Match & Despatch - A Love Story

[RitaLittlewood]

Originally written 7th January 2005:

Part 1

It was the day of Ken and Deirdre's much anticipated remarriage. The residents needed to fill the episode quota were guests, while the others had to make do with watching the happy event on television with the rest of the fans. Daughter Tracy was notable by her absence, after her hands became stuck in the back pockets of her jeans, her face stayed screwed up when she tried to cry and her grin became permanant so was admitted to a specialist hospital in the wilds of Canada to be treated by a tree surgeon, followed by extensive therapy by a renowned furniture restorer. Mike accompanied Reet to the wedding, glad deep down the Baldwin/Barlow feud was over because he was running out of insults and getting too old for punch-ups, but still convinced Deirdre could do better for herself. Reet couldn't fail to pick this up during the ceremony as she looked at him, worried he would do something stupid as this Cockney was prone to. He didn't miss her concern either so smiled reassuringly at her. And so Ken and Deirdre became Mr and Mrs Barlow again and everyone traipsed off to the booze-up, more commonly known as the reception. Reet wasted no time in heading for the bar after the boring speeches to guzzle all the free drinks she could manage before they all had to go home.

"He fancies you," she heard a voice say behind her. She turned round to see Norris with an orange juice in his hand. "Now what are yer going on about, peasant?"
"Mike Baldwin," Norris replied after taking a sip. "Isn't it obvious?"
"Are yer sure that's JUST orange juice yer've got in yer glass, moron?" she snapped. "Or are yer onto the hard stuff now like Coca-Cola?"
"Haven't you see the way he looks at you?" Norris asked innocently.
"Don't be ridiculous," she snorted. "He's never fancied me all the years he's been here. Now shurrup and get us another drink before I clonk yer with that ashtray."
Norris scurried away while Reet seethed.
Mike went over to her. "Problems?"
"The usual," she replied, indicating Norris with her head.
"I know the feeling," he nodded. "You give them a job and they think they can take liberties. Be better if they worked for free to show how grateful they are to even have a job."
"I'll drink to that!" she said as she snatched the fresh drink from Norris, dismissed him with a regal wave of her hand and downed it in one.
"Fancy a dance?" Mike asked.
Reet nodded. "Why not? Got to give my joints some sort of exercise before I seize up completely."
"You're not that old," he remarked. "Tell that to me mirror," she snorted.
"You're still an attractive women, Reet," he told her sincerely.
"Had yer eyes tested lately?" she chuckled. "Come on. Let's get on that dance floor before we BOTH seize up!"

It just so happened the second they started, it turned from lively jigging about to a slow dance. They looked at each other embarrassed.

"Oh, what the hell," Reet said as she pulled him closer. "We're here now so might as well get on with it before going back to the bar,"
Mike chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her. "The bar is an excellent idea," he agreed.
"Now that's the sort of sweet nothings I love being whispered down me ear. Just don't dip me. I don't think either of our backs could take it."
"I won't," he grinned.

Midnight approached, the bride and groom had long since left and the party began to break up. Reet and Mike were outside waiting for a taxi, since they'd both had a skinful.

"Can I share your taxi? Or would you rather be alone?" Norris asked Reet suggestively.
"Clear off, peasant!" Reet yelled, whacking him around the head. Norris walked away rubbing his bump and cadged a lift with Blanche much to her annoyance.
"Don't try anything," Mike and Reet heard her say. "I know what you men are like when you've got drink inside you." They laughed as they watched them drive off.
"Do you think he will?" Mike wondered.
"He won't, but she probably will," Reet giggled.
"What was that with you and him?" Mike asked.
"He's been hinting all day yer after me body," she replied. "Ah, here's our taxi."
"What gives him that idea?" Mike said as he opened the door for her.
"Who knows what goes on in that thing he calls a brain?" she shrugged. "He's barmy."
"I'll say," Mike concurred as he got in and sat down. "Not that you're not an attractive woman, Reet," he added hastily.
"Yer don't have to explain, Mike," she assured. "I know I'm not yer type, mainly because I'm too old. And I'm not looking for another relationship. I'll murder that little berk when I get my hands on him tomorrow."

A few days passed and Norris had been well and truly chastised by Reet for his imagination and promised never to mention it again. It was quiet so Reet disappeared as usual to have several bottles of vodka, leaving Norris alone. Ray Langton walked in.

"How may I help you?" Norris asked.
"Reet in?" Ray replied.
"Is it important?" Norris said hoping for some gossip.
"Is it your business?" Ray was clearly becoming irritated.
"That's the way to treat me peasant," Reet beamed as she emerged from the stock room. "Hello again, Ray. I'm so glad yer didn't come back just to die of a heart attack."
"Me too," he said relieved. "But I will be going back tomorrow so I thought we could have a chat about old times and catch up on what we've both been doing if you fancied it."
"I'd love to," she grinned. "Norris can hold the fort."
"Don't I always?" he said sarcastically, though couldn't help wondering what these old times were.
"Oh, shurrup, peasant!" she ordered as she grabbed her shiny mac and then left with Ray for the Rovers.

Evening arrived and the factory girls piled in for some pints followed by Mike and Danny. Mike's attention was distracted by laughter coming from a booth and he turned to see a very cosy Reet and Ray.

"They've been here since just after opening," Shelley observed.
"Who have?" Mike asked.
"Reet and him," Shelley told him. "Talking, laughing. Laughing mostly. Are they an item or what?"
"I shouldn't think so," Mike said then bristled when he saw Ray put his hand on Reet's as they sat closer.
"Usual?" Shelley asked.
"Mike?" Danny nudged him in the ribs.
"What?" he snapped, unable to take his eyes of Reet and Ray.
"Scotch?" Danny said.
"Yeah, whatever," Mike dismissed. "Make it a treble."
"What's up with you tonight?" Danny asked.
"Nothing," Mike said. "You haven't been able to take your minces off them two ever since we came in. Jealous?"
"Don't be ridiculous!" he snapped as he picked up his drink. "I know Ray Langton of old. He's probably tapping her for some cash." He downed his drink.
"Another?" Shelley asked.
"No, thanks. I'm going home. Night," and with that he glanced again at Reet and Ray then swept out and headed for his car. He got in, started the engine then switched it off again and closed his eyes.

Closing time and finally Reet and Ray emerged from the pub still laughing and hugging. Ray escorted her to her front door. Mike saw them coming and ducked out of sight, occasionally popping his head up in the hope they didn't see him.

"It's been a great day. Thanks, Ray," Reet beamed as they kissed.
"Pleasure's all mine, Reet," Ray beamed back.
"I hope you'll not be a stranger," she said.
"Not a chance," he smiled. "Not now we've met up again. Goodnight, Reet. See you in the morning."
"I hope so," she smiled sweetly. "Good night."

Mike waited a while until he heard Ray's footsteps recede into the distance before making his move. Reet sighed heavily as she put the key in the lock.

"Reet," Mike called.
"Yer made me jump," she said, clutching her chest. "Where did yer spring from?"
"Oh, around," he replied vaguely.
"What can I do for yer this time of night?" she asked. He paused for a moment, unsure what to say. "Had a good time?" he eventually got out.
"Lovely, thanks," she smiled.
"Is he coming back?" Mike asked cautiously.
"Hmm, tomorrow," Reet nodded. "To say goodbye before he flies back home."
"He's leaving?" Mike gasped, trying not to show he was pleased.
"Course he is," Reet chuckled nervously. "Is that all yer wanted?"
"Not quite," he replied. "You look very beautiful in this light, Reet."
"It's almost pitch black!" she shrieked. "Or do yer think I look better in the dark?"
"Course not. I meant..." he stammered then was lost for words so grabbed her and kissed her passionately.
"Flamin' 'eck!" she breathed. "Where did that come from?"
"I have no idea," he said. "All I know is when I saw you and Langton together in the pub I was surprisingly jealous. I love you, Reet and I want you."
Reet looked down the street at the drunken residents returning to their homes. "We can't talk here. Come up to the flat."

To be continued...

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 2

The following morning Reet woke up in her bedroom, now they'd condescended to give her her flat back. She looked across to the clock then at Mike who was snoring beside her. As she pulled the covers back, she felt a hand on her arm.

