From Riches to Rags

By Peter D. Bull

Rory suspects that his wife Sadie,is having an affair with John,his best friend. He can hardly believe that John would do such a thing to him,but when his suspicions are confirmed,he decides not to confront the two of them, but to destroy John's life and to divorce his wife in order to benefit from her wealth. John's drug and drink habits,and the secrets that he'd imparted to Rory over the years,are used against him. He is arrested and charged with serious offences,and whilst on bail,after a drugs and drink induced binge,John drives his car and kills an old man,leaving him for dead. The police are looking for him.
He ends up on the streets of London where he turns to petty crime in order to survive. His luck runs out when he unwittingly steals the case of a Russian diplomat.The Russians find him and beat him up. He is eventually arrested in Covent Garden and is shown camera evidence of his credit card fraud and charged. His business is gone, his marriage is over,and his future is bleak.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 25, 2017
• ISBN: 9780244909703

Book preview

From Riches to Rags

FROM RICHES TO RAGS

By

PETER D. BULL

COPYRIGHT

Copyright © 2017 PETER D. BULL

Category:  Fiction, General

EBook ISBN:  9780244909703

Front cover image © PETER D. BULL

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced, or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher.

DISCLAIMER

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, corporations, institutions, organisations, events or locales in this novel are either the product of the author’s imagination or, if real, used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons (living or dead) is entirely coincidental.

CHAPTER ONE

It was Sadie’s fortieth birthday. It was a lovely day in May. Her husband Rory had booked a table at their local restaurant weeks earlier as a surprise for her.

Rory kissed Sadie goodbye as he’d handed her a birthday card. She was in a particularly good mood that morning. She loved birthdays, and not just her own. She was one of those people that took birthdays very seriously.

As she waved Rory off, he reminded her that he had to take their car in for a service on his way to work.

She nodded her head as if to say OK.

The phone rang. That’ll probably be mum and dad. She thought to herself. So she waved a final wave and closed the door.

It was her mum phoning from Spain where her parents now lived.

Good morning birthday girl. Her mum said. Happy birthday. Did you get anything nice?

Hello mum. Sadie said. No not yet. I expect Rory will have something lined up as a surprise when he gets home. It’s usually a restaurant meal. She said in a slightly condescending way.

Oh! That’ll be nice dear. Her mum said, not picking up on Sadie’s tone.

Hang on Sadie your father wants a word.

Happy birthday love. He said.

I can’t believe you’re forty. It seems like only yesterday that I was changing your napkins. He laughed.

Yeah! Alright dad that’s enough of that thank you. She said with a laugh.

What are you up to today then? Her dad asked.

I was just telling mum that we’ve got nothing planned, but I expect Rory has something up his sleeve.

Well whatever you do have a lovely time. Her dad said. He wasn’t one for small talk. I’ll hand you back to your mother. Bye love, talk soon.

Bye dad. She said as the phone was handed over to her mum.

Short and sweet as usual. Her mum said. In his defence though he was just getting out of the pool when I rang you.

Mother and daughter carried on chatting about anything and everything for the next half an hour.

Mum I don’t want to sound rude but I have to go. I need to get this housework done early, just in case Rory does have something planned for later. Sadie said.

They said their goodbyes and Sadie made herself a cup of coffee, which she sat down with to read the magazine that she’d bought the day before.

........................................................

The garage manager told Rory that he had a mechanic off sick, and that he doubted his car would be ready that day. Rory was given the choice of re booking the service, or being given a courtesy car so that he could leave his to be serviced as soon as they could get onto it. He chose to take the courtesy car.

Rory arrived at his office and was told that the woman that he had an appointment with at lunchtime was going to be a little late due to a family problem. He was glad of the delay because he still had some unfinished work to do in preparation for the meeting.

That’s a result. He said to his manager.

There were frequently delays in his business. Real estate rarely stays on track when it comes to time schedules.

It was eleven thirty when the phone call to postpone the meeting came through. Although a little irritated by the late cancelation, Rory saw it as a chance to take a half day off, and surprise Sadie with an afternoon out somewhere.

After tidying his desk he set off home but stopped on the way to buy some flowers. He was between the florists and his house, when he saw his best friend’s red convertible Mercedes coming from the other direction. He was about to flash his headlights at John, but by the time he had located the switch in the unfamiliar car; his friend had passed him by.

Sadie was in his car. She was laughing as they passed Rory. Her hair was blowing in the wind and she was made up as though she was on a date. She was wearing the sunglasses that Rory had bought her whilst on holiday last year.

Rory was confused as to what may be happening. He immediately began to doubt that he had seen them at all. He wondered if there was another car like John’s in the area. Could he have mistaken another woman for Sadie? He wondered.

