Lies Deceit and an Innocent Man

By Ree Collins

Todd Bainbridge had his life planned. His future was secured. And in five years he would be a doctor. Bradfords local doctor; Doctor Chandler promised him a partnership in his practice. When Katies body was found on the York moor a week after her disappearance his life fell apart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Feb 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9781475967784

Ree Collins

Ree Collins’s cat Jasper is a twelve year old white Chinchilla /Persian cross. He likes to sit on her computer desk and help her type. He also likes to play with the mouse and catch the letters on the screen. When she visits her friends he wants to go with her. Jasper sits at the front door and waits for her to come home to tell her about his day. Apart from sitting on the computer desk his other favorite place is her bed and sleeps on the pillow.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

T he train stopped and the doors opened. It had reached its destination. He picked his backpack up and hurried out the station gate. I’m surprised Bradford has changed in the twenty years I have been away. Although not everything has changed, Mr. Turner is still the station master. ‘And I’m relieved’ those that might remember me are probably too tired after a long day at work. And a long train ride home to bother about me.

He’s older but I’m sure he’s Todd Bainbridge.

I would even bet my pension it’s him. And I wonder why he would want to come back to Bradford.

Wash your hands Malcolm dinner is ready. And why are you smiling. Faye you will never guess who was on the six forty train tonight. Faye you have left the cooker on.

‘Well you can turn it off. And put the salt and pepper and the salad on the table. ‘And are you going to tell me who got off the train?’

And you are just in time for dinner Becky. And your dad’s excited someone he knows and maybe hasn’t seen in awhile got off the train tonight. Faye you remember Todd Bainbridge. Malcolm it has been twenty years since he lived here. And are you sure it’s him. I’m sure it’s Todd.

He’s older but he hasn’t changed. And you know I would see him every day walking to school and walking home from school.

And who is Todd Bainbridge dad.

‘Becky ‘why must you wear your hair in a ponytail all the time.’ And ‘it looks most unattractive. And why don’t you wear your hair down like Tess? Mum I like wearing my hair in a ponytail. And can I ask you, why you always serve dad last. Well excuse me; Becky you had better mind your manners and remember I’m your mother! Are you going to tell me ‘who’ Todd Bainbridge is dad?

Well Becky it’s a sad sorry. And twenty years ago, Todd Bainbridge was a twenty two year old with a future. He had just started his first year of medical school. Matthew, his dad told me when Todd had finished his schooling and a year’s internship at University Hospital in London. Doctor Chandler would give him a full partnership in his practice. Katie Parson was a second year nurse and working at Ashworth Hospital in London. When she and Todd started going steady and some didn’t think their relationship would go the distance. Seeing Katie was just over two years older than him. I believe she was going steady with John Jenkins. But she broke off their relationship when she started going out with Todd. You have a good memory Faye. Katie was a beautiful looking girl, and she was ‘popular with the boys.’ And she would always be with Maureen Henry, her best pal. And they would hang round the shops with three or four boys. Mrs. Parson told your mum she liked Todd. And she was sure they would get married ‘but.’

But what tell me dad. ‘Katie was murdered’ and her body was found on the York moor. I remember it was a terrible winter that year. The police and volunteers searched the moor for a week. Didn’t Maureen’s brother Ian find Katie’s body? He did Faye. A week after Todd had reported her missing. I don’t remember hearing anything about Todd Bainbridge or Katie Parson. You were only three at the time. And Tess was going on six. And all the evidence the police had pointed to Todd. He had murdered Katie.

Trevor Wilkins said Todd was their only suspect and he had ‘no doubt,’ he murdered Katie. And a week later he charged Todd with Katie’s murder.

Why haven’t you told me about Todd Bainbridge and Katie Parson before?

Like I said Becky, it has been twenty years. And who would have thought Todd would come back to Bradford. There’s nothing here for him just over grown paddocks and a rundown old farm house. Todd’s mother couldn’t bare the shame her son was a murderer and she killed herself. She hung herself from the beams in the barn. Michael, Todd’s young brother found her. When Todd was convicted of Katie’s murder and sent to prison. And after Mrs. Bainbridge’s funeral his dad took Michael and Amy and moved away.