"Regrets already?" Mike raised an eyebrow. "I wasn't that bad, surely."
She lay back down, smiled and kissed him passionately. "No regrets, darling," she purred. "I'm just amazed it's taken us so long to get here. After all, neither of us fancied the other before. Yer never even chatted me up once."
"What I fool I was," Mike said. "A gorgeous, funny, loyal and adorable woman right under my nose and I was too wrapped up in trophy women to notice."
"I'm going to end up murdering Norris, yer know, when he gets wind of this," she sighed. "He'll go on about how he told me."
"But I didn't love you two days ago," Mike pointed out, "so he'd be wrong. I fell in love with you yesterday."
"Think that'll make a difference to him?" she laughed. "He'll go on, and on, and on like he did when the truth came out about Richard Hillman."
"I'm sure you can handle him," Mike said. "But does he have to know yet?"
"What do yer mean?" she asked?
"Well, why don't we just keep it to ourselves for the time being?" he suggested.
"Won't be easy. Unless yer have summat in mind," she said.
"I do as it happens," he told her, that twinkle in his eye.
"I'm all ears," she grinned.
"No you're not," he told her. "But you are all woman."
She giggled like a schoolgirl as she snuggled up to him and ran her fingers over his hairy chest. "So, what's yer plan?"
"Holiday," he grinned. "We're both away more than we're here so why don't we go away together and then tell everyone when we get back?"
"Oh, yes," she grinned too. "No nosy Norris and not having to get out of bed except to go to the bathroom. Bliss! Let's do it, darling."
"I'll book it today," he told her.
"And I'd better tell that peasant he'll have to hold the fort a few weeks longer while I enjoy yet another absence," she smiled at the thought.
"Yes," Mike agreed as he leaned over her. "But not yet."

They held each other tightly as they snogged passionately.

Four weeks later Reet waltzed into the Kabin only to find Norris up to his balding head with newspapers.

"Why haven't they gone out?" she yelled. "People expect to read the Gazette with their tea."
"These are this morning's papers," he told her.
"What?!" she exploded. "What the heck's been going on here?"
"I think there's been some sort of mistake, Reet," he cowered.
"The only mistake were hiring yer in t'first place!" she yelled.
"The supplier said they'd pick them up," he explained. "It's not my fault they delivered three thousand this morning, is it? We got every copy for some reason."
She sighed heavily. "I suppose not," she conceded. "For a change."
"How was your holiday?" he asked, changing the subject.
"Wonderful," she replied wistfully. "You haven't got much of a tan," Norris pointed out.
"It rained a lot," she snapped. "Right, I'm off out."
"Again?" Norris said. "You've only just come in."
"And now I'm going out again," she barked. "I'll be in the Rovers tonight if you want to see me that badly. Now get those papers sorted or else I'll wrap yer body in them tomorrow!" And with that she left.

That night in the Rovers it was busy. More characters in there than had been at Ken and Deirdre's wedding. Mike held the door open for Reet and followed her in. Norris was stood at the bar nursing an orange juice, still annoyed with Reet for her behaviour that morning.

"Champagne all round, Shelley," Mike shouted.
"Ooh, are you celebrating something?" Shelley asked.
"You could say that," he grinned as he chewed on his cigar.
"Well, are you going to let us in on the big secret?" Norris piped up, glaring at Reet.
"As soon as everyone has a glass," Mike told him. "Right, everyone got one? Good. I'd like to propose a toast to Reet, who during our holiday became Mrs Baldwin in Las Vegas, and thank her for making me the happiest man alive." Everyone toasted Reet as she and Mike kissed.
"I told you, didn't I?" Norris said.
"Oh, shut yer face, peasant!" Reet snapped. "Yer were wrong then. It only happened after so sup up and stop trying to ruin me day or I'll ruin yer!"
Ken approached the happy couple. "Congratulations," he said as he shook Mike's hand and kissed Reet. "Been a long time since I've done that." The pub fell quiet as those who had known Mike and Ken for years waited for them to come to blows.
"It certainly has," Reet smiled.
"You've got a good un here, Mike," Ken said sincerely.
"I know," he grinned as he squeezed Reet. "Yet another woman who's had us both. Good job we're not into wife swapping." Both men laughed, while the crowd were still expecting some sort of action between them.
"Near enough," Ken replied. "I'm sure you'll both be as happy as Deirdre and me."
"Oh, we will be," Mike said confidently as he gazed deeply into Reet's baby browns. Ken returned to Deirdre as Mike kissed Reet's cheek several times while the crowd waited a while before giving up on any blood spilled and returned to their own conversations. "Happy, Mrs Baldwin?" he said softly.
"Never been happier, Mr Baldwin," she cooed as they kissed. "Yer know, I think they're all disappointed."
"About what?" he asked.
"Well, that yer didn't go into a screaming rage when Ken mentioned our past."
"I might have if we hadn't already had a quiet moment during my birthday party a couple of years ago and compared lists of all our conquests."
"Well, darling," Reet said as she stroked his face. "I can honestly say, I can see how yer get so many but never him. He's not even that good in bed."
"I know," Mike grinned. "All his exes told me." They laughed and kissed, as they looked forward to a very happy and long future together.

The following day, Reet arrived at the Kabin after 3pm.

"You do know today is meant to be my day off," Norris said as soon as she walked through the door.
"I'm here now, so shurrup and go."
"I might as well stay now since there's only a few more hours left," he pouted. "But I want tomorrow off instead."
"Oh, stop yer moaning," she snapped as she took her coat off and hung it up.
"So, you and Mike, eh?" Norris said.
"What about us?" Reet frowned. "I wish yer'd speak English like the rest of us. They haven't brought out a book yet for translating the foreign language that is Norris Cole."
"I told you he fancied you," Norris smiled smugly.
Reet rolled up a newspaper and whacked him over the head with it. "Are yer still going on about that?"
"Well, you can't deny it," Norris pointed out.
"I can and I do," she snapped as she hit him again. "I don't have to explain meself to yer, but I am going to say this for the last time and if yer go on about it once more, I won't be responsible for me actions. Mike and I were just good friends. Shurrup! We've known each other for more than twenty-eight years and not once in the time has he ever even chatted me up. Shurrup! We went to Ken and Deirdre's wedding the same as we went to owt, as friends and nowt else. Shurrup! It were only after seeing me with Ray Langton that Mike realised he loved me. Shurrup! I didn't even know I loved him until he kissed me. Up until then neither of us had any feelings for each other apart from as friends. So that's the end of it, peasant. Understand?"
"If you say so," he shrugged.
"I do," she told him firmly.
"So, this Ray was a rival, eh?" Norris queried. "Ow!" he yelped as the newspaper connected with his head again.
"Not that it's any of yer business, but Ray and I go way back. Shurrup! He were Len's business partner and married to Deirdre before he moved to Holland. And I hadn't seen or heard from him until he turned up here. Now, put t'kettle on and keep yer smutty innuendos to yerself." He did as ordered, rubbing his head as he did so, while Reet growled in frustration.

Meanwhile over at the factory, Mike was being ribbed by the girls.

"I've heard that Reet's a rampant woman. I hope she won't put too much of a strain on your heart, Mr Baldwin," Janice joked.
"Not a bit of it, Janice," Mike grinned.
"What, you mean there's no sex?" Fiz added. "Thank goodness for that. Makes you want to throw up at the thought of them two starkers and at it." The girls cringed at the thought.
"All right Lippy and Fuzz. That's enough," Danny said.
"I bet Reet doesn't take any notice when Mr Baldwin says that to her, Mr Baldwin," Janice cackled.
Danny steered Mike hastily into the office and closed the door. "That lot shouldn't say stuff like that."
"Oh, let them have their fun," Mike grinned. "Water off a duck's back to me."
"I expect it is, Michael," Danny said. "After all, you've had a lot of practice."
"Damn right," Mike grinned again. "Besides, I've had worse and probably deserved it. The thing is, Danny, my mistake was I never had a good woman. Well, there was Alma and look at how I hurt her. Longest anyone's ever put up with me. Susan was too young and stroppy. I'm sure I only really married her to get up Barlow's nose. Jackie Ingram was for her dead husband's business and all that money. No love there. But that woman was unhinged. Then there was Linda. I loved that girl but she was a slut and only married me to get off the shop floor and spend my money. And they don't include all the girlfriends."
"What about Penny?" Danny wondered.
"Penny was useful," Mike conceded. "She wanted serious. I didn't. I should never have apologised at Dev and Sunita's wedding. But it stopped me being lonely."
"Now you have Reet," Danny said.
"Reet," Mike echoed blissfully. "Now there IS a woman." He went off into his own little world as he thought about his beloved redhead.
"Mike? Mike?" Danny clicked his fingers which brought him out of his thoughts.
"Sorry, Danny. What was I saying?" he replied.
"About Reet," Danny reminded him. "And don't behave like Dolly daydream again."
Mike chuckled. "I'll try not to. Yes, Reet. I've known her a lot of years. I know she's older than me, but who cares about that? She's the woman I always should have married. She's the nicest, kindest, most wonderful woman I never slept with and there she was under my nose all the time and I never saw it. You've always had a good woman in Frankie whereas I went from one to another. I wish my life had been more like yours."
"Even I haven't been perfect," Danny admitted. "Baldwin gene having an eye for the ladies."
"True," Mike nodded. "But yours stuck by you. I was more than happy dumping them then wallowing in self pity after being dumped for half an hour before moving onto the next. Now I have Reet and am very content. I'm more content than I've ever been my whole life and that's down to her. She is definitely the last Mrs Baldwin I'll ever have."
"You really love her, don't you?" Danny noted.
"That I do, son," he grinned. "That I do."

Later in the flat, Reet and Mike snuggled up after dinner on the sofa.

