Warning: Episode may contain strong language, violence and sexual content. Reader discretion is advised.

PREVIOUSLY…

• Having planned the annual Glendale Village Fete, Julia was blackmailed by Natalie to pay her £100,000 in order to keep the secret about Nick’s biological parents, or she would reveal all at Julia’s welcome speech.
• At Kate’s 45th birthday party, a drunken Neha had sex in a toilet cubicle with an unknown married man.
• In London’s Leicester Square, Rebecca bumped into Ed and his secret family.
• Judith, having discovered Natalie and James’ affair, confronted the young woman about it.
• Julia employed the services of a private investigator to dig up dirt on Emma.
• Having drunkenly slapped six-year-old Poppy, Neha was arrested and then released on bail.
• Audrey put her home of nearly seventy years up for sale.
• Jack confided in Queenie over his fears that his marriage to Lee wouldn’t survive.
• Emma pressured Tom to come clean to his wife, Kate, about his affair and also reveal to his wife and his lover, whose identity remains a secret, that he is carrying an STI.

Village Green,
Glendale

The bells of All Saints Church chimed to signify ten o’clock, and Glendale sprang to life with a flurry of activity as the annual village fete got underway. The tall oak trees that were scattered throughout, their branches adorned with colourful bunting and fairy lights, swayed gently in the breeze while in the centre of the square, at the freshly repainted bandstand that was festooned with garland and a large banner that read “GLENDALE VILLAGE FETE”, the local Salvation Army band entertained the gathering crowd. Children darted to and fro, their laughter mingling with the chirping of birds as they chased one another through the maze of stalls and funfair rides. The aroma of freshly popped popcorn and candy floss mingled with the tantalising scent of baked delicacies and deep-fried delights. Stalls lined the perimeter of the village green, their tables overflowing with an array of homemade treats and local handcrafted arts and treasures.

In the distance, the sound of cheerful carnival music floated through the air as funfair rides twirled and spun against the backdrop of the azure sky. A Ferris wheel turned slowly while a carousel spun rhythmically in circles. Nearby, a swing ride twirled thrill-seekers as it tilted and swirled, and a pirate ship swung back and forth. Meanwhile, a helter-skelter, the biggest many had ever seen, took pride of place in the village green. The air was alive with excitement on what was the most perfect summer’s day.

-:-

“It is simply marvellous, Julia,” Judith Bancroft said with an encouraging squeeze of her daughter’s arm as she looked around the village green in amazement. “You have truly excelled.”

Julia Harrington-Jones felt her cheeks flush at her mother’s compliment, something that was most unusual coming from the woman who in her day could make Margaret Thatcher quiver. “Well, it was a whole village effort, really.”

“Oh, be proud for once,” Judith replied sternly. “Glendale would be nothing without you! We know it, and so do they!”

Julia forced a smile at her mother before she looked away and scanned the gathering crowd for any sign of Natalie Sinclair. An uneasiness settled in Julia’s stomach. She had actively avoided the meddling young woman for the past few days in the hope of calling her bluff over the blackmail plot. But now that the deadline had passed for her to pay Natalie £100,000 in order to buy her silence about Nick’s biological parents, Julia was beginning to wonder if she had made a terrible mistake. Natalie had been too quiet, and it was beginning to concern her greatly.

-:-

As Rebecca Williams traversed the well-worn pavement of Queen Victoria Street that led to the village green, the sights and sounds of the fete brought a flood of memories to mind. Although she hadn’t grown up in Glendale, the humble village did feel like home, and now that the date was drawing nearer for her to move back, she was beginning to fall in love with it all over again.

Her heart swelled as she spotted her twins, Oliver and Poppy Granger, darting through the crowd as they chased their cousins Harry and Noah Spencer. All four were clearly already giddy with the excitement of the day and too much sugar.

“Mummy!” the twins cried in unison, their faces lighting up with delight as they caught sight of Rebecca who made her way across the village green towards them. With a burst of energy, they raced towards her.

“Hey guys!” She kneeled down to accept their loving hugs.

“I’ve already had six doughnuts!” Oliver boasted, posing like a superhero with his hands on his hips as if it were some marvellous accomplishment.

Poppy looked at her twin bother in disgust. “He’s a pig!”

Rising to her feet, Rebecca felt body tense at the sight of her ex-husband, Ben Granger, who stood nearby with a scowl etched upon his face.

“I wasn’t expecting you back in the village so soon,” Ben remarked curtly. “You said you wouldn’t be back for a couple of weeks.”

Rebecca’s smile soured. “I changed my mind. Is that a crime?”

Ben shrugged. “Dunno. You’re the lawyer.”

Rebecca chose to ignore Ben’s comment. “Shall we get some candyfloss?” She asked and laughed when her question was met with excited squeals from the twins. Rebecca saw the look of disapproval fired in her direction from her ex-husband. “You know, you really should smile once in a while, Benny Boy; otherwise, you’ll get the most awful frown lines.”

