This wasn’t the first time recently Jack had snapped at her out of nowhere. ‘I think they’ve been really professional,’ she said evenly.
‘Well I’m sick and tired of them being here. And of you acting like a fucking interior designer, getting them to do even more work.’
Maggie couldn’t control herself any longer. ‘Well, it’s not as if you were any help, Jack! I’ve had to oversee it all.’
‘Because you instigated it all!’ he retorted.
She wanted to fight back but could see that it would just make things worse. He was getting more agitated by the second.
‘Have you taken your medication?’
Jack threw his hands up. ‘I’m not taking any more of those bloody anti-depression tablets. They made me feel like shit. So, what did Hargreaves say about me?’ He waited for her to answer. ‘Well, you’ve clearly not had your hair done, Mags. So, what did he say?’
‘Fine, so you caught me out. I wanted to speak to him personally because things aren’t getting any better. You’ll be pleased to know the MRI shows you don’t have a tumour, Parkinson’s or ME. Hargreaves thinks you have parasomnia. It’s a sleep disorder...’
‘I know what it is!’ Jack interrupted. ‘The shrink at the clinic went through all the possibilities with me.’
‘I have some leaflets from Hargreaves. They advise about self-help for parasomnia... they might be worth a read.’
Jack dropped his head and rested his hands on his hips. He seemed exhausted — physically and mentally.
‘I don’t think there is a cure, Mags.’
‘We have to keep trying, Jack. Your nightmares are a danger to both of us.’
‘Then I’ll sleep on this blow-up bed when Josh has gone. That suit you better?’
Maggie knew that turning on her was just Jack deflecting. He was worried. She went on carefully. ‘There was something else Hargreaves suggested.’
Jack didn’t move, didn’t ask. He almost looked like he was asleep standing up.
‘He thinks hypnosis might help and...’
Jack looked up sharply. ‘No fuckin’ way. I’ve had electrodes plastered all over my body, been on one medication after another and tried that stupid breathing machine. He’s clutching at straws. He’s clueless.’
‘He’s used hypnosis with parasomnia patients many times and, in general, it was a success.’
‘He’ll have me regressing to God knows where, reliving God knows what...’ Jack checked himself. He was starting to sound irrational. He took a deep breath and whispered, ‘Fine, I’ll think about it.’
It was like bashing her head against a wall, so Maggie changed the subject. ‘When are you going back to work?’
‘In a couple of weeks, when the sick note, fit note, whatever it is, runs out. But I don’t know if I want to stay at the same station or apply for a transfer.’
‘OK.’ Maggie took over making the bed. Jack stood and watched, like a useless child. Maggie took a deep breath, knowing she had to broach another delicate topic. ‘I can go back to work full-time in about four weeks. I could ask about part-time, but we need the money. Me being full-time would obviously mean a lot of extra work for Penny.’ Maggie heard Jack sigh behind her. He knew what she was about to say, but it needed saying regardless. ‘I know Hannah will be at school from nine till three, but someone has to take her there and back and the baby will be here all day.’ Maggie stood up and faced Jack as she put on the duvet cover. ‘It’s a lot for your mum, Jack.’
‘She says she’s fine.’
‘Of course she does. I haven’t talked to Penny yet, but we will have the space now with the loft conversion. If we get an au pair that would be live-in, an experienced nanny would be part-time.’
‘God, Maggie.’ Jack rubbed his forehead hard. ‘We’d both be working full-time to pay a stranger to help Mum, who can do it all for free. That doesn’t make sense.’
Now Maggie was the one becoming frustrated. ‘Jack, I’m overdrawn at the bank, our joint account has to be nearly at zero and we haven’t furnished the loft yet.’
‘Fuck the bloody loft! If there’s no one living in it, we don’t need to furnish it do we!’ His booming voice made Maggie jump. Jack turned down the volume as he continued, but he was still just as intimidating. ‘We’re not getting a live-in au pair — or a part-time nanny for that matter. That’s the end of it, Mags — I mean it.’ Jack took a step forward and almost whispered his final comment. ‘And I’m well aware that we don’t have a pot to piss in.’
Maggie realised that she was holding her breath. Jack had stepped into her space and that scared her. She was relieved when Penny called out that the KFC had arrived. Maggie dropped the half-done duvet to the floor and left. She’d never seen him so angry... not with her. Whether it was down to his medication or lack of sleep, she knew she had to find a solution to his problem.
She needed her husband back.
Chapter 3
Jack opened the front door and was overjoyed to see his six foot four American friend, Josh, standing on the porch. Although he’d aged, and his thick black hair was now speckled with white, he still looked fit. They shook hands, gave each other a manly hug and patted backs. Josh only had one large rucksack, explaining that he’d put his cases in left luggage at Euston station. Jack noticed his limp was more pronounced as they walked to the kitchen. Josh whistled in admiration at the new extension and open-plan layout.
‘Man, this is spectacular. What a difference, it’s three times the size.’
‘My mother’s “friend” did all the work with his crew. He’s also doing a loft conversion. Next time you stay, you’ll have a bedroom with en suite.’
Jack opened a bottle of whisky and poured two large glasses. They sat at the table. Josh filled him in about his family life, said he was no longer working as an undercover officer for the New York Police due to his further hearing loss. But they still employed him and he was currently doing a lecture tour speaking to police and prison officers across the UK. Josh said he’d spoken with DCI Clarke, who told him Jack was on sick leave.
‘What’s the problem?’
Jack waved his hand. ‘Oh, nothing, it’s just a ploy to extend my paternity leave.’
Josh knew Jack was hiding something and was about to press him when Penny walked in.
‘Josh!’ Penny gushed. ‘How lovely to see you again. How’s Louisiana? Do you still have a healthy appetite for roast leg of lamb with all the trimmings?’
‘Ha! Great memory, Ma’am. Your food was delicious, the best I’ve ever tasted. Talking of food...’ Josh beamed. ‘I wonder if you guys fancy going out to eat... on me, of course.’
Penny wished she could say yes. ‘We had something earlier but thank you for the offer. If you’re hungry, I can make you both something.’
‘No need, Mum,’ Jack said. ‘I bought two big steaks this afternoon.’
As Penny made herself a hot chocolate, Josh showed her photographs of his daughters on his mobile. Jack was impatient for Penny to leave but she was clearly enjoying herself and so it seemed was Josh.
‘Who’s that beautiful woman standing next to your daughters?’ Penny asked.
‘I intend to marry her as soon as my divorce is through,’ Josh said.
Penny tensed her shoulders disapprovingly but then forced a smile. ‘I’ll leave you boys to it, then.’
Just as Penny was leaving, Maggie walked in with the baby balanced on her hip. Josh leapt up, hands out, desperate to hold the newest addition to Jack’s family.
‘My God, he’s perfect. No wonder you went off sick, Jack.’ Josh held the baby in the crook of his arm and swayed from side to side. ‘I’d never want to let this guy out of my sight either. What’s his name?’