"You didn't mind moving in here, did you, darling?" he asked.
"Not at all," she replied. "Gets us away from nosy Norris and his comments for a start. The day I've had with him going on, just like I said he would. Well, I hope I've put pay to that once and for all. But yer never can tell with him."
"Just ignore him," Mike advised. "He'll have something new to gossip about soon."
"I can believe that," she laughed. "He's worse than Hilda Ogden and Percy Sugden rolled into one with his nosiness and gossiping."
"How do you fancy an early night?" Mike asked, eyes twinkling.
"I fancy that very much," she beamed before he started to lead her to the bedroom. The doorbell went.
"Ignore it," he said as it went again. "They'll go away."
They stood there as it kept ringing. "Doesn't look like they will," Reet said, clearly disappointed. "Better see who it is then get rid of them."
"Good idea," he said, kissed her and answered it. "Linda!" he gasped in shock. "What the hell do you want?"
"I've come to talk to yer about summat very important else I wouldn't have come all the way from Dublin. Yer gonna let me in or do yer want private business told on the doorstep?"
"Come in, say what you have to then go," he demanded.
"Ta," she smirked as she passed him. "Hello, Reet."
"Linda," Reet replied flatly.
"Hurry up," Mike said impatiently.
"I hear yer got married," Linda said.
"That's right," Mike told her as he put his arms around Reet.
"That's what I'm here about," Linda said. "Yer see, we aren't divorced and I'd thought yer'd like to know that little fact. So, Reet isn't yer wife, except a bigamous one. I still am. Aren't yer gonna offer me a drink?"
Mike nearly collapsed in shock. Reet helped him sit down. "What's your game?" Mike demanded.
"No game, I assure you," Linda said as she casually poured herself a drink and lit up. "I was shocked about it myself. Yer see, I was planning on getting married when a hitch had been discovered in the legal documents. So our decree absolute isn't."
"You're lying," Mike hissed.
"And what would I have to gain by that?" Linda asked innocently. "Who knows with you?" he snapped. "Get out!"
"Okay, I'll go," she said.
"Good," he sighed.
"For the moment," Linda added. "After all, we have lots to talk about. Bye Mrs Sullivan. I'll let myself out." They watched her leave and Mike immediately went to the phone.
"Calm down, darling," Reet said. "Yer don't want her giving yer another heart attack."
"How can I calm down when she's saying all these lies?" he yelled. "I'm sorry, Reet. I didn't mean to shout."
"I do understand your anger, sweetheart," she told him. "But getting stressed won't help. Just take some deep breaths and then phone whoever yer going to."
"So much for our early night," he sighed.
"I know what's more important," she assured. "Just as I know Linda's lying as much as yer do. She's up to summat. I can feel it in me water."
"My solicitor will be able to wreck whatever warped plan she's come up with now," Mike said. "You're my wife and that I know. And no matter how much scheming that bitch tries, that will never change any more than my love for you." Reet was really touched by his words and went into the bedroom to give him some privacy while he phoned his solicitor to sort this out once and for all.

To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 3

The next day, Reet and Mike were up early. Reet was worried about her favourite Cockney.

"Yer haven't had a wink of sleep all night, darling."
"How can I sleep with that bitch around somewhere knowing she'll be back to torment me any minute?" he replied. "I'll be okay. Shouldn't you be doing the papers?"
"Oh stuff the papers!" Reet exclaimed. "Yer health is more important. I saw yer trying to cover up the twinges in yer chest last night."
"Yeah, she'd love to kill me off, that's for sure," he snorted.
"And if yer carry on like this, she'll succeed," Reet pointed out.
He looked at her. "You're right," he smiled. "And there's nothing either of us can do for hours yet anyway until the solicitor gets into his office. I'll try and relax a bit more and put that bitch out of my mind. You go off and do the papers."
"Michael Vernon Baldwin," Reet began firmly, "I am going nowhere because I know yer. Yer'll be back to fretting as soon as me back's turned. Norris can do it. I'll ring him now." She picked up the phone and dialled. "Norris? I can't do the papers this morning so yer'll have to. Oh, shurrup, peasant! I'd do it myself if summat important wasn't keeping me at home. Norris, what did I say about yer smutty innuendos? Good. Now get working or I'll dock yer wages." She hung up. "That's him taken care of."
"So I heard," Mike grinned. "You're a credit to employers." He kissed her tenderly. "Come and help me relax." He winked as he led Reet to the bedroom.

Mid-afternoon and the intercom buzzed incessantly. Mike came out of the bedroom, tying the belt on his robe and answered it.

"I hope it's not Linda," he called to Reet. "Hello? Oh, come up."
"Is it her?" Reet asked as she emerged yawning and scratching her head.
"No, it's my solictor so you'd better get dressed," he told her.
"Like hell," she said defiantly. "He can take us as he finds us."
"But what will he think?" Mike panicked as the doorbell went.
"That's a academic now, don't you think?" she raised an eyebrow, blowing him a kiss as he answered it.
"Hello, Geoff, come in. Please excuse the way me and the wife are dressed. With all this stress neither of us got much sleep last night so tried to get a nap this afternoon."
Reet rolled her eyes but said nothing. "Hello," Reet said, extending her hand.
Geoff shook it. "Pleased to meet you, Mrs Baldwin."
"Sit down, Geoff," Mike indicated then he and Reet sat on the sofa. "What did you find out?"
Reet was nervous at the thought of losing her Cockney but tried not to show it as she needed to be strong for him. "Oh would you like a drink, Geoff?" she asked making Mike scowl at the thought of delaying the news.
"That'll be great, thanks, Mrs Baldwin. I'll have a scotch," he smiled.
"Reet, please," she said as she got up. "Darling?"
"Not at the moment, thanks," Mike replied. "I just want this over with."
"Well, don't let me stop you. Carry on," Reet instructed. "I'll pour you one anyway. You'll need it one way or t'other."
"Whatever you like," he dismissed. "So, Geoff, good news or bad?"
"Well, I-" Geoff began only to be interruped by Reet handing him his drink. Mike tutted at her and she pulled a face.
"Get that down yer and shurrup," she said as she handed him a glass and sat down.
"It's good news, Mike," Geoff finished.
"You mean we ARE divorced?" Mike grinned hesitantly.
Geoff nodded. "There was no hitch. Everything went smoothly. I don't understand what your ex-wife was doing saying you weren't."
"I do," Mike stated as he looked at Reet. "Cheers!"

Night fell and Reet and Mike were still celebrating the good news when the bed collapsed.

"How long have you had this relic?" Reet shrieked.
"Not that long," he defended.
"Must be worn out then with all yer other women," she snapped. "I dread to think what I've picked up from that bed after all yer women."
"We'll go and choose a new bed in the morning," he told her while ignoring that remark.
"And what are we going to sleep on tonight, may I ask?" she asked.
"Who said we were going to sleep?" he winked.
"Have yer got any idea how hard that flamin' floor is?" she shrieked. "Yer might be happy on it but I certainly am not. I like me comforts. I'm going back to the flat tonight. At least that bed's still standing, probably because I'm not a sex maniac like yer are."
"You had your moments when you were Littlewood and Fairclough," he reminded.
She paused for a moment then smiled at the memories. "Okay," she conceded. "Pax?"
"Pax," he said as they kissed.
"I take it then yer'll be coming back to Coronation Street with me," Reet said.
He nodded. "You don't away from me that easily, lady."
"Who said I wanted to?" she raised a suggestive eyebrow and smiled coquettishly.
"Oh, Reet," he breathed huskily. "I really do love you."
"I love yer too," she breathed back and they snogged passionately, only to be interrupted by the intercom which he went to answer.
"Guess who?" Mike said cheerfully as he pressed the button. "Right, let's sort that bitch out then drive over to Coronation Street and go to bed."
"Amen to that, darling," she purred.
"Sorting the bitch or going to bed?" Mike wondered.
"Bed of course!" Reet told him as she ran her fingers through his hairy chest again.
"Better get rid of her quickly then, hadn't I?" he said, trying not to get overexcited at the thought which wouldn't be too difficult faced with Linda.
"I'll leave yer to it, darling. Now, don't lose yer temper no matter how much she goads yer, okay?" she said.
"No chance," he assured. "Not now I have the upper hand."
"Good luck, sweetheart," Reet wished as the doorbell went. She kissed him then dashed to the bedroom to wait, her ear cocked against the door.
"Nice of yer to let me up, Mike," Linda said as she brushed past him.
"Anything to get rid of you faster," he narrowed his eyes.
"Where's the would-be Mrs Baldwin the fifth? Sobbing into her pillow she didn't manage to snare yer after all?" she said as she surveyed the room.
"I thought you liked Reet," he remarked.
"Oh, I do," Linda replied. "I always had a lot of time for her before. Only I'm not that keen on anyone trying to pinch my husband when he still IS mine."
"And that's the way you see it, do you?" he said.
"That's the way it is, Mike," she retorted.
"Well, you'll be pleased to know you have nothing to worry about on that score, Linda," he told her. "I saw my solicitor and after much research, he told me what we both know. And that is we ARE divorced. So I don't know whether or not you have another husband out there you think Reet might pinch, but it certainly isn't this one."
"That's not what mine says," she said desperately.
"Give me his number," Mike suggested.
"Yer what?" Linda began to worry.
"Give me his number and I'll get mine to contact him," Mike replied.
"I don't have it on me," she said.
"The name and place then," Mike continued.
"What do yer want to talk to mine for?" Linda squirmed.
"To let him know I'm suing you for harrassment and mental cruelty. Now get out!" Mike yelled. "And never darken my door again or you'll be sorry."
"But, Mike-" she yelped as he grabbed her and forcibly dragged her to the door.
"Get out and stay out!" he demanded as he pushed her out and slammed the door.
Reet came out of the bedroom. "Well done, darling," she beamed as she threw her arms around him.
"Come on, let's pack some clothes then get to that other bed," he said.