-:-

Julia’s eyes anxiously scanned the sea of faces, searching for one in particular. Her welcoming speech was just moments away, and, as yet, Natalie hadn’t made an appearance. As much as she tried to put it from her mind and maintain her usual façade of cold confidence, Julia couldn’t help but sense a foreboding storm on the horizon.

In the distance, masked by oak trees and villagers, Natalie stalked Julia like a lion sizing up its prey. She had failed to come through with the £100,000 that Natalie had demanded in order to keep the secret about Nick’s biological parents, and now, time was up, and the truth needed to be exposed.

Natalie’s phone pinged with a notification. Removing the device from the pocket of her tight black denim jeans, the young woman’s dark eyes scanned the push notification on the locked screen.

NatWest
You’ve been paid £100,000.00 into your account ending with 458.

She blinked in disbelief momentarily before a smile spread across her lips. Julia had buckled. In order to keep the secret, she had actually bowed down and handed Natalie everything that had been requested.

“I hope this now sees the matter closed.”

Judith’s resonant voice, laced with indignation, startled Natalie as she spun on her heel. The two women locked icy glares.

Reality quickly dawned on Natalie. “You? You transferred the money?”

Judith’s lips twitched. She hadn’t wanted to bow to Natalie’s demands, but she could see no other way. Out of Emma and Natalie, the latter was a far more pressing danger, and if £100,000 bought her silence, then it would be money well spent. Judith knew that Julia would be beyond furious, but that was a problem she would deal with at another time. For now, she had bought Natalie’s silence and the secret about Nick would remain just that. “Does it matter?” Judith said with a look as if Natalie was nothing more than dog muck scraped off the bottom of her shoe. “You’ve got your money, and now we can consider this little episode closed.”

To Judith’s surprise, Natalie smiled. “Oh, Judith, Judith, Judith.” Her tone sent a shiver down the ageing woman’s spine. “This is only just the beginning.”

Judith’s heart sank as Natalie’s words hung in the air, and a sense of dread settled over her like a dark cloud. “What do you mean?”

Natalie’s smile turned cold. “I told you yesterday that I’m going to destroy Julia for what she did to my mother, and I meant every single word,” she said, relishing the torment she was inflicting like a cat batting about a trapped mouse. “So, thank you for the money, but that won’t make me go away. I’m going to completely destroy Julia, even if it’s the last thing I do.”

With a sense of finality, Natalie turned on her heel and began to walk away, her figure disappearing into the crowd. Judith watched her go, a chill creeping down her spine as she realised that she had just handed Natalie the loaded gun that would end Julia’s life as she knew it.

-:-

As organiser of the village fete, Julia approached the bandstand, preparing to welcome everyone and declare the event open. With a wave of her hand, she gestured for the Salvation Army band to quieten. The murmurs of conversation of the gathered crowd faded into silence, and all eyes turned towards the self-appointed Queen of Glendale. Stepping up to the microphone, Julia cleared her throat and flashed one of her perfectly painted smiles.

“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,” she began, her voice clear and resonant as her gaze swept over the faces of the villagers gathered before her. Natalie was nowhere to be seen. “Welcome to our annual village fete, where we celebrate the vibrant spirit of our community and our home, Glendale. Today is about coming together, enjoying each other’s company, and having a bloody good time!”

A chuckle rippled through the crowd.

“From the bustling stalls to the thrilling funfair rides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Also, let’s not forget about the evening ahead! After the festivities, we’ll be continuing the fun over at the Oak and Vine. So, be sure to swing by for some great drink offers and delicious food specials courtesy of our lovely publicans, Tony and Carol. But now, I declare the twenty-twenty-four Glendale village fete, officially open!”

The gathered crowd cheered and applauded, while Julia, regal and full of self-importance as always, posed for a photograph for The Kent Gazette.

A short distance away, Marion Atkins and her daughter, Jasmine, watched Julia pose. “And just think,” Marion began, her words already laced with sarcasm. “Soon that vapid human being will be your monster-in-law.” Marion turned to Jasmine with a wicked grin. “You have my deepest sympathies, darling.”

-:-

Inside one of the tents on the far side of the village green, Queenie Baxter and Audrey Granger stood at a table laden with homemade baked treats. The cake competition was always hotly contested at the Glendale village fete, and this year was no exception. More than seventy villagers had entered, and the cakes ranged from a somewhat singed nut loaf to a towering monstrosity from Betty Worchester that was supposed to be a Victoria Sponge in the shape of the Eiffel Tower.

“Leans a bit,” Audrey said, tilting her head to one side as she looked at Betty’s crooked cake. “And a Vicki Sponge? That’s a bit basic, isn’t it?”

Queenie’s mouth tightened as her eyes snapped to her lifelong friend. “I make a Vicki Sponge every year!”

