Fourteen Days

By Jay Dean

After a near fatal accident, Peter discovers that the woman he came close to killing, is the one woman he truly loved. After her release from hospital, she calls him, learning that he spent fifteen years searching for her, accepts his offer to spend time with him and to find out where they went wrong in the past. .

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jay Dean
• Release date: Apr 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9780992920906

Book preview

Fourteen Days

By

Jay Dean

* * * * *

Fourteen Days

Copyright 2013 by Jay Dean

Published by Jay Dean on Smashwords.com

Ebook cover design by www.ebooklaunch.com

mailto:[e-mail]

ISBN: 978-0-9929209-0-6

Thank you for downloading this eBook. Although this is an eBook, it remains the copyright of the author and may not be reproduced, scanned, or distributed for any commercial or non-commercial use without prior permission from the author. No alteration of content is allowed. If you enjoyed this book, then please encourage your friends to download their own copy.

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. The characters are products of the author’s imagination and used accordingly.

Adult Reading Material

*****

Chapter 1

Stupid Bitch, I only had seconds to act. Thank god, there was no oncoming traffic as I swerved to the right, slamming my brakes on at the same time, hoping beyond hope, I will not hit. As the cab tilted down from the excessive braking saw her suddenly, disappear. I went white as a sheet as the truck stopped.

Releasing the brake, then applying the handbrake and switching off the ignition, grabbed my mobile and exited the cab as fast as I could. Dashing around to the front, there she sat on the edge of the pavement. The grimace on her face was painful to see. Her legs splayed out on the road, with blood seeping from the right knee. From what I could see, it looked like a bad graze, so ran back to the cab to grab my first aid kit.

While applying a dressing to stem the bleeding, I called the emergency services who informed me that an ambulance would be there within minutes. I applied a bandage to the dressing firmly but not too tight that it would restrict the circulation. Once completed, I started to ask her what she was thinking of.

When she looked up, my heart stopped. It was not possible, not after all this time. Staring into those blue eyes my pallor worsened. 'Lisa?' I asked falteringly. After removing my sunglasses, she gasped and put a hand to her mouth. She started to move but grimaced even more.

I told her to stay still until the medics arrive; I felt sure that she had injured her back as well as her leg. Looking directly at me, she asked 'Peter?'

I nodded, glad that she remembered. Just then, we heard sirens so pulled a business card from my shirt pocket and gave it to her.

'As soon as the police finish with me I'll have to move, please give me a call Lisa I would love to hear from you, no strings attached' I told her.

The first to arrive were the police. While hearing my statement and the statements from several witnesses, one of the officers spoke to Lisa. Seeing that she had problems moving without experiencing pain, they waited for the ambulance.

Within minutes of the police arriving, the ambulance showed up and attended to Lisa. With the possibilities of a back injury, they placed her on a spinal board. As they placed her into the ambulance, asked which hospital. Finchley Memorial I was informed, that was not that far out of my way on my return home.

I made a note to ask my boss for permission to stop off at the hospital on the way home tomorrow. As the ambulance drove off, I had to produce identification and driving licence to the police, which I gladly gave. I had nothing to fear as several witnesses stated that I was extremely lucky in avoiding a fatality. However, that did nothing to ease my conscience.

With no damage to vehicle or fatality and with all the information required noted, I had to move on. With a heavy heart, returned to my truck and continued the journey back to the depot. I wished that I were two-manning today, as that journey was a troublesome one so found it difficult to concentrate on the road.

However, I valued my licence so forced myself to shake off the despondency I felt. With all the loads delivered, there was nothing to unload so parked the truck up in readiness for its next job.

Grabbing all my gear, secured the truck but before handing the keys in at the office, checked the passenger side of the cab. There was no damage but seeing the blood on the side of the wheel arch, wept and retched up my lunch as I realised that I came close to killing the girl I loved immensely and had spent fifteen years searching for her.

