A few more chapters...please excuse the bits I haven't had a chance to proof read (pretty much all of it!)
Chap 4
Now
Agatha"I'm just (hiccup) going to the kitchen to - no, don't get up, (hiccup)" she said to Ben, ever the gent, as she forcefully pushed back her chair to stand. "I'll be back in a why wheel...I mean wee while." She hiccuped again and scampered off to the kitchen. Not even the delightful after taste of the starter could cheer her up right now. She was struggling, though the added stress of too much alcohol wasn't helping.
She cleared the plates away and shoved them into the sink...slightly noisily but she didn't think they'd notice. It wasn't their fault that they were at this stupid dinner party.
With 1 night to go until Christmas, Agatha felt sure that they all had plenty of things they would rather be doing...seeing relatives, last minute wrapping - hell, even watching Home Alone with mulled wine in pyjamas. That's what she'd rather be doing anyway. But instead they were all having to endure each other's company, despite the fact they obviously had nothing in common and didn't actually like each other. She took one last minute of sanctuary from her kitchen then took a deep breath.
Charles
'Wow,' thought Charles, 'that girl can make a noise when she's mad.' He stretched out in his seat, stretching his hands behind his head and looking up at the ceiling. There was no point trying to make conversation with anyone, they were all as bored as he was and in just 2 hours time they would never have to meet again.
Ruby
Ruby had a song resounding in her head...she couldn't stop humming it in her mind. It was The Beat Goes On by Sonny and Cher and it was one of her favourites. She had played it for a while with one of the groups she used to play in but the song gave her bad memories so she never listened to it any more. But today, today the song popped into her head like an unwelcome flea pops onto a cat. She was aware of a banging coming from the kitchen but barely acknowledged it, focusing instead on keeping the memories at bay.
Ben
Bens hands found his pockets, and he started fiddling with his phone, willing there to be a phone call or a text or SOMETHING to drag him away. No doubt Giles would be having a marvellous time at home with all his carers, then waiting for him on hands and feet. It was his job, Ben's job to be there for him, no one else's. But they had insisted he come. Oh the things he could be doing right now...wrapping a few last presents, catching up with some friends at the bar...watching a film in his Pjs with some mulled wine. 'What film would I watch' he thought trying to distract himself. 'Something Christmassy? Yeah, Misery, that's quite Christmassy...at least it's got snow in it.' His mind wandered in the silence until he was disrupted by a scream.
Chap 5
3 years ago
Ruby
Paul heard the sound of heels from behind and knew that she was here. The signature click-clack of her red sparkly heels, her homage to Dorothy. She was late of course, as always, and he was about to turn and reprimand her when a small figure jumped on his back and wrapped her legs around him. It caught him off guard but he was strong, he worked out, and she was but a feather. She clung on for dear life as he thrashed about, trying to get her off...it seemed that she was as strong as he, and certainly more fierce. They continued to wrestle for some time, both as determined as the other to reign as champion but soon his grunts of determination turned to laughter and he gave up, collapsing to the wall near him with weakness.
"Yes! Though she be small she be mighty!" Ruby jumped off his back and ran a victory lap around his shaking body. "Loser!" she shouted in his face. He caught her eye and she stopped suddenly, caught unaware as she always was when he looked at her that way. He could always unnerve her with one look, one glance, one wink. She had not yet grown used to the effect he could have on her. She went to kiss him passionately, and they spent a few moments like that, under the lamppost, in the alley next to the club where she was about to perform in front of a growing crowd of fans. He pulled away.
"Don't stop," she implored, searching his eyes and stroking his stubble.
"Aren't you going to be late," he teased, wiping some of her smudged lipstick off her face.
"Oh I don't care," she sighed, "I don't need anything else in my life, I just need you."
"Now come on," he said, pulling her hands down and holding them in front of him. "You can't let all those adoring fans down. It's a sell out in there tonight."
"I know," she sighed again, "but you know who's going to be on the front row? Old man Taylor with his bunch of cronies. Leering, accidentally falling as though they're tipsy whilst trying to cop a feel of my bum. I'm tired of them, I've had enough."
"But they love you here," he coaxed, "and you're on the brink of something big. Played on the local radio station, you're getting noticed babe. You just need to do a few more of these gigs then you'll be hitting the big time."
"I don't even know if that's what I want. I like my life, it's,..uncomplicated. I like uncomplicated."
"No-one ever made it by being uncomplicated Rubes, now come on, get going. You need to sparkle tonight...plus your makeup needs touching up."
She narrowed her eyes at him.
"You saying I'm not beautiful without my sparkly make up?"
"Oh good grief no. I wouldn't dare."
"Love you big man." There was an awkward pause and Ruby suddenly realised that something was off about Paul tonight. Usually it was him using the 'L' word but he hadn't said it yet. In fact he hadn't told her recently at all. He looked down at the ground and shuffled from foot to foot.
"Yeah...about that. Um, let's catch up after your gig, ok? Let's go for a drink."
Ruby narrowed her eyes at him and watched him for a moment. He looked uncomfortable and he was squirming.
