17
Niamh followed Jacqui around the shops, trying to summon up enthusiasm. She had looked in all these places yesterday and found nothing. Nothing that fitted and nothing she liked. Not even jeans. And if she were being truthful, she felt too sick to do anything. Maybe she was coming down with stomach flu.
They did however find a red dress for Jacqui. With long sleeves and made of silk, it curved around her body perfectly. Best of all it came from a high street store and wasn’t your typical bridesmaid’s dress. It was something that could be worn again and again. Jacqui looked radiant in it. “Now to find something for you.”
Niamh looked at her. “What I have on is fine,” she whispered.
“Rubbish,” Jacqui said, winking at her. “You can’t have the bridesmaid outshining the bride.”
“Sure we can. It’s my wedding.” She took a deep breath. “I just wanted it to be perfect. But it’s not going to happen.”
“Oh, ye of little faith.” Jacqui pulled a couple more dresses off the rail. “This is pretty.”
“Yeah it is.” She ran her fingers along the material. “It’s gorgeous.”
“What size?”
“Normally a twelve. Today I seem to be a fourteen.”
“They have every size but that.”
Niamh sighed. “That figures.”
“How about I just put it back on the rack and we go look someplace else? I think there is one store we haven’t tried yet. They might have something similar.”
“It’s not worth it. Let’s just buy your dress and call it a day.”
“OK.”
Niamh nodded. She led Jacqui to the cashier’s desk and paid for the dress. “Liam will like you in that dress. Not that he doesn’t like you anyway. He told me how you guys met.”
Jacqui laughed. “Yes, the ‘say it with flowers incident.’ Not exactly getting it off on the right foot. And then I ended up in floods of tears the first time he took me to dinner. Kyle came over and threatened to deck him for it.”
Niamh raised an eyebrow. “Really?”
“Fortunately, Liam had gone to the bathroom at that point. He was drinking again then and it may well have turned into a fight.”
“He doesn’t drink now though.” Niamh tried to think.
“No. He’s back on the wagon and going to the AA fairly regularly. He’s staying dry for himself, rather than someone else now. That makes all the difference.”
“Yeah, it does.” Niamh opened the door, her mind going back to the dress issue. “Jarrie’s no help with this wedding outfit, though.”
Jacqui laughed as they left the store. “He’s a bloke. They have no idea when it comes to dresses.”
“He told me barefoot and in a shift would do fine.” Niamh walked slowly down the high street trying not to cry. “Least one of us will look a million dollars.”
Jacqui looked at her and then down. “Yeah.”
“Let’s just go home,” Niamh whispered. “I’m sorry, I really don’t feel well.”
“You look awfully pale again.”
Niamh swallowed hard. “Probably stomach flu or something I ate. A lie down and I’ll be fine. At home I won’t be followed everywhere by those two. I know there’s a reason, but I’m tired of it.”
****
Jared came in from work to find Niamh curled up on the couch. “Hey, hon.”
She glanced up. “Don’t ask.”
He nodded. “OK.” He flopped down on the couch beside her, wrapping his arms around her. “Does that mean you still haven’t found anything to wear?”
“I said, don’t ask. The bridal shops are hopeless, and the one ball gown I did like they didn’t have in my size. Not that it was white. It was pale peach, but it was so pretty and even Jacqui like it, and it wouldn’t have clashed with her dress. But I’m too fat and ugly right now to wear anything pretty.”
He held up a hand. “OK, I won’t ask or mention it again, tonight. I just want to marry you. I don’t care what you wear. And you’re not fat or ugly, hon. Just tired, stressed and overwrought.”
She hugged him back and looked down at her jeans and sweater. “Is what I have on all right, then?”
“What you have on is perfect, hon,” he said kissing her.
She kissed him back. “OK. Jeans it is.”
He smiled. “You know, we can always postpone the wedding. Till some of the work pressure and so on is over.”
“No. I want to marry you in two weeks. They might never arrest him.”
“They will.” He kissed her again. “I’ll go put dinner on.”
“OK. Nothing too heavy, not feeling so good today.”
Hiding his concern, Jared got up and headed into the kitchen. Shutting the door, he moved swiftly to the phone and dialed the manse. At the same time, he rummaged through the freezer looking for something to eat.
“Hello.”
“Hey, Pastor, it’s Jared. Is Cassie there?”
“Sure, one second.”
The phone went quiet for a moment before Cassie answered. “Hey, Jared. How are you?”
