Twenty One Days

By Trevor Richens

The story is set in Byron Bay, an iconic tourist township in the Northern Rivers district of New South Wales, the author’s home district, and drawing on the cultural experience of working and living in that area and the Gold Coast, Queensland, the story evolved.

All the characters and shops are fictional, although similarities exist throughout the Gold Coast and Tweed/Byron districts. Likewise, the story reflects the similarities in people, anyone working closely with people, as a counsellor, would find. The need for friendship and a sense of well-being are universal desires, and just as common are the many fears and anxieties that restrict these desires.

This story aims at facing these fears and finding strength and growth as an individual to reach a greater degree of fulfilment in oneself and in any relationship.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press AU
• Release date: Jun 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9781504317788

Book preview

DAY ONE

Zoe was busy making coffee when she heard the voice. Looking up quickly she almost over filled one mug, but took a deep breath and focused on finishing the order. Three flat whites, she called, then stepped back to look at the two men who had entered her shop.

She heard the question, Been out in Oz long mate? and felt a shiver, not because of the answer, Only two days, Sydney first, then here last night via the Gold Coast Airport, but the total similarity in voice tone and volume to Charles.

Blinking away tears beginning to form she repeated a name in her head, ‘Charles, Charles.’ Another staff member arrived back after a short break. Sue, take over for a minute or two, I need to catch my breath, said Zoe and went into the kitchen turning to look through a one way mirror at the man with the same voice as….as…. This time she could not blink away tears, triggered by her memories. Zoe only drying her eyes when she saw several more people enter the shop, and taking a deep breath, re-joined her staff at the front counter.

The ‘voice’ was the next to be served. I’m told you make the best big breakfast in town so that plus a mug of flat white coffee, thanks.

Thanks for the compliment! Fourteen dollars, thanks. Are you by any chance from Cheshire in the UK? looking into twinkling blue eyes.

How did you guess that? A look of surprise on his face.

Now back in full business mode, Zoe answered in a friendly voice. I knew a person from there some months ago and you sound exactly like him.

The blue eyes twinkled again. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Guessing the answer when seeing her blink several times before answering calmly.

A little bit of both! Do you have sugar? placing three sachets on his saucer. Then realizing he had not answered, said. My apologies, very few need three.

Again the eyes sparkled, That’s okay. I’m one of those who likes his coffee sweet, thinking of his half-brother’s taste for sweet coffee.

Stepping back with his table number in hand, Harry took a seat at the back of the cafe where he could see all staff and customers coming or going. More customers were arriving, but he had not waited long before a tall athletic waitress delivered his order.

Reading her name tag he said, Thank you Sue, the best meal in town served by the best looking waitress I’ve seen in ages. This may well become a regular habit. My friends call me Harry! He smiled when he saw the slightest blush on a well-tanned face and heard a comment matching his own.

It’s why I love this job, meeting well-mannered and handsome men such as you.

Well before he had finished his breakfast, Harry knew it was another good reason to come regularly to the cafe, witnessing a friendly well organized team in action. He waved to Zoe as he left the shop and was pleased to see a tentative wave in return. ‘Good choice brother. Yes, she is hurting bad! One found; now where is this Joe chap?’ he said to himself, beginning to walk towards the beachfront and surf club.

Joe saw him coming as he had a commanding view of the beach park from his espresso bar. He looked at a photo he had pinned out of sight of customers with a brief note and date written on it and thought, ‘this looks like him’. He watched as Harry wandered through the park and giant pine trees and thought, ‘Not much of a tan.’

Harry was moving slowly, stopping to take photos of surfers catching waves, people lying on the grass or sitting at the seats scattered amongst the trees. At one stage Joe saw him sit down against a tree and knew his shop was being checked out. He lost sight of him for a few minutes behind the surf club, continuing to serve customers in the belief he would meet the man at any moment. He began to make a small coffee when he saw him coming across the road.

Harry wandered in under the street awning, approached the counter and said, The Sit-N-Sip Espresso Bar! I’ve found the right place. Would you be Joe?

Small flat white, three sugars, said Joe as he passed Harry a cup. I guess you’ve been to Zoe’s and wouldn’t want a full mug. Yes, I’m Joe and you have to be Harry. Take a seat out front and I’ll join you in a moment. The photo helped. Your hair is longer.

Harry didn’t show the surprise he felt but turned and found a chair against the wall, with a good view out over the park.

Within a few minutes Joe joined Harry, also with a cup of coffee.

You obviously received my note. I didn’t think the photo was that good a likeness, said Harry.

Charles showed me a photo of you which was similar. He also said you would turn up when you could if anything went wrong! Plus your accent. I was pleased to hear you were coming. How much do you know?

Not much. He sent me texts and postcards. Obviously in love with everything around here. Then the notes and messages began to change.

In what way? asked Joe.

