The Other Mrs Hayes

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

"Look for Number 63 on your side of the road," Doug said

Stacey recognised the car in the driveway of a modest house in a suburb of probably hundreds of similar homes a few minutes on the motorway north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. It was the one Brendon had driven away from the airport.

Doug never even slowed as they drove past but did so after they turned a corner into another road. "You'd be surprised how many people notice a car driving slowly by," he said. "One going at normal speed doesn't even register as it blends into the background. I'll turn and we'll drive back."

He did so and repeated the same procedure. "He's lived here since their marriage. Usually, Brendon comes out after twenty minutes or so and drives back over the bridge to his office."

"In Dominion Road?" Stacey interrupted.

Doug nodded and pulled to the kerb. "He'll come this way so we can wait."

"And the woman?" Stacey replied.

"She has another small car and takes her daughter to Helping Hands a couple of blocks away. It's a pre-school place."

"Her daughter? She has another child."

"Yes, she's four and a half."

"Brendon's?"

"Yes and the reason he married her. Apparently her grandparents are somewhat staunch Anglicans with a 1960s attitude about single women becoming pregnant. It seems that Jessica was persuaded to marry Brendon and in exchange, they bought them this home."

"And he went along with it?" Stacey's feelings turned to anger.

"Yes. Apparently he did persuade her to just have a small ceremony in a local Anglican church. Wee Carla was born four months later."

Stacey stared at Doug and again without warning, burst into shuddering tears. "Stop the car," she cried.

He did but reached across to stop her when she was about to open her door.

"Stay," he whispered. "Doing something on impulse will help nobody."

She flopped back in the seat and tearfully explained the reason for her reaction.

"It was about the same time… perhaps a little earlier when I had another miscarriage. It was a little girl and we were going to call her Carla. So the bastard impregnates this witch and not only marries her but has the audacity to use the same name for the baby?"

"I doubt if she would know this, Stacey." Doug swallowed and brought out another clean handkerchief to hand to her. "I know it is difficult to realise in this situation but she is not a witch. I would classify her as an unfortunate young mother who is about to have her world crumble around her."

"I'm sorry. Guess I'm the witch…"

"Of course not." Doug looked in his rear vision mirror. "Here he comes."

Stacey watched as the car drove by. She recognise Brendon behind the wheel and also noticed that he was alone."

"I want to talk to this Jessica," she whispered.

"I don't advise it."

"So!" she retorted.

Doug shrugged. "Not in your present state. If you must visit Jessica, there are several things we need to discuss. I can help you a little but please be vigilant…" He continued with possible ways about how she could approach the woman.

After several suggestions, Stacey decided a casual approach would probably be the best. She agreed that if nothing came from it, she would step back and walk away rather than trying to pressurise Jessica and perhaps arouse her suspicion.

*

"Can I help you?" Stacey said as Jessica attempted to lift a large box of groceries into a small car at a Countdown supermarket.

"Please," she replied. "They've phased out plastic bags so I foolishly put everything in one large box.

Stacey placed the box in the back of the car. "So you have another little one?" she said.

Jessica frowned. "How do you know?"

"The child's car seat in your car."

"Of course. That's for Carla. Dropped her off at her early childhood centre." She laughed and flipped back a strand of hair from her face. "Gives me a few hours on my own."

"Partner at work?"

"Yes," Jessica sighed. "Always at work and often away but that's life, isn't it?"

Stacey laughed. "Yes, mine is too and with my work we rarely see each other."

The casual conversation continued as Stacey used the time to study her husband's other wife. Jessica appeared as a typical New Zealander of European ethnicity, would be slim if she wasn't pregnant and in that first contact appeared a pleasant well-educated person.

"Well I must be off," Jessica said and stepped towards the driver's seat.

"I'm Stacey and was about to have a coffee." She nodded at a coffee bar on the far side of the car park. "Got a business appointment later in the day but I have an hour or so to kill. Would you like to join me?"

