Leah's Story Finding Jake Read online

  “Oh My God you are joking?” but he wasn’t, he had been busy auditioning since we had no shows to do. He only got the call at four am today so all last minute but he would be gone for at least six months and be travelling all over the world. I was thrilled for him and wished him well. After I ended the call I was relieved, this meant I could take a step back from dancing. I had been thinking of doing so ever since the last show, I wasn’t a teenager now, I didn’t need the extra cash and I was so busy with the paper and Adam, that dancing was now hard to squeeze in. A little sad but it was decision that felt right, I could still dance whenever I felt like it but purely for pleasure now. I went back to the table in time for the arrival of my food; the risotto was perfect I loved every mouthful. Dimitri and I talked football; television favourites, his school and he told me all about his mother. Boy he loved her; she was the light of his life he also told me that she was controlled by his shit of a dad. My eyes must have widened because he paused

  “Did you think I would never have a bad word to say about my old man? He is an arse you see the charming man, I see the snake” I almost choked on a mushroom that was harsh wasn’t it snake? I held back from speaking, hoping he would elaborate.

  “Sorry if I have embarrassed you, he has always been a perfect father to me, don’t get me wrong. But when I left boarding school and lived with them both I saw how he treated mum, it changed my whole perception of him. He never lets her speak unless given permission; he didn’t allow her to have a mobile phone. In fact I got her one just so she could call me; she keeps it on silent and hides it in her bra. I saw him belittle her, crush her spirit and destroy her self-esteem” I was totally horrified, Alexandra was such a lovely woman how could he drag her from her family in Russia then alienate her like that. She was lucky to have a son who was so observant and caring

  “Does your father know how you feel?” Dimitri laughed

  “You have to understand the world he lives in and the one he came from. Men like him all behave that way, a wife is an accessory they don’t love they own. Victor wanted my mum because of her connections and status, it looked good to have her at his side that is it” I nodded from what I had read about him this made sense, he wouldn’t feel like he was doing anything wrong if that was how he was raised. It made it difficult for me to judge him after all we are all products of our upbringing.

  “My mother really likes you, so does Victor I could tell he wouldn’t mind you two spending time together, I asked you here to see whether you would try and befriend her? You seemed to click and I have never seen her look so happy. Victor may not object with the cover of your story, he can’t deny access to her when he wants to be painted as the perfect family man” I looked up at his sarcasm

  “I would be pleased to befriend your mum Dimitri, we can arrange something for next week, I am going to London tomorrow for two nights. How do I get in touch if she has no mobile?” Dimitri thought for a moment then suggested he be the go between, if they were open about it Victor could not object. My lunch break was over so we parted ways Dimitri would meet me here again Monday with Alexandra too and so the plan was laid.

  Chapter 16

  Rob and Lucy were all packed and ready when I got back from work the next day. I had packed my overnight bag that morning so just planned on a quick shower before Adam arrived to pick us up. Rob was looking much better; I managed a quiet chat with him while Lucy was making last minute adjustments to her hair. Rob was itching to talk to me I could tell;

  “Leah I feel I have let you down running away like this, you know when I get back I will try and work this whole thing out. Don’t object please I promise not to put anyone at risk I am going to call in a favour from a friend in Special Forces. They have higher clearance levels so may be able to find out more on your mums murder, release the post-mortem maybe. I won’t make any promises to you but don’t lose faith.” I hugged him to me in silent thanks “This is just between us, I know how Adam will react so let’s not worry him, or Lucy for that matter” I was emotional when I left him and went to the shower, allowing the water to wash the tears of gratitude away.

  Adam was early so we had time for a coffee before we set off; Ray had telephoned to say Margaret his housekeeper was leaving a stew in the slow cooker for us for dinner. We were flying down there to Heathrow. Rob and Lucy were booking their bags in for the flight to Spain Sunday morning, then we would be collected by Rays driver to take us into Knightsbridge.

