Read Dreamwalkers Book One - The Intruder. A Markland Garraway Paranormal Mystery Thriller Page 31

  Chapter 30

  Montgomery Crescent

  Exeter

  Wednesday 21st October

  9.11 a.m.

 

  It was a fresh bright morning, and Helena was working from home. The boys were at nursery and Jimbo was at work. She loaded A4 paper into her printer, then strolled to the bay window and looked outside. Masterson’s car was there. She thought about the stupid thing she’d done. It had been a fleeting moment of weakness, and nothing more. They hadn’t even kissed. But for the short-time Robert Masterson held her tightly she’d felt something within her stir. The instant the warmth of his skin brushed against her cheek, it was as if she was a teenager again. She had been giddy and nervous with excitement. They had embraced over two months ago. She had always found her neighbour attractive, and she loved his sense of humour, but that was as far as it went, until one rainy day in mid-August.

 

  Helena had taken a delivery on his behalf, and later that day he’d knocked on her door for the box. Masterson saw that she’d been crying and hated to see her look so sad. She’d had a disagreement with Jimbo over something or nothing, but it had escalated into a full-blown row. Doors were slammed, names were called and he had left for work without saying goodbye. They had been rowing more and more, and the main reason for the latest fight was due to their lack of money. Jimbo had accused her of putting their lives on hold whilst she studied for her stupid PhD. Just after he’d left for work there had been a knock at the door, and Helena had hoped it was Jimbo returning to say sorry, but instead it was a delivery from Amazon for Masterson. Shortly after the delivery, rain laden clouds opened, and at the same time there was another knock at the door. It was Masterson. He’d missed the delivery man by a few minutes, and had called for the parcel. She couldn’t leave him standing in the rain and invited him in whilst she went to get the package which she’d put in the lounge. He’d asked what the matter was. There was no hiding the smudged mascara which had run down her face. She had opened up, and told him about the row she and Jimbo had, and of the others. Fights were happening more and more often, and it was always Jimbo who started them. He was often stressed and angry and the two of them were drifting in opposite directions. Masterson had felt awkward and wasn’t sure what to say. Instead of speaking he instinctively put his arms around her. She’d reacted instantly, and held him close. It was a passing moment of weakness. She’d needed a hug, and he’d been there. It could have been anyone, but it had been him. The instant she’d felt the urge of excitement, she’d backed off. Although she and Jimbo weren’t getting on, she did love him and wouldn’t do anything stupid to damage their marriage. Masterson had felt the same as Helena. She’d felt wonderful in his arms. There had been a spark and they’d both known it. Helena had apologised and politely asked him to leave. But since then, Masterson was different towards her. He was often in the front garden, pottering around, just as she was leaving her house with the twins. He seemed to be able to perfectly time things to be there when she was. Masterson had fallen for her and whenever Jimbo wasn’t at home he was there sniffing around. Although she’d made it clear she wasn’t interested, he was hanging in there, waiting for her next moment of weakness.

  Halfway through September, Jimbo had changed. The rows had stopped, and he’d ceased complaining about their lack of money. He appeared in awe of everything around him. In awe of his sons, his house and even his job. But especially, he had become smitten again with his wife and couldn’t leave her alone. It was like they had only just met. He was attentive, loving and kind. That was over four weeks ago and he was still the same today. Helena was happier than she had been since the twins had been born, and it was all because of Jimbo. But she suffered a secret. She knew she should tell him about her and Masterson, but couldn’t. She kept telling herself it was nothing, which in truth that was the reality of the situation, because nothing had really happened. They hadn’t even kissed, but she still couldn’t face telling him.

 

  She was interrupted from her thoughts by the creaking of Masterson’s gate as he left his house. Their eyes met through her lounge window. She coyly smiled, and took a step backwards and out of his view.

  She hoped that Jimbo would never find out about the spark between her and Robert Masterson.