Jessica nodded and introduced herself. "Okay. I've also got a bit of time. Midwife's appointment later but…"

They chatted on as they walked across the car park. Stacey gave a discrete wave to Doug who acknowledged the signal and drove away. He had told her that he had another case to follow up but had arranged to meet her at the airport at two pm where they could compare notes before she returned to Wellington on a 3:15 flight. She knew Brendon would be in Auckland for a week but wondered how much the rest of his story about visiting several clients to set up new accountancy systems was true. He'd probably call to say he had extended his stay over the weekend and would probably not be back until early next week.

"Problems?" Jessica asked after they sat down in the coffee bar with their refreshments. "You seem deep in thought."

Stacey laughed. "I'm a school principal who attended a principal's meeting here in Auckland. Going back this afternoon. Just thinking about how I could implement some of the ideas they suggested."

Jessica grinned. "I am primary school teacher who taught for a few years before becoming a housewife. I'm actually doing a postgraduate education paper just to keep in touch with the latest developments. Brendon thinks I'm being silly."

"Typical him," Stacey clapped a hand over her mouth. "I mean, typical man."

Jessica though never noticed the slip of the tongue as she chatted on. Several little probes Stacey made were answered, again without Jessica becoming suspicious. Doug had advised her against asking any personal details but the opportunity had arisen.

"And your husband?" Jessica asked.

"My husband?" Stacey gasped.

"I noticed your wedding ring."

On Doug's advice she used a familiar name, this time her father's, so it wouldn't be forgotten. "Oh Tyson has a small a computer repair shop back home in Wellington. We've no children."

"Wellington! Brendon's firm has its head office down there. Spends more time down there than here, I reckon. I once suggested we should move to Wellington."

"And he said?"

"He doesn't like it there. Said it has terrible weather and too many politicians."

Stacey changed the conversation back to something neutral before Jessica excused herself and headed back to her car. She gave her a wave as she drove out of the car park. Stacey headed off to a bus stop and caught a bus back across the harbour bridge to Downtown Auckland.

*

"So how was the witch?" Doug said in the airport cafeteria where they had arranged to meet.

Stacey saw Doug standing near her table with a tray of refreshments in his hand. He sat down and grinned at her.

"I like her," Stacey confessed. "I meet a lot of people in my job and pride myself in being able to form a quite accurate opinion about their personality after meeting them. She came across as a bright chatty person who enjoys her life."

"Like yourself?"

"Me! No, at her age I was more reserved, shy even."

"Not the austere schoolmarm overseeing a staff of twenty and four hundred kids."

"You see me like that?"

Doug smiled. "No, that was my opinion after my first phone conversation with you. Now I see you as little older version of Jessica Hayes. Both of you are confident and pleasant women."

"Thanks," Stacey replied. "I'll take that as a compliment."

*

Jessica was deep in thought as she drove to the midwife's clinic, a converted house not far from home. There was something about Stacey that made her think it was more than just two strangers meeting together at the supermarket and deciding to have a coffee together. She was more like somebody who had an interest in her. She was pleasant but haunting eyes seemed to study her and often gaps in their conversation made it appear that she was purposely controlling what she said.

Jessica shrugged and decided she was becoming paranoiac. Those snide remarks her mother made about their marriage didn't help. Just because her and Dad had not got on, it didn't mean that her marriage was heading the same way. Mind you, Brendan's cold response when she told him she was pregnant almost five years after Carla was unexpected. She had thought he'd be as excited as she was, now that another baby was on its way.

"The baby is fine," the midwife said half an hour later at the clinic. "He should be right on time. Sometimes these last three weeks seem an eternity so relax and don't go lifting Carla." Melissa Owens frowned. "Is there a problem, Jessica?"

Jessica pouted. "Oh nothing really. I know Brendon wanted a boy but he hasn't said much."

"And he's used to the idea of becoming a father again?"

"I guess."