"How about we catch up now? What's going on?"
"I don't want to talk now, you'll be late. But I'll be here I promise. I may even take out old man Taylor's bad leg for you."
"I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what's going on."
He looked at his feet before quietly saying, "I'm really sorry Rubes but..."
"Ah, I get it, you love me too," she grinned, playfully punching his arm.
"That's the thing...I do, kind of, but....oh man, I can't believe I'm doing this. I don't...I don't love you like that. Not really. I've been pretending for a long time, but I can't deny it any more...I just don't want to be with you any more."
"This is...a really nasty joke Paul, come on. I'm about play a gig."
"It's not a joke Rubes. I haven't really been busy the last few days I'm just...I've been avoiding you I suppose. I'm so, so sorry."
"Why?"
"Look, let's go out for a drink after and I'll tell you. There are some things...things that I need to tell you."
Ruby looked at him intently and knew that he was speaking the truth. She suddenly felt her world crumble. She felt angry, hurt, shocked but not sad...she refused to mourn for this man who was trying mercilessly to break her heart. She would not cry. She wanted to hit him, wanted to scream. Instead she calmly said, "I don't think that's necessary, you've made yourself quite clear. I think I'll be on my way. Got a career to build without you." She turned and walked towards the club. There was no time, no room in her mind to stop and dwell on this. He was the love of her life, the only one who had got her to say those words. But she wasn't about to stop her life for him, she would not cry, would not be defeated by a broken heart. Yet she ached and she knew that if she stopped and turned around she would cry and never stop. She carried on walking towards the club. But something made her stop in her tracks. A shadow from the back door of the club...a silhouette she knew so well...he couldn't be here...
Paul saw her hesitation and caught up with her, placing his hand on his back.
"Are you ok Rubes? You don't have to do this."
She looked at the man she loved, who had been her partner, her best friend and she whispered, "my dads here."
Chap 6
Ruby ran towards the club, her heart pounding, and flung the door open wide, ignoring the doorman who normally liked to search her bag even though she was a regular and never in possession of any drug, weapon or alcohol. He had his back turned to her but she's know this man anywhere. His tall frame, muscular shoulders, close shaved head, habit from years of being in the military. She hasn't seen him in so long...she spoke to him regularly, but to see him, to touch him and have one of his giant bear hugs? It was too much and she softly said "Daddy?"
He whisked his head around and in two paces had crossed the distance between them and swept her up into his arms. She felt the weight of the world dissolve from her shoulders and she hugged him back with every ounce of love she had. In that moment nothing else mattered, the singing, the relationships? Not important.
After some time he put her down, and wiped a stray tear away from her cheek.
"What's happening my little Ruby Wednesday?" She laughed and held her fathers giant hand in hers.
"Dad, this is the best gift I have ever received. I can't believe you're here."
"You look...you look so good. I can't believe how beautiful you are."
"You say that every time you come home."
"And every time I mean it."
Ruby's dad had been in the army all her life and way before that. She was an only child who had been raised by a quiet and recluse of a mother, only seeing her dad for weeks at a time when he finally got leave. They had travelled all over the world, Ruby and her mum, packing the bare minimum every time and living in dingy military quarters, just to be near to Ruby's dad. The two women had very little in common, but this was one thing that United them. He was the centre of their world and all they wanted was to be close to him.
Ruby's mother used to shine when he walked through the door, but he only ever had eyes for Ruby. He would smile kindly at this woman and as Ruby grew older she saw the pain that this caused. But the relationship had drifted apart and the only reason he came home at all was to see his daughter.
The last time she had seen him was 2 years ago when he had called from a phone box in London to say he was home for the weekend and did she want to meet him? Well of course she dropped everything-rehearsals with the band, a night away with girlfriends and an interview for a new job, to see him for one day. Ruby never spoke to her mother much, she had moved out when she was 16 to live with an older man who was nothing except a mentor and best friend to her.
Dave, the club manager, came running towards her, shouting and waving his arms angrily.
"Uh oh," Ruby said to her father, "I'm in for it now. How long are you staying?"
"I'll be here for you after sweetheart don't worry."
"But how long are you staying?"
"Ruby, you're late...look at the state of you!" Shouted Dave in her face. Saliva had gathered at the corner of his mouth and she was subjected to a spraying.
"Dave, just a minute. This is my dad, he -"
"I don't care Ruby, if you're not on stage in 2 minutes you're..."
"I'm talking to my dad." She glared at the manager like the feisty firecracker that she was and refused to back down.
"Ruby it's ok, I'll be here when you finish. I'm so excited to see you. Make me proud honey." He kissed her and nodded to Dave as he walked off to find a seat.
Ruby couldn't believe it,,,she felt as if she was flying. Her dad had come to see her and she just knew he would be her number one fan.
She managed to get through the set despite the niggling pain in the back of her mind that her relationship with Paul was over.
A few hours later she was being applauded and cheered and she felt the happiest that she had ever felt. She hadn't taken her eyes off her father in case he disappeared, but she knew she'd given it everything she had.
