tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50153580353606497012024-02-20T18:32:16.039-08:00the spiritual murdersfaith1110http://www.blogger.com/profile/02358925817174593317noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015358035360649701.post-53651925766011694972015-11-17T16:28:00.004-08:002020-03-08T15:07:45.287-07:00Episode 19 - Ladies' day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Wednesday November 4</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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“I’ve decided what to do,” Gary told Cleo at breakfast. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You talked in your sleep, Gary. I think you were rehearsing
that questioning.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<a name='more'></a>“I’m taking on some of the Hartley Agency idiosyncrasies.”
said Gary. “One of them is to think seriously about the suspects. I used to get
some facts, put them in order along with tangible evidence and lock a suspect
up, usually after charging him or her with whatever offences were on the cards.”<o:p></o:p><br />
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“And now?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I want to know what makes Edith tick,” said Gary. “She
isn’t the sort of killer we normally get.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Is there a normal sort of killer?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“They all have a common denomination,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“And that is?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“What you say about them, Cleo. Something has led them to
becoming vulnerable in one way or another They combat their own weakness with a
show of strength and superiority. They believe that excuses their actions. They
have been driven to murder, they believe.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Sure. As Dorothy would confirm, you have to look for the
motive and the motive may not at first be logical, but you have to keep looking
until you can tie the motivation to the deed and the deed with the
perpetrator.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“We haven’t talked about the greed motive, have we?” said
Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you want a lecture?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, Dr Hartley. Why not?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK. Greed has many faces,” said Cleo. “Greed for power,
money, love, freedom – take your pick. A longing for any of those things might
or might not induce murder, but greed is possibly the strongest candidate of all.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“But Edith’s did not kill out of greed, did she?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“You could deduce that she was greedy for a life without the
blank hatred of a man who was making her life a misery,” said Cleo. “Hatred
changed her psyche so much that a weak, shy, diffident woman turned into a
scheming killer.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Talking of schemes, are you coming along to be in at the
kill?” Gary asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Do you want me to be there?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Yes.“<o:p></o:p></div>
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“What about Dorothy?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m not so sure about that, Cleo. Dorothy knows so much
about Edith and dislikes her for various reasons. She might take it into her
head to give Edith a piece of her mind.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I don’t like Edith, either,” said Cleo, “but knowing Edith
might be a good reason for Dorothy to witness events.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“We’ll let her decide,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A phone call to Dorothy elicited the decision that she would
observe events but not interfere, she was quite sure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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At Gary’s office Nigel sat well back, equipped as usual with
his notebook and biro. Roger sat expectantly in a corner of the room. He wanted
to witness what went on and thought Gary might need moral support, but he was
also curious about Edith Parsnip. Judging by her actions she should have
been an amazon of a woman, but she was
slight, thin and nervous. The small birthmark on her left hand that had only
been mentioned in Greg’s report was quite evident among the paler freckles as
Edith played nervously with her fingers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nothing about Edith could be described as contrite, however.
She wore an air of defiance. She was indignant at being handcuffed and between two
policewomen, one of whom was Mia Curlew and the other Joan Ferguson.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Edith, did you send Mrs Grisham to play a joke on the
vicar?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Edith’s face lit up before she frowned..<o:p></o:p></div>
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“The stupid woman made a mess of it,” she said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“But you knew how to deal with her, didn’t you?” said Gary.
“It’s a pity you would not remember what happened a day or so later at the
coffee bar.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Edith was indignant.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“But I do remember!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gary feigned puzzlement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“What do you remember?” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I found her in the back room as usual,” said Edith.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“What back room?” Gary asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“At the coffee bar. The silly woman confessed that she had
made a mess of the job.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“What job, Edith? You are talking in riddles,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“She let Mr Parsnip get away,” said Edith.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Get away from what?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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Cleo had chosen to sit with Dorothy in the observation room
next door, but now she decided to join Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Hallo Edith,“ said Cleo. “Fancy seeing you here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Did you plan this at your fancy agency?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Plan what, Edith?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“To get me trapped here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“You are not trapped, Edith. Just tell Gary what he wants to
know.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“What does he want to know?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I want you to tell me why Mrs Grisham had to die, Edith,”
said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I only wanted to teach her a lesson,” said Edith.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“So you plunged a syringe into her shoulder, did you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“The silly fool wanted to give me the syringes back,” Edith
said. “One was still full, so I thought it might be fun to try it on her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Did you know the syringes had poisonous liquid in them?<o:p></o:p></div>
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“It was medicinal,” Edith said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Where did you get it?” Cleo asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I’m not telling,” Edith said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“That’s why you put the liquid in Frederick’s tea, I
expect.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“That was fun, wasn’t it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was now clear to everyone that Edith was either not sane
or putting on a stupendous act. <o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cleo was worried. Was Edith really schizophrenic, or was she
leading a dual life with a multiple personality she could not know existed? If
so, which part of her identity was gripping her now?<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Why don’t you ask Flora Snow about Mrs Grisham?” Edith
said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“That’s a good idea. We’ll do that, Edith. Don’t run away!”
said Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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The questioning was adjourned. Cleo and Gary had no idea
what Edith had meant. Flora Snow would be brought in. In the meantime Nigel had
brought coffee for everyone from the canteen, but Edith had refused after
asking if it was poisoned. Gary decided that she was looking for a scapegoat in
Flora Snow. He would soon put an end to that little game.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cleo mused that Flora Snow had not been mentioned at the
brain-storming the previous evening. <o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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Less than an hour later Miss Snow was escorted in by a
patrol team that had happened to be driving up and down Huddleton Minor’s main
street.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Flora Snow had not been amicable to the patrol officers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’re only following instructions, Miss Snow,” they had
said. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“From Edith?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Edith who?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“A friend,” replied Miss Snow.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I see,” said one of the officers. He had no details of why
the woman was to be questioned, but mentioned that in a low voice to Gary as he
brought Miss Snow in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Ah, Miss Snow, nice to see you,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“That’s Laura Finch,” said Edith. “Something funny is going
on round here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Did you see this lady at the coffee bar, Edith?” Gary asked
on impulse.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“It was her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I am Laura Finch,” said Miss Snow.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gary mused that Miss Snow had been counting her options.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“OK, Laura. Why did you visit Mrs Grisham?” said Edith.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I can visit my friends if I want to.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“So the waitress told you she was in the back room, did
she?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“What if she did?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was a strange situation. Edith was now questioning Flora
Snow. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“OK, said Cleo, after a pause “I think I know what’s
coming.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cleo had opted to be in the office. She now addressed Miss
Snow directly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Do I understand that you sat down with a coffee in a corner
of the bar to wait for Mrs Grisham to reappear, but she didn’t, so you went
into the back room and found Edith leaning over her?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cleo had used the logic of a spy to reach that conclusion, thought
Gary. Dorothy wondered how she could have missed that trail.<o:p></o:p></div>
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”She had killed her. I don’t know why, but she had killed
her,” said Flora Snow. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“That’s not true,” shouted Edith. “I only gave her a drop of
that stuff in the syringe to teach her not to mess around with my plans.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a tricky moment. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“The syringe lay on the table, didn’t it, Miss Snow?” said
Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I just wanted to try it out,” said Flora. “Then all of a
sudden it was empty."<o:p></o:p></div>
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"You mean try it out like on your late husband, I
suppose," said Cleo. "Did you take the syringes with you when you
left the coffee bar, Flora?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I’m Laura and syringes are useful,” said Flora.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Did you know what was in them, Miss Snow?” Cleo asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I’m Laura,” said Flora as if she were brainwashing herself into
believing that. ”Frederick told me what had happened in the car.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Another day and I’d have had you as well,” screamed Edith.
“You stole my husband and now you wanted to steal Robert!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Who’s Robert?” Flora asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The two women were led away to the cells. <o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’d give anything to know what that was all about, Cleo,”
said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy emerged from the observation room.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s all about motives,” she said. “We didn’t even mention
the only other person who could have had a motive. That was negligent of us and
I’m to blame. I was also fixed on the idea of Edith as the overall suspect.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Had we made it all that simplistic?” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes,” said Dorothy. “That does not often happen to me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Where did you get that idea, Cleo?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It occurred to me that Miss Snow had been left out of our discussions,
although she had a motive to kill whoever had killed Parsnip.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But surely Edith had the strongest motive,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK. Or we were unaware of something vital in the case,”
said Cleo. “I figured that if Edith had mentioned Miss Snow, the woman had done
something apart from phoning Edith and telling her that the vicar was staying
with her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But hadn’t Edith just found the ideal way of being rid of
the vicar?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I doubt if that would be enough,” said Dorothy. “At some
point the vicar would want to get back to his job, if only to finally get to
Africa. After all, our Bishop was all for it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The problem for Edith was that she wanted Parsnip out of
the way, but not living in the next village with another woman.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Our brainstorming was not very effective, Roger,” said
Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It was very effective, Dorothy, because Edith Parsnip was
in a state of panic and wanted to defend herself,” said Roger. “I dare say that
she had time overnight to realize that she would have to play-act her way out
of a very tricky situation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Edith would never have mentioned Miss Snow had she not
thought it would ease her own position,” said Gary. “The woman is sly and evil.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m asking myself if Flora Snow would have got away with
her vengeance if Edith had not accused her,” said Dorothy. “After all, only
Edith knew that she herself had not killed Mrs Grisham, though she would have
been defenceless for an hour or so after a drop or two of that fluid. Greg had
the same reaction, didn’t he?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We were negligent about Flora Snow. We did not discuss her
at all,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She was not on our list of suspects,” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The woman intrigued me, however,” said Gary. “I asked Colin
to find out what had happened to a university professor with the name Snow.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wow!” said Cleo. “You didn’t tell me about that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It was such a shot in the dark and needed confirmation,
apart from which, it is not relevant to this case,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If it sheds light on Flora Snow’s mindset, it is relevant,
Gary,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What did Colin find out, Gary?” Dorothy asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Professor Dr Snow died of a mysterious neurological
disease. No autopsy was held because the attending doctor did not suspect
anything.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So you think there are parallels,” said Roger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There seem to be,” said Gary. “I’m afraid I was too wrapped
up in the idea that Grisham was still involved in something criminal, when as
far as we know, he was merely a retired guy who knew too much.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But he did not die for that,” said Roger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We know that now,” said Gary. “But at that time we did not know that Mrs
Grisham’s panic about Parsnip running off had cost Grisham his life.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t really understand why Mrs Grisham wanted her
husband out of the way,” said Dorothy. “They could have driven home and said
Parsnip had changed his mind and jumped out of the car. All they had to do was
agree on their story.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mrs Grisham was another worm that turned, Gary,” said Cleo.
“She was also scared of Edith. Now we have seen how Edith can behave, that is understandable.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She also saw that the syringe had not killed the vicar,”
said Gary. “It’s possible that she thought the whole business was not serious,
after all.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why did it not kill him,” Roger asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Because it got stuck in his winter lambskin waistcoat,
Roger,” said Cleo. “Chris put that in his report. I had sent him the waistcoat
for analysis.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m impressed, Cleo,” said Roger. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It was just a hunch, Roger.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Only one thing is clear to me and that is that everything
must have happened in quick succession,” said Gary, wondering if the order of
events would ever be known. As far as I can see, Mrs Grisham took advantage of
her husband sliding over to the front passenger seat and shouting to a fleeing
vicar to come back. She grabbed a syringe and plunged it into her husband’s
shoulder. I think she provoked Edith by foolishly telling her that Parsnip had
escaped and that incensed Edith. Can you imagine Edith’s panic when she
realised that Mrs Grisham had not managed to dispose of the vicar?” said Gary.
“It delivers us the perfect motive for killing Mrs Grisham.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Except that she didn’t kill her, did she?” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. And we now have good reason to believe that Miss Snow
went to that coffee bar armed with a loaded syringe. I assume that Edith ran
off leaving Miss Snow with the unconscious Grisham woman and decided that both
women would have to go,” said Gary. “It’s sheer luck that Edith is still alive.
Miss Snow would have got her if she’d had a couple more days.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What about Edith’s state of mind?” said Cleo. “Miss Snow is
probably guilty of two murders. She does not yet know that we suspect her of
killing her husband by the same method. I don’t suppose forensics looked for a
puncture hole in the corpse of Professor Snow.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I hope Edith does not resort to suicide,” said Dorothy.
“I’m sure that she realises that Robert won’t want anything more to do with her
and that she’ll have to leave the vicarage whatever else is decided about her future.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She has left already,” said Gary. “The charge of murdering
her husband will stand and she will get a long sentence.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Even if she thought she was teaching him a lesson?” said
Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She also attempted to murder Greg, Dorothy. She knew that
there was poison in the teapot and she was surprised that Greg had not been
killed by it,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“My dear Dorothy,” said Roger, “ That is also quite a common defence and won’t be taken
seriously.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
”Let’s talk to Robert soon,” said Gary. “I think he’d
appreciate a full explanation. I wonder now how much of a way out of her
marriage Edith saw in him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He would have ditched her eventually because of her sex
domination. That is simply too much for a guy like Robert to bear,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think Robert was her hope of securing her future,” said
Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She loved him, Dorothy,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But her way of going about showing him her love frightened
and disgusted him,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That what makes it all so tragic,” said Cleo. “Did you
notice that Flora Snow is insisting that she is Laura? I hope a shrink will put
her right on that if it was not play-acting.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Of course it was play-acting,” said Dorothy. “She hopes to
be declared insane and therefore unfit to stand trial.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I should go now,” said Roger. “That really was quite a page-turning
experience.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Shall we go home now, Gary?” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think a dose of domesticity might do us all good.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll keep shop and get my report done,” said Nigel. “Then
I’ll go home and have another nightmare.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Good work, all of you,” said Roger. “I’ve seldom come
across such a curious case.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’ll take you home,
Dorothy,” said Gary. “You look all in.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The dose of domesticity had to wait, however. Their first
obligation was to talk to Robert, so Cleo, Dorothy and Gary called in at the
shop. Gloria was about to go to collect PeggySue from the nursery and would feed
the child and start cooking.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think you know what I have to say, Robert,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She’s guilty, isn’t she?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not exactly how we thought, Robert. She wanted Mrs Grisham
to kill the vicar, but that plan backfired. She attacked Mrs Grisham and
thought she had killed her when she hadn’t. That was left to the woman who
insists on calling herself Laura Finch.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did I hear you say Edith and Flora Snow have both turned
killer? I can’t believe that,” said Gloria.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Miss Snow admitted it, Mother. Edith was delighted about it
all, though I doubt if she is sane.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What nasty specimens of humanity those two women are,” said
Gloria. “You’d better keep away from Edith Parsnip, Robert.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I was planning to,” said Robert. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With those parting words ringing in her ears, Gloria left
the shop.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You can visit Edith, Robert,” Gary said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What for? To have her telling me a pack of lies?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Or the truth,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m not planning to be a go-between,” said Robert. “Can you
just leave me alone now. This has been a nightmare of a week.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy bought some and walked home saying she needed some
fresh air. She was depressed. Only the prospect of the Spiritual Revue was
keeping her from falling into a deep hole. She hoped Robert felt the same.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“See you this evening, Robert,” she called from the shop
door.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The Revue, Robert.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh that. I’ve been practising a bit, Dorothy. I’ll be
there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So that prospect was lifting Robert’s spirits, too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Robert’s right, of course,” said Cleo later. “We can’t
expect him to spy on the woman he was in love with not long ago.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’ll wait and see if he visits her. If he does, she might
confide in him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What a dilemma for poor Robert,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“As long as he doesn’t come round hoping you’ll go back to him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not in a thousand years, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Then we’ll have to find him someone else.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They had not been home for more than five minutes when
Julie, Robert’s daughter phoned.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Guess what, Cleo? Dad and Mum have agreed to meet on
neutral ground.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How did you manage that?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Dorothy thought it might be a good idea.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Dorothy never misses a trick, Julie. I hope that Robert and
Rita get on better this time round.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Dorothy had a hunch that it would work.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Then it probably will. Dorothy’s hunches have a knack of
being spot on.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I beg to differ,” said Gary to Cleo after listening in but
not saying anything.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t!” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why didn’t Robert tell us that he is meeting his ex-wife
again?” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t you think he’s talked enough about his private life,
Cleo?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Maybe we can help him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Over my dead body,” said Gary. “Didn’t I hear you say you
were going to change into your kimono, Cleo?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And didn’t I hear you say you needed a siesta, Gary?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe we could combine the two. Je taime.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Moi aussi,” said Cleo.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
faith1110http://www.blogger.com/profile/02358925817174593317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015358035360649701.post-53156332226303651112015-11-17T08:58:00.000-08:002020-03-08T13:48:15.424-07:00Episode 18 - Brainstorming<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday cont.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary got home early enough for a siesta. Gloria would take
PeggySue for a walk. Charlie was going to play with her classmate Helen, who
lived a few doors away, so she would not be coming straight home after school.
