The Broken Man Part 18

It seemed an age before he looked at her with br.i.m.m.i.n.g eyes. It was an even longer age before he told her shakily, 'Yes, please.'

Taking a long, easy sigh, she patted him on the back and smiled. 'I'm glad,' she said, hugging him tight. 'Right! So let's take a look at the tray of jewellery, shall we? And see if anything appeals to you.'

She watched while Adam gently trawled through his mother's precious items. She could see how difficult it was for him, but she also knew it would not be right for her to take charge. This was Adam's moment. It was crucial that he and he alone should complete what must be a very traumatic ordeal for him.

She stayed by his side, occasionally encouraging him, as he lifted one item after another, until finally, he was left with the prettiest silver locket on a chain.

'Mum used to wear this all the time,' he said proudly. 'Father didn't like it. He wanted her to always wear the things he had bought her. Most times she did, because he would get angry if she didn't. But whenever she took me out, she always wore this locket.'

Miss Martin understood. 'It obviously meant a lot to her. Maybe her parents bought it for her, did they?'

Adam tried to remember what his mother had told him. 'No. It wasn't her parents. It was a friend. That's right ... She said a really good friend bought it for her when they were young. She said it was two days before her birthday. She and some other friends had gone to Southend, and that's when she was given it as a present. She said it was a secret, hers and mine, and that I must never tell Father.

'One time I heard him ask her where she had got such a cheap thing from, and she told him that she had bought it for herself, because she thought it was pretty.' Adam remembered the conversation he had overheard. 'Father told her she was never to wear it when they went out together, because he did not want people to see her wearing such a cheap and nasty thing, and he certainly did not want his friends to think he could not afford to buy his wife decent jewellery.'

Miss Martin was beginning to grow curious. It was an intriguing story.

'I see. And so, after that whenever she went out with your father, she never wore it, is that the way it was?'

'Yes, I think so.'

'And you think this locket meant a great deal to her, don't you?'

'Oh, it did, yes! She told me it was very special, and she would never get rid of it, whatever Father said.'

'Well, there you go then, Adam. It was obviously a very special present ... from a very special friend.' She wondered about Peggy Carter and, being a woman, she understood why Adam's mother might cherish that pretty silver locket, though her own romantic past was long gone now.

Adam went on, 'Mum never told me who her friend was, but I think it was a lovely present.'

'And now, it's in your safekeeping. And I think you made a very good choice to keep with you, Adam.'

Adam's tears had subsided and now he smiled up at her. 'Thank you. Miss Martin, would you like to hold the locket?'

'Oh, yes, please. I really would like that, Adam. Thank you.'

When he now raised the silver locket, she held out her hand while he carefully folded it across her chubby fingers.

Turning it this way and that, she took a moment to examine it. Noting the small heart etched into the deep, graceful surface and the raised flowers within, she was impressed by the complexity of craftmanship. 'Your father was very wrong to call this "cheap and nasty". It's incredibly pretty. I can certainly see why your mother might have appreciated it.'

She was convinced that it was a lover's gift and she continued to turn it around, greatly impressed by its simple beauty; so strong, yet so delicate.

She was just about to return it to Adam, when something caught her eye. 'I can't be sure,' she said, 'but I think it opens. Did you know that, Adam?'

'No.' Adam was surprised. 'I've never seen my mum open it.'

Miss Martin showed him. 'Look!' She raised it up to him. 'Can you see that? I might be wrong, and it could be just a natural swelling within the etching, but it does look like a sort of little catch, don't you think, Adam?' She now handed it to him. 'Just there ... see?' She brought his attention to the rim of the locket and the minutely raised area that was skilfully built into the pattern. 'That's the sign of good workmanship, if I'm any judge at all.'

In fact, the pattern and the catch itself were so cleverly integrated that if she had not turned it over at just the right angle, she would probably have missed seeing the catch.

Excited, Adam tried to move the tiny catch one side and then the other, but it was difficult. 'Do you think there's anything in there?' he asked, wide-eyed.

Miss Martin had seen these lockets before. 'In Victorian times, people would hide a lock of hair in this kind of locket, to remember a loved one, but I'm sure that isn't the case here. And if your mother did put something in there, she obviously didn't want anyone to find it. So, maybe you should let sleeping dogs lie, so to speak.'