Matthew didn’t tell anyone he was leaving Bradford. And there was some talk he had moved to London to be near Todd. And I give Matthew his due, he stuck by Todd. He always ‘believed’ Todd was innocent of ‘Katie’s murder.’ Todd swore he didn’t kill her. He said he loved Katie and he would never hurt her. But like I said all the evidence the police had pointed to ‘Todd as Katie’s murderer.’

Then why is he free. And what reason would he have to come back to Bradford.

I know he was given the maximum sentence. And I guess he had a good lawyer, and maybe he got early release for good behavior. And why he has come back to Bradford is anyone’s guess.

‘What do you think about Todd Bainbridge dad?’ Do you think he murdered Katie? I wouldn’t have thought Todd Bainbridge would be the type to murder anyone. He was popular with his peers and all the old folk liked him. And he wasn’t like a lot of young men his age. He didn’t do drugs and he would only drink light beer. And he was respectful to his parents and I never heard one bad word about Todd.

I remember he was a very ‘handsome’ young man. He had sandy blonde hair and dark blue eyes. And I remember he had a nice smile. Calm down dear, and your mum forgets she’s pushing sixty. Todd and Amy took after their dad. Matthew had sandy blonde hair and dark blue eyes.

And Michael was more like his mum she had dark hair.

And what was that dark look for Faye? There will be no more talk of Todd Bainbridge and Katie Parson’s at my dinner table tonight. And you better eat your steak Malcolm before it gets cold or I’ll feed it to the dog. Well after dinner I will look the Bainbridge family and Katie Parson’s murder up on my computer. Maybe I should have hired a taxi. I forgot it’s a long walk to the old farm house. Well there’s no point in closing the gate. And it’s hard to believe this was once my home. The old house looks dark and sad against the graying night sky. And it looks like kids have had fun smashing all the windows and I hope the power lines hanging against the side of the house are disconnected. Or I just might get ‘electrocuted’ when I step on the veranda and I don’t suppose the door is locked. Well that’s an unpleasant odour. But what did I expect the house has been closed up for twenty years. Great I have fury four legged house guests and I hate rats and mice might be small. But I like them as much as I like rats. Well this could be the reason for the bad smell. It seems teenagers are using the house as a hangout for parties and they have left their rubbish behind. And this interesting I’ve never seen one in real life but it could be a bong. And I was right Bradford has changed and I should have remembered to buy a bottle of water. Because I’m sure the water pipes are rusted and the water will be a dirty brown.

I know mum use to keep candles in the draw under the sink and I hope my teenage party guests didn’t find them. And I’m in luck. And this is something I will have to give up and I wish I hadn’t started smoking. But prison changes a man. ‘And I felt like a stranger walking through town.’

Mum would cry if she saw this mess. And I remember when grandma gave mum that light fitting and I will never understand why people have to break things. And someone has used the wall as a canvas. I don’t think its half bad. And I hope the person who buys the old farm will keep it. And I think it adds character to the kitchen. I’m surprised the table and chairs are still in one piece. And I remember this old egg keeper, and it’s seen better days. And should I risk going upstairs. I better be careful the balustrades and stairs don’t look all that safe. ‘I was right and I’m sure if I ‘fell the rats’ would eat me.’

And I’d like to know why Michael and Amy didn’t write and tell me dad had cancer. It would have been nice to see him before he died. And he still believed in me. He still believed I was innocent of Katie’s murder. Even after everything the police had done to prove me guilty. And the letter Bradley gave me ‘telling me dad had died’ had no return address. The house feels kind of creepy and I have the feeling someone’s watching me. But there’s only darkness and my shadow on the wall from the candle. And obversely people have been sleeping here. And someone has stepped on Michael’s toy steam train. And I remember he would play trains for hours. Dad said it was in his blood and I never knew what he meant by that. Well my bedroom door must have annoyed someone they have tried to rip it off its hinges and at least I have a bed to sleep on. And the old brass lamp ‘looks as tarnished as my life.’ Well so much for dreams and wanting to be a doctor and marrying Katie and having kids. Katie I wish I knew who took you away from me.