Summer and autumn came and went and Reet and Mike were still blissfully happy without one row at all, which amazed everyone. Even Mike had given up playing golf so he could spend more time with his bride which amazed everyone even more so they guessed it must be true love for him at last. It was the week before Christmas and as usual Norris was manning the fort alone at The Kabin while Reet was off on another holiday with her groom. A young man walked in.

"May I help you?" Norris asked. "Wait a minute. I know you, don't I?"
"Probably," the man answered.
"No, don't tell me," Norris frowned as he kicked what was left of his brain after Reet's batterings into gear. "It'll come to me in a minute." He paused and squinted as he tried to remember. "Got it! You're Mark, Mike's son."
"That's right," the man replied. "I heard he'd got married to Reet and this is the first time I've had to come back to congratulate them. Only they aren't at his flat, and dad isn't at the factory so I wondered if they were here."
"Oh, dear," Norris said. "I'm afraid you've had a bit of a wasted journey. They're on holiday AGAIN. Won't be back for another couple of days. Reet did promise to be here in time for the last minute Christmas rush, but she's such a lazy cow, even more since she married Mike, that I wouldn't be surprised if she doesn't bother. Her and your dad are practically inseparable, you know."
"Oh well," Mark sighed. "I don't suppose another few days will matter. I do really want to see him. Dad happy with Reet then?"
"It appears so from what I've seen of them," Norris told him. "Which hasn't been all that much these past eight months since they spend most of their time at home."
"Right," said Mark. "Well, I'll come back in a few days. But please don't tell them I'm here. I want it to be a surprise."
"I can keep a secret," Norris assured. Mark nodded and left, leaving Norris bursting to tell someone.

To be continued...

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 4

Christmas Eve and Reet was true to her word and turned up for work.

"I'm surprised you could drag yourself away," Norris remarked.
"Oh, shurrup, peasant!" she barked as she hit him. "I told yer I'd be here, so stop yer whining."
"I think I should have a pay rise considering I've been doing your job even more since you married Mike," Norris told her.
Reet clutched the counter with one hand and her chest with the other. "What the hell are yer trying to do to me?" she screeched. "Considering yer worth, I'd say yer overpaid as it is!"
At that moment Mike walked in and immediately rushed over to help his wife. "What's happened? Get a chair, Norris."
"That peasant of mine is trying to see me off," Reet told him.
"You leave Reet alone!" Mike ordered as he helped her sit down.
"I only asked for more money since I have been doing her job as well and she refuses to hire any help," Norris explained.
"Haven't you heard this is the season of goodwill, Norris?" Mike snapped.
"I know it is," he countered. "Which I why I thought Reet would show some goodwill by giving me more money."
"You really are a selfish little sod, aren't you?" Mike exclaimed. "How can Reet give you more money when she's married? It costs twice as much living as two than alone you know."
"I thought two could live as cheaply as one," Norris reasoned. "Isn't that what they say?"
"Yeah but they don't run businesses and have no lives," Mike snapped. "Now do us all a favour and shut up, will you?"
"What an excellent idea," Reet agreed. "After all, I'm still considering yer Christmas bonus and if yer don't want it, just carry on trying to kill me."
"Norris said you were a lazy cow," they all heard a voice say.
Norris shut his eyes in horror while Reet widened hers. "He said what?"
"I'm sure he meant it as a joke," Mark quickly said. "Oh dear. Have I come in the middle of something?"
"You always do, son," Mike replid bitterly.
"I'm sorry, dad," he told him sincerely. "I wanted to surprise you and congratulate you on your wedding. I didn't intend to upset you."
"Well, you have," Mike stated.
"Leave it, darling," Reet said. "It were a lovely thought, Mark. Thank you. As for that peasant of mine... Cole, yer can forget yer Christmas bonus for that little remark! Take me home, Mike."
"Okay, sweetheart," he said as he helped her up.
"Can I help?" Mark asked.
"No, you can't!" Mike snapped.
"Oh, let him, darling," Reet said. "I have no objections." Mike thought about it then grudgingly agreed. "I'll deal with yer later, peasant!" Reet warned as she was led out.
"Oh dear," Norris mumbled to himself as he swallowed hard.

Back at Weatherfield Quays, Mike helped Reet into bed and was in half a mind to join her.

"Now, I want you to stay there and not exert yourself," he told her as he held her hand and stroked her face tenderly.
"I will and I definitely won't if yer keep yer hands to yerself for once," she smiled. "Well, for a while anyway."
"I'll do my best, though it won't be easy," Mike said. "You're so irresistable."
"I always was, yer cheeky begger," she chuckled. "Only yer never noticed me because I were never the tarty type yer went for like Bet. Just think, Baldwin. When yer first appeared I were a single girl. Yer could've had me. Even after I were wed, yer could have had me."
"I've had yer now so have more than made up for lost time," he said, mimicking her accent badly.
"Not yet, yer haven't," she laughed. "Still got a long way to go before that happens." He kissed her. "Careful, Baldwin. We both know what yer like when yer start that caper."
"I'm doing my best to control myself, you know," he told her. "Of course, looking back, it was really Alan Bradley that brought us together." Reet shuddered at the mention of his name. "Sorry," he said. "Still painful?" She nodded, biting her lip as she fought back the tears. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart," he comforted as she buried her head in his shoulder.
"It's okay most of the time," she sobbed. "It's just sometimes, I..."
"I know," he stroked her hair gently.
She looked up and he wiped the tears with his finger. "But yer right, yer know, about it being Alan."
"I think it's my fault you got so badly hurt," Mike admitted.
"Yer fault?" she frowned. "In what way?"
He stood up and put his hands in his pockets. "Well, he discussed his women problem with me."
"Which women problem?" Reet asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You and Gloria Todd," Mike replied. "Anyway, he said he was torn. So I told him Gloria was young but you had money." Reet's jaw dropped at that revelation and she felt like she'd been kicked in the stomach. "He told me that didn't even come into it, and I believed him. I should never have gone along with Susan and got you back together. I'm so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?"
She sighed heavily and blew her dripping nose. "It's all water under the bridge now, darling. You weren't to know what would happen any more than I did. Just put it down to experience. I'm tired now so would like to sleep. You go and talk to Mark, okay?"
"I'll get rid of Mark," Mike snapped.
"Whatever for?" Reet asked. "Are yer still holding a grudge about Linda?"
"I can't help it," Mike told her. "Everytime I see him I'm reminded. Besides, he's already gone after one woman I loved. Who's to say he won't go after another?"
"Me?" Reet said shocked. "Oh, don't be silly. Look, he obviously loves yer. It must have taken a lot for him to even come here. Talk to him, Mike. Make it up with him. For me, please?"
"I'll do my best, but I'm not promising anything," he said. "See you later."

She smiled and snuggled down the bed, eyes closed. He kissed her and left the room. As soon as the door closed, her eyes snapped open and her face hardened at the memory of Alan.

Meanwhile, Mark had tried to make himself comfortable in the lounge. When he heard the bedroom door open, he stood and turned to face his father.
"How's Reet?"
"Fine," Mike replied flatly.
"Do you want me to go?" Mark asked.
"No, you're all right," Mike sighed as he glanced towards the bedroom worried Reet would forever hold his confession against him. "Reet says we should talk. I am pleased to see you, son. Really, I am."
Mark couldn't help noticing something was wrong. "Is everything okay? I hope I haven't caused you and Reet any problems."
"The problems are of my own making, son," Mike admitted. "And I just hope Reet can forgive me."
"Is it another woman?" Mark wondered.
"Of course it's not another woman!" Mike yelled. He rubbed his forehead. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have shouted. It's just something to do with her past, that's all. I've always felt it was my fault what happened to her and I stupidly told her. I love that woman more than anyone else in the whole world."
"More than Alma?" Mark asked.
"Yes," Mike nodded. "More than Alma. And here I am messing everything up again. Why do I always do it? She says it's all water under the bridge but I have a feeling it is far from being that. I need some air."
"I'll leave you to it then," Mark headed for the door.
"No, you stay here, son," Mike said. "Reet's right about us needing to talk. I need to clear my head. Please stay until I get back."
Mark smiled. "Okay." Mike weakly returned the smile, grabbed his overcoat and left. Mark was unsure what to do so sat back down to wait. He heard the bedroom door open.
"Where's Mike gone?" Reet said.
"For a walk," Mark replied. "Said he needed to clear his head. I hear you two have a few problems. I'm very sorry to hear that, Reet."
"Yer don't have to be polite, Mark," she told him as she sat on the sofa. "I heard everything. These may be posh flats, but the walls are as thin as a terraced house. He really feels badly, doesn't he?"
Mark nodded. "I have no idea what it's about, but whatever it is, the thought of losing you has clearly gutted him. I've never seen him like that before. Not even when he hurt Alma or Linda hurt him."
Reet closed her eyes. "Can yer do me a huge favour?"
"I should think so," Mark said.
"Can yer go please? Me and yer dad need to sort this out. But yer more than welcome to come back tomorrow and spend Christmas with us. As much as I'd love yer and yer dad to sort yer own things out, I don't think he's in the right frame of mind for that today."
Mark nodded. "I understand, Reet. And thank you for getting us this far." He kissed his latest stepmother on the cheek. "I hope you and dad can sort out your own problem too."
"So do I," she sighed. "So do I."

