A Time of Peace Page 15

  He picked up the photograph Eddie had given him for Christmas. Kate Freeman had caught the boy as he’d laughed up at her, and it was an excellent picture. Ed had asked for a photograph of him, so he’d promised to have one taken before he left for Algeria.

  He replaced the picture on his bedside table. Might as well have Kate Freeman take the photo, as that would please Eddie even more. Mrs Green had told him where the shop was, so he grabbed his coat and hurried out, closing the door of his flat with a thud. It wouldn’t shut if you didn’t give it a real tug.

  A bus to Kensington arrived just as he reached the stop and he jumped on. There was something troubling him about that beautiful woman, yet he couldn’t for the life of him decide what it was. She appeared to have everything in the world going for her, but …

  He paid his fare and stared out of the window. Perhaps seeing her one more time would solve the mystery of Kate Freeman.

  There was a young girl in the shop, and she gave him a welcoming smile. ‘Good afternoon, sir.’

  ‘I’d like a portrait of myself. Could it be done today? Right now if possible?’

  ‘I’ll find out. I only started here this week and I don’t know how things work yet. Excuse me, sir.’ She disappeared into the back of the shop.

  He walked around looking at the many photographs lining the walls. They really were excellent. He’d heard the story about Andrew Stevenson’s treatment of her – the man had been a fool to lose her.

  ‘I can do the portrait for you now, sir.’

  Jon turned from gazing at a stunning photo of trees with the sun filtering through the branches with misty fingers. The young man standing beside him was tall and had a bright smile on his face.

  ‘Thank you,’ he said. ‘Is Kate Freeman around?’

  ‘She isn’t here at the moment. My name’s Pete and I do most of the studio work, but if you’d rather have Miss Freeman take the pictures, then I’ll make an appointment for you.’

  ‘No, that isn’t necessary. Did you take any of these?’ Jon swept his hand around the room.

  ‘Most of them are Miss Freeman’s work, but four are mine. The one you were looking at for instance.’

  ‘Really.’ Jon regarded him with renewed interest. ‘I think it’s stunning.’

  Pete smiled, a touch of shyness surfacing at the compliment. ‘Thank you, I’ve had an excellent teacher in Miss Freeman, and I was lucky with the light.’

  They were about to go to the studio when the shop door opened and Kate came in, followed by five others.

  Rose smiled when she saw him. ‘Hello, Jon, let me introduce you to everyone. This is my husband, Bill, my son, James, my sister Annie and her husband, Reid.’

  ‘You’d better put the kettle on, Susan,’ Pete said.

  ‘Don’t bother with that,’ Bill said, as he and James held up bottles of champagne. ‘We’re going to have a celebration.’

  Pete was wide-eyed with amusement. Then his expression turned to astonishment as a taxi drew up and his parents got out and came into the shop. He rushed forward to greet them. ‘What are you doing here?’

  ‘Mr Freeman sent a taxi for us,’ his father told him.

  Pete spun round and looked at Kate. ‘What’s going on?’

  ‘You’ll see in a moment. Susan, there’s a box of glasses in my car, would you get them for me, please?’

  Jon watched the proceedings with something akin to pain. What must it feel like to belong to a close-knit family like this? The security and outpouring of love was something he had never known – would never know, and the loneliness of his life hit him with force. He didn’t belong here!

  ‘I can see you’re busy,’ he told Pete. ‘I’ll come another time.’

  ‘No.’ Rose touched his arm. ‘Stay and enjoy this moment with us.’

  ‘I’ll take your photos now,’ Pete told him.

  ‘I’m sure Mr Devlin won’t mind waiting a while.’ Kate stood next to Pete and smiled at his parents. ‘Thank you for coming, Mr and Mrs Sheldon; we wanted you to be here.’

  The couple looked rather overwhelmed, and Jon knew exactly how they felt. He could handle riots, strife, war and flying bullets, but finding himself in the middle of the Freeman family was something quite out of his experience.