And tomorrow I’ll put the farm on the market and I hope it sells quickly. I don’t want to hang round Bradford any longer than necessary. And I think I had better leave my coat on. There could be all kinds of bugs between the blankets and graying sheets. That would have been white twenty years ago. And there’s no point trying to sleep. Bradley said make sure you call into the police station and let them know you are in Bradford. And I hope Trevor Wilkins isn’t on duty and if Phil Watson is visiting his mum and dad. I hope I don’t bump into him. I can have breakfast at the Potts café and read the local paper and check what price farms are selling for. And seeing I’m early I will have to wait for the real-estate office to open. And who ties breakfast menu’s to umbrella handles.

Good morning the coffee is hot unless you prefer tea. Good morning I hope I’m not too early for breakfast. And I’d like coffee and two eggs, with four pieces of bacon and a serve of fried potatoes and two sausages and coffee.

I know you. You’re Todd Bainbridge. I’m sure it’s you; you have the same sandy blonde hair. And it has been twenty years. And what brings you back to Bradford. I’m sorry my mouth is flapping and you probably don’t remember me. I’m Maxine Harper. Well I was Maxine Harper. I’m Maxine Henry now and I married Ian Henry. And you would remember him.

I do remember you Maxine and how are you and Ian? Ian and I are well thank you. And I own the Potts cafe now. Mr. and Mrs. Potts have passed on and their kids left long before they died. And what happened to the old police station? You know what Politian’s are like they like to spend the taxpayers’ money. And we were told Bradford needs a new police station. ‘And they promised.’ That is the Politian’s promised the ‘new police station’ would be better equipped and would run more efficiently. And you probably don’t know Ian drives trucks for Dawson’s and he travels from here to London. And he carries all kinds of goods and sometimes he is away a whole week or more. Not that I’m complaining I like the peace and quiet I get when he’s away. I better bring you, your breakfast. Maxine I suppose there’s no point asking you not to tell anyone I’m here. I’m sorry for laughing. But if you remember Todd I had a reputation at school I couldn’t keep a secret.’ Although you may not remember seeing I’m four years older than you. Well I remember seeing you and Ian outside the court house with everyone else in Bradford waiting to hear the guilty verdict. And see me handcuffed and shoved in the waiting van to be transported to prison for a murder I didn’t commit.

CHAPTER TWO

A nd I have always wondered, if the person who murdered Katie lived in Bradford and if he still lives in Bradford.

What can I say, other than I’m very sorry Todd. And I hope I have cooked your eggs the way you like them. It all looks good thank you Maxine. Well I hope you enjoy your breakfast and I’ll bring you your coffee out in a minute. And breakfast is on me.

I hope I haven’t made your coffee to strong. And you may not know Phil Watson came back five years ago. His wife divorced him. And they have a daughter I think she’s twenty one or maybe she’s twenty two and I’m told she lives with her mother in London. And the reason Phil came back his dad had a stroke. And Phil manages the real-estate offices now. I suppose there’s still only one real-estate office in town. Are you going to sell your parents farm. I am Maxine and I’m only here to arrange the sale of the farm. And hopefully I will be gone before the end of the week. We did have three real estate offices in Bradford. And ‘what happened did they close down?’ They were burnt down along with seven new shops. The police have their suspicions it was the Aitkin brothers. I don’t know if you remember Rolly Atkin’s. ‘Well he’s just as mean and bossy as his father was. And he was never made responsible for the things he did when he was a kid. Wouldn’t you like stay in Bradford Todd. And maybe fix the house and get the farm working again. No Maxine my father was the farmer not me. That’s right you wanted to be a doctor. You know old ‘Doc Chandler’ has retired now. And if you are interested he still lives in town and I’m sure he would like to see you.