Several hours passed by the time Mike finally returned home.
"Yer soaked through," Reet observed as she helped him off with his coat.
"Where's Mark?" he asked.
"I told him to go," Reet said as she hung his coat up. "We need to talk, darling."
"What's there to talk about?" he shrugged. "It's my fault Alan took all that money off you. It's my fault he lied to the building society. It's my fault he nearly killed you. It's my fault he ended up stalking you, making you turn to the booze because no one believed you, leading you to a breakdown. It's my fault I've just screwed up our marriage by telling you."
"Oh, stop wallowing in self-pity, Baldwin!" she snapped. "I'm the one it all happened to. I'm the stupid bitch who went begging him to come back to me when he left me for that Carole Burns. But do yer hear me weeping and wailing? Oh, woe is me! Do yer hell as like! Yes, yer little confession knocked me for six. Did yer expect owt different? But Alan were always after me money. He would've chosen me over Gloria anyway. Just like when he couldn't get any out of Carole Burns, he came back with more lies so he could get his hands on mine again. What happened between me and that bastard was mostly me own making. Yer've wrecked nowt. But if yer carry on the way yer are, then I will walk out on yer, and that's a promise." Silence fell between them.
"I don't want you to walk out, Reet," he eventually said.
"And I don't want to, yer daft Cockney," she replied much calmer, a little smile forming on her face. They embraced tightly and kissed.
"Our first row," they both laughed.
"Had to happen sometime," Mike said.
"Yeah," Reet agreed. "But fancy it being over that waste of space. I love yer, Baldwin. And if yer'll come to the bedroom, I'll prove to yer how much."
Mike broke into a broad grin. "Now that's an offer I'd be stupid to refuse."
"And we both know yer far from stupid," Reet winked.

Christmas Day and everything was back on track for Mrs and Mrs Baldwin. Mark was there as promised by Reet, and Mike genuinely was pleased to have his son back. Mark was shocked though at how his dad and Reet couldn't keep their hands off each other and acted like a couple of kids.
"Put me down for five minutes, will yer," Reet said as she tried to get the roast potatoes out of the oven. "Go and talk to Mark. He must be feeling pretty bored and needs some attention."
Mike looked up. "You're all right, aren't you, son?"
"Fine, dad," he smiled.
"There you go," Mike grinned as he squeezed Reet tighter. "He doesn't mind."
"He's being polite," Reet replied. "Yer won't get any dinner if yer don't leave me alone to cook it."
"Fine by me," Mike said as he nuzzled her ear. "I'll just have you instead like I did for breakfast."
"Mike!" Reet gasped, embarrassed.
Mike let her go. "Okay. I'll go and talk to Mark." He leaned closer to her and whispered, "But later I'll have my Christmas pudding."
"Of course, darling," she said quietly. "Now get over there and pour yer son a drink." He grinned as he slapped her backside and went to Mark. "Keep him away from any mistletoe, Mark," Reet said. "He'll only be worse with that about."
"Is that possible?" Mark laughed.
"I wouldn't be at all surprised, love," Reet replied.
Mike topped up Mark's empty wine glass and sat in the chair. "It's good to have you here, son. I mean that."
"It's good to be here," Mark replied as he sipped his wine. "I must say, I never had you two down as a couple."
Mike gazed adoringly over to the kitchen. "Me neither. Funny old world, isn't it?"
"You both seem very happy," Mark noted. "Much happier than yesterday."
"I was being stupid," Mike admitted. "Reet put me right. She's the best woman I've ever loved."
"And so say all of us," Reet added as she blew him a kiss.
"I know I wasn't around as much as we'd both have liked," Mark began, "but I don't remember ever seeing you so...frisky, shall we say, with Alma or even Linda."
Mike involuntarily twitched at the mention of Linda's name, which Reet couldn't fail to notice. "That's because I wasn't. I never loved anyone the way I love Reet. I've even packed in the golf so I don't have to be apart from her too long."
"Dinner's ready," Reet announced, sparing Mike any more raised blood pressure over the previous Mrs Baldwin.

After they'd eaten, they all sat around drinking and chatting. Reet was snuggled up next to Mike with his arm around her.

"It's been a good day," Mike said. "Thanks, Reet, for getting me to see sense." He kissed her head.
"Pleasure's all mine, darling," she smiled as she put her hand over his.
"I'm really glad to see you so happy at last, dad," Mark told him. "You're obviously good for him, Reet."
"I hope I am," Reet replied modestly.
"Course you are," Mike said proudly. "Best thing that ever happened to me, falling in love with you."
"Aw," Reet blushed. "I do hope though, Mark, you will be staying around."
"I'd like that, if dad doesn't mind," Mark replied. "
I don't mind at all," Mike said. "It'll be good to have you around again. You can come back to the factory and work with me again."
"I'd like that very much, "Mark smiled. "I'll have to find somewhere better to stay than where I am at the moment."
"You can stay here. Can't he, Reet?" Mike suggested.
"Course he can," Reet said.
"That's okay," Mark said. "I don't want to be in the way. I'm sure you would still like your privacy."
"How about the flat above the Kabin?" Reet offered. "It's been empty since I moved in here. And it's ideal for the factory."
"That's an excellent idea," Mike grinned. "Isn't she a genius?"
"If yer father'll let me go for five minutes, I'll get yer the keys," Reet hinted.
"Oh, right," Mike finally said and removed his arm. "Torture me, why don't you?" he laughed.
"You can do without pawing me for a few minutes," she smiled.
"Yes," Mike agreed. "It will give my hands a rest."
"It wasn't yer hands I were thinking of," she winked. Mark just stood there wishing he was somewhere else. As Reet hunted down her keys, the doorbell went. "Now who can that be?" she said.
"You carry on looking," Mike said as he got up. "I'll answer it." He opened the door.
"I hope yer've left me some turkey," the visitor said.
"Linda!" Mike gasped. Reet and Mark went to see. "Clear off!" Mike demanded.
"Don't yer even want to see yer Christmas pressie?" Linda said.
"I don't want anything from you," Mike barked.
"Well yer gonna get it anyway," Linda insisted. "Mike, meet yer son, Michael."
"Just what IS your game?" Mike yelled. "Coming round here first to cause trouble between me and Reet with your lies. Now with this kid and even more lies."
"Okay, I hold my hands up to the last one," she conceded. "But this is no lie, Mike. This is yer son."
"You're such a slapper it could be anyone's. Could even be Mark's for all I know!"
"It's not Mark's!" Linda screamed. "I was on the pill when I went with him. But came off it after we got back together."
Mike slowly turned to face his errant offspring. "How stupid could I have ever possibly been?" he said slowly as his eyes narrowed. "So, you're in it together. Nice, cosy little reunion before that bitch appears claiming YOUR kid is mine! Get out of my sight!"
"NO, dad!" Mark yelled. "I don't want to see her any more than you do. She used me and ruined my life. I was pleased when you finally got rid of her. She's a trouble-making leech. Where did you park your broomstick, Linda? Or does it need recharging so you came on the bus?"
"Oh, shurrup, yer snivelling little rat," she sneered. "I don't remember yer being so loyal to yer dad when yer were in my knickers."
"Why you..." Mark rushed forward to hit her but Reet and Mike held him back.
"She's not worth it, son," Mike said as he glared at her.
"I don't know what I ever saw in you," Mark said to Linda.
"Shouldn't it be me saying that?" Linda replied. "Especially since yer were as lousy as yer dad in bed."
"Clear off, Linda," Mike ordered. "You're not wanted here."
"So yer just gonna abandon yer own son?" she said.
"He's NOT my son!" Mike yelled.
"Prove it," Linda challenged. "Get a DNA test done. If he's not yours, then you'll never have to see me again."
"Right, I will," Mike said. "Anything to get rid of you once and for all." Then he slammed the door in her face. "Are you all right, son?"
"Fine," Mark lied.
"No you're not," Mike said as he led him to a chair then poured him a drink. "I'm sorry for thinking you were conspiring together in some way."
Mark took the drink but couldn't hold it steady. Reet took the glass from his hands and put it to his mouth. "Better, love?"
"Much, thanks, Reet," he nodded.
"Well, he can't go to your old flat tonight," Mike said.
"I agree," Reet replied. "I'll make up the bed in the guest room."

