In the Light of Madness (44 page)

BOOK: In the Light of Madness

4.9Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub

ads

He missed being with his parents for the festive season. They had sent him a meaningless Christmas card, seemingly unable to surmount the deep disapproval they now had for him. He knew his relationship with them had been irrevocably damaged.

Jacob Lennox’s parents had gone to a party without him, so he sat in their lounge watching mindless festive drivel on the television and drinking his father’s single malt whisky.

Although they had not mentioned it, he knew his parents were desperately missing their grandsons and disappointed in his failure. He feared they may spend some of the holiday analysing his behaviour. He threw another glass of malt down his throat and waited for the feeling of tender warmth to rise up from his stomach to dull the anguish in his heart.

Oliver and Joan’s house was filled with the spicy aroma of mulled wine and pork crackling. The large round table was littered with dirty plates, crumpled up napkins, and discarded coloured paper crowns.

The Christmas tree was decorated with remnants of Christmases past. A traditional eclectic mess of vibrant and faded colours tumbled down the branches, ending with an oversized red bow wrapped around the pot.

Joan looked tired and strained; a tremor twitched her head almost constantly. By her side sat Oliver, who had accumulated more grey hair over the past few months. He held her hand, giving it an occasional squeeze.

“Has Jacob mentioned me lately?” Scarlett whispered in Wednesday’s ear.

“You’re wasting your time with him; he has family issues and a stressful career . . .”

“I know, I know, but I still think we could make a go of it, if only he’d call. Maybe the new year will see us getting closer. Yes, I’m sure of it.”

Wednesday sighed and poured herself another mulled wine. Reaching into her bag to retrieve her packet of cigarettes, she found an envelope addressed to her. It was a Christmas card from Alex Green. He wrote that he hoped they would have the opportunity to see more of one another in the new year, and not just over dead bodies and microscopes. She smiled. Perhaps that was why he looked crestfallen when she said she was not attending the Christmas party.

She knew the female contingency of the station were disappointed that Jacob Lennox would also be absent. Undeterred, Jones organised a night at the local curry house in the new year.

She lit the cigarette that was trapped between her pursed lips. Blowing out the smoke, she found herself thinking about her mother and Scarlett, and wondered how long it might be before the monster crept insidiously into her sanitized life.

The Christmas card slipped from her lap turning her thoughts to work and inevitably Lennox. He had turned out to be a reliable colleague. Her only source of concern was his dalliance with Scarlett and where that might lead.

She stubbed out her cigarette and moved to sit by her mother. Nestling into her she allowed herself to be encapsulated by her mother’s unconditional love. The only type of love she was capable of accepting. For now.

Acknowledgements

To James Logan and Jessica Kristie for being continually supportive and encouraging. I treasure you both.

About the Author

Hemmie Martin spent most of her professional life as a Community Nurse for people with learning disabilities, a Family Planning Nurse, and a Forensic Nurse working with young offenders. She spent six years living in the south of France, and currently lives in Essex with her husband, one teenage daughter, Rosie, one house rabbit, and two guinea pigs. Her eldest daughter, Jessica, is studying veterinary medicine.

Table of Contents