Read My Novel, Free: Chapter 3.

Breaking Faith was first publishedas a paperback 3 years ago and, on 24 October 2010, I published it as an ebookthrough Smashwords and on Amazon Kindle. I'm now posting individual chaptershere on the blog, so that anyone who wishes can read the book in full and freeof charge.
The Prologue, which beginsthe novel, was posted on 6 January. Here's a link, if you missed it: http://stuartaken.blogspot.com/2012/01/read-free-my-novel-here.html. Chapter 1 was posted on 13January and the link can be found in the archive. (Subsequent chapters areposted each Friday and can be accessed via the archive).
Read, enjoy, tell yourfriends.
Just a bit of guidance,since you'll have read the previous chapter a week ago. The book is writtenfrom the viewpoints of the two main protagonists and each chapter is narratedin either Leigh or Faith's voice, in the first person. The viewpointsalternate, but sometimes one character will tell the tale over a couple of consecutivechapters.
Chapter 3
Faith's unexpectedconversational skills and sense of humour were not the only surprises shesprung, once she recovered from her faint. She picked up my dislike of Biblicalquotations and allusions straight away and stopped using them, which was justas well, considering my views.I found a well-organized, able and clever youngwoman, with a contradictory set of ideas and values and the most eclectic rangeof knowledge I'd ever come across. I was intrigued. I had nothing to lose bygiving her a trial. But it was only fair to let her meet Merv before either ofus made a decision.She accompanied me from the office, through thesmall waiting area, where occasional reps and clients sat in ancient, leather,easy chairs and gazed at life-sized monochromes of women on the walls. Faithavoided the flesh but admired the smaller landscapes and sighed with audiblerelief when I led her into the studio.The snow had stopped and early afternoon sun wassending shafts of light through the high windows to fall in dazzling rhomboidsat the base of the far wall. Specks of dust, floating in the silent beams,leant the large space a cathedral quality.She seemed entranced; though whether by the scaleof the room, the atmosphere or the assorted equipment, I could only guess. I lether stand and stare at a sight I knew well. 'Impressive, isn't it? I spend somuch time in here, I forget how strange it must appear.''It's wonderful; amazing.' Her enthusiasm wasgenuine.'Used to be two storeys; hay barn above, animalquarters below. They built these longhouses to provide living space for thefarmer's family and animals all in one building. It was built in the sixteenseventies. Uncle Fred and I completed most of the work a year or so before hedied. The old coach house at the end is now a garage on the ground floor withthe darkroom above. That's where I'm taking you.''Is this where you work, Leigh?''A lot of the time. The small items I do in herebut the larger stuff's done on site. I do mostly catalogue work in here; lightindustrial, tools and fastenings, things like that. Some portraiture and a bitof formal work with models. But I prefer to work in situ with the girls when Ican.''I noticed.'The tone of her voice spoke volumes. I'd seenembarrassment and censure cloud her features as she looked at the work ondisplay in the office and waiting room. Strangely, the print of the VelazquezRokeby Venus, behind my desk, didn't appear to unsettle her as much as myphotographs. Perhaps because it wasn't frontal, or because it was a painting,she found it less threatening.'If I decide to take you on, Faith, you'll bespending some of your time around models, often topless, sometimes nude. How doyou feel about that?'She fixed me with a determined stare. 'As long asI don't have to take off my clothes, I'll manage.'I looked at her ragbag collection ofhand-me-downs: brown tweed skirt to the ankles, long-sleeved, heavy cottonblouse in dingy white with appliquéd lace, hand-knitted brown cardigan withdarned elbows and fraying cuffs. And, judging by the lines, she was wearing aheavy bra at least two sizes too big. I wondered what her knickers would belike: straight from the school gym? I hadn't seen a young woman so badlydressed. Hardly the glamourpuss I was seeking. Maybe exposure to me and thegirls would educate her tastes and show her the possibilities. She hadpotential as far as face and figure were concerned. A bit of weight, makeup,hair set free from its constricting band, limbs allowed to feel the air, andshe could be a different and very attractive woman.'You can be as covered or uncovered as you like,though I do sometimes take off my clothes when I'm working with a model.''All of them?'I nodded.'Why?' Her question was condemnatory.'Sex, a lot of the time. But a naked girl feelsvulnerable in lots of ways. Not least, there's