Finally the crowd let her leave the stage so she placed her guitar down gently and waved one last time before diving backstage to where her dad would hopefully make his way. She was thinking of all the places she would take him...they could go out for food to the Mexican that she loved - when someone grabbed her arm and stopped her in her tracks.
It was Paul and he was drunk. It was unlike him but she didn't have time right then, she needed to get to her dad. But he wouldn't let her go and something about him just didn't seem right.
"You've got a cheek. Let go of me," she cried, shoving him away from her.
"I made a mistake," he slurred, "I'm sorry Rubes. I shouldna said anything."
"I don't want to hear it Paul. Just go home and leave me alone."
Paul's hands were wandering over her back and shoulders, making their way to her face and she was about to knee him in the groin when her favourite person in the whole wide world bellowed "get away from my daughter."
Paul lost his grip on Ruby as she wriggled out of his grasp and he turned to see the man who was now towering over him. Max Devereux was a force to be reckoned with and ordinarily a man like Paul would have walked away, hands up in surrender. But a crazy confidence had possessed him and in his drunken state believed he could take him on.
Paul staggered towards him and swung his arm wildly in the direction of the soldier. Max took a step back and let him exhaust himself. A few moments later and Paul had fallen onto his face and had a nose bleed.
"Just go home mate, leave her be ok?" Said max, turning away from him to find Ruby.
"She's a bitch, and you're welcome to her."
It happened in a flash...max spun round on his heel and with a steel fist punched him in the side of his head, knocking him out cold. Paul slumped to the floor and a gentle stream of blood trickled down his face.
"Dad, come on he's not worth it. Let's go, ok?" Ruby insisted frantically. The club was always having to deal with fights and as a result Dave had a no tolerance policy. She could see him now, heading towards them, look of anger on his face.
Ruby grabbed her fathers hand and they headed to the door, though she glanced back at Paul once before they left. It was the last time she saw him.
The incident with Paul hadn't really effected her - he was being a knob and deserved it - but seeing her dad like that, in a different light...it made her fear him slightly. Not that he would ever do anything like that to her, or even her mother for that matter. But she happened to glance at him and see something in his eye as he clenched his fist and punched. It was a grim satisfaction, a sort of lust that took over as his fist made contact. Ruby had never seen her dad like this and it scared her.
They went for a Mexican however, her dad insisting that he treat her, then he drank vodka as though it were water. He started getting rowdier as the alcohol kicked in and before long he was guffawing loudly at her jokes and boasting about his talented daughter to anyone who would listen.
There were a couple of people in the restaurant - an old lady at one table and a couple at the other, but it was already late, nearly closing time.
Ruby looked out of the window as her father paid the bill and saw a police car drive past slowly. A couple of drunken men walked into the road and leered at the car but the police just ignored them. Ruby thought nothing of it and turned her attention back to her father who was now beginning to shout abuse at the waitress, claiming that she had overcharged him and that they didn't even order the nachos to start. Ruby stood up and went to pay herself, when two police officers walked into the restaurant and headed straight for her father. They calmly stood behind him and said "Mr Max Devereux? He spun round aggressively but stopped when he saw who it was.
"That's me sirofficer. And how are you tonight?" he slurred, leaning up against the counter.
"We would like to discuss an event which happened earlier tonight if you don't mind, sir."
"What event? I been with my daughter all night, isn't that right Ruby?"
Ruby rushed to her dad and slid her arms around his waist.
"That's right, he has been with me all evening. What's the matter?"
"It's concerning a Mr Paul Armstrong and an incident that happened at the club tonight."
"What's he said?" Ruby asked angrily, "he has no right to call you, it was his fault. He's such an arse."
"So you were at the club with Mr Armstrong then?"
"Well yes but he called my daughter a nasty name and I won't tolerate it, you know?" slurred max.
"Mr Devereux I'm placing you under arrest -"
"What?" Shouted Ruby incredulously, "That's outrageous, what for?"
"For the murder of Paul Armstrong."
Chapter 7
Ruby could do nothing but stare as they led her father away, him glancing over his shoulder at her, trying to reassure her.
"Don't worry babe, I'll sort this out, just go home and I'll see you in the morning. Love you Ruby."
Ruby was too shocked to move and suddenly collapsed to the floor just as the police car drove away. Although she remained conscious she was unaware of how long she spent lying on the floor until someone came and lifted her head, placing a coat underneath. It all seemed to be happening so slowly and she could hear strange sounds, as though she was swimming underwater. Her vision was blurred and she couldn't focus on the face now in front of her. She was waving something in front of Ruby's face and trying up force something into her lips...water, it tasted of water. Ruby felt a wave of nausea and started retching, though nothing would come up. She sat up finally and noticed that an old lady was kneeling beside her...the old lady who was sitting at the other table. She had a kindly face and although Ruby felt that she could trust her, she didn't want to talk to anyone, she just wanted to get to her dad. Ruby scrambled to her feet and mumbled her thanks to the lady, making her way to the door. Her legs felt like lead though and she could hardly move. The old lady took her by the shoulders and sat her into a chair.
