The Art Of Deception

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Book excerpt

Chapter 1

Christmas is a time for celebration, for giving and receiving presents, for being with your loved ones. For the children it’s about excitement and wonder, Santa Claus, the elves and lots of gifts. And happiness. But for adults, it’s often a succession of nights out partying, overeating, being sick and getting drunk.

For John Greaves, that Friday a week before Christmas Day was the night of the annual Sachs Gordon ball at the Scott Arms. He looked forward to relaxing and chatting with his colleagues and their partners, and dancing the night away with his wife, Angie, until they were ready to drop.

At seven that evening, he stood in their bedroom wearing his best grey suit and a red tie. His tall lean figure was complemented by the cut of the suit, and the bright tie contrasted well with his short black hair and oak-brown eyes. He smiled to himself, thinking of the night to come. He turned around to admire Angie in her blue chiffon gown.

As she walked past him towards the bathroom, he noticed an anxious expression on her face.

‘You all right?’ he asked.

‘Yes, a bit of a tummy ache – that’s all.’

‘Oh dear, are you sure you’re all right to go?’

‘Of course, wouldn’t miss your Christmas do for the world. I’ll take a couple of tablets just in case, but I’m sure it’ll pass.’

‘I hope so. It wouldn’t be the same without you.’

She went to him, moving her slender figure close. He stroked her long ash-blonde hair and looked into those deep blue eyes that still sent shivers down his spine.

‘That’s nice to know,’ she said.

The doorbell rang.

‘Must be the taxi,’ John said. ‘Are you ready?’

‘Yes, I’ll just get my coat. Can you answer the door?’

Outside, the weather was cold, helped by a brisk wind. John and Angie got into the back of the taxi, shivering.

It took twenty minutes to get to the Scott Arms. John paid the driver, tipping him generously and asking him to collect them at midnight.

John and Angie hurried into the building to get out of the cold.

‘How’s your tummy ache now?’ John whispered.

‘Gone off.’

‘That’s good. Just be careful what you’re eating and drinking, eh?’

‘I will.’

There were already several of John’s colleagues in the foyer, among them Sarah Benson, a fellow accountant, with her husband, Jack. Sarah was tall with short blonde hair, in her late twenties. Jack had black hair and a well-groomed beard, and was even taller. They both looked immaculate.

John waved and saw her face light up with a smile. Sarah and Jack walked over to them.

‘Hiya Angie, hi John. Great to see you made it in this weather,’ Sarah said.

‘How you doing, Jack?’ John said, shaking his hand. ‘How’s the football these days?’

‘Yeah, not bad. Doing well after a bad start. We’re in third, and the way we’re playing I reckon we could soon be challenging for—’

‘Hey, I hope you two aren’t going to be talking football all night,’ Angie said, giving John a knowing look.

‘Don’t worry, my sweet. I might talk shop with Sarah instead.’ John winked at his colleague.

Angie shook her head and Sarah laughed.

‘Angie, trust me, that’s the last thing I’m going to be talking about tonight,’ Sarah said.

The doors opened, allowing the crowd into the room the firm had booked for the night. John said hallo to a few of his colleagues, before everyone went to their allotted tables. John and Angie had been placed opposite Sarah and Jack.

The food, a set Christmas meal, came to them within fifteen minutes. John was pleased to see that it looked very appetising.

‘So, what are you doing over Christmas, guys?’ Sarah asked.

‘Just the usual family gatherings. John’s mum and dad are coming to us Christmas Day and then we’ll visit my dad on Boxing Day. Yourselves?’

‘Much the same, although we’re travelling down south on Boxing Day – Jack’s off to a football match, surprise surprise. And I’ll scout around the shops for a few bargains in the sales.’

‘Nice one, Jack. Fancy your chances, then?’ John said.

‘Yeah, don’t see why not – after all, our opponents are only mid-table. We beat them 3-0 at our place in August, so there’s no reason why we can’t do the double over them.’