  By the time we were outside the Richmond’s residence we were knackered, Margaret let us in but Ray was in the hall waiting to greet us all. Warm embraces all round I was moved by the family bond I had never had. It actually made me well up; Adam spotted it and brought me closer to his side. Ray spoke to me after an emotional hug with his daughter, apologising for their earlier misunderstanding.

  “So Leah, my son tells me you two are now very close? A funny situation this one, both my children dating the best friend of their sibling.” I held my breath wondering where this was going “I must say as I have already gotten to know you both so well I couldn’t be happier with the way it has turned out strange though it may be. Welcome back Leah you have become a lovely young woman I see, no wonder Adam finally noticed you, I must say I always hoped it would happen one day”

  I wondered if my face looked as surprised as I felt, Adam hugged me close he looked at me surprised too. Ray appeared to be saying he had always hoped his son would love me, but that was too weird for me to comprehend.

  We wandered into the kitchen to share out the stew; it tasted as wonderful as I remembered. The conversation flowed and it felt so warm and friendly I couldn’t help but smile. We were all ready for our beds but suddenly everyone was twitchy and nervous. How did we discuss sleeping arrangements with Ray, awkward or what? Luckily the wonderful Ray was all prepared.

  “Lucy your room is made up for you two, Adam you and Leah are in the spare room as your old room only has a single bed” we all stared finding his openness refreshing we bid him good night and all retired to bed, before it became more awkward.

  Wrapped in Adam the last thing on our minds was sex, no way could I get aroused with Ray in the next room, instead I decided to get Adam to open up to me as I needed to know how much support my man would need tomorrow.

  “Adam tell me about your mum, please I want to face tomorrow feeling like I know her better, Lucy told me what she remembers but at ten years old her memories must be different to yours, she never remembers the time before the cancer” I felt him tighten his grip but I continued unabashed “You were fifteen a teenager you must have the happier times in your head too?” Adam sighed his head was tucked into my neck, now more than ever I wanted to see his face. I rolled over forcing him to look into my eyes, in the dim light I could see the pain that lived there. I reached out my hand and touched his lips beseeching him to speak. I was about to give up when he finally started to talk, my heart bounced, finally he was allowing me in.

  “My mum was fun, bubbly and most of all selfless; she was always giving herself to me Lucy and dad. I was five when Lucy came along and I adored her. For the next five years we had the idyllic life, holidays, baking, playtimes, she read us stories it was perfect. Then mum seemed to start fading that is the best description I have, she was losing weight and her life essence was dimming. Dad became withdrawn and I knew something was going on. I was ten years old when they sat me down. Mum had breast cancer, it was a word I knew but didn’t grasp. I had seen people get breast cancer and survive so there was hope. A year later she was told it had spread to her kidney and she underwent chemotherapy. I was due to start grammar school but because it was a distance away and mum could no longer drive it was decided I would board instead.” My heart wrenched for him it must have been hard to leave his family

  “Dad hired a nanny for Lucy, and I was away all week, it appeared mum was doing well and for the following four years we had hope. Then that Easter time I was home for the holidays she had deteriorated rapidly t
he cancer was now in her bones.” His eyes spilled over and mine followed swiftly, “I took time out of school to spend with her, Lucy wasn’t told how bad mum was, but she knew. Every day the pain got worse and every day we sat with her, reading her favourite book Little Women, which was hard because it’s a sad story too.” I had loved that book but yes it made me cry every time, I don’t know how he did it at fifteen.

  “it was May Bank holiday, May second, Lucy was out playing in the garden, Margaret’s son was over and they were in the tree house. My dad had gone to collect her prescription from the chemists, me I was reading the book, where Beth was drifting away, whilst Jo was holding her. I remember her telling me not to cry, that Beth was peaceful now. I tried really hard and carried on but it was no use I lay on her chest and sobbed, I remember she put her hand on my head “my boy” she said and that was it she had gone. I didn’t realise until dad walked in with her pills. I looked up to see why he had stopped, he was frozen then the glass of water he was holding fell to the floor. I was about to jump up and help him clean it but he marched over grabbed me and held me so tight I thought he would crush me.” I was a mess now as was Adam but he also looked unburdened.

