The Harbinger Read online

  A muffled pop came from the kitchen, bringing Ellie back to the present. She had her eyes trained on the door, waiting for Holly to appear. She came through looking like a waiter, small silver tray balanced aloft in one hand, bottle in the other.

  Ellie laughed aloud when she spied her. “You’ll have to be careful who you do that for”—she pointed at the tray—“or people will start calling you Garcon.” Ellie’s eyes laughed.

  Holly shook her head as she placed the bottle and then the tray on the large coffee table between them. “Not going to happen. Strictly reserved for your eyes only.”

  Ellie laughed again. “And you’ve been watching too many Bond films.”

  Holly held her hands up. “Guilty—especially the older ones. You can’t beat a bit of Sean Connery.”

  Ellie shook her head. “Yes, you can, with a bit of Daniel Craig. He can have the top off my egg any morning at breakfast.”

  Holly’s face looked solemn, and her eyes held sadness, which Ellie was finding hard to understand. “So, he’s your ideal man, is he?” asked Holly, filling their flutes to the top, but not engaging Ellie by looking at her.

  Ellie took a long swallow of the bubbly liquid and swallowed. It hurt her throat on the way down. She would have crossed her fingers if her hands were not occupied. The time had come.

  “I don’t have an ideal man… it’s just a figure of speech. I have an ideal woman.” Ellie lowered her eyes and stared at the very expensive hardwood floor. She cursed herself. It didn’t matter how many times she came out to people, she couldn’t look them in the eye. The action made her look ashamed of her sexuality, and she certainly wasn’t.

  It seemed an age before Holly made any movement or sound. I knew it, thought Ellie. Scratch one friendship.

  Then it started, first as a titter and then escalating into a full-blown belly laugh. “Well I wasn’t expecting you to fess-up, but I think I already knew that. My gaydar is in full working order, I’m glad to say.”

  Ellie took a second gulp from her glass, nearly draining it. “So, what do you have to say? Anything?”

  Holly sat down on the edge of the couch, legs slightly apart, balancing an elbow on each knee. Her hands were together, holding her glass in between them. She shook her head. “Only welcome to the club.”

  Her smile formed her features into one of relief then changed again into something Ellie had never seen before. Pure seduction. Ellie told herself to keep calm, but it wasn’t working. It had been a long time since she’d had any sexual encounter to speak of, but she was determined she wasn’t going to rush into anything. She wasn’t a first date kind of person. She never used to be anyway, but she was sorely tempted. Then she remembered it was Alex’s birthday. Her mind was quickly sending her towards the blackness. No, nothing would happen, especially tonight.

  Ellie jumped a little when she saw Holly stand.

  “It’s okay,” said Holly, looking a little hurt. “I’m only going to refill your glass.”

  “No,” said Ellie. “No,” she said a little more vehemently, “you didn’t do anything wrong. I was just away with the fairies again.”

  “Bloody hell, Ellie,” said Holly. “You’re more with the fairies than you are with me today. So, now all confessions are out on the table, what would you like to do this weekend? For goodness’ sake, don’t say Monopoly.”

  Ellie could feel the tension easing between them. It was such a relief. It felt good again. “I’m open to suggestions—DVDs, board games apart from Monopoly, dominoes, cards—all the usual suspects. Or we could just read.”

  Holly cleared her throat. “Well, let’s decide tomorrow on a plan of action—if we’re going to have one. I think we should finish off the evening with a Bond movie. I highly recommend Never Say Never Again. What do you think?”

  Ellie was just about to answer when both women heard movement on the staircase. Holly rushed from the couch and met Leah at the bottom of the stairs. “Hi, sweetheart,” she said to her daughter as she enveloped her in a big hug. “What’s wrong? Is your throat hurting?”

  Leah nodded.

  “I’ll tell you what, I know it’s late, but you have been asleep a great deal today. Would you like to snuggle up with me on the couch and watch a Bond? Ellie’s here, as you know. I’m sure she won’t mind. I’ll get you a drink and some soft nibbles, and then you can have some painkillers. How does that sound?”

