Authors: Ony Bond
All the same watching James leave caused Godfree to frown. Could have been so horrified with Moto he had gone to see him? Told him Godfree had confided to him there were people looking for Moto and he needed to hide? The scared Moto had recalled the scene of being dragged to a stove. So he ran from home and left a wife.
Back in the office Godfree pulled a folder, sat and checked out something on a new machine. Minutes later a girl laughed. He would recognize that voice anywhere. Rose, Frank and James were in the workshop. Godfree felt like a sell-out. James was a friend who had never joined Frank or other guys to isolate him. Mark was out somewhere on the factory floor. He was sure Rose would not come into the office.
He was wrong.
“Busy, Godfree?” She had opened the door, leaned in the open doorway. Her voice was loud enough for the others to hear. “Need to ask you something on a design I’m working on. Can you spare a minute? May I come in?”
“Sure.”
She walked in, closed the door behind her, pulled a chair, laid her pad on the desk and sat close. As she explained her sketch and what she wanted Frank burst in without knocking and stood near her, a frown on his face. She smiled at him. Godfree asked a few questions. Rose spoke about how she wanted to computerise a machine and what she was facing. They discussed plans. Godfree got a pad, wrote some stuff down. Frank asked him a few questions. He had ideas of his own. Godfree had noticed before the old man was sharp, clever with his hands and had a lot of experience. But although he beat him on the latter, Godfree liked designing and was good at it. Father and daughter listened as he spoke. Frank shot sarcastic remarks. Godfree caught it, Frank was trying to ridicule him in Rose’s eyes. Even James came into the office curious. Godfree held his cool.
Rose nodded, a smile on her face. “You got it, Godfree. That’s what I wanted, had been missing something. I should have seen you much earlier. Pass by my desk and I’ll show you what I have when you have time. Anytime today will be fine.”
“You weren’t far at all, Rose,” Frank said. “You got a doctorate. He hardly did anything.”
“Come on, Dad. Admit it. He nailed it. I needed his input. Designing’s his field, remember. We can do with some coffee, guys. Why don’t we all head for the machines?” She stood, grabbed her dad’s arm. “Let’s go.”
“Don’t need one,” Frank said his face flushed. “James, need to talk to you now.”
“You’re going to have a cup, Dad. Do I grab you down the stairs?”
“I’m ok.” Frank’s voice was gruff. “Come on, James.”
“You coming Godfree?” she called. “I’m not having that coffee alone. You guys think I want to poison you or what?”
“Ok, I’ll have a cup.”
Godfree got up to his feet and followed her out. Frank glared. Rose waited for him at the top of the steps. They walked to the coffee machines. Curtly, she slotted in some coins.
“You want to make your dad to suspect us?”
Her voice was stiff and low. “Maybe he should be told you’re my boyfriend now. He’s got to know we get along, not follow me around to stop me talking to you like he just did. He was trying to bully and ridicule you. Here, drink that.”
“Thanks.” He accepted the cup. “I see a storm brewing between you two. He’ll stamp his foot, order you to stop talking to me.”
“He didn’t hear us flirt. We talked about work in there and we’re having drinks here. I can guess he’s telling James now to make sure he takes me out.”
“Think so too. If you wanted to prove you’re going to have your own way; you wouldn’t have expressed it better.”
“Sounds like you’re feeling sorry for him.” He knew her facial expressions enough to read her anger. “Even after the way he treated you in there. Trying to make you appear daft. You could have blown your top. He didn’t have to follow me into the office, and I don’t like my boyfriend treated that way. Does he think you can force me in the office with him yards away? This is getting absurd.”
“He’s just afraid he’ll lose a daughter to the last person he accepts.”
“Time he accepted it. I’m looking forward to another trip to the sea on Saturday and this time he’ll know who’s taking me if he asks. I’m over twenty-one. There comes his trusted lieutenant.”
“Keep calm.”
James had his trademark smile, asked if he could have a drink too. Rose bought him one.
“Frank isn’t happy, Rose.”
“About what?”
His eyes slipped away. “Remember Loyce. He’s touchy. I mean when he saw you and Godfree in that office alone it brought it all back about your sister, made him snap.”
“He doesn’t want me talking to Godfree.”