  “Leah that day has haunted me all my adult life, and then when I saw you again, when you got out of your car in all your scruffy clothes, bright eyes girlie pony tail, I saw my mother like as if she was standing right next to me. Something flipped inside of me; my heart was beating me up inside telling me to see you to touch you and to love you. I knew at that moment you were the person who could fix me and you have, I love you Leah I have never loved another woman apart from Lucy since the day she was taken from me. It was the most wonderful moment of my life that day but also the scariest. Leah I lost a woman like you and it almost destroyed me; I cannot ever survive that again. Promise me Leah you won’t put yourself at risk and that you will never leave me please baby promise me now” The urgency of his words had me almost undone, I dragged him to me ignoring the tears

  “I promise Adam I promise” Our lips met and our tears merged together as we became one. Adam made love to me until the sun began to rise in the sky, there wasn’t one moment during the night when part of me wasn’t kissed stroked or adored. We drifted to sleep at five and awoke at nine ready to face a very sombre day, but happy we were going to face it together. We were going to his mum’s grave then Margaret was making a big family roast dinner, she was joining us, Margaret had loved her too.

  The grave was in a cemetery called Kensel Green, it served the borough of Kensington and Chelsea. We had all brought flowers with us, bought from his mum’s favourite florist. The headstone was elegant and simple;

  Theresa Richmond

  1966 - 2001

  Wonderful Wife

  Wonderful Mother

  Beautiful Woman Much Loved Greatly Missed

  I placed my white rose in the fixed vase, Rob placed a white Lily next to mine, we stepped back allowing Margaret, who was struggling to hold it together, place her bundle of white roses on the base of the stone. Then Adam Ray and Lucy placed their wreaths side by side upon the ground. Adam was calm and amazingly held it together. I think talking to me had really helped him; he took my hand as Lucy held Robs. Ray stepped in between the four of us, grasping both his children by their hands.

  The six of us stood like that for a while all locked in our own thoughts, then Ray spoke

  “Look Theresa we are all here together, Adam has finally found the right girl, you would be happy with his choice like I am” I smiled tearfully as Adam kissed the top of my head “Lucy has managed to land her childhood sweetheart, I thought it would never happen, you must have weaved some magic to match both our children so perfectly. Sleep now Theresa you can have peace knowing we are all safe and loved, and that we will never stop loving you” We all said Amen and then wandered back to the cars far too overcome to talk. I was crying thinking of my mum, she was cremated I didn’t have a place to go to remember her, suddenly her loss felt even more tragic. Ray caught hold of my hand

  “Leah ride with me I want to talk to you, Adam go with the others, I have some things to say to our girl. Don’t worry I will bring her back to you in perfect condition” Adam reluctantly walked away and I stepped into the car wondering what Ray possibly had to say to me.

  Chapter 17

  I cleaned myself up in the back of the car; fortunately there was a box of tissues in the car so it didn’t take too long.

  “Leah I am sorry for taking you unawares, as I haven’t seen you for a few years I have not had chance to talk to you properly” I stopped sniffling and looked up at Ray with so many questions in my mind. He looked very serious so I kept my mouth closed, the questions could wait;

  “When Lucy first met you I checked over your history, your story has always greatly affected me. I hope you don’t think badly of me but after what Lucy had been through I wanted to be the over protective father. Lucy I know was your saviour for a while, I heard about the bullying and it made my blood boil. But Leah you gave my daughter a focus and for her entire education you gave her a distraction she desperately needed. I will always be grateful to you for that and now you have saved my son too” I blushed unused to such praise

  “I spoke to your Gran often you know” this did surprise me and I was instantly curious “She told me about your mother and how distraught she was after Selina ran away from home, you know that she spent every last penny on private investigators trying to track her down” No I had no idea about that “She had ran out of hope when you turned up, she felt as though she had a second chance. Once Lucy and you became friends, as you know Christmas’s were always spent here with us. I spoke to your Gran every year, I respected her a lot. She never recovered from the fact no one ever paid the price for your mum’s murder. Adam has told me the developments and I did some digging around of my own, if you require help to find your brother Leah I will fund it, no stone would be left unturned but I would proceed on your terms.” I closed my eyes, Rob had said much the same, and how lucky was I to have such loyal friends. But I couldn’t risk it not these people I cared so much about.