She was that beautiful and to this day, truly astonished that she adored me. My Saturday afternoon lay in tatters, as an accident report had to be completed, knowing that it would be more than likely a driver assessment will be required. The transport manager informed me that I had to report to the office for such an assessment after finishing my run on Sunday.

Arriving home, threw my workbag on the sofa and instead of my usual relaxing cup of tea, poured myself a Rum and Black. I do not normally drink unless I know that I will not be driving for at least forty-eight hours but to hell with it, I needed one. Sitting on the sofa sipping my drink, my thoughts drifted back to when I first set eyes on Lisa…

Nineteen Eighty started great. I was working for a well-known Assurance Company at the time and was nearing the end of my second year with them. The employees, mainly women were fun to be working with. The flirtations amongst us was at times hilarious and the pranks even worse.

There was one perpetrated on me that I have never been able to better. The sales figures for that month were excellent so a celebratory liquid lunch was organised; unfortunately, someone had to remain to operate the switchboard. I volunteered and looking back, I wished I had not.

On their return, it was my turn to go to lunch and I admit I did go slightly over the top where drink was concerned. Returning to the office there was a Post-it note on my desk to call a client. It showed a telephone number and name, a Mr C Lion. I like a fool with too much drunk, called the number and asked for the client by name.

The reply I got confused me as they hung up. I called a second time. This time the reply was harsher. I realised then whom I was calling. It was Chessington Zoo. I called a third time and apologised explaining the prank. This time there was no harshness just plain good old-fashioned hilarity. Both the Zoo and my office colleagues were in stitches. I will never be able to live that down.

Leaving aside the enjoyment of working there, it was not long before I started having difficulties. There was no on-going training and with the constant changing of the rules introduced with each budget the government announced, there were times I was floundering by my lack of knowledge.

I decided to look for employment that is more suitable. After a hectic week, I was very fortunate in making the entire bus connections home without any delays. London on a Friday evening Rush Hour can be very tiresome. I arrived home just before six p.m. into a hailstorm of female frenzy.

With six sisters who at that time ranged from nine to twenty-two years old, with myself being the eldest sibling at twenty-three at the time, if one is not home before they return from work, college or school, getting into the bathroom is a nightmare.

I had no plans for that evening so made some tea and took a good book to the lounge for peace and quiet. Being the eldest, I was aware of all my sisters' voices so when the lounge door burst open with two girls entering talking and giggling, I knew something was wrong, as they were not my sisters.

Looking up to see what was happening, I was stunned at the sight. There standing by the door were two girls clothed in fancy dress. I knew the shorter girl as she was the sister of Chas, the boyfriend of the eldest sister. However, the second girl had me speechless. I was still sitting down so she appeared to be a giant goddess.

She was six foot three inches tall, a beautiful head of curly blonde hair, long firm legs, rosy cheeks, striking eyebrows, a beautifully sculpted nose and superb sensual lips. The most amazing assets of hers that really took a hold on me were her voice, smile and infectious laughter. That evening though, she had one other asset that would have captivated any man that saw it.

Lindsay had invited Lisa to her engagement party. However living further North than Lindsay and with both girls unsure as to whether or not their parents would allow them to wear what they were planning to as they were both seventeen years old, took their outfits to work.

Stopping at our home to change before going onto the party, they changed into their outfits and entered the lounge waiting for Chas to arrive. Lisa wore a French Maid's Outfit and with those legs of hers, I could not help but stare, being seated low looking up. To this day, all friends and colleagues that were aware of Lisa and I cannot believe that I never noticed her curves.

All I could do was stare at that face as her piercing blue eyes held me in a trance, even when I stood and walked over to talk to them, my eyes remained locked on Lisa's eyes. Lindsay broke the spell when Chas arrived and then invited me to the party as well. I did not hesitate; as I was smartly dressed saw no need to change.