Audrey felt her cheeks flush. “Oh, yes,” she said, holding a hand to her mouth. “But yours are always delicious and beautiful, but this, well, this is awful.” Audrey waved at hand at Betty’s efforts.

For once, Queenie let the comment slide. “Well, at least she didn’t try an’ pass off a cake from Marks and Sparks this year! The bloody cheek of that God awful woman!”

-:-

Tom Spencer arrived at the village fete with a pounding headache that he couldn’t budge. Memories of long summer days attending the fete as a child in the 1980s and 1990s made him smile.

With Kate and Ava spending the weekend in London for the Taylor Swift concert, Tom had promised to keep them updated with lots of photos of the village festivities. As he reached for his phone to capture a snapshot, a familiar ping interrupted his thoughts. He glanced at the screen to find a message from his secret lover.

You look fucking sexy today xx

The message, sent to his everyday phone instead of the secret one they usually communicated from, sent a rush of excitement through Tom’s body. For one weekend, he didn’t have to hide. He could communicate openly with his lover and no one would know. A rush of anticipation coursed through Tom as he read the message. Tonight, they were going to meet again, and he couldn’t wait.

With a soft chuckle to himself, Tom typed out a quick reply, his fingers dancing across the screen.

Can’t wait to fuck you later xx

-:-

“And then he died!” Oliver said animatedly, regaling his great-grandmother, Audrey, with a rather embellished version of events from the latest “Bluey” episode as they sat at a picnic table with Rebecca, Poppy, and Pamela Granger.

Audrey frowned at the youngster’s story, chewing her cheek to stifle a smile. “He died?” she quizzed. “Bandit died?”

Oliver nodded eagerly. “Yeah. He blew up!”

“No, he didn’t!” Poppy interjected, slapping her twin brother’s arm in an effort to shut him up. “He’s lying, Gigi. Ollie always lies!”

Oliver was affronted. “I do not!”

“YES, YOU DO!”

“NO, I DON’T!”

“YES!”

“NO!”

“LIAR LIAR OLLIE IS A LIAR!”

“Kids, please!” Rebecca sighed heavily, unable to cope with the bickering and instantly wondering whether she should have just stayed in London. “Nobody died. Bandit didn’t die, Bluey didn’t eat a purple cow, and Ollie’s not a liar. Okay?”

Pamela and Audrey shot each other a look as they tried desperately not to laugh.

“Well, regardless of what happened, I think that it was a lovely story, sweetheart, and I appreciate you telling it to your old Gigi,” Audrey said, planting a kiss on Oliver’s cheek that he quickly wiped away.

In the distance, Ben headed towards the table carrying a cardboard tray of coffees. Rebecca looked over to her ex-husband and immediately clocked the woman walking beside him. The pair were lost in happy chatter and laughter. It was obvious there was a connection between them, and a pang of jealousy ripped through Rebecca.

Poppy bounced in her seat, her eyes shining with anticipation. “Dad’s back, and he’s got cake!”

“Who is that woman?” Rebecca asked, sizing up the beautiful brunette who had so obviously captured Ben’s heart.

“Emma Blake,” Pamela replied, glancing over at the happy couple. “The new village G.P. She’s wonderful, and she’s been so good for Ben after…”

Rebecca stiffened as her former mother-in-law’s voice trailed off, quickly realising what she was about to say.

“Dad’s girlfriend,” Poppy added with a tone that Rebecca noticed seemed to groan with dislike.

“They’re going to get married,” Oliver said, offering up another of his slightly embellished tales.

Rebecca shot a look at her son. “What?”

“They’re not,” Audrey clarified gently with a smile, hoping to placate her.

“One day they will,” Oliver corrected. “And we’ll have a baby brother.”

“No! A sister!” Poppy snapped.

Oliver’s face scrunched and his lips puckered into a tight point. “A baby brother!”

Poppy returned the angry face that seemed to have been practiced to perfection. “A baby sis—”

“Here we are,” Ben said as he approached the wooden table and put the tray down in the centre. “Rebecca, I’m not sure if you’ve met, but this is Em—”

“Emma, yes,” Rebecca interjected with a forced smile, trying to push aside her feelings of unease. “Glendale’s wonderful new G.P. apparently.”

The not-so-hidden venom that laced Rebecca’s comment wasn’t lost on Emma, but she chose to ignore it and instead flashed a warm, friendly smile her way.

“Here you go, grandma,” Ben said, handing Audrey a takeaway cup of coffee and a thick slice of carrot cake on a small paper plate.

As Audrey licked her lips, beside her, Rebecca’s face dropped. “I don’t believe it,” she snarled, her eyes narrowing to slits as she caught sight of something on the far side of the village green. “You’ve got to be fuckin’ kidding me!”

