The Pledge Chapter 2a

“No need to apologise.” Jack smiled. “That's very kind of you, I'll remember that. Yes, Alex's mother died a year ago.”

“Oh my. That's so sad. I must say, the lad's doing remarkably well.” Ruth nodded towards the children.

“Yes he is. I'm very proud of him.”

“They're a lot stronger than us, are kids. It was different for Gary and his missing parent, he never knew him. It hasn't knocked him back having just Jilly.”

“You're right. They just get on with it eh?” Jack smiled. He loved talking about his son to anyone at all. “Mrs Baxter?” The older lady was looking at the trees to the left of where the boys were playing. “Are you OK?”

“What? Yes of course I am.” Ruth said brightly. Jack looked over to the trees too and caught a glimpse of denim and long blond hair vanishing behind the icecream van. Was that the girl who'd been outside his house? “Some of the older kids are too rough if you don't watch them.” Ruth continued.

“Yes.” Jack frowned. He was almost certain that wasn't a kid. “Wasn't ...”

“Ruth! Did you ... oh.” A man of around Jack's age came running up behind them, then saw Jack.

“Yes, it's fine.” Ruth smiled. “Dan this is Mr O'Connor, Alex's dad. This is Dan Wells who runs the newsagents.” Ruth introduced the two men.

“'Afternoon.” Dan nodded. “Ruth, if Lavinia ...”

“Oh nevermind that, Dan.” Ruth wafted her hand at the shopkeeper.

“Lavinia Stark?” Jack butted in. “She was the one who invited me to dinner tonight. Is everything OK?”

“Everything's fine, Mr O'Connor.” Ruth smiled. “Dan's one of the organizers of these sorts of things. He always gets a bit jittery beforehand. Can I have a word please, Dan? It's about the charity fund raiser next month. Excuse us please, Mr O'Connor.”

“No worries.” Jack nodded. “I'll go get the boys an icecream.” He wandered over to the van and bypassed the queue completely in order to peep round the back of the vehicle. Trees, and nothing more. Jack told himself to get off the paranoia kick and went to queue for icecreams.

Back at home, Jack was getting a shave, while running Alex's bath. He was rapidly going off the idea of this dinner. It seemed like the whole district was going to be there and it also seemed like they'd all been told individually that Jack was going.

“And why would they do that?” He sneered at his reflection. “You arrogant sod. Alex! Bath's ready!” He turned off the taps and resumed his shave.

“Dad, will this go soggy?” Alex had a white leather lace round his neck. On the end of the lace was a white, inch long cylinder. On closer inspection, Jack saw it was a miniature candle, that had been lit at sometime, and it was wrapped tightly in white, silk thread.

“Where did you get this? What is it?”

“I found it in the park. It's nice, isn't it?” Alex lifted the lace over his head. “Gary wanted it too, but if you look between the threads it says AOC on it.” Jack took the pendant and had a look for himself. AOC was etched into the wax. Alex O'Connor.

“And you just found this? It's very unusual.”

“It was next to the stones we were using for goalposts. Is it valuable, dad? Maybe I should have said something. Should we take it to the police?” Alex said seriously and Jack smiled.