“A little frustrated actually. Niamh can’t find a dress she likes. None of the wedding dresses she’s seen will do. Jacqui even tried getting her a ball gown, but the only one she liked they didn’t have in her size. I know you don’t make dresses as a rule, but could you do me a huge, huge favor? Talk to her, see if she’ll let you make one.”
“Sure. Send her to the store on Monday and I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thanks. Bye.” He hung up just as Niamh came into the room. “Fish fingers and chips do you?”
“Yeah, that’s fine. Who was on the phone?”
“That was Cassie.”
“Pastor Jack’s wife?”
“Yeah. She makes the occasional wedding dress. I rang her. She’s willing to help if you want.”
“Wedding dresses?”
“She actually made the royal wedding dress.”
“Seriously? The royal wedding dress?”
“Yeah. Long story. But there was a massive fire in London that resulted in Princess Rebekah needing a dress the day she and Prince Edwin were visiting Headley Cross. This was like three days before the wedding. They saw the one Cassie had made for the window display and the rest as they say is history. The only other one she’s made was her own, but she’s willing to make you one. If you want.”
Niamh paused. “I don’t know.”
“At least go talk to her. If need be she can glam up your jeans for you. Or Lara can bedazzle them.”
Niamh smiled faintly. “OK. Bedazzled jeans it is.”
****
Monday morning, Niamh sat in her office, listlessly pushing the papers from one side to the other. She glanced up at the tap on the door. “Hey, come in.”
Alan came in, a pile of folders in his hands. “You look terrible. Go home.”
“I’m fine, it’s just stomach flu. It’s been hanging around for a few days now. It’ll go.”
“Have you seen a doctor?”
“Not since my last hospital appointment. I’ll be fine.”
“You don’t look fine. Go home.”
“I have an appointment with a dressmaker at lunch time.”
“Then curl up on the couch until then. Seriously, Niamh, you are no good to me like this.”
Not needing to be told twice, Niamh walked unsteadily to the couch. She curled up on it and closed her eyes. After a moment, she opened them again. “Are you just going to stand there and watch me sleep?”
Alan chuckled. “How did you know I was still here?”
“I hadn’t heard you leave. Are those files for me?”
“Yes, but they can wait. Rest and go home once you’re done with your appointment.”
Niamh pulled a face.
“I mean it. I’m telling the driver now, so there’s no excuse to come back to work.” He dropped the files onto her desk and headed to the door.
Niamh slowly got up and picked up the files. Taking them over to the filing cabinet, she locked them away. Then she went back to the couch, curled up and shut her eyes again.
Going home and going to bed would be nice. I don’t know what’s wrong, wish I did. Feel so sick the whole time. Maybe it’s just stress. Should I go to the doctor? Or assume it’ll go away.
She clutched her stomach, wishing it would stop turning for a few minutes. Her phone beeped. She groaned and pulled it from her pocket. Pulling up the text, she smiled. Jared seemed to know instinctively when she was down or sick.
‘Hey, thinking of you. You feeling better?’
Typing quickly, she replied. ‘No. Alan made me lie down. He’s sending me home in a bit.’
The reply came instantly. ‘What’s wrong?’
‘Still feel sick. But like I told him it’ll go away.’
‘You’ve been sick for a week. Time to see the doc.’
She sighed. ‘Not you as well. Alan said the same.’
‘Then make the appt. I’ll take you on Friday. They owe me four hours so I’ll take them.’
‘OK. If I’m not better by then.’
‘Sounds good. Alarms going. Got to go. See you tonight. Love you.’
‘Love you too.’ She put the phone down and closed her eyes.
What only seemed minutes later, she jerked them open as a hand fell on her shoulder. “What’s wrong?”
Alan smiled. “Nothing. It’s almost noon. What time’s your appointment?”
Niamh sat, pushing a hand through her hair. “Oh. I didn’t mean to sleep. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it. I don’t want to see you in this afternoon. Or tomorrow if you feel like this.”
“I’ll be fine. Not going to let this stop me doing anything.” She grabbed her bag and phone. “I’ll see you in the morning.” Her gaze landed on a fresh set of files on her desk. “So what are those?”
“I’ll walk you to the lift and tell you on the way.”
****
The shop bell tinkled as Niamh pushed open the door. She wasn’t really sure why she was here. She made her way over to the counter. “Hi, Cassie.”
Cassie smiled at her. “Hi. How are you doing?”
“I’ve felt better, but not as bad as I have been.”
“That’s good. Jared said you’ve been having problems finding a dress.”
Niamh nodded. “Nothing looks right or fits. I don’t think I’m a meringue person and the straight ones look awful.” She sighed. “I don’t want to put you out though. Jared said you don’t really make dresses.”