Getting cautious. Some things weren’t fitting in. Thanks for organizing the memorial service for him. I couldn’t get away from a massive scam we were investigating. Even now I’ve only been given limited time off. Mum also sends her thanks.

It was the least I could do. I only half saw it coming. We need to tread very carefully. Come back in about two hours, I’ve staff coming in then. Clarkes Beach is a twenty minute walk towards the lighthouse. Are you into photography much?

Just a beginner! Mum wants photos of everything Charles may have seen or done. Thanks for the coffee. Not as good as down town! His eyes sparkled, I didn’t think who made it would affect the taste!

Zoe runs a good business and has lots of good qualities. See you later.

The café had been busy most of the day but during a break from customers, Zoe and Sue had been busy unloading and re stacking mugs and plates from the dishwasher and chatting as they worked.

Sue, why don’t you ask Harry if you could show him around the district? Brunswick, Mullum, your favourite places.

I’d thought of it. He’s an interesting man. But, I thought it would be out of place and far too soon, said Sue

Maybe. Since breakfast he’s been here again twice for coffee and lunch and he looks for you to serve him.

Sue smiled. It’s not just his voice, he has other mannerisms that remind me of Charles. He uses his phone left handed and even leans on the table the same way. I know he comes from the same country, but it makes me wonder if he came from the same town or went to the same school.

Zoe said softly. He sounds so much like Charles. Sue, he seems a little reserved. However you see something special in him so take a little more time when you serve him next and in a day or two I can’t see anything wrong in offering.

No harm in being friendly. He certainly is a cut above the ordinary overseas backpacker. Maybe tomorrow I’ll check it out. He has a style and a confidence that says clearly, a man of the world.

He seems more settled and relaxed than Charles. As if he knows the world will bring him what he needs. As much as I loved Charles for helping me to enjoy life, I’d often wonder when he would take off again to pursue the next adventure.

Yes. I was like that when I was younger, always wanting to find out what was over the next hill. Do you know what, I never did find anything different in what people want or do.

I’d like to hear more about that comment as we have customers from all over the world and I often wonder if they are different in any way, said Zoe. Have you ever had a long term relationship?

If you call a year, long term, one in my last year at school and one while in the Army. I found I couldn’t handle the lack of quality time they were prepared to give. How about you before you met Charles?

One, on again off again for a couple of years. He still turns up wanting to make it work. However I told him not to bother anymore as he wouldn’t take life seriously and get a steady job. Then Charles turned up!

How did you get involved with Charles? I’m not sure who was more surprised, Joe or myself.

Surprised? You and Joe? Why? asked Zoe.

You were so focused on the café with virtually no social life

I can’t explain it, but as I said, he taught me how to laugh again. I first met him at the Nipper’s morning at the surf club. Somehow he managed to get me to see I took life far too seriously. Joe was good for me as well, he and Charles would bounce off each other.

In what way was Joe good for you?

Have you ever heard him be judgmental or critical in a negative way? Never! It’s why Spring Hill is so successful, said Sue.

Yes. Before I got to know Joe I could be quite a bitch. As I got to know him and saw how he encouraged people, I began to change.

Zoe, he would be pleased to hear that. You should tell him one day.

I will. However, work calls, said Zoe as she saw a group of people coming into the café.

DAY TWO

The next morning the sky had settled down to a sprinkling of grey cloud after a brilliant display of red and gold at sunrise. A dozen or so surfers had been out since daybreak and backpackers were beginning to drift into town from the varying accommodation houses scattered throughout the Bay.

Harry had been out for an early morning jog, then back to his hotel room for a shower, shave and a last check on his computer for any emails and information on the stock exchange. ‘Time for breakfast!’ he said to himself, deciding not to tuck a new shirt into his shorts. He looked briefly at a photo and placed it in his shirt pocket.

Zoe was putting the last of the table and chairs into position as he arrived at her café.

Good morning, Zoe. Ready for another big day?

Hello Harry. I like your shirt. You now fit in well with the other tourists.

Have I been that formal? Glad you like it though; I’ve never had much clothes sense. Too long in the Army, Harry said.

Ah, that makes sense. Sue and I thought you may have a military or police background. Did you know Joe was also ex- military? It took him a while to get into a casual way of dressing.

That’s nice to know two attractive women in the Bay are talking about how I dress. Sue not in yet? asked Harry looking into the café to see who else was at work.

Not till eleven. She has a dental appointment.

She has a lovely smile and well worth while looking after. Could you spare me a few minutes sometime today?

Sure why not now? I’ve another casual arriving at any minute. In fact here he is now. Good morning Neville. I’d like you to meet Harry Reid.

Good day mate. I saw you at Joe’s, and reached out to shake Harry’s hand.

Yes, I thought I recognized you. One of his staff, I’d guess. Maybe I should get a few lessons myself.

Neville smiled. Sounds like you and Joe talk about more than coffee and good looking girls.

Zoe looked puzzled by that comment and asked. What was that about?

