The Locksmith by Linda Calvey

Author:Linda Calvey [Calvey, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Welbeck Publishing
Published: 2021-03-17T16:00:00+00:00

The sound of the telephone echoing through the large villa woke Ruby up from her reverie. She was stretched out on a sun lounger while George played happily beside her, when she leapt up and made a run to catch the call. ‘Ruby speakin’. Oh, Maureen, it’s you. How are ya? How’s your mum?’

The voice at the other end of the phone broke down.

‘Oh my God, I’m so sorry, Maureen that’s tragic. What can I do to help ya?’ Ruby said, holding the receiver to her ear. Her friend’s mother had died suddenly after a second, fatal, heart attack. ‘Do you want me to come back? I can help with arrangements. You’ll need a friend there . . .’ Tears had sprung to Ruby’s eyes. It reminded her of her mum’s last hours and how it all happened so quickly in the end.

‘No, darlin’. That’s very kind of ya but you stay there,’ Maureen sniffed. ‘I’ll be all right, I promise. I don’t want ya to spoil your holiday.’

Reluctantly, Ruby agreed to stay, but the day was soured and she struggled with the echo of her own tragic losses, and worry for her friend.

‘Come on, George, let’s go and get ice cream. We ’ave to find a way to cheer ourselves up.’

Her tear-stained face hidden by designer sunglasses, Ruby headed out with George. It was late morning and the shops were already starting to shut for the long afternoon siesta when suddenly, a familiar, handsome face appeared.

‘Ruby?’ Archie said, a slow smile spreading across his face as he recognised her.

She wasn’t sure why but she gasped, then felt utterly foolish.

‘Everythin’ OK?’ He seemed to sense her distress.

She tried to reply but suddenly felt tears welling up. She was going to blub and make even more of a fool of herself.

‘You’re not OK, are ya? What’s happened?’ His voice was gentle. He was a virtual stranger yet he seemed to care. He took her elbow and steered her towards the café where Alfie was sitting.

‘Hello, darlin’, good to see ya . . .’ Alfie’s voice trailed off as he caught Archie’s expression.

‘Can we ’elp ya?’ Alfie added.

Ruby calmed her breathing and felt the tears pass. The strange thing was that she didn’t feel stupid. She could see both men were actually concerned.

Just then George started to wiggle in his buggy, making it clear he wanted to get out. Without a word, Archie leaned over, unstrapped him and put him on his knee, as naturally as if he was the little boy’s own father.

Alfie laughed his throaty, tobacco laugh. ‘Don’t get too comfortable, bruv, or you’ll be next.’

Archie looked scornfully at his twin. ‘And I’d count myself lucky. Family is everythin’, you know that. Now, sit down, Ruby, and tell us what’s happened.’

Ruby did as she was told. She sat down and started to speak. Somehow she found herself telling them about Cathy’s death, how Maureen’s mum had brought back painful memories, and how sad she was not to be able to help her friend.

Neither Archie nor Alfie said a word until she stopped talking.

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