65
Christie woke with a throbbing head. The sun was flickering through the bedroom blinds, with the promise of a lovely summer’s day, but not for her. Stephen was coming that night. A low sickening sensation settled in the pit of her stomach. She had to speak to Daniel – and fast. After showering swiftly, she decided to skip breakfast and make her way to Keeper’s Cottage. Before doing so she went into the bar to see Dermot. He glanced up, still looking sombre.
‘Dermot, I need to see Daniel.’ He nodded, knowing something was afoot. The sooner Christie sorted out The Templar, the better. Although it pained him to say it, he was more than ready to leave. There was only so much he could do, and if she was unable to keep the pub, then she had no choice but to sell it. He couldn’t be expected to stay here working indefinitely, as much as he’d loved it.
‘I see.’
‘I won’t be long.’
‘Take as long as you need, Christie.’ He gave a weak smile.
She practically ran all the way to Daniel’s cottage. Panting for breath, she rapped at the front door. She could hear Emily calling, then Daniel opened it.
‘Hi.’ He smiled surprised at her early call, then he frowned at seeing her in such a state. ‘Whatever’s the matter?’
‘It’s Stephen, he’s here,’ she said in between breaths.
‘At The Templar?’
‘No, no, he was there last night when I got back, but he left and said he’d return tonight.’
‘Come in.’ He ushered her inside. As soon as Emily saw Christie, she ran over to her.
‘Hi, Emily.’ She smiled, in an effort to act normal.
‘Christie, are you having breakfast with us?’
‘Emily, just finish yours, there’s a good girl,’ Daniel said.
Emily trotted back into the kitchen.
‘He wants his money,’ hissed Christie. ‘He’s got a baby boy now. Showed me photos of him.’ She was talking rapidly.
‘Calm down, come on, sit down.’ Daniel gently directed her to the settee and sat next to her. ‘Listen, don’t worry, I’ll be there tonight as moral support.’ Christie looked a tad alarmed.
‘Do you think that’s wise?’
‘Why not? We can put the offer of money to him straight.’
Christie sat still for a moment, considering. ‘Maybe you could be within earshot and intervene if needs be?’ She looked searchingly at him. She didn’t want to antagonise Stephen any more than she had done, but then did like the idea of assistance. Stephen cut quite an intimidating figure. Having Daniel as backup was comforting. And after all, it was his money that was being dangled as the carrot.
‘Yes, OK, if that’s what you’d prefer,’ agreed Daniel. ‘What time is he coming?’
‘He didn’t say.’
‘Right, I’ll ring my parents and ask them to stop here with Emily.’
‘Thanks, Daniel.’ She covered his hand with hers.
‘Daddy! I’ve finished!’ shouted Emily from the kitchen.
‘I’ll get going.’ Christie stood to leave.
Daniel quickly turned her face to his and kissed her lips. ‘I’ll be there, keep calm.’
*
Keeping calm was easier said than done, thought Christie as she prepared herself for meeting Stephen that evening. She deliberately chose to dress down, letting him know he wasn’t worth making the effort for. Dermot had been filled in with the details and also assured her he’d be on hand for any unpleasantness. Wearing skinny jeans and a T-shirt, she made her way down. She scanned the area; there was no sign of him.