  The young girl came back with the glasses. James lined them up on the counter, popped the champagne corks and filled the glasses. Then Bill and Reid passed them around.

  As Jon gazed at the bubbling liquid, he wondered what the devil he was doing here. This wasn’t anything to do with him, but he’d been included without a second thought.

  ‘Quiet everyone,’ James said, calling them to order. ‘Kate has something to say and a presentation to make.’

  Holding a large envelope in her hand, she moved to stand beside her friend. ‘Pete, you took a big chance when you left the World Explorer to stay with me, and by your hard work and enthusiasm this shop is turning into a good business.’ She paused. ‘We’re also very grateful to you for going to James so quickly before Christmas, and staying with Mum and Dad through that dreadful time. I know your family rely on your salary, and it has worried me very much to realize that you didn’t have any job security should things have turned out differently. My family would have looked after you of course, but I wanted to do something more for you.’

  She handed him the envelope and kissed his cheek. ‘Welcome, partner.’

  Jon was too busy trying to make sense of Kate’s words to notice Pete’s reaction. She was talking as if she could have died and left the boy high and dry, but that didn’t make sense: she was in perfect health, as far as he could see. He frowned and turned his attention back to the boy, who was nearly in tears as he looked at the document.

  Bill raised his glass. ‘Let’s drink to Pete and wish him every success in the future.’

  Jon sipped his champagne and found Reid standing beside him. ‘What’s this all about?’ Jon asked.

  ‘Kate’s given Pete a 40 per cent share in the business.’

  ‘But he’s so young!’

  ‘He’ll be twenty this year and has a good business head on his shoulders. Kate wanted to make him secure for the future.’

  Jon took another mouthful of his drink. ‘Well, she’s certainly done that, but why?’ He never received an answer, because Reid moved away.

  Pete recovered his composure and began to speak, his voice husky with emotion. ‘I couldn’t believe my luck when I was ordered to be Kate’s assistant at the paper. She taught me with such patience and didn’t laugh when I told her I wanted to be a photographer like her. In fact she gave me a camera and encouraged me to go out to take pictures. I had no hesitation in coming with her when she left the paper. She’s often joked with me and called me her partner, but I never expected anything like this.’ His voice broke, and he paused to give Kate an affectionate smile. ‘I’ll work hard for the success of our business. Especially now that I really am your partner!’

  Laughter and a round of applause followed this last remark, as the glasses were refilled.

  Kate came over to Jon and held out her hand. ‘Hello. Pete said you’ve come for a portrait?’

  ‘It’s for Eddie,’ he told her, as Pete joined them.

  ‘Is that the little boy at the home?’ Pete asked.

  ‘Yes.’ Kate gave a fond smile.

  ‘Why don’t you have one taken together, then?’ Pete urged. ‘I’m sure Eddie would love a picture of you both.’

  ‘What a good idea.’ Jon took hold of Kate’s arm, and they followed Pete into the studio, where all the portraits were taken.

  He arranged them sitting side by side. ‘Put your arm around Kate’s shoulder, Mr Devlin.’

  He did as ordered and said quietly to Kate, ‘Smile for Eddie.’

  She did so while the pictures were being taken. When the photography was finished, he stood up, holding out his hand to help her from the chair. What he saw in her eyes in that unguarded moment rocked him back on his heels. It was an emoti
on he’d seen many times in his line of work.

  Kate Freeman was traumatized. Something had happened to her, or someone had hurt her. What was it? He couldn’t ask, but he damned well wished he knew.

  16

  ‘Have you seen these?’ Bill slapped two papers on to the garden table. ‘What’s our daughter up to? Why’s she writing about who’s sleeping with whom, and scandals like that? She doesn’t need this kind of money.’ He gave a weary sigh, sat down and lifted his face to the warm spring sunshine. ‘I don’t understand what she’s doing, Rose.’

  She studied her husband’s worried face. He was finding it difficult to understand what Kate was going through. ‘She’s coping with the horror of the abduction in the only way she knows. Give her time, Bill.’