Before anyone had a chance to comprehend what was happening, Rebecca jumped up from her seat and tore across the village green towards Neha Patel and her husband, Ashwin. “Oi! Neha!” she yelled, seething anger pulsating through her body and her blonde bob bouncing freely with each heavy, purposeful step.

Hearing Rebecca call out Neha’s name, Ben whipped around to see his ex-wife racing across the village green towards the woman who had drunkenly slapped their daughter. “Oh, shi…” He took off in pursuit.

“You’ve got some nerve!” Rebecca bellowed, her eyes wide with anger, as she approached Neha. “How dare you show your face here after what you did!”

Ashwin tried to pull his wife away as Ben, having caught up, tried to do the same with Rebecca.

“I’m sorry,” Neha replied, her eyes widening in shock. She soon realised everyone around was staring. The humiliation was almost too much to bear. “I’m so sorry. I—”

“I don’t want to hear your excuses, Neha!” Rebecca cut her off, her voice rising in anger as she tried to free herself from Ben’s strong grip tugging her in the opposite direction. “You crossed a line, and now you’re going to pay for it. I’m going to see to it that you rot in prison for what you did!”

Neha felt a shudder ricochet through her body. She could see the pure hatred and disgust in Rebecca’s eyes, in everyone’s eyes, and she knew that Rebecca would stop at nothing until she felt justice had been served.

“Bec, stop!” Ben said, almost carrying his ex-wife away as she writhed about in his arms.

Rebecca’s fury couldn’t be contained. “No, Ben. She needs to face the consequences of her actions! I won’t let her get away with this! You’re going down, Neha! Mark my words!”

-:-

Marion strolled amidst the stalls and lively chatter of the village fete, stopping occasionally to sniff a candle, consider a painting from a local artist, or inspect a handmade scarf. With her husband, Ed, away on business in London for the weekend, she had made a point of banishing the problems in her marriage from her mind and instead had focused on enjoying the weekend alone. Lost in her thoughts as she perused a stall of handmade earrings, Marion was taken aback when she felt a firm hand on her shoulder.

“Ed! What on earth are you doing here?” She exclaimed as she turned around and saw the familiar face of her husband.

Ed chuckled. “Surprise! I couldn’t resist the temptation to come home and spend some quality time with you.”

Marion tried to hide the doubt from her face, although how successful she was she didn’t know. Ed rarely deviated from his plans, especially when it came to matters of business. “But I thought you had important meetings lined up in London this weekend?”

Ed’s smile faltered for a moment. “Ah, well, you see, things changed last minute, and I realised there’s nothing more important to me than being with you,” he replied smoothly.

Marion couldn’t help but feel a pang of scepticism at his explanation, but, as per her mantra for the weekend, she chose to push aside her doubts for the time being. She accepted his invitation for a walk, and as the strained couple meandered through the bustling crowd, Marion noticed that Ed’s gaze flitted nervously around the fete, as if searching for someone. “Is everything okay?”

“Of course,” he replied with a warm smile, although his words lacked conviction. “Everything’s fine.”

Before Marion could press further, a familiar figure emerged from the crowd of people, sending a ripple of apprehension coursing through Ed’s veins. It was Rebecca. Ed’s expression hardened as he watched his new business partner storm across the village green with Ben in hot pursuit. He swallowed hard, knowing that he needed to silence Rebecca and any questions that she may have about Samantha and Gracie.

-:-

“Well, would ya look at that?” Queenie said, a sense of pride swelling within her and a beaming smile plastered across her face as she looked at her Victoria Sponge in the cake display tent. The cake, adorned with delicate icing flowers and intricate designs, had been crowned the best in show.

“Bloody cheated; that’s what you did, Lizzie Baxter! Bloody well cheated!”

The resonant voice and familiar poisonous words of Betty Worchester filled the tent as Queenie turned on her heels as quickly as her ageing body would allow. Her eyes settled upon Betty’s usual scowl.

“A loser,” Queenie replied as a deliciously wicked grin slithered across her face. “That’s wot you is, Betty Worchester. Nothin’ but a sore loser.”

Betty’s face flushed with anger as she clenched her fists at her sides. “You always think you’re so clever, don’t you, Lizzie Baxter? Well, I’ll show you.”

Queenie’s smile remained as she let out a hearty laugh. “Ooh, I’m quakin’ in me boots.” The taunt only added to Betty’s anger. “Born a loser and will die a loser! That’s wot ya are, Betty Worchester. Now get outta me face.” Queenie swatted Betty away like a bee and returned her attention to her award-winning masterpiece.

As Betty stormed off in a huff, Queenie couldn’t resist one final taunt fired off over her shoulder. “And wash ya net curtains, ya filthy trollop! They’re disgustin’!”

-:-

“Omigod! You’re cheating!” Jasmine cried with a chuckle as she tried frantically to beat her fiancé, Nick Harrington-Jones, at the water racer sideshow stand. While Jasmine’s balloon was barely half-full, despite her best efforts with the water gun, Nick’s balloon was full to bursting.