Adam had not thought of that. 'What, you think she put something in there to hide it from my father? Is that what you mean?'

'Well, I don't know, and neither do you. But of course the locket is yours now, and it's you who must make the decision to open it or to leave it as your mother left it, well and truly closed.'

Adam was at a loss. 'Maybe there's nothing in it anyway.'

'Yes, that could be very true. As for finding out, I must not persuade you one way or the other. Besides, from the way the catch seems to be stuck hard, it could well be that the locket has never been opened.'

Adam, however, was of a different mind. 'If it has not been opened, then there won't be anything inside, so it won't matter if I look, will it?'

'Well, yes, that's very true.'

'But, if Mum did hide something there, it was so my father could never find it, though I don't think she would mind me looking inside.' Nevertheless, he was concerned. 'But if there is something hidden inside, why did she not show me? She knows I never would have told.'

'Well, of course you wouldn't. Nice people would never tell other people's secrets.'

Adam was in a quandary. 'I don't know what to do now.'

He wanted so much to believe that his mum had been clever enough to outwit his father. That would be just wonderful! But was it too prying to open the locket? What if his mum never wanted him to see what was in there?

'Maybe I should think about it some more,' he suggested.

'Yes, I believe that to be a very good idea. Now then, what shall we do with it while you're thinking?' Miss Martin was relieved at his sensible decision. 'Shall we lock it up now, or do you want to keep it with you?'

'Can I really keep it with me?'

'Of course, but it would not be wise to show it around.'

'I won't do that. I'll keep it safe next to me. I'll wear it under my shirt and when we do PE I'll hide it in my mattress.'

Miss Martin smiled. She had just learned a tiny bit of useful information. 'Would you like me to take care of the other items?'

'Yes, please.'

'Then consider it done.'

At that moment a knock came on the door, followed by the fl.u.s.tered Mrs Baker, Miss Martin's a.s.sistant. 'Mrs Dexter just called.' She explained. 'They apologise profusely. The babysitter let them down, but they've managed to solve the problem, and they hope to be here in about half an hour, if that suits us?'

'Oh, my word, yes, of course. As a matter of fact, it would suit me better. I quite got carried away with other matters and didn't realise the time. Yes, of course. Tell Mr and Mrs Dexter that we're looking forward to receiving them.'

With Mrs Baker gone, Miss Martin smiled down on Adam. 'As you know, it's unusual for me to allow private things of any value to be kept with the child concerned, but I believe you are a sensible boy, that you will be discreet, and inform me if there's a problem.'

'I will be careful. I would never do anything to lose my mother's locket.'

'Nevertheless, if you find yourself growing anxious about keeping the locket safe, you must come and see me. Is that understood, Adam?'

'Yes, miss.'

'Now then, you heard what Mrs Baker said. Half an hour. That should give you time enough to prepare yourself. Off you go then.'

When he hesitated, she asked him gently, 'What is it, Adam? Is there something worrying you?'

'No, miss.'

'Then why haven't you gone already?'

'I just wanted to know, if the dog might be with them?'

'Oh! I see.' Her merry smile was infectious. 'Not this time, I'm afraid. And nor will the children be with them. The first meeting is just you and the parents. Don't get too worried, Adam. If this family proves not to be right for you, then we shall have to look again. You do understand what I'm saying, don't you, Adam?'

'Yes, miss.'

'Good. Now, run along and be quick. You'll be sent for the minute they arrive.'

'Yes, miss.'

She watched him go out the door. Dear me, she thought, if it isn't one thing, it's another.

A moment later she was hurrying along the corridor to the library.

As always she muttered to herself. 'Half an hour and they'll be here. All I can say is that it's just as well they did lose their babysitter, considering the amount of time I spent with Adam ... enjoyable, though. Yes indeed. Quite enjoyable.'

The silver locket reminded her of her own lost youth. These days I feel so old and lonely, she thought.

She tutted all the way down the corridor, 'I never did find the right man.'

But Adam was never far from her thoughts. 'They say light will always follow the darkness.' She recalled her own father having uttered those words many years ago. '... I hope for the boy's sake, that might be true.'

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

LIZ DEXTER SAT at the dressing table, her auburn hair swept up in a ponytail, and her slim figure looking fresh and smart in a long-sleeved blue dress.