  He sat up and frowned. ‘What do you mean? That happened three months ago, and she didn’t seem terribly distressed once she was released.’

  ‘She disguises it well, but I understand the turmoil she’s experiencing.’

  Bill’s expression softened. ‘Yes, you would. How long did it take you to come to terms with the attack on you?’

  Rose looked thoughtful. ‘I don’t think I really did until I married you. As you know, I was only fourteen when I was raped. I was ashamed of myself and somehow felt that it was my fault. It wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t walked through the park at that time of the evening – I should have fought harder … You know, all things like that. I felt guilty and I believe Kate is suffering in the same way.’

  He was leaning forward in his seat. ‘But the situation she found herself in was completely different from yours. She assured us that she wasn’t raped, and I believe her. She’s never lied to us, Rose. Has she talked to you? Do you have any idea what she’s struggling with?’

  Rose was well aware that Kate hadn’t lied to them, but she hadn’t told them the whole truth either. Whatever had really gone on in that room, their daughter was keeping to herself. ‘She hasn’t discussed it with me yet, but she will when she’s ready. From her attitude and a few unguarded remarks, I’m pretty sure she believes she’s a coward.’

  He groaned. ‘That isn’t right; anyone would have been terrified. But surely reporting and photographing every scandal she can find is not the way to deal with this.’

  ‘No, it isn’t, but we must leave her to find that out in her own time.’

  ‘Hi.’ Kate breezed into the garden and sat next to her father. ‘What a gorgeous day.’

  ‘You’ve finished early,’ Rose said.

  ‘It’s Susan’s birthday, so Pete and I are taking her out for a treat.’ Kate’s grin was amused. ‘She’s turning out to be more than Pete’s assistant. I think they’re rather attracted to each other.’

  ‘Are you going to the pictures?’ Bill gave his daughter a thoughtful look.

  Kate helped herself to a glass of home-made lemonade from the jug on the table. ‘No, we’re going to see one of those new groups. Pete says they’re great.’

  ‘If Pete’s dating Susan, won’t you be in the way?’ her father asked.

  ‘This is my treat, so I’ll stay with them for a while and then come home. Beth and Steve are coming as well.’

  ‘Isn’t it time you found yourself a boyfriend?’ Bill asked hopefully.

  ‘I don’t want one at the moment. I’m too busy.’ She dismissed the suggestion with a shrug.

  ‘Doing things like this?’ He pointed to the papers on the table, not hiding his distaste.

  Kate picked up an evening paper. ‘I’m writing my own articles now as well.’

  ‘But why are you writing mindless gossip pieces? You’ve never been interested in that side of journalism. There must be plenty of worth while stories to photograph and write about. Are you proud of this?’ Bill asked.

  She bent down to stroke a neighbour’s cat that had come to wind itself round her legs, begging for a fuss. She ran her hand along its back, scratching behind its ears as it rumbled with pleasure. Rose recognized the stubborn set of her daughter’s mouth and knew she didn’t want to answer that question. It wasn’t often you saw this in Kate these days, but it had happened quite a lot when she’d been younger.

  ‘Answer me,’ her father prompted.

  She sat back again and stared across the garden. ‘No, Dad, I’m not proud of the work I’m doing, but it pays well and it’s helping to expand the business.’

  Bill sighed, perplexed. ‘You used to have such high standards. I know how much you wanted to work for the World Explorer and the respect you have for its lack of sensationalism. That was important to you once. And you’re leaving Pete to take care of the shop. You only go there when there’s too much work for him to handle.’

  ‘Pete doesn’t need me there all the time. If he did, he’d tell me. The success of the business is very important to him – and to me!’ She gave him an anguished glance. ‘I don’t want to argue with you, Dad. I’m doing the best I can.’

  He leant forward and took her hands in his. ‘I’m worried; this just isn’t you. From the time you could walk you’ve had a love of people. Many times I’ve watched you help them in a loving and understanding way. These people you’re writing about have made their own problems. You’re wasting your talent, darling.’

