Page 21 of The Last Bench

‘I began making the bench that evening after work. I knew I needed somewhere for Anne to sit each day,’ John added.

‘And the most wonderful thing of all happened: the kids started to come home again. We were giddy,’ Anne said.

‘And your son?’ Vega asked.

‘He moved back in again! He’s been helping his dad transform the maze ever since his return,’ Anne said, smiling proudly.

‘He met a local girl, and they got married in 2012. They’ll be along once the kids get home from school. He’s here most days.’

‘And you’ve raised so much money for charity,’ Vega said.

‘Our eldest daughter, Mary, suggested that. She’s a clever one and saw the potential before we did. Cherry blossom is called sakura in Japan – millions go to see the ornamental blossoms in Japan every spring. Causes quite the frenzy. So Mary said why don’t we open the maze up to the public at weekends, and place a donation bucket at the gate, allowing people to give what they can,’ Anne said.

‘I think you might be the nicest couple I’ve met,’ Vega said, making Anne blush. ‘And, also, you must have the greenest fingers! I can’t keep a plant alive, but every single tree has flourished for you. Especially this one, the first. It looks like it’s been here since time began.’

‘It’s in the preparation,’ John said, clearing his throat. ‘You have to dig a perfect hole, making sure there is enough space for the roots to spread.’

‘And make sure you improve the soil with organic matter too, to help keep it fertile,’ Anne added seriously, a brief smile flickering when she saw John’s mouth twitch in response.

‘I appreciate you both taking the time to speak with me. Thank you,’ Vega said. She closed her notebook. ‘I’ve got more than enough for my story. Can I call you if I think of anything else?’

‘Of course. You are welcome any time,’ Anne said sincerely. ‘Would you like tea before you go? Can I tempt you with cake?’

‘No, thank you. I’m going to get home and write this while it’s all fresh in my head. No need to get up – I can make my own way to the car.’ Vega walked over to John and shook his hand, then turned to do the same to Anne.

But Anne got up from the bench and instead gave Vega a warm hug. As Vega left the garden, disappearing beneath the blossom canopy, Anne sat back down on the bench beside John, exhaling in relief. They’d done the interview. And it couldn’t have gone better.

Trouble had not met them on the road this time.

Seventeen

Vega

Once Vega settled into her car, she felt an overwhelming urge to talk to her boyfriend, Luka. She was unsettled, and she couldn’t quite understand why. But Luka always seemed to centre her. She sent him a message asking if he could talk. As a social worker, he didn’t always have access to his phone. And she knew that this morning, he was rehoming two brothers into foster care.

His response was to video call immediately.

‘How did this morning go?’ Vega enquired.

‘Perfectly. The foster couple are farmers, and the lads’ eyes lit up when they saw the amount of land that is now their playground.’

‘I’m so happy they got to stay together,’ Vega said, feeling a lump in her throat.

‘How did it go at the maze?’

‘Great. Anne and John met when they were children and have been together for sixty years. The way they take care of each other is sweet.’

‘It’s a beautiful thing, to find someone to grow old with.’

‘Yes,’ Vega replied huskily. They exchanged a smile, an unspoken question and answer moving between them. ‘You did it again.’

‘What?’

‘Made me feel better,’ Vega said.

‘I’m glad about that. But what’s up?’ Luka asked, his forehead furrowing into a frown.

‘I feel like I’m missing something here,’ she replied with a sigh, ‘You know that drug dealer I’ve been trying to track down?’