6 Heartbreak In Heaton Valley-Bedtime With Stephanie Poppins

Hello and welcome to Sleep Stories with Steph,

Your go-to romantic podcast that guarantees you an entertaining transition into a great night's sleep.

Come with me as we immerse ourselves in a romantic journey,

Set in Market Heaton,

A beautiful little town nestled in the heart of Heaton Valley in the County of Lincolnshire.

Here we will meet Ava Smith,

A young woman with a troubled past who isn't aware the one thing that can save her is the one thing she's trying so hard to avoid.

But before we begin,

Let's take a moment to focus on where we are now.

Take a deep breath in through your nose and let it out with a long sigh.

That's it.

Now close your eyes and feel yourself sink deeper into the support beneath you.

It is time to relax and fully let go.

There is nothing you need to be doing now and nowhere you need to go.

Happy listening.

Heartbreak at Heaton Valley,

Written and performed by Stephanie Poppins.

Have you ever noticed things never seem to happen when you're waiting for them?

And yet,

When you least expect it,

The most amazing things come along to remind you just how wonderful life really is.

Episode 6 Ava Smith set up with a start.

It was raining,

Heavily,

Pounding on the conservatory roof with the persistence of a chiming clock.

Her bedroom being directly above it,

It ran repetitively in her ears.

Seldom was it that Ava took a nap during the day,

But today she was unexpectedly tired.

Recent events had exhausted her.

Recent events had exhausted her.

For one thing,

Her niece was still sulking because they'd yet to go home.

For another,

She'd made a foolish commitment to throwing Jack Riley under the bus so both she and Annabelle could be rid of him for once and for all.

That wasn't going to end well,

Especially as he was involved with the Skinners,

That spiteful band of ne'er-do-wells who practised a shoot-first-ask-questions-later policy.

I'm not sure I can help,

She'd insisted when Annabelle pressed her.

I want to,

I really do,

But there's a hell of a lot at stake.

Ava had tried being selfish.

She really had.

After all,

She had Daisy to think of.

But she knew in her heart of hearts if she didn't step in soon,

Paul Smart's enemies would make sure his reputation was tarnished for good.

Not to mention what would happen to her.

She had to do something.

She rubbed her eyes yet again.

Having a rest was supposed to make you feel better,

Wasn't it?

Time for lunch,

She said to herself,

And I'll give Daisy the good news while I'm at it.

This time tomorrow we'll be home again and she can have that sleepover she's so desperate for.

She knocked gently on Daisy's door.

Are you in there?

Then she nudged the door gently.

Perhaps her niece was napping too.

But to Ava's complete surprise,

The room was empty.

The bed left unmade.

There was no Daisy and no mobile phone either.

Daisy?

Mum?

Ava called,

Making her way down the stairs.

The radio was usually on when her mother was home.

It was her company,

She said.

But today the kitchen was silent.

Ava glanced out to the drive.

Mrs Smith's car had gone.

She snatched up her mobile.

Mum,

Did you go out?

Yes,

Love,

I'm in the hairdressers.

I didn't want to wake you.

Is Daisy with you?

No,

I left her in her own drawing.

Well,

She's not there now.

The line went cold.

I'll check my phone.

Ava hit her tracking app with an impatient finger.

And sure enough,

There was Daisy round the corner in Lincoln Cemetery.

I might have known.

Where is she,

Ava?

She's at the cemetery.

In the rain?

She knows not to go out of the house without saying anything.

What on earth is she thinking?

Ava started for the door.

I'm on my way.

I'll call you when I find her.

It took no more than five minutes for Ava to get to Lincoln Cemetery.

She knew the way like the back of her hand,

And her tread was as light as a gazelle.

She shoved aside the wartime gates and paced the paved driveway winding between the graves.

Daisy,

She called.

And there she was,

Sitting alone in a sodden heap under an old oak tree surrounded by stone angels and neatly lined burial plots.

Ava sat down beside her but said nothing.

Patience was what was needed here.

And there they remained in silence for some time before she ventured in as calm a voice as she could muster.

Shall we go home in the morning?

Daisy turned excitedly.

I thought we had to stay.

Well,

Said Ava,

If we manage to get along for one more afternoon,

We can certainly get back in time for sleepover,

Can't we?