  Kate looked down at their clasped hands, released her grip and shook her head. ‘I don’t know what all the fuss is about. I’m twenty-four years old now, so surely I’m allowed to live my own life?’

  Bill started as if he’d been stung and sat back, his expression one of sadness. ‘Of course you are. I’m only concerned about you, Kate.’

  She stood up calmly. ‘I don’t know what you’re worrying about; I’m perfectly all right. Now I must change, please excuse me.’

  Rose watched her walk away. She was obviously bottling up strong feelings, and it was even making her snap at her father. That was something she’d never done in her life. ‘We must try not to worry. She’ll see sense eventually.’

  ‘I hope to God you’re right, Rose.’ Bill tossed the papers aside in disgust. ‘I’ve never heard her speak like that before. She’s always been such a caring girl, but this abduction has changed her.’

  Rose stood up and kissed her husband on the top of his head. ‘She’s fighting inner demons and we must be patient. Howard has been charged with kidnapping and attempted murder, so more happened in that room than she’s told us, but she’s our daughter, darling, and she’ll come through this.’

  The noise was deafening and Kate covered her ears. This was even noisier than the concert she’d been to with Beth. The more racket the audience made, the louder the band seemed to play. She liked Elvis, the Everly Brothers and bands like the Shadows, but that was when she played them at home on her Dansette record player, and she could control the volume. She had inherited her mother’s aversion to loud noises; she wished she’d inherited more of her strength of character!

  But even the ear-splitting noise couldn’t drive out the memory of that spat with her father. She shouldn’t have snapped like that, but she had to keep herself busy every minute of the day and was taking any commission that came her way. It wasn’t work she liked, but it gave her little time to think. She had been irritated at the censure. Still, she had been in the wrong – again – and would apologize the moment she saw him. She turned her attention back to the seething throng of dancers.

  Pete, Susan, Beth and Steve were thoroughly enjoying themselves, as was everyone else. Kate glanced at her watch: another half an hour and she would leave them to it. Her twenty-fourth birthday had been last month and she was too old for this. She fanned herself with her hand; it was unusually warm for the beginning of April and it was hot in here.

  She was just about to say she was leaving when she saw Pete rush over to greet a young man who’d walked in. He was now being dragged towards her.

  ‘Kate!’ Pete yelled. ‘This is my cousin Jim.’

  The family connection was obvious, but Jim was several years older than Pete. She smiled, shook hands
, and mercifully at that moment the music stopped.

  ‘Hello,’ Jim said. ‘The famous Kate. Pete never stops talking about you and your shop. Would you like to go somewhere quieter and have a drink?’

  He certainly didn’t waste any time, she thought, noticing the gleam of appreciation in his eyes. He was a presentable man, but since the abduction she’d become wary of being alone with anyone she didn’t know. ‘I was thinking of going home,’ she told him.

  ‘Just one quick drink in the pub across the road.’ He glanced at the stage. ‘I’d like to leave before they get going again.’

  Kate laughed at the expression on his face, and, after waving farewell to the others, they left just as the noise started.

  The pub was crowded, but Jim found her a seat and went to fight his way to the bar. While he was away, she had to repulse more than one attempt to chat her up.

  ‘Phew!’ Jim plonked a pint of beer and the lemonade she’d asked for on the table. ‘That was worse than a rugby scrum.’

  He was big enough to play that game, she thought, as her insides heaved, remembering what another large man had planned for her. Would this fear never leave her?

  He squeezed in next to her and gave an engaging smile. ‘I know a lot about you, but you don’t know anything about me. I’d better introduce myself properly. My name’s Jim Sheldon and I’m Pete’s cousin, as he told you. I’m twenty-two and work in a factory as a toolmaker. I’m not married and I don’t have a girlfriend at the moment.’ He sipped his beer, and when he put down the glass the corners of his mouth twitched in amusement. ‘And I’m considered quite respectable.’

  ‘By whom?’ she asked.

  ‘Oh, just about everyone.’ He wiggled his eyebrows. ‘I hope you’re impressed?’