“For you I will. Come through the back, and we’ll see what we can come up with.”
“Don’t I choose the fabric first?”
Cassie smiled. “Design first, then fabric to fit that.”
“How fancy does it have to be?” Niamh asked following her.
Cassie led her into the small back room. She filled the kettle and set it to boil. “That’s up to you. It’s your dress. Have a seat. Do you want some coffee?”
“Thanks. I’d rather tea. Coffee makes me sick these days.” She perched on the edge of the chair. “Jared said you did the royal wedding dress.”
“Yeah. That one was originally what I’d intended to get married in, if I ever got married. I ended up designing something different when it came to my wedding. Every bride wants something individual, right?”
“I guess so.”
Cassie brought the tea across, sat down and pulled over her sketch pad. “So, what did you have in mind?”
“Floor length, flattering, pretty, long sleeves with buttons on. Although right now I’d settle for something white, that fits. Although white seems hypocritical somehow.”
“Ivory then. Or go for a color. A pale green or blue. What color are your bridesmaids?”
“Christmas red. Jacqui looks really pretty in it. We bought that dress on Saturday.”
“OK.”
Niamh rubbed the back of her neck. “Jared said he’d marry me in a shift.” She caught the glint in Cassie’s eye. Had they both had the same thought at once?
Cassie’s pencil flew over the paper.
Niamh’s smile finally grew as she saw the dress come to life. “That is perfect.”
“Now all you have to do is decide on a color and accessories.”
“Is that all?” Niamh put the tea down as another wave of nausea swept over her. “I’m sorry. Can we leave that for another day? The accessories that is. I’m not feeling too good.”
“Sure. What about color?”
“Ivory. It really doesn’t matter what fabric. Something simple, but warm. Not too much beadwork or lace.” She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. “I’m sorry.”
“Do you need a lift home?” Cassie asked, concern filling her voice.
“No, I have a car and driver out the front.” She pushed to her feet, more unsteady than she’d have liked. “I’ll be fine, thank you.”
“Let me see you to the car.”
Niamh took the offered arm. She’d go home and go to bed and sleep off whatever this was. Perhaps Alan was right about taking a day off sick.
In the end, Niamh took two days off sick. She knew she was worrying Jared from the comments he kept giving her, and she reluctantly agreed to the doctor’s appointment if the over the counter stuff he’d bought her didn’t do the trick.
****
Thursday morning, Jared loitered on the landing waiting for Niamh to finish in the bathroom. As the door opened, concern flooded him. She didn’t look any better. If anything, she looked worse. Huge bags under her eyes made her look gaunt. “This is silly,” he said. “I’m making you that doctor’s appointment.”
Niamh wiped a hand over her mouth. “It’s just stress.”
“Rubbish,” he told her bluntly. “It’s gone way beyond stress and being back at work. You’ve been sick every morning for almost two weeks now.”
A sudden thought struck him and he dismissed it just as quickly. She hadn’t gotten morning sickness the last time. In fact, she’d breezed through the entire pregnancy with never a twinge.
“Jared…”
“Don’t argue.” He took in her suit. “You’re not seriously going into work today?”
“It’s the opening day of the Jankowski case. I have to be in court.”
“Alan won’t let you.” If the situation weren’t so serious, he’d find the resoluteness in her face amusing.
“Alan won’t have a choice.” Her voice wavered for a moment. “Look, it’s not like I have to drive anywhere. And if I didn’t have court today then, yes, I’d stay home. Get the work faxed over or whatever. But you know how much a trial costs, and if we delay because I’m not feeling so good, it could be months before we get another date.”
“You got this one quickly enough.”
“Pre-trial stuff. Show we have the evidence and so on. See if he wants to plea bargain.” The color drained from her face. “Ohhh…”
Jared wrapped his arms around her. “I’m sure the others can handle it. You need to rest.”
“I’ll be fine.” She pulled out of his arms. “You worry too much.”
“I don’t want anything happening to you. That’s all.”
Her hand touched his face and he tried to quell the shards of heat, and longing. “Nothing will.”
“OK. I’m not in the station today. Doing inspections of schools and old people’s homes. Checking the smoke alarms work and so on.”
“That sounds exciting.”
“Oh, yeah, it is. Hundreds of kids and lots of little old ladies on zimmer frames. It’s not just you who has a thing for the uniform,” he teased trying to lighten the mood.
Niamh smiled at him. “Just tell them you’re taken and to go chase some other hunk in uniform. I’m sure you can’t be the only good looking man on green watch.”
