River Five by Jimmy Brook - HTML preview

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By Jimmy Brook.  A work of fiction.

YALEWOOD

Chapter One

The day was dragging and Colin Freeman was getting bored. The Bowman Account was nearly completed and, as it was his, tiredness and a wandering mind were creeping in after all the long hours he had put in to secure and maintain it. Nearly five years now at Clarkeson and Clarkeson, he thought about the coming five years. Advertising was his game and it was good but sometimes just too much. He realised there would be another account soon to warrant his energies, and then another. His manager was happy with his progress, or appeared to be, and the rewards were good. But the drain on his life sometimes was a bit much.

Now coming up to his thirty fifth birthday, and no ties other than the mortgage on his nice town house out near the beach, there were things not completed in his life. He had travelled and had friends that he saw and interacted with, but something was missing. Obviously a partner whom he could feel relaxed with and share a life. However it never seemed to go smooth. There were girl friends over his years, and two he remembered he would have liked to be a part of his life, but it never lasted. Again something stupid by him, rang the end bell. Perhaps he was wanting to be in control all the time. To be perfect, and he knew he wasn’t. Veronica could have been it but selfishness on his part over money led to her going. He tried to apologise and say he understood, but to no avail.

Later, Bette came along and soon moved in with him. She was a sister to one of his mates whom Colin and he had gone away with, usually to island resorts and the so called good life. The last trip was not easy. His mate had cottoned on to a girl, also staying at the resort and so Colin was on his own mostly. Awkward and he felt in the way. It would not happen anymore as he was determined to bring his own girl if there was a next time. After Bette arrived on the scene there were no trips with his mate like that.

As much as he tried, he did it again. Something arose over time which caused the relationship to be de stabilised. He tried to apologise but eventually the harmony was not there. Then she said it was not working and packed her gear and left. That was two weeks back and despite promises and pleading by himself, it seemed finished. He tried to focus on his sister, Carla, who was two years younger and living permanently overseas in London. He had seen her when she flew home for their father’s funeral, and then when he went to  Britain two years back. They got on well as brother and sister and he had the feeling she was closer to their dad than their mum. Perhaps that was his own emotions colouring the picture. Perhaps not.

Work consumed him and now he knew it had to change. How?

“Come on day dreamer,” said one of his colleagues. “Boss wants us in the meeting room.”

Colin had not heard the request as he was lost in thought. “What’s on?”

“Doubt it will be  a pay increase. Nor my promotion to senior partner.” He laughed at that futility. They joined others and found a seat in the room.

“Well my fellow workers,” opened the boss. “Business is good so no one’s getting the bullet, yet. Gerald and I have decided that we need a boost in how we all approach the jobs we do and have decided that a three day conference in a relaxed atmosphere, is the best approach.” There was a quiet murmur as people looked at each other. “On the 14th we will meet at the Empire Function Centre, and with the help of a consultant, strive for the future.”

Colin groaned inwardly. ‘Strive for the future’ he thought, ‘load of garbage.’

Since it was all expenses paid and not in their own time, most nodded with a smile. Transport to the well known venue, way out in the mountains, was of their own choosing. Colin elected to drive two of his close workers in his own car. That way he felt in control, even though he needed to let go.

Since the 14th was a Monday and most would be driving up the day before, the company had also offered accommodation that night as part of the package. The manager had not failed to stress that alcohol was to be kept to a reasonable level. This was a working holiday, not a binge holiday.

The time came around quickly and Colin locked up his apartment and went to pick up his two passengers. He was still unsettled in his mind about the future he was wanting or if he would be on a treadmill that never changed. Maybe a change of scenery would help him. What he didn’t know was that this would be the change he sought but not in any manner he envisaged.

The drive up was pleasant and everyone chatted. Emily broached the subject about wanting to be an archaeologist and get out of the rat race one day. This surprised Colin. She seemed so just part of the general advertising scene that he never thought about her as doing anything else. They arrived and sorted out their rooms and there was still time for a drink before dinner. Colin was sharing with Simon whom he had known since starting and was OK with that. After the meal, Gerald welcomed every one and announced that tomorrow would be an early start as no one had to travel very far. They all groaned in unison then left. Some to the lounge for a drink and some to their rooms. It was a bit cool to go for a walk, but Emily and that new bloke had coats on and disappeared out the front door.

