conversation Simone had with Ashleigh made her think back to the time Ashleigh had told her she was getting married.  Simone had wanted it to be her who was the one getting married, feeling she deserved it more because she’d been in a relationship for longer.  Poor Ashleigh!  Would the curse ever be lifted from her?  

   With more time on her hands than she knew what to do with, Ashleigh settled back onto her pillow after her conversation with Simone.  She soon realised how much she’d missed her company, also realising she’d broken the promise she’d made to her before getting married.  Ashleigh had said they’d never lose touch, but a part of them had.  She’d been so wrapped up with Finn that Simone had taken a back seat.  More tears came, this time for the friend who’d saved her.  Somehow, she’d been neglected along the way.  Ashleigh felt ashamed to have let this happen, knowing she had to put it right. 

   With time to think, one of those thoughts being about leaving Finn, she couldn’t help feeling as though her heart would break at any moment.  Even though he’d hurt her so much, there was a huge part of her which still loved him. Looking back at the beginning of their relationship, there’d been so much love.  How could it have turned so poisonous?  Life had been cruel to her yet again; that pained her.  Once again, there was self doubt and uncertainty about her future and who she really was.  Would anyone ever want her and love her without there having to be a price to pay?  Ashleigh realised there was still one person in her life who she thought about regularly, who never judged her for who or what she was;  Father Michael.  It was all because of her that his life was also in a mess.  She knew she had to help him and she would do whatever it took to clear his name.  The visit with Father Lucas was one way she could try to put things right.  It was a visit though she was dreading. 

   Ashleigh’s eyes were red and puffy by the time the nurse came round to see her.  She gave her a motherly smile, understanding the pain she was feeling was still very raw.  Despite the nurse’s words of comfort and encouragement, they didn’t really help today.  Ashleigh was living in Hell at the moment.  How could anyone possibly know how that felt?  Even food felt a threat to her.  Her whole body was sore to touch.  Inside, her head was like a crazy route of mixed up roads, where anger drowned sadness, pity drowned grieving and confusion drowned normality.  Although she was so exhausted, it was hard to sleep.  Whenever she closed her eyes she could see Finn’s angry face.  She could still feel his vice like grip around her wrist.  Still feel the blows of his foot in her stomach.  Was it something about who she was that attracted violence?  As a child, it had been under the hand of her father she’d suffered.  As an adult, it had been by the one person she’d felt had truly loved her.  Maybe she deserved it.

   A gentle cough broke her thoughts.  A tall man with grey hair stood at the side of her bed.

   “May I sit down Ashleigh?” Father Lucas asked.

   “Yes of course Father.” 

   He didn’t need to introduce himself.  Ashleigh had been expecting him.  He helped her to prop her pillows up so she could sit up in bed.  Her stomach was still extremely tender.

   “How are you feeling today Ashleigh?”

   “Sore, confused, angry, emotional,” she replied.

   “I’m sorry I have to put you through this today but you know why I’m here don’t you?”

   “Yes Father, I do.”

   “Can we start with your relationship with Father Michael?”

   “Relationship?” she asked, shock evident in her tone.

   “Yes.”

   “Well there isn’t one in the sense my husband has said.”

   “Enlighten me.” 

   Ashleigh suddenly felt angry by his manner.  But little did she know he was testing her.

   “Father,” she began.  “Father Michael is my priest and a very good one at that.”

   “Go on,” he prompted when she paused.

   “When I was younger, my parents hated me.  My mother was an alcoholic, my father an abuser who ended up in prison, after which my mother turned to

prostitution.”  He was shocked by her openness but left her to carry on.  “My mother died because of who she was.”

   “I’m sorry,” he added.