Gary and Cleo would rest for a couple of hours. Siestas in the afternoon were
probably their best times of the day: time to muse, make love and regenerate.
Talking about crime was not high on the siesta agenda.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>Gloria was happy to play an active role in the family,
though she was anxious about Robert, who was not enjoying a happy end to his
marriage and an optimistic new beginning to life thereafter. <o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Gloria had a plan. She would call Julie, Robert’s
grown-up daughter, although she hardly knew her. She knew that Rita, Robert’s
ex-wife returned out the blue, did not
want anything to do with him, but Gloria thought Robert deserved a second
chance. Match-making was something Gloria loved doing, though admittedly she
had tried to match the wrong pairs and keep unmatched pairs together in the
past. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If Gloria had not yet heard about the efforts Julie was
already making to bring her parents together, it was not really her fault.
Nobody told Gloria things they did not want spread around. Robert was the least
likely to confide in her, knowing how many people at the shop already did that
in exchange for whatever gossip Gloria had heard recently. It was really the
only reason Robert was uneasy about her working for him. There could be no
other reason. Custom had doubled since he had introduced American meat cuts and
his flamboyant, garrulous assistant. The fact that Gloria was Cleo’s mother was
losing significance now that Robert had decided to scrap his marriage. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Robert delivered the steaks personally to Cleo’s cottage.
There was no open animosity about his relationship with Cleo, but he could not
help the pangs of hurt he suffered when he realised how little they had to say
one another and how different the worlds were from which they had emerged: hers
the academic career and affair with a like-minded partner, his a handwork and a
union with a woman he had thought attractive, but now feared. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During the day, he had paid a short visit to the vicarage.
There he had found Beatrice in charge and learnt that Cleo had phoned to tell
Beatrice that Edith would be charged with murdering the vicar after confessing.
Beatrice was shocked and dismayed that the five boys were now to all intents
and purposes orphans. She broke the news to Robert, who was appalled and
immediately blamed himself for what had happened. His life was collapsing like
a house of cards.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You can’t expect people to tell you things if they don’t
know they are important to you, Robert,” Beatrice had told him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But everyone knows how important Edith is to me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Is she, Robert?” said Beatrice. “Are you being truthful?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Robert would have liked to defend himself, but didn’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I expect Cleo knows all the facts, but she doesn’t gossip,
does she?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, of course not,” said Robert . <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo had not told him in so many words what was happening to
Edith, but why should she? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So Robert only heard the news about Edith’s arrest from
Beatrice. On reflection, Robert was relieved that Edith had been unmasked,
though he had tried not to believe that she would go to such drastic lengths to
rid herself of a husband who apparently wanted a divorce anyway. Edith was
tearful when she told him that her apparent sadness was, however, in direct
contrast to the eagerness with which she had undressed both of them and
insisted on the horse-and-rider game she used to get things going, to use her
words. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Robert was increasingly certain that something was wrong with
Edith’s mental condition. Her behaviour was extreme. As far as their
relationship was concerned, he knew that things could not have gone on as they
were. Apart from acting oddly, Edith’s greed for what Robert considered
perverse sex was probably a sort of nervous breakdown. It frightened him. He
had always had a low desire for sexual contact and he thought Cleo had felt the
same. He thought ruefully of Cleo’s gentleness and sympathy, both of which
were, he knew now, based on compassion rather than love. Her passion had been
spent on Gary all through her marriage to the family butcher.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But dwelling on the past was not Robert’s custom, either. It
was all over now, and he would have to make the best of it, preferably without
any further contact with Edith. He was friends with Gary and his contact with
Cleo was more normal now they both knew essential truths about one another.
Getting into contact with Rita had nothing to do with their blighted short
marriage thirty years ago, he told himself. His daughter’s effort to help her
father had been acknowledged, but Robert was going to think hard about entering
into a new relationship now the episode with Edith had come to a catastrophic end.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Robert told Beatrice in a few words what Edith had been up to,
her change of personality, her greediness for hard sex in which she took the
initiative and he was to play the willing slave, and above all his despair.
Beatrice was appalled and truly sorry about the misery Robert was clearly
suffering. They waited for Oscar to turn up and Robert took the opportunity to
pack the few personal belongings he had left at the vicarage. He would not go
there again except to visit the boys. Beatrice’s husband Oscar promised to take
charge of them until a solution could be found. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beatrice was reminded of Edith’s amnesia after her shock at
being propositioned by the fraudulent bishop who had been in charge of the
diocese before the new one came. Had her change of personality or been
triggered by that shocking incident? Or was Edith running away from herself in
those days? Was her amnesia a form of shelter? Frederick had kow-towed to that
bishop as he always had to everything in authority. At the same time, he had
thrown his weight about whenever he could. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And now the vicar was dead and Beatrice’s sister-in-law had
literally done away with him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To her chagrin, Beatrice thought that Edith might have
treated Frederick to forced sex at one time, subjecting him to the kind of
humiliation Robert had experienced. It might explain why Frederick had never
really liked being a father. Female victims of rape often rejected the
offspring that resulted from it. Perhaps the same applied to men. Whoever
thought rape was men’s prerogative was misinformed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edith had become depressed as time went on. Falling in love
with Robert was a novelty for her. That might explain why she was suddenly
extrovert, but it still did not explain her preference for hard sex and the abuse
of a kindly man like Robert.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Robert went back to his shop. He had closed for an hour so
that he could go to the vicarage. Now he opened up again for the final hour of
the day. When there were no customers, he pottered around, preparing cuts of
meat, making some herb sausages from a new recipe, writing lists of what needed
to be ordered from the wholesalers, and packing orders ready for delivery. His
feelings for and against Edith were indescribable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Robert was in such a sorry state when he delivered the
steaks that Cleo felt the need to comfort him. She and Gary tried to talk him
through his problems, but Robert really needed to be alone, so their invitation
to him to stay for supper was refused and Robert made his way home to his flat
above the shop, his life in pieces.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy phoned him before she left for supper at Cleo’s
cottage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t forget the rehearsal tomorrow night, Robert,” she
said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t think I can sing a note,” he told her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Rubbish. Of course you can. You need to do something
creative now, Robert. I’m relying on you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s kind of you, Dorothy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m not being kind. Without you there will be no Spiritual
Revue.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK. I’ll come, but I don’t feel like singing.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Just think of what those slaves went through, Robert.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I will, Dorothy. I’ll be there tomorrow evening.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Promise?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Promise.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gloria fortunately took over the cooking, for otherwise
supper would have been a very late meal. Helping Robert had been a priority,
Cleo had explained to her mother. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Roger and Dorothy arrived more or less at the same time. Mia
arrived last. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She was introduced to everyone as a new colleague. She
nodded to Gary that her mission had been positive. Cleo did not know about
Mia’s mission. If Gary wanted to pull a rabbit out of a hat, he should be
allowed to do so.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The meal was fantastic. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll leave now,” said Gloria, when everything in sight had
been eaten up and the table cleared ready for the thinkers to start their
communal thinking.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’d better have a hug first,” said Gary. To Roger’s
surprise he waltzed around the room with Gloria, telling her what a fine cook
and mother-in-law she was. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t mind them, Roger,” said Cleo. “It’s the new Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What‘s that?” said Gary. “Why don’t you join in?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We haven’t been invited.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You are now,” he said, gathering Cleo, Mia and Dorothy into
his arms. Gloria gathered Roger up and he declared that he had never known such
craziness before.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But nice,” Dorothy said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A good introduction to the brainstorm,” said Gary. “If
people hugged more they might kill less. Take the example of Edith. She was a
cold fish, if ever there was one.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’d rather not,” said Cleo. “I’m not into raping men.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mia observed the dialogue wide-eyed. Roger exchanged glances
with her. Cleo was nothing if not forthright.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s all relative, Cleo,” said Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So is global warming,” said Cleo. “Shall we get the think-tank
going? I’m sure Roger thinks we are all mad here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I wouldn’t dare,” said Roger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Enjoy the evening!” shouted Gloria as she left.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And Mia must think we are nuts.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, not really,” said Mia. “I get a feeling of family
here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And I’m happier and more relaxed now than I have been since
Elinor was arrested,” said Roger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Roger’s wife had committed two murders and was serving life.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Thank Cleo for that,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s called partnership, Roger, and we are into it in a big
way,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So where do we start, Gary?” said Dorothy, anxious to get
on with the business in hand.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let’s start with Mia,” said Gary, and everyone except Cleo
looked surprised.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sergeant Curlew has been at HQ for only a week, but she’s
bright and keen. I sent her to Lower Grumpsfield to find out if Edith had been
seen at the coffee bar. “Mia, tell us what you found out!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fire away,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sophia, the coffee barmaid, recognized the woman on the
photo. I did not say who it was, but she said that the woman on the photo was a
good friend of the late Mrs Grisham.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Great,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sophia said that the two women often went into the back
room for a chat, so she had not thought it unusual on the day Mrs Grisham was
killed and had only gone in to get coffee beans for the machine.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s exactly what the girl told us at the time,” said
Gary, “except that she didn’t identify Edith because no one asked her to, of
course. Edith had not been linked with Mrs Grisham.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And she did not get to see a photo of Edith, either, did
she?” said Dorothy. “On reflection, that was negligent, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“On the other hand, Edith was not under suspicion, was she?”
said Cleo, in defence of Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hmmm,” said Gary. “If we had known then what we know now we
could have cut a few corners, Dorothy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Too true,” said Dorothy, mollified.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mia continued with her report.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sophia said she had not seen the woman since Mrs Grisham
was killed.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary asked Mia if she thought Sophia had suspected anything,
but the answer was negative. Edith had often left via the back door of the
coffee bar, so Sophia did not think it unusual that she did not see her leaving
that day. The storeroom door was often left open to let air in and always
unlocked during opening times. All doors were locked at closing time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Anyone could have got in and out,” said Dorothy. “Even
someone who helped Mrs Grisham to kingdom-come.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hmmm,” repeated Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“When I asked Sophia if she thought the woman on the photo
could be responsible for Mrs Grisham’s death, Sophia was shocked,” said Mia.
’Friends don’t do that,’ she had replied and Mia thought it was wiser not to
continue her questioning. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Good thinking,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Just one question, Mia. Did Sophia or anyone realise that
you are a police officer?” Roger asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. I said I was actually looking for a cousin who looked
like the person on the photo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m not sure if I would have believed that,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sophia did, I’m sure,” said Mia. “She was turtling with a
gaunt looking lad the whole time. I doubt if she would have bothered to make up
a story herself and she had no reason not to believe mine.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Write a report, please Mia. It would help if you could do
it first thing in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I will, Sir. Shall I bring it to you in the office?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Send it me as a file, Mia, but come to my office as well.
I’d like to hear your opinion of the whole setup there when you’ve had time to
think about it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK. I’d better go home now. My husband always rings at
eleven. He’ll be worried if I’m not at home and haven’t told him I’d be out. I
would have told him about your invitation, but I didn’t have time. He’s a bit
of a control-freak.””<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Come again, Mia,” said Cleo, wondering if Mia suffered at
the hands of her ‘control freak’”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’d love to. Goodnight everyone.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Miss Curlew seems efficient,” said Roger after Mia had
left. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Can you get her family here, Roger?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll try. There is a position for a patrol cop If he could
fill in for Greg Winter. Winter could then concentrate on being a detective
instead of taking on a dual role. I’ll see to it in the morning.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What do you make of Sophia identifying Edith as a friend of
Mrs Grisham, Cleo?” Gary asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Part of me had been expecting that,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“All of me had been expecting that,” said Dorothy. “I think
we can now assume that Edith killed Mrs Grisham.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But why would she do that?” Roger asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“To cover up her role in the Grisham murder,” said Dorothy,
as if she had thought that all along..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Go ahead Dorothy. Tell us your theory,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You didn’t have to invite Dorothy twice to expound on her
hunches.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, for a start, I can’t imagine Mrs Grisham wanting her
husband dead, so it must have been connected with Frederick Parsnip since we
can safely assume that Edith had wanted to be rid of Frederick for some time
and could not think how.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t understand the logic, Dorothy,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Think about it,” said Dorothy, putting on a voice that sounded
like the sort of voice she would have used when giving a piano lesson to a
small boy with grubby hands.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The vital link for me is the friendship between Edith and Mrs
Grisham,” said Dorothy. “Frederick was going away without a thought for what
would happen to his family. Edith resented that and hated him anyway. Now she
saw how she could get rid of him for good. Friendship with Mrs Grisham was a stroke
of luck.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We thought she was getting rid of the vicar by sponsoring
his trip to Africa, from which Edith did not think he would return,” said Cleo.
“In fact, we thought she might have constructed that invitation and plane ticket,
though we could not think how she could finance the latter.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You’ve never mentioned that, Cleo,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think we must have scrapped the idea,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Carry on with your theory please, Dorothy!” said Roger. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, I think that Edith persuaded Mrs Grisham to thumb a
lift on the road to Heathrow. It was early and Mrs Grisham knew the car and the
route. I expect Grisham was amused and possibly a little puzzled to see his
wife standing on the kerb. Of course he picked her up.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ingenious, Dorothy,” said Gary. “So that third person could
be her. Didn’t Chris say the fingerprints could be a woman’s?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mrs Grisham’s target was not Grisham but Frederick. That is
what Edith had plotted with her. She had probably told Mrs Grisham that it was
a harmless joke and Mrs Grisham had wanted to help Edith.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“This is all a bit far-fetched,” said Gary. “I can’t imagine
those two women hatching out such a plot.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. Wait!" said Roger." There is a certain logic
about the description of events. Let’s hear what Dorothy thinks happened next.”