the temperature. It's easy, whenyou're sweating under the lights in jeans and polo neck, to forget how cool itcan be in your skin. I try to develop empathy with my models and being nakedhelps that.''Don't they mind?''I wouldn't do it if they did. In fact, some ofthem demand it. I never expect or ask anyone to do anything against their will,Faith. That's one reason I'm making the situation clear to you now, so you knowwhat you're getting into. I'm not about to change my way of working just toavoid embarrassing you. Nudity is pleasure and delight for me. You find itdisturbing or threatening and I sort of understand that; it's depressinglycommon, but it's your problem, not mine. If you find it unacceptable, we mightas well close this interview right now.'She crossed the space between us until she waslooking up into my face with a challenging expression I found disconcerting.'You said yourself I'm not the idiot people think, Leighton Longshaw. But youdon't know that I'm also professional. I hate the idea of public nakedness.Your unclothed body might embarrass or offend me; I don't know: I've never seena naked man. Your behaviour is sinful and it'll send you to Hell for eternity.But, if you employ me to work with naked women, or men, I'll carry out myduties as required. My feelings and beliefs are my own and have nothing to dowith you or the job.''Are you always so truthful?''I try to be. Life would be so much better ifeverybody was honest all the time, don't you think?''It'd be intolerable. But what matters is whetheryou can work in the conditions I've described.''I thought I just said I can.'I looked down into her face and saw truth shiningin her eyes; her wide-set, large and very dark, brown eyes that stared at me sodirectly. Looking into those eyes, I saw potential for passion. I also saw hervulnerability and unique quality and I wanted to know her better; to know herwell.I needed to lighten the mood. 'Do your eyes botheryou?'She frowned. 'No. Why?''They bother me.' I laughed shortly, as much at mymistake in using an inappropriate line, as at her incomprehension. 'Come on;let's see what you make of Merv the Perv.''Mervyn Tupper?''Know him?''He's a neighbour, of sorts. I'd heard he workedfor you. I hoped it wasn't true.''What do you know of him?''Like most in the village, he's called me names.But, really, only what I've heard about him from others.''Reputation, then?''And we both know how false that can be. Maybe he'llsurprise me.''Prepare to be shocked.' I led the way to the endof the studio and the foot of the vertical ladder. 'Not pleasantly.'I shinned up, aware she might worry I was lookingup her skirt, an impossible feat, if I followed her. On the metal landing, Iwaited for her before opening the door into the suite of small rooms thatserved as printing, storage and finishing area.I studied her as she watched the glazing drum turnslowly, its mirrored chromium cylinder reflecting the fluorescent tubes and theblue-white daylight streaming through the windows.'It's very warm and there's an odd smell. Would Iwork up here?''Eventually; I'd want you to do most of the printfinishing… drying, glazing, trimming and mounting. It's all done in here.Merv's kingdom is the darkroom.' I indicated the blank white door with itsbulbs mounted above. 'When the red light's on, you can't go in. It means Merv'sloading film into tanks for processing. Stray light would fog the film and ruinit.' I explained the light-trap and gave quick descriptions of the otherequipment in the room until the red light went out and a green bulb shone.'That means Merv's put the darkroom lights on; we can go in now.''Why not just one bulb?'I was pleased she was analysing; it showed promise.'The bulb might've blown. The green light's insurance.'I went through the light trap, closing the doorbehind me before I could open the one into the darkroom. Merv was working bywhite light, pouring developer from a glass measuring cylinder into a tall,stainless steel, processing tank on the wet bench. 'You've got a visitor.'Faith entered, blinked with surprise at thebrightness of the white room and turned quickly away from the wall facing her.Dozens of women, cut from the pages of porno magazines, displayed obscenelybehind Merv. It was his realm and I chose not to impose my own standards on theway he decorated it, much as I disliked his preferences.'Faith Heacham; Mervyn Tupper.'Faith, good as her promise to give him a chance,extended her hand. He leered unpleasantly, stripping her with his eyes as hebriefly touched hers. I tapped his arm and caught his eye with a warning thatstopped him moving too far into vulgarity.'Yeah.''How do you do?''Fu… great, given the chance. You?''Fine, thank you.''Talks, then? Never thought it could.'Faith failed to recognize this as a reference toher and, unfamiliar with