Harry said. Zoe, could Neville take over now? I can answer your question. It could trigger some negativity. Shall we sit here? Or would you rather have some privacy?

It can’t get much worse than what I’ve been through since I first heard your voice, pulling out a chair and sitting down. Here will do. You sound so much like a friend who drowned last November; it stirred up a lot of grief. But one has to move on! His name was Charles! He came from a small town in Cheshire in the UK.

Zoe saw a change of expression in Harry’s eyes and said carefully, Have I said something wrong?

Harry reached into his pocket and passed the photo to Zoe.

Zoe’s face turned white, then red and she said angrily, That’s a photo of me and my friend! How did you get that?

Zoe, Charles is my half-brother. We had the same mother.

Ooh. Swaying back in her chair, barely breathing, Zoe then reached out and touched Harry’s hand, and said firmly. What did I just say? One has to move on! I didn’t think I’d be tested so soon after saying that.

Messages from Charles convinced me he loved you deeply. He also said that you were one tough lady.

Zoe began wringing her hands together, clasping, unclasping, eyes looking down at the table, then a quick glance up at Harry’s face. This happened several times until she took a deep breath, seemed to tense every muscle in her body, than relaxed, smiled at Harry before asking: Why are you here at the Bay? Charles only mentioned you a couple of times, never as a brother, or by name, only…only…, again looking down at the table until Harry spoke.

Go on. We never saw a lot of each other, but when we did were top quality.

He referred to you as my ‘hero figure’. I vaguely recall he once said you were keeping the Army honest and would never marry.

He would say that. I’m in the Military Police. At the time of his death I’d just begun a serious investigation and we only managed to get it before a Court, a week ago.

Oh! said Zoe, a surprised edge to her reply, but then a more direct look at Harry before asking. Why didn’t he join the army?

"I talked him out of it! My reasons given may be why he said I’d never marry.’

So why are you here?

To find out what really happened to Charles. I can’t believe such a good swimmer could have drowned. He also sent me some intriguing cryptic messages in his last few weeks. I managed to get twenty one days leave, plus flight time, to find out what happened to him and what he was hinting at. Did he seem uptight in his last few weeks?

Zoe looked at several regulars arriving at her café and quickly checked the time. Harry, we haven’t got your breakfast yet. You must be hungry! Rising from her chair intending to go inside, she paused and said softly, This is all too much at this moment. Yes to your question. I’ll tell you more tomorrow. Bye.

Harry was at his usual table when Neville bought out his breakfast. No doubt you’ll hear I’m ex-army as well. Zoe just told me you’re Army. We look out for each other.

We? Harry asked.

Zoe and Joe are friends and they have helped a lot of ex-military get back into civilian life, including myself, via casual work here in the café and up at Joe’s. We now call them trainees and are building a good team. I’ll know you’re included in that team when I see you making coffee here or at Joe’s. Neville gave the thumbs up sign of approval, leaving Harry eating and thinking deeply.

The lunch time crowd had left the café, leaving Zoe a few minutes to catch up on retrieving dirty dishes and cleaning tables, when Sue approached her.

Zoe, I’m not sure how I should raise this, or even if I should.

Sue, I’ve tried to teach all my staff to be up front honest with each other and myself. Is it something about me, you, or one of the customers? Zoe’s expressions open and supportive.

The first and the last. I know Mr Cohen is your step dad and you don’t exactly hit it off!

Zoe’s voice hardened a little, but retaining her friendly smile, said. That doesn’t take much to figure out. I do try and show Chad the same respect I do for all my customers. So what’s on your mind?

That you do. Yesterday when he came in for a coffee, with a sleaze bag of a man, I got the spooks as he was mentally undressing us all. But as I was serving a couple behind them I heard, ‘Get your eyes off my girls or you’ll be leaving town with a busted knee cap’. The way Mr Cohen said it frightened me, but I swear the sleaze bag never took his eyes off Mr Cohen from that point on.

Zoe remained still for a few seconds before responding. Chad can be scary and he thinks he owns everyone here because we lease his shop. It’s only the second time Mum has ever stood up against him for my sake. She said ‘Chad, your premises, Zoe’s business! Back off!’ I was flabbergasted that she stood up for me. Thanks for telling me.

The second time? May I ask about the first time?

Zoe smiled. Chad puzzles me in different ways, but I know he has scared off some from coming here. He is very judgmental and seems to lump people into three categories, workers, tourists and drug addicts. The first time was a couple of years after he married mum. Chad was insisting he should legally adopt me and have the surname, Cohen. Mum then said we’ll ask Zoe herself and her answer will be the end of this argument.

Of course you chose to say with your father’s name, Cummins.

Yes. It wasn’t easy though as Chad had frightened me before that and even as a young girl I didn’t trust him.

Sue smiled briefly. "There are lots of people who are biased and pig headed like Chad. What about Harry? Neville said he saw you two having a deep discussion about something. Do you think he