I doubt if he would want to see me Maxine.

You know Todd, Doctor Chandler never believed you ‘murdered Katie.’

You cook a good breakfast Maxine. And I might see you before I leave. And I have put five pounds under the plate. And I hope Phil’s out selling someone’s house or farm. That’s his car and he will be in his office. Thank you again for breakfast Maxine.

Well ‘the office has had an upgrade.’ And I remember how Phil use to laugh at his dad and mum’s idea of design and colour. And he has a pretty blonde sitting at the front desk.

Phil always liked blondes but I think his wife had brown hair.

Good morning can I help you. Good morning. I would like to speak to someone about listing my farm for sale. I’m sorry maybe I wasn’t clear. I want to talk to some about selling my farm.

We are a real-estate office and she knows ‘why you’ are here. ‘Phil’s behind me and do I want to turn round. Or maybe I should just leave.’ You can come in to my office Todd. And this is a surprise.

‘You are the last person I expected in my office this morning.’ And you want to sell your parents farm. I’m just as ‘surprised’ to see you Phil. And I remember you told me you couldn’t wait to leave Bradford and you would never come back. No matter how much money your dad offered you. My dad had a stroke that’s why I came back to Bradford. And your dad is he well. And I suppose your runt of a brother would be all grown. And I wouldn’t mind betting you’re little sister is a man killer. I’m sorry Todd poor choice of words. You’re not funny Phil and you never where funny.

And I came here because I want to sell my parents farm. And you’re the only real-estate office in town. But if you’re not interested in the commission you will get on the sale of the farm.

I’ll have my lawyer in London contact real estate agencies. No need to do that Todd. And it was a bit of bad luck for Bradford when the two real estate agencies and the new shops burned down.

And I’m happy to have the farm appraised and to help you ‘sell your farm’ Todd. And I will give you a fair price. And have you considered what the farm is worth and you have to take in consideration the house is in need of repair. And the farm is small compared to some farms.

I have an idea what farms are selling for. And I have a price in mind.

And are you planning to stay in Bradford?

No Phil I’m not planning to stay in Bradford. And I hope to leave by Friday. And I’ll be staying at the house till I leave.

You can’t be serious. It has been twenty years since anyone lived in the house. And the electricity was cut off when your dad left. And I’m sure the only water coming out of the pipes will be dirty brown water.

I know how long it’s been Phil. And if you want to come and have a look over the farm you can bring the papers with you and give me a price.

I won’t be able to do that until Wednesday afternoon or maybe Thursday morning.

I’ll expect you Wednesday or Thursday and you don’t have to knock when you come. If he’s at the pub tonight, I’ll talk to him and maybe I’ll take him home. Sara will you stop playing with your hair and come into my office and bring your note pad with you. ‘Sara did you hear me.’ ‘I almost fell of my chair and you don’t have to yell at me Mr. Watson.’ Well knowing you. You were probably daydreaming about Todd Bainbridge. But I advise you to keep away from him. He has just been released from prison.

I wonder who she is. And from the back she reminds me of Katie. And she has the same straight black hair as Katie. And I ‘remember’ the hours Katie and I would spend in the library studying and the many kisses we shared behind the big book shelves hiding from Dolce Higgins.

Hello can I help you?

I’m sorry what did you say. I said hello and can I help you. And you seem a little lost standing there staring into space. I was remembering old times and thinking how things have changed in the twenty years I have been away. And I’m really sorry and I will leave.

You are Todd Bainbridge and you don’t have to leave.

And can I ask how you know me. And you can’t be anymore than twenty. And that means you were born after I left Bradford. I’m Becky Turner you may remember my dad Malcolm Turner. He’s the station master.

I saw your dad when I got off the train yesterday. Not many people can miss my dad and he never misses anyone. And he knows everyone and what train they should be on.

Well it’s nice to meet you and I really should go.

The coffee is hot if you would like a cup, or I have tea if you prefer.

