Chapter 19: Chapter 19

Michael “Got that?”

“Yup.” I support the door in place while Ben fishes around in his toolbox.

“Just hold it steady while I get some screws in.”

“Yup.”

He works quickly, deftly screwing hinges into position. “Open and close it a couple of times. See if it swings properly.”

The heavyweight hardwood door moves in a smooth arc to settle perfectly nested in its frame. He slaps a hand on the timber. “Looking good. I’ll get the lock fitted then a coat of oil and you’re good to go.” He steps inside what was once a derelict stable but is due soon to be my office. “You picked a nice spot there, Bro. Overlooking the garden. Good light too.”

“I thought so. Thanks for your help.”

“No problem. If you want to get the plaster on the walls, I’m free Thursday next week…”

We’re interrupted by Sally’s arrival, bearing her customary enormous bacon sandwiches; constructed rather than assembled on a plate-sized bread roll, and cans of beer.

Ben bites in, chewing determinedly. “Food for kings.”

“Isn’t it just. Thanks, Sally. Delicious as ever.”

My chef nods acknowledgment then, “While I’m here Michael, do you know yet how many I’m catering for, for the party?”

Crap…

“There’s a dozen coming definitely and perhaps a couple more. We’re keeping it small. I’ll confirm numbers in a day or so if that’s okay?”

“That’s fine.” She bobs her head and leaves.

Ben swallows down a mouthful of bacon then tears a corner off his roll and passes it down to Scruffy.

“A party? What’s this then?”

“We’re having a family celebration, Ben.”

“That’s great. When is it? I’ll pencil it into my diary.”

Fuck…

And I don’t know what to say.

Ben tears another huge mouthful off with his teeth, munching happily at first, but then slowing before swallowing. “I’m not invited, am I? What’s this? Have your friend James and your wife blocked me out?”

“Ben, I didn’t think you’d want to come. It’s not a good occasion for you.”

“Occasion? What occasion? What’s the celebration?”

“We’ve found Charlotte’s mother.”

With a mouthful of bacon, he stops chewing, glares at me then chews again. “Her mother? How do you mean? Found her?” He goes distant. “She wasn’t at the wedding was she… I wondered about that at the time. It seemed odd. I thought maybe she’d died or something.”

His face is setting, but he continues. “So, what’s with it? Some big family secret?”

“You’re wearing that face again, Ben.”

“What face?”

“The one that says you’re getting ready to blow at whatever I’m trying to tell you.”

His face drops. “You never talk to me. We’re brothers, but you never tell me what’s happening in your life. ”

“That’s because whenever I do, you go off at the deep end.”

He bites, chews, swallows. “Okay, whatever it is, I’ll keep my head screwed on. Tell me about Charlotte’s mother.”

Is this a good idea?

Brothers…

What to tell him?

“Look, Ben, we don't bandy this about for obvious reasons, but when she was a kid… a very small child… Charlotte was trafficked. She’s one of the victims from Blessingmoors.”

“Blessingmoors?” His forehead wrinkles. “The place that was in the news a few years ago? The home that…”

“That’s the one.”

He peels out a rasher of bacon, passes it down to Scruffy. He watches the rag-tag terrier snaps it down like a trout catching a fly, then bends to scratch his one upright ear.

Ben is silent for a good minute…

And I wait…

Is he going to blow?

When he finally speaks, “It explains a lot, now that you tell me that.”

“Does it?”

“Yes. Her sense of morals. You know…”

“Her morals? What about Charlotte’s morals? She’s a good woman.”

He sucks grease off fingers then wipes hands on thighs. “Oh, come on Mike. Everyone knows that place was supplying the sex trade. If Charlotte was brought up that way, it explains…” His words stumble. “It explains all the business about, well, the way she played having you and him and…”

Am I really hearing this?

“Is that all you have to say? I've just told you Charlotte was effectively a slave and all you can do is take a jab at her?”

Ben clears his throat. “I wasn’t having a jab at her. But it’s not exactly normal behavior, is it? For a woman to run two men? Especially when she’s married to one of them and persuaded him to go along with it.”

My temper rising, “It wasn’t like that…”

Ben holds up palms. “I don’t want to argue again. I’m… sorry… if I offended you. I didn’t mean to. I’m sorry Mike. I can’t change what I think, but I promise I’ll not say anything to her. Or to her mother.”

He’s trying…

Brothers…

“Mike, I really would like to come to your party. Please.”

“You won’t make it difficult for Charlotte or James?”

“No, I’ll be on best behavior, I promise.”

“In that case, you can come.”

“Where is she? Charlotte’s mother? Can I meet her?”

“You’ll meet her at the party.”

*****

James swivels from the cut of meat he’s de-boning, the knife in one hand. His voice harsh, “Ben? You invited Ben to the party?”

“He promised he’ll behave himself.”

“He’d better.” He scowls and returns to the slab of beef on the counter. “If he upsets Charlotte…” He twists back, the knife raised. “… or Mitch…”

“He won’t.”

*****