Colin was not a habitual drinker but a nice beer went down well and then some gossip was promulgated which he neither cared was true or false. He would take things as they came. This was his new motto. As the group drifted away, he went out onto the big veranda to take in the view before heading upstairs. Being dark now, there was not much to see. The country was mostly dark and obviously sparsely settled. A few pin points of light probably indicated properties of sorts. It was a vast land out there and the mountains and valleys he saw just as they arrived, attested to that.

The door from the lounge opened behind him and closed followed by light footfalls. A young lady came to the railing and stood about three metres away. He looked at her quickly but was sure, even in the poor lighting, that she was not from the agency.

“Hello,” she said as she turned and faced him, taking a couple of steps in his direction. “Nice night. You should come out for a look in the daylight. The country is magnificent.” She saw him nod and smile. “Oh by the way I’m Kerrie,” and stuck out her hand. He grabbed it gently and felt a firmness but at the same time, a tenderness.

“I’m Colin. Colin Freeman. You’re not with our group, are you?”

“No. Just staying the night on my way back home. I live out there,” and pointed away into the darkness. “The three lights together.”

 He tried to follow her direction and decided three he saw were the ones. “You’re on a property or something?”

She laughed. “Or something is right. My dad owns the place, two hundred and fifty acres. Don’t know what that is in metrics. It’s called Yalewood, after some family connection of his way back.”

After that they talked, but Colin soon decided that it was getting cold and maybe inside was a better option. They found a lounge chair in the nearly deserted living area, and after she declined a drink, he saw she was looking at him intently. Now he wondered if this was time to think whether he should let nature play out or say the right words to make this ongoing. He didn’t know which, or for that matter, what he wanted just now. He needed to sort himself out first.

“You seem to be looking into my soul, if I may be so bold.”

She blushed and waved a hand. “Sorry. Bad habit of mine. It’s the living in the wild outdoors that denies me the social training.”

He smiled. “ No offence.”

“I have to be honest. Your face. I know you from somewhere.”

He looked a bit lost. “Can’t help you I’m afraid. Your face is not familiar.” He wanted to add some fun remark about people he had slept with, but decided against it.

“Got it,’ she said forcibly. There’s a photo of you at home. Hendy’s got it in one of his books.”

Colin laughed lightly. “I would doubt it was me. A look alike maybe. They say everyone has a double. Who is Hendy?”

“One of the lodgers or more correctly, hangers on. I should explain about Yalewood. The property is too small to make a living off the land, so dad and Mae take in lodgers like a bed and breakfast thing to help the costs. A bit like an artist’s colony but it’s not one. Apart from the two hands that live on site, there is dad and Mae; Lizzy who comes in from next door to cook and clean, and at the moment, four B and Bs. Hendy has been with us for two months. The others are a couple who are having a week away from whatever and a woman who doesn’t say much. And of course there is me.”

Colin interjected. “Who is Mae?’

“My dad’s partner. Mum died years ago and she sort of came along. Nice lady but will never replace my mum.”

He reflected on his own mother. She was up north in a retirement complex and they kept in contact. Twice a year he flew up to see her, but it was a bit strained. She took her husband’s sudden passing with little emotion. Or so it seemed to Colin. Losing his father was a deep shock to him. Then he realised that Kerrie was talking, and he dragged his mind back to the present.

“The photo. I’m sure it is you. Teenager by the look and you had on this brilliant red and yellow T shirt, from memory. Think it was on a boat or a wharf or somewhere with water.”

Colin’s body was going cold, not from the temperature, but from within himself. “Can’t be.” He sort of said it, not to her but to himself.

“That’s it. You have to come out to Yalewood and see for yourself. If it is you, Hendy will know all about it.”