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Thank you Roger. As planned, Mrs Grisham directed her
husband off the main road to where the car was later found. We don’t need to
know how she knew about the lane. She may have driven there with Grisham some
time earlier. It isn’t relevant now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And then?” said Roger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Edith had instructed Mrs Grisham to jab the syringe into
Frederick Parsnip. She did that, but was not forceful enough. The needle did
not go right through his ridiculously thick waistcoat.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What you are saying contradicts what Parsnip told us, of
course,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Frederick was lying,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How do you know that?” said Cleo, who thought Dorothy’s
story was a bit over the top.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mrs Grisham would have been nervous when she realised what
she had been persuaded to do. She fled, dropping the bag of syringes. Frederick
panicked and fled. After a while, Mrs Grisham came out of hiding, probably to
retrieve the syringes. For reasons best known to herself, she dug a syringe
into Grisham’s shoulder. Don’t forget that Edith sold her the whole plan as a
game. That’s how Edith described it at HQ. after all. Mrs Grisham might have
thought that would make it all a game should she be questioned. She did not
know that the content of the syringes was not just a sleeping drug, but a
deadly one meant for the vicar, of course. So Mr Grisham was killed by
accident.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Always assuming that Mrs Grisham did not want to use the plan
to get rid of her husband, too,” said Gary. “It could have happened differently.“<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK, the last part is hard to swallow,” said Dorothy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo wanted to make a useful contribution.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If Edith’s plan was to kill Mr Parsnip, she would hardly
have told Mrs Grisham that she was about to become a killer. Grisham thought it
was fun that his wife got in the car and drove off the road quite voluntarily,
having no idea what his wife was up to!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK. Let’s sum this up now,” said Roger. “Mrs Grisham was
ostensibly ‘hired’ by Edith Parsnip to teach the vicar a lesson, but she was
not thorough enough, and the vicar fled. She sank her reserve syringe into her
husband’s shoulder instead, either to develop the game idea, or simply to stop
him talking. She did not know that the contents of the syringe were deadly.
Grisham had probably already moved to the passenger seat to shout after
Parsnip, who had fled. Parsnip had taken off his dog collar previously because
it felt uncomfortable. Now Mrs Grisham dressed her husband in the dog-collar
and left him to his fate, which she thought was sleeping it off. That would
make the dog-collar a quirky bit of humorous revenge.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Since we now know how quirky Edith is, it all sounds possible,
whichever story you want to believe,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Edith must have told Mrs Grisham that it was all just a
prank to get her to join in,” said Dorothy. “Mrs Grisham caught a bus back to
Lower Grumpsfield not knowing that she had killed her husband.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Or she did know, and did not want anyone else to know,”
said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Supposing one of those slightly varied versions of what
happened actually fits what really happened,” said Gary. “Why did Mrs Grisham
claim that her husband had been murdered. Wasn’t that playing a very dangerous
game?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s a typical double bluff, isn’t it?” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Or she wanted to confess, but had been threatened by Edith
to keep her mouth shut,” said Dorothy, who had now lost any vestige of sympathy
she might once have had for Edith.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Assuming we now know what happened, Mrs Grisham was an
innocent party to an evil plot,” said Roger. “But why did the vicar’s wife want
to kill the vicar in the first place if she was getting him out her hair by
sending him to Africa?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“In one word ‘hatred’”, said Cleo. “She had been humiliated
time and time again by Mr Parsnip. She had fallen in love with Robert and had
defied decency by spending the night before the vicar’s departure in her new
lover’s bed.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She might also
have been ashamed of having done that,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I doubt it,” said
Gary. “I was shocked at how brazen she was. I don't think she has a guilty
conscience,” said Roger. “She's one of those killers who like to think there is
no alternative that will solve their problems."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Talking of
hindsight, an elaborate murder plot like any of the versions we’ve discussed
could not have been instituted at the drop of a hat. Mrs Grisham had to get out
of Lower Grumpsfield to the road Grisham would be using to get to the motorway,”
said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m sure she just
caught a bus, Cleo,” said Dorothy.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"With more
hindsight, I don't think there was much genuineness about Edith except in
relation to the children,” said Dorothy. “That was the only reason she stayed
on at the vicarage and made the best of things while Frederick sharpened
pencils and invented ridiculous sermons."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Sharpened
pencils?" said Roger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Hundreds of
them, Roger," said Dorothy. "Every time he had a problem, was bored
or had sermon-writer’s block, he grabbed a scalpel and a box of pencils and
wore them down one by one."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Crazy,"
said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Potty,"
said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Eccentric,” said
Roger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“As mad as a
hatter,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They all fell
silent. How much of what Dorothy had described really happened?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*** <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“To sum up,"
said Roger, since the brainstorming seemed to be over. “Edith killed Mrs
Grisham because she was afraid the woman would say something damaging about
her. I think that’s the conclusion we have reached.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think she will
own up to that, " said Dorothy. "She’s probably proud of
herself.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Or she's had
time to reconsider and isn't saying anything," said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Or some other part
of her personality was responsible and she is unaware, as in the multiple
personality syndrome,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She might realise what she did and be ashamed,” said
Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I doubt it,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don't think she can have a guilty conscience,” said
Roger. “She justifies her actions as being the only way out of the situation in
which she found herself. I was once married to such a woman."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary intervened.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Come on Roger. Your ex-wife was defending the social
advantages of being married to you. She did not want anyone spoiling that.
That’s why Shirley had to die.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But I should not have taken up with Shirley,” said Roger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You were at your wits’ end with your wife’s infidelity and
extravagance, Roger. Her behaviour was scandalous,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Be glad it’s all in the past, Roger,” said Dorothy. “I
don’t know all the facts, but I’ve just heard enough to assure me that you were
the injured party.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Thanks, Dorothy,” said Roger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Back to our think-tank for a moment,” said Cleo. “I’ll some
fresh coffee then we can recap again for clarity and to decide which version we
are going for.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t make it sound too simple,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But it is simple. Most crimes are,” said Cleo. “We find
them difficult to solve because we cannot easily get into the minds of people
consumed so much by hatred or other ulterior motives that they feel obliged to
obliterate the cause.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t preach, Cleo,” said Dorothy. “Let’s have that coffee.
I’ll help you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fact is that Edith made Mrs Grisham an accomplice so that
she could be unwittingly instrumental in the death of Mr Parsnip,” said Cleo.
“But it all went wrong for Mrs Grisham because Mr Parsnip was dressed for the
Antarctic. After due consideration, Edith went to the café and killed Mrs
Grisham so that she could not talk.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Of course,
Frederick did turn up eventually,” said Dorothy. “Isn’t it possible that Mrs
Grisham had told Edith she had killed him when she hadn’t? She would have
incurred Edith’s wrath. In her warped frame of mind, Edith would have had no
difficulty in making that a reason to kill Mrs Grisham. She was only protecting
her own interests.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"That’s what I
mean about getting into a murderer's mind," said Cleo. "Edith plots
to kill or frighten her husband and her accomplice uses the mission to kill her
own husband instead. Edith must have been furious."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"That is no
use as an argument for the defence," said Gary, "but it's good
material for tomorrow's questioning."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We will never know
the whole truth,” said Roger, “but it is possible that Edith Parsnip will say
enough for us to charge her with the murder of Mrs Grisham.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Over to you guys
then,” said Cleo. “Coffee’s on the way.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“One point we haven’t
mentioned,” said Roger. “This rules Frank Cook out, doesn’t it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It seems to,
Roger. No MI5. Just a couple of vindictive women.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I suppose you
could call that a happy end,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wait and see if
Edith thinks that, Sweetheart,” said Cleo. “She may have a better version of
events.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
faith1110http://www.blogger.com/profile/02358925817174593317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015358035360649701.post-59559603946149746252015-11-16T03:01:00.002-08:002020-03-08T12:07:49.249-07:00Episode 17 - Femme Fatale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday November 3</b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo and Gary were sure that Edith Parsnip had the strongest
motive to kill the vicar. The small birthmark on the tea-lady’s left hand that
Greg described could easily be verified. It was potentially a damning clue to
Edith’s guilt. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>Cleo could not remember noticing if Edith had such a
birthmark. It would make life a whole lot easier if Edith was guilty, though it
would be devastating for the boys. Over a pot of coffee she and Gary discussed
the possible break-through to identifying
the woman. Gary would confront Edith with Greg . That might be the conclusive
moment in the identification of the poisoner. <o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Accordingly, Gary drove to HQ early and asked Greg to send a
patrol car to collect Edith without prior notice. Greg should not go himself,
as he would be needed as a witness and it was important to see how Edith Parsnip reacted when she saw
him. If Edith had served the tea, she might be wondering how Greg could have
survived while the vicar died. The patrol team would get to the vicarage after
the boys had gone to school. Edith would have no idea that she was going to be
collected. A female police officer should be at hand to escort Edith around the
vicarage if she was not dressed, for example. Edith was on no account to be left
alone for one moment and she would not be told where she was being taken.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary did not know if Robert had found a way of getting out
of his doomed relationship with the vicar’s widow, but he thought it better not
to tell him that Edith was going to be detained. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo phoned Beatrice so that someone would be at the
vicarage when the boys got home from school, assuming rightly that Edith’s
interview would end in her arrest. The actual questioning would be one of the
most sensitive ones Gary would ever have to face. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy and Cleo would be at HQ in time for the questioning
unknown to Edith and sit in the observer room. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dave Gates and Joan Ferguson were relieved to find Mrs
Parsnip sober. Greg had explained the situation. Joan would keep an eagle eye on
Mrs Parsnip’s actions all the time. Handcuffs should be avoided if Edith was
compliant.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edith was getting ready to go shopping when Dave rang the
front doorbell at the vicarage. He explained with charm and a friendly smile
that it would be a help if she could identify her husband again for the
records. Edith was charmed by the good-looking cop. Once awakened, however, her
hunger for sex was seemingly not confined to sex with Robert. She got very
close indeed to Dave, who was not expecting such a ‘warm’ reception. With great
presence of mind he whispered ‘later’ and the vicar’s wife purred with
anticipation. She opened a couple of blouse buttons, heaved her breasts into
position, put on a jacket and picked up her handbag. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joan, a young woman straight out of police training, was
quite astonished to see Edith pushed onto the back seat and followed by Dave.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll sit with Mrs Parsnip,” he said. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joan nodded. She had been told how Mrs Parsnip ticked and
hoped Dave could cope.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who’s your friend?” asked Edith.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s Joan,” said Dave. “She’s my driver.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hello Joan,” said Edith. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edith was behaving as though they were all going on an
outing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edith was not handcuffed. Dave soon realized that not
handcuffing the woman had been as good as an invitation, for when Edith discovered
that she could snuggle up to Dave Gates and was could not have got out of the
car because the doors could only be opened from the outside, she decided to
proceed with her seduction routine. She moved her hands to Dave’s upper leg,
which he found extremely embarrassing. Having her wriggling lasciviously and
make lewd gestures while whispering obscenities was almost more than he could
endure, especially with Joan looking at them in the car mirror and being both
amused and shocked. Then Edith suddenly moved to open her handbag instead of
pursuing what Dave later described as being molested. Dave had no idea what Mrs
Parsnip was going to do next. Since he had not searched her handbag he snatched
it from her now and pushed it through the gap in the front seats. Joan dropped
it onto the mat in front of the front passenger seat. Edith Parsnip said nothing
and remained poker-faced for the rest of the journey, her amorous attentions set
aside for the moment. Whatever the reason for Edith grabbing her handbag, Dave
had been quicker. He would search it as soon as possible. It would be a feather
in his cap if he found something suspicious.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joan got out at HQ and opened the door on Dave’s side for
him to get out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The woman’s a nymphomaniac,” Dave whispered. “I wish
someone had warned me. I could have handcuffed her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll handcuff her now, Dave. I think she’s going to make a
fuss.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edith Parsnip was struggling. She resumed her lewd gesturing
and obscenities and tried to pull Dave onto her. Joan grabbed her left wrist
and clapped a cuff on it. Dave moved away. Joan forced Edith to hold her right
arm out for the other half of the handcuffs and then pulled her out of the car,
telling her to behave. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He’s mine,” Joan said with a wink at Dave. Fortunately, Edith
accepted that information and allowed herself to be walked up the steps to the
HQ main entrance. At the information desk, Dave phoned through to Gary as
instructed and was asked to bring Mrs Parsnip up. He was carrying her handbag.
He had not looked inside.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What about the identification,” Edith said. “Why am I a
prisoner?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You are not a prisoner, Miss,” said Dave. “We have
instructions to put handcuffs on anyone who is making a fuss and you were naughty
in the car.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, I was, wasn’t I?” said Edith coyly. “I’ll show you a
lot more later to get you going.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joan was appalled. She would be glad to let another
colleague deal with this lascivious woman. Dave was glad that Edith’s hands
were out of service.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I thought we could use the time more excitingly in the
car,” Edith said as she was led up the stairs to the second floor. “It doesn’t
take a minute to get there, Dave. Let’s go back while we are alone.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The vicar’s widow was being escorted up the main stairs to
Gary’s office. The two patrol cops had no desire to be in the lift with this
obscene woman.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Welcome to my office, Edith,” said Gary. “Were the officers
rough with you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, of course not,” said Edith in a tone Dave and Joan had
not expected. With Gary she was turning on the sweetness and light. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“They were doing their job,” she added. “This young man has
nice warm legs. Why am I here? What about the identification?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Later, Edith,” Gary said, thinking of poor Robert’s
desperation in the face of this uninhibited woman.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Does Robert know I am here?” Edith asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. Do you want me to tell him?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He went home last night.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh dear. Is he sick?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sick of me, perhaps,” she said. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why should he be sick of you, Edith?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t want them to hear,” she said, pointing with her
head at Dave and Joan.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wait at the door, please, but inside,” said Gary,
remembering that he had once ignored a warning about interviewing women without
a chaperone. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’ll talk so that they can’t hear us,” said Gary to Edith.
“I’m not allowed to be alone with you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s a pity. I’d like us to have sex, Gary,” she said,
her handcuffed hands twitching in what Gary thought might be anticipation. He
was shocked to the core. What had happened to her to make her act like that?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You know I’m married, Edith. And even if I wasn’t…” Gary
said at normal volume.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The two patrol cops thought that would probably not stop Mrs
Parsnip if she was given the chance. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I wanted to show that nice officer my whole body,” she said
and Gary concluded that she was no longer sane. “He wanted sex with me,” she whispered,
“but he belongs to that police woman so we’ll have to do it secretly.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sit down,” said Gary in a loud voice. “You can’t have sex
with anyone here or in a patrol car,” he said. “It’s not allowed.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Rules are made for breaking, Darling,” Edith replied.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dave and Joan exchanged glances. This depraved woman’s
husband was lying stone dead in the mortuary and she was behaving like a slut.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary went to his desk and phoned Roger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Can you go to pathology?” he asked him. “I have an
important person here. She needs to identify a corpse and you must help me to
talk to her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Roger realised that Gary was circumventing what he really
wanted to say. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll be there in five minutes,” he replied. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Thanks.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Another man?” said Edith eagerly. “You’ll have to take turns!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Roger met up with Cleo and Dorothy in the entrance hall.