“You’re going down, Jaz!” Nick replied with determination in his eyes and a perfect smile plastered across his face. As the ultra-competitive person that he was, Nick would settle for nothing less than first place.

Nick’s blue balloon swelled, and as a buzzer sounded, it was obvious he had won.

“YES!” He pumped a fist into the air before accepting a small stuffed toy from the sideshow attendant. He handed the small dog to Jasmine and planted a tender kiss on her lips. “Better luck next time.”

In the distance, Emma watched their display of affection. As per Julia’s request, Nick’s biological mother had kept her distance, but with each passing day Emma was struggling to keep the secret.

-:-

“Alright, boys, let’s see who can catch the most ducks!” Tony Kennedy exclaimed with enthusiasm as he handed Harry and Noah a fishing rod each at the colourfully decorated hook-a-duck sideshow.

With determined expressions, Harry and Noah set to work, their giggles filling the air as they attempted to hook the elusive rubber ducks bobbing in the water. As Tony and his wife, Carol, watched on fondly, a familiar voice broke through the clamour of the crowd, drawing their attention away from the game.

“Hey! Sorry I’m late.” Tom greeted his mother and stepfather as Harry and Noah abandoned their rods and wrapped their arms around their father’s legs, almost making him fall as they squeezed tightly.

“No need to apologise, sweets. We’re just glad you could make it,” Carol replied, reaching out to give him a reassuring squeeze, while Tony and the boys returned to their attentions to the game.

Tom smiled. “How have the ratbags been?”

“Good as gold.” Carol looked back at her two grandsons as Harry hooked the number 48 duck, much to Noah’s agitation. “Did you get a good sleep?”

“Yeah, I did, thanks. Although I can’t seem to shake this headache.” Tom rubbed his temples in frustration.

Carol’s brow furrowed. There was something off about her son that she couldn’t quite pinpoint – a vibe he was giving off that concerned her. “You poor thing. Sounds like you might be coming down with something. Another good night’s rest should set you right.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Tom nodded, although he knew for a fact that resting would be the last thing that he would be doing. He and his secret lover had a whole night to themselves, and they planned to make the most of every single lust-filled second.

-:-

In the crafts tent, Betty’s frustration reached its peak. Not only had she lost the baking competition to her long-time rival Queenie, but now she stood staring in disbelief at the results of the crochet competition. Audrey, with her fractured wrist, had somehow managed to clinch the victory with what could only be described as a lopsided, misshapen tea cosy.

“Oh, you are jokin’ me!” Betty grumbled under her breath as her jaw tightened. “She won for that?! Kangaroos in bloody Australia could do better than that!”

A woman at Betty’s side moved on, clearly uncomfortable. Looking around, Betty locked eyes with Reverend Turner, who was acting as judge, and stormed towards him. “This is outrageous!” she bellowed, her arms flaling. “How could you possibly choose that monstrosity over my impeccable crochet work?”

Reverend Turner looked nervous. “I understand your disappointment, Missus Worchester,” the handsome vicar replied diplomatically. “But each entry was judged based on creativity and originality, and Missus Granger’s tea cosy certainly stood out in that regard.”

Betty’s hands clenched into fists as she fought to contain her frustration. “This is a bloody outrage! A bloody outrage! What does a vicar know about crochet anyway? A bloody fix! That’s what this is!”

Suddenly, Queenie’s hearty cackle echoed around the tent, revelling in her rival’s misfortune once again. “Face it, Betty,” she yelled over the hubbub in the tent. “Always was a loser, always will be a loser!”

-:-

In a secluded corner of the village green, away from prying eyes and finely tuned ears, James Harrington-Jones paced back and forth.

“I thought you were going to be here today,” he said to Natalie as he spoke to her on the phone. “I wanted to see if we could get away with something more public.” A wicked grin licked at the corner of his lips as Natalie replied something that was utterly filthy. “Sure. I think we can make that work. I’ll see you tonight.”

-:-

Ashwin followed Neha as she moved through the hungry crowds that swarmed around the food tents. He could tell that his wife was humiliated after her run-in with Rebecca. “Premika, please, wait,” he pleaded.

Finding a clearing beside a large rhododendron bush, Neha finally stopped before removing a hip flask that she had hidden away in her handbag and took a long swig.

Ashwin’s heart sank as he caught up to her. “What is that? You promised you wouldn’t drink today.”

Neha’s laughter was sharp and bitter as she waved off his concerns. “Oh, lighten up, Ash. It’s just one small drink. I need it.”

As Neha took another swig, Ashwin’s patience reached its breaking point. Following their run-in with Rebecca earlier, he knew that the eyes of the entire village were on them. With a frustrated sigh, Ashwin reached out to gently take the flask from Neha’s hand. “Premika, you’ve had enough,” he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Enraged, Neha shoved him away with surprising force. Ashwin stumbled backwards, his arms windmilling as he fought to regain his footing, but it was too late. He crashed to the ground, the impact jarring through his body as his head hit the earth with a sickening crack.