He decided to end the conversation, took a phone number, and hoped they might meet at breakfast before she left. Again that firm and at the same time, gentle hand clasp, and she waltzed out of the room. He sat for a minute and just looked at the wallpaper in front of him. It must be the beer, he thought. Colin never forgot that bright red and yellow T shirt he liked to wear as a teenager and into his twenties before it fell to pieces. That family picnic they had down the coast by the lake side, was one he got ribbed about by his mother. “What would the family say” she said as her eyes gazed at his top. They were words he never forgot.

As he climbed the stairs to his room, he was confused. Why would some stranger have that photo in his possession? ‘Oh, what is happening?’ were the words he kept repeating as he knocked and opened his door. Maybe a clearer head tomorrow would be a better thing. Morning is always wiser than evening, his father used to say.

Chapter Two

Breakfast was a noisy affair with every one talking and wondering how the day would go. Emily kept giving quick glances across her table to the fellow she left with last night. Colin noticed and thought about what might have happened. Then he realised it was none of his business, and shook his head. He looked around at the other hotel guests, looking for Kerrie, but to no avail. Afterwards they had about fifteen minutes before assembling, so he rushed back to clean his teeth and grab a jacket, then going down to the veranda. May be he would see the homestead. He was none the wiser for the morning.

He never made the outside door, for she was just going in for breakfast. “Good morning,” he offered.

“Sleep well?” She asked. He nodded. “I have to get going so can’t talk but do hope you will ring sometime. Soon,” she said with a curl of her lips. He said a yes but she had already turned and gone inside to eat.

The next three days were full on but not entirely boring. Discussion groups and mini projects kept them busy and the food and drinks were a nice break as well as keeping it social. Then it was all over. Gerald and the other partner showed their gratitude at the way everyone supported the course, and then it was home. Emily hoped that Colin wouldn’t be offended if she went with Roger in his car and that Susan from their front office reception, would love to take Emily’s place. Colin said it would be no problem and winked at his other passenger.

Back at home, Colin took a shower and sat down to relax. Different now that Bette wasn’t there, he thought. He did miss her but maybe it was for the best. Then the answering machine caught his eye with it’s red blinking light. He sort of hoped it was from Bette. It was. His heart gave a flutter but the message was just to ask if he had found a brooch of hers she had misplaced. Nothing else. He felt a bit disappointed. He had cleaned a week ago, or what went for cleaning, and nothing was found that shouldn’t have been.

Then as he held the phone, he saw the piece of paper with the phone number that Kerrie had given him. On impulse, he rang it and being a mobile, she answered it. The conversation was short as the line was terrible and dropped out twice. She did say mobile service was poor down at the property. Somehow he said he would like to come up Saturday for the night and she just yelled “Great. See you when you get here.” It wasn’t until he hung up that he realised he didn’t have clue how to. He didn’t want to appear an idiot if he rung back, and got angry with himself, before he had the idea that the Empire Hotel would probably know. He could call in there on the way up.

Work went quickly. One idea that was bandied around on twice weekly think tank sessions was proving efficient. Colin picked up on someone else’s plan for an account that he might try. Otherwise it became mundane and he longed for Saturday.

It came finally and he was up and packed earlier than normal for a weekend. The drive was uneventful and his music selection of Rita Coolridge kept him eager. At the hotel he found out directions from reception, and headed off. Finally the road turned to gravel and wound down into the valley and among gullies. The trees seem to tower above and the odd gateway passed by. Surprisingly he saw the sign, Yalewood, on a big post and turning in, drove slowly around many bends and over a water crossing that would be difficult in wetter times. Finally paddocks and then he saw the house. It was rambling and it’s white walls and red roof seemed to just sit perfectly with its many tree sentinels.

As he alighted, Kerrie came out from the front door and waved. “Leave it there.” He grabbed his small bag and coat and followed her in. A big smile and that handshake followed then down a hall lined with paintings and flowers, to a large sitting room. It all felt warming and peaceful. He was introduced to a mature lady in outdoor clothes who held a flower stem in her hand. “Daisy. Just like the flowers I love. Nice to meet you.”

