There was a moments silence. Then Simon leaned forward and said confidingly, Youre going to tell us, arent you, Shaz?
He always arrived fifteen minutes ahead of the agreed time because he knew shed be early. It didnt matter which she hed chosen, shed turn up ahead of schedule because she was convinced he was Rumpelstiltskin, the man who could spin twenty-four-carat gold out of the dry straw of her life.
Donna Doyle no longer the next one but rather the latest one was no different from the others. As her silhouette appeared against the dim light of the car park, he could hear the clumsy childish music crashing in his head. Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water
He shook his head to clear his ears, like a snorkeller surfacing from a coral reef. He watched her approach, moving cautiously between the expensive cars, glancing from side to side, a slight frown creasing her forehead, as if she couldnt work out why her antennae werent pointing her to his precise position. He could see shed done her best to look good; the school skirt that had obviously been folded over at the waist to show off shapely legs, the school blouse open one button further than parent or teacher would ever have allowed in public, the blazer over one shoulder, hanging thus to obscure the backpack of school supplies. The make-up was heavier than the night before, its excess weight catapulting her straight into middle age. And her hair glinted glossy black, the swing of the short bob catching the dull gleam of the car park lights.
When Donna was almost level, he pushed open the passenger door of the car. The sudden interior light made her jump even as she registered his shockingly handsome profile cutting a dark line through the bright rectangle. He spoke through his already lowered window. Come and sit with me while I tell you what all this is about, he said conversationally.
Donna hesitated fractionally, but she was too familiar with the open candour of his public face to pause properly for reflection. She slid into the seat next to him and he made sure she saw him carefully not looking at the expanse of thigh her moves had revealed. For the time being, chastity was the best policy. Her smile was coquettish yet innocent as she said, When I woke up this morning, I wondered if Id dreamed it all.
His answering smile was indulgent. I feel like that all the time, he said, building another course of bricks on the false foundation of fake rapport. I wondered if youd have second thoughts. There are so many things you could do with your life that would be a greater contribution to society than being on TV. Believe me, I know.
But you do those things too, she said earnestly. All that charity work. Its being famous makes it possible for TV stars to raise so much money. People pay money to see them. They wouldnt be shelling out otherwise. I want to be able to do that. To be like them.
The impossible dream. Or rather, nightmare. She could never have been like him, though she had no notion of the real reason why. People like him were so rare it was almost an argument for the existence of God. He smiled benevolently, like the Pope from the Vatican balcony. It pushed all the right buttons. Well, perhaps I can help you make a start, he told her. And Donna believed him.
He had her there, alone, co-operative, in his car, in an underground car park. What could have been easier than to whisk her away to his destination?
Only a fool would think like that, hed realized long ago, and he was no fool. For a start, the car park wasnt exactly empty. Businessmen and women were checking out of the hotel, stowing suit carriers into executive saloons and reversing out of tight spots. They noticed a lot more than anyone would expect. For another thing, it was broad daylight outside, a city centre festooned with traffic lights where people sat with nothing better to do than pick their noses and stare slack-jawed at the inhabitants of the next car. First, theyd register the car. A silver Mercedes, smart enough to catch the eye and the admiration. Or, of course, the envy. Then theyd clock the flowing letters along the front wing that announced, Cars for Vances Visits supplied by Morrigan Mercedes of Cheshire. Alerted to the possible proximity of celebrity, theyd peer through the tinted windows, trying to identify the driver and passenger. They werent going to forget that in a hurry, especially if they glimpsed an attractive teenager in the passenger seat. When her photograph appeared in the local paper, theyd remember, no question.
And finally, hed got a busy day ahead. There was no space in his schedule for delivering her to a place where he could exact what was due. No point in drawing attention to himself by failing to keep appointments, not turning up for the public appearances that were so carefully constructed to give Vances Visits maximum exposure for minimal effort. Donna would have to wait. For both of them, it would be the sweeter for the anticipation. Well, for him, at least. For her, it wouldnt be long before reality turned her breathless expectation into a sick joke.