After explaining that Gary had more or less shouted for help, they all walked
down to the pathology lab. Cleo and Dorothy went into the observation room.
Edith was brought in by Joan and Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edith did not seem put out by anything that was going on.
After the identification, Gary was going to move the questioning back to his
office. Behind the observation window, Cleo and Dorothy were waiting for what
would happen next. Joan removed Edith’s handcuffs, but would remain next to her
to make sure that she behaved herself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Edith, you know why you are here, don’t you?” Gary started.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m going to identify Mr Parsnip.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let’s get it over then.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An assistant wheeled in a trolly bearing Parsnip’s corpse
and drew back the blue cotton sheet that had been covering him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s him,” she said. “Impotent bastard. Take him away.
Can I go now?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was silence as Edith’s disgusting reaction echoed round
the lab.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*** <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“This is not the only reason you are here, Mrs Parsnip.
We’ll go back to my office, shall we?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Roger had observed the scene with revulsion. He did not envy
Gary this suspect.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I know what you want,” she said, moving in to press her
body against Gary’s. She was rewarded by Joan fixing the handcuffs back on her.
Edith’s hands were this time behind her back..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was no sign of grief or sorrow. Edith had hated her
husband.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back in the office the policewoman made Edith sit down,
though she wanted to leave and cursed when she couldn’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What’s your name, Miss,” Edith asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m Constable Joan Ferguson, Mrs Parsnip.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, Joanie, you can learn a lot from me if you watch how
I take on this lovely man.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was as if Edith did not know Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m married, Edith. I told you that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Never let that stop you, Joanie. You saw where that can
land a husband,” she said. “Who’s that in the corner?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s my assistant, Edith. Nigel is taking notes.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I always think being gay is waste of good manliness,” Edith
said, and Nigel looked horrified.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t record the obscenities, Nigel,” said Gary. “Mrs
Parsnip is not in her right mind and we don’t need to remind ourselves of her
excesses.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh, but I am quite normal,” said Edith. “Take these
handcuffs off and I’ll show you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo, Dorothy and Roger were shocked at Edith’s conduct, but
there was more to come.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary felt more protected in his office. Cleo and Dorothy went
next door into the office from where they could observe everything and comment
if necessary. Roger acted as a witness to support Nigel. He did not intend to ask
questions. Especially Cleo was curious about how Gary would proceed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did you kill your husband, Edith?” Gary asked out of the
blue.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edith looked startled, but she recovered her composure
quickly. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did you hear my question, Edith?” he said a bit louder. “I
asked you if you killed Frederick Parsnip.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who’s that nice man?” said Edith, looking at Roger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Answer my question, Edith!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Answer mine first,” said Edith.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is Super-Intendant Stone, Edith. Now answer mine!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It was an accident,” she replied.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Explain that, Edith. I’d love to know what constitutes an
accident for you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I wanted to teach him a lesson.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“With a teapot full of poison, some of which you gave to my
colleague, Edith?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Stupid fool.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mr Winter is not stupid, Edith, He would not have survived
the tea if he had drunk more than a tiny sip of it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You’re lying, Mr Hurley,” said Edith in an accusation that
served to confirm her guilt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary phoned Greg and he came immediately from his office
across the corridor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Perhaps you would like tell Detective Sergeant Winter what
you think”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s a trick,” said Edith. “That cop’s dead.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What makes you think that, Edith?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He got a cup of my special tea and I watched Mr Parsnip
drain his cup,” said Edith with a gleeful chuckle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That must have been very quick, Edith. Mr Parsnip was
thirsty, and you thought a cupful of poison would teach him a lesson, did you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It did, didn’t it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You killed him, Edith. Why?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You don’t know what a weakling the bastard was.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You got rid of him because you were afraid that he would come
back and spoil your love-nest.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Listen, Cop,” said Edith. “He came back to Flora Snow, and
she phoned me. She said they were staying together and I would lose out because
I would not get his salary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So you decided not to let that happen.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What would you have done?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did Flora Snow really phone you to tell you all that?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes. I swear it!” Edith shouted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We traced Mr Parsnip because he phoned his son on the
mobile phone he had taken from Mr Grisham. We put a spanner in the works,
didn’t we, Edith?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edith snorted and struggled briefly with the handcuffs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A clean divorce would have been better for you, wouldn’t
it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I hated him. After he had left, I found the divorce papers
he had signed. It would all have ended with me financially secure if the
bastard had not run off.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Run off where, Edith?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Grisham’s car,” said Edith. “He thought he was going to
Africa, silly old bastard.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It dawned on Gary that Edith had had something to do with
Grisham’s killing, too, but what and how? She was clearly not in command of
what had actually happened. She had gone along with a plan, and when that had
not all worked out, she had taken the matter into her own hands.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo buzzed from the observer room. She wanted to say
something Edith could not hear.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You are doing brilliantly, Gary. I definitely think she was
mixed up in the Grisham killings. Ask her who helped her? Did she write the invitation
to Africa? Je t’aime.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary mimed ‘moi aussi’ back and nodded.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who helped you with your plan, Edith?” he asked her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Helped me with what plan?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“To get rid of Grisham.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who’s that?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The man taking Frederick to the airport, Edith.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t know what you are talking about and I’m not saying
any more,” said Edith. Roger thought the whole of the madness scene was
play-acting. Dave and Joan were guarding the exit and Joan was also officially the
chaperone. They were new to the force and had not been prepared for such a vile
person as Edith Parsnip. Later, they would talk the night away about what they
had been forced to witness. Their admiration for Gary was boundless.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Just tell me who wrote the invitation to Africa and
organized the plane ticket, Edith,” said Gary, his face very close to hers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A friend,” said Edith, startled and recoiling. Comfort
zones were always in the hands of the participants, but Edith could not really
back off now, and Gary wanted to put more pressure on her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Frank Cook?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After several moments of hesitation, Edith replied “Who’s
that?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Gary looked briefly up at the one-way mirror separating his
office from the observation room.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK. You can tell me later, Edith,” he said. “I can see you’re
tired and so am I.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Lock her up,” he said to Dave. “Joan will help you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Can I go home now?” said Edith.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No,” said Gary. “You’re staying here, Edith. We can have
another chat soon. I’ve quite enjoyed this one.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So have I except for the woman,” she said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joan smiled at Greg and Gary decided they were mutually
attracted, but he was not sure if Dave was not more suitable for Joan.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edith was led away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, Greg, satisfied that Edith served you that tea?” said
Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Pretty sure,” said Greg. Same stature and that birthmark.
But she has lots of freckles on her arms, Gary. I’m not sure that we can offer
that evidence as secured.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It doesn’t matter. She has to all intents and purposes
confessed. “<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t suppose that
Joan and Dave will thank me for sending them on that mission,” said Greg.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“On the contrary,” said Gary. “But Joan caught your eye too,
didn’t she?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m going to ask her for a date, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Go for it, Greg. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I will.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Edith Parsnip is a harlot, Greg. She even made me blush.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo and Dorothy joined the men in Gary’s office.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary embraced the ladies and tolerated a pat on the back
from Roger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That was really gripping, Gary,” said Dorothy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It was quite frightening,” said Gary. “I never would have
thought…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I expect Chris will be able to tell us more soon to confirm
what the woman admitted,” said Roger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I knew Edith Parsnip was a sullen, sulky person, but I
didn’t know how evil she is,” said Dorothy. “And she was play-acting some of
the time, Gary. I think she’s clever enough to talk herself out of this mess.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She was driven to be evil. For her there seemed to be no
other road to freedom from the vicar, whom she obviously hated,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“On reflection, I suspect that Mrs Grisham was the
accomplice, Gary,” said Dorothy, and Gary knew better than to laugh at the
suggestion. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But how did she know Edith?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Didn’t she tell us she attended all Edith’s coffee mornings
and other events, Cleo? I expect they got friendly. Mrs Grisham had no axe to
grind, but Edith had something in mind even then and cultivated her friendship.
She probably saw in Mrs Grisham someone who was too dumb to know what she was
doing.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s awarding Edith Parsnip with a lot of brain-power,”
said Roger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She’s riddled with negative energy, Roger,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So you think that she told Mrs Grisham about her misery
with the vicar and Mrs Grisham had an idea of how to get rid of him, do you?” said
Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m not sure who had the idea, but if murder was on the
menu, it could have been like that,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Roger was observing Dorothy with admiration. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think we should have another brain-storming, Gary,” said
Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think we are in the middle of one,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But we can carry on at home,” said Cleo. “I should get home
to the girls and my mother.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Can I join you later?” Roger asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Only if you share our supper, Mr Stone,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m still Roger, Cleo, and I’ve heard a lot about the
efficiency of the Hartley Agency, so it’s an honour to be part of your
discussion.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think we can claim some success because we are obliged to
think hard without having to act immediately. Sometimes the police are obliged
to act first and think later,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Seven p.m. for supper, Roger?” said Gary, giving Cleo a
less than friendly look.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll be there,” said Roger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Cleo, be a dear and phone Robert. I think that calls for
some really good steaks,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes dearest,” said Cleo in such a way that they all had to
laugh.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Cleo and Dorothy had gone home, Gary did something he
decided he should have done already. He wanted to have something concrete to
show his Ladies that evening. He phoned down for the policewoman who had accompanied
Edith that morning. He only knew her slightly, but that would not be a barrier
to what he wanted her to do, especially as Greg was clearly keen on her. While
he was waiting for her, he printed out Edith’s photo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mia Curlew at your service, Sir,” the policewoman said as
she entered Gary’s office..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh, I thought I was getting Joan Ferguson,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She had to go out on another call with Dave. Men can’t
search women, and it was for shop-lifting.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK, Miss Curlew, I’m sure we’ll get along fine.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll do what I can,” said Mia.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t think we’ve met before,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No Sir. I’ve only
been here a week.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you have a car?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes Sir. It’s old, but it serves the purpose.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I want you to drive to a place called Lower Grumpsfield as
soon as possible.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“In normal clothes, Sir?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes. I don’t want you to say you are from the police. All I
want you to do is to go to the new coffee bar there and find out if anyone has
seen the person on the photo I’m going to give you. Can you go now?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes Sir. I always have private clothes in my locker in case
I need them.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Very good, Mia. Keep that up. If this goes well, there’ll
be more jobs like it. You’ll get expenses, by the way.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Thank you, Sir.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Call me Gary. I haven’t been knighted yet! After your
mission, come to my home in Monkton Way, Upper Grumpsfield, Mia. The cottage is
Number 10. I’d like to have your report at first hand. You could stay for
supper if you have time.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’d like that, Sir.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I like being called Gary by my colleagues. Tell me a bit
about yourself, Mia.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I was head-hunted from Manchester, Gary. I’m married and
have a child, Jamie. He’s three. I’m on patrol now, but I have had detective
training.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I have a daughter aged 11 and a one aged 13 months, Mia. I
think you met my wife briefly. She’s the lady with the olive skin. What does
your husband do?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He’s a patrol squad man, Gary, but he’s still in Manchester,
so we have to live apart.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I expect we can hurry things along with a transfer, Mia.
Leave it to me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Thank you. I’m lonely here. I miss my family.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Exchanging information had cleared the air of any
misrepresentation. Gary did not want to go through any more problems like the
one he had had with Shirley Temple, who claimed he was the love of her life,
but soon switched to Roger Stone, presumably because he had a higher position.
She had apparently used the same phrases on him declaring eternal love.
Opportunism was no-go for anyone attracted to Gary especially now he was at
last living with the woman he had loved for years. He wanted everyone to know
that. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary explained briefly what Edith had probably done, and
asked Mia to pay special attention to a waitress named Sophia who was working
at the coffee bar and had discovered her boss’s body. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t rush about the job, Mia. Take all afternoon if you
need to. I expect a lot of regulars frequent that coffee bar. Chat them up.
I’ll tell Cleo to expect you any time. There’s always someone at home.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“When did the woman on the photo go there, Gary?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Recently. I’m going to print out the interim report on the
death of Mrs Grisham, the former proprietor, Mia,” said Gary, and did just
that. “We don’t know when or how often our suspect went to the bar, but the
murdered woman was found between two and three in the afternoon. I don’t think
Edith Parsnip, the woman on the photo who is now in an arrest cell, would have
hung around after the murder. She probably went out the back way, but you could
ask the counter assistant, probably a young girl named Sophia, when she thought
she had last seen the woman. Keep it casual and don’t use Edith’s name.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mia explained that she had talked to Dave Gates, who was
still smarting from his humiliating confrontation with Edith.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She is awful, isn’t she?” said Mia. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Disgusting.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Dave Gates told me she’d made an obscene pass at him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She seems to have discovered her libido, Mia.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not very nice when you consider that her husband is lying
dead.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Horrible. She wasn’t always like that, but that corpse was
probably responsible for what she is now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Tit for tat then.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I should think so.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mia was excited that she should be chosen for the task. She
would call Gary as soon as she could and was delighted to be asked to supper.