"Now don't you worry," Melissa said. "Once the little fellow arrives, he'll be as excited as yourself."

"I know," Jessica replied. "He was the same before Carla was born but now thinks the sun shines out of her eyes."

"And he'll be the same with this little one."

Jessica smiled. "I know but Mum doesn't help, oh she fusses away and looks after Carla but sometimes her comments can be cutting."

"Often mothers are that way," Melissa replied. "We sometimes call it a women's mid-life crisis of becoming a grandmother, especially if it is their own daughter who is pregnant."

"But I had Carla almost five years ago."

Melissa chuckled. "Don't worry about it, just remember to pamper yourself and ask her to take Carla for a while in the weekend. Otherwise perhaps hubby or a friend could help take her for an hour or so while you put your feet up."

Jessica smiled. "I'll do that. Thanks Melissa. See you next time."

"Take care." Melissa gave her a brief hug and held the door open for her.

*

"So look this Stacey up on the internet," Suzanne, one of the other mothers suggested while they waited for their children at Helping Hands.

Jessica shrugged. "Didn't even get her surname."

"Look up principals of Wellington Schools. There wouldn't be many with a first name of Stacey."

"True," Jessica replied.

Their conversation was interrupted when two four-year-olds ran towards them, both bubbling over with information about what they had done during the day.

"So do it," Suzanne said as they put their children in their car seats. "You've nothing to lose."

For no particular reason Jessica never told Brendon about Stacey when he arrived home. They had a meal and he said he had a meeting that evening, helped put Carla to bed and roared off. This was always what happened. Even when he was back in Auckland he was more often than not, going out again in the evening.

She streamed in an episode of a medical program on TV and afterwards, decided to follow up Lauren's suggestion. Within minutes she clicked on Lexington Avenue School, clicked again on the principal's page and there was Stacey's photograph under a Message from Our Principal heading. She browsed on and gasped at the name at the bottom of the page. It was Stacey Hayes, My God, was she connected to Hayes and Hayes , their company? Brendon had told her old Ray Hayes had retired and was a silent partner in the firm. This could be the man's daughter or even granddaughter… no that wouldn't work! The text read Mrs Stacey Hayes. Could be his daughter-in-law of course. Perhaps the other Hayes had more interest in the company than Brendon let on.

More important though was why Stacey had made contact with her without saying who she was. If she was a shareholder in the company, why wouldn't she have said so? Worse though, why hadn't Brendon ever mentioned her? Perhaps he didn't know about her. Could it be that Stacey had been sold or even been given shares in their company? She'd heard of hostile takeover of companies.

It was all supposition but where could she get the answers? Logically she should just talk to Brendon but again she was hesitant. He never talked about the firm and any time she asked about it he'd get all moody and mutter that he worked hard to provide for the family, they were doing okay and he didn't want to discuss it any further.

Or perhaps she should just use her own initiative!

*

Thursday afternoon was usually a quiet time for Stacey at school. Sports were held for the seniors on Wednesday and Friday often meant requests from parents to excuse their children as they were having a long weekend or whatever. Long gone were the days when children were never absent unless they were really ill. Thursday was usually a good time to do administrative work and those returns from the Ministry of Education to complete, often in her opinion about items of dubious value.

The latest, for example wanted to know the ethnicity of the children's grandparents that was apparently something to do with a new funding allowance next year. She now had to include a questionnaire in next week's newsletter on the topic. She grimaced and left a note for Laurie to include an opt out option in the return. Most parents replied to these but usually the ones it most concerned were the apathetic ones who never bothered to reply.

Laurie's voice came over her desktop speaker along with a pulsing blue light. This meant that there could be problem in the outer office. "A lady wishes to speak to you, Mrs Hayes. She won't give her name or any other details. Said it was a personal problem. Can you see her or should I make her an appointment?"

A CCV camera view of the outer office showed a pregnant woman sitting on chair across the room. Stacey frowned… My God, wasn't that Jessica?

