Schoolgirl Missing Read online

  ‘It’s good to see you again,’ he said, ignoring her struggles.

  ‘Ash, let me—’

  ‘Lee. It’s Lee, not Ash,’ he said.

  ‘For God’s sake. Lee, let me go!’

  He released her from his hold and grinned at her. His trademark grin, Neve and Megan used to call it. He hadn’t lost it over the years.

  ‘Sorry,’ he said, taking a step back. ‘I got carried away. Just suddenly felt all nostalgic.’

  ‘Don’t worry about it,’ muttered Neve, fiddling with the dog lead.

  ‘Maybe we could go for a drink sometime. You know, for old-time’s sake.’ He looked at her left hand. ‘Ah, married. Will he mind? It’s only like catching up with an old friend. Nothing in it.’

  ‘Yes, I am married and no, he wouldn’t mind. Not that it’s up to him, anyway,’ Neve found herself adding onto the end, although blatantly aware that Kit would mind, it suddenly seemed important that she assert herself to him. In truth, she just wanted Ash to disappear back to wherever he’d come from. Her past form with Ash scared her. She didn’t want to find herself revisiting those times again.

  ‘So, that’s a yes to a drink.’

  ‘No! It’s not.’ Neve gave a sigh. ‘Look, Ash … I mean, Lee, this isn’t an old pals reunion, as well you know.’

  ‘Do I?’

  ‘Yes, you do. When I messaged you, you said you had been expecting me. How? Why? How did you know I lived here?’

  ‘Ahh, well, that will be my powers of telepathy,’ said Lee, accompanying his words with a ghost-like noise.

  ‘Stop! Can’t you just be serious for one minute? I thought you said you were all grown up now and mature?’

  ‘Spoilsport,’ said Lee. ‘I see you’ve really taken growing up to the next level. What happened to Neve Tansley or Neve Howells?’

  ‘Neve Howells grew up and Neve Tansley got divorced. It’s Neve Masters now.’

  ‘And a new persona by the sounds of it. Or is it? I’m not sure you can really change.’

  ‘Can we quit with all this beating around the bush? It’s boring,’ said Neve, her patience finally wearing out. ‘How did you know I lived here?’

  ‘It was pure luck,’ said Lee. ‘I got this job at The Forum and I was on my way over to the art studio with a couple of the residents the other day and I caught a glimpse of you through the windows. You were just leaving and by the time I got there, you were driving out of the car park. This OAP was still packing up and I asked her if she knew you.’

  ‘That was fortunate,’ said Neve. She thought back to who it might have been. Probably Edith. She always took ages to set up and pack her stuff away and wasn’t averse to a good old chat about anything and anyone. ‘Did she say anything else?’

  ‘Oh, I learnt quite a lot about you,’ said Lee, grinding his cigarette out with the heel of his boot. ‘Married to a local businessman. Stepdaughter.’

  ‘Daughter, actually,’ corrected Neve.

  ‘As you wish, daughter,’ said Lee, before carrying on. ‘You live in the big house down, now where did she say, oh yes, that’s right … Long Acre Lane. She’s right. It is a big house.’

  ‘What?! You’ve seen where I live?’

  ‘I just happened to be passing. I saw your car in the drive. No law against that.’

  And he was right. There was no law against it, but Neve was now on high alert. She had no idea what Lee was playing at, but she was sure he was messing with her. He’d always liked to tease her, but she knew from past experience, the teasing was just a breath away from danger. Ash liked living on the edge of life and pushing people past their comfort zone. In the past, she had quite liked that element, it had been exciting and frightening all at the same time. Now, though, having experienced the consequences, it just frightened her. ‘How long are you here for?’ she asked, folding her arms, aware she was glaring but didn’t care.

  ‘I’ve got a month-long contract,’ said Lee. ‘Which can be extended if I want. Such a shame you don’t seem happy to see me. I thought we could relive some of our youth.’

  ‘Get lost,’ said Neve. ‘I’m not into all that anymore.’

  ‘Does your husband know about it?’

  Neve’s heart thumped against her chest. ‘What does it matter to you?’

  ‘Just curious. You know, I have actually met him. And your daughter. I thought that’s probably why you wanted to see me.’