Looking back in hindsight, I have to take over the number one spot of men who were blind, naïve stupid fools. Oh, do not get me wrong. I was not blind or naïve where attraction was concerned, but I was to jealousy and hatred. The warning signals commenced that evening which to my everlasting shame I failed to see. I did fifteen years later, the pain and heartache that caused still hurts deeply today.

The tree stood thus: My father Peter senior, a hardworking man but an alcoholic gambler prone to extreme violence when disturbed. Next was my mother Caitlin a strict catholic who had her own dark side. I, asides from a big soft heart and enjoying working in the transport industry, run a small I.T. business. Margaret comes next, a nurse, followed by Charlotte a dressmaker.

Angela, a secretary for a well-known company, Cheri, a buyer for another well-known company, Amanda, a teacher, Timothy, an I.T. specialist and Leanne an office clerk. Since the death of the two life giving branches of the tree, I believe now that my mother was a sociopath of the highest degree. At least one sister is also a sociopath and one a narcissistic sociopath, which one is which? That is the problem.

Chas got on well with my mother so went down to the dining room to say hello. As he took some time, we all entered the dining room to find out what was delaying him. That was a big mistake, at least on my part. The look my mother gave me when she saw what the girls were wearing and that I was invited, I would rather have faced Medusa herself. If she could have got away with cutting my heart out, she would have done it that is how evil the look was.

Chas spotting that look bade my mother goodbye and we left for the party. Chas a good friend by now asked what the look was about; I just shrugged my shoulders in reply, as I did not know. He just looked at me and said 'your mother does not like you, why I don't know because you're a great guy'.

While walking to the party, Margaret was huddled into Chas with Lindsay and Lisa walking slightly ahead. Every so often, I saw Lisa shyly glance back at me with a smile on her face. All I could continue doing was stare at those lovely legs as the jacket she was wearing to cover her outfit was not that long.

The party itself was a good one with everybody enjoying it. On several occasions, Lindsay came to speak with me, and on one of them asked as to why I had no girlfriend. I told her that my last girlfriend ended the relationship because she had issues to contend with, and it was not fair on me to continue. Since then, I never met anyone that interested me. Lindsay just smiled knowingly.

On the last occasion that Lindsay spoke to me before I left for home, Lisa joined us. Unfortunately, Lindsay had to tap me on the shoulder several times to get my attention. My eyes were staring directly into Lisa's, as they were that hypnotic. As I put my jacket on to leave, Lindsay came to me and kissed my cheek, then looked at me strangely shaking her head as if in sorrow. Raising my eyebrows at her she just laughed as she said 'you poor devil'

Walking home, I realised what Lindsay meant and my steps had a bounce to them as I arrived home. Lisa had not once averted her eyes. That was a nice happy signal and one that I was pleased to receive.

The next few weeks were hectic as the next budget was due soon and after finishing up on a Friday, rather than travel all the way home, got off close to my local pub enjoying a few pints and chat with friends. By now I became aware through my sisters as to where Lisa worked and as I had not seen her for a considerable time, made a note to call her on my return to work.

Slightly oversleeping the following Monday morning, rather than get the bus to work, travelled in the opposite direction to Seven Sisters Tube Station and caught the tube to Oxford Circus where I changed lines and got the tube to the station near where I worked. While waiting for the tube at Oxford Circus, I spotted a colleague from my days working on the trains. He had also left.

Wearing a Royal Mail uniform, I asked him about the job and the pay rates. When he told me that they were recruiting, asked for a contact number, which he gave. I gave them a call during my lunch break, as I did not want to give any indication that I wanted to leave to my current employers. I received a date and time for the interview.

Getting back from my break early, I gave Lisa a call. I was speechless by a question Lisa had asked. This beautiful goddess unlike many beauties at that time displayed no snobbishness or condescension, but genuinely asked why a person like me was interested in a seventeen year old? I answered immediately without any hidden agenda.