He arrived home and let himself in. He hoped that Sadie was there but she wasn’t.

What the hell’s going on? He asked himself aloud.

Then he started to wonder if Sadie and John were out planning something for the four of them later on that night.

After consideration of the facts, he doubted it. She wouldn’t be planning her own party surprise would she? He thought.

Rory had a heavy feeling in his stomach. He was beginning to feel physically sick. He knew that John was a womaniser from the secrets that he’d told him over the years.

Surely there’s nothing going on between them? He thought to himself.

No, John wouldn’t do that to me. I know they like each other a lot. He thought. But not this. They wouldn’t do that to me would they?

Rory got into his loan car and drove off in the direction that he saw John’s car going in.

He tried to ring Sadie on her mobile but it was turned off. He felt even more sick when he heard the off tone.

He noticed that he was physically shaking when he tried to phone her again. He could hardly dial.

Where would I go on a day like this if I didn’t want to bump into anyone? He asked himself aloud.

They think I’m at work, and she knew that I had an appointment at twelve o’clock. He thought.

The Crown. He thought. That’s the closest country pub to us, and it’s out of the way. That’s where I would go if I didn’t have a lot of time and wanted to go unnoticed by anyone that we know.

Rory made his way to the pub and drove around to the car park at the back. His world was shattered when he saw the Mercedes parked in the corner under some trees.

This can’t be happening. He said aloud. Please god don’t let this be true.

Instead of rushing in to confront the two, he sat and wondered what other reasons there may be for the two of them being in a pub in the middle of a bright May day. He didn’t want to burst in and start a confrontational situation, only to be told that they were arranging a surprise that included him.

Then the penny dropped.

It’s her birthday. He said to himself in a flash of understanding.

It’s her fucking birthday. He repeated. They’re celebrating together.

Rory was in shock as he walked up to a side window and looked inside. There they both were, laughing and looking as happy as could be. John had his right hand on Sadie’s left knee.

He shook with rage, and his heart was racing. His first reaction was to burst in and confront them both, yet still he was searching his mind for another explanation for what the two of them were doing together. He couldn’t bring himself to accept that anything was going on between them both.

He sat in his courtesy car which was unknown to either John or Sadie. He was as far away from the Mercedes as he could get. It was the longest hour. Finally they both walked out. Rory’s life changed forever when he saw them holding hands.

His friend opened the door for Sadie and patted her backside as she got in.

She obviously thought it was funny by the laugh she gave out.

Rory sat in his car wondering how and why this had happened. He was devastated.

How could they do this to me? He wondered. How long has it been going on?

He was tormenting himself. He wondered what his and her parents would say when they inevitably found out about them having an affair.

Because that’s what’s happening. He thought. It’s an affair. They’re cheating on me.

Then his mind went back to three days earlier when the four of them had been together. He’d been playing cricket whilst the two girls and John watched on.

I left them alone while I was playing cricket. He said aloud. That dirty no good bastard.

Rory wondered if John’s wife knew about them, or if she had any suspicions. Kelly was as sharp as a knife usually. But from the way she’d acted at the match, I can’t see how she could possibly know anything. He thought.

He put the key into the ignition and started the engine. He sat there for five or ten minutes before pulling away, not really knowing where he was going.

His mobile rang. He looked at the screen. It was Sadie.

He was shaking as he answered her.

It’s me. She said. You alright?

He felt a tremble in his voice as he answered.

I’m alright. It was all he could manage to say without breaking down.

Well you don’t sound alright. Sadie said.

I’m with a client. She’s looking around upstairs. He lied. What have you been up to then?

Nothing really. I spoke to my mum and dad this morning. They’re both ok. Then I did a bit of housework. Nothing exciting.

Rory had a lump in his throat the size of a walnut. He couldn’t say much. He knew that he’d either break down or steam into Sadie with abuse, but he held back. He wanted time to think.

I’ve got to go. He said. She’s coming downstairs. I’ll see you later.

Sadie put the phone down and stood there for a moment.

He sounded a bit off. She said to herself. Then she put it down to him having had a client with him.

She knew that Rory was always tense when showing anyone around a house. It fleetingly entered her mind as to whether or not he knew what she’d been up to with John, but she dismissed it as quickly as it had occurred to her.

How could he possibly know? He’s been at work. She thought.

Rory couldn’t go home. He couldn’t bear to hear the truth from Sadie’s lips. He needed a drink. He suddenly realised that he’d driven in a huge circle and was once again approaching the Crown pub, but from the other direction.

He pulled into the car park and once again felt as though he was going to throw up when he saw where they’d parked up earlier, and thought how John had patted her behind.