They exchanged mobile phone numbers and Mia shook Gary firmly by the hand before
leaving.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was nothing much Gary could do that afternoon. He
hoped he could keep up with the brain-storming. He could not let Dorothy beat
him to it every time. Having Mia there at first hand was also an opportunity to
do something for her family. Roger would be there and he was a great puller of
strings. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary was certain that someone must have seen Edith at the
coffee bar. After writing a short archive report on his interview with Edith, discussing
the content of the report with Nigel, whose shorthand was as usual a matter of
interpretation, Gary wound up his office work for the day. He left Nigel to
write his own detailed report, collected Charlie and the boys from school and
drove home, dropping the boys off at the vicarage on the way. He had already
earmarked the following day for looking into Frank Cook’s ‘career’. There was a
sporting chance that he was mixed up in Grisham’s death.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
faith1110http://www.blogger.com/profile/02358925817174593317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015358035360649701.post-38220489795721593952015-11-16T00:22:00.001-08:002020-03-07T14:09:02.504-08:00Episdoe 16 - In vino veritas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday cont.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Gary had only just
arrived at the office when Roger Stone rang.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a>“Gary. We have a
problem,” he said. “I got a phone call early this morning warning me about
Frank Cook. Can you come to my office. We need to talk personally in case our
phones have ears.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Before Gary sat
down he made a thorough search of Roger's office.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"I'd hate this
room to be bugged, but it is, Roger." He said, removing a predatory bug
from the underside of the phone and dropping it into a vase containing water
and a few flowers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"I think we
should go for a walk,” Gary proposed. “It's quite hard to bug the great
outdoors."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Who would do
that?” said Roger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“HQ is not as safe
as houses, Roger.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Out in the little
park a couple of streets away from HQ the air was fairly free of carbon
monoxide and presumably completely free of clandestine eavesdroppers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did you know Cook personally before he came, Roger?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, but he was highly recommended.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“My two amateur sleuths were suspicious of him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hang on to those ladies. They have a nose for crime.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Meaning?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Frank Cook not only investigates crime. Apparently he is
also involved in it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What kind of crime?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“For a time he was on a panel giving new identities to crown
witnesses, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And misusing his job?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let’s say he was using his job to manage disappearing acts
for wanted felons.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Nicely put. At a price, I take it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why else? One of his clients was Grisham but not under that
name.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Really.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We think he kept the data so that he could extort money out
of his clients and possibly others.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who told you all that, Roger?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“MI5.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Had you asked for information on him?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not directly, but I mentioned him to a colleague in the MI5
and he told me that Cook had been fired.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So how did he get here?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He intercepted MI5 mail. The MI5 people responsible for anonymous
mail decided to play a trick on Mr Cook. They sent a mail set up for the
purpose then followed its trail out of their inbox to Mr Cook’s inbox and back
again. Cook read information that was entirely fictional and acted on it,
trying to blackmail the colleague set up for the trap. They knew that the faked
mail was the only source of that equally faked message. Challenged, he said he
had stumbled on it. He was fired.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So he intercepted your mail requesting an assistant for
me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Grisham was the vital word. It was in my mail and
presumably he had an app showing up anything containing that name connected
with a previous client.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Very sly. What name did Grisham use before he became
Grisham?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Smith.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“John Smith, no doubt. How creative is that!” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Almost anonymous and not the name he was born with. Who
would suspect anyone named John Smith of anything?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But someone found out, Roger, otherwise he would not have
needed another new alias.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Then he was named after the author of a book someone was
reading.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Am I thinking what you are thinking, Roger?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not yet, Gary. There’s more.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We have evidence to prove that Edith Parsnip knew Frank
Cook from time spent as a student in Switzerland. She was an au pair girl for
his family. He must have been about 17 and she was in her early twenties.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I should say that it’s a small world, but that hardly does
justice to what I’m hearing now,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He looked for Edith, traced her to Upper Grumpsfield, and
phoned her. He had traced Grisham by methods known only to himself, but
presumably via a leakage in the system. I assume he phoned Edith and wanted to
know if she remembered him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Were the two of them an item, Roger?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t know. Mrs Parsnip must have told him all about her
village, her husband, his church and his parishioners. In fact, she told him
all he needed to know. Grisham was a church-goer. That was what interested Cook
most.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Grisham had defaulted the fraudulent payments to Cook, I
assume.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Worse than that, Grisham wasn’t his first new identity, but
his second. Cook had only known the first one, John Smith, officially. He did
not have any information on the second alias. It took some time for Cook to
connect Grisham with the guy who really had defaulted the payments that Cook
said would secure his safely. But when he did, he decided to act, since Grisham
had double-crossed him as John Smith. No one gets away with double-crossing a
guy with the criminal energy of Frank Cook.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Could that be why Koch anglicized his Germanic name,
Roger?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t know, but it would be interesting to find out what
Cook did in Switzerland. I’ll get Europol onto that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK. So Cook has been arrested, I hope.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not yet. That’s where you come in, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That sounds ominous.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We can’t charge him on theories, Gary. We need evidence
that he was involved in Grisham’s death and it would be useful to know why Mrs
Grisham was also targeted.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are you sure he did it, Roger?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll be honest with you, Roger,” said Gary. “Edith is a
suspect and I’ll have to find out if Mrs Grisham was friendly with her. Edith
is a very mixed up lady with various axes to grind. I’m not sure that she
needed assistance from anyone to do what she had decided was good and right.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If that’s the case, we’ll find a different way of nailing
Cook, Gary. Don’t stop doing what you are planning.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll talk to my Ladies and call you back. I think we need
some underground detecting to match Mr Cook’s, or at least to get into the way
he would go about acting out his own particular form of villainy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK. But don’t get too near him, any of you. He’s a nasty
character, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You can say that again!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Your women are intuitively unbeatable,” said Roger. “And to
be blunt, that astuteness could be the death of them.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll do my best to protect them Roger. I love them both.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I know you do, Gary, and I care what happens to all of
you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I know this might all be a wild goose chase, but at least
it’s shedding some light on the Grisham case. I thought we were going to have
to shelve it,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There are too many angles to be investigated, Gary. It’s a
can of worms, if ever there was one. We also need to know if Parsnip was in any
way connected with the sleaze.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I shouldn’t think so, Roger. In the past everyone has
accused him of only thinking of himself. If he was into any kind of intrigue,
some other personality in him must have been responsible.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Pointing to bipolar, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Possibly. He left a note, by the way.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you have the note with you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary handed Roger a copy of the note. It was obviously
unfinished. Parsnip had probably intended to write more. The note was not
signed, but it proved that Parsnip really did think Laura Finch had been
reincarnated:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I am sorry to have caused you any distress, Laura,” he had
written. “I will not go back to the vicarage or to the job as vicar of the
parish. If you will have me I will come back to your loving arms, my sweetest
love. There should be a large sum of money coming to you soon. Please share it
with my ex-wife if I am not out of here in time to deal with it myself. I know
I can trust you because you are the love of my life, my dearest love…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What money could he have been writing about?” said Gary. “The
Parsnips are as poor as proverbial church mice.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It could all have been a massive lie told by a man who was
no longer sane.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Or someone was going to pay him for something, Roger.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We could check his bank account,” Roger suggested.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If he had a joint account with his wife, surely she would
have noticed,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Or he had a separate account for his own transactions,
Gary. Could one of your cute sleuths find out if there was any discontinuity in
the vicar’s belief that it was Laura.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I can’t really see Miss Snow rising to any bait,” said
Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Could Dorothy find out what’s going on?”<span style="text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She’s the only one who could,” said Gary. “She interviews
people as though they had committed some offence or other at her ballet school
in London. Smallest common denominator plus shock treatment. A lesson in
slyness, actually.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Admirable, Gary. You have hit on some very useful assistants!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Look at these photos of both ‘Laura’s,” said Gary, finding
the photo gallery on his tablet. “They do look uncannily alike.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Amazing,” said Roger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
”Mr Parsnip had difficulty telling his own wife and her twin
apart, Cleo once told me. Apparently he would memorize what Edith was wearing
and call her sister Clare. Cleo experienced that at meetings held in the
living-room at the vicarage.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Then we can assume that the vicar was not play-acting,
Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Probably not.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Keep me informed, Gary. I didn’t offer you a drink so shall
we go to the cafeteria and have a coffee?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary was not sure how he should deal with Frank Cook since
firing him would not be productive, given that Cook had masses of criminal
energy. Gary had two alternatives. Either he could send the guy on harmless
missions to keep him occupied, or he could find an intricate problem that would
automatically keep him away from the Grisham case, and that would – if he took
up the kind of thought experiment Dorothy indulged in – mean inventing something
for him to investigate. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary went back to his office to study Cook’s CV and read the
various reports that he already had on Grisham. He did not think there was
anything to be gained from looking into the vicar’s activities except to find
out if he had any enemies. The guy was dead. He had been poisoned, and he only
had one definite enemy and that was himself, unless you counted Edith and the
devil. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary was nervous about what Edith could do after hearing
about her uncontrolled behaviour under the influence of drink and her
newly-discovered sensual lust. He would get a photo of her and look at it.
Sometimes faces on photos told you a story if you looked at them for long
enough. Gary was not into esoterica, but there was no harm in appealing to the
subconscious. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Cleo was having the
same thoughts. She was planning to print a few photos including those of known
felons, Edith and Frederick so as to ask strangers on the street to say what
kind of people they thought were on the photos. It was a game really, but one
that appealed to the subconscious and had been known to focus attention on
elements that had previously gone unnoticed if it was something we do every day
with people we meet in the flesh. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">We often make
mistakes about character, misled by a person’s lips or eyes. The whole idea
harked back on her thesis about what murderers look like and why we cannot
normally tell them apart from innocent people. It was not just a pet theory.
Someone might say something instructive about Edith, for instance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Cleo was reminded
of her own dissertation, which had caused discomfort among the people to whom
she had introduced it. What is an innocent person, anyway? When I look in a
mirror I see one, don’t I? Most people would agree that you can’t see from
looking at someone what goes on inside their heads and you don’t know from
looking at yourself what you are going to do in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After his talk with Roger, Gary phoned Dorothy and she was
pleased to provide him with a good image of Edith looking straight at the
camera. What a coincidence. Dorothy had<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>been trying out her new mobile camera on faces at that BBQ a week ago.
She would send the shot from her phone immediately.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why do you need it, Gary?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“For my records, Dorothy,” replied Gary, and Dorothy immediately
smelt a rat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m going to Crumb’s new café with Cleo and PeggySue this
afternoon, Gary. Care to join us?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary had been undecided about what to do that afternoon. He
could read reports at home and – if he was honest with himself - he was hooked
on being with those two sleuths and his daughters. He was looking forward to
some brain-storming on what he knew about Cook and anything else that came up
and, he had to admit, to the light-hearted banter that accompanied every
conversation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What a good idea,” he said. “I’ll collect the kids from
school and bring them all. They need something to cheer them up, and I’m not
averse to a cream cake.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy had not told Cleo about Gary coming to the café, so
the surprise was perfect when Gary arrived with 6 children. He explained later
that some of them had been sitting around outside school waiting for the bus
and the twins were dragging their feet home from primary school and looked very
disconsolate. Whereas the older boys had long since given up their father as a
bad loss, the younger boys had still hoped he would take an interest in them
one day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo was sure that Robert would ditch Edith now he realised
what kind of a woman she was. She was also haunted by the thought that Edith
might have had something to do with the Grisham case. A serious talk with
Dorothy was necessary. When Gary suggested between cream cakes that they should
have a brain-storming session that very evening because he wanted to tell them
something important, Dorothy and Cleo were all for it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile, all the Parsnip boys had found a table, Cakes and
coke had been set before them. Charlie was helping with PeggySue. Cleo knew
Gary was going to talk to the boys about their father. He would know what to
say and the boys respected him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I want you to know that you can always come to me, boys,”
he started.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Thank you, Sir,” said Albert.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why don’t you just call me Gary from now on. We are
friends, after all.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Listening to Gary’s approach, Dorothy was moved by his
warmth, Cleo knew what was coming.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Stand up, Boys!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They all stood up obediently.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Have you ever seen men making a scrum in a Rugby match?” he
asked. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The younger boys had no idea what that was.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Come into the centre of the café and just open your arms
wide, like this,” he said, demonstrating.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Now we are just
going to close in so that we are all in a big huddle,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The children had
great fun making their scrum work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“That’s how it’s
going to be from now on, kids,” he said. “All for one and one for all!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’ll show you again,”
he said, beckoning to Cleo, Charlie and Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">They hugged with
PeggySue somewhere in the middle. The boys applauded and joined in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The other customers
in the café applauded warmly at this show of affection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“You do have a lot
of children, Sir,” said the waitress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I do, don’t I?”
Gary replied wondering how Parsnip could have avoided viewing his family with pride
and joy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Dorothy asked the
waitress if she was related to Betty Coppins. She looked like her. “She’s my
aunty,” said the girl. “Betty was my father’s sister.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“So you‘ve heard
what happened, haven’t you,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Yes Miss, but I
didn’t have much to do with her because my cousin is horrible.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I expect you mean
Jessie, don’t you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Yes Miss, but
she’s been put away,” said the girl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“The problem is
that we can choose our friends, but we can’t choose our relatives.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I wouldn’t choose
Jessie, that’s for sure,” said the girl. “She murders people.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Who told you
that?” Dorothy asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Everyone knows
that,” replied the girl. “I must get on now. Can I bring you anything else?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a happy outing that did not finish until after the
boys could not put away any more cake, the party left and they all walked to
the vicarage. Charlie did not want to go in, so she stayed outside with PeggySue
and Dorothy while Cleo and Gary accompanied the boys in through the kitchen
door and squared things with Edith, who had thought they were all playing
football and would come home when they’d had enough.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edith did not comment on the vicar’s death. Cleo and Gary
decided it would be better not so say anything, either. Robert appeared from
somewhere in the house and declared that he wanted to talk to Gary about
something, alone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You are not going to fight over me, are you?” said Edith,
and Dorothy looked at the vicar’s wife and shook her head.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No danger of that,” said Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’ll go into the living-room, if that’s all right, Edith,”
said Robert, gesturing to Gary to follow him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo had no clear idea what Robert wanted to tell Gary. She
wondered if it had something to do with Edith’s unusual sexual demands. Edith
said nothing. She put the kettle on for tea. There was no sign of supper for
the boys. On the other hand, she was not sure if they could possibly eat
anything else after all that cake.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK. What is it, Robert?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m worried, Gary. Edith said something in her drunken
state last night that will not go out of my head.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not about…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No. Not about the sex thing. This is something quite
different and I don’t understand what she meant.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Have you asked her, Robert?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I tried, but she denied having said it, and since she was
extremely drunk, perhaps I should believe that she really could not remember.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But you don’t, do you? You’ve heard the saying ‘in vino
veritas’.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s foreign, Gary. I only speak English with a
smattering of Welsh.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s Latin and translates to ‘in wine there is truth’,”
said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The saying exists in many languages, Robert. What it means
is that drunken people tend to tell the truth, so what did Edith say?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She told me she only wanted to teach him a lesson.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You think she meant the vicar, don’t you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t know what to think.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you know where she was early on Sunday afternoon,
Robert?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not all the time. I went to the shop to do my accounts and
see to things.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’ll have to find out,” said Gary. “I’m sure she was only
blabbing, but it will ease your mind, won’t it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think she’s capable of killing, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We all are, Robert. Did you…well, did you sleep together
last night?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes. I went home, but she followed me later. She was stark
naked under her raincoat, Gary. Sometimes I think she’s insane.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She told Cleo that you had gone to shop early, Robert. I
don’t suppose she remembers last night’s episode.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I sent her home before it got light. I have lost all feeling
for her, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary could see that Robert was reticent about telling him
what had happened. Robert was very conservative and embarrassed at the idea of
even talking about sex<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She was even more awful last night. Gary. I didn’t have a
chance. She grabbed my – well, you know what -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and started to manipulate me. Then she threw me down and sat on me.
Short of hitting her, I could not prevent what happened next.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Excuse my asking, Robert. I can see you are not liking this
talk, and I did not invite you to tell me any details, but did you – well did
you like what she did?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Enjoy myself?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, that’s not exactly what I meant, Robert.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It all went the way it always does, if that’s what you
mean, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“More than once?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes,” said Robert ashamedly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary was reminded of female rape victims he had had to deal
with in the past. He had never had to deal with a case of a male victim before.
They probably kept quiet out of shame. But after all, many women did not come
forward for the same reason. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Edith raped you, didn’t she, Robert?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I thought only men did that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Men and aggressive women, Robert, or women who are sick in
the head.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She hurt me, Gary. I’m all bruised after one of those
sessions.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You want to get out,
don’t you, Robert?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was no point in harping on the situation. Robert had
to get out fast. This kind man did not deserve to be the victim of anyone, let
alone an insane woman hell bent on sex.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, but I can’t let the boys down. They have nobody.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What about Beatrice and Oscar.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Edith does not want them anywhere near, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll get Dorothy to phone. Oscar may be the right person to
help the boys now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I thought I was the right person,” said Robert sadly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You might be, but not as long as Edith rapes you at a time
when she should be feeling a little bit of sorrow about what happened to the
vicar and thinking about his funeral and the future of the family. Her
behaviour is not normal.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I suppose you’re right, Gary. What do you suggest?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Say no to her advances, and if she behaves improperly, take
her into the bathroom and put her under a cold shower. I suppose there is a
shower?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes. For the boys.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s the only advice I can think of at the moment. I
think she’s in some sort of shock or trauma, but I’m not a doctor.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I could get Dr Mitchell to come. Maybe she needs some
pills.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“In the old days, the condition I think Edith has was called
manic depression and I think it’s a better description than bipolar disorder.
