Victor Gregory watched Oliver without his noticeno surprise, given Victors years in the profession. He was a proper expert, after all! But so far, hed found nothing suspicious. Oliver never invited anyone home and kept to himself. Still, Victor Gregory knew better than to lower his guard. Patience was keyOliver would slip up eventually. His instincts had never failed him before.
This mattered deeply, for it concerned himVictor Gregoryand his family. How he missed the days when little Ellen was small! When she was born, hed been secretly disappointeda girl, not the son hed hoped for. Of course, hed never shown it, but deep down, something nagged at him. A girl! Him, a man of standing, blessed with a daughter instead of a son. Who would share a quiet pint with him when times grew heavy? Who would he pass his wisdom to, shaping into a proper man?
Ah, well. Too late for regrets now. Hed married latework always got in the way, and women never fancied his demanding job. Then hed met Lucyhis Love!
But Lucy was near forty herself by then, far too late to dream of a boy.
Then, unexpectedly, it happened. Without even noticing, Victor Gregory fell utterly under the spell of his tiny daughter. The first time she smiled at him, grasping his nose with her little fingers, he was lost.
When Ellen took her wobbly first steps, suddenly excited by something unseen, she dashed toward him, shouting, Daddy! Daddy! He swept her up, holding her close. That was the moment he knewher happiness was all that mattered. His little girl, his shining star. Hed never let harm come to her.
Lucy would laugh. Vic, you spoil us! And he did, buying gifts for his beloved girls, basking in their joy.
How had Ellen grown so quickly? It felt like only yesterday shed clutched his hand, toddling beside him on the way to nursery, tilting her fair head up to say, Daddy, youre so tall! Will you buy me a teddy? Her wide eyes made him feel invincible.
Now shed finished school, started university part-time, and taken a joball her own decision. Daddy, its time I stood on my own feet, shed said. Work will teach me more than waiting ever could. And again, pride swelled in himhis clever, capable Ellen.
Then, one evening, Lucy baked a pie, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Victor assumed the girls wanted somethingperhaps to ask for money. But no.
Daddy, Ellen smiled, brushing an invisible speck from his shoulder. Id like you and Mum to meet someone. Dont fussOlivers lovely. Were thinking of registering. Hes coming for tea tonight.
Before Victor could react, the doorbell rang. Lucy answered first. Good evening! Come in, OliverIm Lucy. This is Ellens father, Victor Gregory.
Victor nodded stiffly, shaking Olivers hand, his mouth dry.
This stranger had come to take his Ellen away. His only child, his little girl.
A voice of reason whisperedwhat did he expect? A fine lad, strong grip. Did he want her to stay forever?
But Victor Gregory refused to listen. No, this Oliver wasnt good enough. And so, a plan formedhed test the boy, ensure his daughter wasnt deceived.
For weeks, under the guise of work, Victor tailed Oliver in his official car after hed walked Ellen home. If the lad had secrets, hed find them. The wedding plans were underwayEllen sewing her dress, Lucy arranging the celebration.
Then, at last, his patience bore fruit. Outside Olivers flat, a woman with a little girl approached. Oliver kissed her, took her bag, and held the childs handvanishing inside.
Ha! Victor knew it. A charlatan!
Yet, oddly, part of him admired the ladhe reminded Victor of his younger self. Open, straightforward. Had he let suspicion cloud his judgment?
Ellen met him with excitement. Daddy, the weddings in a week! Oliver and I booked the café today. Im so happy.
Victor hesitated, shame creeping in. Then Ellen added, Olivers parents arrive tomorrowtheyll stop by his flat tonight. His sister and niece visited earlierNatalie from out of town. Her husbands away on business.
At the wedding, Victor danced with Lucy like a young man again. Enough suspicionlife and work ought not mix.
A year later, Ellen gave birtha grandson! Little Samuel. The new grandfather wept. Dreams fulfilled. Now he had someone to share a quiet pint with, to pass wisdom to. Oliver, it turned out, was a fine man after all.
As for his secret surveillance? Victor Gregory resolved never to speak of it. Trust mattered most.
And so, with little Samuel soon to speak, toddling about, lifes joy was complete.