Angie rolled her eyes at Sarah and mimed a yawn. ‘Hey, cut the footie talk down, you two.’

‘Come on Angie, we’ve got to talk about something,’ John said.

‘This wine isn’t bad,’ Angie said.

‘No – it’s better than that horrible stuff they gave us last year!’ Sarah said. ‘And the food is good, too.’

‘Going away in the new year?’ Jack asked, draining his first pint of beer.

‘Yeah, probably. We might go to Greece around Easter time, then Italy in the summer,’ John said.

‘Wow. I wouldn’t mind going there,’ Sarah said.

Jack tutted. ‘What’s wrong with this country? Wales has great scenery – and Scotland, too. That fortnight we had in Torquay last year was great, weather fantastic and at half the price of going abroad.’

‘But we could still go abroad too. If you’d cut down on the football a little, we could afford it.’

‘I’m not cutting down on the football, no way, so you can forget it,’ Jack said.

‘See what I mean – I’ve got no chance,’ Sarah said. ‘Don’t know what he’d say if I ever got pregnant!’

John and Angie laughed, but Jack raised his eyebrows. ‘Come on, you can’t tell me you want to be tied down with a screaming sprog?’

‘Don’t be too sure,’ Sarah said a little angrily. ‘How about you, Angie? How come you’ve never taken the plunge?’

‘Don’t know, think we’re too busy enjoying ourselves. Love the holidays, and the freedom to do what we want. Once you have a baby, all that changes. You’re tied down, aren’t you, and the baby has to become the centre of your life. I’m not sure I’m ready for that yet. And there’s my career, too.’

‘I’m sure it will happen at some stage,’ John said. ‘But to be honest we haven’t really discussed it that much. Although I think deep down, we would both like kids. Maybe in a few years’ time, when we’re thirty or so, eh Angie?’

‘Maybe. We’ll have to see.’

The puddings were delicious, too. Angie seemed to be enjoying the wine as much as Jack enjoyed his beer. John, who had never been much of a drinker, only drank shandy; he hoped she didn’t get sozzled.

After the meal, the disco started and Angie, bold as brass, dragged John up onto the dancefloor. Soon they were joined by Sarah and Jack. The four of them danced together for a time, with Angie seeming to have forgotten all about her earlier ailment. She giggled and made eyes at John, who laughed it off. It was Christmas, after all.

‘We’re going to sit down,’ Sarah shouted in John’s ear.

He nodded and told Angie. ‘You want to sit down as well?’ he asked.

She shook her head. ‘Unless you haven’t got the stamina.’

‘No, no. I’m fine for the time being.’

So they carried on. Later, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Jack and Sarah, gesticulating towards each other. They looked to be having a few words.

‘Think Jack and Sarah are having a row.’

Angie giggled. ‘That’s funny – I wonder what that’s all about?’

‘Don’t know, maybe it’s about them having a baby.’

‘Cos she wants one and he doesn’t?’

John nodded. ‘Something like that.’

‘Oh dear. That’s a shame. He ought to let her have one, can’t he see she’s desperate for a child?’

‘Best leave them alone for a bit, eh?’

‘Sure.’

Angie was starting to look tired. ‘Going to have to sit down, John, I’m whacked. I’m so unfit it’s untrue.’

John could feel sweat trickling down his back and wasn’t about to argue.

As they moved back towards their table, Sarah and Jack stood up.

‘Hi, John, Angie, we’re going now. I feel a bit off, so I’ll see you Monday, John. Been great talking to you both again.’

‘Good luck for Boxing Day.’

Jack laughed. ‘Cheers mate, we’re going to smash them.’

They left, leaving John and Angie on their own.

‘Looks like you were right,’ Angie said.

‘Yeah, I thought so. Feel sorry for Sarah, though. But they’ll have to sort it out themselves. Hope that never happens to us, when the time comes.’