“You got it. Sorry, Godfree. Am only relaying what her dad said.”
“You also think I’m getting too friendly to Godfree, do you James?” Rose asked. “Earlier today you told me he was a decent guy and I shouldn’t be nasty to him. Now I’m doing just that, and here you are saying something else. We aren’t kissing or holding hands. Did Dad tell you I met Godfree in town on Saturday?”
“You did?” Baffled he looked from her to Godfree. “He never told me that.”
“We ran into each other at the boot-fare.”
Rose spoke about the incident when he had chased off the bully. “He was a star, James.”
James’ voice oozed jealousy. “Why didn’t you say a word to me, Godfree? No wonder why she’s suddenly friendly to you.”
Godfree spoke, “It was nothing, Jamie. I just happened to be on the scene, wanted to buy some stuff. Doesn’t make me a big hero, only did what any other person could have when given the chance.”
“He’s just being modest,” Rose said. “Not anybody could have chased off that nasty character. You should have seen him manhandle him. And the guy was big too, much larger than Free here.”
“You’re making it such a big issue, Rose,” Godfrey said.
“You were the knight that saved the maid from the evil dragon. Period. You expect me to keep quiet about that? I won’t.”
James snarled. “Here I got all worried and hurt about what that Moto did to you. Angry he was enjoying his life here while you carry those scars. Liked how you got angry about those guys said about my black car and the missing girl. All this time you held back information about meeting Rose on Saturday. Had days to tell me. Why didn’t you? What was there to hide? It’s like you didn’t want me to know. Like there’s something going on between the two of you. Do you know what length I went to protect you? What was the secret about meeting Rose? Was it staged, and I was never supposed to know about this? Can someone tell me the truth here? You two are real friends now, huh? No wonder why she’s buying you coffee and took that cup meant for you, and you two aren’t fighting any longer. Is there something else going on between the two of you I need to know?”
Dread washed over Godfrey.
“We’re mates here. You’re taking this all wrong, James. I meant to tell you later.”
“Were you? My mate’s the town hero, beat up a guy and rescued a girl, and yet forgot to tell his pal. So did you two have drinks, went for a film?”
He was sure James’ mind was running fast, wondering whether Godfree was Rose’ new boyfriend.
Rose spoke. “Stop riling my hero, James. He’s just being humble, didn’t want to blow the trumpet. After what he did I was in a jovial mood, and wanted to treat the new hero, so bought us drinks and burgers. We sat in my car and talked, discovered we have a lot in common. Music, books, engineering. You get now why I can’t be nasty to him any longer? He’s turned into my bodyguard now. He gets the rude guys off me. James, you were the one that told me last week I was being nasty, and must stop calling him a cheat because he was a genuine refugee. You said he had scars. I got curious, wanted to see them. Afterwards I was ashamed of my previous conduct. I had believed he was a fake political refugee. Him helping me on Saturday only raised him in my eyes. He became a true gentleman. That was my opportunity to apologize for my previous revolting attitude. Now you and dad don’t want me to talk to him, go back to being Miss Nasty. I can’t any longer. Stop being angry with Free, James.”
James’ glance was cold. “Frank doesn’t want you to get friendly to him. I’m just the emissary here. Don’t shoot the messenger. Your dad loves you. Look at it from his point of view.”
“I’m old enough to pick my friends. He’s afraid his little girl will run off with a refugee?”
“Don’t misunderstand him, Rose. Godfree did what any guy would do. You know I would have done the same. Sorry, Godfree. Just being frank. But Frank doesn’t want you talking to his daughter. Period. You don’t want him thinking you’re after her, do you?”
“James, you might as well know the truth. Free’s the new boyfriend I talked about.”
His mouth hung open. “Are you serious?”
“This true, Godfree?”
“Yes.”
James sent his drink flying into the bin. His eyes glittered and his fingers opened and closed while he made growling sounds and stepped towards her. His face was alien. Rose stepped closer to Godfrey and held his arm. And then James’ face suddenly transformed into his usual smile. If they hadn’t seen that look they would not have believed it.
“You never even told me, Godfree. Now Frank will persecute you, roast you on hot coals. Do you know what you’ve just done? You can still walk away from her.”
“Don’t even go there. I’m not leaving him,” Rose said.