Should she have made more of it?

She asked herself.

But no voice came in her ear.

No reprimand.

So she left it at that.

Sorry,

Auntie Ava.

Daisy pulled her knees in tight under her grandmother's waterproof jacket,

Her dark hair sodden and her face bright red.

I knew you wouldn't go far,

Said Ava.

Did you say hi to Mum?

Yeah,

But she said I should go straight back to Nanny's.

I was going to as soon as those men left.

Ava's world and everything in it stopped.

What men?

The ones that are shouting over there.

Oh,

They've gone.

In a graveyard?

No,

They were in the street.

Daisy pointed to the road on the other side of the church.

What were they shouting about?

Asked Ava.

I don't know,

But I saw that guy as well.

Which guy?

Ava smirked at Daisy's attempt to sound cool.

The one you work with?

He waved at me.

Does he live near here?

I don't know,

Ava replied awkwardly.

It wasn't a lie,

But she knew exactly why he was there.

Goosebumps pricked her arms and her heart beat faster.

Keep him away from Daisy,

Hissed Jessica in her ear,

And Ava jumped.

It had been a while since she'd heard from her sister.

She'd been too busy to think,

She supposed,

And no wonder.

Jack Riley was still spying on her,

And now the Skinners too,

By the looks of it.

She did her best to remain calm and appear only vaguely interested.

What were they like,

The men?

Big,

Fat and lazy,

Mocked Daisy disrespectfully and very rude.

Yes,

Thought Ava,

It was the Skinners,

All right.

Annabel must have let something slip in the heat of the moment.

Why would she do that?

If you see Mr Riley again,

I don't want you going anywhere near him,

She said as calmly as she could.

But I thought you worked with him?

I did,

I do,

But I don't like the sort of company he keeps.

I only really speak to him at work now.

This was as vague a response as Ava could think of.

The last thing she wanted to do was scare her niece.

She'd been protecting her from the truth ever since that incident at the waterfall.

Mercifully,

Daisy had been out of earshot when Jack turned on her then.

I know it was you who emailed my wife,

He'd spat,

But you won't get rid of me that easily.

Just watch your back,

Ava.

Ava had been on edge ever since.

That he was crazy enough to break in and check her laptop as soon as his wife told him about the email was one thing,

But stalking her all the way to the waterfall was another.

That man just wasn't right.

How dare he turn up at her niece's birthday party like that?

She'd have to play it very carefully from now on.

Not only was Jack Reilly a bully,

He had nasty friends too,

And Ava was to all intents and purposes alone.

There was no one else she could call on to help her if things got any worse.

At least she didn't have to see him at work anymore.

Mr Smart had agreed to deliver the weekly meetings online,

And she'd made sure to send Jack a text to remind him.

It's strictly business from now on,

Jack,

She'd said.

Leave me alone.

Ava had felt very brave doing that,

But just as quickly Jack had replied,

You started this by bringing my wife into it so you can stop playing the victim,

Ava.

I had to do it,

She said.

You wouldn't leave me alone.

I don't want anything to do with you or your dodgy dealings,

Do you get that?

A bit late for that now,

He texted back,

Don't you think?

And Lincoln Lake's got the gold seal of approval anyway.

Ava knew he'd put this in writing to cover his tracks.

Deny,

Deny,

Deny,

Wasn't that what he'd jokingly said when they were on better terms?

You made good money last time,

He continued,

And you'll do so again.

I was paid for what I earned,

For a legitimate job,

Not for selling houses unfit for purpose.

Absolute nonsense.

Jack had been very careful when he sent that text.

And what about Mrs Grey,

Ava pushed?

Number one Lincoln Lake's was supposed to be her dream home,

I'll never forgive you for that.

The death of that old lady is on you,

Jack Riley.

Then she'd blocked him and hoped that was the end of it.

But in her heart of hearts,

Ava knew that would never be the end of it.

As long as Jack knew she was the only other person who had access to the original paperwork,

He wouldn't let go until he found out for sure if she kept any record of it.

But little did he know,

In Ava Smith he'd met his match.

He could prod her all he liked,

But Ava wasn't going to give anything away.

Taking photos on her sister's phone was her insurance policy in case any of it came back to bite her.