  Leah looked at Ellie with pleading eyes.

  Ellie nodded. “It will be a pleasure to have your company, Leah,” she said with a smile. “You come and sit with me while your mum gets your food and drink.”

  As Leah padded over to her, Holly closed her eyes slowly. When she opened them again, she mouthed Thanks to Ellie.

  Ellie patted the seat beside her and Leah duly sat. “Thank you,” muttered the young girl in a hoarse whisper. Her face was paler than normal, and she had dark circles under her dull eyes. Her hair had lost its shine, too. A sure sign her body was fighting a strong infection. Ellie wanted to wrap her arms around Leah and give her a big hug, but she didn’t think they were acquainted well enough for her to do it.

  Ellie settled for a sympathetic smile. “So, other than the throat infection, how are you doing? Has the doctor said any more about your scar?” Ellie knew he hadn’t, but thought it might bring an opening to a conversation.

  Leah shook her head. “No, I haven’t seen him since he took the dressing off. I go to see him again next week. My dad is taking me. He said he’s sick of getting second-hand information, but my mum tells him every word!” As her croaky voice reached the crescendo, it gave out. Although she tried to utter another word, her body had other ideas.

  The conversation, such as it was, halted when Holly came into the room. She put down the drink and food on her side of the coffee table before retrieving a woolly blanket from underneath her arm.

  “Here you go, sweetheart. Try to eat and drink a little something. The cold orange juice will certainly help. Your pills are here too.”

  Holly’s concern was obvious. The two seemed very close—as it should be. Again, Ellie was awash with guilt. She didn’t say it aloud because of the way Holly might react, but Leah should be in bed with her mother for company. Ellie assumed they’d holed up in the lounge because of her presence. She currently felt like a voyeur.

  Leah and Holly were getting comfortable on the other couch, the warm blanket covering Leah from the waist down, dutifully tucked in under her legs. She lay sideways on to her mother, on her side, Holly’s arm draped over her shoulder, her hand resting on Leah’s upper arm. It looked like a well-practised position. It eased Ellie’s guilt a little.

  “I’m sorry Leah’s voice has gone walkabout. I was asking her some questions, but I think the effort of answering was too much. I’m sorry, Leah.”

  Holly waved away her apology. “It doesn’t take much. It’s been coming and going all day, hasn’t it sweetie?”

  Leah’s head nodded slowly in between small sips of orange juice. With each tiny swallow, she grimaced. Holly put her hand on her daughter’s brow.

  “You still have a temperature, Leah. If it hasn’t come down by tomorrow, I’ll have to ring and get a doctor to come to see you.”

  Leah looked up at her, the previously dull eyes now full of expression. They showed fear. Ellie remembered how frightened Leah had been when she said she was phoning an ambulance at the scene of the bullying. The same fear.

  “I know,” said Holly. “I know you don’t like doctors, but I’m afraid sometimes they are just necessary, as we found out recently. We’ll be here.” Holly pointed to herself and Ellie. “Nothing will happen to you.”

  Leah took another sip of juice, a look of resignation on her face, but clearly not loving the idea.

  Holly stroked her daughter’s brow. “If a visit is necessary, I promise a treat afterwards. How does that sound?”

  Leah lifted the corners of her mouth in reply. The smile was weak, but Ellie noticed how the scar on her cheek
, puckered with it. The poor child had been through the horrors, and now this. Ellie’s thoughts drifted to Alex. His day was nearly over. She couldn’t help him anymore, but she could do something with Leah once she felt well again. Leah was obviously picking up vibes that her mum and dad were experiencing some issues with their child. It might be good to try to distract Leah for a while. She never really got a chance to do anything spectacular with Alex, so Leah would be the benefactor of the loss—if she wanted it, of course—and if her parents agreed. There would be plenty of time to work things out and broach the subject with Holly later. You heard such horror stories these days regarding child abuse; it was hard to trust anyone.