Then a side door opened and in came a man who had a bearing of support and friendship about him. Kerrie introduced him. “This is dad. You can call him Henry. Dad, this is the man I met at the Empire last week who wants to see Hendy’s picture. I know it’s him even though he is much older now.” She turned to Colin, “No offence, not that much older. Well any way, you know what I mean.”

Colin shook hands and after sitting down the coffee and tea were ordered and the talking started. When appropriate, he mentioned if Hendy was here and was told he had gone to Sydney last Saturday but should be back tonight or tomorrow. “Don’t worry,” said Kerrie. “If he doesn’t show, I’ll sneak into his room and find the photo. He is a messy person, like most of us, but it will be found.”

Of the couple that she mentioned were staying there was no sign. Then Henry said he needed to talk to one of the workers, and left them. “I’ll show you around,” Kerrie said and opened the door on to the side veranda. He followed her out and they walked around the corner and up to a small ornamental wishing well. “It was mum’s idea to have one. It could capture all her hopes and they would one day come true. That’s what she used to say.” They walked about and he felt a sense of no hurry. Just taking things as you found them. They talked and listened to the birds in the late afternoon. She was so different to the girls he knew socially. She seemed to have positive life but at no great direction. Just where each day led. He wondered if he could ever do that.

“You mentioned last week a couple staying here. Are they still about or now gone?” It was more conversation than a need to know.

“Oh, Douglas and Julie.  Still here. Really in love I think. Spend a lot of time in their room, or out on the quad bike.” She picked a bush iris growing near a tree and poked it into her hat band. “Daisy collects flowers and things.”

Colin somehow wished their wanderings would not end but they heard a yell from the house, and knew dinner was imminent. She showed him where he could stay tonight. It was a small room that was usually a library come storage area she had cleaned up for him. It was only for one night and he didn’t mind. After using the guest bathroom he waited in the living room until others came and they went nest door to the dining area. He liked the house. It was not so much a house but a home, he thought. Already seated were a young couple. The man rose and stretched out his hand. “Doug and this is my, um friend, Julie.” Colin introduced himself and sat down, as Lizzy brought in some containers of food and placed them in the centre of the large table. He gave the cook a wave as an introduction. She smiled. Colin noted that there was still no Hendy.

The meal was good and filling. Not as flashy as some restaurants he had been to, but just home cooked food and it suited him. They talked after tea and they and he learned a bit about the lives they led and the aspirations they sought. He wasn’t sure about his but something was going to happen. Kerrie again took him out to the veranda and they looked at the stars and talked and then she said he must be tired and giving his hand a squeeze, went inside. He was tired but didn’t want to end the evening. Events happened and he just smiled and thought there would be tomorrow.

Chapter Three

The night passed quickly for Colin fell into a deep sleep woken once by a noise which he guessed was a car arriving. He walked down the hallway to the dining area and met Douglas coming out of his room. “Hello,” said the younger man. “You an environmentalist or an artist?”

Colin shook his head. “Neither. Just having a break. Met Kerrie recently and she invited me up here. You on holidays?” he avoided a mention about his girl friend as he wasn’t sure what the scene was.

“Sort of. Julie is my girl and we need to get away from her parents every so often. You know how parents are. Always hinting about making an honest woman out of her.”

Colin laughed. “Parents. Yes.” No more was said as Julie came out then, and with a good morning by Colin, the three of them headed to the table and sat down. Kerrie was already there in a plain but suitable top to her worn slacks. She sat next to Colin and gave him a smile. The usual table banter with questions asked and answered. Daisy asked him if he would like to look about with her for some orchids. Lots of bracken about that encouraged them. He agreed, if he had the time. He was hoping his time would be with Kerrie.

Then the empty chair at the end was filled as an elderly man entered  and sat down. “Morning all. Got in late last night. Bugger of a drive in the dark. Dodging wombats and ‘roos.” Then he noticed Colin and stuck his hand in the air. “Don’t get up now. I’m hungry. Hendy by the way.”

Colin just stared and felt prickles on his neck. That face was his immediate thought. Then his mind was going around and around and he needed some fresh air. “I’m Colin. Excuse me every one, I need to go out for a minute.” He quickly left and went out the double door to the veranda. He sat down on the steps and just looked at the ground. The face was familiar but he knew he had never seen that man before.