“I won’t tell Frank. What’ll you do now, Godfree? You know Frank’s going to go bonkers, be rougher and nastier now. The gloves are off. He will never allow you with Rose.”
“I’m not running from him.” Godfrey glanced at Rose. “I’m not giving her up either.”
“What’s it with you, mate? You’ll have a dad and the whole family that won’t accept you. Still want to continue with her?”
“Yeah.”
“Mm. You should see what’s on your own face when you look at her. Those green eyes and long white hair’s enslaved you too. You can’t even see or think straight. Just wait until she carries on with other men, hurt you, tear your heart to shreds. You don’t know she is cruel and heartless and laughing at you right now inside. She doesn’t love you. Wait until she gives you the boot. You will learn the hard way.”
“I’m not the type that jumps from one man to the next,” Rose bristled. “You can’t accept I chose him. And you’re wrong. I love him.”
“He’s my friend. I’m protecting him from you. He has been hurt before and that’s what you will do.”
Before Rose could speak Godfree intervened. “You’re wrong about her, Jamie. She won’t cheat on me. It’s my choice.”
“Sure. Your choice, your funeral. I won’t be there to pick the pieces. Go hang yourself.”
James turned on his heel and ambled off leaving Rose and Godfree staring at the other.
“Did you see his eyes?” she said. “He wanted to attack and strangle me. You heard those sounds he made? I got scared. Can’t imagine what would have happened was I alone with him. Just can’t trust him or be alone with him any longer. That guy has started rubbing me wrong, and gives me the creeps. I can’t place it, but something’s not right with him. Think he could be dangerous.”
“I’m flabbergasted. For a moment he looked vicious, like he could have hurt you was I not here.”
“There was something evil in his eyes, Free. Never saw that before. He wanted to injure me and oozed hate. Became a crazy stranger out of control. And that talk of me going to break your heart was ridiculous. He’s madly jealous. Come to my office later after my dad has left for home. Just don’t want to be alone in the office just in case that guy pays a visit. As soon as I find I’m on my own I’ll come look for you.”
She looked shaken. “I’ll be around, shall drop by.”
In the shop as he passed to Mark’s office, James smiled at him like old times, looked back to his happy self. Frank followed Godfree into Mark's office, banged the door and jabbed a finger into his chest and exploded.
“Tell me the truth! Is there something going on between you and my daughter?”
James saw the wild glitter in the man’s eyes, held his arms at his sides. Didn’t reply.
“Just leave my daughter alone! Do you hear me? What do you want from her? You can’t fool me. On Saturday you started by showing off your cheap martial arts skills. You’re no black belt. You and that jailbird planned it so you’d be there to act like you were protecting Rose. Think I can buy this designing project thing. So because you got an engineering degree from a bush university in Africa she should be interested in you? I got plans for her. She won't fall for your tricks. I don’t want to send thugs to beat you and cripple you. Do you understand me, you damn refugee? Get someone from your own race. Why did you come here? Think you can touch our girls?” Frank rose to his feet. “Take heed before it’s too late. You aren't happy to take our jobs, medical and housing benefits. Want our women too, you cheating and lying rat! Stay away from her.”
Frank left for home.
Godfree’s head pounded. He popped a couple of paracetamol tablets then headed for Rose’ office where he had only been twice. It was a spacious room with armchairs desks and computers. Another engineer was still around. Rose was in a corner eyes glued on a desktop and clicking away. She swung around when he entered. A smile lit her face.
Her voice was loud. “I’ll show you the design. Please take a seat.”
“Thanks.”
He sat. They discussed her design. Minutes later the engineer left for home.
“Missed me, Free?”
“Yeah. Your dad talked to me before he left for home.”
“What did he want?”
She listened, mouth tight and shook her head. “That’s taking it too far. I’ve had it with him. He can’t treat you like that. James and him are acting like street bullies.”
“He needs to be told soon. This week, but not here at work. I’ll call to meet him and break the news I like his daughter.”
“He’ll scream and shout.”
“He won’t bless it, can shout and call me names but he won’t stop me seeing you. Your dad even mentioned sending thugs to beat me.”
“He has it in for you really bad.”
“But I’m not running. I never planned liking his daughter so much. He’s got to live with it.”
