The Turning

One

OneSeptember 2010

“Come on Douglas. The estate agent is waiting,” Alison said through the open car door. Doug was trying to multi-task. His new mobile phone had been on charge as they'd driven down from the Midlands. Unplugging it, whilst under scrutiny from his wife was making him a bit ruffled.

“Okay. I'm done,” he said as he climbed out of the car, shutting the door. He walked around the boot, coming to a stop next to his wife.

She tutted. “Tuck your shirt in. Look at your jacket. It's all skew.”

“Oh no! We can't have that, can we? What would the new neighbours say?”

His wife gave him a stern look as another woman approached from the house that had a sign swaying in front of it. Doug forgot Alison's expression as the other woman introduced herself.

“Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson?” They nodded. “Lynn Bustard, Atlantic Estates. How was your journey down?”

Alison shook the woman's hand, appraising her coolly. She noticed with a degree of envy that the woman was roughly her age, but wore it far better. She was slim, with short grey hair, cut stylishly. Not like the mass of red and grey curls that she fought to keep under control every day. Her face didn't look like the face of a sixty-year-old. Maybe she'd had work done, she thought smugly. “Mostly fine. A bit of traffic around Bristol but nothing to write home about. I'm Alison. This is Doug,” she said as almost an afterthought.

Doug shook the agent's hand, a warm smile crinkling his face. “Pleased to meet you Lynn. Unusual name. Bustard?”

“Yes,” she said. “Like the bird. Had a few nicknames at school as I'm sure you can imagine. Your wife told me over the phone that your house is sold and that you're looking to move as soon as possible.”

Doug liked her Cornish twang. “Yes. Our buyers have had surveys done and all appears to be in order. So we're a few weeks behind them in terms of schedule. But that isn't a problem. Our son and daughter-in-law have just moved to Tintagel and we'll be able to bed down with them if needed.” The agent nodded before walking up the pretty garden path towards the property. Doug watched her walk, noticing that she had dark seamed nylons on. His wife caught him looking at her legs before bustling past him, tutting as she did so. He stood for a moment, smiling. If only all women dressed like that, he thought before trudging up the path after them.

* * *

Jake came around the corner of the cul-de-sac, noticing his parents' car parked next to the dormer bungalow. He could see the front door was open. At least they got here on time, he thought. The Atlantic wind kicked up, ruffling his dark hair and clothing. The ocean was to his left. Sparse clouds on the horizon gave the vista a picture postcard look. He ran his fingers through his locks before stepping off the pavement to cross the street. He had a carefree stride, long and loping. The horrors of the last few months seemed to have been blown away on the ocean breeze. His leg was better, apart from the two scars that would forever be tattooed there. One had been a flesh wound, the other deeper. He kept his eye on them, doing what had to be done to ensure they were under control. He'd never spent so much time in church as he did now. Katherine played along, knowing it helped his leg heal. To what extent it would heal was still uncertain. He felt fine though. More than fine. He'd never felt better. Whether that was due to the sea air, or due to his love for Katherine, he knew not. He did not care. The last few months were becoming a fuzzy memory. He still had the dreams. He still woke up sometimes in a sweat, checking the bedroom for signs of danger. However, no danger could be found. All was as it should be in Jake's life. For that, he was beyond grateful. His life had risen from the depths of despair and grief from a few years previous, when he'd lost his young wife and daughter to a hit and run. They would never be forgotten. Jake knew that. Katherine knew that. He had a new focus now though. Katherine was due to give birth within the next few weeks. The last few months had been a whirl of activity, taking their minds off of the horrors beforehand. Their third bedroom had been turned into a nursery. Katherine was like the proverbial kid in a sweet shop when Jake had taken her to a retail park near Truro. They had spent most of the afternoon buying all manner of baby clothes, travel systems, bottles, sterilizers, and other items that they'd need for the arrival. Jake also bought two large cans of emulsion for the walls. Pink emulsion. The moment they discovered that Katherine was pregnant, Jake realised they had a problem. She didn't exist, certainly not on paper. She would need scans and visits to the doctors. How could she do that if there was no record of her? He'd made a call to Swanley, to ask a huge favour. Katherine needed an identity. The giant traveller and Jake had history. They had an understanding. They would help each other if needed. Swanley had put Jake in touch with an associate, who for a considerable fee had provided her with a life. He was told her identification would hold up under regular scrutiny. However, intense digging would pull holes in it. Jake knew that this was the best he could hope for. If the worst came to the worst, he knew they had an escape route. A doorway, between two trees in a far off forest.