She needs a diagnosis before she can be treated properly, but again, I’m not a
doctor,” said Gary. “Perhaps you can get Dr Mitchell to help on that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I just hope it’s not closing the stable door after the
horse has bolted, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So do I. Just one question, Robert.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Go ahead.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t want to pry, but are you in love with Edith?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think I’ve stopped even liking her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
”That does not surprise me, in the circumstances, Robert,
but give her a chance.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I would, but I’m not sure I can, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo had had no success at all trying to engage Edith in conversation.
She seemed wrapped up in herself and had no desire to be friendly. When Gary
and Robert had finished their talk and returned to the kitchen, Gary said he
had work to do and they should get home, especially as the girls needed their
tea and an early night. Cleo said that Dorothy had already gone back to the
cottage with the children. She would give them their supper and Charlie would
help to get PeggySue ready for bed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Walking back to the cottage, Gary was disinclined to talk
about what Robert had said, but promised an explanation when they got to their
brain-storming session. First priority was to look after the girls. Gary would
go through Charlie’s homework with her before they had supper. She was good at
school, but he liked to keep abreast of what they were doing, and Charlie had
fun teaching her father things that had hardly been thought of when he was her
age.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo made pizza on a big tray ready to go in the oven.
Charlie helped chop the mushrooms and decided how everything was going to be
arranged. PeggySue listened to a song or two sung by Dorothy. Charlie stayed up
for a bit after supper and watch an animal programme. The three grown-ups sat
at the dining table for their think-tank session.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m going to bed now,” said Charlie. “I’ll sing some more
songs with PeggySue.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s a good idea, Sweetheart,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlie went solemnly to kiss the grownups good night and
went off to bed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s your turn first, Gary,” Cleo started. “What did Robert
have to say to you? He seemed desperate for advice of some kind.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m glad that Charlie decided to go to bed. What I should
be telling you is not meant for her ears. In fact, I’m not sure I should be
repeating some of the details.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t then, Gary,” said Cleo, noticing that Gary was
perturbed about what Robert had said to him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“To cut a long story short, after he had described Edith’s
behaviour, Robert told me that he thinks Edith could have killed the vicar,”
said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That reflects what we think, doesn’t it?” said Dorothy. “I
certainly think she’s capable of it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Her alibi is rocky, Ladies,” said Gary. “Robert does not
know if Edith was at home at the time the vicar was killed.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wasn’t he at home?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. He went to the shop to do his accounts.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Escaping from Edith for a while, no doubt,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“ I wonder if someone saw him there,” said Dorothy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You don’t seriously think that Robert would poison the
vicar, do you Dorothy?”, said Cleo. “He couldn’t hurt a fly!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I agree, and Dorothy does not know about Edith’s fetish,
Cleo,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Tell me, Gary. I’m all ears,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m not sure you’d really want to hear about it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I would.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary made sure that the girls were asleep.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m nearly asleep,
Daddy,” said Charlie. “I know you want to talk business,” she said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Je t’aime,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Moi aussi,” replied Charlie. “But tell me about just one
bit of police business.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary obliged with a harmless tale.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Now close your eyes and go to sleep. I’ll put the light
out, shall I?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I won’t eavesdrop, Daddy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Promise?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Promise.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary planted a kiss on his daughter’s forehead, kissed
PeggySue on her rosy cheeks and returned to the dining-table.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I just hope Charlie does not want to become a policewoman,”
he said. “She just pretended to nod off when I was telling her about someone stealing
toys from a department store and it turning out to be a 63 year old housewife
with no children and a flat full of stolen toys. Then she asked me to pass her
book. The characters in there are more realistic, I assume.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think I’d fall asleep if you told me that story,” said
Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, Charlie didn’t, but I persuaded her to let me switch
off the light.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Gary had finished telling Cleo, who already knew, and
Dorothy who didn’t, about Edith’s nymphomaniac acts, Dorothy was not too
shocked to tell Gary that she was not really surprised. Edith had always been
too good to be true; a paragon of virtue. Such women often had relapses!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not a relapse, Dorothy. She isn’t ill.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“In my book she is, Cleo. Her husband is murdered in the
afternoon and she<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>gets drunk and rapes
her boyfriend in the evening. That is not rational behaviour.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll phone Greg and ask him to describe in as much detail
as he can remember<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the woman who served
him the tea that knocked him out,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Greg was able to report that no one had been near the room
Parsnip had occupied, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Keep the guard up for a couple more days, Greg,” Gary
advised. “We may be onto something.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary asked Greg to describe his tea-lady again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She was wearing a white overall, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“With a name badge?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I didn’t see one.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What did she have on her head?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think she must have been a Muslim. She was wearing a big
scarf pulled right down over her forehead and almost covering her shoulders.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What colour was the scarf?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Darkish and patterned. Not very noticeable.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you remember anything else, Greg. It’s really
important.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She was wearing glasses, Gary. Huge sun-glasses. And she
did not really raise her head. And there was a tiny birthmark on her hand.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Could it have been Edith Parsnip?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The vicar’s wife. She had a motive.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You’ll have to explain that, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She was having an affair and did not want the vicar back
under her roof.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Just let me think for a moment…Well, the woman was very
slight. I suppose it could have been her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Was she wearing rings?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. No rings, but as I said, there was that birthmark on
the back of her left hand.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You’re sure about that?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes. She poured the tea out and then she took the tray with
a cup and saucer and the usual tea-things into Mr Parsnip’s room and must have
poured him a cup. Then she came back very quickly and almost ran down the
corridor with the tray. I was feeling groggy. I thought I was just tired from
getting up early.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You didn’t think anything was odd.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. I wasn’t groggy from the tea then, Gary. I didn’t try
it until she had gone. I was chewing gum and I had to get rid of it first, so I
got up and put it in a waste bin. Then I tried a minute sip of the tea. It
smelt funny, so I poured it into a plant pot. Then I sat down and went to
sleep. But I’ve told you all that before.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Chris analysed the soil in that plant pot, Greg. There was
enough poison in it to kill a football team.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Good God. I had a narrow escape.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You were extremely lucky, Greg. If you think of anything
else, let me know.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You heard all that, didn’t you?” said Gary, returning to
the table. “What do you make of it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Edith is definitely a suspect,” said Dorothy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What about the birthmark on her hand?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t think I’ve ever noticed that. But she was
right-handed,” said Dorothy. “I remember that from the sewing class she held
for parishioners interested in making things. Men came along to learn how to
sew on buttons, as if that were difficult. The stronger hand is often more
noticeable.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How did she get into the hospital?” asked Cleo. “Did anyone
see her come and go?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m going to interview her at HQ tomorrow,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You can bluff a bit,” said Dorothy. “Pretend someone saw
her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Exactly, Dorothy. Do you want to be there?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, but invisible.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK. Do you have time, Cleo?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll make time. Gloria will take have to collect and take
care of PeggySue after nursery school.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let’s say eleven, then, shall we?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’ll drive in, Dorothy,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, Cleo, I’ll take the bus. I like to be independent.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Of course, that does not solve the Grisham killings,” said
Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Unless she has something to do with them as well,” said
Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She saw the vicar off at the vicarage, Cleo. She can’t have
intercepted the car a few minutes later somewhere else. She doesn’t even have a
driver’s licence,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But she might have hired someone,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who, for instance?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How about Frank Cook?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We don’t even know for certain if she knows him even if she
did work for his family in Switzerland.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did she?” Dorothy said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Cook was fired from MI5, Dorothy. Roger has the details. You
were right again, Ladies. He is not squeaky clean.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we can keep
the possibility of collusion <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in mind,
but we should do some research first.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Edith could have killed Mrs Grisham,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But what would be her motive, Dorothy? You always need a
motive. You insist on a motive!” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let’s get that research done,” said Gary. “I’ll get fingerprints
off Edith first thing and send them to Chris for identification. She must have
left them somewhere, at least at the hospital. I know there were unidentified
prints there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Too many, surely, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s worth a try.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That all sounds like a good way forward,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll get some coffee and put another pizza in the oven
now,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t put<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a pizza
in, take it out, Gary. It should be ready by now and I don’t even know if we
need one. Are you still hungry, Dorothy?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Solving murders makes me hungry.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"Not solving
them does the same for me, Dorothy," said Gary. “Oh, and by the way, Frank
Cook, what I said about Frank Cook is official.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Are you going to
tell us how? Cleo asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“It’s another
complicated story. We ocud erhaps get roger to explain tomorrow at HQ.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Dorothy cleared
everything off the table and laid fresh places for three for the second supper
of the evening. Gloria would not be around. Her line-dancing group had to
prepare for the Christmas Revue. Auditions would be taking place soon. Gloria
was ambitious. She wanted to impress Dorothy with the dancers. They would fit
in beautifully with the spirituals, she thought. Dorothy had already prevented
Gloria from dressing them in hula costumes but she had no idea what they would
wear instead. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Gary looked in on
his daughters. Charlie was still awake, had put the light back on and was
reading a book about dragons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Come and have some
more pizza,” he whispered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Look who’s here,”
said Gary, returning to the living-room with Charlie piggy-backing. “Do we have
time for a hug before I bring on the pizza, ladies?” he asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“We always have
time for a hug,” replied Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The pizza was
excellent. Washed down with Chianti and followed by fruit and cheese, it was a
perfect supper, they all agreed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Now Charlie really
was tired. Cleo took her to bed while Gary escorted Dorothy home. Cleo was still
clearing up when Gary arrived back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’ll help you
now,” he volunteered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Perfect timing,
Sweetheart. It’s all done!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">A text message from
Chris asked them to read his newest lab report NOW. When Gary got back he found
Cleo printing it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Read this, Gary.
It may be what we need.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“The poison in the
vicar’s cup, in the plant pot and in Greg’s blood analysis was identical. The
vicar’s cup revealed two lots of prints, from the vicar and someone else. The
prints on the back seat of the car belonged to Grisham and someone else. Chris
thought it might be a woman’s hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“If they aren’t
Edith’s prints, whose are they?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“But we know they
can’t be Edith’s,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Do we, Cleo? What
if Edith decided to accompany the two men to the airport.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“There’s never been
any question of that, Gary. Don’t complicate the issue. Edith wanted Mr Parsnip
out of the way and waved him off. When he turned up again she went to the
hospital and killed him in cold blood. Those prints in that car don’t have to
be from the same day. I thought we’d decided that. So how about Mrs Grisham?
Chris must have her prints. He hasn’t mentioned them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“ I won’t
speculate,” said Gary. “I’ve got a hunch, but I won’t expound it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Let’s get some
sleep, Gary. Tomorrow is going to be a long day and I’m tired.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’m not surprised.
Your duvet or mine?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
faith1110http://www.blogger.com/profile/02358925817174593317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015358035360649701.post-15646072706346513822015-11-15T03:56:00.002-08:002020-03-07T12:45:37.876-08:00Episode 15 - Blame the stork<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday November 2</b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
So much for Sunday.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>***<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Is it Monday already?” groaned Gary from the depths of his
duvet. "I don’t want to get up."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s past seven thirty, Sweetheart.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That late? What about PeggySue’s breakfast?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I let you sleep. You looked too peaceful to wake after that
ugly day we had yesterday. Your daughter has had a snack to go on with. Why
don’t you have breakfast with the girls while I’ll take quick shower? I don't
want to be late for my clinic appointment.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Get up, Daddy,” said Charlie, running into the bedroom
fully dressed and carrying PeggySue.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hello, Sweethearts. Don’t you have to go to school, Charlie?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not just yet, Daddy. You haven’t had your breakfast, and I
thought perhaps you’d take me there…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, Sweetheart. Of course. You look a bit bothered.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think something terrible must have happened at the
vicarage,” said Charlie. “Cedric phoned, Mr Parsnip is dead. Everyone is very
upset except for Mrs Parsnip. Cedric said she was really funny when they got home after
football. He said she was falling about and she had to be put to bed by Aunty
Clare.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I was there some of the time, Charlie, but I didn’t see
Cedric,” said Cleo, who had just finished her shower and was looking for some
clothes to wear.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He was hiding in the cupboard under the stairs. If you
leave the door open a little bit you can hear everything.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m glad you did not
have to be there, Charlie,” said Cleo. “I don’t think you should go to the
vicarage for a few days.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m never going there again, Mummy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t say that, Charlie. The boys need you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlie turned back to Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why is he dead, Daddy?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary decided a truthful answer would be more useful than
some silly excuse.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Someone poisoned him, Charlie.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“In the hospital?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m afraid so. If you want to stay home today, we’ll call the
school and say you don’t feel well.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll be all right,” said Charlie.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Then I’ll take a quick shower now and we’ll have some
breakfast before we leave,” said Gary, swinging his legs out of bed and
reaching for Cleo’s kimono, that had now been discarded by its owner.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll phone the vicarage and see if the boys want to go to
school today,” said Gary. “I can take them with me and explain the situation to
their class teachers.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clare answered the phone and was grateful because her sister
seemed to be having some sort of mental breakdown.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlie insisted on carrying PeggySue around until the
little girl decided that crawling was more comfortable. Breakfast followed.
Gary fed PeggySue. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We have to go now, Charlie,” he announced after consulting
his watch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Aren’t we too late for school, Daddy?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, Sweetheart. I’ll explain everything and tomorrow
everything will be normal again.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“When will you be home, Gary?” Cleo asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What time is your clinic appointment?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“At ten-thirty. I’ll cook a late lunch, shall I?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, please. I’ll
try to be here by one.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ve no idea how long I’ll be at the hospital.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are you ill, Mummy?” Charlie asked anxiously.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, Sweetheart. Just checking on the new baby.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s all right then.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Edith behaved very badly yesterday. I expect she has a
massive hangover this morning, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’d be surprised if she hadn’t from what you told me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What’s a hangover, Daddy?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s what you get if you drink too much alcohol,
Charlie,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Is that why Mrs Parsnip was so funny?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, Charlie,” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlie went to get her satchel for school.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Edith has had time to reflect on her conduct yesterday,
unless she had a blackout. Robert must be at the shop by now,” said Cleo to
Gary. “You could drop in and tell him to call you if he wants to discuss
things.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll do that. I hope he realized what he’s got himself into”
said Gary. Perhaps you should go to Edith and see about things. Clare will be
glad to see you, I’m sure.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll send Dorothy if she hasn’t already thought of going. I
can’t cancel the clinic appointment.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Of course not. On no account are you to cancel anything for
Edith,” said Gary. “I feel sorry for Robert, but, you’re right. We can’t play
nursemaid to him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who would have thought that Edith is such a vampire,” said
Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did you bring all your books home, Charlie?” said Gary as
Charlie came in from her bedroom.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Most of them. In my satchel, Daddy. What’s a van-pire?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll explain in the car. Not Van-pire, a vampire.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary took hold of the satchel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You put bricks in this again, Charlie.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlie kissed PeggySue, who was negotiating with a rusk.