"I'll speak to her. You can send her in."

She stood up and walked around her desk as the door opened, Laurie escorted a nervous looking Jessica in, glanced at Stacey's slightly pursed lips and hastily retreated.

"Take a seat, Jessica," Stacey said. "I am surprised to see you here in Wellington but welcome to Lexington Avenue School."

"So," gasped Jessica as she stared at her wide-eyed and with her lips trembling. "How are you connected to Brendon?"

"Have you been speaking to Doug McCann?"

Jessica frowned. "No! Who's he?"

Stacey was taken back but decided the truth was necessary here. "He's a private investigator who has been employed by a law firm in Auckland to research Brendon's background. He contacted me and told me about you. On his advice I did not reveal who I really was but wanted to meet you."

"So it was no coincidence that you just happened to be in the Countdown car park last week?"

Stacey shook her head.

"So you or your husband are shareholders in Hayes and Hayes, Accountant s? Is the firm involved in something unlawful?"

"You don't know?" Stacey gasped.

"Know what? I only know you pretended to be a stranger but in reality you were trying to find out about me." Tears appeared in her eyes. "I hope I wasn't a disappointment."

"Anything but … please call me Stacey." She reached out and squeezed Jessica's hand. "Can you bear with me for a moment?"

Jessica shrugged.

Stacey walked to the door where the office manager looked up. "Laurie, I want you to get Doug McCann on the line and if possible create a video link. It is important!"

A few moments later, Stacey's desktop computer flashed on with a surprised looking Doug staring at her. "Your secretary said it was important for you to speak to me," he said.

"Oh it is," Stacey replied. "I am in my office at Lexington Avenue School and guess who is also with me?" She turned her linked iPhone to show Jessica sitting across the room.

"Oh s**t," Doug gasped. "How did she find you?"

"Ask her, Doug. She is right here watching you." She turned to her guest. "Jessica, this is Doug McCann the private investigator I told you about."

Doug recovered from his surprise quickly as he grinned across at Jessica who was on the iPhone's transmission view. "Hello, Jessica. I am Doug McCann from Phoenix Investigation s in Auckland. I have been employed by your mother, Chelsea Cromble to investigate your husband, Brendan." He glanced up at Stacey who switched the iPhone's camera back on herself. "I think everything needs to be told, Stacey. Can you provide support for Jessica if she requires it?"

So it was Jessica's mother who hired Doug! "I can and I will," Stacey replied.

"Give me ten minutes to cancel an appointment and I'll be back. Okay?"

"Yes." She switched on her intercom. "Laurie, I want refreshments brought in for my visitor and myself and want no interruptions until further notice. Understand!"

"Will do," Laurie replied. "Coffee or tea,"

Stacey glanced at Jessica who whispered that a white coffee would be fine. She looked up miserably and brushed tears from her eyes. "Now Mum's involved. What is this all about, Stacey?"

"I knew Doug was working for a female client but didn't know it was your mother. I think he should explain. All I can say is that there is nothing that you have done that is wrong. Like myself we are innocent victims, I guess the word is."

"Victims!" Jessica replied. "Victims to do with what?"

"I'll let Doug explain."

Luckily Laurie arrived with the coffee and some muffins. However, the following few moments were like eternity before the iPhone chirped and Doug appeared on the computer monitor again.

He focused his eyes on Jessica and smiled slightly. "I need to be frank, Jessica," he said. "Please though, do not blame Stacey for anything you are about to hear. She was as surprised about the events as you will be. Understand?"

"What is it?" Jessica appeared apprehensive. "Just tell me what's wrong."

*

Stacey guided Jessica over to a small couch across the office and sat beside her as Doug explained the whole situation. Jessica's lip dropped and tears rolled down her face. She looked transfixed as Doug continued in an empathetic voice to explain how her mother had hired him, what he had discovered with even extra details that Stacey had not been told.