* * *

Jake heard voices as he neared the bungalow. He looked up at the first floor window to see his mother, who was fiddling with the curtains. She noticed him and waved. He reciprocated before heading up the path, stepping through the open doorway into the hall. The voices grew louder as he made his way to the kitchen at the rear of the property.

“Hi Dad,” he said, noticing an attractive older woman stood next to a breakfast bar.

“Hey Son,” Doug beamed, grabbing him in a bear hug. “This is Lynn. Lynn, this is Jake.”

Jake met the advancing woman halfway across the kitchen, taking her manicured hand. “Nice to meet you Lynn.”

“Likewise Jake. I was just telling your father about the local pubs. I think I've won him over.”

Doug nodded his agreement. “The Cornishman's Arms sounds right up my street. Jake took me to the,” he hesitated, plucking the name from his memory. “King Arthur a few months back. That wasn't bad either. I think I'll enjoy life down here.”

Alison entered the kitchen, making a fuss of her son as soon as she caught sight of him. “Hello Jake,” she gushed, unusually so. “How is Katherine?”

“Hi Mom. She's fine. She's having a bit of a nap.”

Alison looked at the estate agent. “She's expecting their first child.”

“Congratulations. Sounds like you're moving at the right time.”

“Well we need to find the right house first,” Alison cut in, cooling the temperature in the kitchen somewhat.

Sensing a change in mood Jake decided to talk shop. “So what do you both think of the house?”

Lynn could also sense that a frosty cloak had descended over the room. She cut in before either Stevenson could answer. “I'll be outside. I need to make a few calls. Give me a shout when you're finished.” She excused herself, smiling at Doug as she left the kitchen.

“What's up?” Jake said.

“Nothing Son,” Doug said. “The house seems fine. It even has an en-suite.”

“Your Father would buy anything from a woman who dresses like that. You can pick your jaw up off the floor now Douglas.” He smiled at his wife serenely. Turning up the annoyance to gas mark hot.

“What do you think of the house Mom?” Jake said, trying to thaw the ice.

“Well, I'm not over keen on some of the decor. Bit modern for me. But it's just about the right size. I agree with your Father, the en-suite is something that I've always wanted. And I suppose the location is perfect. I just hope our furniture fits the house.”

“It will love. And if it doesn't we can buy new furniture. Our sofa is looking a little tired.” Alison looked at Doug and nodded sagely. The idea of some new furniture perked her spirits up. The harlot outside was forgotten momentarily.

“Well, I'll pop back home and get the kettle on. The spare room is ready for you. I'll let you talk to the estate agent. I'm sure you have things to discuss,” Jake said, secretly winking at his dad.

* * *

Jake made his way along the path towards the village. The sun was on its way towards its western horizon where it would kiss the Atlantic Ocean, before disappearing for the night. Tourists and surfers walked past him as he made his way up the high street. Children sat on walls, eating ice creams while parents looked at their smart phones, glad of the few minute's peace. Jake turned right off the path into what looked like the world's oldest post office. He'd always thought it looked like a giant had been sat on its roof, bending it beyond repair. He'd been told by one of the locals that it was the most photographed post office in the world. Jake had no reason to doubt that fact. After all, who photographs post offices? He ducked inside and walked to the deserted counter.

A woman with long brown hair approached. She smiled when she saw Jake. “Hello,” she said in her soft South African accent. “How's Katherine?”

“Hi Angie. She's fine. Just resting up. Not long now.”

“Ah. Bless. She needs to rest now. She won't get chance once baby arrives. Tell her I said hi. I'll have to pop round and have a catch up with her.” She looked at Jake expectantly.

Forgetting what he was standing there for, he hastily produced a piece of paper. “The postman left this for me,” he said handing over the card.

She took it from him and excused herself to the rear store room. A moment later she returned with a small parcel. “Here you go. Must have been near a fridge. It feels cold.” Jake took the small package and looked at the label. It was addressed to him. No sender's details were on the reverse side. It did feel cool to the touch, solid too. He would open it at home, away from inquisitive eyes.