Gasps of shock rippled through the crowd as they turned to witness the unfolding scene. Ashwin’s cheeks burned with embarrassment as he struggled to his feet.

Neha’s anger flared, and her face contorted with rage as she lashed out at the onlookers. “What are you looking at? Mind your own business!” she snarled, her voice raw with bitterness, as several phones were held up to record her outburst. “You all think you’re so perfect, don’t you? Well, you’re not!” With that, Neha turned on her heel and stalked off into the crowd.

-:-

Still high from the joys of winning and sticking it to Betty Worchester, Queenie made her way through the crowd at the village fete as she looked for a seat to park her weary bones. In the distance, she spotted Jack Campbell sitting alone on a bench.

“‘ello, Lovie,” she greeted him warmly as she plonked her tired body down beside him. “’ow, are ya ‘oldin’ up after yester-dee?”

Jack looked up from under his black baseball cap. “Hey, Queenie. I’m okay.”

No fool, Queenie knew a lie when she heard one. Her mouth puckered with disapproval, and no further questioning was needed.

Jack swallowed nervously as he seemed clouded by a shadow of sadness. “I think Lee and I are done.”

“An’ what makes ya say that?”

Jack sighed. “I gave Lee some flyers to read about adoption and fostering…”

“Right?” Queenie replied with a cocked eyebrow, not quite understanding the significance.

“And yesterday I found them in the bin. I don’t think he even looked them over.”

Queenie’s heart sank at Jack’s words. Lee was too selfish to be with anyone, and, deep-down, she had always known that it would end with poor Jack’s heart being broken. “I’m sorry, Lovie,” she murmured, reaching out to give his hand a reassuring squeeze. “That must’ve ‘urt.”

Jack nodded, sucking in his lips before letting out a long, deep exhale of breath.

“But it doesn’t mean it’s over,” Queenie added, trying to brighten Jack’s mood with a crooked grin.

“We are clearly two people wanting very different things,” Jack admitted. “To be completely honest, I don’t think there’s any way forward for us anymore, Queenie. I think this is the end.”

“An’ ‘ave you ask’d ‘im if ‘e’s read ‘em?”

Jack shook his head.

“Well then, maybe ‘e ‘as an’ this is all a big misunderstandin’?”

“I know Lee better than I know myself,” Jack replied with resigned sadness. “He hasn’t, that I can guarantee.”

Nearby, a middle-aged dad pushed a pram while a golden-haired boy sat high on his shoulders and a cute little girl, no older than four, walked alongside, her left hand firmly interlocked with her father’s while her right hand clutched a stick of pink candyfloss.

Jack watched them walk by, and his heart ached. “You know, when I came out, I thought it would be okay,” he began, looking away from the family and instead turning his attention to his hands as he nervously picked at the nailbed of his left thumb with his right index finger. “I thought it would be like what you see on TV where everyone is fine with it, and you get a hug from your mum and your dad says he’s proud of you no matter what. But it wasn’t like that for me. Everyone turned on me. My brothers didn’t talk to me, my mum cried and said I was disgusting, and my dad said I was a disappointment. I was disowned and erased from the family like I never existed.” Jack’s eyes became cloudy with unshed tears. “All I’ve ever wanted, Queenie, is a family of my own that I can love. That’s it, but now I don’t think it will ever happen, and that’s really hard to come to terms with. I just want to be loved and happy.” A solitary tear broke free and rolled down his unshaven cheek.

Queenie listened with a heavy heart, her own eyes misting with tears of empathy. “You are loved,” she said softly, reaching out and tenderly wiping away the tear. “I love ya an’ I’m always so very proud of ya. An’ no matter what, you deserve ‘appiness, Jack. Don’t ever forget that.”

“Thank you, Queenie.” A flicker of gratitude crossed Jack’s face as he turned to the elderly woman and gave her a hug, thankful for her unwavering love, support, and friendship. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

-:-

Under the shade of a decorated oak tree, Audrey sat on a wooden bench, enjoying the cool as she waited for her daughter-in-law, Pamela, to return with cups of tea and doughnuts.

“Congratulations on the crochet win, Audrey,” Betty muttered through gritted teeth as she approached her frenemy. “I suppose even a blind squid finds a nut every once in a while.”

Audrey frowned in confusion for a moment. “I think you mean squirrel, Betty. A blind squirrel.”

Betty’s face crumpled like a bulldog. “Oh, you know what I meant!”

“Thank you, Betty,” Audrey replied in her usual silvery tone. “Victory was a pleasant surprise.”

Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Betty plonked herself down on the bench. “So, I couldn’t help but notice the ‘For Sale’ sign in front of your cottage.”