  “Then you know the dangers Ray, you saw what happened to Rob, I can’t take the chance on you too, Adam would never forgive me and I promised him no more risks.” I closed my eyes tight fighting the urge to grab his offer with both hands, he grasped them gently

  “Leah it is your choice, anytime you change your mind call me, the offer is there. I promised your Gran I would take care of you so anything I can do for you it is yours” I thought for a moment;

  “Actually I do want something, my mum never had a burial, she was cremated I never even got to say goodbye, I would like to have a bench made with her name on, perhaps along the canal where I live. Somewhere for me to go so I could sit and talk to her, would you help me organise it with the local council?” Ray squeezed my hands

  “Dear girl I would be delighted leave it with me” I thanked him and then we were back, Adam was standing at the kerb waiting for me. The minute I stepped out of the car he was there holding me

  “Are you feeling okay now, I was worried you looked so upset, I guessed it all brought back memories for you” I gave him a reassuring smile

  “Your dad has helped me I am fine now” Adam gave his dad a questioning glance to which Ray shrugged then winked at me. We went inside for dinner; roast rib of beef and all the trimming, my mouth was drooling, my anguish forgotten, for now.

  Dinner was heavenly and all too soon I was yawning ready for my bed, so I excused myself. Adam and Ray were on the whiskey; Rob had taken Lucy up to bed so I decided it was father and son time so made myself scarce. I didn’t feel Adam come to bed, so next morning I was surprised to wake up with him flat out beside me. The whiskey breath wasn’t too pleasant; I had managed ten hours sleep so felt fab. Lucy and Rob were leaving early so I slipped out of bed to go down stairs to see my best friend before she left me.

  “Hey Leah, did you have a good sleep?” I smiled noddin
g pleased to see I hadn’t missed her “We are going in an hour Rob’ s in the shower I can’t believe I won’t see you for a while, we haven’t been apart for years” Tears threatened yet again as I thought about not having my best friend. We were suddenly embracing both tearful both sad.

  “Lucy I will miss you so much text me every day” she laughed and soon I joined in, it was emotion but all churned up. I loved Lucy she was my rock and I would miss her badly, things were changing for us both, love had swallowed us up, but we knew nothing could come between us.

  Rob walked in as we settled down and I helped Margaret with a cooked breakfast for everyone. Adam and Ray were just in time although they both looked rough; I noticed a real camaraderie between them which really thrilled me.

  This weekend had been a good idea some ghosts laid to rest and a few bridges built. After breakfast we said our goodbyes to Ray, he reiterated his promise to me and would to call me with any news. I was sorry to leave he was a lovely man but ultimately he was alone which made me sad.

  Back home the flat felt empty, Lucy was a big part of my life and I had a hole now that would be hollow until she returned. Adam had gone to his hotel room to pay his bill and clear out his belongings. He was moving in with me tonight a big step but it felt right, neither of us wanted to be without each other anymore, it wasn’t an option. I unpacked my things then ran a bath; I fancied a long soak in some bubbles.

  I was aroused by a shout, sitting upright I realised I had fallen asleep in the bath, Adam was towering over me furious

  “One day after your promise and you almost drown yourself, how on earth can I trust you” I was feeling very silly the water was cold now too, Adam held a towel out for me and I stepped shakily out of the tub, shivering as I was chilled to the bone

  “Jesus Leah you are frozen” he wrapped the towel tight around me then picked me up carrying me to the bed. Laying me down under the duvet he stripped naked and crawled in beside me