Becky your dad might not like you having coffee with me.

Mr. Bainbridge I can assure you. I’m over twenty one. And I can ‘decide for myself’ who I have coffee with. And my dad knows it.

And I didn’t know about you or Katie Parson until last night. And I was three when you were charged with her murder.

Well knowing I have served twenty years in prison for murder. You should have told me to leave not offer me a cup of coffee.

The library is always quiet this time of morning. And Ms Higgins said she won’t be in until noon.

‘Good grief’ is Ms Higgins still alive?

She’s getting on a bit now. But she still has a sharp eye on every couple who comes in the library to study. Or pretend to study. I remember she was the tyrant of the library. And Dolce Higgins wouldn’t let anyone hold hands and if she noticed you weren’t sitting at the table studying. She would come looking for you. Well you will be happy to know she hasn’t changed. And kids still come in the library wanting time out from their parents or siblings. And have a little cuddle with their boyfriend or girlfriend. Well I remember Ms Higgins was getting on when I was in my twenties. And I’m now forty two. And that’s the first time I’ve said ‘I’m forty two out loud.’ I can watch who comes in the library from our small tea room. And do you like milk and sugar in your coffee. And would you like a biscuit? Just milk thank you. ‘And for some reason the lid always gets stuck after Ms. Higgins has used it.’ Pass the tin here. Thank you and all it took was just one turn and the lids of. Have you talked to anyone about Katie’s murder? And ‘what it was like for you in prison?’ I’m sorry I don’t mean to pry. And I hope you don’t think me rude. And thank me for the coffee and biscuit and dart out the door.

I have talked to my lawyer and my dad moved from Bradford when I was charged with Katie’s murder. And he lived too far from the prison to visit me. And the truth is I wouldn’t have wanted dad to see me in prison. My dad died six months ago. And are you going to ask me if I did murder Katie.

And I left her lying out on the moor in the freezing cold for a week? No I don’t believe you murdered Katie.

Well dad you and my lawyer make three. And seeing we have only just met. How do you know I didn’t murder Katie? Well your eyes are kind and sad at the same time. And I get the impression you are a gentle man. And you wouldn’t hurt anyone. And twenty years in prison hasn’t turned you into a harden criminal. Thanks for thinking that but it’s not true. And I’m no one ‘special’ and prison does change a man.

I know you’re right. And my cousin was in prison for six months. It wasn’t anything serious like murder and when he came out of prison. He was a different person. And I don’t see him anymore.

Do you mind if I ask you where you are staying? Dad wanted me to have the farm. Bradley told me Michael and Amy didn’t want the farm. They said they would never return to Bradford. And dad hoped I would sell the farm and I would have money for a new start. You don’t want to stay in Bradford. There are too many sad memories here. And there’s no reason for me to stay in Bradford. And all my friends disappeared when I was charged with Katie’s murder. And not one of them wrote me one letter or visited me. Not even my very best friend Phil Watson.

My dad and my lawyer Bradley were the only two people who believed me innocent of Katie’s murder.

And the first two years in prison I cried a lot. And an old timer told me I had better ‘toughen up’ or I would soon be a ‘target’ for a certain type of man. He smiled when he said if you know what I mean. He was serious when he said they like good looking men who miss their mummy.

And I never cried again. And the old timer looked out for me until someone stabbed him to death in the prison laundry.

CHAPTER THREE

I never found out ‘why he was murdered.’ But by then I was prison wise. And I worked out and I became strong physically and mentally a nd I minded my own business and kept out of trouble. And it only took twenty years to be noticed as a model prisoner. And with Bradley’s help I received an early release.

The prison governor wasn’t happy I was released early. I smiled when he said any trouble from you Bainbridge. And you will be back here so fast your head won’t stop spinning for a month. And I never realized how simple life on the farm was. And at night I would lay on my bed and I’d think about harvest time on the farm. All the farmers would help each other bring in their wheat and barley. And mum and the women would cook pies and cakes and make tea and coffee. And the men and older boys worked in the fields. They were good times. And what did you like best on the farm? I liked the lambing season and milking the cows. Dad would laugh at me trying to milk the cows. He would say ‘keep trying’ you will get the hang of it in time.