Inside there was a quietness and Hendy asked his host, Henry, was it something he should know. Kerrie answered for him. “He’s a man I met last week at the Empire. I mentioned a photo you showed recently and he was interested. I hope it wasn’t just the photo he liked.”

“What is his name?” asked Hendy.

“He said it was Colin, um, yes, Colin Freeman. I’d better go and see if he is alright.”

Hendy stood up quickly. “No. I think it is better I go.” He walked out on to the veranda and sat on the step along from Colin. “I suppose it is the face that’s got you wondering.”

Colin cast a quick look and moved his gaze back to the ground. “Sorry. You looked like someone I knew.”

“There should be some resemblance,” said Hendy. “Your father was my brother.”

There was no movement from the younger man, just a draining of blood from his face as he turned to Hendy. “Not true.”

“Very true. Your parents obviously never told you and your sister about me and what happened. Never thought our paths would cross but here we are. I’ll get us a coffee and talk.”

When he had finished talking, Colin saw Hendy’s hand come out towards him. Then instead of shaking it, he leant closer and gave the older man, a hug, some tears running down his cheek. When Hendy had gone inside, Colin sat for a few minutes, then got up to follow and perhaps say goodbye. It was all a bit of a shock. Then he thought of Kerrie and he wanted to tell her. To be close.

She was sitting in the dining area, and jumped up at his entrance. “You OK? Hendy didn’t say anything, just that you would cope. That you’re a very capable person. I think I know that anyway.”

He smiled weakly and asked if she would like to go for a walk outside somewhere. She knew he needed to talk and probably he wanted someone to talk to. They wandered around some sheds and a stock fence where a young calf was looking at them before running off. There were a couple of bales of chaff on the ground, and he sat down, she next to him.

“It’s a long story. No it’s not that long and you may not be interested in my family.” It was not a question but more a statement.

“I am interested, if it involves you.” Her voice was quiet but firm.

He told her. His father was one of two boys, something he never knew. His dad, Lev, was the eldest and when he was about nineteen, had been going out with Myra for about a year or so. There was this big party and Hendy was there also. Perhaps too much drink but Hendy and Myra somehow ended up in a spare room and kissing. That was when Lev suddenly came across them in his search for her. There were words and Lev just floored him. Two black eyes and a cut lip, said Hendy. After that, the two boys never talked to each other and the parents went around as on tin tacks. Hendy left home six months later and had never gone back, even eventually changing his name to Johnson.

Lev never forgave him, so he was led to believe. But he must have forgiven Myra, for they got married and along came Colin then Carla, in due course. There was never any mention to Colin or Carla about a brother. It was if he never existed. No photos, nothing. They were told there was another baby but he died in childbirth. A cover story. Now Colin wondered if this was some of the reason his mother was so stern and often distant. Was it guilt?

He looked back and tried to remember his father’s funeral. Was Hendy there? He didn’t place the face today to anyone then. Colin might ask him if he went. Might just let it go, too.

“Is there anything I can say or do?” asked Kerrie. “What do you want to do now?”

“There is one thing I need to do,” he said. He put his arms around her shoulders and kissed her firmly. There was no resistance.

Chapter Four

Colin felt a relief. He had shared something and it was good. He didn’t have to feel as if he was wronged. He just accepted the outcomes and someone was supporting him. Into the bargain, his family tree had just grown a new leaf. Kerrie would be down in the city in a couple of weeks to see her agent about the photographs she took, being put into an exhibition. They would meet and he offered her his spare room to stay, if she wanted. She would ring next week with her final details, but thought staying sounded a nice idea. In return he was to come up and stay a few days next month. She promised it would not be the store room this time.

It was a long goodbye at the car, then he was heading back home. Yalewood had indeed been a defining time in his life. For Kerrie, she felt the same in a way. Although Yalewood was her home, it now felt more of a home. It had facilitated something and she looked forward to the next chapter in both its life and her own.

Jimmy Brook

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