Page 80 of The Cruise

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In Hibiscus, Jane made Kath a cup of tea and added plenty of sugar. Kath was still upset, and her hand trembled as she took the tea.

‘Drink this,’ Jane said, ‘it’s good for shock.’

‘Th-thank you.’ Kath avoided Jane’s eyes and began to drink.

Jane placed her hand on Kath’s arm to ensure they were both comfortable. ‘You’ve had an upset today,’ Jane began. ‘What happened with Dicky must have been a horrible reminder of Jim’s death.’ Jane’s voice was soft, and she felt Kath shudder.

‘I am so terrified that the truth will come out about Jim,’ Kath muttered.

‘Well, we need to clear that up once and for all,’ Jane said. ‘You have to get it out of your head that you pushed Jim. With the greatest respect, we all know how forgetful you are, and I think you’re confused on that point.’

‘B-but…’ Kath stammered.

‘Let me finish.’ Jane was insistent and held up her hand. She paused to consider how to phrase her next sentence. ‘We don’t need to go over all the unpleasantness with Jim, but I must tell you that I feel that I failed as your friend. I didn’t realise that you were being so badly treated.’

‘No … no, you don’t have to apologise,’ Kath interrupted, ‘it wasn’t your fault.’

‘Please, don’t.’ Jane raised her hand again. ‘You are the victim here, the one who put up with an atrocious situation because you were scared and bullied. I should have noticed.’ Jane shook her head. ‘But what’s done is done and thankfully you are in a position now to enjoy your remaining years.’

Kath looked up at Jane. Everything felt so confusing that she was beginning to think that Jim really had tripped, and she’d caught the envelope as he fell.

‘But…’ Jane paused. ‘I must ask, and please know that what you say will never leave this room.’ She fixed Kath with an open gaze. ‘It’s the matter of Jim’s last will. Did anyone ever question what happened to it?’

Kath tilted her head as though remembering. ‘We made a will, in our early years together, leaving everything to each other should anything happen to either. It was witnessed by our neighbours, who both died many years ago.’

‘Did you have a solicitor witness it too?’

‘Yes, Mr Clarke, of Clarke & Co. Family Solicitors of Garstang, had a copy and that was used in probate.’

‘And do you know what happened to the will Jim was taking to the solicitor on the day that he had the accident?’

Kath turned and looked innocently at Jane. ‘It was destroyed, with a lot of Jim’s papers. He was fanatical about keeping old bills and receipts and I burned the lot.’ She shook her head. ‘I smashed up the computer Jim had in his office, in case there was anything on it that he didn’t want the boys to see.’

Jane’s eyes widened. A computer that Jim had used to write his new will before taking it to the solicitor to be witnessed – destroyed. Gone for ever. Any information floating in Jim’s cloud was lost in cyberspace.

‘Excellent!’ Jane beamed. ‘That clears that mystery up.’ She patted the cushions on the sofa and busied herself about the room. ‘I think that this has been a long day for you and it might be a good idea if you have a lovely soak in the bath and get a good night’s sleep.’

‘Well, if you think so, but do you think Dicky is all right?’

‘Don’t worry your pretty little head over him. Anne will be administering plenty of tender loving care.’

‘What are you going to do?’

‘Me?’ Jane stopped and smiled at Kath. ‘As soon as I know that you are settled, I will slip away for a late supper with Selwyn.’

She scooped Kath into her arms and gave her a hug.

‘Oh, Jane, you are so kind.’ Kath sank her head on Jane’s shoulder.

‘Nonsense, now look lively, while I run a bath for you.’

As Jane busied herself in the bathroom, she thought of everything she’d learnt that evening. She remembered Kath’s responses and wondered if she was as innocent as she seemed. But it wasn’t for Jane to throw a spanner in the works; after all, many things became problematic as one got older. She and Anne had often witnessed Kath’s forgetful memory playing tricks.

Jane swished bubbles in the bath and dried her hands. No need for Anne to know more. Anyway, with events unfolding on the sundeck, Kath’s problems would be the furthest thing from Anne’s mind.

‘What a day!’ Jane sighed as she placed a fluffy towel within Kath’s reach. The Captain’s death had been shocking enough but with Kath’s revelations, who would have expected things to turn out the way they had? Still, all’s well that ends well, she thought and dimmed the lighting. Satisfied with the setting, she called out, ‘Your bath’s ready!’

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