  Neve closed the space between them, only just managing to hold onto her rage. She jabbed her index finger hard into Lee’s shoulder. ‘You stay away from my family. Do you hear?’

  The amused look on Lee’s face dropped immediately, replaced by a glare equal to Neve’s. He snatched at her hand, grabbing hold of her finger and bent her arm over. Neve cried out, twisting her body to relieve the pain.

  Lee bent his head down, so his face was once again level with hers. ‘It’s rude to point.’ He pushed Neve away, letting go of her hand and she stumbled backwards. ‘That wasn’t very nice,’ he said. ‘Now, you listen to me, Miss-High-and-Mighty. You may think you’ve come a long way but it’s all bullshit. You can’t escape who you really are.’

  ‘What exactly do you want from me?’ said Neve.

  ‘Nothing. Well, not yet anyway,’ said Lee, the casual innocent tone back in his voice. ‘I’m just here doing my job. Helping young people. A bit like I helped Poppy the other day.’

  ‘Stay away from her!’ Neve found herself practically growling.

  ‘You know what I’ve found since I’ve been working with kids? It’s often the parents who cause the most problems. Kids like to talk to me. They can relate to me. It’s not my job to be friends with the parents. I’m there for the kids. I told Poppy that. I told her I was her friend now. Nice kid. Pretty.’

  Neve flew at Lee, her fists clenched as she tried to pummel him. The first two connected with her target, but he was strong and grabbed her wrists. Spinning her around and pinning her up against the boathouse, his body pressed against hers.

  ‘You stay away from her,’ repeated Neve. She hoped she sounded convincing because, in truth, he scared her and what he could do to her family scared her even more. ‘If you don’t, I’ll tell them what you’re really like. I’ll report you for attempting to groom a minor. That won’t go down well in your line of work.’

  Lee laughed and threw his head back before bringing it down and bumping his forehead against Neve’s and then leaning into her. She tried to move, but the pressure of him was too great.

  Lee gave a snort and moved his head back, but still kept her arms pinned against the boathouse. ‘No, you won’t,’ he said. ‘Because if you do, then I’ll have to tell your husband a few home truths about you.’

  Neve gulped. ‘There’s nothing to tell.’

  ‘No smoke without fire. Just planting the doubt would be enough.’

  ‘Likewise. I could plant a few doubts about you with the police. And I’m not just talking about Poppy. I haven’t forgotten anything. You’ve got more to lose than me.’

  ‘Oh, I don’t know about that.’

  In one swift movement, Lee yanked both Neve’s arms above her head and held them with one hand against the planks of wood. He traced his free hand down the side of Neve’s face, along the edge of her breast, down her side and gripped the waistband of her jeans between his fingers and thumb.

  Neve considered her next move. A swift knee in the balls should do the trick. As if reading her mind, Lee moved his body to one side and then without warning, let go of her.

  He laughed out loud. ‘Oh, Neve, you should have seen your face. It was a picture. Honestly, I got you there, didn’t I?’

  ‘And you reckon you’ve grown up,’ spluttered Neve. ‘Hardly.’

  ‘Sorry. I was just messing with you,’ said Lee. He held his arms out towards her.

  ‘Piss off,’ she snapped, tucking her shirt back into her jeans. ‘You may think you’re funny, but you’re not. You’re an idiot. And I meant what I said, you so much as speak
to Poppy again and I’ll report you. I don’t care what you think you have over me, I can repair any damage you think you can do. You, however, won’t have the opportunity. You’ll be beyond repair. And don’t forget, you owe me.’

  ‘Ooh, fighting talk,’ said Lee and proceeded to hold his fists up and dance around, shadow boxing.

  Neve called to Willow and hooked her onto the lead, before heading up the steps to the bridge. Lee called after her.

  ‘I do love you, Neve! I’m so glad we’ve found each other again!’

  ‘Go to hell!’ she yelled without looking back. If she looked at him now, he’d be sure to see the fear on her face.

  Chapter 7

  Neve forced herself not to break into a run. She wanted to put as much distance between her and Lee as possible. It had been harder than she imagined seeing him again. And she hadn’t been prepared for the mix of emotions it had stirred up.