  Holly shifted Leah to one side. “I’ll just be a minute, sweetheart. I need to get the DVDs out.” She made her way to the drawers in the elegant cabinet below the large screen TV. In fact, it was the largest TV Ellie had seen… ever. On the plus side, the room was large enough to accommodate it comfortably. Holly shuffled the contents of the drawer and finally came out with two DVDs. She hid them behind her back.

  “Now,” she said in a tone resembling a TV announcer, “Seeing as how my poor daughter is under the weather, yet has still graced us with her presence, I think it’s only fitting she gets to choose the viewing. The choice is between…” She thrust out her right hand, which held a copy of Never Say Never Again. She repeated with her left hand that held, Spectre.

  Leah put her hand under chin, as if deep in thought. Finally, she pointed to Holly’s right hand. Holly laughed aloud.

  “That’s my girl!” she proclaimed loudly.

  “Fix!” replied Ellie but couldn’t help smiling.

  Mr Connery was doing his thing as they settled in front of the TV. Ellie replenished everyone’s drink, so Holly didn’t have to disturb Leah again. She gulped down her own wine eagerly. It looked as though her second wind had arrived.

  This was the last thought she had... as her eyelids fell.

  Ellie was aware of blueness. At the other side of her eyelids was a glow. Slowly and with great effort, she forced her lids apart. The blue emission was coming from the TV. The movie had obviously ended, although, for the life of her, she couldn’t even remember seeing the end of opening credits. What must they think of her? Holly was so kind to invite her for the weekend, and she’d fallen asleep.

  Her glance wandered over to the opposite side of the room. There was Holly, one arm draped protectively across her daughter’s midriff, her own head supported by the palm of the other hand, elbow resting on the arm of the couch. Ellie took in the scene at her leisure. Occasionally, Leah’s head thrashed from side to side, as though she had a bad dream. In response, Holly muttered something unintelligible at the back of her throat and then smacked her lips together. Those lips. Ellie could feel them on her as she lifted in response, and her body reacted as it flooded with desire. She’s always said there was a time and place for everything, and to all intents and purposes, this was not it. Thinking of sex with a sick child in the room just didn’t feel right. Her head knew this thought was correct, but all the time her body was contradicting—and saying, Go for it!

  As though a magnet had lost its attraction, Holly’s eyelids flew apart. She blinked, yawned, and then scrubbed at her eyes with the heel of her free hand. “Oh, my word. What time is it?” She glanced up at the wall clock and screwed up her eyes as though she had difficulty focusing.

  “Quarter past three,” replied Ellie with a whisper.

  Holly groaned. “Oh, heavens. I didn’t even get to see the end of the film. I’ll lose my membership of the Watcher’s Guild now. My colleagues will be very upset when they discover what happened.” She giggled loudly as she clicked off the TV with the remote.

  “”Have I told you lately you’re crackers?” Ellie shook her head at Holly’s comment and then rolled her eyes.

  “Only every time we’re together, and it’s still true. I will never deny the fact.” Holly looked in Ellie’s direction with a broad smile on her face. “It’s what keeps me sane.”

  Ellie began to roar with laughter, and then suddenly realised there was a sleeping Leah only a few feet away. She covered her hand with her mouth, whispering “Sorry” behind it.

  “Don’t be,” said Holly shaking her head. “A nuclear explosion could take place outside the window, and she would never hear it. I can’t ever remember, even as a child, not waking up during the night. It must be a wonderful experience to be able to sleep like a top. I envy her.” She looked down at her sleeping child and then gently stroked her forehead. “Oh, that’s good news. Her temperature seems to have broken. Unless it’s the painkillers working. I do hope it’s gone. Then, at least there will be no doctor. Leah will be pleased. Now, I have to try to get her to bed. Unfortunately, she’s past the size for carrying.”

  Ellie watched how Holly gently woke her sleeping daughter, a soft shake and whispering in her ear. It worked a treat, as Leah pulled off the blanket, stood up, and stretched a long way above her head. She was a tall girl for her age,

  “Come on sweetheart, let’s get you settled, then it’s bedtime for all of us.” Holly looked at Ellie with a resigned look on her face.

  “Listen,” said Ellie, “we’re all locked up, so don’t bother coming back down.”