'I like you and want to get to know you' I replied. Lisa laughed and as my break was over, I had to end the call. Looking up, all the women in the office smiled at me making me blush deeply. Throughout all that afternoon, her question kept troubling me. Not in any hurtful way but one of inquiry, as I did not think six years between us made that much of a difference.

After all, she was seventeen and a half while I would be twenty-four years old in just over three months' time. That Friday evening Lisa called and I admired the way she dressed. Nothing provocative but sensible clothing that suited her build, she either wore dresses or skirts and blouses. Regardless of what she wore, I still found her captivating.

Looking at my watch, I realised that it was time to grab a meal followed by a shower then rest. All drivers had to take their turn working a Sunday, as clubs, restaurants, hotels and bars opened twenty-four hours, seven days a week. Fortunately, my regular run only had ten drops on a Sunday compared to thirty-five during the week.

Strolling into the transport office just after three a.m., I picked up my run sheet for the day. Sure enough, only ten drops. Picking up the keys to my truck went and pulled it onto the loading bay. While loading was taking place, I popped into the office to catch the manager and ask permission to stop off at the hospital on the way home. He considered it good public relations so authorised it.

I departed the depot just before four a.m., stopping off at the Baldock Service area. I found this convenient not only for a refreshing break, but by taking a tacho break here, it would give sufficient time to complete all the deliveries and get to the hospital without being forced into a tacho break where I didn't want one.

Arriving at the last drop, which today was fortunate in that it was Euston Station. Their delivery area accessed via Eversholt Street made it easy to get to the hospital once I completed the drop. Straight on until getting to the A400 followed that all the way until it intersected with the B518. Through Highgate until that intersected with the B519.

Following the B519 for a short distance until it intersected the A1/A1000. Now normally I would travel back all the way via the A1, but today was not a normal day. Taking the A1000, I arrived at the hospital area thirty minutes later. Thankfully, Granville Road was wide enough with no yellow lines to prevent parking.

I parked the truck there, as Bow Lane where the entrance to the hospital is situated, was too small a road to park a twenty-six ton truck. Securing the truck, I walked to the main reception and enquired about Lisa. I arrived just in time as they were releasing her later that day. She had not suffered a back injury, just shook up, badly bruised and grazed.

Just before I departed Euston Station, I had popped up to the main concourse and purchased a dozen red roses as well as a nice box of Belgian chocolates. Entering the ward where Lisa was, I spotted a hand waving to me. Walking to her bed, Lisa gave one of her lovely smiles, that after all these years, still tugged at my heart.

Handing her the flowers and chocolates, I told her,

'It is you that should be giving these to me. After all, you came close to giving me a heart attack'.

At that, a sad thought came to mind, it would not have been the first time. As she took the chocolates from me, she leaned over and gave a tender kiss on my cheek.

'What were you thinking of beautiful? There was a crossing not more than ten feet away' I asked her.

'Sorry Peter, I had a lot on my mind yesterday. I just did not stop to think' she replied. Shaking my head, I just looked at her as I realised the effect it would have had on me if I had killed her. That thought made the tears flow.

Seeing my tears, Lisa asked 'what's wrong Peter?' I told her.

'Dear god, fifteen years?' she blurted out. I nodded. Just then, her parents arrived. Even though they were an elderly couple, there was no way I could not fail to recognise her mother. As I looked straight at her, Mrs Webb gasped and put a hand to her mouth. Walking over to her gave her a hug and kissed her cheek, followed by shaking Mr Webb's hand.

After the information given to me in Nineteen Ninety-Seven, I prayed constantly for the opportunity to see both these beautiful women once more, just to apologise for being a fool. I was aware that Lisa's mother knew that her daughter had captured me. I was never sure if she knew just how deep her daughter had her hooks in me.

Seeing that Lisa wanted to get ready to leave, hugged both women one after the other, I looked directly at Lisa.

'You have my number, give me a call. I meant what I said, no strings attached. I would like the opportunity to take all three of you to dinner one evening'.

