EPISODE ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-THREE
Maggie had already
opened up the wine bar when Craig and Mandy arrived. They exchanged brief
looks, and then Craig directed his enquiring and suspicious gaze to his sister.
‘It’s OK,’ Maggie said. ‘I changed my mind, Craig. I went without a drink after
all. I knew I was being stubborn about it, and at the time I was determined to
have at least a glass of wine, but – I don’t know – I suppose I wanted to prove
I could work in a boozy atmosphere and not be tempted.’
Craig beamed and threw his arms around her. ‘I’m proud of you, Maggs. I really
am.’
She pushed him away. ‘Don’t go all soppy on me. I think I’m on top of it now. I
really am. Which is why I’ll occasionally have the odd glass, but never during
the day.’ She saw his frown, and added hurriedly, punching him lightly on the
arm, ‘Don’t worry about it, Brov. I’m
cured. I promise.’
Until the next time, Craig thought,
and nodded his agreement, careful to keep his face expressionless.
*
Nigel steadied at the top of the ladder as he cleared the guttering. He hummed
to himself, trying to get over his peevish mood, brought on by Vanessa’s
arrival the previous night. Even though she’d arrived in a terrible state, she’d
still managed to sleep until almost midday, which Nigel found extremely irritating. If she was
that upset about her relationship with Paul, and the domestic row, and being
hit across the face, surely – he reasoned with himself – this teenage habit of
lying in until lunchtime seemed doubly indulgent considering the circumstances.
And having to fork out fifteen pounds for her taxi from Tunbridge Wells to
Crowborough was an added annoyance, even though he’d managed to get a receipt,
intending to use it as a tax claim.
‘Lunch is nearly ready,’ Jackie called through the kitchen window. ‘Vanessa’s
washed and dressed now, and we’re having cold meat and salad. Shall I open that
bottle of Pinot Grigio, darling?’
Nigel, looked down towards the kitchen, even though he couldn’t see his wife, and
called back, ‘Yes, why not? Let’s make the most of this sudden burst of
sunshine after that heavy downpour. I think we can sit outside now. It’s hot
enough.’
He smiled to himself, his mood brightening considerably now that the weather
was improving. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so
bad having his step-daughter around. She’d be company for Jackie, and he could
go off on one of his little jaunts. There was that Thai girl he visited in Eastbourne on occasions. At first he’d felt guilty, and had
prayed for forgiveness; but after the fifth visit it seemed unnecessary. After
all, it wasn’t as if it was full-blown sex, just a bit of harmless relief as he
lay back, closed his eyes, and enjoyed the sensations.
He began to steady himself for the descent from the ladder, and glanced over
his shoulder at the patio below. He saw how quickly the sun was drying it out
after the heavy downpour. There were huge dry patches surrounded by rivulets of
rainwater, creating interesting patterns.
That was when he nearly fell off the ladder with shock. His eyes focused
sharply on the image below. The patches of wet and dry had created a picture of
His face.
‘Jackie!’ he shouted. ‘Jackie!’
Jackie, fearing the worst, came scuttling out. ‘What is it, darling?’
‘There...there’s a picture on the patio...’
‘Oh,’ Jackie sighed. ‘I thought for a minute you were in trouble.’
‘No, no,’ Nigel screamed excitedly. ‘I can see His face...on the patio.’
‘Who’s face?’
‘Our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s a vision.’
He came hurrying down the ladder. Jackie watched with astonishment, then cast
her eyes over the half-wet patio.
‘Are you sure?’ she said.
Nigel’s eyes were popping out of his head. ‘Yes, you can’t see Him from down
here. You have to look down from the top of the ladder. Go up and see for
yourself.’
Jackie shuddered. ‘If you think for one minute...’
Nigel grabbed her hands, a beatific smile on his face. ‘Go and get the digital
camera. I’ll photograph him for you. Quickly! Run and get it.’
As Jackie ran indoors, Nigel clapped his hands together and looked ecstatically
up at the sky.
‘It’s a miracle!’ he intoned. ‘A miracle!’
IN EPISODE 154
Ivor’s father causes trouble.