Lily Lawson's Blog: Lily's log, page 9

The moon had an ethereal quality.

The moon had an ethereal quality. This was Violetta and Virginia’s favourite moon. Teenage temptresses who lured victims to their deaths with promises unfilled.

Till one night Bob Marlow and Jacob Speight got the best of them and took away their innocence before strangling the life out of them. The men were hanged, and all were buried in the same row at St Saviours.

When the moon was right their ghosts reunited, and laid together once more, centuries of death had brought forgiveness on both sides.

They bored of each other from time to time and teased those who walked the church yard at night. They had one night each in solid form to lure a victim to lie with them. If they succeeded another night was granted and the victim’s body was found in the morning. If they failed it was a year before they could play again.

The girl’s target was the new curate and they decided to take him together.

Picture prompt - see image

It was an unusual house. It was what attracted Dean in the first place. It was the last one remaining from the village of Sea Quest, a place full of sailors and pirates’ centuries before.

Rumour had it Ma Nicholls lived there the first female pirate of the area. She would use her dagger to eat her food and hold it at the throat of any who came near if she believed them worth robbing. It was said it was her cutlass that attracted her husband’s attention to begin with. They stayed together until he gave her the seven kids she wanted.

Ma Nicholls refused to leave the house when the village was cleared for fear of it going under the sea. The sea level came to under the top floor of the house. The third floor could be seen from the pier the means of access via a ramp.

The Nicholls descendants sold the house to Dean thinking they’d robbed him, that it would eventually go under. After a decade of it not happening the surveyor agreed it was unlikely.

Dean found the sea traffic soothing. It inspired some of his paintings which he sold from a shop on the pier. The local history society and the seafarer’s museum both made offers but he turned them down. To Dean this was his forever home.

We arrived at a crossing.

It was difficult to see which way to go. The paths were clear but long and winding. It was hard to determine where they led.

My hunch was left would take me to the sea and right would lead me into town.

Where was he? I wouldn't get the bounty if I didn't bring him in.

The sea might offer ships that would help him make a fast getaway. The town offered options by road and rail. Easier to hide in a busy place. The country was less than an hour's ride. Plenty of barns and outbuildings with options for foraging or picking up cash in hand labour. Farmers weren't always that picky at harvest time and some may ignore the odd rough sleeper if they didn't cause any trouble.

Jeremiah Hayes was worth a cool 500 if I could bring him in alive. What happened after I handed him over and what he had done to get a price on his head was none of my business. I preferred it that way. Bringing him in dead was only worth 50 so I expected to find him alive.

Wait Nature Dancer

It was ten to the performance was due to start at three. Joel was nowhere to be found. Catherine was pacing.

‘Why do we always have to wait for him? I’d like to see Mr Important wait for someone for once in his life for a change.’

‘He’ll be here.’ Sam the producer tapped Catherine on the arm.

‘Sam if he’s not you’re dancing with me.’

‘I’m no dancer sweetheart not these days. My legs are better suited to producing.’

‘His legs won’t be suited for anything by the time I get hold of him.’

‘Calm down, nature is supposed to be calming. That’s why I thought a nice dance in the forest would be a good promo for our dance version of As You Like It.’

‘I’m not doubting your choices Sam I am doubting my leading man AGAIN.’

***

Joel’s motorbike pulled up.

‘Ah there you are. Told you he’d be here.’

‘What’s eating the prima donna? I’m not late, it’s five to.’

Sam and Joel walked towards the stage.

‘You know how Catherine is on performance day and she has been waiting some time.’

Joel rolled his eyes.

‘Much ado about nothing as usual if you ask me.’

‘Places everyone!’ Sam’s voice boomed out into the forest.

‘Joel, don’t you dare do that to me again.!’ Catherine hit his chest.

‘You know you love me really sweetheart, one day you and me on the back of my bike, having adventures … I see it in my dreams.’

Joel put his arm round Catherine’s shoulders.

‘Joel Stevens you’re impossible. As if you would get me on the back of a motorbike. ‘

She shook him off.

‘If I bring my beetle you’d be in?’

‘It’s a little more appealing.’

‘Ah so I’m right you do like me.?’

‘I never said that.’

She turned her back smiling.

The air smells different.

The air smells different. Change is creeping from the shadows. Light lasts a little longer. Noises are magnified.

There is a peace I hug tightly, afraid to lose it.

War took it from me, wrenched it from my grasp. Made off with it. I thought I ‘d said goodbye to it forever. It was hiding waiting till it was safe to come back to me.

I will never erase the sights I’ve seen from my memory. Humans who will never be whole again. Rag doll bodies piled up like rubbish. A plaything population for invaders. Age no barrier to disrespect. Consent a dead language.

The smells that consumed my nostrils may be gone but I have not forgotten them. The fires that burned long into the night taking whatever the bombs had not destroyed from the structures of our history.