"Now sit here a minute, you're in no fit state to go anywhere. Cara, get this girl a sugary tea will you? She needs it."
"Isn't brandy better? My dad says that -"
"Your dad says brandy is good for anything, including alcoholism. Get me a tea."
"Alright," she rolled her eyes as she went behind the counter. "How many sugars do I put in?"
"3 teaspoons," the lady said curtly.
"Is sweetener better, she looks like she needs to be on a diet," the girl continued, suddenly bringing Ruby out of her daze.
"Cara Edwards, make that tea now...strong with 3 heaped teaspoons of granulated sugar and give it a good stir. I swear on your mothers grave that I will go back to where you live and tell your father that instead of going to school at 8 O clock in the morning you are actually going to Suzy Jenkins house to smoke pot in her dads shed."
Cara stood with her mouth wide open and blinked once at the old lady. Ruby was slowly beginning to wake from her dazed trance and found the situation in front of her rather funny. She giggled nervously, knowing she was being inappropriate but unable to stop.
Cara looked at her crossly and stormed off behind the door to make a strong tea. This only made Ruby laugh harder and before long she had tears streaming down her face and had her hand covering her mouth. The old lady waited patiently, watching Ruby with pity. Finally Ruby stopped laughing, and suddenly she couldn't remember the reason she had started in the first place. This time the tears were falling for another emotion.
"That's right love, let it out. You've had a shock, it's perfectly normal to behave strangely."
The couple in the corner couldn't take any more it seemed so they dropped some cash on the table and shuffled nervously out of the door, keeping their heads low. Cara came back in with the tea and sat down on the other chair.
"I don't know what was so funny. I wouldn't be laughing if my dad got arrested for murder."
"Cara." The old lady gave her a warning look.
"I knew there was something weird about him."
"Cara!"
"And to think he said that I had overcharged him...I'm not the criminal here. The cheek."
"Cara, into the kitchen now. You go there and you stay there until I tell you to come back."
"I don't want to. I want to stay here."
"Now young lady, and any more of your cheek and Suzy Jenkins will be a distant memory."
Cara held her hands up in surrender and sighed her way to the kitchen. Before she went in she couldn't resist one more comment.
"Don't suppose I'll get a tip now, will I?"
Ruby looked at the old woman sitting in front of her and felt her eyes fill with tears again.
"Thanks but I don't drink tea," she said fighting back the sobs.
"Take a few sips, it'll calm you down and make you feel better. I used to be police liaison officer and I can tell you right now that nothing calms the nerves like a nice cup of sweet tea." She patted her hand then watched as Ruby sipped the hot drink. It burnt her tongue and made her face wrinkle at the taste, but she did not feel strong enough to argue.
"I remember this one time I had to go to a house where the poor man had lost his wife and two children in a car accident. I worked with him for 3 weeks solid, every day going round to comfort him, I saw him go through every emotion under the sun but every time the only thing that settled him was a sweet cup of tea."
Ruby nodded, barely registering what the woman had said.
"What's your name love?" She finally asked once she was satisfied the tea was staying down.
"Ruby. Ruby Devereux."
"Not THE Ruby Devereux? The one on her way to the top?"
Ruby just nodded her assent.
"Well, what a talent you've got, that's for sure. I've been to watch you a number of times now, I think you're a star."
"I don't recognise you," Ruby said with a puzzled look on her face.
"Oh that's because I always sit at the back...old man Taylor had a thing for me a few years ago and now I avoid him like the plague. He doesn't see me if I'm at the back, his eyesights too bad."
Ruby smiled despite herself. The tea must be working.
"What are they going to do to my dad?"
"Well I presume he's still in active duty?"
"Yes."
"Well then the military police will come for him soon, he'll be taken back to base where he will have a trial eventually."
"How can this have happened? He only punched him once."
"Sometimes that's all it takes."
Suddenly shouts came from the kitchen area and cara could be heard swearing and cursing at someone. She came bursting back into the restaurant, arms folded and leaned against the bar. The old woman raised her eyebrows at her and cara tutted and rolled her eyes again, leaving the bar and going back to the kitchen.
The old woman talked to Ruby as she continued sipping her tea, distracting her from the overwhelming problem she was facing. Because Ruby was facing the worst challenge of her life,,,not only was her father in prison but her recently ex boyfriend was dead. She loved him, she would never fully understand the reason he finished with her. And he wanted to tell her...she should have let him, instead of putting her father first in everything she did. Why did he have such a hold on her? Why did he always have to leave again? There was a pause and the woman looked down at her hands on the table.
"I'm sorry, I haven't really been listening. I've lost them both in one night. I'm facing the rest of my life alone and I don't think any amount of tea will fix that. I've got to go to the police station before he's taken to the base and I can't see him again."
"They won't come tonight and you won't be allowed to see him anyway. Let me take you home and you can get some rest. Is there someone else I can call for you?"