And that phone was safely hidden somewhere Jack would never find it.

She stood up and opened her umbrella.

Come on days,

She said,

Let's go.

They huddled together under the navy nylon.

The rain was slowing,

Its drops catching the light as they ran slowly down her sister's gravestone.

Bye sis.

Then Ava dragged out her mobile to tell her mother the good news.

Another missed call from an unknown person was written across the screen.

It had been saying that all morning.

So shoving it back into her pocket as deep as it would go,

Ava made up her mind to take action as soon as they got back home to Heaton Valley.

The sloping fields behind Manley's garden centre were wet and muddy with a recent downfall.

Thick clods of rich red clay covered the fertile land which lay in expectant lines ready for the seasonal sowing of seeds.

This land was Martin Gardner's pride and joy.

He belonged to it and the land was part of him.

His flushed skin carried the scent of the Heaton Valley.

And his eyes danced with a pale persistent light pushing its way through the fading clouds.

As he waded through the puddles in the car park,

He considered what he should do next.

There were always jobs that needed doing in Manley's garden centre,

But deep holes took priority.

The rain was almost non-existent now,

So he must lay the new blocks before it started again.

Then he could go back inside and make the next payment.

Jack had said the first one would cover it,

But apparently even more investment was now needed if the penthouse was to be ready on time.

According to Riley,

The foundations would be laid that month if only he had the time to do a site visit.

But things being the way they were,

That was not going to happen anytime soon.

Manley's garden centre was short-staffed.

Many of the youngsters were sitting exams and the more mature were off to sunnier climbs while it was still term time.

Martin had to admit he wasn't best pleased with Jack Riley.

It wasn't really about the money,

But the principle of the thing.

A deposit was supposed to be just that,

An amount agreed at the start,

So why ask for more?

But since he'd told her about it,

His mother was chomping at the bit for her new home,

And Jack,

He was an old friend,

Wasn't he?

Albeit a distant one.

Daddy?

Yes,

Dumpling?

Daisy's here.

Martin's daughter was waiting impatiently.

Donned in mismatched boots and her father's old jumper,

She reminded him of himself at that age.

He smiled at her unaffected ways and turned slowly,

Consumed in his thoughts.

Mr Gardner?

Ava was making a concerted effort to avoid his eyes.

Instead she appeared to be focused on the mud covering his waxed jacket.

Surprise,

Surprise.

Miss Smith?

Better keep things formal,

He decided.

The last thing he needed was this woman to sense any partiality.

She was so tightly strong she could play the entire string section of the London Philharmonic single-handed.

And he didn't need any drama at this time of his life.

He smiled stiffly.

Martin preferred being alone,

But if he had to be distracted,

Ava Smith was definitely the one to do it.

He's got a nice smile,

Whispered Jessica in Ava's ear.

A kind smile,

If a little awkward.

Ava tugged at her long zip.

Why wouldn't it close?

Then all at once it ran up to her throat in one foul swipe and her fist met her chin with one big thump,

Smudging her lipstick into the bargain.

She winced.

Did that hurt,

Auntie Ava?

Ava looked up.

Martin was still smiling.

Why?

Daisy's began to rearrange this sleepover.

She began awkwardly.

Maisie too,

He said.

Do you need some ice?

That was precisely what Ava did need,

But she wasn't about to tell him that.

No,

Martin continued.

Okay.

He didn't have time for games.

Well,

I did call yesterday,

Hoping to arrange something.

He was determined to keep things on track.

He had thought things might get a little more pleasant after helping her out at the waterfall,

But clearly not.

I make it my policy not to answer anonymous calls,

Ava replied awkwardly.

Me too,

He said.

But anything for the kids,

Right?

There was nothing Ava could say to this,

But keen to seem as unaffected as possible,

She said.

How about tonight?

An awkward silence hung in the air and Ava cringed inwardly.

Why didn't he answer?

Then with one glorious plea,

Daisy saved her.

Please,

Mr Gardner,

We'll be back at school soon.

Of course,

Martin agreed,

And overcome with excitement,

Daisy made a congratulatory lunge.

But Ava's high heeled boots were not up to it.

With a wobble,

A lean and a stumble on the uneven surface,

She fell backwards,

Landing splat in the deepest puddle of them all.

