The missing music

The sun was shining brightly but then the world felt dim around him. Staring at his phone, he couldn’t believe what had happened. Why had he been so stupid? Trusting William had been a mistake. Now he risked losing Ruby. How could he tell her that he knew who had hurt Freda? Why had his friend stolen the music?

Looking into the muddy water of the lake, he could see his life vanishing into it. Should he tell the police? He had not given them an accurate description of him and William was refusing to give it back. Apparently, the music was too valuable and he was going to sell it.

Feeling his head vibrating, knowing he had to tell Ruby. He hadn’t planned for his friend to break in. Was he really still a friend? Thinking about it he decided, no.

Mark knew if he did go to the police the personal repercussions would be to much.  Pushing himself up from the sunny bench, he put the phone in his pocket and started to walk back to Ruby’s.

* * *

Where’s Mark?

I sat looking into my tea leaves. I’ve never been able to read them, but right now I wish I could. Mark has been staying with me this weekend. This morning when I woke his bag was here, but he wasn’t. I’ve messaged him but been ignored. Feeling the familiar sick feeling, I know he’s going to end it. Why else would he go out without talking to me? He has been acting strange since Freda lost ‘Baby Blue’. I’ve wondered if he knows anything about it but then feel guilty for not trusting him. Something is wrong and the voices in my head are convincing me of the worst.

Where the heck has Mark gone?

* * *

A Confession

Arriving at Ruby’s road he walked slower. He had five missed calls. Things had been strained between them and he knew she was suspicious. What happens next would be Williams fault, he could only hope that Ruby would listen and understand. He couldn’t bear it if this was it but he had no choice. The guilt was making him ill, eating him up inside.

Turning the back-door handle, he let himself in. Finding Ruby sat on the settee he could see agony written over her face.

* * *

“What’s wrong?”
“You. Where did you go?”
“Sorry, I needed to walk.”
“Why mark? Why? What have I done wrong?”

Joining me on the settee, he put his arm around me. He started shaking as he said,
“I need to tell you something and I need you to listen.”
“What?” This was it, we are finished.
“I know who stole ‘Baby Blue’”
“How? And why haven’t you told the police?”

‘Baby Blue’

“Weeks ago, William saw you and Freda perform ‘Baby Blue’. He told me that he needed to get hold of the music. I think he somehow followed us to Freda’s.”
“Tell the police, Mark you have too.” Here was hope, he knew where the music is, we could get it back.
“William is a friend. I’m confused.” Removing his arm, he put his head into his hands.
“Mark, he’s not a friend. Friends don’t steal. You must tell the police”.
“I’ll be in trouble for withholding evidence.”
“Tell them you’ve only just realised that you know who it is. You have to Mark”. I was pleading now. If this man really cared about me, he would do this. Seeing him shaking, I put my arms around him.

“It’s alright, come on, I’ll come with you.”
“You’re not angry with me?”
“I’m upset that you didn’t say something sooner and tell the police.”
“I thought I could get it back without telling them. I thought I could convince him.”
“Well you can’t, come on, police, now.” I was optimistic till he said,
“There’s more.”
“What else?”
“If I go to the police, then my world could come to an end as well.”
“What have you done Mark?” I was scared now. Taking my hand, he said,
“I can’t tell you, I’m too ashamed and I’m scared Ruby, I’m scared.”

Squeezing his hand, I now got up and went to put the kettle on. I needed tea, this could take some time.

Written for Grammys Grid – First sentence – The sun was shining brightly but

For more see – ‘Baby Blue’ a row and suspicion – part 8, this is part 9