Cleo went out with Gary and Charlie. Big hugs finalised the departure. Gary would
pick up the boys at the vicarage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When PeggySue had been
dressed ready for nursery school, Cleo decided to phone Robert after all
and was quite relieved to hear from Edith that he had managed to escape. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Bobo wasn’t in my bed this morning,” she said. “He is
probably at the shop even earlier than usual.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo was not for the first time disgusted with Edith’s
conduct. The vicar was being refrigerated at pathology and she was talking about
‘Bobo’ in a way that confirmed her coldness towards the vicar. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Can you remember
anything about yesterday, Edith?” Cleo said, pressing on with the phone-call.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So you don’t know why I was there with Dorothy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t even remember you being there, Cleo. I have a
terrible headache this morning. I’d like to go back to bed now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are the boys OK?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“They got themselves breakfast and went to school with Gary.
I heard his car but I haven’t seen them today. Clare left a note to say she had
taken the twins home. Why would she do that and what was she doing here?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She was putting you to bed, Edith.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But I’m a big girl. I can get ready for bed by myself.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not after two bottles of elderberry wine, Edith.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh that…” she retorted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edith did not seem to want to hear what Cleo had wanted to
tell her the day before. Cleo decided to tell her now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You do know that Frederick is dead, don’t you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Is he?” replied Edith.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes. Aren’t you even sorry?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, Cleo. To be truthful I could not care less,” said
Edith.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Go back to bed and try to think what Mr Parsnip’s death
means for you and the boys, Edith. You can call me back when you have come to
your senses,” said Cleo and slammed the phone down.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The call to Dorothy was next on the list, but Cleo
hesitated. She had to leave for the clinic after dropping PeggySue off at the nursery
and that was more important than listening to Dorothy going on about the change
in Edith’s personality.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At her cottage, Dorothy had been up very early. She pruned one or two
trees and added twigs to the bonfire to
sooth her nerves. She was still shocked about Frederick’s death and Edith’s indifference.
Dorothy was starting to wonder how much Edith was to blame for the whole
situation, including the Grishams’ fate. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m sorry, Dorothy, but I have to go to the clinic this
morning. Can we talk later?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Of course, Cleo. Is something wrong?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. Just a check-up except that I have a hunch.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“About the baby?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Could be. Talk later. Can you call in at the vicarage this
morning?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I thought of that myself,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I talked to Edith just now and she does not care a dime
about Frederick. I hope Gary will call her in for questioning today.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Is it that bad?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Bad enough, Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo took PeggySue to the nursery school before driving to Middlethumpton.
Gloria would collect her granddaughter about midday. Gloria loved caring for
PeggySue and Cleo was normally glad to attend to agency business for a couple
of hours. This morning was an exception. Cleo was glad that the hospital appointment
would take her mind off the previous days’ events.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The baby clinic part of the hospital was in a different wing
to the one in which Frederick Parsnip had been murdered, but Cleo had something
else on her mind right now, so she only had time to look in mainly out of
curiosity. A police guard was still on duty there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You can’t go in, Miss,” the officer told her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Is that the room where Mr Parsnip was poisoned?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes Miss. Forensics want to look at it again.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If Chief Inspector Hurley turns up, just say I was here
briefly, will you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh. Are you…?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“His wife? Yes. But I’m also Cleo Hartley and I have an
appointment at the other end of the hospital. I’ll be late if I don’t get a
move on.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll give the Chief Inspector your message, Miss,” the officer
said, smiling. What a catch with those smouldering eyes. Those ladies were said
to be good at the erotic stuff, too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It wasn’t really important to see the room, decided Cleo.
What was important was that it was still under surveillance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the clinic she was examined and an ultrasonic photo made
of her baby.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Babies,” said the midwife. I would say you are four months
gone. Or even five. Do you remember…?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Certainly not. I don’t keep a sex diary,” said Cleo.” Are
you telling me that I’m expecting twins?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The midwife nodded. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There are no twins in our family,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There are now,” said the midwife.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And up to five months into pregnancy?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Judging from the ultrasound photo, but it’s sometime hard
to tell if the mother has not kept track of when…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Listen lady,” said Cleo, now quite irate at the innuendoes.
“I have sex with my husband at least once a day. How am I supposed to know when
it happened,” she said, enjoying the shocked look on the midwife’s face.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You are not shocked, I hope,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s unusual, I admit,” said the midwife.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That depends,” said Cleo. “I had a marriage to a brutallo
and one to a sex moron and now I have a great guy and a marriage I’m really
enjoying,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well,” said the midwife, “just look after yourself and cut
down on your salt intake, Miss Hartley.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I thought you were going to advise me to cut down something
else, but I can’t make any promises on that,” was Cleo’s parting shot.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She and Gary had
never talked about the possibility of two babies instead of one, but she knew
how he felt about them having another baby together Before she was even out of
the baby clinic she had already decided that having two was going to make Gary
even happier and the logistics even harder.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Robert had been
horrified when she announced that she was expecting PeggySue and PeggySue was
now a year old. He had known that the baby could not be his, but had pretended
it was until they had separated and he had been obliged to tell the truth. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He had known that
Cleo wanted a baby. He had turned a blind eye to her affair with Gary, and she
had fallen for the ruse. She really had thought Robert could be PeggySue’s
father despite his deficits as a lover. If there was anything designed to put a
wife in the arms of a rival, that was it, she reflected. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How many royals had
been born on the wrong side of the blanket while their consorts amused
themselves with other ‘pastimes’?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo was euphoric, old memories of her marriage to Robert
were forever stifled. Edith was welcome to him if he could stay the course. Would
Robert continue with that relationship now? Edith had definitely overstepped
the line the previous day. Cleo could see that he was ashamed of her and
horrified at her antics. Before his affair with Edith he had called her a silly
woman. How right he was.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo was not given to singing, but she sang along to the
music on the car radio all the way home. She could not say exactly when the
babies were due since she was not sure, but would reveal that there were two of
them. When should she break the news? Then Gary phoned and before she could
stop herself, she had hinted to Gary that the cottage was going to be very crowded
in a few months.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I know that, Cleo. That’s why the builder is coming at
lunchtime to measure up. I should have warned you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wow! You don’t waste any time.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Our plans for the cottage have been sanctioned, so I
organized the firm responsible for building the extensions to HQ. I hope that
was OK. This whole business with Parsnip has rather taken over from our
domestic issues.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The extensions are great news, Gary.“<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Even if they are not all ready in time for the next Hurley,
who knows…?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who knows….?” Cleo echoed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Chris has sent me the preliminary results of the
investigation at the hospital.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I looked in on that ward this morning on my way to the
clinic.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How come?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I was curious. The officer on guard would not let me in.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Good. That means he’s doing his job, though he’s really
there to prevent Edith from getting in.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Isn’t that locking the stable door after the horse has bolted,
Gary?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s what I think. She is not fit for anything but a
darkened room, but she might take it into her head to put on a grieving act. We
haven’t heard the last of Edith, my love.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What about her alibi?. Even Edith can’t be in two places at
once.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You’d be surprised how many people try to pull that one
off. Chris says that the detailed blood test on Mr Parsnip will take longer,
but he found a poisonous substance in the blood sample and it will be compared
with the poison Greg fortunately only got a taste of that and disposed of in
that plant pot. There were fingerprints everywhere, but it’s unlikely that any
will be identified. The most interesting discovery was a short note Mr Parsnip
had written and concealed under his pillow. Shall I read it to you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Can you bring a copy home?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Of course.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Then I’ll wait,” said Cleo. “I’m very curious, but I must
start cooking.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll skip the hospital now I know there’s still a guard on
duty. To be honest, I didn’t want to check through Greg because he might have
interpreted that as checking up on him, and I would not do that. Greg is
totally reliable, but not all his colleagues are. I’ll be home in half an
hour.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll be waiting, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo’s greeting rather started Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are there twins in your family?” she said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You always ask me leading questions during our hugs, Cleo.
I just want to tell you how much I love you and you invariably want me to think
about something else.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It isn’t really something else, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Spare me the riddles. I’m not up to them.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You sound like a victim of the elderberry wine. Look what
it did to Edith!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It addled her brain, but I’m starting to think there wasn’t
that much to addle.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s only because she embarked on her erotic trip too
late.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Which does not explain the five Parsnip children.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It might explain why Frederick kept well away from her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Eventually…This time Robert is the victim,” said Gary. “I
would not like to be in his shoes.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You won’t ever have to be. don’t think you could ever be as
tame as Robert.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let’s skip lunch and check that out, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t need a confirmation. Anyway, siestas are after
lunch not instead of. And you haven’t heard my news yet. I have to eat for
three.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I hope not. One of
your portions is plenty.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Twins, Gary. Twins!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Is my brain addled
, too?"<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I shouldn't
think so, but we are having two babies, one for you and one for me, or something
like that."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It took a few
moments for Gary to react appropriately.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Well I’ll be
damned! I’m on cloud nine again. Another pre-lunch hug, please.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As usual, Gloria’s timing was perfect.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you guys ever stop the lovin ’ business?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not voluntarily, Gloria,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I have good reason to hang up my sleuthing apron for a
while, Mother.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You do?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We are having twins.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who’s we? Not Robert, I hope. You’ve only just sorted
PeggySue out.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You know it can’t be Robert and it wouldn’t be. These babies
are genuine seaside products,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But that was months ago,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s how long babies take, Sweetheart.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I wonder what Edith will say to that,” said Gloria. “She
wants a daughter before it is too late.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Then she’ll have to shop around,” said Cleo. “Quite apart
from Robert not being able to sire any kids at all, did he tell you about
Edith’s behaviour yesterday?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah. He’s pretty cut up.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He has to get away from her, Gloria,” said Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Am I getting that job?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If you can think of something – maybe someone from your
line-dancing troupe?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Maybe. From what he told me this morning, Edith has already
cooked her goose.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“As long as he doesn’t get ideas about Cleo again,” said
Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s not his style,” said Gloria. “I think he’s basically
a single. Nice to everyone but non-committal.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And hardly any experience with the opposite sex,” said
Cleo. “Except for a teenage misadventure that left a girl pregnant on the other
side of the planet and me, whom he could not fathom at all.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t look at me,” said Gloria. “If I was looking for a
partner, which I’m not, it would be a rich octogenarian with four cars and a castle.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The phone rang.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There’s one now, Gloria,” said Gary. ”You are next to the
phone. Answer it, please.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was Robert in a state.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Gloria, can you come back to the shop? There’s trouble at
the vicarage. I’ll have to be there when the boys get home from school.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since the speakers were on, they could all hear what Robert
said. Cleo and Gloria rolled their eyes and Gary shook his head.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK. I’ll be back at two,” said Gloria.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Thank you so much, Gloria,” Robert was heard to say before
he rang off.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Edith is a pain,”
said Gary, who was certainly not going to tell Gloria what he and Cleo thought
of Edith’s possible involvement in the vicar’s killing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How about checking up on some of her alibis, Gary?” said
Gloria out of the blue. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The room went silent apart from PeggySue babbling on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll do that, Gloria, and thanks for the tip! Let’s eat
now,” said Gary. “Cleo, can you get Dorothy to visit Miss Snow with the news
about the vicar?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t bother. She was in the shop this morning and Robert
told her,” said Gloria, who seemed to know what role Miss Snow had played in Mr
Parsnip’s reappearance, so Robert had probably told her about Miss Snow
harbouring the vicar.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How did she react?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She shortened her order.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
faith1110http://www.blogger.com/profile/02358925817174593317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015358035360649701.post-61410696526270789692015-11-14T11:30:00.002-08:002020-03-07T12:12:19.927-08:00Episode 14 - Inconstant nymph<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunday cont. </b><br />
<h3>
<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It was with heavy
hearts that Job’s comforters knocked on the front door of the vicarage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">A jovial Edith
Parsnip opened the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a>“Why didn’t you
come round the back?” she said, leading the way to the kitchen. “We are just
having a little drink. Would you like one? It’s Beatrice’s home-made elderberry
wine, but between you, me and the gatepost I think there’s more rum in it than
elderberries. A year’s fermentation has done the rest. Cheers!”<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Edith drained her
glass.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Edith, don’t…”
said Robert.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The vicar’s wife
was obviously drunk. Robert was sitting on the one comfortable chair at the
kitchen table. His glass was almost full. Elderberry wine was a ladies’ drink in
his opinion, and it tasted like cough medicine, despite the rum. Edith must
have drunk a lot of it in the short time she had been at home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“How long has Edith
been here, Robert?” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Not long. She went
straight for the bottle, “ he said. He was obviously disgusted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“We want to go to
Crumbs’ open day this afternoon,” Edith reported. “Except for Robert. He would
be afraid of upsetting his singing, wouldn’t you Bobo?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Edith, I think our
guests want to tell you something,” said Robert.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Do you? Oh boy!
Well, spit it out then!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">‘Spit it out’ was
one of Dorothy’s pet phrases, gleaned from a Hollywood gangster movie. Edith
was fascinated by the things people said, and had practised Dorothy’s gangster
jargon and Cleo's Chicago accent until she was good at them. Cleo had often
been amused to hear Edith imitating her. But that was in the old days of
vicarage meetings. Lately she had had other things to occupy her mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“You’d better sit
down first, Edith,” said Dorothy firmly. She was also disgusted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Why should I sit
down, Dorothy? I’m not tired.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Holy mackerel!”
shouted Cleo. “Sit down, will you!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Edith winced, but
sat down on one of the three-legged stools reserved for the boys. She spayed
her legs and pulled her skirt high enough to expose her scanty underwear to
Robert. Then she pulled his drink towards her while he looked away,
embarrassed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Robert removed the glass
and went to the sink where he poured the contents away to cries of “Don’t do
that, Robert, I’m thirsty”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Now listen!” said
Cleo. She was disgusted with Edith’s antics. “And pull down that skirt
immediately. You are disgusting.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Edith shrugged her shoulders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Dorothy decided
that under the circumstances there was nothing for it but to tell Edith quite
bluntly what she had to know. She gestured to Cleo to let her get on with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Frederick is
dead,” she told Edith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“What?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I said that
Frederick is dead.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Dead? How can he
be dead? He was at Flora Snow’s.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">They all gasped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“What?” shouted
Cleo. “You knew all the time?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I got a phone-call
from Miss Snow,” said Edith, drinking the contents of Robert’s glass of beer
that he had poured himself. She had reached for it so suddenly that Robert had
no time to defend it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“You did what,” he
shouted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I got a phone-call
from Miss Snow saying Mr Parsnip was staying there and what should she do with
him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“What did you say,
Edith?” Dorothy asked in as quiet a voice as she could muster.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I told her to keep
him,” said Edith, laughing at what she thought was a big joke. “Have some wine
or beer or both. I’m going to.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Edith swayed across
the kitchen to get more of the elderberry wine. She did not bother with a glass,
but drank the contents ex out of the bottle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Dorothy laughedm
but not because it was amusing that Edith should have washed her hands of the
vicar with one well-chosen retort. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Edith shouted “Hurray!”
and drank the left-over half bottle of elderberry wine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It was an
absolutely shocking <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>situation none of
them had reckoned with. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Dorothy’s laughter
froze as she grasped that Edith had known where the vicar was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Edith was acting
totally out of character, or was that in character? Robert was acutely
embarrassed. Cleo decided to phone Edith’s twin sister Clare. Someone would
have to get control of Edith and she could think of no one better. Clare said
she would come straight away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’ll make some
strong coffee,” said Robert, and went to see to it. He was glad to have
something to do. He had never seen Edith in that state before. OK, she had come
to him and insisted that he make love to her. He did care about her, but not in
that state. He was horrified and ashamed that he had succumbed to her sexual
demands without giving a thought to where that would lead him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Cleo went to Robert
and spoke quietly to him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’m sorry about
all this,” she started. “I wish Gary was here, but he stayed home with the
girls thinking Dorothy and I would cope better without him. I expect Edith has
been pent up and emotionally starved for so long that she is simply shaking it
all off, Robert.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Did Gary tell you
that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“No. We were both
happy that you and Edith had found one another.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Correction. She
found me, Cleo. I liked her, but she seduced me. I’d never been seduced before.