The screams of anguish grew muffled over time. Silent acceptance minimised the brutality. Lessons painfully learnt.

Touch has lost its reassurance. Caresses turned to force removed the trust we had in one another. Lack of resistance bored them. Those without fight less pestered than those who attempted to cling to dignity and choose their bedfellows. The vulnerable sought and damaged. Their defenders eliminated or subject to increased abuse.

Our liberation came at a cost. This country is no longer ours. It belongs to our liberators. Unmartyred invaders retreated. Punishment will not reset this place or its people.

We will rebuild. We will live in a form of peace. The present an improvement on the recent past. Our wish for days gone by, a remembrance.

Prompt - use these three words: Silky Interrupting Surprise

‘Am I interrupting?’ Holly put her head round the door.

‘I’m just prepping for the surprise party. I’ve got Josh taste testing canapes.’ Jan whipped the cream.

‘I was just wondering about your dress. I know you wanted me to look at it.’

‘Yes, it’s a bit long, I don’t want to fall over with the birthday cake.’

‘When Andrew sees you in that dress, he will be the one falling over, you look gorgeous in it.’

Jan blushed. ‘Give me five minutes to finish this and I’ll go get it.’

***

The banners were up, the tables set, the food ready to go. The guests hidden.

Andrew walked in to cries of ‘Surprise.’

His eyes scanned the room. Then he saw Jan on their son Josh’s arm in a long silky purple dress. He promptly fainted.

Holly ran to help him.

‘You said he’d fall over.’ Jan hit her sister’s arm.

‘I didn’t mean literally.’

‘Don’t you find it romantic that after all these years I can still fall for you?’ Andrew said from the floor.

‘You pulling a stunt?’ Jan tapped his foot with her shoe.

‘So what if I am? Not every fifty-year-old man has such a gorgeous wife with a Michelin star.’

‘Get up you old devil and dance with me before I see who I can pull.’

‘Yes, Ma’am. Good stunt though eh?’

‘You did get me good.’

‘Do I get a reward?’

‘I’m sure I’ll think of something.’

Picture prompt – A ship at sea, a boy and a fish on the sand

The ship pitched and rolled. The sails billowed.

‘Get me some grog boy.’ The first mate hollered into the storm.

A big wave sent the ship rocking and Samuel to the deck. He clung on inching his way below decks. Sailors on night watch were tossed from their hammocks. Unable to make land at the island they were headed for they had weighed anchor a distance offshore.

Scurvy being rampant, the crew well enough to sail struggled to do so. Samuel returned to the deck, the anchor lifted of its own accord and The Samphire hit a rock. Samuel was tossed into the sea.

He tried to swim for shore. A fish twice his side came up to him.

‘Hold onto me.’ it said.

‘Who’s speaking?’

‘Me’ said the fish.

The ship was off tossed into the waves and Samuel knew there was no hope of it returning so he did as the fish told him.

The fish made for the shore with Samuel clinging on.

When they reached the island, the fish shook, and Samuel sat on the beach next to it.

‘My name’s Samuel what’s yours?’

‘Amitola, it means rainbow.’

‘It suits you with all the colours on your skin.’

Amitola danced and twirled on his tail showing Samuel his leopard spotted fins and the patchwork of colours on his body.

‘A long time ago a boy like you gave me my name.’

‘Where are we?’

‘This is Sion. The boy named it too. You will be safe here, there is food and water.’

‘How do I get back to the ship?’

‘Master Samuel, you live here now. There’s no way off this island, it’s too dangerous for ships to come here. People only come here when they are thrown into the sea.’

‘How will I live here? There’s no shelter and what food and where’s water?’

‘You will learn Master Samuel, from the wisdom of the ages. I must leave you. All who come here are sent. It is your destiny.’

With that Amitola disappeared into the waves.

The door slowly opened

Freda slammed it shut. When it took the huff at the roughness and did it again, she checked there was nothing in the way and gave it a gentle shove into position. It finally complied with her request it remained closed.

Brushing her hair she wondered where Alf had got to. He was already an hour late and the blasted mobile was on the kitchen table.

He’d only gone for a few bits for the dinner he was insisting on making her. She did point out that the money he paid to rent her spare room was enough compensation but he liked to make himself useful. She had to admit his skills had come in handy. He cut the grass regularly and did odd jobs that she would normally have had to pay for.

She got dressed trying to ignore the sick feeling in her stomach. Her head was making up scenarios as she made herself tea and toast.

The phone rang. Her friend Shirley’s voice came was a welcome distraction.

‘I’m off to the garden centre this afternoon, get the first pick before word gets out. Do you want to come, or can I get whatever on this year’s wish list for you?’

‘I can’t think right now, Alf’s missing.’

‘Missing? What do you mean missing?’

‘He went to Tesco’s about two hours ago, he’s not back yet.’

‘Oh, call the police, he might have been abducted.’