Angie smiled. ‘It won’t.’

John looked at his watch: eleven-thirty. He wiped his brow with the back of his hand, and sighed. ‘We’ll have to be going soon.’

‘Time for another drink?’

‘Angie, you sure you should? You’ve already had nearly a whole bottle of that wine, and you’ve had the giggles all night.’

‘It feels good to let your hair down once in a while, don’t you think? Lose your inhibitions.’

‘Well, if you lose any more, you won’t have any left.’

She laughed then whispered in his ear, ‘If I have another drink, there’s no telling what I might do to you when we get home.’

He laughed too. ‘And what might that be?’

‘You’ll have to wait and see.’

‘Oh, you spoilsport. So how about a liqueur coffee?’

‘Yeah, that would be nice. I need warming up before we go out in the freezing cold.’

They’d only just started their drinks when he got a message to say the taxi he’d ordered was waiting outside.

‘The taxi’s arrived.’

‘That’s early,’ she said.

‘It’s ten to twelve now. You want to let him wait?’

‘No, no, don’t want to be left stranded. But I’m not sure I can finish this drink, John.’

‘Don’t worry, leave it then.’

‘Gone tired all of a sudden,’ she said with a giggle.

‘I told you not to have that last drink.’

‘I know you did, darling. And I’m sorry if I’ve gone a bit overboard tonight.’

‘Doesn’t matter – it’s only once a year. Come on then, I’ll just say goodbye to everyone and then I’ll get our coats.’

When he came back, she was in her seat, dozing.

He gave her a little nudge. ‘Hey, Angie, you all right?’

‘Oh, sorry. Yes, just a little woozy. Phew, what was in that coffee?’

‘I couldn’t tell you, except it probably contained whisky.’

He helped her up and with putting on her coat, then guided her out through the doors he’d pushed open. The taxi was right outside.

The driver got out and opened the door for them, and John followed Angie into the back seat, closing the door behind him.

She leaned against him, gently snoring away. He smiled; he had a feeling he might have to carry her out and upstairs, and so much for all the enticing promises she’d made earlier.

When they arrived at the house, he paid the driver and opened the car door. Effortlessly he picked her up and carried her to the house. Then with difficulty he opened the door, brought her in and laid her on the hall carpet.

He blamed himself for having suggested the liqueur coffee. But never mind – it was Christmas. She was entitled to one lapse.

After carrying her upstairs, he pulled off her coat and shoes and settled her on the bed. He worried about undressing her and getting her into bed. The dress came off easily, but the rest would be more difficult.

‘What are you doing?’ she mumbled as he tried to get her bra off.

‘Trying to undress you,’ he said.

She sniggered. ‘Hey, I hope you’re not trying to take advantage of me.’

‘Would I ever?’

‘Maybe, if you could get away with it.’

‘No way – I’m not interested in self-gratification.’

She laughed. ‘Self what?’

‘Can you sit up?’

‘I’ll try,’ she said.

He gave her a hand. Eventually together they got her nightie on, and she got back into bed unaided.

‘Thank you, John. I don’t know what I’d do without you.’

John smiled.

‘So, what were you going to do to me tonight?’

She grinned again. ‘You’ll have to hurry back to find out, my darling.’

He rushed to the bathroom, undressed and washed, put on some deodorant and brushed his teeth. His heart beat faster as he got to the bedroom, but he found Angie spark out on the bed. He smiled to himself; he should have realised what would happen. Never mind – his time would come.

As he lay beside her, he thought about their earlier conversation. He felt so sorry for Sarah. He was determined never to be like Jack, if it ever came to it.

<><><> 

On Sunday morning, John woke to find Angie gone. Perhaps she was in the bathroom. Then he heard a noise, as if someone was retching. He got up like a shot and walked to the door to see Angie bent over the sink, holding her stomach.

‘What’s wrong?’