‘I miss my life on the farm with dad and mum and Michael and Amy.’

And why did you come back to Bradford. You could have had an agent in London sell the farm. I guess I wanted to see the farm one last time before it was sold. I believe there’s no electricity at the house. And I’m sure the water pipes would be rusted and there’s only rusty water. I know and I have had this conversation with Phil Watson.

And I asked Phil to sell the farm. And I’m hoping he will give me a quick sale and a fair price. Would you consider coming to my house for dinner tonight.

I’m sorry I didn’t mean to laugh and offend you. And I’m pretty sure your dad and mum would object to me joining them for dinner.

Do you have any comforts at the house? I have my old single bed it dipped in the middle when I laid down but I slept ok. And I think the moon deliberately hovered outside my bedroom window to annoy me. And I have rats keeping the mice away. Oh I hate rats. Well that’s something we have in common. And thank you for the coffee Becky. Bradley said I better call into the police station to let them know I’m here. I’m glad you came into the library.

So am I and I enjoyed talking to you.

Today of all days Ms Higgins you are going to be late.

‘Finally’ Ms Higgins you are here. And I have an emergency and I will need an extra hour for lunch. ‘Goodness Becky,’ you ‘frightened’ me. I’m sorry Ms Higgins. I didn’t mean to ‘frighten’ you.

Well you did and I wasn’t expecting you to ‘rush at me’ when I walked through the door. And if it’s that important you have an extra hour you can and no longer than an hour. Or I’ll have to dock your pay.

You know I like you Becky. And I always have liked you, even when you were a skinny awkward teenager and you would come in the library after school. And you were the only one who came to study and you’re a good girl. You are reliable and responsible. But the same cannot be said about your sister Tess. Ms Higgins I don’t have time for a trip down memory lane. Well I was only going to say when you asked me to ‘employ you as my assistant.’

I was only too happy to say yes. And having you working here at the library meant I could come in late or go home early. And I could spend extra time with my three cats.

And I don’t have to worry about anything and everything is always in order. Thank you Ms Higgins and maybe we can talk when I come back. And I’m sorry I really do have to rush. Oh alright Becky and I expect you to be back in two hours.

I’ll go to the Camping and Disposal Store first. Hello I need a portable gas stove and two small pots, a kettle and two plates and cutlery for two and two mugs. And two blankets.

I’m sorry do I know you. I don’t think so and when are you going camping? I’m not going camping. Would you like us to deliver to your house? I’ll come back with my car and pick it up. And will my order be ready in twenty minutes? Sure I’ll have your order ready for you when you come back and I better give you, your sales docket ‘Miss Turner.’ Thanks I have to run to the supermarket. ‘I should have known the trolley bay would be empty.’ Hello Becky, are you shopping for your mum. And if you’re looking for a trolley there is one over there by the green truck. But it looks like it’s missing a wheel. And I haven’t seen you around for awhile and have you been sick. Or do you have a boyfriend?

I have known from our first day at kindergarten Laine Powers has never liked me. And she has always ‘competed’ with me. I’m in a hurry Laine and I can’t talk right now and there’s probably a trolley inside. Will it be alright if I leave my shopping with you while I get my car? And I’ll only be ten maybe fifteen minutes at the most.

There’s no need to rush I’ll watch your bags for you. Thank you and you are sweet, and every time I come in the supermarket you always smile at me.

I forgot we will need an esky, and a medium size one will keep the milk and butter from going off. And I had better have two oil lamps and oil. Thank you I’m in a rush I have to pick my shopping up from the supermarket. And I had better call mum and tell her I won’t be home for dinner. Becky your aunt and uncle are having dinner with us tonight. I’m truly sorry mum I forgot to tell you I’m having dinner with a friend tonight. No mum he doesn’t want to have dinner with you and dad. He wants to have dinner with me. ‘Well don’t be late home.’ I won’t mum and will you tell Uncle Ted and Aunt Jean I said hello. And I’ll see them next time they come for dinner. Thanks mum I have to go.