  Holly halted ushering Leah towards the stairs. “Are you sure? I don’t mind… really.”

  Ellie was firm. “No, it’s fine. Would you mind if I made myself a cup of tea, though? All the alcohol is having its effect. Inside I feel like a dried prune.”

  Holly shook her head. “The tea and stuff are near the kettle and milk in the fridge.”

  “Can I get you anything?” Ellie asked out of politeness.

  “Could you grab me a small bottle of water out of the fridge while you’re there. Just in case I’m thirsty later. The alcohol effect hasn’t reached my mouth yet. Second door on the right from the top of the stairs.”

  Ellie nodded in affirmation as Holly began guiding Leah up the flight of stairs.

  A few minutes later, Ellie was standing with lots of trepidation outside Holly’s bedroom door. She’d taken her tea into the guest bedroom already. Her hands were shaking so much that she thought the ripple on top of her mug of tea would give away her emotional state.

  She knocked gently—putting her ear to the door when she received no response. She could hear the gurgling of water as it travelled down a pipe, then the burp when it finished. The door finally opened.

  “I thought I heard knocking,” said Holly.

  Ellie thrust out the bottle of water towards Holly and then took a step back. She feared getting any closer, just in case she lost control. Holly took the water graciously.

  “You could have come in,” said Holly. “I don’t bite. Well, not if you don’t want me to.” The lascivious look changed when her mouth turned up quickly. “I’m only joking! Don’t look so serious. I do want to thank you, however, for spending your weekend with us. I think we could all benefit in our own way.” Her face held sincerity and beauty that made Ellie’s heart jump for joy.

  Ellie felt herself relax a little. “It’s been a pleasure so far. Well, I’ll wish you goodnight and sleep well.”

  Before Ellie could move, Holly stepped forward and kissed her fleetingly on the lips. It reminded her of the gossamer touch of a butterfly’s wing. Ellie’s desire travelled faster than the speed of light throughout her body.

  “Nobody gets away without having a goodnight kiss in this house. Not even you.” Holly’s voice was deep and calm, her eyes bright, twinkling mischievously. “Goodnight,” she murmured, closing the door behind her.

  9

  Ellie woke early the next morning, something she wished she hadn’t done. She was looking forward to a lie in, a relaxing morning reading the novel she’d brought with her. Due to circumstances, she never got time the previous day, so she hoped a few chapters this morning would fulfil the returning need for reading. If she stayed in bed, she would run over what happened outside Holly�
��s bedroom door last night. It continued running around in her head during the night. The ensuing thoughts battling in her brain between Alex and Holly made her sleep sporadic and erratic. Her mind focused on Holly.

  She couldn’t lie here thinking of her, feeling the touch of her lips over and over. It was hours later, and Ellie could still feel the kiss. Get up, have a shower, and get dressed. One foot in front of the other would keep the thoughts of Holly’s effect on her at bay... she hoped.

  For the first time this morning, her thoughts hadn’t been simply of Alex. Was this what moving on meant? Thoughts of him replaced by thoughts of Holly. Then after that, thoughts of what? Work, shopping, changing her brand of coffee? Would the memory of her son become mundane? That couldn’t be right, surely. Yet Ellie didn’t feel guilty. Confusion reigned deep in Ellie’s mind as she wandered towards the shower.

  Ellie was standing at the kitchen counter, pondering about breakfast. She wondered if it would be very rude to help herself,. Before she had considered all the options, she heard the creaking of wood from the stairs. Leah made an appearance, looking better than she had the evening before, a little more colour but still not her bright, cheery self. Her face seemed to squeeze out a slow smile.

  “Good morning,” said Ellie, welcoming Leah into her own kitchen. “How you feeling this morning?”

  Leah only made hand gestures in reply, indicating she felt better, but still had no voice.

  Ellie gave her the thumbs-up to say she understood. “Can I interest you in some breakfast?” Ellie looked at Leah as the girl scrunched up her lips, deep in thought. “Okay, this is what I’m thinking. Because your throat is sore, how about some lightly scrambled eggs and some soft squidgy toast without the crusts?”