Hey friends, a little true life story....
He brought in the hand-cuffs and asked me for a date. The last few months had been unforgettable. The house-mate-turned-friend had arrived on the doorstep from Saudi Arabia, with a suitcase. She, being a tall elegant English traveller, whom with a health problem (Diabetes), had returned to London, smiled a short smile and unhesitantly walked in. We were both 20 something with new jobs, and rental accommodation. For myself, Sloane Square to Parsons Green was a pleasant tube ride home from work each day, after taking a letting opportunity in Miss Ashton's fashionable 3 storey house with a bijou patio garden.
I had become invariably settled in my 9-5 secretarial job, when Tanya turned up on the scene. Having flung open her suitcase to expose beautiful designer wear she made small work of arranging them on pretty hangers and announced her readiness for a local food & drink tour.
As new house-mates the convenience of spontaneous arrangements provided a new extention to my social-life which was both entertaining and a welcomed change. Being summertime, the weeks passed quickly as our synchrinised routines allowed us to become good friends.
It was Friday and Miss Ashton's Cornwall holiday started, when off she sped with a suitcase and her man to the sunny beaches, away from the hustle and bustle of London crowds. For the weekend had now officially started - and Tanya suggested we went to the cash machine! Little did I know that within a couple of weeks my new best friend would not be IN a bar but would be sitting BEHIND bars.
After work one day the following week Tanya returned to the house in very high spirits. She had enjoyed a lunchtime shopping splurge. Excitedly showing off her new clothes to me, including some very beautiful red shoes. Without making any connection, I happened to mention that I had mislaid my cashpoint card; there was no immediate need for panic because in the late 80's it was more difficult to use someone else's card - unless of course they had access to the actual pin number. At this point she turned the colour of beetroot like I had never seen before - not even from her party blusher!
There was a stillness about her that was uncharacteristic of her bubbly personality and curly permed hair. In my panic, butterflies rose from my core. I had ignored my natural instinct and what the subconscious mind was trying to telling me. This was a red flag! and my gut reaction sent me into confusion. I did not want my best friend to wear that expression of guilt.
The first red flag was when she coldly glared down over my shoulders at the cashpoint on that warm Friday evening. I was in temporary denial but as events unfolded, my work colleagues helped me to realise that my best friend was indifferent, and suggested I rang the police station immediately.
I had alot to be grateful for. I had real friends and genuine colleagues to thank - for it was at this point a new man with handcuffs entered my life!
Together with evidence and my official statement, a house meeting was arranged for 6pm. Tanya's prompt return from work that evening meant that within 2 minutes of her entering the house, she was seized by three policemen, hand-cuffed and whisked off in the police car to be placed behind bars.
After some time she returned to collect her belongings. Miss Ashton naturally returned from holiday apologetic of her criminal tenant. Needless to say Tanya's tenancy agreement was prematurely terminated.
The police officer heading the investigation was also a part-time detective, and we had learnt that Tanya who had a criminal record, and was on their 'wanted' list. I had helped the police, and had been repayed the £5,000 that was stolen.
Although I didn't want to accept it, Tanya was one of those people whom through an inherent weakness in her character she relied on betrayal and stealing from others to get through life. In those days when criminal checks weren't routine, one had to rely on trust.
That summer I not only learnt who my real friends were, but as the weeks had passed to Autumn I welcomed a new start; the start of a new phase with my new man; the detective, whom replaced my best friend...
As they say - when one door closes, another one opens :)
Sometimes it can be a better one too!
Life can teach us many things when we are open to learning :)
image by stockarch - stockarch.com