You don’t do that to somebody that you haven’t been intimate with. He thought.

He had three vodka and tonics. He was on the point of breaking down.

The Crown was not a pub that he and Sadie ever used. They tended to drink at home with friends as a rule.

That’s why they chose this place. He said aloud to himself.

The barman thought that Rory had spoken to him.

Sorry sir? Did you ask for something? He said.

No I was just talking to myself I think. Rory said miserably.

I was meant to meet a couple of friends here but I think I’ve missed them.

How do you know you’ve missed them? They may be running late. The man asked.

Rory looked thoughtful. Maybe. He slurred.

She was wearing a red miniskirt this morning when I saw them, with a black jacket. They drive a red Mercedes.

Oh! You mean John and Sadie. The man said. I’m afraid you have missed them, they were in earlier today.

Rory almost fell off of his stool.

They’re regulars here then? He asked.

Fairly regular. The man said in innocence. Got to get on. He said as he walked away.

The fucking bitch. Rory said aloud to himself.

The barman’s comment made what started out as a suspicion, a reality.

I need to get away. Rory thought. I need to process all this.

He was half way home when a blue flashing light appeared behind him.

Christ! That’s all I need. He said to himself.

Good afternoon sir. The policeman said. Can I see your licence please?

Yes of course. Rory said in as sober a voice as he could manage. Is there a problem officer?

Yes sir there is I’m afraid. You drove through a red light back there. Have you been drinking alcohol sir? The officer asked as he perused the licence.

Yes I’ve had one or two. Rory replied.

One or two what sir?

Vodka and tonics. Rory said sheepishly.

Was it one or two sir?

There was a delay of several seconds before he answered.

Probably three. Rory said. Realising that lying would serve no purpose.

Then you’ll be over the legal limit then sir. You’re required to give me a breath sample I’m afraid.

The officer walked back to his car and retrieved a bag. He took off the protective cap and handed it to Rory.

I need you to take a deep breath, and blow continuously in to the bag until I tell you to stop. The officer said courteously but firmly.

That’s enough. The officer said. I’m afraid it shows a positive result sir. It’s my duty to arrest you now on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Great. Rory said as though it was the officers fault that he was drunk.

The keys to the car were given to the officer. The second officer parked the loan car in a side street and returned with the keys.

Rory was seated in the back seat of the police car. He was handcuffed.

On the way to the police station Rory was thinking about nothing other than his wife and ex best friend.

I know it’s no excuse. He said, looking for sympathy. But I’ve just discovered that my wife and best friend are having an affair.

I’m sorry to hear that sir. The officer said. But drinking and driving is only going to add to your problems isn’t it?

Obviously. Rory said.

They arrived at the police station, and Rory was processed. He was placed in a cell to sober up. Not that he was absolutely drunk.

Do you want to make a phone call? The officer asked.

Rory looked at the cell floor. He was in deep thought.

Yes please. I’ll call my wife.

It’s me. I’ve been arrested for drinking and driving. He said in a monotone voice.

Rory said nothing as Sadie was laying into him verbally.

I know it was stupid, but lots of things in life are stupid aren’t they? He said.

I’m at the station now. He said. They’re waiting for a doctor apparently. He said through gritted teeth.

He couldn’t help but think that he was going through all this, not because he’d been caught driving whilst drunk, but because his wife had been shagging his best friend. He could barely hide his feelings from his wife. His voice had an edge to it. He knew it but he couldn’t avoid it.

Ring me when you need collecting. Sadie said angrily. She slammed the phone down.

The blood sample was taken, and Rory was put back into the cell.

How the hell am I going to handle this? He wondered.

I can’t just steam into her. I want to catch them red handed, if only to prove to myself that I’m right.  I can’t go anywhere near her sexually. That’s all over. He thought. Not that there’s much of that these days.

He felt weary with it all, and it had only been a matter of hours since he’d seen them together.

Eventually Rory was allowed to go home.

You’ll be hearing from the court in due course. The sergeant said.

He waited outside the station for Sadie.

What the hell were you thinking of? She asked angrily. You already have points on your licence for speeding. What are you going to do if you lose your job? You won’t be any good to your firm if you can’t drive will you? And what were you doing in a pub in the first place?

Rory just sat there taking all the abuse from her. He wanted to smash her in the face to disfigure her for life. He wouldn’t want her then would he? He thought to himself as she nagged at him.

They arrived home and let themselves in.

I’ll have to go back to collect the car in the morning. He said.

You’ve ruined my birthday. Sadie said with venom. Ignoring what he’d said.

You’ve ruined my life. He thought as he looked at her with sadness in his eyes.

"Do you want a cup of tea? Or have you had enough to drink for today?