ALEX

            Alex Jackson was weary of the M1, the drive down from Leeds had been less than pleasant. Heavy traffic, rain and bad light on a winters afternoon had dogged him the whole way . The sign for the Services half mile came up. He decided to turn in and take a break.

            He drove into the cars only area, looking for parking as near to the  entrance of the restaurant and shops as possible. As he swung round the end of a line of cars, a grey Honda, similar to his own, backed out of a slot into his path. He braked sharply, sounding his horn frantically, but before the other driver could react, its rear bumper nudged his passenger door.  He swore, quickly got out, prepared to give the other driver the benefit of his anger.

            What the Hell do you think., the words died on his lips as the window wound down and he looked into the eyes of one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. She was stunning, beyond belief. Blonde, long hair, in her early thirties he thought, an oval face, perfect skin and eyes that he could drown in. I well, that was a bit of bad luck he eventually came out with.

            She smiled. Im terribly sorry, the warm voice flowed over him. It is completely my fault, Id just pulled in and was straightening up. I just wasnt looking. I really am sorry. Is there much damage? She opened the door and stepped out. The rest of her did not disappoint.

            They looked at the dent in Alexs door. Oh dear, she said, Ive never been in a accident before, do we have to call the Police? Oh no, Alex replied, we exchange details, names and addresses, insurance and so on, and that is it. No need to bring the Police in.

            What about whose fault it is? My husband will be furious. Well, I could have turned more slowly, so it partly my fault too, Alex conceded, Look, we are getting wet standing here, why dont we go in, take our details with us, and exchange them over tea or something. My name is Alex, by the way, Alex Jackson He held out his hand, but she had turned back towards her car. Lets park and do that. Ill see you inside, she called shutting her door.

            They found a free table, put down their trays and made their introductions. She was Sylvia Hodgson. Same name as my boss, thought Alex. Well, its not that unusual a name. She opened a wallet and read her car number which Alex, in the confusion of the moment, had not noted. LD51PDB.

Strange, His was LD51PDH. They both had the same insurance company too, The Cornhill.  This was getting weird.

            They drank their tea, avoiding eye contact. Alex felt unnerved in her presence. Her nails were polished, not coloured. She wore obviously expensive clothes. She was cool, confident, in possession of herself and the situation. He knew that she had summed him up for what he was, a middle manager in a middling sort of Company. Nothing special.

            She wrote down his details in a small notebook she took from her handbag, with a delicate gold biro. It was when they exchanged policy numbers that it really became unreal. They were the same. How can that be?, she asked. Because,, he replied, and this explained everything, Both our cars are Company cars from the same company. Its a policy covering all the cars in the company. That explains why they are the same model and colour, I should think. But I havent met you before, do you work for Threadgolds? Then he hastily added, I know; youre my bosses wife arent you? He noticed now the wedding ring on her hand.

            She coloured at the discovery. Im sorry, he said, I hadnt meant to embarrass you. No, no, it doesnt matter She laughed it off. I guess I must be. Hes Finance Director. Do you work in that area? Alex confessed that he did, but in a more humble role. Of course, Grant Hodgson ran a Jaguar on the Company, the Honda would be allocated to his wife. He was entitled to two cars as a Director. All was explained.

            The atmosphere palpably relaxed now all that had been got out of the way. The damage would be covered, nothing to worry about. They got to chatting about their lives. She heard that he had been up to Leeds to see his sick Mother, who lived on her own. They both lived in South-West London. Alex was twenty-eight and unmarried. She was returning from a stay with an old school friend who had just had a baby.

             They talked about their likes and dislikes. They both played tennis in the summer and swam in the winter, sometimes at the same pool, they both belonging to the same health club. It was a wonder that they hadnt met before. Alex heard that she worked part time in a small business belonging to a friend, not that she needed the money, she added. She had no children.

             They warmed to each other and time passed. She suddenly looked at her watch. Hell, is that the time, I must get going, Were supposed to be going out this evening, Grant will be furious, Id better give him a call when I get back to the car.