I didn’t lie to her and I’m always very careful not to lie. But that doesn’t mean I always tell the whole truth. But usually everything I tell mum is close to the truth. Not like what Tess would do. She would tell mum and dad she was going to the movies with her friends and they would go to a party and she wouldn’t come home until late Sunday afternoon. And she ended up pregnant. But I do miss her since she moved to London with her live in boyfriend. And she told mum and dad he loves Bennie and we believe he is Bennie’s dad.

Thank goodness it’s five thirty. And I don’t know why people have to leave the books on the table. And they must think I’m only here to put away after them. I better check all the toys are in the boxes. And I better make sure the side entrance is locked and set the alarm. And turn the ceiling lights off. I left them on last night. And it was a good thing I was in first this morning. If Ms Higgins knew I had left the ceiling lights on all night she might change her view of me. And I’m excited but I am a little nervous. And I wonder how Todd will react when I turn up at his house with a car load of camping gear. And three bags of shopping?

I wonder who that could be. And its dark out and I can’t see a thing. But it must be Phil but why there’s no point him coming here tonight.

Becky why have you come here uninvited and you better get back in your car and go home. Hello I have bought you a few things like two oil lamps, so you can see what you are doing. And I got a small gas cooker and three bags of food. I’m not sure what to say to you. Just say thank you and please don’t just stand there looking at me like that. And you can give me a hand to carry it inside.

I can put the gas cooker on the sink. Your hair is messy and were you sleeping. And can you pass me the pots. I was lying down and why are you looking at me like that. And is there something wrong with the way I look? You don’t look forty two.

And there’s nothing wrong with you. And do you know how to attach the gas cylinder to the cooker? I guess this rubber hose attaches to this. And all we have to do is turn it on and light the cooker.

I also got you two one gallon water containers. They are not enough for you to shower with, but enough for drinking and cooking with.

Mind you don’t cut yourself that knife looks sharp. And I’m nervous about you being here. Becky if anyone was to drive past and see your car outside the house. ‘I could be in trouble.’ And where did you tell your mum and dad you were going tonight?

I told mum I was having dinner with a friend.

You know Becky this is really nice of you. But you really shouldn’t be here.

Oh I almost forgot. I bought us a bottle of Johnny Walker and two glasses. And I hope you don’t mind. I like a little drink once in a while. But my mum and dad don’t really approve of my liking for ‘whisky.’

And will you pour us a drink? I put your glass on the sink so don’t knock it over. I guess you want me to tell you what I know about Katie’s murder.

I came here to night and bought all this because I wanted to do something nice for you. And I wasn’t expecting anything in return.

Thanks’ I appreciate you’re kindness. Katie and I had what some people would call a dirty weekend. And it was the first time we had sex. We had been going out for over a year and we were pretty sure we were going to spend the rest of our lives together.

And we didn’t see any harm in having sex before marriage.’ But mind you, I knew my dad wouldn’t have approved if he had known why I was really going to London.

We spent most of Sunday in bed. And Katie decided she wanted to go out to eat. So we went to an Indian restaurant for dinner. And I took her home round seven.

We sat in the car and we talked for an hour. I was hoping to leave earlier because I had a fair drive home. I laughed at her; because she said she didn’t want me to go. I told her I really had to go because it would be early morning before I got home.

I drove her round the front and I waited outside the building. I saw the light go on in her flat and she opened the window and waved me good night. And I went home.

I had Katie’s ‘scent’ all over me. And when I got home I went to bed and slept. I was very tired after driving back from London. I didn’t bother to shower before I went to bed. Dad told me you reported Katie missing.

