Page 74 of Coming Home to Hope Street

‘It was only a slap across the face. But it was the first, and the last, time that he’ll ever touch me.’

‘I’m so sorry.’

‘It’s a bit late for that now.’

The two women quietened for a moment while the vicious words they’d slung at each other sunk in.

Then Livvy grabbed her coat and handbag and left the shop.

And Hannah stood there and watched her.

Chapter Forty-Five

Hannah waited for Livvy to disappear around the corner of the high street and then made her way home. Her mind was awash with all the things she’d said and immediately regretted. Everything she’d held back since Livvy had arrived had come tumbling out, like a caged animal unleashed from captivity, and not in a good way. Embarrassment flooded through her, frustration with herself clear as she stomped along.

As she turned into Hope Street, she saw the door ajar at number four. She went in and found Doug at work. Dylan and Kyle were there too. Doug was drilling into the wall and Dylan was holding the shelf he was erecting. Kyle was clearing up the mess they’d made that day.

Dylan smiled, nudging Doug to get his attention. Doug stopped what he was doing.

‘Hello, you. To what do I owe this pleasure?’ He paused. ‘Is everything okay?’

Hannah shook her head.

‘Carry on for a minute on your own, lads.’ Doug took Hannah by the arm, went into the kitchen, and closed the door.

‘I’ve had a horrible row with Livvy,’ she said, tearing up. ‘I accused her of coming back purposely and… she told me it was Kieran who stole the money from the community centre.’

Hannah told him everything she knew. ‘Livvy went to the police about him yesterday,’ she finished. ‘And now he’s scarpered with the cash.’

‘That makes sense,’ Doug replied. ‘Robin said he wanted to see me about it.’

‘Oh, God. Everyone is going to find out, aren’t they? And then Livvy will have to leave too. I don’t think I can bear that when it isn’t her fault.’

‘I’ll have a word with him. I’m sure he’ll keep quiet about it.’

‘Do you think so?’

‘Of course. I think he would have done, anyway.’

‘But the money is still missing.’

‘That can’t be helped. We can do some more fundraising. The people of Somerley will gather round.’

‘They shouldn’t have to. That – that bastard!’

Doug gave her a hug. ‘Do you want me to come home early?’

‘No, thanks.’ She looked up at him. ‘I’ll be fine. I’m just upset that I’ve taken my anger out on Livvy a little too much. It wasn’t her fault, and I said some really nasty things. I think the hurt of her being away for so long has finally come to fruition.’

‘Things will calm down, Han. You and Livvy will sort things out. And isn’t it better now? We were all thinking something was going on, but we were including Livvy in it too. Now you know.’

‘Indeed I do.’ Hannah shook her head in sorrow.

They said their goodbyes and she went back out onto Hope Street, letting out a huge sigh. Livvy was probably reeling after Hannah had accused her of all sorts, but she couldn’t speak to her yet. She was too upset herself, and it could result in an even worse argument if they carried it on. She’d apologise to her when she saw her at work in the morning. That’s if Livvy even turned up after what she’d said.

Because as she took the few steps to her front door, she couldn’t stop thinking that they’d all been blaming Livvy, as much as Kieran, for coming to Somerley to fleece them of money.

And they’d all been completely wrong.

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