She held his hand. “I didn’t expect you to run. But he might just do something crazy and send those thugs to hurt you. Dad and me will talk at home today.”
“It’s my battle.”
“When he hears it from his little daughter, he might see it from another point of view. Right now you’re a predator in his eyes. If we were rich, he could be justified to think you’re after me for his cash. But we aren’t rolling in millions and I’m an adult.”
“I need to talk to him first.”
“It won’t help. If he wasn’t my dad I’d say punch him when he starts. He’s stubborn, and you can’t make him change once he sticks to something. Why can’t he see you for the wonderful guy you are? I need that talk.”
“It’s not how I want it. You want me to put you on my knee and slap you to stop you from yelling at your father? He’s still your dad.”
“Try touching me and I’ll bite your hand and rip off a finger. Plus, I’ll scream so loud people will pour from the factory. My dad and me are both hot-headed. We grew up the best of friends. I was a tomboy, followed him. He doesn’t want to lose me. We’re both bad-tempered. When we clash, we act like two fighting elephants. The animals scatter and the grass gets tramped. I have a temper, Free.”
“It’s puzzling though.”
“What?”
He glanced at their clasped hands. “How did I get to like a girl with such a temper? So this will be what I’ll expect for you when you don’t agree then? You’ll yell and fight. I’ll still put you on my knee and slap you until you’re red and bruised. You won’t walk for a month.” He pointed at her. “You got that? I don’t want you to talk to your dad before I do. Want to tell him tomorrow when he’s home.”
“Ok, I’ll wait.” Her voice was soft. “Because if I don’t I have a feeling you’ll bundle me into your car and do what you said.”
“What’s your landline? Thinking of calling him.”
“Now?”
“Right.”
“Here.”
She wrote her home number on a piece of paper. But he should wait a while. Her dad would arrive home in thirty minutes.
“You really decided to talk to him today?”
“Yes, you changed your mind about me being your man? Want to pull out before I make the call?”
“No ways.”
“He doesn’t know yet. Seems like James didn’t tell him about us.”
“He didn’t, is too angry and embarrassed.”
Her fingers tightened around his.
When she finally pointed at the phone number his heart missed beats as he inhaled deeply and called. Frank picked up on the second ring.
“Hello, the Clarke residence.”
“Sir, it’s Godfree.”
“You?” he barked. “What do you want? Why’re you calling me? You want to talk to Rose?”
“No. Can you spare minutes, sir?”
“Get to the point! I don’t like you phoning me.”
“It’s about me and Rose…I have grown very fond of her.”
“What’re you saying?” Frank exploded. “You asking to take Rose out? Have you touched my daughter?”
“No, sir. I called to let you know I like her very much. I- “
Frank shouted, raved, called him names. Said he was insolent. He would never allow Godfree to see Rose. What he needed were hired thugs to beat him if he did not leave her alone. Rose listened, face red. When Frank paused for breath Godfree spoke in a quiet tone.
“I understand your sentiments, sir, but we like each other.”
Frank started again. “Lay off my daughter! Do you hear me, you lying cheat!”
Rose grabbed the phone. “Stop this Dad!”
“Rose!” He exclaimed. “Are you there? You going out with that refugee? You lost your mind?”
She snapped. “I’m here with him. He’s my boyfriend. How can you call him such horrible names? He likes me and had the respect to let you know. I want you to know he hasn’t slept with me. We love each other, can’t imagine you called him a criminal. I’m coming home now, won’t have him abused any longer. This has to end. We’ll talk at home.”
Frank ended the call before she did.
She switched off her computer, cleared her desk and packed, her breathing heavy.
“Sorry at what he called you. I’ve never heard him so mad yet you remained polite.”
“He’s your father.”
“At least he knows now.”
“Shouting at him won’t solve it, Rose. He’ll only get madder. Leave him to cool first.”
“He called you horrible names. How could you take all that? It’s time he stopped bullying you.” She hugged him. “That’s for telling my dad you love me.”
“Did I say that?”
“You did. I’m going home. Walk me to my car.”
He accompanied her to the car park. She pinched his side.
He gasped. “Hey, not before the children.”
“Wish me luck, Free. Hope my old man will see sense.”
“Wish the same. Love you.”
“Love you too.”