CALLUM
I’m waiting for my dinner in the bar at Carton House when Declan’s number flashes up on my phone.
‘I need to take this.’ I give Marcus and James a curt nod as I push past them and head out into the lobby.
A hundred scenarios have infiltrated my thoughts since last week, each one more damning than the one before. Sean Fitzpatrick is the lowest of the low in my book, regardless of what Declan finds out, simply because he didn’t even have the balls to break up with Abby in person. Spineless little shite.
‘Declan?’ I pace the immaculate tiled floor in anticipation.
‘Callum. How are things? I did a bit of digging for you.’ Declan’s smooth, authoritative British accent travels all too slowly into my ear.
‘And?’ I should thank him before he elaborates, but curiosity is killing me.
‘I didn’t exactly acquire the information legitimately, if you know what I mean, so what I’m about to tell you, you should probably keep to yourself.’
I push the phone tightly to my ear and glance around to make sure no one is in the vicinity. A couple are checking in across the room, but they pay me no attention as they listen to the receptionist’s directions to their suite.
‘Go on.’ I hold my breath, concerned even the sound of my own exhalation might prevent me from accurately processing the information that I need.
‘It turns out Mr Fitzpatrick flew directly into Sydney on the night of the thirteenth of July 2014. He booked on the same flight as a Miss Zoe Wilson, with whom he then resided for the next three years. Zoe had been in Ireland on a working holiday visa, employed by a boat tour company in Carrick, coincidently the same tour company that Sean booked for a work party in April 2014.’
‘The cheating little bollocks.’ That explains a lot. Whatever I’ve done in my life, I’ve never ever cheated on anyone. Possibly because I’ve never had a proper girlfriend as such, but still, I’d never stoop that low.
‘That’s only the beginning,’ Declan informs me. ‘In December of 2014, Zoe gave birth to a baby boy named Taylor.’
‘So he has a child with her? Why would he leave them now?’ I scratch my head in wonder. Maybe Sean is just a commitment-phobe. Maybe he can’t follow through on anything.
‘Well, that’s the thing that’s not strictly legit, you see. Zoe named Sean on the birth certificate, but when I hacked the medical records, I discovered that Sean took Taylor for a DNA test two months ago. It turns out that the child isn’t actually his.’
‘Fuck.’ A low whistle escapes me. The receptionist shoots an enquiring look, I smile reassuringly and turn my back to her.
‘There’s more,’ Declan says.
‘Go on.’ So the plot thickens. A tiny sliver of sympathy for Sean slithers in, before I remember that he’d obviously been shagging Zoe behind Abby’s back if he thought the child was his in the first place.
‘There was some sort of showdown. Zoe called the police to report a violent disturbance at the house, but by the time the authorities got there, Sean was long gone and records state that Zoe did not wish to follow up with an official complaint. According to British Airways flight log, Sean took a flight to Heathrow two days later, then boarded a connecting one to Dublin.’
‘What date did he arrive back in Ireland?’ I don’t know why it matters if it was before I met Abby or after, but I want all the facts.
‘He’s back four weeks tomorrow.’
It was before. At least Abby’s relationship with me wasn’t the driving force of his return. But the idea of him being aggressive to the ex, doesn’t bode well. I’ll need to keep him on a short leash if he attempts to get near Abby.
‘Thanks, Declan. You’ve been very helpful, as usual. I’ll transfer the funds for your time now.’
‘No. This one’s on the house. I know who he is to you, to Abby. I hope he’s not looking for a reunion.’
‘Me too. For his sake.’ My jaw tightens at the prospect. ‘Take care, Callum.’
‘Thanks a million, Dec, I’ll be in touch.’ I disconnect the call and head back into the bar area. My lamb cutlet is getting cold on the table while the boys are heartily tucking into their own grub.
‘Everything ok?’ James asks with a raised eyebrow. He must have seen the caller ID.
‘Grand. Thanks.’ I sit down and take a forkful of my lukewarm lamb.
I can’t shake the conversation from my thoughts. Are things grand? Or should I still be concerned about Sean’s reappearance in relation to my new relationship? He obviously didn’t come home especially for Abby. But clearly, now he’s returned, he hasn’t ruled out the prospect of winning her back. Surely she wouldn’t even contemplate it at this stage? She definitely wouldn’t if she got wind of Zoe and Taylor, but should I even tell her? Would you rather know that that you had been cheated on by your childhood sweetheart and the man you agreed to marry. Or is ignorance truly bliss as they say?
