Thirty-three
It had been five days since the revelation about Abby’s pregnancy, and Luke was still reeling from the shock. While he’d been prepared to share the house with Josh and Abby for however long it took them to save a deposit, the news about the baby had thrown him. He knew what Ness would have suggested and agreed the house was big enough for all of them, that it was a perfect spot for their grandchild to grow up… in the same house as Josh had. But… and that’s where Luke’s thoughts became stuck.
It was as well the clinic wasn’t busy in this period between Christmas and New Year because he hadn’t slept well and wasn’t on top of his form. Nelson realised something was bothering his master and had been hovering around him more than usual, as if wondering what he could do to help.
Maybe Luke could make a start on his bucket list. But, even if he visited all the places on his list, he would still have to return to a house with a baby in it. He couldn’t see any solution.
The one bright spot on the horizon was that, now Christmas was over, he and Rachel could get together again. She had accepted his invitation to the New Year’s Eve bash at the yacht club and there was the unspoken agreement that afterwards they’d come back to Bob’s and… His heart pounded at the prospect of what might happen afterwards.
He was about to take his lunch break when a distraught man, accompanied by a small boy and carrying a black and white spaniel were ushered into the clinic. One glance at the dog told Luke he was looking at another poisoning. His heart sank.
‘It’s Bluey,’ said the little boy through his tears. ‘He’s sick. Can you make him better?’
‘Let me see what I can do,’ he said, taking the dog and placing it on the examination table. ‘It’s Finn, isn’t it?’ Luke said, recognising the man as the editor of the local paper who Joe Harris had introduced him to at the fundraiser soon after he arrived in town.
Finn nodded. ‘He’s been like this all morning. We were at the dog beach yesterday and think he may have eaten something that…’ he glanced at the little boy, ‘… disagreed with him.’
Luke understood. Finn suspected the dog had been poisoned but didn’t want to say so in the boy’s hearing.
‘What’s your name?’ he asked the boy while he gently examined the dog. ‘My name’s Luke.’
‘I’m Sandy and I’m six. Bluey’s only little,’ the boy said in a tremulous voice. ‘Grandy said you’d make him better.’
‘That’s what I’m here for. The dog beach?’ He raised an eyebrow in Finn’s direction. This was too much of a coincidence.
‘We spent the day there yesterday. Bluey seemed fine when he got home, but this morning we saw he was bleeding. I thought it best to bring him here.’
‘I’m glad you did. I had another very similar case before Christmas. Another spaniel, belonging to old Agnes.’
‘Is Lady okay?’ Sandy asked, sounding worried.
‘She’ll be fine now. You know Lady?’
‘Bluey and her are friends, and Agnes is my friend too. We meet on the beach, and I’ve visited her pelicans.’
‘Right,’ Luke said, amused, despite the seriousness of the situation. ‘Well, I think your grandad’s right, Sandy. Bluey has eaten something that disagreed with him. But I know how to help him.’
Sandy gave a wobbly smile.
‘First I’m going to take a sample of Bluey’s blood.’
‘Will it hurt?’
Luke shook his head, and the little boy watched anxiously as he took the sample.
‘You can test it here?’ Finn asked, seeing Luke go towards the adjoining room.
‘Luckily Bob installed an up-to-date laboratory. Otherwise, at this time of year…’ He shook his head.
‘So, I was right?’ Finn asked, when Luke returned.
‘I fear so. But it looks like we got to Bluey in time.’ Luke explained what would happen next as Sandy listened intently.
‘Thanks, Mr Luke,’ Sandy said when Luke had finished treating the little dog, handed Finn the tablets, and arranged for the follow-up appointment.
‘Thanks, Luke,’ Finn said, shaking his hand. ‘It concerns me that this has happened before… and only a week ago. Do you think it’s deliberate?’
‘I can’t say.’ He pulled on his beard. ‘I can’t imagine anyone in Pelican Crossing wanting to harm dogs.’
‘You wouldn’t think so, but…’ Finn glanced at Sandy who was busy stroking his pet, ‘… there are a couple of guys… No, I don’t think even they would go to this length.’
Luke raised an eyebrow.
‘Last year, they wanted to restrict dogs on the beach, claimed it was dangerous to have them running free. We did an article on it, there was a motion at the council. It was defeated, of course. There are a lot of dog owners in Pelican Crossing. But these guys weren’t convinced, and they’re still around.’
