'But maybe not – that’s the thing. And', Bob turned to all who are listening, 'if it wasn't Ingram, then it could only have been someone who played the treasure hunt, since we were the only ones who made up the clues.’ He paused for added effect.
’Someone definitely changed a clue'.
'Could that have been someone in the pub?’ Pam asked.
'Christ’, Spiv got involved again, ‘that could have been Ingram trying to blame someone else. Let’s just forget this. Dev's dead. Us getting het up about it isn't going to bring him back'.
Things quietened down, kissed cheeks and cheerios followed, and Aid lead Mon hand in hand away from Bob and Marie's. Emma followed and they escorted her home, leaving Spiv, Pam, Bob and Marie stewing with late night booze.
Music and chat followed, until inebriated persons started to nod off.
'That’s the thing though. The thing Aid has'.
'Whassat?' Spiv slurred
'Ingram's letters'
'Yeah, but he's just looking for an early release'.
'Not just those letters though. The parcel. He sent a parcel too.'
Spiv appeared to become more alert and Pam tugged at his arm, ‘Can we get going soon, I think I need my bed'.
'What parcel?'
6
Monica turned to look at Aidrian. She felt visible to him and free from all the baggage she had for the first time in years. She smiled and touched his face. 'Wha...?' Aidrian stirred, then relaxed back into sleep.
'I love you Aid'. '..Love you too..' Aidrian slept and beneath his eyelids he knew Mon was happy. They had enjoyed closeness and love for hours last night. Already his worries seemed to be closing off. Maybe honesty was the best policy after all. No, he would enjoy the present and see what developed. He felt Mon's arm across his belly, and soon they would be cuddling and kissing again until the door latch clicked open and the kids were returned by Mons mum.
An hour or so later the door latch lifted, and the kids burst in. Naked under the bedsheet, Mon decided to take her warm feeling with her and went to get the kids, wrapping her night gown around her waist.
'Hiya, we had a long lie for once'.
'Hi Mon, is it OK if I have a coffee?’ A bustle of noise and baggage scraping off door frames meant Mons mum had followed the kids into the house.
'Yeah ‘course, Mum. I'll be there in a minute.' Aid lay staring at Mon as she peered past the bedroom door. He felt good - really good - and forgot for a moment the parcel he had opened and left in the kitchen. Forgot until moments later when Mon brought the letters to him.
‘What’s this?’
‘I was going to tell you…’
‘When? How long has this been going on for?’
Aid sat up and looked at his Monica.
‘Mon, I didn’t want to scare you. It’s probably nothing. I mean, Ingram probably did it all, and unfortunately Dev got involved. It’s probably nothing.’
Mon held a letter up and started to read.
‘…I know that someone who played that Treasure Hunt game is to blame for the death of my daughter. If you do not help me I can only imagine that you yourself must have a guilty conscience…. Aid. Is he serious….? ’
Aid raised his voice, ‘ …and that’s why I didn’t want to tell you. Mon, I know, it’s worrying. A murderer is writing me letters and might even be plotting to harm me, or you or our kids. Do you think I don’t know this? Do you think I don’t care? But what can I do? Tell me, because I have so many worries, Mon, and I just can’t seem to talk to you anymore.’
Mon grew pale.
‘Were you involved?’
‘Fuck no.’
A pause followed, Aid couldn’t believe she even doubted him.
‘How could you think…. Christ here I am worrying that one of
‘I’m sorry Aid. I want to believe you, but the last year has been so hard. You have changed. I always have the feeling you are keeping something from me.’ She was right, Aid thought, but not this.
‘Anyway I am not going to risk my kids over some loony threats’.
‘Mebbe that’s best’
She packed a holdall which she took from the bottom of the cupboard and filled it with various clothes and accessories. It took a while and not much more was said. The kids came in for a cuddle from Dad. They would be staying with Mum at Gran's for a while. Stephen wasn't sure what was going on, and wanted to stay with his Dad. Aid assured him that everything would be OK. He grabbed him and gave him a man hug.
Everything would be OK.
Aid sat on the side of the bed, his forehead in his hands. He needed to get this out, to get everyone involved, and find out the truth. He glanced at the clock. He would have to go to work soon. He had yet to mention to Mon that his company had let him go pending investigation. It was genuinely the least of his worries now. He had managed to get a bar job in the Crook Inn of all places. A little too close to home with all the shit that was going on, but needs must. Ingram