Audrey’s expression changed as she nodded, still struggling to come to terms with the decision to put her home of nearly seventy years on the market. “Yes, well, it’s time for a fresh start,” she admitted with a hint of sadness. “After my fall, Brian and Carol thought it was for the best that I sell up. I’m too old to be alone, apparently. So we compromised, and I’ve agreed to move in with Queenie.”

Betty’s surprise and sympathy were evident as she processed Audrey’s words. Time was marching on, and Betty was acutely aware that there were only so many more fetes that she, Queenie, and Audrey would get to experience in Glendale. “I had no idea,” she murmured. “You’re lucky to have family.”

Audrey looked at Betty and could see the look of sadness in her eyes. For years now, Betty had been ostracised from her family, and Audrey had noticed the significant toll it had taken on the elderly woman’s physical and mental wellbeing. The abandonment had made Betty bitter, and her sparkle had fizzled out.

“Well, I’d best keep moving.” Betty struggled to her feet as a plan formed in her mind that would surely silence Queenie Baxter once and for all. As she walked away, aided by her walking stick, Betty reached into her handbag to retrieve the mobile phone that her family, when they had still spoken to her, had insisted that she own. She fumbled with it, managing somehow to unlock it, although she wasn’t quite sure what she had done, pressed on the phone icon that her grandson had shown her, and then pressed a name. The phone began to ring.

“Hello, darling? It’s mum. Please don’t hang up,” she began, her voice trembling with nervousness after so many years of unspoken hurt and ill will. “I have something that might interest you.”

-:-

Waiting at a food truck for her freshly made doughnuts and tea, Pamela watched from afar as Ben and Emma engaged in playful banter and laughter along with Oliver and Poppy at the hook-a-duck sideshow. The sight of her son’s happiness caused a smile to tug at the corners of her lips. Pamela couldn’t help but marvel at the transformation that had come over her son since he had met Emma. There was a lightness and vitality to him that she hadn’t seen for a very long time.

Lost in her thoughts, Pamela failed to hear the approaching footfall.

“He seems to be smitten,” Judith remarked, her eyes following Pamela’s gaze to where Ben and Emma stood laughing as they tried to knock each other off balance while hooking ducks with a rod.

“Yes, he is,” Pamela replied proudly with a nod. “Emma has been a breath of fresh air for him, that’s for sure.”

“You don’t think they’re moving too soon? I mean, she’s only been in the village, what, two months?”

Pamela brushed away Judith’s concerns. “I don’t think it is anything too serious. I think they’re just having fun, and after everything Ben has been through with Rebecca, well, you can’t begrudge the boy a bit of fun.”

Judith’s expression darkened. “Pam, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Emma isn’t exactly who she appears to be,” she warned as a cold enjoyment glinted in her eyes. “She’s not the woman you think she is.”

-:-

As Rebecca waited in line for a portion of hot chips, her gaze remained firmly focused on a park bench in the distance where Neha sat drowning her sorrows with something that clearly wasn’t water. Hatred and anger bubbled inside Rebecca as her eyes narrowed to slits. She removed her iPhone from the pocket of her jeans and took a small recording of Neha as she clearly slipped into yet another state of inebriation.

“There’s laws against that, you know,” Ed said, startling Rebecca as he appeared behind her and spoke over her shoulder.

“Christ, Ed! You scared me half to death!” Rebecca clasped a hand to her chest.

Ed chuckled as he looked in Neha’s direction. “She’ll get what’s coming to her,” he said, patting Rebecca’s shoulder in support. “Don’t worry. She won’t get away with it.”

Rebecca glanced back at Ed, and her brow creased as her thoughts drifted to the unusual encounter they had shared the day before in London. “Like you are, you mean?”

“I told you, they’re family.”

“Mmhmm,” Rebecca agreed with a nod and a crumpled mouth. “But something tells me that they’re your family, not Marion’s.”

A sense of guilt crossed Ed’s features. There was no pulling the wool over Rebecca’s eyes; she was too smart and too good of a lawyer not to be able to connect the dots. “Bec, please,” he implored with desperation. “You can’t tell Marion about this. It’s complicated, and I need time to sort things out.”

Rebecca considered Ed’s plea, torn between her loyalty to her friend and new business partner and her concern for his wife. “Okay,” she agreed reluctantly. “But you need to tell Marion about whatever this is, and soon. It’s not fair to keep her in the dark.”

“I know.” Ed’s shoulders sagged. “I know.”

“The truth always outs one way or another, Ed. It’s best you tell Marion yourself before she finds out another way and your entire life blows up in your face.”

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Pineview House,
Glendale

Natalie sat on the sofa in the living room of Pineview House, her legs tucked under her as she enjoyed another sip of champagne and toasted to her success and bulging bank balance. With her iPhone in hand, Natalie pushed play on the recording of her and James having sex. The vision, obtained from the camera she had hidden in her bedroom, was crystal clear and was yet another weapon loaded into her arsenal. With a wicked smirk moving across her lips, Natalie took another sip of champagne. As the bubbles tickled her nose, she knew that it wouldn’t be much longer now until she had everything she needed to destroy Julia’s life once and for all.