"So that's the situation at the moment," he concluded. "I did recommend to your mother that I should approach you but she disagreed."

"So you're using your own initiative again?" Stacey asked.

"There is a clause in our licence that allows client confidentiality to be overridden. An example is when a client has an unlawful reason for employing our services or, as in this case, the people subject to our investigation are likely to be affected by any outcome of our investigation."

While Stacey was talking to Doug, she took her eyes away from Jessica for a few seconds. When she glanced back she noticed that her companion look a ghastly white.

"I don't feel too good," Jessica stuttered and attempted to stand up. However, instead she sort of wobbled and collapsed onto the floor.

"Jessica!" Stacey gasped stepped over to the unconscious woman lying on the carpet.

"There is a problem. I'll get back to you," she almost spat at Doug, clicked him off and shouted out. "Call an ambulance, Laurie. Jessica has collapsed."

By the time the ambulance arrived a quarter an hour later, Stacey, with Laurie's help had lifted Jessica into the sickbay and had applied a wet facecloth to her face. She was semi-awake when the Wellington Free Ambulance crew took over, placed her on a stretcher and Stacey was allowed to accompany her for the trip to Wellington Regional Hospital.

"She has just had some shocking news," Stacey told a doctor a few moments later.

The doctor was efficient and listened to the baby as well as her heart. "That could do it," he said. "Her heart is racing but the baby doesn't seem to be affected. I'll admit her to the prenatal ward for observation overnight but I'm confident that there are no more serious problems. Can we contact any relatives?"

"Her mother lives in Auckland. I can call her."

"And partner?"

"No," Jessica whispered from the bed. "Please don't tell Brendon."

"Make me her next of kin," Stacey added without hesitation.

"Sisters are you?" the doctor replied.

"You could say that." She turned to Jessica who lay there staring at her. "Is that okay, Jessica?"

"Thank you, Stacey?" She held out a shaking hand that Stacey squeezed.

"It's the least I can do," she replied. "Now who can I contact in Auckland? Will Carla be okay?"

Jessica nodded. "She's staying with Mum. My return flight was tomorrow but I booked nowhere for tonight. I can call her later."

"I'll do it," Stacey replied. "I'll stay with you until you are admitted and return for you tomorrow."

"But your work?"

Stacey smiled. "You are my priority at the moment. If my school can't operate for a few hours without me being there, I'm not a very good principal am I?"

Jessica smiled, closed her eyes and the doctor reassured her that a laxative had kicked in and she was asleep naturally.

*

"So you're Brendon's legal wife?" Chelsea Cromble stared at Stacey in the video link. "Doug only told me about you yesterday. Came as I shock, you know."

Stacey saw an older version of Jessica on the iPhone screen. She would be about fifty with a few strands of grey in her hair, was dressed well and seemed genuinely worried about her daughter.

"I guess I am," Stacey replied. "That doesn't concern me at the moment. It is Jessica who needs our support."

"I'm flying down in the morning. When will she be released from the hospital?"

"Usually it is about ten in the morning unless she has a relapse and is kept in longer."

"I'm still coming down."

"And Carla?"

"She can come too. Can we meet?"

"Of course but not here at my home. Brendon's in town and could return there at any time. Come to Lexington Avenue School or I can meet you at Wellington Hospital."

"I always knew he had an evil streak," Chelsea muttered. "I'm sorry Stacey, it must be as big a shock for you as for Jessica."

"It was but on hindsight was not unexpected."

"How?"

"Oh just his behaviour at times. I suspected that he could be having an affair. It happened once before we were married."

Chelsea frowned. "Damn the man, all men!" She sounded bitter for a moment before staring at Stacey. "Thank you. Putting yourself out for a stranger is appreciated."

"No problem," Stacey replied. "See you tomorrow."

She clicked off just as a car pulled into the drive. Brendon had arrived. Forcing a smile onto her face she walked to the door as she usually did to welcome him home.

Inside though, she felt as cold as ice.

*