‘It’s a big step from banning dogs on the beach to poisoning them,’ Luke said so quietly Sandy couldn’t hear.
‘You’re right.’ Finn appeared relieved. ‘But we may have to warn dog owners to take care.’
‘Good idea. We don’t want to start a panic unnecessarily, but it may be a good idea to have a quiet word with those dog owners you know well. It doesn’t do any harm to be careful.’ Luke could see Finn was a useful person to know. Joe was too. He might only be here for a short time, but he really should make an effort to get to know these guys better. ‘Good to meet you again,’ he said, ‘Sorry about the circumstances.’
‘Likewise. I’ll publish a warning in the next issue of The Echo but try to play down the risk to avoid panic. Will you be at the New Year’s Eve bash at the club tonight? Might see you there.’
‘I will.’ When Finn and Sandy had left, it occurred to Luke that Finn’s partner was a friend of Rachel’s.
*
Rachel had a huge knot in her stomach at the thought of spending New Year’s Eve with Luke. The annual New Year’s bash at the yacht club wasn’t like having dinner there on a regular evening or even on a Saturday. On New Year’s Eve, all her friends would be there with their partners, as would Jess and Steph. It was a big deal and one she wasn’t sure she was ready for.
As she surveyed the contents of her wardrobe, she wondered if this was all a mistake, if she’d allowed herself to be carried away with the idea of Luke, rather than the reality.
‘That one’s pretty, Grandma.’ The little voice coming from the doorway was a shock. Rachel had forgotten about Alexander and Verity, forgotten she wasn’t alone in the house. She turned, the blue dress in her hand, to see the little girl standing there, ready to flee at the least sign she wasn’t wanted.
‘Do you think so?’
Verity nodded. ‘My mummy had a dress like that.’ Her eyes filled with tears.
‘Oh, my darling!’ Rachel pulled her into a hug. ‘I’m going to a special party tonight and trying to decide what to wear.’ She picked up the dress and held it against her. ‘I think you’re right. This is the one.’
‘Daddy’s taking me to see the fireworks. He said Molly can’t come.’
‘No, the noise and flashes frighten her. She’ll be happier here at home.’ Rachel knew Verity was referring to the early fireworks display for families at eight o’clock. There would be another at midnight, then… She knew Luke expected her to go home with him, but she still wasn’t sure about it, despite Poppy’s reassurance.
Once dressed, and wearing the earrings Luke had given her for Christmas, she headed to the kitchen where Alexander was fixing dinner for himself and Verity. To Rachel’s surprise, he was proving to be handy around the house and a fairly competent cook. She supposed he’d had to be, living alone in London.
‘You look great, Mum,’ he said. ‘I’ve fed Molly, so no need for you to worry. Enjoy yourself tonight. The start of a new year is always a good time to reflect.’
Rachel stared at her son as if by doing so she could discern what he was thinking. But as usual, Alexander was a closed book. He and Verity had been here for over a week now and he’d given no indication of when they planned to leave. He’d already stayed longer than last time.
The knock on the door startled her. Molly hadn’t given her usual warning of someone arriving. ‘Enjoy the fireworks,’ she said hugging both Alexander and Verity before picking up her bag and going to the door.
‘You’re looking lovely.’ Luke greeted Rachel with a kiss on the cheek which sent her heart racing, ‘and you smell delicious.’
Rachel glowed. Steph and Chloe had given her a new – and expensive – bottle of perfume for Christmas and this was the first time she’d worn it. The fragrance made her feel confident, attractive, and Luke’s words made her feel as if she was walking on air.
When they entered the yacht club, the first people Rachel saw were Poppy and Liz. They, along with Cam and Finn, were standing just inside the door as if they were waiting for someone. They were.
‘Here they are,’ Liz said, coming over to give Rachel a hug. ‘Finn said you and Luke were coming tonight, so we’ve arranged for us all to sit together.’
Rachel glanced at Luke. From his expression this was news to him too, but it might not be all bad. It would prevent any awkwardness and there could be no intimate t?te-á t?te . ‘How lovely,’ she said. ‘Are Gill and Joe here too?’
‘They won’t be joining us,’ Poppy said. ‘They’ve been caught up with some local dignitaries. The challenges of being mayor.’ She grimaced.