Daisy and Maisie burst into uncontrollable fits of laughter,

But Ava was beyond embarrassed.

Why did she persist in making such a fool of herself every time that man was around?

She watched in horror as Martin's eyes flickered in amusement.

This car park is a death trap,

She spat.

He ignored her and held out his large,

Rugged hand.

I'm fine,

Thank you,

She insisted.

I can do it on my own.

She struggled in the puddle,

Shaking the murky water off her new leather gloves.

Okay then,

He said,

And to her astonishment,

Martin turned on his heel and walked away,

His muscular legs reaching the farmhouse in less than ten strides.

I'll help you,

Offered Daisy,

But it was too late.

The damage was done.

We need to go,

Said Ava.

We need to go now.

But Daisy was mortified at the very mention.

Into the house to get dry,

Ava added quickly.

Off you trot,

I'll be with you in a minute.

Then she did her best to smile as though that's what she had meant all along.

With one big effort,

She hauled herself up and brushed herself down.

Martin Gardner was not going to win that easily.

Then she rolled her shoulders back and barged through his front door ready for a showdown.

But to her utter devastation,

He was waiting for her,

Towel in hand,

Eyes dancing against his thick,

Ruffled hair.

For the sake of the kids,

Let's keep this polite,

He smiled,

His expression unfortunately one of amusement.

I am,

Ava insisted.

No,

You're not.

She snatched at the towel and draped it over her shoulders.

It was as if she was sparring with someone she'd known all her life.

How was that?

Well,

If you maintain the car park to a sufficient standard.

And if you weren't so stuck up,

You'd expect a man's help every now and then.

Their eyes locked and Ava reached for a chair and sat down with a bump.

Not now,

Please,

Not now.

She hated him.

He was absolutely gorgeous and that made her hate him even more.

Martin,

Meanwhile,

Stared at her through veiled eyes.

Surely not.

I do believe she's going to cry.

A good stiff brandy,

He said quickly.

That's what you need.

He was looking upon her almost like a father to a child.

But this wasn't a look of condescension and it wasn't pity either.

To her astonishment,

Martin Gardner was being kind.

Ava ran her fingers through her hair without thinking.

She never did that.

She liked things neat.

She liked things in order.

What was happening?

Don't worry about Daisy,

Martin reassured her.

She'll be all right for one night.

Ava stiffened.

But she's got no clothes.

She's the same size as Maisie.

Then he left for the kitchen and seconds later returned crystal glass in hand.

Ava eyed it suspiciously.

This was a surprisingly sophisticated choice for a country bumpkin.

She sat back and took in the view.

It was a beautiful house,

An unexpectedly beautiful house.

Parquet flooring,

Wide wooden stairs lined with a thick runner and solid brass bars.

The paintwork was immaculate and the furniture fine.

She took a sip.

The whiskey tasted of smoky bars and old oak casks.

Like it?

I love it.

The room was getting warmer and at that moment,

Both Ava and Martin came to an understanding.

They were very different,

Private people.

But they could agree to be pleasant for the sake of the children.

Martin seemed nice enough,

Ava thought,

Although she could live without him being so attractive.

It was disabling.

Don't you ever do anything spontaneously?

He asked,

Taking a seat near her.

Ava was surprised at his directness,

But answered anyway.

Not really.

I like things organized.

Daisy will be fine tonight,

Martin reassured her.

I'll make sure she has everything she needs.

Just for one night.

We'll try it a different way.

We'll try it a different way.

And will it be just you with them?

Ava asked.

Yes,

No wife,

If that's what you mean.

It's not.

Ava was keen to reassure him on that point.

I'm yanking your chain,

He said.

It'll just be me.

He watched the relief wash over Ava's face.

What was it that scared her?

Or who?

Daisy will be safe here.

He found himself reassuring her again.

You can call me any time.

I don't have your number.

Martin held out his hand and Ava placed her phone in it without hesitation.

The man's a complete stranger,

Whispered Jessica.

What on earth are you thinking?

But her words fell on deaf ears.

Then Martin swiped up,

Trying hard not to register the other unknown number that had called her 20 times that morning.

Ava caught his expression drop,

Thanked him immediately for his kindness and saying goodbye to her niece left as quickly as she could.

I hope you enjoyed this episode.

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