To be continued...

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 5

Boxing Day and things were pretty tense in the Baldwin household after Linda's little bombshell the day before. They were all sat round the table but the breakfast stayed untouched. Reet sipped her tea.

"We can't let her get to us," she said. "It's what she wants. I know there's all this going on and she's stirring it, but we need to just get on wth our lives as though she didn't exist."
"I wish she didn't," Mark said bitterly.
"I wish I HAD killed her like they accused me of," Mike added.
"And I'd help you," Mark said.
"What was I just saying?" Reet snapped impatiently. "Oh, she'd really be lapping all this up, wouldn't she?" Mike and Mark looked at her.
"She's right, dad," Mark said.
"Yes," Mike nodded. "Okay, darling. We'll just get on with whatever we'd be normally doing."
"I'll make sure yer stick to that, Baldwin," Reet stated. "I'm not having yer get yerself all worked out so yer have another heart attack. I want yer in one piece and not dropping down dead, do yer hear me?"
Mike got up and went over to her, wrapping his arms around her. "I hear you. And I don't want that much either." He kissed her cheek tenderly.
"Right," she said, as she patted his hands. "Then let's get dressed and take Mark over to the flat."

Norris was in The Kabin counting jelly babies to keep him occupied. He wondered if Reet would ever show her face, though was glad in a way he hadn't seen her for two days because he didn't fancy hospital food. The Post Office hadn't been busy for years, not even at Christmas, so all he had to do was drink tea, read the papers and magazines and wait for anyone wanting to buy anything. Ken walked in.

"Good morning, Ken," Norris beamed, glad of some company. "And what can I do for you?"
"Some pens please, Norris," Ken replied. "Black ones."
That'll really put Reet's profit margins up, he thought glumly to himself. "Did you have a nice Christmas?" he asked as he handed some biros over.
"Very nice, thank you," Ken said as he took them and fished around for some change. "Did you?"
"Same as usual," Norris replied. "Bit quiet with just myself and Mrs Bishop this year."
"Oh, of course," Ken realised. "Reet's usually with you, isn't she?"
"I was glad of the peace," Norris said as he put the money in the till. At that moment they both heard a loud scraping coming from above. "What was that?" Norris wondered.
"Sounded like someone moving furniture," Ken replied.
"But there's no one living there," Norris pointed out. "You don't think it's burglars, do you?"
"Only one way to find out," Ken said. "Good luck."
"M-me?" Norris stammered. "Couldn't you go?"
"Isn't it your responsibility in Reet's absence?" Ken asked.
"Did you have to remind me?" Norris sulked.
"Reet won't be happy when she comes in to find you did nothing," Ken told him.
Norris had more visions of grievous bodily harm. "Can you keep an eye on the shop while I go an investigate?"
"Certainly," Ken said. "Well, off you go."
Norris steeled himself before going out the back and slowly up the stairs. He heard male voices and wished he'd brought a weapon of some sort. He swallowed hard and continued up the steps, creeping slowly along the landing then leapt through the door. "I'm armed and dangerous!" Reet, Mike and Mark stared at him and laughed.
"Dangerous?" Mike said. "It's Butch Cole."
"Butch?" Reet pointed. "Him? That'll be the day."
Norris composed himself. "I heard noises. I thought it was burglars."
"Well it's not," Reet told him. "Hey, who's minding the shop?"
"Ken," Norris replied.
"Well I suppose I should be grateful yer didn't leave it unattended so we ended up with REAL burglars," Reet remarked.
"Would I do that?" Norris asked offended. Reet raised an eyebrow. "What's going on anyway?" Norris changed the subject hastily.
"Young Mark here's moving in," Reet said. "Better than being empty. Yer can get back to work now, peasant." They waited until he left before resuming their conversation. "So, what do yer think?"
"Bit dusty," Mark observed.
"Well, it has been empty eight months. Don't worry. I'll get Norris to clean it for yer."
"Will he mind?" Mark asked.
"More than likely," Reet chuckled. "But he always does as he's told."
"I like it, Reet," Mark smiled. "It will do very nicely. Thank you."
"My pleasure, love," Reet smiled back.
"Come on," Mike said. "Let's go to the pub to celebrate my son being back in my life."

When they arrived back at Weatherfield Quays after a few drinks, they found a message from Linda on the answerphone.

"Hiya, Mike. Just thought I'd let yer know I've made us an appointment for this DNA test. It's private. Thought it'd be quicker that way. So meet me tomorrow afternoon at three. The address is eleven Fairmount Street with a Doctor Rogers. Bye."
"Well," Reet sighed, "she doesn't waste much time."
"No," Mike agreed grimly. "But at least the sooner it's done, the sooner it puts an end to her lies."
"What makes yer so sure it is a lie?" Reet frowned. "Isn't it just slightly possible that kid IS yours?"
"Not a chance," Mike stated firmly. "You see, I had a vasectomy after I found out about her and Mark to make sure I couldn't be trapped. So it couldn't possibly be mine."
"Does she know that?" Reet asked.
"What do you think?" Mike grinned. "But she will when the results come through. Fancy an early night?"
Reet looked at her watch. "Just gone four o'clock. That IS early and I am feeling in the need for a lie down." She smiled at him and he chased her into the bedroom.

Two weeks later Linda was all but forgotten by the Baldwins. They'd had a marvellous new year and Reet and Mike were happier than ever without any more arguments since Christmas. Mike was proud to have his eldest son back as well as being married to the most wonderful redhead on the planet. Mike collected Reet and they drove home.

"Anything interesting in the post, darling?" Reet asked as she took her shiny mac off and hung it up.
"Mostly junk," he replied. "Oh."
"What's up?" she asked.
"I hope this is what I think it is," he said, looking her straight in the eye. "Then that's the last we see of loony Linda."
"Open it then," Reet pressed. Mike tore the envelope open with his finger and pulled the letter out.
"I don't believe it!" he gasped. "How is it possible?"
Reet took the letter from him and read. "I don't believe it either. Perhaps yer vasectomy went wrong."
"No," he said firmly. "They made quite sure it was successful. But I can't possibly be that kid's father." The phone rang. "Ignore it," Mike instructed as Reet was about to answer. "I'll give you three guesses."
The answerphone clicked on. "Hiya, Mike. It's Linda." Mike and Reet stayed silent as they looked at each other and nodded. "I take it you've got the results by now which proves I wasn't lying. Now we've got to sort out yer childcare payments and yer have three years backlog there. I'll be in touch. Bye."
"What's going on?" he breathed. "This can't be happening. Oh, God!" He cluched his upper arm and collapsed on the floor.
"Mike? Mike!" Reet cried desperately.

Several weeks later, Mike was home from hospital after his heart attack.

"Now yer know what the doctor said," Reet was telling him. "Complete bed rest so yer know what that means."
"Unfortunately I do," he moped.
"It's only temporary until yer back on yer feet, darling," Reet replied. "I'll have to control meself an' all, yer know and that's not easy. We'll just have to do our best. Anyway, while yer laid up, yer'll want for nowt with me and Mark looking after yer."
"Have you heard from Linda lately?" he asked.
"No, for some reason," Reet frowned.
"You wouldn't lie to me, would you?" he wondered.
"Listen, Baldwin," she began firmly. "Yer should know me by now. What'd be the point in lying when yer'd only get yerself all worked up again? I came so close to losing yer this time. I'm hardly going to risk losing yer for good now, am I?" He shook his head. "Good," she smiled. "Now, take yer drugs and get some sleep. I'll be in there if yer want me, okay?"
He stroked her face. "What would I do without you, Reet?"
"I couldn't possibly comment. But I'm sure you'd have thought of summat," she smiled, kissed him then left.

The following month, Mike was up and about about more but still confined mainly to bed. Reet was out shopping leaving Mark to look after him.

"You're wasting your time, son," he said.
"Where did that come from?" Mark was surprised. "Wasting my time with what? Looking after you? I want to. You're my dad."
"You know exactly what I mean," Mike's eyes narrowed. "There's no money for you in my will."
"What are you talking about, dad?" Mark said.
"I know, Mark," Mike said deadpan. "You see, after the DNA results came through, I hired a private investigator to check up on Linda and guess what I discovered?"
"I have no idea what you're-" Mark began.
"That you and that bitch are married!" Mike interrupted. "I guessed it was a conspiracy on Christmas Day, didn't I? Only your little act of mutual hatred really had me fooled. But those results... There is no way on earth that kid could be mine. So I asked for more digging to be done while I contacted my solicitor to cut you back out of my will. And today I find out this Doctor Rogers doesn't even exist and that address is a flat in your name! Was it your idea or hers, eh?"
"Dad, I-" Mike stammered.
"Save it, son," he put his hand up. "I don't want to here any more lies. Just get out of my sight. I never want to see either of you again."
"Are you going to tell Reet?" Mark asked.
"That's my business," Mike's eyes narrowed again. "Get out!"