‘Maybe I should…’

‘I was joking, honestly, he’ll have met someone, bet he’s in the café having a coffee and chin wag with one of his pals. Call him.’

‘He’s left his phone.’

‘To get away from his worry wart landlady I shouldn’t wonder. Who can’t tell him how she feels.’

‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’

‘Freda Nichols you can’t lie to me, I’ve seen the way you look at him, he is a bit of a dish and a charmer to boot, I would have had a go myself if I thought I stood a chance.’

‘I can’t.’

‘Tom’s been dead five years. You’re quite the catch yourself.’

‘Maybe once but at my age.’

‘You talk like you’re ancient, he’s no spring chicken either, it’s hardly the graduate.’

‘We’re the same age actually.’

‘Well there you go then. Talk to him.’

‘What if he’s not interested. I’d look a fool.’

‘How many times has he cooked dinner this week?’

‘3 times.’

‘And doesn’t he pick you up from choir and fellowship?’

‘Yes, every week, says he doesn’t want me walking home in the dark.’

‘I think that’s unlikely now it’s June. And all those little jobs he does… he’s not just a lodger.’

‘He’s a friend. We enjoy each other’s company. I can be friends with a man you know.’

‘I do know but not this man. Not the man that bought you flowers for your birthday.’

‘I like flowers, he knows that.’

‘They were roses Freda.’

‘Shirley Conway what are you suggesting?’

‘Don’t be coy with me. I know you’ve thought about it, even if you won’t admit it. You don’t have to marry the man…’

‘You and your silly ideas, I bet he’d run a mile.’

‘Or up the stairs… ‘

‘It’s been five years…’

‘When was he last active in that department?’

‘I don’t know. His wife left him about ten years ago, he’s been on dates since the divorce but he never found the right person, few test drives he said.’

‘Think he’s found the right one now. Even if he hasn’t you could do with a test drive yourself.’

‘Stop it. He’s back. I’ll have to go. He’s making dinner and I’m sous chef.’

‘Very domestic. Think on.’

‘I will.’

***

Freda met Alf at the door. He kissed her.

‘What was that for?’

‘Don’t tell me you don’t know how I feel about you? I thought I was clear last night’

Freda kissed him.

‘I see, so you do have more than platonic feelings for me?’

Alf donned his pinny.

‘I was worried it was just the wine… we did drink a fair bit.’

‘Did you mean what you said?’

‘Yes of course I did.’

‘Well then.’ He held her shoulders. ‘Ok I was worried too. Thought you might not really want this old codger making romantic overtones.’

‘Stop it.’ She whacked him with the tea towel.

He kissed her again.

‘Perhaps, tonight, we can take this one step further.’

She kissed him back.

‘Is that what you’re doing Tom Haley seducing me?’

‘What if I am?’

‘Took you long enough.’ Freda covered her smile with her hand.

Alf removed her hand from her mouth and kissed it.

‘Dinner can wait. I have a seduction to finish.’ He led her up the stairs.

Louise hated it when people said she was just a librarian.

Louise hated it when people said she was just a librarian. Did they not understand what she did? Or how hard she had to work to get here?

Mind you they didn’t know about her other life and that’s how she liked it. If they knew what was under her suit some days, it would make them choke on their cocoa.

Lulu was a stripper gram. The alter ego was how Louise paid her way through uni and when she qualified, she had kept going. Working in a city an hour away from home meant little chance of detection. The thrill was unlike anything she could experience in a small-town library. The Librarian was one of her roles, although some preferred teacher, police officer or judge.

Working at a stag do one Friday night she was in her thong on the groom’s knee. He and the best man were having their photos taken. The rest of the stags were waiting their turn giving the usual vocal encouragement.

The door to the private room opened and in walked her boss.

It was a great deal. Or so he thought.

‘Are you staying here or going back to Italy?’

Leroy sipped his wine.

‘Antonio owns the house so…’

Gabriella shifted in her chair.

‘Dad taught me a little about investments. I have enough to buy it.’

Gabriella moved her food round her plate.

‘All my money is tied up in the business.’

‘Its ok, I’ll talk to him.’

***

Leroy met Antonio at the lake.

‘What are your plans?’

‘I want to be anywhere that doesn’t remind me of your damn mother, but all my money is tied up in our house.’

‘What if I was to buy it off you?’

‘You’d do that?’

‘My mother wants her home, and it seems like it’s over between you. My dad was responsible for that. I know it doesn’t fix things, but it might help.’

‘I will get an estate agent to value it.’

‘I will too.’

***

The numbers came back, and they agreed on a price. It was a great deal. Or so he thought. The cheque cleared before he knew Antonio had taken a loan out in Gabriella’s name, used the house for collateral and stopped paying. If he bought the house at the agreed price, he would still have to pay off his mother’s loan.

‘It’s in her name, she took it out.’

‘I know it was you, she told me.’

‘Prove it.’

‘It’s your house.’

‘Was. All yours now, not my problem.’