            Alex could imagine Grants reaction when he heard about the accident. Not that that bothered him too much. But Sylvias husband had a vile temper and everybody in the company dreaded crossing him. Sylvia slid out of her chair, picked up her things and turned to leave.

            Ill say goodbye then. She held out her hand and Alex took hers in his. Her hand felt warm and vibrant, he felt his insides turn round. He must see this woman again.  Perhaps we could all meet up for a drink sometime he ventured. She glanced sideways at him, turning to go Perhaps. Maybe at the club. Sure, he replied , walking with her out to the cars. He would damn well make sure they would. He would haunt the place until she turned up.

            Alex sat in his car, his mind and body churning with the experience of the last hour. He had come across some women of note in his time, but not like this. She was a knockout. How had that object Grant landed a beauty like that? He didnt deserve her, that was for sure.

            He drove the remaining miles back to his house, his mind in ferment. He would see her again, the club was an ideal way of meeting her. He couldnt wait. Alex did not for moment consider that she might be happily married. She had responded positively, he thought. Perhaps she was lonely, tired of her moron of a husband. He thought about every moment of the short time that they been together, every word, every gesture she had made. If it hadnt been for that stupid accident they would never have met. How lucky it had been.

            The next morning Alex walked the half mile to the station, caught his usual train up to town and tube across to the city. He kept a watch for Grant Hodgson, but his office was empty, He filed his accident report with the company transport manager and got on with the days business. The day drew to a close, but still no Grant. 

            When he got home, the red light on his answer machine was flashing, A message from the garage with a date for the car repair and a call from a friend suggesting a game of squash. Then, with a shock of recognition, her voice.

            Alex, I hope you dont mind my calling you, I got your number from the phone book. Thank God you arent ex-directory. Something terrible has happened. Please call me as soon as you get home. Then her number.

            He dialled immediately, two rings then her voice. Whats happened? He asked, straight away. She was in tears. Its dreadful. Grant flew into one of his rages when I got back last night. Said that it was my fault that it was too late go out to eat as we had planned. He was angry when I told him about the accident, and got jealous when he heard that it had been with you, in his department, He is a very suspicious man. In the end we got into a fight. He is very strong, I didnt stand a chance against him.

            She stopped and cried some more. Alex tried to comfort her.

            He had me against my dressing table, really hurting. He went to hit me with my hairbrush, I moved my head, andand his hand went into the mirror. He broke the glass and cut his hand and wrist. There was blood everywhere. He was screaming at me to do something. I tried to stop the bleeding with a towel, It wasnt any good.

            My God,said Alex, What happened next?

            He bled to death Alex. Right there in our bedroom. It was all over in a a few minutes, He died just as the ambulance arrived. There was nothing that they could do. He had cut an artery. Alex felt the sweat on the palm of his hands. He shook with the shock.

Sylvia, I must be able to help, shall I come over? There was a

pause at the other end. Not now Alex. The Police are still here. I am going to

my sisters. She lives quite near. I just wanted you to know. Its bound to be all

round the office tomorrow. Please keep this to yourself. Promise?

Of course, he replied. Please let me know when I can see you. I feel terrible that is all because of a stupid accident.

I will, Ill let you know. I cant think now. Its not your fault. It was all due

to his temper. Hed been like it for years. Its not been easy I must go. She rang off.

            He put the phone down and leaned on the hall table, then poured himself a stiff shot of whiskey. He flopped into a chair and tried to clarify hid thoughts. What would happen now between him and Sylvia Hodgson? What would happen at the office if the story got out? It would bound to, Grants death and the car accident, would that raise suspicions? It was all innocent, nobodys fault, only grants, the oaf.

            The best outcome that could happen would be that he and Sylvia would see each other again with Grant out of the way.

            What was that saying about an ill wind? He poured himself another whiskey and, looking out of the window, realised that the rain had stopped.

                                                                                                            Max Frost

                                                                                                            1 April 2002