  She could feel the tears sting her eyes as she battled with the memories of what happened that August. The festival had been a watershed moment for her and Megan, as they danced to the music, drank alcohol and took whatever substances Lee had on offer. It should have been the start of her and Megan growing up and experiencing life. They had so much they wanted to do together.

  Neve headed across the meadow. She couldn’t face going home just yet. She didn’t want to bump into anyone in the village in the state she was in. She followed the path along the river bank, cutting across the top of the meadow. From here, she could take the long route around the back of the village and into Long Acre Lane.

  The meadow grass tickled Neve’s ankles as she circumnavigated the field, following the curve of the boundary round towards the river. Clumps of yellow buttercups, dandelions and patches of red and white clover carpeted the ground like a patchwork quilt. As she walked along, the sun broke free from behind a cloud, making the water look like a sparkly glitter ball.

  Willow mooched around, her nose close to the ground, snuffling away at the assortment of smells. Neve stopped to watch a pair of swans glide past, looking serene and elegant. She closed her eyes for a moment, taking in the warmth of the sun, the sound of the river gently rolling its way along and the chirp of a thrush calling from the trees.

  It was a gorgeous spot with the stone bridge in one direction and the rolling South Downs National Park opposite. No doubt there was many a picture on social media with the hashtags #Ambleton #gorgeousview #beautiful #perfectspot. Neve couldn’t deny the beauty of the little village snuggled in the valley.

  ‘I thought that was you,’ came a voice behind her.

  Neve jumped and spun round to see Jake coming towards her. She turned away again and wiped the tears from her face with her fingertips. ‘Just on my way home,’ she said, trying to muster up a light-hearted tone.

  ‘Neve? Are you OK?’

  She felt his hand on her shoulder and she turned to face him.

  ‘I’m fine. Really.’ Even to her own ears she sounded anything but fine.

  ‘Really, you’re not,’ said Jake. He pulled her into him and stroked her hair.

  The kindness of his touch, just being in his arms, was such a comfort. It took her by surprise and she allowed herself the luxury of his reassurance.

  ‘It’s been a bad day,’ she said eventually, pulling away from him.

  ‘Want to tell me about it?’

  ‘I won’t bore you with the details,’ she said. ‘There was an incident at the bus stop this morning with Poppy and some of the kids from the local school. I had to intervene.’

  ‘Is she OK?’

  ‘Yeah. She’s fine. It’s me who has gone to pieces.’

  ‘It’s amazing how much emotion children can evoke.’

  ‘You’d make a great dad,’ Neve found herself saying.

  ‘I can’t wait to have kids. I just need to find the right person to settle down with first. What about you? Do you want more kids?’

  ‘I do. Absolutely do,’ said Neve, looking out across the water. ‘Kit doesn’t, though.’

  ‘Ah, tricky that one.’

  ‘And before you ask, yes, we did talk about this before we got married. I just thought he’d change his mind eventually. I didn’t realise it was a for ever decision.’

  She felt a tear slide its way down her cheek and she dashed it away. What was wrong with her? Crying like this? It wasn’t her style.

  Again, Jake put his arms around her, resting his chin on her head. She could hear his heart thudding through his chest – a steady, reassuring beat. Neve lifted her head, her mouth stopping a hair’s breadth from Jake’s. He moved forward, kissing her. A small flutter of a kiss, as if testing the waters. Neve felt herself respond. He kissed her again, only this time longer and deeper. Neve gave a small whimper as her body curved to his and his broad hand slid down her spine.

  ‘I can make you happy,’ said Jake, breaking from kissing her, but still keeping her close. ‘We both want the same thing.’

  Neve permitted herself to fantasise over his offer. She would be with someone who actually wanted a baby as much as she did. It would be her ultimate dream come true. She’d have to give up Kit and Poppy, of course. Was she prepared to do that?

  It was a sobering thought and with it the bubble of desire burst. She pulled back from Jake and out of his arms.

  ‘Oh, Jake, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.’ She put her hand to her forehead. ‘I didn’t mean to. I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking straight.’

  He blew out a long breath, a resigned look on his face. ‘Don’t be sorry,’ he said. ‘I shouldn’t have come on to you like that.’

