51
Daniel was due back on site full time. Whilst he was staying at The Templar with Emily, it was heaven to spend some much-needed time with her, and Christie had been a tremendous help, but now he really had to get on with finishing Keeper’s Cottage. He had arranged with his parents to take Emily to their place. They’d been desperate to see their granddaughter and son after everything that had happened. Although Daniel regularly assured them they were fine, they had asked to have Emily for a short while, which would give him the opportunity to press on with the build. Emily was obviously excited to see her grandparents as she chatted over breakfast.
‘Are Grandma and Grandpa going to live with us in our new home?’ she asked.
‘No, Sweet Pea, but they’ll come and stop sometimes.’
‘Oh.’ She looked crestfallen. Daniel, hating seeing her disappointed, paused, then made a decision that he had been toying with for some time.
‘Emily, I’ve been thinking, would you like to get a dog, once we’re settled in our new house?’ Watching her face light up melted his heart.
‘Daddy, yes!’
Daniel smiled. ‘Well, when we’re all moved in we could get one.’
‘Let’s!’
So it was with good cheer that Emily said goodbye to Dermot and Christie, giving them each a big hug.
‘Have a safe trip,’ said Christie as she walked with them to the car.
‘Will do. I’ll be back early evening,’ he told her, expecting her to give him a knowing smile. It would be the first night they’d had together for some time now. Instead, Christie just nodded. He frowned. Was there something wrong? Dermot had seemed rather subdued too.
Within an hour he arrived at his parents’ house. There they were, both standing by the front door with big beams, waving away. Bless them, he thought. Where would he be without them? Emily dashed down the footpath and flung herself at them. It was good to know she was in safe hands. For a fleeting moment that sickening anxiety flared through him, then as easily as it came, it dampened. That was all in the past now.
‘Hi!’ he called, carrying Emily’s suitcase and rucksack full of toys.
‘Hello!’ His mum hugged him, before Emily took her hand to go inside.
‘Son, we’ve had a call from Jenna’s parents,’ his dad said quietly. Daniel looked at him. ‘They’ve got the coroner’s report. The police have also been in contact with more information.’
‘Oh, I see,’ Daniel replied, motionless.
‘They’ve asked to see you.’
‘But…’
‘They think you should know, as Emily’s father, exactly what happened.’
Daniel had wanted to know at the time, but now he wanted to put it all behind him.
‘I don’t want to see them, Dad.’
‘I understand, but it could give you real closure, Daniel.’
‘I’ll ask them to send me the coroner’s report. Did they mention JonJo?’
‘Yes. He’s been charged with GBH and is due to appear in court anytime soon.’
Daniel’s blood ran cold. Not just for Jenna, but at what Emily had been living with. He never wanted to hear his name again. Forcing himself to act as normally as possible, he went inside to join Emily and his mum.
‘Emily tells me you’re getting a dog.’ His mum was busy putting fairy cakes on a plate.
‘We certainly are.’ Daniel smiled, while an excited Emily ran to him and wrapped herself round his legs.
‘I can’t wait, Daddy!’
‘Not long to go, Emily, but let’s get the new house ready first.’ He lifted her up and squeezed her tight. He breathed her in, this beautiful, precious daughter of his.
*
Christie had had a busy morning. After sleeping on it, she had woken with a determined resolve to take control of her life and deal with the matters in hand. First of all, she had contacted a firm of solicitors and instructed them to issue a divorce petition, under the grounds of her husband’s adultery and had given them the details of his solicitor. Secondly, she had made an appointment to see the bank manager who had overseen the loan she and Stephen had taken out when buying The Templar. To be honest, she didn’t hold out much hope of an extension, but she was going to ask anyway. What had she to lose?
Christie had wanted to reply directly to Stephen, but he hadn’t given his home address, just his solicitor’s. He could even have moved for all she knew. Another flicker of annoyance prickled her; again, he was calling the shots, knowing where she lived, but not disclosing his whereabouts. The postmark on the envelope told her he was still in Chester – that’s all she knew. But then, did it really matter?
A voice inside told her to just get rid of the loser. He was beginning to irritate her now more than anything. Gone were any sentimental what-could-have-been thoughts she’d once had. All she felt for him now was a bitter realisation of what he really was – a selfish bastard. How had it taken her so long to see it? Probably comparing him to Daniel had made it obvious. The difference between the two was startling. All Daniel cared about was his daughter’s happiness, whereas Stephen only cared about himself. It would be interesting to see how much he compromised once becoming a parent. Would he forfeit his rugby and the boozy nights out with his mates? He certainly hadn’t when he’d been married to her. Good luck to Sophie – she’d need it.
Then she gave another sigh. All this resentment wasn’t helping. The issue of where this left her was what she must concentrate on. Christie simply couldn’t let The Templar go without a fight, refusing to accept that one day, very soon, she may have to hand over the keys to another proud owner. She felt queasy with despair.