He laughed. “They won’t listen.”
She tilted her head. “Maybe I should come check them out.”
“You’ll do no such thing.” He kissed her cheek. “Are you sure you’re going to be all right?”
“Yes. Now go.”
“I’m making that doctor’s appointment the first chance I get.” He held her gaze. “I mean it. You’ve got me really worried.”
Her expression softened. “I’m sorry. Since the car crash, everything’s been so weird. Maybe I should get checked out. Just to put your mind at rest if nothing else.”
Relief filled him, in part at least. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She looked at the clock. “Jarrie, you need to run or you’re going to be late.”
He smiled and kissed her. “I’m gone.”
****
Niamh pulled open the door of the locker and reached in for her wig box. She pulled it out and wrinkled her nose. It was now more grey than white. She really ought to get it cleaned.
“That’s seen better days,” Toby joked. “Maybe it’s time for a new one.”
“Nah. I’ll get it cleaned.”
“I wouldn’t stick it in the washing machine. Wife did that to mine and it shrunk,” a voice chimed in from the other side of the robing room. “I ended up buying a new one, cost an arm and a leg. But then if you get this judgeship, you’ll need a new one anyway.”
“If,” she said doing up her tie. “It’s by no means certain I’ll even interview for it.”
“I thought it was all cut and dried,” Toby said. He adjusted his robes. “You wanted it, they wanted you. The interview is just a formality, surely.”
“That was before the car crash. Now, I’m not sure what I want.” She pulled out her robes, something white fluttering to the ground. She bent to pick up the folded piece of paper.
A wave of dizziness swept over her as she read the front. Her hands, suddenly numb and cold, dropped the paper and she fell into the locker.
“Hey…” Toby’s voice came from a long way off. Hands guided her to a seat and shoved her head between her knees. “Deep breaths. Someone see if there’s a doctor around. And find Judge Matheson.”
“I don’t need a doctor. Or the judge. I’m fine.”
“Stop arguing and just breathe.” Toby’s tone was harsher than she’d ever heard. Paper rustled, and she heard his sharp intake of breath. “And get Alan Reynolds from the CPS over here.”
Footsteps ran from the room.
Toby’s voice whispered in her ear. “That was another death threat, but I think you knew that. That ups the stakes if they are threatening you in here. We need to discuss with Alan and the judge where we go from here.”
“Closed court,” she whispered. “I’m sorry.”
“Not your fault.”
Deep, heavy footsteps echoed in the room, swiftly followed by Judge Matheson’s booming voice. “Philip Forrester said you needed me. Is something wrong?”
Niamh raised her head. Did she look as bad as she felt? She took the note from Toby and glanced at it, before offering it to the judge. “It was in my robes, in my locker. It’s not the first.”
Judge Matheson read it, his expression darkening. “Is Alan Reynolds on his way?”
Toby nodded. “Yes, My Lord.”
“Right. I want you both in my chambers now. Once Alan arrives, he can join us.” He turned to the security officer behind him. “The case in court number five. Keep the defendant in the cells until I say otherwise. And tell his barrister there is a four hour delay. If he wants a reason, tell him…” He broke off as the doctor came in.
Niamh shook her head. “I’m fine, really. I don’t need to see a doctor.”
“Well I’m here now,” the doctor said. He took her wrist.
She looked at Judge Matheson. “Just don’t tell the defense I’m sick.”
The judge grinned. “Tell Mr. Kingsman I’ve been unavoidably detained on a personal matter. I’m seeing to a sick friend. The case will be heard at two p.m.”
“Yes, Your Honor.” The security guard left.
“A sick friend?” Niamh asked. Maybe she really wasn’t well. Normally she kept up with the conversation much better.
He nodded. “You. You’re a friend and right now you’re not feeling so good.”
“Well, your pulse is fine, Mrs. Harkin. You look a little pale though.”
“Stomach flu. I’ll be fine.”
“Just take it easy for a bit.”
Judge Matheson’s voice boomed again. “No worries there, Doctor. She’ll be sat in my chambers for the next four hours drinking sweet tea and engaging in harmless chit chat.”
Niamh sat still as the doctor left. She took several deep breaths. “Is there anything else in my locker that shouldn’t be there?”
Toby checked. “No. Do you want me to ring Jared?”
“No,” she said quickly. “I’ll tell him tonight. No sense worrying him, too.” She stood and brushed her hands over her skirt. “I wouldn’t mind some of that tea actually, Your Honor.”
“Then let’s go find it. Alan will find us once I open the chocolate biscuits.”