“Okay. Cheers Angela. See you soon.” She said her goodbyes and turned to a small elderly woman stood behind him. Jake tucked the box under his arm and made his way out into the warm summer's afternoon. He walked home, thinking about what would be a good choice for dinner as the world passed him by. The warm sea breeze blew around his bare legs and tousled his hair as he made his way along the coastal path towards his home. An imposing hotel lay far off to the left. The sun hovered behind it, slowly sinking towards the ocean. He loved the view. He would never tire of it. All his life had been spent as far away from the sea as was possible in England. Birmingham seemed a world away. Cornwall had given him a new lease of life. He'd endured hardships on his journey to this happy place. He had seen horrors and places he'd never known existed. However, the hard times had yielded Katherine. And for that, he was happy. He would never forget his wife and daughter. They were as much a part of him as Katherine was. However, it felt like their chapter had been read. This part of the book was a new journey, with each page exciting and full of hope.

* * *

He walked the last few yards back to their house, spotting his parents' car on the drive. He made his way through the carport to a side door, entering the kitchen. Katherine smiled as he entered, her sun kissed skin glowing in the late afternoon light. Her long dark locks had been recently cut, with highlights added. They seemed to catch the sun and shimmer as her hair flicked from side to side. She truly believed she belonged in this world. Salons and coffee shops were fast becoming a way of life for her, which she loved. Gone were the times when she'd wear the same garments for days on end, only to wash them in a bucket outside her family farmstead, before hanging them to dry on the porch. She now had a wardrobe filled with clothes and shoes. She had gained new girlfriends, whom she socialised with regularly. She was as happy as she could remember. The only slight downside was that she tired quickly at night. Even before she became heavily pregnant, she noticed that she started to flag before Jake. The air felt different here to her. It almost had a substance to it that she could feel as she moved around the house, or felt as she walked along the beach. She'd not mentioned it to him. They'd endured enough for now. She placed her arms on the kitchen chair, trying to heave her bulk into a standing position.

“It's okay, babe. I'll come to you,” Jake said as he quickly crossed the kitchen, planting a long lingering kiss on her lips. He then bent lower and kissed her bump.

“I would say get a room. But by the looks of it you've already have,” Doug said from the far side of the kitchen.

“Your Father is making sport with us,” Katherine said as she smiled at the older man. “He is pulling my leg.”

“As oppose to pulling on your legs?” Jake said, teasing.

“Are you teaming up on me?” she asked, a mock look of indignation appearing on her face.

Before Jake could answer his mother entered the kitchen, clearly put out by something. “I heard voices. Jake, you're home! What are you talking about? Am I missing out on something?” Alison hated it when she could hear a conversation, but couldn't quite make out the words.

“Doug and Jake were just teasing me as I'm struggling to get out of the chair,” Katherine smoothly interjected. She had become accustomed to Alison's moodiness. She had quickly learned how to diffuse situations too. Katherine loved her mother-in-law to be, although she knew she was hard work. Her father-in-law was different though. He was funny and warm. Doug constantly teased her, but in a nice way. The older man reminded her a little of her uncle. A small cloud crossed her sunny horizon. She missed Wilf. Katherine often wondered what had become of him and his villagers. She hoped they'd made it to safety. Maybe to a different land that wasn't in the grip of darkness. The cloud passed by, allowing the sunshine back in.

Alison was fussing around the sink, making a lot of noise without doing much. “Well, these men don't know the struggles us women go through. They have an easy ride in life.” Doug looked to the heavens, a bewildered expression crossing his face. Katherine finally levered herself out of the chair and crossed to Alison, embracing her warmly. The tea towel fell from her grip as she was taken off guard momentarily. She quickly regained her composure, returning the hug. She loved Katherine. There was an innocence about her that the older woman felt very comfortable with. She was a real lady, never uttering a curse, unlike most of the women today with their tattoos and piercings. Alison often thought that the younger woman could have been from a classic novel, such was her way. Katherine walked over to her man, wrapping an arm around his waist, cuddling into him.

Jake kissed the top of her head, drinking in her smell. “Well, what shall we have for tea?” he asked them. “Fish and chips?”

“Well, it is Friday,” Doug said. “Sounds good to me.” Alison nodded before aiming a cough at her husband. Doug took the hint. “I'll get them. A bit of fresh air will do me good.”