small talk, remained silent.'I'm considering offering Faith the position ofGirl Friday, Merv. Do you think you could work with her?''Any position it takes, I'll go along with.''And you, Faith, how do you feel about workingwith Merv?''I don't understand everything he says, but heseems less… coarse than I'd heard. I'm willing to try, as long as I don't haveto work under those… those pictures.''Good. Good. Right, we'd best leave him to it;don't want him ruining the films by forgetting to agitate the developer, dowe?'Merv immediately lifted the metal tank and upendedit five times in quick succession before replacing it on the bench. I indicatedthat Faith should leave the room again. She was barely out of the door before Iturned to Merv. 'Well done, Merv. Think you can manage to remain as polite ifshe comes to work here?''Once it gets its tight little bum under the deskI'll 'ave to tease it. It's too thin. Keeps its curlies short and tidy though.You can see right through 'em to its…''Thank you for that, Merv. That order ready togo?''Final rinse. 'Ave 'em on the dryer in a mo.''Right. I'll be up for them in half an hour.''It'll never let you, Leigh. Dunno why you'rebotherin'.'I found Faith blushing on the other side of thelight trap. 'He says some very strange things. Was he talking about me?''All talk is Merv. Doesn't mean anything by it,you know.''He can't possibly know what I look like.''Guessing. Wishful thinking. Just guessing, that'sall. Shall we go back?'I paced the office and Faith studied the locallandscapes of the Dales I'd displayed on the walls in the hope that touristsmight drop in to buy them.'Like them?''They're beautiful. I didn't know you could dothat with photography. It's beautiful countryside. I recognise this one, butwhere were the others taken?'I thought she was pulling my leg until I saw thegenuine question on her face. They were all local, none more than a dozen milesfrom Longhouse. Ma brought fresh coffee in before I had theopportunity to answer properly. Old Hodge poked his face around the door andsaw Faith. He smiled at her and lifted his cap in greeting. She gave him alittle nod of acknowledgement and smiled back. Everybody liked Old Hodge.After Ma had placed the tray, she tested the whitesocks by the fire and found them dry at last. 'You never took the lasstraipsing into that cold studio with nowt on her feet, Leigh?'I hadn't noticed, and she'd said nothing. I foundmyself apologising for my thoughtlessness.'I had nothing to put on my feet and you wanted meto see the rest of the work place. I wanted to see it. I'm used to cold feet.''See, Ma, she's perfect. No complaints, no fuss.Just what I need.''Taking her on, then?'Faith's eyes followed me as I moved to my desk andsat down in the leather chair, still trying to make up my mind.The door from the hall opened and Abby stepped in,pink along one side from the hearthrug. I saw Faith close down her emerginglook of surprised disapproval and turn it into polite indifference.Abby glanced round the room. 'Sorry. Thought you'dbe done by now. Just wanted my wrap.' It lay on the floor near my desk, where Ma hadkicked it after Abby had discarded it for our earlier session. Her briefs layat my feet, out of sight. Faith picked up the wrap, shook out the dust andcreases and took it to the fire to warm for a few moments. No one spoke. She turned and held the gown, helping Abby intoit. 'Does the hair around your genitalia grow that short naturally or do youtrim it?' She sat down with no sign of a blush and gave me a look that spokevolumes.Abby flicked her long tresses back over hershoulders and laughed a little uncertainly. 'I …er wax and trim it, sweetie …But what an odd question to ask in mixed company.' 'I'm sorry. I didn't know I shouldn't…' And thistime she blushed.'It's okay, sweetie. No one's died.' She perchedon the edge of my desk and looked at Faith speculatively before twisting toface me. 'Prettier than I expected but a bit on the thin side for you, I'd havethought. Taking her on?'I'd almost made up my mind before Abby had comein. Faith's demonstration of the professional attitude she'd described in thestudio was enough to clinch it, in spite of that strangely personal question.'If she wants the job. What do you say, Faith?'Her whole body relaxed and relief took the frownfrom her face. 'Thank you. Thank you, very much, Leigh. I can start now, if youlike.''Now? I thought you had a job at the Dairy? You'llhave to give notice, surely?''They'll not want me to work notice after what Idid this morning. No, I can start straight away, if that's all right for you?'She had no idea of the significance of her throwaway admission. Abby and Ma exchanged curious glances.'What, exactly, did you do this morning, Faith?'My tone alerted her to the seriousness of her comment. She was suddenlyconfused and unable to collect her thoughts. I wondered if I'd misjudged her oreven been misled. 