So he whetted her appetite and kept her on the leash. I couldnt believe it when I saw you last night. Youd be absolutely perfect as the co-host. With a two-handed show, we need contrast. Dark-haired Donna, fair-haired Jacko. Petite Donna, hulking great brute Jacko. He grinned, she giggled. What were working on is a new game show involving parent and child teams. But the teams dont know theyre in the show until we turn up to whisk them off. A total surprise, like This is Your Life. Thats part of the reason why we need to be so sure that whoever I end up working with is absolutely trustworthy. Total discretion, thats the key.
I can keep my mouth shut, Donna said earnestly. Honest. I never told a living soul about coming here to meet you. My mate that was at the opening last night with me, when she asked what we were talking about for so long, I just said I was asking whether you had any advice for me if I wanted to break into TV.
And did I? he demanded.
She smiled, beguiling and seductive. I told her you said I should get some qualifications behind me before I made any decisions about a career. She doesnt know enough about you to realize youd never come out with all that boring shit that I get off my mum.
Good thinking, he told her appreciatively. I can promise you Ill never be boring, thats for sure. Now, the problem Ive got is that Im desperately busy for the next couple of days. But Ive got Friday morning free, and I can easily set up some screen tests for you. Weve got a rehearsal studio up in the north-east and we can work there.
Her lips parted, her eyes glowed in the dimness of the car interior. You mean it? I can be on telly?
No promises, but you look the part and youve got a beautiful voice. He shifted in his seat so he could fix her with a direct gaze. All I need to prove to myself is that you really can keep a secret.
I told you, Donna replied, consternation on her face. Ive said nothing to anybody.
But can you keep that up? Can you stay silent until Thursday night? He put his hand inside his jacket and produced a rail ticket. This is a train ticket for Five Walls Halt in Northumberland. On Thursday, you catch the 3.25 Newcastle train from the station here, then at Newcastle, you change to the 7.50 for Carlisle. When you come out of the station, theres a car park on the left. Ill be waiting there in a Land Rover. I cant get out to meet you on the platform because of commercial confidentiality, but Ill be there in the car park, I promise. Well put you up for the night, then first thing in the morning, you do the screen test.
But can you keep that up? Can you stay silent until Thursday night? He put his hand inside his jacket and produced a rail ticket. This is a train ticket for Five Walls Halt in Northumberland. On Thursday, you catch the 3.25 Newcastle train from the station here, then at Newcastle, you change to the 7.50 for Carlisle. When you come out of the station, theres a car park on the left. Ill be waiting there in a Land Rover. I cant get out to meet you on the platform because of commercial confidentiality, but Ill be there in the car park, I promise. Well put you up for the night, then first thing in the morning, you do the screen test.
But my mumll panic if I stay out all night and she doesnt know where I am, she protested reluctantly.
You can phone her as soon as we get to the studio complex, he told her, his voice rich in reassurance. Lets face it, she probably wouldnt let you take the screen test if she knew, would she? I bet she doesnt think working in TV is a proper job, does she?
As usual, hed calculated to perfection. Donna knew her ambitious mother wouldnt want her to throw her university prospects away to be a game-show bimbo. Her worried look disappeared and she peered up at him from under her eyebrows. I wont say a word, she promised solemnly.
Good girl. I hope you mean that. All it takes is one wrong word and a whole project can crash. That costs money, and it costs peoples jobs too. You might say something in confidence to your best friend, but shell tell her sister, and her sister will tell her boyfriend, and the boyfriend will tell his best mate over a frame of snooker, and the best mates sister-in-law just happens to be a reporter. Or a rival TV company executive. And the shows dead. And your big chance goes with it. Let me tell you something. At the start of your career, you only get one bite of the cherry. You screw up, and no one will ever hire you again. You have to have a lot of success under your belt before the TV bosses forgive a bit of failure. He leaned forward and rested a hand on her arm as he spoke, invading her space and making her feel the sexual thrill of his dangerous edge.
I understand, Donna said with all the intensity of a fourteen-year-old who thought she was really a grown-up and couldnt understand why the adults wouldnt admit her into their conspiracy. The promise of an entrée into that world was what made her so ready to swallow something as preposterous as his set-up.