She shook her head. She looked very pale, and he wondered if this had something to do with Friday night when she’d drunk and eaten too much. She’d been pretty out of sorts yesterday, come to think of it.

‘This is the trouble at Christmas – everybody goes mad. Drinking and eating too much. And at some stage you have to pay for it.’

‘I feel sick, and my stomach keeps heaving, but I haven’t actually thrown up.’

‘That might come later. It might have been something you ate that didn’t agree with you.’

‘No, John. It’s not that. I know what it is. I shouldn’t have been drinking at all on Friday, and God knows what damage I might have done.’

‘Angie, you’re talking in riddles. What are you on about?’

She suddenly pushed him out of the way and vomited violently into the toilet bowl. When she’d recovered, she wiped her eyes, took a deep breath and said, ‘This was meant to be a surprise. I’m sorry, John – but I’m going to have a baby. I can’t make it any plainer than that.’

John’s eyes widened and for a moment he was lost for words. But he suddenly squeezed her tightly and yelped with joy.

‘This is unbelievable! We were only talking about this other night with Sarah and Jack! Amazing! When did you find out?’

‘Yesterday morning. So I was already pregnant on Friday when I drank all that wine, and that’s why I’m so worried. And why I’ve waited until now to tell you.’

‘Darling, don’t be silly. OK, so you had too much to drink, but you weren’t paralytic. I reckon there’s only a very tiny chance of there being anything being wrong with the baby. But if you’re worried, go and see the doctor.’

‘I hope you’re right.’

‘I am. So what made you suspicious in the first place?’

‘You know how irregular I am, but I’m almost three weeks late this time, so I thought I’d do a test to be on the safe side. I felt sick yesterday too, but today’s the first time I’ve been sick.’

‘Anyway, this is great news – the best Christmas present ever. At last our family will be complete!’

‘I hope it will, although I’m not looking forward to the next few months, especially since it looks like I’ll suffer with morning sickness.’

‘You want this to be common knowledge yet?’

‘No, not yet. Let’s keep it to ourselves until we’re sure everything’s OK.’

‘But we have to tell everyone! Our mums and dads first, of course, then friends and colleagues.’

‘I’ll hate that. Everybody congratulating me and asking me questions. Just the thought of it makes me cringe.’

‘Well, that’s only natural. You’ll get used it, especially when the baby starts to show.’

‘Tell me about it.’

‘Still feel sick?’

‘Yes, not so bad as earlier on, but my appetite’s gone. Don’t feel hungry at all.’

‘I’m sure it will pass. They say the first three months are the worst.’

She pulled a face. ‘The thought of the birth fills me with dread, too. In fact, the whole idea of being pregnant frightens me.’

He squeezed her hand. ‘Listen, I’ll be with you as much as I can. And any time you need to go to the clinic or the doctor’s, I’ll come with you. And remember at the end of it, we’ll have our own beautiful baby.’

‘Yeah, there’s that I suppose.’

‘You do want the baby, don’t you?’

‘Yes. Of course. This is just me being silly. It’s just … Well, my mum was bad after she had me – she had postnatal depression. She suffered with it for a long time.’

‘That’s not to say you’ll be the same. My mum had a bad case of morning sickness when she had me too. She felt sick through the whole pregnancy. You never can tell. And anyway, when it’s all over you’ll forget about it. There are other worries, like looking after our baby.’

‘I know. That terrifies me, too. I’ve never even changed a nappy. How on earth am I going to look after a baby?’

‘We’ll manage, Angie. Other people do.’

<><><> 

Later that night, as John snored alongside her, Angie remained wide awake, pondering over this wondrous thing that had happened to her. While she’d wanted kids, she had no idea what to do, or how she’d feel. She should have been happy, but all she felt was terror around everything to do with having a baby. But she had family and friends who would rally round her when needed. Surely she’d get through this with their help? And John would be her rock, she knew, there to give her encouragement. Sometimes she wondered what she’d do without him.