  ‘Let’s just forget that happened,’ said Neve, although she knew full well she wouldn’t be able to.

  ‘No, let’s not,’ said Jake.

  ‘What?’

  ‘I don’t want to forget that. Forgetting means it meant nothing. And whether or not it’s the right time, or if there will ever be a right time, it did mean something to me. It still does.’ He went to hold her hands but changed his mind. ‘Don’t dismiss this as nothing.’

  Neve looked into Jake’s eyes which flamed with a passion that matched his words. The intensity startled her. He was right, it shouldn’t be dismissed as nothing but she also knew she couldn’t entertain the idea further. ‘I need to get home,’ was the only thing Neve could think to say, as she turned and broke into a jog across the meadow and out onto Copperthorne Lane, Willow trotting along beside her.

  Neve checked her watch. Bugger! She had arranged with St Joseph’s that she would collect Poppy from school that day, so she could have a chat with the teacher about how the day had gone for Poppy, and whether there needed to be any extra support in light of the bus stop incident.

  Neve just had time to drop Willow at home and jump in her car to get to the school for three o’clock.

  Twenty minutes later, Neve was seated in the head’s office, with Poppy’s teacher sitting on the opposite seat.

  ‘Thank you for coming in, Mrs Masters,’ said Mrs Ogden, smiling at Neve. ‘We’ve kept a close eye on Poppy today and Miss Walker, the classroom assistant, has spoken to me as well.’

  ‘How has she been?’ asked Neve. She went to cross her legs and was horrified to notice her once-white Converse were now sporting a sludgy dried tide mark courtesy of the footpath around the meadow. Damn it. Neve tucked her legs under the chair instead.

  ‘On the whole Poppy has been fine,’ assured Mrs Ogden. ‘She’s engaged with the lessons, no particular mood swings or any difficult behaviour. The only thing we did notice was at lunchtime she was particularly upset because one of the other children wouldn’t sit next to her.’

  ‘Ah, that will be Callum,’ said Neve. ‘He was going to share his cucumber sandwiches with her.’ She gave what she hoped was a knowing look.

  ‘Oh, I see,’ said Mrs Ogden.

  ‘Yes, apparently he had promised her yesterday.’

  ‘Right, it seems Callum had a change of heart.’

  ‘How
did Poppy take it?’

  ‘Got a little angry. Wouldn’t eat her lunch at first. Miss Walker sat with her and persuaded her to eat something. Poppy wouldn’t actually say what was wrong and in the end, she stood up, pushed her chair backwards and marched off.’

  ‘Sorry,’ said Neve. ‘As you know, that’s her way of dealing with difficult situations at the moment. To walk off.’

  ‘We spent a lot of time with Poppy this afternoon, talking her reactions through. It was tricky as she wouldn’t tell us what was wrong,’ said Mrs Ogden. ‘However, now we know, we can perhaps make some headway with her tomorrow. If that’s all right with you?’

  ‘Of course,’ said Neve. ‘We have spoken to Poppy about the dangers of walking off but talking to you it’s highlighted, to me at least, that she still needs a lot of support in processing her emotions and how she interprets situations.’

  They talked some more about Poppy and her behaviour and Neve felt reassured that the school were keeping a close eye on her daughter and constantly striving for ways to provide Poppy with the tools to deal with everyday situations. The school’s reputation for their pastoral care was one of the reasons her and Kit had decided to move Poppy there.

  ‘Thank you so much for all your support,’ said Neve, as the meeting came to a close and she stood to leave. ‘We do appreciate it.’

  ‘Not at all. It’s our pleasure,’ said Mrs Ogden. ‘Now, I think Poppy should be sitting outside the office waiting for you. Miss Walker was going to bring her along.’

  Poppy was indeed outside, reading a book, lost in her own world. She looked so young and vulnerable, thought Neve. Poppy looked up and seeing Neve, closed her book and stood up.

  ‘I’m hungry,’ she said.

  ‘Well, we’d better get you home, then,’ said Neve, taking Poppy’s bag from her. She thanked Mrs Ogden again and headed out to the car.

  ‘Your shoes are muddy,’ said Poppy, as she fastened her seat belt.