Page 59 of Maybe Tomorrow

‘Hmm,’ she said, remaining stony-faced. ‘No smoke without fire though, is there?’

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

‘She’s never let him stand on his own two feet, has she? Wrapped him in cotton wool all his life. It’s only natural he’s going to snap one day.’

‘Mrs Meyhew, I don’t mean to be rude, but you don’t have the first idea what’s going on. And given the things your son got up to before he was conveniently transferred to Glasgow, I’d have thought you wouldn’t give in to spreading rumour and gossip.’

Her face reddened with anger. Leo smiled at the little victory, turned, and headed for Pauline’s house. He rang the bell and waited. As Pauline began opening the door, he pushed himself inside and quickly closed it behind him so she wouldn’t have to see the hordes of neighbours out there keeping a watchful eye on her house for something to happen.

‘What’s going on?’ Pauline asked.

‘Nothing.’

‘I saw… why are there?—’

‘It’s nothing, Pauline,’ Leo cut her off. ‘You know what they’re like around here. You can’t do anything without a street full of beady eyes gawping at you and reading something into nothing.’

‘Is everyone talking?’ she asked, her hand going to her chest.

Leo looked at her, took in the sorrow on her face and wanted nothing more than to hold her tight and not let go.

‘Hilda Meyhew had a few words to say, but then she has a few words to say about everything. Take no notice. I could do with a cuppa. That milk in my fridge has gone off,’ he said, heading for the kitchen.

‘I’m not going to be able to step outside my own front door, am I?’ Pauline asked, following him.

‘Yes, you are,’ he said firmly. ‘You’ve done nothing wrong. Anthony has done nothing wrong. He’s innocent, and we’re going to prove that.’

‘How?’

‘I’ve got the number of that firm of solicitors I told you about last night. I gave them a call this morning and I’ve booked us an appointment to see… can’t remember her name. I’ve got it written down,’ he said rummaging around in his coat pocket. ‘Jennifer Ripley,’ he said, reading the torn piece of paper.

‘I don’t think I can afford a solicitor. I’ve only got a couple of hundred in my Post Office savings account.’

‘We’ll worry about that later. We just need to make sure we get Anthony out of that police station and back home.’

Pauline smiled, though she looked nervous. She pulled out a chair and sat down while Leo made a cup of tea for them both.

‘Leo, can I ask you a question?’

He turned to look at her. She was back to biting her nails again.

‘Go on.’

‘Do you think Anthony is innocent?’

‘Of course I do. Do you?’

It was a while before she answered. ‘Yes.’

‘You don’t sound so sure.’

She swallowed hard before she spoke. ‘I… I should have allowed Anthony more freedom. I was… I was worried. You’ve seen how people have treated him over the years. I’ve had to protect him.’

‘Pauline, you’ve been a wonderful mother. You’ve done nothing wrong. And neither has Anthony.’

‘What if the police find out about Susan Livesy?’

‘Ah,’ Leo said, sitting down.