'Out with it. Let's have some of this famous honesty.'Still she was reluctant to speak and I began togrow impatient. Ma stepped in to the rescue. 'We're not sitting in judgement,love. Just curious.'She glanced at each of us in turn, fear anduncertainty distorting her pretty face. When she brought her eyes back to mine,I nodded and tried to take the suspicion from my features. 'Tell us in your own words.'She literally took a deep breath, as if about toplunge into cold water. 'I told you Father got me the job at the Dairy?''Working for one of his cronies… friends, yes.''I'd worked there a few weeks when Mr Furnswurthasked me to move out of the general office and be his personal secretary. He'sa… a horrible man. The other women talked about his wandering hands and the wayhis eyes undress you. He looked at me like Mervyn did.''Some men routinely undress women with their eyes.I find their attitude appalling. I know Furnswurth and he's just the type. Alloutward respectability but seething with sexual repression.'She considered that for a moment. 'His office hasa wall of shelves from floor to ceiling and steps so you can reach the top.Some of the women told me he sits at his desk and looks up their skirts whenthey get files from the top or bottom shelves. He couldn't do that with me, ofcourse. My skirt's a decent length.'She must have guessed my intention to try tochange that because she stared at me sternly. 'And always will be, in caseyou're thinking any different.'Her insight was vaguely unnerving after such briefacquaintance.'How you dress is up to you, Faith. Most men thesedays prefer the mini or micro, but the maxi's fine, especially in a flowingfabric. Can't say I'm a lover of your old lady's tweeds but… up to you. Youwere telling us about Furnswurth…'She let my criticism go but she'd have somethingto say should I raise the subject again. 'He asked for one of the files on thetop shelf. I was looking for it when he came and stood below me, pretending tohelp me look. Before I knew what was happening, he put his hand up my skirt.''The man needs seeing to.'She gave me the briefest of troubled smiles, formy support, I suppose. 'I couldn't believe it. He goes to Father's chapel. Iwas too shocked to move at first but then he slid his hand even further up andactually touched my genitalia. I came to my senses then. I kicked his arm andbent down and slapped him across his nasty face as hard as I could. I almostfell off the steps.' She stopped, awaiting judgement.'Dirty old sod. I'd have kicked him in thegoolies.' Abby slipped off the desk and put a comforting arm around hershoulders.'Do you think they'll not have you back 'cause youslapped his face, love? Is that it?'She frowned at Ma. 'They won't have me backbecause I walked out, there and then, of course, Mrs Hodges.''Did you hurt Furnswurth?''I don't know. I expect so. I know it's verywicked of me, Leigh, but I hope so. Why? Does it matter?''No. Just satisfying if you blacked his eye. Iunderstand your comment now, Faith. I think you were right to do what you did.Showed courage and presence of mind. And I'd be happy for you to start work forme in the morning.'Her relief was almost tangible. 'I can start rightnow, if you like.''Go home and have a short rest. There's only acouple of hours of the working day left anyway. But there is just one thing.''What time should I be here in the morning?''Up to you; eight thirty to five or nine to fivethirty in the week, up to lunch time on Saturdays. I don't mind. But I want toknow something, Faith. I'm curious to know why, having reacted so violently toFurnswurth's sexual advances, you came straight here? You must've believed Iwas the most sexually dangerous man in the area.''I was out of a job. I have to work. Father is… Hewouldn't understand me leaving like that. In fact, he won't believe me.' Sheshrugged as if resigned. 'We really need the money because he can't work, so Icouldn't go home without another job. Yours was the only one with the skills Ihave. I saw your postcard in Mrs Greenhough's window. In the rack outside, anewspaper said that unemployment's gone past a million and is still rising.Where else would I go?'I grinned at Abby and Ma. 'Honest, but she'll gainno points for diplomacy.''Bit of honesty from a pretty lass'll do you noharm. Most of 'em are so eager to have you in their knickers they'll say owt toplease you.' Ma gave Abby a look full of meaning and received a protrudingtongue in response. 'You're a real surprise to me, Faith, but you're a welcomeaddition to Longhouse, and I for one hope you'll not change your ways too muchby working for Leigh.'She managed a smile for Ma, and then turned to mewith apprehension. 