Looking at my watch, I had to leave. I do not know how, but I knew three pairs of eyes stared at me as I left.

Rather than attempt to turn around, I continued on Granville Road, turning right into Ballards Lane following that all the way, until it merged with the A1000. I continued on that road until that intersected with St Alban's Road. Taking that road, I followed it all the way, until I hit the A1. Rather than stop at the South Mimms service area for a meal, I continued on to the depot.

I arrived at mid-day, parked up the truck and handed the paperwork over. Then I waited for the senior driver to take me out on the assessment. I did not have too long to wait. We took a trip around the area surrounding the depot, returning after thirty minutes. Entered the manager's office, where the senior driver stated that there was nothing to worry about concerning my driving.

The manager entered that on my personal record and cleared me to continue driving. I left for home as I was now on holiday for two weeks.

~~~~~~~~

Chapter 2

On arriving home, went for a shower then a short nap, as I wanted to update as well as upgrade my network after dinner. Arising at five p.m., I prepared and started cooking dinner. After upgrading the memory on both my workstation and server, switched both on and let them update after logging on. Picking up my laptop, entered the lounge setting it up on the small table I used for either work or quick snacks, booted up and logged in.

Returning to the kitchen I started the coffee maker as dinner was nearly ready. After dinner, grabbed the coffee jug and returned to the lounge. Logging into my server via the laptop accessed the workstation; I opened the Personal folder followed by the Lisa folder. Clicking on the Data folder, I stared at a particular file, sad thoughts flowing through my brain.

Of the six questions, this one hurt the most, I would love to see Lisa and her mother one more time so that I could apologise for being a damned fool. Now if I could only mark the others as done I could finally close that chapter of my life, sell up, retire early and go home. However, with my luck I would not be at all surprised if the female members of the family attempted to destroy even that dream.

Finishing with the file, I opened the Photo folder. Sitting there trance like, started the slideshow while constantly running the one question in my head. Where did I go wrong? I was jarred back to the present by the ringing of my mobile. Looking at the number, I did not recognise it and was about to reject when some instinct told me to answer it.

'Hello?'

'Evening Peter, do you have time for a chat?' She asked.

Recognising her voice, I answered,

'Yes, how are you feeling?'

''A lot better, thanks, my knee still hurts but I will recover. Peter, mum and I have been talking. We would like you to visit us for dinner one evening, if that is okay with you?'

'Great, how about any evening over the next two weeks as I am on holiday?'

'That will be nice as the hospital signed me off work for a week. What about this evening?'

'Sorry I have just finished dinner, but if you want I would be more than happy to call in for a coffee'

I suddenly heard three voices burst out in laughter and knew that the phone at the other end was on speakerphone. Before I could make any kind of reply I heard Mrs Webb speak, 'that's one very expensive cup of coffee'

'Ah but the company would be worth it' I replied. It went silent for a short while until Lisa asked 'could you come this evening Peter?'

'Okay, what's the address?' I asked.

'I thought you had our address? Lisa asked.

'Sorry beautiful, I never did, nor your phone number'. The gasps heard were music to my ears, even though it saddened me at the same time. I asked Lisa for the address. Her reply sent a shudder of pain throughout my body as I felt the tears start falling.

'Nightingale House, Nightingale Road, do you want directions?' She asked.

'No gorgeous, I'll be there in approximately ninety minutes or so. Is that okay?' I asked.

'Yes, that'll be fine. See you then Peter'.

I sat there in total shock, knowing that when I arrived and they hear what I have to say, the tears would fall from all of us. As I poured myself another cup of coffee, the only thought in my head was one that I often had. Why was I such a softhearted bastard? Even to this day with all that has happened felt that I have not changed just got older.

I rushed to the bathroom to tidy myself, grabbed my car keys and locked up the house. Ninety minutes later, parked up in Nightingale Road. Walking back towards Lisa's building I was about to call her to ask what number when she called down from her balcony,

'Mum is on the way down to let you in'.