I called the flat to tell her I would be driving back to London later that day. I had left my medical text books in her flat and when there was no answer I called the hospital. I was told she hadn’t turned up for her shift. ‘I tried not to panic.’ But I knew by five something was wrong and I reported her missing. I still hadn’t showered and the police were looking at me suspiciously. And a week later they found Katie’s body on the moor. ‘I loved Katie.’

I still love her and I wanted Katie to be my wife. We were happy. And Katie said she couldn’t wait for us to be married. And for us to have kids. We wanted three kids’ two boys and a girl.

CHAPTER FOUR

T he police told me Katie had been raped several times. And she had been badly beaten. And when she was found she was wrapped in a blue plastic tarpaulin. My DNA was still on Katie. And seeing they couldn’t prove otherwise and there were no other suspects. I was convicted of Katie’s murder.

Didn’t you tell them about your weekend? I did and I saw the shame and ‘disappointment’ in my dad’s eyes. ‘I had lied to him.’ I told him I was going to a medical lecture in London, not a dirty weekend with Katie. The arresting police officer scoffed when I told him. I was with Katie all weekend. Your dad always believed you were innocent. My dad never doubted my innocence. But my poor mum believed I was guilty. She believed I murdered Katie and she hung herself in our barn. I can’t help but feel responsible for her killing herself. Michael was only fifteen when he found her. And dad told me Michael would have nightmares and wakeup screaming for our mum. You know Becky this isn’t good you being here. The person who killed Katie may have lived here and he could still live here. And I don’t want anything to happen to you. And I don’t want to go back to prison. I only survived because I believed one day I would be free.

Where will you go when you leave here? I thought about moving to the Sates. But I doubt they would let me. And I thought about moving to Australia. But I would have the same problem. ‘I’m an ex-convict’ and it won’t matter if the police find the man who murdered Katie.

‘I have lived ‘half my life’ in prison.’

What will you do for work? My lawyer Bradley has been very supportive and he has some contacts that may give me work. Because I’m sure they will never allow me to work in a hospital. But maybe Harrods will employ me. I think you have a nice smile Becky. Thank you and I hope this chicken is to your liking. ‘And how did you do the potatoes?’ Oh maybe next time I cook for you, I will show you. You are a good cook Becky and do you like to cook? I like to cook for handsome men. You’re very kind Becky.

When you get settled in London will you let me come and visit you?

Well can I ask you Becky? What is your interest in me? Because I’m sure ‘you’ wouldn’t have trouble finding someone your own age to go out with.

What’s wrong with me liking and being attracted to someone who is older than me?

Nothing I suppose and I’m sorry I didn’t mean to upset you. And if you really want to visit me in London I will like that. But promise me while I’m here you will stay away from me. Please I need you to promise me you will stay away from me while I’m here. Alright I promise I’ll stay away from you. And I should be going if I’m not home by nine thirty mum will call me none stop until I answer her. I’ll walk you to your car. Do you mind if I kiss you goodnight. Good night Becky and lock your car doors and don’t ‘stop for anyone.’

I know you are scared for me and you are scared for yourself. But no one knows I came here tonight to see you. Becky will you give me your cell number. I’ll text you my cell number and when you are home I want you to call me. ‘Hello Becky.’ Todd why are you shouting, you know it’s me. And I have just closed the front door behind me. And mum and dad are watching the replay of the county club cricket championship.’

And you sound stressed has something happened? I’m fine Becky and thank you for cooking dinner for me tonight. You are welcome Todd.

And will you call me when you are settled in London? If you would like me to call you when I’m settled in London I will. And thank you again Becky.

Afternoon Todd you look like you are enjoying the sunshine. And I have good news for you. I have a buyer for the farm. And this is what he is willing to pay. And I suggest you take it. Because the old farm isn’t worth much as it is. I didn’t intend to argue about the price. And the offer is near to what I expected. And it’s happened quicker than I expected it would and did you bring the papers with you for me to sign? They are in my brief case and when you sign them. I can have the money transferred into any account you nominate by the middle of next week. And will you wait until the money is cleared before you leave? No Phil I’ll be leaving tomorrow. And I don’t have a bank account at this time.