Rachel was glad of her friends’ company as they took their places, feeling all eyes on her and Luke. She wondered how many knew who he was, besides being Bob’s locum. Were those who recognised him, who remembered him and Becky, comparing her to her sister?
‘No one cares,’ Poppy whispered to her, when they were all seated. ‘You’d be surprised how many are more concerned with what’s on the menu tonight than with who you’re with or who Luke is.’
Rachel gave her friend a grateful smile and hoped she was right.
Since it was a special evening, a local trio had been commissioned to provide background music, setting the mood and making Rachel wish they could dance, and she could feel Luke’s arms around her. Instead she had to be satisfied with his shoulder brushing against hers and the occasional touch of his hand.
It was a happy evening. Rachel had all but forgotten what it was like to be out in company as part of a couple. It reminded of her of when Kirk was alive, but then, both Poppy and Liz had been with different partners too. She wondered if they had similar thoughts. Looking at them, she doubted it. They seemed happy, satisfied with their lives. But she knew life hadn’t been easy for either of them, and that reminder gave her hope, though for what she wasn’t quite sure.
After a sumptuous seafood meal, followed by individual servings of coconut, pannacotta and raspberry trifle and washed down with a delightful white wine, Rachel glanced around the room to see Jess and Paul, and Steph and Chloe. They were seated at different tables with friends, Steph and Chloe with Denny and Ron from Books and Coffee . It crossed Rachel’s mind to wonder for a moment which of the two young men had fathered Steph’s child, and if she was pregnant. She knew she’d never ask, realising she was becoming good at keeping her curiosity about her children’s lives to herself.
She tuned back into the conversation to hear Luke ask Finn about Bluey, and Poppy looking concerned. She knew the spaniel belonged to Finn’s grandson. ‘Is something the matter with Bluey?’ she asked.
Luke frowned. ‘I was going to tell you later. Finn and Sandy brought him into the clinic today. It looks as if he’s been poisoned.’
‘And he’s not the first,’ Poppy said.
Rachel looked back at Luke.
‘Old Agnes brought her spaniel in before Christmas. I thought it was a one-off, but this…’ He shook his head. ‘They were both on the dog beach. It’s best to keep away from it for the time being. I’ve suggested Finn drop a word to all the dog owners he knows, and he’s going to print a warning in the local paper.’
‘The paper?’ Rachel asked. ‘We don’t want to start a panic.’
‘Luke knows what he’s doing, Rach,’ Poppy said. ‘Let’s hope it’s only these two… and there’s no permanent damage.’
Rachel fell silent, but the shine had been taken off the evening for her. She was glad she never took Molly to the dog beach, but so many others did. What if…?
‘Don’t worry.’ Luke squeezed her hand. ‘We’re doing what we can, and hopefully there won’t be any more cases.’
Rachel felt reassured, but wished she’d known earlier, that Luke had seen fit to tell her about Agnes. Then she realised that this was the first time she’d seen him since then, apart from Christmas Day when they’d been surrounded by both their families.
The music suddenly became louder then stopped, and the countdown to midnight began. Without their being aware of it, waiters had been delivering glasses of champagne to all the tables. Now, everyone stood, glasses in hands, joining in the chant till the room erupted in shouts of Happy New Year.
Rachel found herself enfolded in Luke’s arms, his lips on hers, her heart exploding with happiness as there was a burst of fireworks outside.
After this, she didn’t have to think twice before agreeing, when Luke slowed the car outside Bob’s house. They tiptoed in, giggling like a pair of teenagers, so as not to waken Nelson, and made their way to the bedroom falling onto the bed and into each other’s arms.
‘You’re a special girl, Red,’ Luke said, kissing her nose, her lips, her chin…
‘Girl?’ She chuckled, her heart pounding as he kissed her neck. ‘Old girl maybe.’
‘ My old girl,’ Luke said, dropping a kiss on her shoulder, her arm, then on her breast through the fabric of her dress. She shivered, amazed at the sparks flying through her. ‘Let’s get you out of this,’ he said.
Rachel didn’t object when he helped her off with her dress. And she didn’t object that the bedside light remained on. Instead, she revelled in his warm and gentle touch; revelled in the way they moved as one.
Afterwards, Rachel didn’t know what she’d been worried about. Luke would still be leaving in three months’ time but, as Lou, Poppy – even Jess – had said, a lot could happen in three months, and she intended to make the most of every minute of it.