* * *

A few minutes later he was on his way out the kitchen door, armed with a piece of paper. Katherine took Alison upstairs to show her the new baby accessories in the nursery, leaving Jake alone in the kitchen. He sat down at the wooden table, his fingers clumsily unwrapping the parcel. Inside, was a cardboard box and a note. Leaving the box for a moment, he unfolded the piece of paper. Suddenly his phone chimed, informing him that he had a text. Putting the paper on the table, Jake fumbled for the phone in his pocket. He pulled it out and activated it. It was a text from a potential client, who wanted to arrange a meeting with him soon. He closed the message, backing out to the home screen. Jake sat and smiled at Katherine who smiled back at him from the screens display. It was a recent picture, taken when they'd spent the day at Woolacombe. The wind had caught her hair perfectly at the moment he'd snapped the shot. She was smiling warmly at the camera, an ice cream shack behind her with white planking, giving the shot a holiday feel. He reluctantly put the phone on the table, picking up the piece of paper once more.

Hi Jake

I hope Katherine and yourself are well. The baby must be just around the corner now by my reckoning. Exciting times ahead!

Anyway, the reason for the delivery is to send you something. I wanted to mount them for you, which you might think odd. However, I think they look rather natty. Plus, Hooper really doesn't like them close by so I thought I'd pass them on to you.

I will be in touch soon and may pop over once baby has settled.

Take care both.

Barbara

Xx

Jake put the note down and took the box in his hands. It felt very cool to the touch. He reached for his house keys, breaking the tape on the box with his car key. He opened the box, withdrawing a wooden box frame from inside. Jake drew his breath in, holding it for several seconds. The box frame contained two small buttons that had been mounted on the backing card. The interior of the frame looked like purple faux suede, giving it a look of quality. The wood was coffee coloured and felt like oak. The buttons were about the size of a coin. Much thicker though. They looked more like toggles from a heavy coat. On each button was an eagle, its wings spread. Jake's hands were starting to tingle. He was suddenly transported back to where he'd claimed one of the buttons. He'd torn it from the coat of a young boy moments before he'd been torn to pieces by two mutated killer whales. He wasn't a regular boy though. He was a vampire. A vampire that was about to kill Katherine and himself in a dark cavern by the sea. He reflected for a moment. How the hell we managed to get out of that place in one piece is still hard to believe, he thought. They had escaped the cavern, only for Katherine to be snatched away by another vampire. He thought about how he and Wilf had escaped from that desolate place, chased by two monstrous pigs. He shook his head. He knew that if anyone was told that tale they'd be reaching for the phone or running for the hills. He'd sat and recounted the story to his father a few days after Doug had found Jake at the Lickey Hills, a giant fang embedded in his thigh. Doug was a believer and yet he'd found it almost too much to comprehend. Jake was at a loss. What should he do with this gift? It was harmless, yet it wasn't. The cold, dead heart of their previous owner was still imbedded in the metal. He would keep them, but not in the house.

* * *

Jake flicked the light on to his loft that sat above his carport. He climbed the ladder, the metal creaking under his weight. He stood in the gloomy space, looking around for the best place to keep them. Over by the far wall was a set of four plastic storage boxes. Each one had a lid that enabled it to sit on top of the box underneath securely. They were labelled in years. They contained Katie and Megan's things, along with some of his travel memories. He clicked off the lid from the top box. Inside was his wife's jewellery box along with handmade photo albums. His mind pondered whether to take them out and leaf through them. Maybe another time, Jake thought as he placed the box frame on top of them, securing the lid back in place with a satisfying click. The light was flicked off as the ladder was descended, pushing it back into the loft on its runners. The hinged door was lifted into place just as his father came around the front wall and up the driveway towards him.

“Have you got enough there?” Jake asked, eying the bulging brown paper bag that Doug was carrying.

“You know your Mom. She likes her food.” He motioned towards the loft. “What you up to? Finding a place for her to sleep tonight?”

Jake laughed. “I'm sure she'd love hearing you say that.” He paused. “I received a parcel from Barbara. You know, the lady from Devon.”

Doug's face suddenly looked wary. “Is everything okay?”

“I think so. I'll show you when traffic inside is a little lighter. Maybe Mom will take Katherine for a cream tea tomorrow. I will show you then.”

“Tomorrow it is then. Any excuse for cream tea and she's off like Usain Bolt.”