"Didn't you hear me?" Ruby asked calmly. "I'm alone. There isn't anyone else. I don't want to go home anyway. There's nothing there for me. And all of his stuff is there."
They stayed at the restaurant for some time then the old lady insisted that they walk to cafe that was open all night.
"You're being so kind but I don't even know your name."
"It's Atta dear. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
She cleared the plates away and shoved them into the sink...slightly noisily but she didn't think they'd notice. It wasn't their fault that they were at this stupid dinner party.
With 1 night to go until Christmas, Agatha felt sure that they all had plenty of things they would rather be doing...seeing relatives, last minute wrapping - hell, even watching Home Alone with mulled wine in pyjamas. That's what she'd rather be doing anyway. But instead they were all having to endure each other's company, despite the fact they obviously had nothing in common and didn't actually like each other. She took one last minute of sanctuary from her kitchen then took a deep breath.
Charles
'Wow,' thought Charles, 'that girl can make a noise when she's mad.' He stretched out in his seat, stretching his hands behind his head and looking up at the ceiling. There was no point trying to make conversation with anyone, they were all as bored as he was and in just 2 hours time they would never have to meet again.
Ruby
Ruby had a song resounding in her head...she couldn't stop humming it in her mind. It was The Beat Goes On by Sonny and Cher and it was one of her favourites. She had played it for a while with one of the groups she used to play in but the song gave her bad memories so she never listened to it any more. But today, today the song popped into her head like an unwelcome flea pops onto a cat. She was aware of a banging coming from the kitchen but barely acknowledged it, focusing instead on keeping the memories at bay.
Ben
Bens hands found his pockets, and he started fiddling with his phone, willing there to be a phone call or a text or SOMETHING to drag him away. No doubt Giles would be having a marvellous time at home with all his carers, then waiting for him on hands and feet. It was his job, Ben's job to be there for him, no one else's. But they had insisted he come. Oh the things he could be doing right now...wrapping a few last presents, catching up with some friends at the bar...watching a film in his Pjs with some mulled wine. 'What film would I watch' he thought trying to distract himself. 'Something Christmassy? Yeah, Misery, that's quite Christmassy...at least it's got snow in it.' His mind wandered in the silence until he was disrupted by a scream.
Chap 5
3 years ago
Ruby
Paul heard the sound of heels from behind and knew that she was here. The signature click-clack of her red sparkly heels, her homage to Dorothy. She was late of course, as always, and he was about to turn and reprimand her when a small figure jumped on his back and wrapped her legs around him. It caught him off guard but he was strong, he worked out, and she was but a feather. She clung on for dear life as he thrashed about, trying to get her off...it seemed that she was as strong as he, and certainly more fierce. They continued to wrestle for some time, both as determined as the other to reign as champion but soon his grunts of determination turned to laughter and he gave up, collapsing to the wall near him with weakness.
"Yes! Though she be small she be mighty!" Ruby jumped off his back and ran a victory lap around his shaking body. "Loser!" she shouted in his face. He caught her eye and she stopped suddenly, caught unaware as she always was when he looked at her that way. He could always unnerve her with one look, one glance, one wink. She had not yet grown used to the effect he could have on her. She went to kiss him passionately, and they spent a few moments like that, under the lamppost, in the alley next to the club where she was about to perform in front of a growing crowd of fans. He pulled away.
"Don't stop," she implored, searching his eyes and stroking his stubble.
"Aren't you going to be late," he teased, wiping some of her smudged lipstick off her face.
"Oh I don't care," she sighed, "I don't need anything else in my life, I just need you."
"Now come on," he said, pulling her hands down and holding them in front of him. "You can't let all those adoring fans down. It's a sell out in there tonight."
"I know," she sighed again, "but you know who's going to be on the front row? Old man Taylor with his bunch of cronies. Leering, accidentally falling as though they're tipsy whilst trying to cop a feel of my bum. I'm tired of them, I've had enough."
"But they love you here," he coaxed, "and you're on the brink of something big. Played on the local radio station, you're getting noticed babe. You just need to do a few more of these gigs then you'll be hitting the big time."
"I don't even know if that's what I want. I like my life, it's,..uncomplicated. I like uncomplicated."
"No-one ever made it by being uncomplicated Rubes, now come on, get going. You need to sparkle tonight...plus your makeup needs touching up."
She narrowed her eyes at him.
"You saying I'm not beautiful without my sparkly make up?"
"Oh good grief no. I wouldn't dare."
"Love you big man." There was an awkward pause and Ruby suddenly realised that something was off about Paul tonight. Usually it was him using the 'L' word but he hadn't said it yet. In fact he hadn't told her recently at all. He looked down at the ground and shuffled from foot to foot.
"Yeah...about that. Um, let's catch up after your gig, ok? Let's go for a drink."
Ruby narrowed her eyes at him and watched him for a moment. He looked uncomfortable and he was squirming.
"How about we catch up now? What's going on?"
"I don't want to talk now, you'll be late. But I'll be here I promise. I may even take out old man Taylor's bad leg for you."
"I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what's going on."
He looked at his feet before quietly saying, "I'm really sorry Rubes but..."