Mark looked at his father then stormed out, slamming the door behind him. Mike closed his eyes as a tear fell onto the pillow. He didn't sleep, though he wanted to and was still awake when Reet arrived home.

"Where's Mark?" she wondered.
"Gone," Mike said flatly.
"What's going on now?" she asked.
"We had a falling out. You see," he explained, though it broke his heart to do so, "they were taking me for every penny they could."
"Who were?" Reet was puzzled.
"Mark and Linda," he told her. "There, in the drawer."
Reet opened it, took out the papers on the top and read. "Oh, my God!" she said. "Why did they do it?"
"Money of course," he told her.
"I'm sorry, darling," Reet sobbed. "I'm the one who got you two back together."
"Their act on Christmas Day was very convincing," he said.
"And afterwards," she added. He took her hand. "At least I still have you and Adam."
"You'll always have us, darling," she said, leant over and kissed him. "Do yer want any tea?"
He thought for a while. "Why not? I'm not going to let him ruin my life again. I'll have it at the table."
"Are yer sure," she asked, concerned. "Yer've already had plenty of stress today."
"I'll be fine," he assured. "Be back to normal before you know it."
Reet smiled. "I'm looking forward to that." He got out of bed and followed her to the lounge. "It's only salad I'm afraid," she said as she took it out of the fridge. "I made it this morning for yer lunch. I weren't expecting it to still be uneaten."
"That's okay," he told her. "I'm supposed to eat healthily." She removed the cling film and put the plate on the table. "Aren't you joining me?" he asked.
"Course I am, darling," she said. "I've got to make me own yet."

Mike tucked in and washed it down with water. Reet dropped the knife when she heard him groan loudly and rushed over as he collapsed on the floor.

"Mike? Mike? Oh, not again!" She checked him over then grabbed the phone. "Ambulance. It's my husband. He's lying on the floor. He's not breathing! Hurry!"

Reet returned from the hospital that night numb. She couldn't believe Mike was dead. She sat in the chair staring into space. She was still there when morning arrived and the intercom buzzed. She tried to ignore it but forced herself to get up to see who it was.

"Come up," she said and buzzed then opened the front door. "What can I do for yer Inspector?"
"Mrs Reet Baldwin?" the Inspector said.
"Yes," she replied.
"I'm here to arrest you for the murder of your husband, Michael Vernon Baldwin."
"What?" she gasped dazed as he recited the caution and she was taken to the police station.

To be continued...

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 6

Reet couldn't believe this was happening to her. The second time in two years she was accused of something she hadn't done. She figured someone really had it in for her in her advancing years. She looked across the table of the interview room at the inspector who was busy flicking through some papers and hadn't said a word since the tape started.

"Are you sure you don't want legal representation, Mrs Baldwin?" he finally said after putting the papers down.
"I haven't done owt," she insisted. "Why would I want anyone?"
"That's what you say," he said rather rudely for her liking. "However, the evidence porves otherwise."
"What evidence?" she snorted. "Me husband died of a heart attack."
"After you poisoned him," the inspector accused.
"That's the most ridiculous thing I've heard in my life!" she shrieked. "What would I have to gain by killing him?"
"His money and business," the inspector said. "You see, Mrs Baldwin, we have a problem here. You say you didn't kill him."
"That's right," she replied confidently. "So how do you explain a considerable quantity of digitalis in his bloodstream?" he asked.
"He was prescribed it for his heart!" she snapped. "Course it'd be in his bloodstream."
"Fair enough," he said. "But that doesn't explain how the salad was covered in it. The salad YOU made for him and gave him for his dinner!"
"What?" Reet was stunned.
"You don't deny you made the salad I take it?" the inspector said. Reet shook her head. "For the tape please, Mrs Baldwin."
"No," she said sadly. "But I put it in the fridge. His son was supposed to give it him while I was out shopping."
"I see," the inspector mused. "So you planned to frame the son."
"NO!" Reet yelled as the tears streamed from her face and her nose ran. "There was nothing on it when I put the clingfilm on. Not even salt. I love my husband. I wanted him to get better. The last thing I wanted was his dead. You can ask Mark."
"Mark?" the constable asked.
"Mark Redman," Reet sniffed. "He's at 10A Coronation Street. He'll tell you."
"We'll be speaking to Mr Redman in due course," the inspector said.
"Good," Reet sniffed again. "He knows how much Me and Mike loved each other."
"According to these, you make a habit of marrying rich men who end up dead, Mrs Baldwin," the inspector insinuated.
"Yer aren't serious," she scoffed.
"I expect you loved them too," he continued. "Leonard Fairclough and Edward Sullivan."
"I know their names, inspector!" Reet snapped. "Yes, I loved them but I didn't kill them either. Len fell asleep at the wheel as he was coming back from visiting his mistress and crahed into a motorway bridge, while Ted had a brain tumour."
"Nevertheless, Mrs Baldwin," he went on, "they still ended up six feet under after being married to you. Coincidence?"
"YES!" she yelled.
"Or are you some sort of black widow?" the inspector added.
"I haven't done anything," Reet insisted again, but it was clear her pleas were falling on deaf ears and he had her hung, drawn and quartered.
"Murder is a very serious offence and you'll most likely get life," he told her.
Reet felt her heart stop for a second at those words. "But I'm innocent," she pleaded.
"So everyone says," he sneered. "Interview terminated at eight fifty-seven." He switched the recorder off.
"What happens now?" she asked, dreading the reply. "You'll be taken back to the cell to await further questioning."

Reet felt light-headed as she was taken down the corridor. She tried to stay brave and fought back the tears until the cell door clanged shut then she broke down.

"Oh, Mike. Why is this happening to me?"

Later that morning, Mark was being questioned.

"She's evil," he was saying much to the inspector's delight. "She told lies to my father about me so he'd cut me out of his will. We were making progress becoming friends again. I was back working with him at his factory. It hadn't been easy. Linda, my wife, used to be married to him and we'd had an affair before the wedding. He never forgave either of us really. But now we're married, he realised I was happy and at least he wouldn't get hurt by her any more. That was until Reet put the poison in and made him change his will to cut me out. I admit, me and my father had a row the day he died. But we were always doing that and made up. Did she tell you they had their own on Christmas Eve?"
The inspector's head shot up at that bit of information. "Do you know what it was about, sir?"
"Not really," Mark admitted. "He didn't tell me. But I know it was serious. Something to do with her past he blamed himself for and was convinced she'd never forgive him. Wouldn't surprise me if she never did deep down and was just biding her time. After all, wasn't I supposed to give him his lunch that day? She'd just love to see me go to prison for something I hadn't done. Kill two birds with one salad." A grin broke out across the inspector's face.

Meanwhile in another interview room, Norris was being asked about his employer.

"There's no doubt Reet and Mike loved each other," he was saying. "She turned up at the shop to work even less than she had before she married him."
"Did she know Mr Baldwin had a history of heart trouble?" a constable asked.
"Everyone did," Norris replied.
"And what was your relationship with your boss?" the constable said.
"She can be very demanding," he said. "Always liked her own way."
"What happened if she didn't get it?" the constable asked. "Did she tell you off?"
"Often with violence," Norris told him then realised what he'd said. "But she'd never kill anyone. She hasn't got it in her."
"Thank you very much for your help, Mr Cole," the constable said as he terminated the interview.

In the afternoon, Reet was taken for more questioning.
"So, Mrs Baldwin," the inspector began. "We had a rather nice little chat with Mr Redman."
"Did he tell you how much me and Mike loved each other?" she asked.
"On the contrary," he replied. "He told us however about an argument you and the deceased had on Christmas Eve." Reet was crestfallen. "Care to tell us what that was all about?"
"Not particularly," she shrugged. "It was summat and nowt."
"Mrs Baldwin," the Inspector sighed. "This IS a murder investigation. It would help if you started being honest with us."
Reet paused. "Okay. It was about Alan Bradley." The inspector frowned. "He was a bastard."
"Did you kill him too?" he asked. "Is that what it was about?"
"Oh, for crying out loud," she snapped. "I've never killed anyone! He'll be on yer files somewhere for pretending to be Len to get a loan from the building society before trying to murder ME when I found out. Mike thought it was his fault all that happened because Alan and I had split up over his two-timing me. Only Mike and his then wife decided to play matchmaker and get us back together. That's all. I don't blame Mike for any part of what happened to me and I told him that."
"Seems a pretty good motive to me," the inspector said. "That and all his money. Then there's your history of violence against your employer, Norris Cole. Not to mention how just two years ago you were charged with assaulting a young boy by the name of Chesney Brown. Interview terminated at fourteen twelve. Back to the cell for you. Need your sleep before your hearing in the morning."

The following day Reet was in the dock. It all seemed surreal and she vaguely remembered she answered to her name and address, as well as pleading not guilty. She noticed Mark and Linda in he public gallery and the defence and prosecutions arguments went in one ear and out the other. The judge sentenced her to be remanded in custody with no bail until her trial date.

To be continued...

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 7

The Rovers was abuzz with the news of Reet's predicament. Cilla was loving every minute of it.

