to do? Perhaps that was why he looked so shabby. Because he relied on state benefit and bought his clothes from charity shops. His joggers had to be at least a decade old, and the fleecy zip-up straining over his belly was badly frayed at the collar. And was that a hole under one arm?
‘Okay, so now you’ve said hello.’
Jade knew she was being rude but didn’t care. She wanted the man to go. There was something about him that was unsettling. Possibly it was the intent stare. Or the fact that he had almost coal-black eyes in a cadaver-white face. Or perhaps she was just being fanciful. Either way, she wanted him gone from the doorstep. Her doorstep.
Jade’s obvious unfriendliness caused the man to flush. For a moment, his pale skin bore a hint of rose that stopped him looking like a relative of Dracula.
‘I nearly always see people coming and going because I don’t work,’ he explained.
Bingo thought Jade.
‘I’m a full-time carer. For Mother,’ he added.
Jade inwardly groaned. Great. She was starting her new life living next door to a character straight out of Psycho.
‘And?’
‘And, well, caring for Mother can be very isolating.’ The man shrugged. ‘So, to give me something else to focus on, I look out for everyone at Gresham Terrace.’
‘I see,’ said Jade, not really seeing at all.
‘I think of myself as’ – he chuckled deprecatingly – ‘a protector. The street’s very own watchman.’
‘Ah,’ said Jade. In other words, a nosy neighbour. Well he could bugger off.
‘It gives me an interest’ – he shrugged again – ‘other than looking after Mother. Otherwise I’d go stir crazy.’
‘Right.’
Jade thought the guy looked half nuts anyway.
‘Greg Good,’ he said, extending one hand.
Jade took in the slightly grubby palm and bitten-down nails. She really didn’t want to touch it.
‘Good by name. Good by nature,’ he said, attempting humour.
His hand remained extended. Reluctantly, she gave it a quick shake. God knows where it had last been. Changing Mother’s incontinence pad?
‘Jade Ferguson,’ she said, giving a tight smile.
‘A pleasure to meet you,’ he said softly.
His eyes held hers. Jade could feel herself growing uncomfortably hot. She didn’t like the way he was looking at her. She felt invaded. Her therapist had counselled that ninety-nine percent of her paranoia was unfounded. Even so, Jade wasn’t about to change her mind about Greg Good. She didn’t like the guy, and that was that. No amount of cognitive behaviour therapy was going to change that.
‘Are you renting for long?’ he asked.
‘How do you know I’m renting?’ said Jade sharply.
Greg regarded her steadily. His gaze was unblinking which spiked Jade’s distrust.
‘I know Mrs Sims.’
Jade looked blank.
‘Mrs Sims is the owner of the house you’re renting,’ Greg explained. ‘She also owns the property on the other side of you. Number 4. But it’s not only Mrs Sims I’m familiar with. I know everyone in Gresham Terrace, and that’s all down to our private Neighbourhood Watch scheme. I make it my business to always know what’s going on in this road.’
‘Do you indeed?’ said Jade, her eyes narrowing.
She didn’t like the idea of somebody monitoring her movements… what time she left the house or the hour she returned. She instantly heard her counsellor’s voice speaking inside her head.
Recognise a paranoid thought, Jade. Observe it. Tell yourself it’s just a thought. And then stand back from it. Observe yourself noting that you are having that thought. You will then find that the paranoia recedes. Train your mind to be free from it.
‘I’m always available if a parcel is delivered when you’re out,’ Greg continued. ‘If the postman brings a recorded delivery letter, I’m more than happy to sign on your behalf. If you have a dog, I’m willing to let him out for you, or even take him for a walk.’
‘I don’t have a dog,’ said Jade.
‘I see you have a cat.’ Greg nodded at Puddles. ‘I could let him in for you if it’s raining.’
‘The back door has a cat flap.’ She jerked her head in the direction of the kitchen. ‘Puddles can look after himself.’
‘That’s good to know,’ Greg nodded. ‘But if there’s anything you need, I’m more than pleased to help.’
‘I appreciate that,’ said Jade, finally mustering some graciousness.
‘It would be useful if I had your telephone number.’
Jade blinked. ‘Whatever for?’
‘In the event of an emergency.’
Jade didn’t want to give this man her contact details.
‘I don’t think that’s necessary.’
‘I have everybody else’s numbers,’ said Greg, as if this were a satisfactory explanation.