'I must be completely honest, Leigh. I believe it's as badto miss out facts, as it is to make them up when it comes to truth. At theDairy, they either think you're a wicked libertine or else the most eligibleand delectable bachelor in the district, whatever all that means. No one talksabout you as if you're a danger to women, though; just the opposite, in fact.They say you're licentious and lewd; more words I don't fully understand,except I know they're bad. So I didn't think I'd be in any actual danger unlessI let you think I was willing to take off my clothes. Which, by the way, I mostcertainly am not! Also, I intend to help you see the error of your ways andlead you down the path of righteousness so that we can save your soul.'I shook my head at her candour. Faith was showingall the signs of being a serious challenge and I relished the coming contest.But she hadn't finished.'I also came here because Father'll be livid whenhe learns I'm working for you. But he won't stop me; we need the money. Hecalls you 'Satan's local henchman' and believes no woman's safe with you. I cantell him he's mistaken about that, and for…''You seem very sure.''Oh, if you'd wanted to do something to me, youhad the perfect opportunity when I was lying at your feet. As far as I cantell, you didn't even try to look up my skirt. And you went up the ladderbefore me because you knew I'd feel more comfortable that way. In fact, you'vebehaved in a way that even Father would find hard to criticize. I believeyou're a gentleman, even if you do fornicate and take pleasure in the flesh,and I shall tell Father what I've learned when I get home''You'll ruin my reputation as the local despoilerof virgins.''I don't fully understand what that means, but I'mhoping you'll ruin mine as the village idiot, Leigh.'The studio door let Merv into the office. 'Tightlittle twat gone…? Oh. Yeah, right. 'Ere's that order, Leigh. I'm done now.I'll be off…' He knew he'd overstepped the mark.I wanted the girls, especially Faith, to know howstrongly I objected to his attitude. 'Merv. I'll say this now, in front of Ma,Abby and Faith. I'll give you a choice: either you start to treat the women inthis household like human beings or you can leave for good. Understood?'Merv looked at the floor.'Understood?'He glanced up at me and nodded.'Understood?'Faith jumped at my volume.'Yeah. Right, yeah, Leigh. Right.''Good. Now, apologize to Faith and then bugger offhome. And find another word to use when talking about women to me or anyoneelse in this household. You might start by using their names. Go.'Merv turned to Faith, his face purple with a mixof anger and embarrassment. 'Yeah. Right. Sorry, then.' I knew we'd get no morefrom him and I gestured him to leave. He went without another word but heglared at Faith as he closed the door.'God, but he's foul that one.' Ma had never likedhim.'Foul mouth, foul mind.' Abby felt the same way.'It's not just the words; it's the attitude thatlies behind them.''If he upsets you, Leigh, why do you employ him?'Her directness continued to surprise and amuse me.'There's not much choice around here when it comes to skills and talent, Faith.If you turn out to be as good a Girl Friday as Merv is a printer, I'll countmyself extremely lucky.'She looked around the room, skimming quickly pastthe photographs of women's bodies, but taking in the rest of the details.'You're expecting me to do most of the print finishing in that room next to thedarkroom. I didn't see a phone in there. I won't be able to answer calls unlessyou have one put in.''Hasn't even started and already she's costing memoney. Hop it, wench, before I change my mind!'She slipped her socks and shoes on quickly and wasinside her shabby winter coat before I relented.'You're right, of course. You can have yourextension, but only when I'm satisfied you're right for the job.'A huge smile of relief brightened her cloudedcountenance.Ma turned to Faith and nodded. 'You'll do.'I foresaw those two forming an alliance against mein all sorts of subtle ways and I relished it. 'Right. I'm off down toGarsington. Coming, Abby?'She looked out of the window and then stretched,revealing tempting skin. 'I'll wait for you near the fire. You'll need warmingup when you come back.'My look softened her eyes and parted her lips. Iturned to Faith. 'Can I take you home?''Garsington? That's a long way, isn't it?'I laughed. 'Less than fifteen miles.''Garsington.' She spoke as if it were anotherworld. 'No, thank you, Leigh. I believe it's in the wrong direction.''Suit yourself. See you in the morning then.''Eight thirty. And thank you for giving me achance, Leigh. I'll prove my worth.'I wondered if she would or whether I'd saddledmyself with problems simply from a desire to try to mould this strange littlewench into a real woman. Time, no doubt, would tell.

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