Mrs Webb let me in kissing me on the cheek as I entered the foyer. I hugged her as I told her that it was a genuine pleasure to see her again after all these years. As I entered their apartment, I shivered as I realised that it was thirty-one years since I last stepped foot inside. Sitting down Lisa put a coffee on the table for me and waited for her mother to enter and sit.

I picked up the coffee using both hands, as I wanted them to cover my face to some degree to prevent them from seeing my sad eyes. Unfortunately, it failed. Mrs Webb asked before her daughter 'What's the matter Peter?' I could not answer immediately as another shudder of pain shot through my heart. This was going to hurt but I felt that maybe, just maybe the pain could be eased by the presence of the company I was in.

Finishing my coffee, replied to the question asked.

'Sorry for the sad look. The only time I was here was for Lisa's eighteenth birthday party. Unfortunately, Chas, Lindsay's brother brought her, my sister and I here. As it was mid-evening and dark, did not take notice of the area. Also at that time, I was not very adept with my knowledge of North London as I am now.

The sadness is because for twenty years there were countless occasions where I was literally feet away from this building. I was often in the area delivering goods to both domestic and retail with various well-known companies, most of which are still going today. To make it more unbearable for me is that from Nineteen Eighty-Two until Nineteen Eighty-Five, I walked this area many times looking for you, your husband or your daughter'.

The gasps of shock were unpleasant to hear as I saw the pained looks on all their faces. Mrs Webb had a look of curiosity on her face, as she looked straight into my eyes. I could see that she felt something was not right. Seeing her about to ask a more pertinent question, I held up my hand. 'Do you have a computer or laptop I could borrow please' I asked.

Lisa piped up, 'I have a laptop, but we cannot get the wireless to work'.

'I will check that for you later, for now, may I borrow it?'

Lisa went to fetch the laptop, all the while Mrs Webb kept staring at me. Staring back, I could not help but laugh. Remembering her from the past, I knew that I could get away with some, but not all, quips. 'Curiosity killed the cat you know'

'You cheeky devil' she answered smiling as she did so. Lisa handed me the laptop already booted up and logged in. I had gotten into the habit of carrying a spare usb cable for my iPhone as I had often been to customers whose computers needed device drivers but had no Net access. Connecting my phone to the laptop and setting up the wireless access, I logged into my server.

Once the remote access page came up, I clicked on computers then logged into my workstation. By now, they all sat closer around the table watching my every move. Clicking on the drive labelled Data I opened the Personal folder then selected Lisa. Before I could proceed any further, Lisa asked why I did not click on the 'my documents' folder.

I explained that many times in the past especially during my early computing days, when the drive died I lost everything on that drive. I had not gotten into the habit of keeping backups. That proved to be a costly mistake on many an occasion. Since then, all documents and any critical personal files I kept on a secondary drive as well as backed up.

Within the Lisa folder were two further folders, labelled Data and Photos. Lisa wanted me to open the photo folder but I held off as I had a suspicion as to why Mrs Webb was curious. I opened the 'Data' folder and right clicking on a particular file, opened up its properties. They could all see the screen so asked them to read the date of that file's creation.

Date created Eighth June Nineteen Ninety-Seven. To offset any query, I told them that I was aware that where computers are concerned, files could be changed or altered to show what one wants to show. However, a good data forensic expert will be able to determine that.

'That file was created the afternoon I returned from the hospital where my mother was waiting for an operation. What I heard devastated me to such an extent that it ended up costing me my job. Do you wish to see the contents of the file?' I asked them. I received no replies but saw all three nod their heads. I opened the file.

"Need to expand Nineteen Eighty-Two to Nineteen Eighty-Five. Women spoken to since then, have all said that had they loved a man that intensely, they would have looked.

So multiple questions: -

1: Did Lisa just give up because she felt I wasn't interested?

2: Was it a lack of communications?

3: Was she told something that upset her?

4: Was she raped before she could communicate?