I can rely on you?
She nodded. I wont let you down. Not with this or anything else. The sexual innuendo was unmistakable. She was probably still a virgin, he reckoned. Something about her avidity told him so. She was offering herself up to him, a vestal sacrifice.
He leaned closer and kissed the soft, eager mouth that instantly opened under his primly closed lips. He drew back, smiling to soften her obvious disappointment. He always left them wanting more. It was the oldest showbiz cliché in the world. But it worked every time.
Carol wiped up the remaining traces of chicken jalfrezi with the last chunk of nan bread and savoured the final mouthful. That, she said reverently, was to die for.
Theres more, Maggie Brandon said, pushing the heavy casserole dish towards her.
Id have to wear it, Carol groaned. Theres no room inside.
You can take some home with you, Maggie told her. I know the kind of daft hours youll be working. Cookings the last thing youll have time for. When John was made up to DCI, I considered asking his Chief Constable if the family could move into the cells at Scargill Street since that seemed to be the only way his kids would ever get to see him.
John Brandon, Chief Constable of East Yorkshire Police, shook his head and said affectionately, Shes a terrible liar, my wife. She only says these things to guilt-trip you into working so hard therell be nothing left for me to worry about in your whole division.
Maggie snorted. As if! How do you think he ended up looking like that, eh?
Carol gave Brandon a shrewd look. It was a good question. If ever a man had been born with a graveyard face, it was Brandon. His countenance was all verticals, long and narrow; lines in his hollow cheeks, lines between his brows, aquiline nose, iron-grey hair straight as the grid line on a map. Tall and thin, with the beginnings of a stoop, all he needed was a scythe to audition for Death. She considered her options. It might be John tonight, but on Monday morning it would be back to, Mr Brandon, sir. Better not push her informal relationship with the boss too far. And there was me thinking it was marriage, she said innocently.
Maggie roared with laughter. Diplomatic as well as quick, eh? she got out at last, reaching across to pat her husbands shoulder. You did well to get Carol to abandon the fleshpots of Bradfield for the back of beyond, my love.
Speaking of which, how are you settling in? Carol asked.
Well, this is a police house, Maggie told her, waving a hand at the brilliant white walls and paintwork, a depressing contrast to the hand-marbled paintwork Carol remembered from their Bradfield dining room. But itll have to do us. Weve rented out the house in Bradfield, you know? Johns only got another five years till he has his thirty in, and we want to go back there. Its where our roots are, where our friends are. And the kids will all be out of school by then, so its not like theyll be uprooted again.
What Maggie isnt saying is that she feels a bit like a Victorian missionary among the Hottentots, Brandon said.
Well, youve got to admit, East Yorkshires a bit different from Bradfield. Plenty of scenery, but theres not a decent theatre within half an hours drive of here. There seems to be only one bookshop on the whole patch that sells more than the bestsellers. And as for opera you can forget it! Maggie protested, getting to her feet and gathering the empty plates.
Dont you feel happier about the kids growing up away from the influence of the inner city? Out of the reaches of the drug lords? Carol asked.
Maggie shook her head. Theyre so insular round here, Carol. Back in Bradfield, the kids had friends from all kinds of backgrounds Asian, Chinese, Afro-Caribbean. Even one Vietnamese lad. Out here, you stick to your own. Theres nothing to do except hang around on street corners. Frankly, Id take a chance on them having the sense to stay out of trouble in the inner city as a trade-off for all the opportunities they had in Bradfield. This country living is well over-rated. She marched through to the kitchen.
Sorry, Carol said. Didnt realize it was such a sore point.
Brandon shrugged. You know Maggie. She likes to get it off her chest. Give it a few more months, shell be running the village, happy as a pig. The kids like it well enough. How about you? Whats the cottage like?
I love it. The couple I bought it from did an immaculate restoration job.
Im surprised they were selling it, then.
Divorce, Carol said succinctly.
Ah.
I think they were both more upset about losing the cottage than the marriage. You and Maggie will have to come over for a meal.
If you ever find the time to shop, Maggie said darkly, walking back in with a large cafetière.