Page 102 of Calling Frank O'Hare

Frank kissed her hand. ‘Yes.’

She sighed. ‘It’s as I expected. Give me a little longer though, please.’

‘Of course.’

‘You did a wonderful job with Robyn. I knew you would. I wish I’d been as decent as you. I wish I could have stayed, but I did it for her sake. I couldn’t trust myself. You see that, don’t you?’

It had been the best Christmas he and Ellen had ever spent together. Even better than that first one when they hid out in the Montagues’ London flat and trashed the Brigadier’s wine cellar. Gavin and Roger came to stay. Old lady Montague had not been invited but wouldn’t have come anyway. Apparently she’d opted to spend it with friends in warmer climes. Edie had also popped over, in between visits to family and friends, and so had Adrian and Stella. In the interest of harmony, Rob put her feelings to one side and put on a happy face.

On Christmas morning, Ma and Da had called from Siobhan’s. Rob had spent a long time talking with Siobhan and afterwards, Siobhan had bent Frank’s ear about neglecting the parents and not letting Ellen fool him. He’d let it wash over him in the spirit of Christmas goodwill to all men and women. Except for Martin. Frank still couldn’t forgive him for what he’d done.

Today, Frank was driving Robyn back up to Edinburgh. He’d thought about suggesting Ellen came too but guessed that might be a step too far for Rob. She did however manage a smile and a wave as she said goodbye and strapped herself into the passenger seat.

He gave Ellen a peck on the cheek. ‘I’ll call you this evening.’

‘Are you still getting a divorce?’ said Rob as they drove away.

‘Yes. She knows. We talked about it. Do you mind?’

‘Er, no!’ She eyed him as if he was mad, then her face softened. ‘You need to do what’s best for you, Dad. You’ve spent too long thinking about everyone else.’

Frank called Ellen from his hotel room. ‘I thought I’d call before I meet up with Rob for dinner. She’s all settled back at hers now. Are you doing okay on your own down there?’

‘Yes. I’m fine. I’ve been out shopping and had tea with Edie. I even popped in to see Adrian in that abominable place he calls a pub. I didn’t stay long. He was busy with the lunchtime crowd and to be honest, the place looked like it needs a thorough deep clean.’

Frank laughed. ‘I hope you told him.’

‘Naturally. I am never anything but honest with Adrian. What time do you think you’ll be back tomorrow?’

‘I’ll set off early so I’m hoping for around two. Have a good night.’

‘You too. Tell Robyn I love her.’

‘I will. Bye Ellen.’

‘Goodbye Frank.’

The house was empty when he returned home. Frank went straight up to the main bedroom where Ellen had been sleeping. The clothes she’d brought with her had gone, as had the suitcases. As he went through the drawers and wardrobes, he realised she’d bought him more new clothes and underwear. There were new towels in the bathroom and new bed linen. There was no note, no email, no message, but he knew it would be the last time he’d see her.

He tried Ellen’s mobile. It was switched off. Then he called Robyn. ‘She’s gone.’

‘I guess it had to happen sooner or later. How do you feel?’

‘I think I’m okay. I was expecting it.’

67

Saint-Germain-en-Laye – 2016

When the police officers knocked on his door, Frank instantly knew it would be about Ellen. She was dead. Suicide, according to the French authorities. They left him with the details of who to contact, along with their sincere condolences.

The first person he called was Gavin who had also just been told. Gavin was his usual controlled self, regardless of what might be going on inside. ‘I’ll call France. I speak the language, it’ll be easier. Unless you’d prefer to do it yourself?’

‘No. Thank you. I need to go and see Robyn. I can’t tell her over the phone.’

‘Yes, of course. I’d better do the same with Mother. I’ll be in touch.’

Frank went straight to Robyn’s house from the plane. He hadn’t pre-warned her he was coming, that would have required an explanation. He just hoped she was in.

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