Always on the Run

9. Connecting the dots

Hi guys! Well here we go. Penelope's identity is revealed and all I can say is...it's not who you think it is. *insert evil laugh here*. I hope you enjoy! I'm still on holidays so here's hoping I get out a few updates over the next week and a bit before returning to work. You know the drill. Happy reading!

*** 

I stare at her, my mouth slightly agape. She’s not…? No she can’t be. I knew there was something familiar about her but…? No. It’s not possible. Isn’t she in an asylum?

“Everything okay, Teresa?” Penelope asks, tilting her head to the side.

“What’s your son’s name?” I blurt. This is going to bug me if I don’t ask.

Her brow furrows slightly. “Why do you ask?”

I try to smile but it feels forced. “You remind me of someone, that’s all. I was wondering if I knew him. This is a fairly small town after all.”

She smiles serenely. “Fair enough. Honestly, I don’t know his name.”

My mouth drops open again. Well then, it can’t be Ewan’s mother. I’m about to ask another question when Penelope continues. “Let’s go have that drink. I need some Dutch courage before I continue.”

I nod then we get in the car and drive off. I end up parked in front of the pub where I last saw Marcus. This is the best pub in town and one I’m familiar with. The funny thing is, I’m not at all bothered about bumping into Marcus again. It’s safe to say he’s finally history. He has no hold over me anymore.

Once we’re inside, we each find a stool at the bar. “What would you like?” I ask. “My shout.”

Penelope smiles thankfully. “Thank you, Teresa that’s very kind of you. I’ll have a whisky on the rocks, thanks.”

I arch an eyebrow at this. “You weren’t joking when you said you needed some Dutch courage.

She laughs and shakes her head. I gesture to the barman who comes over and I order her a whisky and myself a glass of house white. Even though I don’t drink often and I’m driving, I’ve decided I can have one or two drinks.

When the barman returns with the drinks, I look at Penelope and find her staring at the door wistfully. I know I don’t know her but I’m eager to hear her story and connect the dots. I swear I know her or know someone connected to her.

She blinks a couple of times then looks at the whisky in front of her. She gives me an angelic smile. “Thank you,” she says then picks up the glass and downs the whole lot. Slamming the glass on the bar, she cringes then throws her head back and woops. In my peripheral vision I see the barman staring at her agog. It’s no wonder, here is a beautiful woman who can down whisky in one mouthful.

“My god I needed that,” she says, her voice slightly husky from the alcohol. She nods at my glass, “You don’t want anything stronger?”

“I better not, I’m driving,” I explain and she nods.

“Well I think I need another.” She gestures for the barman who comes over. “Same again,” she says, batting her eyelashes flirtatiously.

He gives her a dazzling smile. “Sure thing, pretty one.”

I look at Penelope and shake my head. “How do you do it?” I ask.

She looks at me with a furrowed brow. “Do what?”

“Draw men in like that. I mean look at you, you’re perfection and all men stop and stare at you.”

She throws her head back and laughs. Once she’s calmed down she looks at me with shining eyes. “Oh Teresa, you are the sweetest girl ever.” She chuckles and shakes her head. “I am far from perfection, my dear girl and if men do look at me, it’s not something I’m aware of. Men are the furthest thing from my mind. If I do try and gain their attention it’s only to get a free drink. Watch.”