Her husband, Jim, stood at the far end of the bedroom, gazing across at this woman he loved. 'You look beautiful, sweetheart.'

'Thank you.' She smiled at him through the mirror. 'Flatterer.' Her face lit up at his warm compliment.

She took a moment to sweep her eyes over him. Of medium height, with the slightest paunch, he had a shock of fair hair, twinkly blue eyes and the features of a handsome puppy dog. 'Change your shirt, Jim.'

'What for?' He examined himself in the long wardrobe mirror. 'A white shirt always goes down well with authority.'

'Maybe. But we're hoping the boy takes to us, and, like you say, a white shirt does smack of authority. Change it ' she gave him a mischievous smile ' or I might be forced to rip it off your back.'

At that, he rushed across the room, and slid his arms round her waist. 'Ooh! That sounds promising. But I'm afraid it will have to wait because we've got only about twenty minutes to get there.'

She groaned. 'Oh, b.u.g.g.e.r!' Swinging off the stool, she went to the bed and collected her cardigan and handbag. 'I'd better go and make sure Maureen has everything she needs.'

As she ran out the door, she called back, 'Change the shirt, Jim! Wear the blue one.'

As always, Jim did as he was told. 'I'm a poor, henpecked husband!' he yelled down the stairs, but got no response as Liz went skidding into the sitting room.

Softly whistling, he returned to check himself in the mirror. Finally satisfied that he looked smart and approachable in his dark trousers and blue shirt, he patted his hair down. That's it! Ready for anything, he thought.

After a week of nail-biting and worrying, the big day had finally arrived, but it had not been without its problems.

Liz had not slept well, having got herself in a tizzy about whether they were doing the right thing. He hoped he had rea.s.sured her.

Downstairs, Liz was talking to Maureen, a sixteen-year-old with a bird's-nest of black hair swept up, and a mouth carefully shaped with the brightest of lipsticks. She was the only daughter of their closest neighbour, and she had babysat many times before. 'I'm off to the flicks tonight,' she told Liz. 'Got a new boyfriend.' She made a swooning noise. 'He's not as good-looking as Danny, but he's all right for now. Anyway, Danny will see me out with my new fella, and he'll get jealous; that'll teach him for giving me the old heave-ho.'

'Well, let's hope the same doesn't happen with this new boy.' Today of all days, Liz did not particularly want to hear about Maureen's turbulent love-life.

'Ah, but it won't happen,' Maureen chirped. 'Hopefully, it'll be me giving him the shove. Y'see, I'm not all that fond of him. I'm only going out with him to get Danny all riled up.'

'Ah! You think that might make him come running back, do you?'

'Oh, yeah!' She giggled. 'He's just sulking. Truth is, he fancies me rotten! Oh, and he's just got a full-time job at the garage. They pay really good money. So, when we go out, I won't have to pay for a thing.'

Liz had to smile. 'Honestly, Maureen. You're incorrigible.'

'What does that mean?'

'Never mind. I'll tell you later. For now, I'm counting on you to take good care of the children. As you can see, Harriet's in her cot. She's been fed for now. I've left the feed times on a list, with the other things you might need. You'll find them all in the basket in the kitchen, with a spare dummy, a pile of nappies and such.'

'OK. Thanks.'

'If there's the slightest problem, go and ask your mum. Now, have I forgotten anything? Do you have any questions?'

'Nope! I've done this job before, and anyway, you told me everything I need to know last night. Don't worry, I've watched the children before and I'm good with them, you know that, Mrs Dexter. I'll feed Buster if you're late back, too, and let him out if he whines to go.'

'Yes, I do know, but this time you've got Alice to look after as well, which is why I'm insisting that you will fetch your mum if need be.'

'I promise.'

'Good. Oh, and do keep an eye on Alice. Let her sleep, though. She needs it after her bad night. I kept her at home today because she's got the sniffles. She was fast asleep just now when I went in. I had a word with her earlier, so I won't disturb her now. I've explained everything to her, so she won't be any trouble.'

'Naw, she never is. Alice and me, we get on just fine. If she comes down and wants to play a game, I've brought some with me snakes and ladders and all that.'

'That's good thinking, Maureen. There are more games in her room if you need them.'