"Ah, I get it, you love me too," she grinned, playfully punching his arm.
"That's the thing...I do, kind of, but....oh man, I can't believe I'm doing this. I don't...I don't love you like that. Not really. I've been pretending for a long time, but I can't deny it any more...I just don't want to be with you any more."
"This is...a really nasty joke Paul, come on. I'm about play a gig."
"It's not a joke Rubes. I haven't really been busy the last few days I'm just...I've been avoiding you I suppose. I'm so, so sorry."
"Why?"
"Look, let's go out for a drink after and I'll tell you. There are some things...things that I need to tell you."
Ruby looked at him intently and knew that he was speaking the truth. She suddenly felt her world crumble. She felt angry, hurt, shocked but not sad...she refused to mourn for this man who was trying mercilessly to break her heart. She would not cry. She wanted to hit him, wanted to scream. Instead she calmly said, "I don't think that's necessary, you've made yourself quite clear. I think I'll be on my way. Got a career to build without you." She turned and walked towards the club. There was no time, no room in her mind to stop and dwell on this. He was the love of her life, the only one who had got her to say those words. But she wasn't about to stop her life for him, she would not cry, would not be defeated by a broken heart. Yet she ached and she knew that if she stopped and turned around she would cry and never stop. She carried on walking towards the club. But something made her stop in her tracks. A shadow from the back door of the club...a silhouette she knew so well...he couldn't be here...
Paul saw her hesitation and caught up with her, placing his hand on his back.
"Are you ok Rubes? You don't have to do this."
She looked at the man she loved, who had been her partner, her best friend and she whispered, "my dads here."
Chap 6
Ruby ran towards the club, her heart pounding, and flung the door open wide, ignoring the doorman who normally liked to search her bag even though she was a regular and never in possession of any drug, weapon or alcohol. He had his back turned to her but she's know this man anywhere. His tall frame, muscular shoulders, close shaved head, habit from years of being in the military. She hasn't seen him in so long...she spoke to him regularly, but to see him, to touch him and have one of his giant bear hugs? It was too much and she softly said "Daddy?"
He whisked his head around and in two paces had crossed the distance between them and swept her up into his arms. She felt the weight of the world dissolve from her shoulders and she hugged him back with every ounce of love she had. In that moment nothing else mattered, the singing, the relationships? Not important.
After some time he put her down, and wiped a stray tear away from her cheek.
"What's happening my little Ruby Wednesday?" She laughed and held her fathers giant hand in hers.
"Dad, this is the best gift I have ever received. I can't believe you're here."
"You look...you look so good. I can't believe how beautiful you are."
"You say that every time you come home."
"And every time I mean it."
Ruby's dad had been in the army all her life and way before that. She was an only child who had been raised by a quiet and recluse of a mother, only seeing her dad for weeks at a time when he finally got leave. They had travelled all over the world, Ruby and her mum, packing the bare minimum every time and living in dingy military quarters, just to be near to Ruby's dad. The two women had very little in common, but this was one thing that United them. He was the centre of their world and all they wanted was to be close to him.
Ruby's mother used to shine when he walked through the door, but he only ever had eyes for Ruby. He would smile kindly at this woman and as Ruby grew older she saw the pain that this caused. But the relationship had drifted apart and the only reason he came home at all was to see his daughter.
The last time she had seen him was 2 years ago when he had called from a phone box in London to say he was home for the weekend and did she want to meet him? Well of course she dropped everything-rehearsals with the band, a night away with girlfriends and an interview for a new job, to see him for one day. Ruby never spoke to her mother much, she had moved out when she was 16 to live with an older man who was nothing except a mentor and best friend to her.
Dave, the club manager, came running towards her, shouting and waving his arms angrily.
"Uh oh," Ruby said to her father, "I'm in for it now. How long are you staying?"
"I'll be here for you after sweetheart don't worry."
"But how long are you staying?"
"Ruby, you're late...look at the state of you!" Shouted Dave in her face. Saliva had gathered at the corner of his mouth and she was subjected to a spraying.
"Dave, just a minute. This is my dad, he -"
"I don't care Ruby, if you're not on stage in 2 minutes you're..."
"I'm talking to my dad." She glared at the manager like the feisty firecracker that she was and refused to back down.
"Ruby it's ok, I'll be here when you finish. I'm so excited to see you. Make me proud honey." He kissed her and nodded to Dave as he walked off to find a seat.
Ruby couldn't believe it,,,she felt as if she was flying. Her dad had come to see her and she just knew he would be her number one fan.
She managed to get through the set despite the niggling pain in the back of her mind that her relationship with Paul was over.
A few hours later she was being applauded and cheered and she felt the happiest that she had ever felt. She hadn't taken her eyes off her father in case he disappeared, but she knew she'd given it everything she had.
Finally the crowd let her leave the stage so she placed her guitar down gently and waved one last time before diving backstage to where her dad would hopefully make his way. She was thinking of all the places she would take him...they could go out for food to the Mexican that she loved - when someone grabbed her arm and stopped her in her tracks.