"It's high time Madam Toffee-Nose was taken down a peg or two. She's vicious and evil that one."
"Oh, shut up!" Norris said.
"I agree with Norris," Fred jumped in. "You know nowt about her. I say, nowt about her."
"Oh, don't I?" Cilla defended. "Did she or did she not attack my poor, innocent, defenceless baby?"
"She never denied giving him a clip round t'ear," Fred replied. "But that's because he was stealing from her shop. It were an accident. It were you who don't really care about the lad apart from when you see him as a money-making machine."
"Did they say what has happened to Reet?" Ken asked.
"Locked her up and thrown away the key with any luck," Cilla gloated.
"Get out!" Fred yelled. "Yer barred!"
"You can't do that," she protested.
"I can, and I have," Fred told her. She stormed out in a huff.
"There's no way Reet is capable of murder," Deirdre noted. "She and Mike absolutely adored each other." "Aye, they did that," Fred agreed.
"I remember how she were with Ted," Audrey added. "He were already dying but did she polish him off? Course she didn't because she loved him. His illness devastated her. She kept that all to herself for weeks, right down to alienating friends convinced, like my Alfie, he were after her money. She and Mike were made for each other. I've never seen either of them so happy. Even though Alma was my best friend, I have to say he was never as happy with her as he was with Reet."
"I know what you mean," Ken said. "I was talking to her just the other day and she was worried about his health, but looking forward to him being up and about again and protecting him from stress so it didn't happen again. She didn't mind taking care of him while he recovered from his heart attack because she loved him."
"This street must be cursed," Deirdre said ominously. "There's been too many of us locked up for things we haven't done. And Reet's been accused twice now in as many years."
"Aye," Fred agreed. "But what can we do about it? How can we prove Reet's innocence?" No one had an answer and they carried on drinking as they thought while Reet languished in prison.

Several days later, Linda and Mark were arguing.

"Of course she did it, Linda," Mark insisted. "She was after his money and didn't want us to get any."
"If I'd known where this would all lead, I'd never have agreed to it," Linda told him.
"No one can see into the future," he said. "Neither of us knew Reet would stoop to killing the old man. She had everyone fooled she loved him when really she was waiting for her chance. She certainly hadn't banked on me turning up putting a great big spanner in her plans."
"Yer said yerself Mike found out about us," she pointed out. "And he told yer to leave."
"Which I did," he said. "If he was alive he could verify I left immediately. His lunch was still in the fridge. She made sure he cut me out of his will again. He'd only just reinstated me too. He told me he was leaving me his half of the business and the bulk of the inheritance would be split between me and Adam. He must have told her too and signed his own death warrant."
"I still can't believe Reet would kill him though," Linda said. "She was always good to me in the past. Stuck up for me when others put me and yer dad down."
"Obviously thought it wouldn't last so wanted to stay on he old man's side waiting to snare him herself," Mark said bitterly. "Anyway, her killing him has done us a favour."
"What favour?" Linda asked.
"Well, with the main benefactor being sent down for life, it means we can contest the will and get what's rightfully ours at last. Should thank her really."
"Yes," Linda said warily. "Right, I'm going to the shops."
"What for?" Mark asked worriedly.
"To pick an outfit for the funeral," she told him. "Want to look me best, don't I? See yer later." She kissed him then let herself out.

Meanwhile over at the prison, Reet had a visitor.

"I'm sorry, Reet."
"Not yer fault, Norris," she said solemnly. "They're a sneaky lot them police. Get yer to say owt as long as they get a result."
"No one believes you did it, you know," he tried to buck her up.
"I bet Cilla does and is loving every minute of it," Reet sniffed.
"Fred barred her," he said.
"What does it matter?" she sobbed. "That's not going to help me prove my innocence and get out of here, is it?"
"Something will turn up," Norris assured.
"Who are yer trying to kid?" she asked. "Me or yerself?"
"I'm trying to cheer you up," Norris told her.
"Nowt'll do that," she admitted. "Even if by some miracle the truth came out, I've still lost Mike. I don't think I can take much more. Someone up there hates me, making me lose three husbands and be half-murdered meself by a psychopath. Thanks for coming." She got up and returned to her cell leaving Norris worried about her state of mind.

Over at Weatherfield police station, Linda was asking to see someone about the case.

"Mrs Redman? I'm Inspector Williams. I understand you have something to tell us about the murder of Michael Baldwin."
"That's right," she said.
"Follow me please," he said and led the way to an interview room. "Right, what do you have to say?"
"Reet's innocent," Linda told him.
"Really." he said nonchalantly. "And what makes you say that?"
"It was my husband, Mark, that killed his father and I can prove it."
The inspector's eyes widened. "You'd better start at the beginning then." Linda told him everything she knew much to the inspector's surprise. "Why didn't you come forward earlier, Mrs Redman?" he asked.
"I didn't twig until today," she replied. "Otherwise I would've."
"We'll look into it," he told her. "Thank you for bringing this new evidence to us."

Later that night, Reet sat alone in the flat in Weatherfield Quays crying her heart out for Mike and what she'd been put through by his son. The intercom buzzed and she went to answer it so whoever it was didn't think she's slit her throat.

"Come on up," she said as she pressed the button. She waited by the door. "Linda," she said flatly.
"Am I welcome?" she asked. "I wouldn't blame yer if I'm not."
"Come in," Reet sighed and closed the door behind her.
"I'm really sorry for everything, Reet," Linda told her sincerely. "If I'd known it would come to this..."
"Why did yer do it?" she asked.
"It were Mark's idea," she explained. "He'd never told Mike about us and knew if he ever found out, bang would go his inheritance once and for all. So he devised a plan starting with the kid."
"Mike insisted it wasn't his," Reet said.
"I know," Linda replied. "The DNA test was faked. The doctor was a friend of Mark's who he'd promised a cut to. I never imagined it would lead to Mike having a heart attack when he got the results. Neither of us did really. Though Mark was pleased he hadn't died just yet because he hadn't finished worming his way back in. At first, the plan was just to fleece him for childcare. Mike always wanted the best for his kids, no matter how much it cost. Mark always reembered how Mike got himself into debt so he could send him to Oakhill. But then Mark got more pound signs in his eyes and decided the inheritance was the ultimate aim. And he got what he wanted at first. Only thanks to that faked test, Mike smelled a rat and got me investigated."
"He showed me what the investigator came up with shortly before he died," Reet said.
"Mark said Mike had already cut him out of the will again by then," Linda continued. "He saw red and put the drug in the food, knowing he'd have to eat it sometime."
"He took a hell of a risk," Reet told her. "Supposing he never ate it?"
"Mark didn't think of that," Linda continued. "He was going on earlier how you'd done us a favour so we could contest the will and you'd not get a penny. He didn't like me sticking up for yer."
"Yes," Reet pondered. "I've been wondering about that. Why did yer go to the police and tell them the truth when yer could've enjoyed all that money?"
"You'd always stuck up for me, which he said was you just biding yer time until yer got yer hooks in him," Linda replied. "I know that's not true. He wasn't there when me and Mike got all that hassle. It wasn't easy with so many people against us. But you were there for us with no ulterior motive. If what he said were true, you'd have been against us an' all. Yer were very good to me, Reet. I owed yer. I can't even begin to tell yer how sorry I am for the way things turned out. I never wanted Mike dead. I never even wanted to come back here. I was very happy in Dublin. But Mark can be very persuasive when he can't get his own way. I did love Mike when we were married. Okay, so I admit at first I was just after his money. But I grew to love him and part of me always will. What Mark did was just wrong. I see now he's completely unhinged and is more obsessed by money than Mike ever was. He really hated his dad. All the time after we got back together he was going on about how he'd get him back for disowning him because of me even though that were years ago and they'd sort of made up once I was off the scene. If I had any idea how things would turn out, Reet, I'd have stopped him. You've got to believe me."
Reet stayed silent for a while, taking in everything she said. "I do believe yer. But I'm still without a husband. Nowt'll change that, will it?"
Linda cast her eyes downwards and shook her head sadly. "No," she said softly. She looked at Reet again. "I don't expect yer to ever forgive me for my part in it, but I wanted to explain things to yer."
"Are yer coming to the funeral?" Reet asked. Linda shook her head. "I don't think so. Best if I go back to Dublin, eh? Besides, Mike wouldn't want me there. He hated me."
"That's true," Reet agreed. "But yer did the right thing when yer realised and he couldn't fault yer for that. I'd like yer to be there."
"Despite everything I've done in the past few months?" Linda asked surprised.
"Despite that," Reet smiled. "Both of us can say goodbye to the man we both loved at some point in his life."
Linda was touched by Reet's kindness. "Then, thank you, Reet. I'd like that very much."

And so Mike was cremated and his ashed scattered on his favourite golf course. Linda went back to Dublin but stayed in touch with Reet. Reet meanwhile was still mourning her husband even though her rather large inheritance helped cushion the blow and as the months passed, took her mind off things by not only bossing Norris about in-between absences, but also the factory girls.

The End

Patsy