Fraser's Line Read Free

with everything. I don’t have any other option.”
    ‘You must be so angry.’ John hung his head.
    ‘I’m devastated by it all, and I miss Edie every moment, but getting angry hardly helps. If you don’t mind, John, I think I’d like to be on my own now.’
    ‘Yes, of course. I’m sorry. But look, Fraser, don’t worry about the business. I’ll put in all the hours it needs to keep things going for the time being – it’s the least I can do.’
    ‘I’m better working,’ said Fraser. ‘I need to have something to keep me busy – otherwise I’ll just sit here and mope. But thanks, anyway.’
    To his relief John had finally shuffled off, leaving Fraser to wonder why Edie’s death had hit him so hard. He knew John had a very soft heart, and was touched that his own loss had had such a deep effect, but the emotion seemed excessive. After that conversation the two men didn’t speak of personal things any more. They kept strictly to work issues.
    There was to be one more phone call before Fraser was able to go and buy his supper. It was his sister, Margaret. She had, it seemed, a very bright idea. Her friend Marion was giving a party on Saturday, and she would be thrilled if Fraser would come. There wouldn’t be very many people, and most of them Fraser would probably not be acquainted with, so he wouldn’t have to put up with people not knowing what to say to him. Margaret was of the strong opinion that he really could not go on hiding away by himself. It was, according to his sister, high time he tried to go out, and this would be the ideal occasion.
    ‘No thanks.’ Fraser was firm in his refusal. ‘Please pass my thanks on to Marion, but I’m not in the mood for a party.’
    Margaret tried all the arguments she could, but Fraser was adamant. Then she said, ‘Mother’s terribly worried about you. She keeps asking me if you are getting out anywhere. When I say no, you’re just staying at home, she gets very upset.’
    ‘She’d forgotten about it when she spoke to me a few moments ago. She asked me how Edie was!’
    ‘I’m sure it was only a momentary aberration. You know what her mind is like now. She does know what’s happened and how you’ve been suffering. Every time I speak to her she asks about you, and wants to know how you are coping. Come on, Fraser, make her happy! She’d love to think that you were able to go out and join other people. It pains her to think of you being so alone all the time.’
    It was the only persuasive remark that could possibly have any effect on Fraser. He hesitated – Margaret seized her advantage, and before he knew it he had somehow agreed to go.
    ‘Brilliant!’ said Margaret. ‘I’ll tell Marion straight away.’
    Damn, thought Fraser, as he went out for his fish and chips. Damn, damn, damn.
Chapter 2
    ‘Lunch is ready! Everyone needs to sit up at the table now!’ Announcements of mealtimes by Sarah required an immediate response. Woe betide the procrastinator who decided to finish the job in hand, or who, worse still, had failed to wash their hands prior to the pre-emptory invitation to the table. The interval between the time the family members were bidden to come and the final result of all chairs being occupied by diners in a state of complete readiness could be no more than thirty seconds or Sarah became flustered.
    At one o’clock precisely the meal was served. The homemade Shepherd’s Pie, brought to the table bubbling, with its golden crust browned to perfection, made a spectacular sight. How well Sarah looked after her family! Fraser was impressed by her competence and organisation.
    ‘Magic!’ breathed George, in eager anticipation.
    Next the carrots and broccoli arrived – an attractive vegetable accompaniment with their contrasting colours, but this cut no ice with George.
    ‘Yuk!’ he shuddered. ‘I really, really hate brolocci.’
    ‘It’s broccoli – and you have to eat it.’ Kate adopted the role of older sister, despite the