It was Paul and he was drunk. It was unlike him but she didn't have time right then, she needed to get to her dad. But he wouldn't let her go and something about him just didn't seem right.
"You've got a cheek. Let go of me," she cried, shoving him away from her.
"I made a mistake," he slurred, "I'm sorry Rubes. I shouldna said anything."
"I don't want to hear it Paul. Just go home and leave me alone."
Paul's hands were wandering over her back and shoulders, making their way to her face and she was about to knee him in the groin when her favourite person in the whole wide world bellowed "get away from my daughter."
Paul lost his grip on Ruby as she wriggled out of his grasp and he turned to see the man who was now towering over him. Max Devereux was a force to be reckoned with and ordinarily a man like Paul would have walked away, hands up in surrender. But a crazy confidence had possessed him and in his drunken state believed he could take him on.
Paul staggered towards him and swung his arm wildly in the direction of the soldier. Max took a step back and let him exhaust himself. A few moments later and Paul had fallen onto his face and had a nose bleed.
"Just go home mate, leave her be ok?" Said max, turning away from him to find Ruby.
"She's a bitch, and you're welcome to her."
It happened in a flash...max spun round on his heel and with a steel fist punched him in the side of his head, knocking him out cold. Paul slumped to the floor and a gentle stream of blood trickled down his face.
"Dad, come on he's not worth it. Let's go, ok?" Ruby insisted frantically. The club was always having to deal with fights and as a result Dave had a no tolerance policy. She could see him now, heading towards them, look of anger on his face.
Ruby grabbed her fathers hand and they headed to the door, though she glanced back at Paul once before they left. It was the last time she saw him.
The incident with Paul hadn't really effected her - he was being a knob and deserved it - but seeing her dad like that, in a different light...it made her fear him slightly. Not that he would ever do anything like that to her, or even her mother for that matter. But she happened to glance at him and see something in his eye as he clenched his fist and punched. It was a grim satisfaction, a sort of lust that took over as his fist made contact. Ruby had never seen her dad like this and it scared her.
They went for a Mexican however, her dad insisting that he treat her, then he drank vodka as though it were water. He started getting rowdier as the alcohol kicked in and before long he was guffawing loudly at her jokes and boasting about his talented daughter to anyone who would listen.
There were a couple of people in the restaurant - an old lady at one table and a couple at the other, but it was already late, nearly closing time.
Ruby looked out of the window as her father paid the bill and saw a police car drive past slowly. A couple of drunken men walked into the road and leered at the car but the police just ignored them. Ruby thought nothing of it and turned her attention back to her father who was now beginning to shout abuse at the waitress, claiming that she had overcharged him and that they didn't even order the nachos to start. Ruby stood up and went to pay herself, when two police officers walked into the restaurant and headed straight for her father. They calmly stood behind him and said "Mr Max Devereux? He spun round aggressively but stopped when he saw who it was.
"That's me sirofficer. And how are you tonight?" he slurred, leaning up against the counter.
"We would like to discuss an event which happened earlier tonight if you don't mind, sir."
"What event? I been with my daughter all night, isn't that right Ruby?"
Ruby rushed to her dad and slid her arms around his waist.
"That's right, he has been with me all evening. What's the matter?"
"It's concerning a Mr Paul Armstrong and an incident that happened at the club tonight."
"What's he said?" Ruby asked angrily, "he has no right to call you, it was his fault. He's such an arse."
"So you were at the club with Mr Armstrong then?"
"Well yes but he called my daughter a nasty name and I won't tolerate it, you know?" slurred max.
"Mr Devereux I'm placing you under arrest -"
"What?" Shouted Ruby incredulously, "That's outrageous, what for?"
"For the murder of Paul Armstrong."
Chapter 7
Ruby could do nothing but stare as they led her father away, him glancing over his shoulder at her, trying to reassure her.
"Don't worry babe, I'll sort this out, just go home and I'll see you in the morning. Love you Ruby."
Ruby was too shocked to move and suddenly collapsed to the floor just as the police car drove away. Although she remained conscious she was unaware of how long she spent lying on the floor until someone came and lifted her head, placing a coat underneath. It all seemed to be happening so slowly and she could hear strange sounds, as though she was swimming underwater. Her vision was blurred and she couldn't focus on the face now in front of her. She was waving something in front of Ruby's face and trying up force something into her lips...water, it tasted of water. Ruby felt a wave of nausea and started retching, though nothing would come up. She sat up finally and noticed that an old lady was kneeling beside her...the old lady who was sitting at the other table. She had a kindly face and although Ruby felt that she could trust her, she didn't want to talk to anyone, she just wanted to get to her dad. Ruby scrambled to her feet and mumbled her thanks to the lady, making her way to the door. Her legs felt like lead though and she could hardly move. The old lady took her by the shoulders and sat her into a chair.
"Now sit here a minute, you're in no fit state to go anywhere. Cara, get this girl a sugary tea will you? She needs it."