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Village Green,
Glendale

Pamela’s brow furrowed in confusion as she turned to face Judith. “What do you mean?”

Judith hesitated, savouring the moment before she dropped the bomb. “Emma isn’t who she claims to be, Pam,” she admitted, trying to disguise the satisfied smile that threatened to break across her face. “Her name isn’t Emma Blake. It’s Emily Barlow. She’s also a drug addict and prostitute.”

In an instant, Pamela’s world titled on its axis. “What?” Her mind raced with conflicting emotions as she absorbed Judith’s words. “What do you mean?”

“Exactly what I just said.” Judith’s cold glare turned back in Emma’s direction. “Emma Blake is a liar and a fraud. Her name is Emily Barlow. She is a drug addict and a prostitute. And she killed my son.”

Pamela’s face went as white as a sheet as she turned and watched Ben enjoy his ignorant bliss.

-:-

Sat on a park bench in the shade of an oak tree, Neha scanned the crowd at the fete with disdain. Her mood had been soured by the liquid in her hip flask, while the laughter of children and the ear-piercing music of the funfair rides irritated her. Then she saw him – the man she had shared a one-night stand with and the one who had been ignoring her calls and texts.

Neha’s heart pounded as she spotted the familiar figure standing alone to the side of the village green, looking at his phone. With her inhibitions lowered, she rose to her feet and approached him. “Why are you ignoring me?” she hissed, slightly unsteady on her feet. “I’ve been texting you!”

He turned to face her, and his expression was cold as he met her alcohol-tainted gaze. “Oh, for fuck’s sake. What do you want, Neha?” James replied without feeling.

Drawing a deep breath, Neha frowned, hurt by James’ response. “We need to talk,” she said. “About what happened between us.”

James’ face hardened, and darkness cloaked his eyes. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

“You can’t just ignore me, James. We shared something, and you’re acting like it never happened.”

“You were an easy fuck, Neha, that’s it,” James said bluntly, his words like a dagger to her heart. “You were cheap and easy, and I regret it. I mean, look at you. You’re a fucking mess.”

The sting of James’ words cut deep, leaving Neha reeling with hurt and humiliation. She opened her mouth to respond, to lash out in anger and defiance, but the words died on her lips. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

“Now fuck off and leave me alone,” James hissed.

Meanwhile, without realising it, James had accidentally pressed the phone symbol on his iPhone instead of the message icon, and, on the other end of the line, Natalie listened in, absorbing every single word fired off in disgust between he and Neha.

-:-

In a distant corner of the Women’s Institute tent, Julia took a quiet moment to herself and settled at a table with a cup of tea and a small plate of scones with jam and cream. Her head pounded, her feet ached, and her back hurt from standing in high heels for too long. As she took a welcome sip of tea, Julia’s mind moved to Natalie. She couldn’t understand why the raven-haired teenager, who had been so hellbent on blackmailing her, had been missing in action all day. There was something very off about the whole thing, and Julia couldn’t shake the unwelcome nervousness that set her body on edge.

Julia’s phone vibrated in her pocket, drawing her attention away from her thoughts. With a curious frown, she retrieved her phone and looked at the notification. It was an email from the private investigator. Her eyes scanned the message, and Julia’s breath caught in her throat at the urgency of his words.

I’ve concluded my investigation. We need to meet urgently.

-:-

Having won at hook-a-duck, Emma weaved her way through the throngs of villagers enjoying the fete on the hot August afternoon as she headed back to Ben and the kids with two bottles of Coca-Cola, two apple juices, two burgers, two kebabs, and three toffee apples all balanced somewhat perfectly on a flimsy cardboard tray. Ben had offered to get the food and drinks, but Emma had insisted, hoping to make a good impression on his young twins, Oliver and Poppy.

As Emma’s eyes moved across the sea of faces, they settled upon Tom talking to a group of people. Some Emma knew and some she didn’t, while others she couldn’t make out with their backs turned to her. She paused for a moment and watched the small group chat. A silent anger bubbled away inside her as she watched Tom chat and laugh without a care in the world. It infuriated her what he was doing to Kate, and then Emma noticed it. The look. For the briefest sliver of time, it was a charged and lustful look that passed between Tom and his lover. If you weren’t looking for it, you wouldn’t notice it. But Emma had noticed it, and there was no doubt in her mind that what she had just witnessed was a knowing glance shared between secret lovers.

Emma’s lips parted as the revelation settled on her. “It can’t be…”

NEXT TIME…

• Tom’s lover is revealed.
• Pamela drops a bomb on Ben.
• Natalie sets out to discover the truth about Neha and James’ one-night stand.