“The publicity didn’t hurt Charlie’s career,” I said. “There was an article in the paper a couple of weeks ago saying the ratings for Charlie’s new show have gone through the roof.”
Mieka’s laugh was bitter. “So this was a good career move for Charlie. Is that what you’re saying? Mum, take a giant step back. You had a rotten childhood. Would you like the whole world to know that you’re still trying to get over it?”
I shook my head. “No.”
“Then don’t minimize what Howard did to Charlie. I was there, and I remember. Charlie and Pete and I logged a lot of time in drafty halls when Howard was premier and Daddy was Attorney General.”
“Did you hate it?”
Mieka smiled. “No. For Pete and me, it was a lot of fun. No supervision. Awesome food. Remember those peanut butter squares with the coloured marshmallows? And those teeny tiny rolled sandwiches at the teas? I always meant to ask you how you got the bread so flat.”
“We ironed it.”
Mieka chortled. “Oh God, you didn’t.”
“Oh God, we did.” I took her hand. “We have some good memories.”
“Charlie doesn’t,” Mieka said.
“Because of his birthmark.”
“You know how kids are. I was always glad Pete and I were there.”
“As allies.”
“Yeah, as allies. Charlie never needed anybody to fight his battles, but it mattered to him that Pete and I were on his side.”
“Charlie’s mother always said that he didn’t have friends; he had fans …”
“That’s because Charlie’s a danger freak.”
Mieka raised an eyebrow. “Pretty much,” she said. Her face darkened, and she fell silent.
“Something wrong?”
She shuddered. “Just one of those flashbacks. Remember that boy Charlie beat up in Fairlight?”
“No,” I said.
Mieka shook her head. “You have to remember that, Mum. The boy was unconscious. They took him away in an ambulance.”
“I remember being in Fairlight waiting for an ambulance,” I said. “It was winter and the roads were terrible. The boy’s parents were frantic. We were all afraid the ambulance wouldn’t get through. But, Mieka, that boy fell down a fire escape.”
“He didn’t fall down a fire escape,” Mieka said. “He and Charlie got into a fight. Pete and I thought Charlie was going to kill him. We tried to pull Charlie off, but he was like an animal. We finally managed to get them apart, but by then the other kid was in really bad shape.”
“Why didn’t you tell us?”
Mieka’s eyes widened. “Weren’t you ever a kid? I was so scared that boy would die. I kept listening to the news and reading the obituaries. Of course, I only knew his first name. It was Vernon.”
“His last name was Harvey. His parents were long-time supporters. And Vernon Harvey didn’t die, Mieka. He grew up and ran against us in the last election.”
Mieka grinned. “Wow, talk about alienating a supporter.”
It was close to 8:30 when the men joined us. Mieka and I had our feet up on the hassocks and were sharing a pot of tea. Pete gave us a withering glance. “Tough life,” he said. “Some of us have been scrubbing pots and pans.”
“Be grateful,” I said. “Good karma.”
“We’ll return the favour tomorrow,” Pete said. He yawned and stretched. “Speaking of which, I’m calling it a day. I’m going fishing at the crack of dawn. Anyone care to join me?”
Charlie shuddered. “Not me. I’m a nocturnal animal.”
“I wouldn’t mind going fishing,” Greg said. He went over and touched Mieka’s shoulder. “Okay with you?”
She looked up at him. “Sure, if you’ll take me for a walk now. There’s a harvest moon, and I have a moon story.”
Greg’s face lit with the delight of a man receiving an unexpected gift. “I’ll get your jacket,” he said.
Charlie appeared about to make his move. I caught his eye and indicated the chair Mieka had just vacated. “Why don’t you and I get caught up? It’s been a while.”
Charlie’s smile was vulpine. “Very subtle, but I’ll play along because I want to talk about the trial.”
“Okay with me,” I said.
Charlie slouched on the chair, legs stretched in front of him, hands clasped behind his neck. “Your boyfriend has to win this one,” he said.
“He’s giving it his best shot,” I said. “He believes in Sam’s case, and he likes him. He likes Glenda too.”