"Isn't brandy better? My dad says that -"
"Your dad says brandy is good for anything, including alcoholism. Get me a tea."
"Alright," she rolled her eyes as she went behind the counter. "How many sugars do I put in?"
"3 teaspoons," the lady said curtly.
"Is sweetener better, she looks like she needs to be on a diet," the girl continued, suddenly bringing Ruby out of her daze.
"Cara Edwards, make that tea now...strong with 3 heaped teaspoons of granulated sugar and give it a good stir. I swear on your mothers grave that I will go back to where you live and tell your father that instead of going to school at 8 O clock in the morning you are actually going to Suzy Jenkins house to smoke pot in her dads shed."
Cara stood with her mouth wide open and blinked once at the old lady. Ruby was slowly beginning to wake from her dazed trance and found the situation in front of her rather funny. She giggled nervously, knowing she was being inappropriate but unable to stop.
Cara looked at her crossly and stormed off behind the door to make a strong tea. This only made Ruby laugh harder and before long she had tears streaming down her face and had her hand covering her mouth. The old lady waited patiently, watching Ruby with pity. Finally Ruby stopped laughing, and suddenly she couldn't remember the reason she had started in the first place. This time the tears were falling for another emotion.
"That's right love, let it out. You've had a shock, it's perfectly normal to behave strangely."
The couple in the corner couldn't take any more it seemed so they dropped some cash on the table and shuffled nervously out of the door, keeping their heads low. Cara came back in with the tea and sat down on the other chair.
"I don't know what was so funny. I wouldn't be laughing if my dad got arrested for murder."
"Cara." The old lady gave her a warning look.
"I knew there was something weird about him."
"Cara!"
"And to think he said that I had overcharged him...I'm not the criminal here. The cheek."
"Cara, into the kitchen now. You go there and you stay there until I tell you to come back."
"I don't want to. I want to stay here."
"Now young lady, and any more of your cheek and Suzy Jenkins will be a distant memory."
Cara held her hands up in surrender and sighed her way to the kitchen. Before she went in she couldn't resist one more comment.
"Don't suppose I'll get a tip now, will I?"
Ruby looked at the old woman sitting in front of her and felt her eyes fill with tears again.
"Thanks but I don't drink tea," she said fighting back the sobs.
"Take a few sips, it'll calm you down and make you feel better. I used to be police liaison officer and I can tell you right now that nothing calms the nerves like a nice cup of sweet tea." She patted her hand then watched as Ruby sipped the hot drink. It burnt her tongue and made her face wrinkle at the taste, but she did not feel strong enough to argue.
"I remember this one time I had to go to a house where the poor man had lost his wife and two children in a car accident. I worked with him for 3 weeks solid, every day going round to comfort him, I saw him go through every emotion under the sun but every time the only thing that settled him was a sweet cup of tea."
Ruby nodded, barely registering what the woman had said.
"What's your name love?" She finally asked once she was satisfied the tea was staying down.
"Ruby. Ruby Devereux."
"Not THE Ruby Devereux? The one on her way to the top?"
Ruby just nodded her assent.
"Well, what a talent you've got, that's for sure. I've been to watch you a number of times now, I think you're a star."
"I don't recognise you," Ruby said with a puzzled look on her face.
"Oh that's because I always sit at the back...old man Taylor had a thing for me a few years ago and now I avoid him like the plague. He doesn't see me if I'm at the back, his eyesights too bad."
Ruby smiled despite herself. The tea must be working.
"What are they going to do to my dad?"
"Well I presume he's still in active duty?"
"Yes."
"Well then the military police will come for him soon, he'll be taken back to base where he will have a trial eventually."
"How can this have happened? He only punched him once."
"Sometimes that's all it takes."
Suddenly shouts came from the kitchen area and cara could be heard swearing and cursing at someone. She came bursting back into the restaurant, arms folded and leaned against the bar. The old woman raised her eyebrows at her and cara tutted and rolled her eyes again, leaving the bar and going back to the kitchen.
The old woman talked to Ruby as she continued sipping her tea, distracting her from the overwhelming problem she was facing. Because Ruby was facing the worst challenge of her life,,,not only was her father in prison but her recently ex boyfriend was dead. She loved him, she would never fully understand the reason he finished with her. And he wanted to tell her...she should have let him, instead of putting her father first in everything she did. Why did he have such a hold on her? Why did he always have to leave again? There was a pause and the woman looked down at her hands on the table.
"I'm sorry, I haven't really been listening. I've lost them both in one night. I'm facing the rest of my life alone and I don't think any amount of tea will fix that. I've got to go to the police station before he's taken to the base and I can't see him again."
"They won't come tonight and you won't be allowed to see him anyway. Let me take you home and you can get some rest. Is there someone else I can call for you?"
"Didn't you hear me?" Ruby asked calmly. "I'm alone. There isn't anyone else. I don't want to go home anyway. There's nothing there for me. And all of his stuff is there."
They stayed at the restaurant for some time then the old lady insisted that they walk to cafe that was open all night.
"You're being so kind but I don't even know your name."
"It's Atta dear. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
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