It was a shattering experience she rather likes to repeat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Don’t tell me any
more, Robert. It’s none of my business. If you have problems, Gary will help
you. We think of you as a friend, you know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“The awful part is
that we go through the ritual of her telling me she is unhappy every time she
gets near me. Then she gets very close and kisses me before undressing me and
herself and putting her hands everywhere. I’m not used to that kind of sex, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“You needn’t tell
me that, Robert.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’m sorry. I
forgot…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“It is not what I
expected of Edith, Robert, but you can see from her behaviour now that she
likes to indulge in excesses.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’m glad you came,
Cleo, and I'm glad you are happy with Gary. I couldn’t make you happy. I’m
sorry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I was happy some
of the time and I fought for our marriage, Robert, but you didn’t and you lied
to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Edith was now
sitting on one of the stools at the table in a drunken stupor with her head
buried in her hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’m sorry for the
way it all ended, Cleo,” said Robert.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“You did me a
favour, Robert, and as far as Edith’s excesses are concerned, you’ll have to
learn to say no,” said Cleo, who had had enough of a heart to heart with her
ex.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I can’t . That’s
just the problem. She gets me to the point of no return and I am a fallen man.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Since Cleo had
never experienced Robert in a state of no return, she did not comment. She
would ask Gary what he thought. She was not the right person to be confided in
on that topic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ll have to stop her before she can
undress you, Robert,” she said now. “No one can help you if you don’t help
yourself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’ll try,” said
Robert.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Dorothy had poured
away the alcohol she could find. Edith was clearly unable to take in the news
of Frederick’s death so it was pointless trying again to tell her. Cleo told
Robert in a few words what had happened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Fortunately for all
of them, Clare came in through the kitchen door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“What’s up, Edith,”
she said, putting an arm round Edith’s shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Clare stepped back
hurriedly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Why, you are
drunk, Edith!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I'm fine, Clare.
Have a drink!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Clare turned to the
others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“OK folks. Go home!
You can go too, Robert. I’ll stay. Karl is looking after the twins. On the
other hand, stay and tell me what has happened when I've put Edith to bed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’ll wait for the
boys,” said Robert.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"I'm not going
to bed on my own," said Edith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"Yes you
are," said Clare, pulling Edith to her feet and steering her out of the
kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Thanks Clare,” said
Cleo. “Robert can tell the boys about their father later.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Just tell me
quickly,” said Clare. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Edith sat on the
stairs and announced that she was now a free woman; free to enjoy her body and
Robert’s. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Come to bed,
Bobo,” she called. “Show me your wares. I’m up for grabs.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Robert hid in the
kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The onlookers were
appalled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Parsnip was
poisoned at the hospital,” Cleo told Clare. ”We don’t know who did it. Edith
can’t take it all in because the elderberry wine got to her head first.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Clare pulled Edith
up and dragged her up the stairs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’ll cope,” she
called. “Don’t worry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Stunned from that
scene in the vicarage kitchen and Edith’s obscene behaviour on the stairs,
which had included stripping off most of her clothes and lying with her legs
sprawled crudely, making unmistakeable gestures to no one in particular and
groaning lasciviously, the sleuths set off for home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I’ll walk home with
you before I go to the cottage, Dorothy.” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Cleo and Dorothy
made no further mention of Edith’s disgraceful behaviour other than to agree
that Robert alias Bobo did not deserve a harlot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How was it? Gary asked, as Cleo kicked off
her shoes and went into the kitchen to make coffee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Awful,” she said.
“Edith was drunk and Robert regaled me with his sex adventures with her. I
expect he’ll tell you in due course. I referred him to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Come here,” said
Gary. “You are a nervous wreck.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Gary led Cleo to
the sofa, turned her into a lying down position and covered her with the plaid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Sleep for a few
minutes, my love. You look as if you need it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“The scenario was
disgusting, Gary. Edith was in a vile, oscene state and celebrating her freedom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’m sorry I let
you in for the ordeal.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I had time to
learn about poor Robert,” she said. “I’m so glad that’s over.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’ll get the
coffee while you close your eyes for a few minutes, and then you should tell me
what the guy said.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">An hour later, Cleo
was sitting at her laptop writing a report of the weekend events. Gary took
care of PeggySue and made supper. Charlie was in her pyjamas and now lying on
the sofa wrapped in the plaid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’m going to
suspend animation at the Hartley Agency,” Cleo announced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’m glad, Cleo.
Your health and our baby are more important.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“This Grisham case
is such a mess, Gary. I’ll go on helping if I can, but from home, where I can
watch PeggySue growing, look after Charlie and look forward to their new
sister.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Or brother. Are
you going to find out?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’d rather not,
Gary. We’re all in for a surprise, anyway.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’m not with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I have an
appointment at the prenatal clinic tomorrow. Then I’ll know more.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“How do you expect
me to sleep with that on my mind?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Let’s sleep when
we get round to it,” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“One thing is
clear: Harmless, timid Edith is a man-eater.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“You’ve hinted at
that before, Gary, and what Robert told me confirms that. She has what I would
call a fetish.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“A what?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">A fetish. A
fixation, obsession, call it what you will. In her case it’s all about being
unhappy then seducing someone, forcing herself on the victim, in this case
Robert, and then feeling happy again, but only briefly..”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“You did say she seduced
him, didn’t you?” said Gary<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“That’s the word
Robert used.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I call that rape,”
said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“She goes through
the same ritual as when she first went to see Robert, presumably with the same intention
of having sex with him, but she has is becoming increasingly desperate and
violent.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Are you inferring
that it could all come to a terrible end, Cleo?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“If we don’t stop
her, it could.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“But she’s so small
and Robert is a hunk of a man.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Ever heard of K.O.
drops?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“What Robert told
you is not something you normally tell a woman,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“That makes it all
the more important to rescue him,” said Cleo. “She might otherwise dope him and
then smother him for sheer sexual thrills.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“We won’t let it
come to that, Cleo. The woman has to be stopped.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Robert could stop
seeing her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I hope he will.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“And Edith won’t
stay drunk for ever.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I expect she is
stone sober when she goes through her sex routine with the poor guy,” said
Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“So he has told
you, hasn’t he?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Not in detail,
Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“But he has to sort
out his own problem in his own way,” said Cleo. I am not going play nursemaid
to him, and the infamous Edith must be dealt with.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Let’s hope news of
Parsnip’s murder stops her sex trail long enough for Robert to get out,” said
Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“It should, but it won’t,”
said Cleo. “Robert will probably feel responsible for the boys, and that will
help them all to cope with the situation."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"I hadn't
thought of that. I gather we are giving the cake shop a miss, are we?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Can we? I don’t
think I can face cake.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“We’ll go and try
them all when this whole drama has blown over, Cleo.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"Thanks for
not insisting, Gary. I'll ring Beatrice and tell her what has happened. She is
the vicar’s next of kin, and should get there to help. She needs to be told
about her brother, anyway."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Dorothy rang from
the cake shop. Gary answered the phone and explained that Cleo had gone to
sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“That’s all right,”
Dorothy said. “I won’t hang around. Do you need me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“No Dorothy. Cleo
will be OK in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Cleo fed and bathed
PeggySue, glad of the distraction, and the little girl went to bed happily.
Gary had checked Charlie’s algebra homework, that is to say that she had explained
it to him before settling on the sofa to look at a catalogue of Barbie clothes
and eat slices of her father’s homemade pizza.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“You’re not going
to buy those clothes, are you?” Gary asked her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Not me. You. And
not all, just a few.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Late, Gary was very
thoughtful about what his sleuthing ‘Ladies’ had been through.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’ve been
thinking,” he said. “It’s pretty horrific, the whole business. You go to the
vicarage to tell Edith that <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>her husband
of good 15 years has been murdered and find a half pissed vicar’s wife prancing
around and making lascivious gestures. Then you talk to a guy who is twice the
size of someone who is raping him at regular intervals. And finally you witness
a solo orgy by the femme fatale herself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Just add that
Edith knew all the time where the vicar was. She said she had told Flora Snow
to keep him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“That is definitely
vintage Dorothy,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“My report, such as
it is, omits the inuendoes and obscenities of that visit to the vicarage, Gary.
Let’s go to bed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“That’s a good
idea, but I’ll transport Charlie first,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">So saying, he
carried the sleeping child from the sofa to her bed, tucked her in, dropped a
kiss on her forehead, checked on PeggySue and watched her sleeping for a minute,
thanking his lucky stars that he was her father.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
faith1110http://www.blogger.com/profile/02358925817174593317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015358035360649701.post-12134057310166429232015-11-13T14:38:00.002-08:002020-03-07T11:27:27.702-08:00Episode 13 - All saints (and sinners)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunday November 1</b><br />
<h3>
<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just after midnight, Dorothy phoned. She had just arrived
home from the hospital in a taxi and was eager to tell Cleo what had happened
in the meantime. Gary listened in, of course. He was just as curious.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>“Frederick has started to doubt that Flora Snow is Laura,”
Dorothy started. ”About time too. In the ambulance he told me in a whisper that
a remarkable change had come over Laura. He didn’t quite understand it as she
had never loved him as much before.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Before what, Dorothy?” Gary asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I asked him that and he said before they lived together.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Goodness. Don’t say they shared a bed, Dorothy,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I didn’t ask him and Flora just sat next to him with pursed
lips. He wanted her to hold his hand. She was very reluctant, I thought.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Was she? There’s some spunk in her after all then,” said
Gary. “I wonder if they had sex.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
”I hope they kept it platonic, but there's nothing like an
old fool!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Be fair, Dorothy," said Gary. "Mr Parsnip is
not even 50."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"But Flora Snow is over 60 and not exactly young at
heart, either," retorted Dorothy. “In fact, she’s a bit of a frump, in my
opinion.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A what?” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A fuddy-duddy,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A bit of a dodo,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Delilah is ten years older than Mitch and they get on
like a house on fire," said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Delilah is an attractive woman," said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"And Mitch is a lovely man," said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did the vicar really say they were living together,
Dorothy?” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If so, our holier-than-thou vicar is turning out to be one
of those hypocrits he condemned in his priestly days,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We don’t know if Laura seduced him, do we?” said Dorothy.
“I don’t think she did. She confided in him. Told him all the bad things she
had done, and with an ulterior motice.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Which was?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To curry favour, Gary,” sniffed Dorothy, who was smarting
from Laura Finch’s duplicity years later.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I can’t see Parsnip as a person to confide in,” said
Gary.”Maybe he was being a bit voyeuristic in those days.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
”Anything’s possible if he now believes that Flora is
Laura,” said Dorothy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I wonder if his sex fantasies were brought on by Laura
confessing that she was an experienced hooker," mused Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How do you know about his sex fantasies, Gary?” Dorothy
asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The three-cornered phone conversation was getting a bit near
the knuckle. Gary was amused in a wry sort of way. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo reined in the discussion by saying that it might be
heart-ache that caused the vicar to believe he was living with Laura. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary laughed at that. He thought the guy was probably only
interested in satisfying some sort of suppressed sexual urge. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy thought it could be shock after the incident
involving Grisham.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He was in the wrong job, Dorothy,” Gary said. “People like
Parsnip go through their whole lives acting superior and even godly when in
fact they are quite ordinary guys at heart.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“At the vicarage
meetings he had always had a special look on his face when he talked to Laura,
Cleo. Did you notice?” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“That’s when he was
being himself, I expect, Dorothy,” said Gary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Strong, suppressed
sexual urges waiting to be released,” diagnosed Cleo. “I wonder if he ever put
those urges into practice anywhere else.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Is that how you
describe me, Cleo? said Gary. “That definition rolled far too easily off your
tongue."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“No, but now I
think about it… Not that I could describe you as reticent, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It was Dorothy's
turn to be amused.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"Can you to
interrupt your love affair long enough to finish our phone call?" she
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"Sorry, Dorothy.
Gary can be quite provocative at times.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“So can Cleo,” Gary
added.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“So now let’s get
back to the reason for my call.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Go ahead,
Dorothy,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I noticed that in
those days Laura behaved badly except when she wanted to get the vicar on her
side at those meetings,” said Dorothy. “Then she was all sweetness and light.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo thought Dorothy might have been a bit jealous of the
admiration the vicar had had for Laura.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, I wasn’t jealous, Cleo. And now, in the ambulance he
noticed that Flora was not reacting like Laura used to. He actually told the
paramedics that Flora alias Laura was the love of his life and was acting a bit
strangely because she was worried about him. Flora just squirmed with
embarrassment and told him not to talk rubbish.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“So she snapped at
him,” said Gary. “That must have told him something.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I expect it did.
Laura would never have done that. Not with the vicar. We know she confessed all
the terrible things she had done in the past and Frederick still went on being
infatuated. I wonder how he reconciled all the sweetness and light with her
decadent past.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“People still vote
for the arseholes they put in government whatever taudry affairs they had had,
Dorothy,” said Gary. “I wonder what Edith thought about Parsnip’s attraction to
Laura Finch?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I don’t suppose
she was aware how intense Frederick’s feelings for Laura were. But what we now
know about Edith and Frederick’s marriage makes me sure she is glad to see the
back of him!” said Dorothy. “He often humiliated her and I scolded him for that
on several occasions.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Did you have a
chance to ask Frederick anything more about Grisham, Dorothy?” Cleo asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Yes. I was able to
hang on for a bit and visit Frederick in his room. He’d been given a single
room because of his mental state and the guard, but he seemed normal to me and
talked to me like an old friend, which I am, of course.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“What did you ask
him, Dorothy?” Cleo wanted to know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“First I tried to
find out if he remembered Edith and the boys, but he was very vague, as if he
remembered, but didn’t want to.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“That can happen. I
wonder if he’s had a slight stroke, Dorothy,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I wondered that,
too, Gary, but they just made sure he was comfortable for the night and were
going to examine him tomorrow. As far as they could judge, there was nothing
physically wrong with him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The main thing is that he is in the right place now. We can
question him again when things quieten down,” said Gary. “You should have
phoned from the hospital and I would have collected you.”<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Getting a taxi was
easy for me – thanls Cleo - and meant less of a nuisance for you, Gary. Flora
Snow left even before Frederick was taken to the ward. She was heartily sick of
him, I could see that. I think she caught the last bus. She was probably going
to stop at Molly’s pub for a stiffener.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"Her main
emotion might have been embarrassment," said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Not her. She was
rejecting him, Cleo,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Or pretending to,” said Cleo. </span>“Go to bed
now, Dorothy! We'll talk tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I'm cooking a big pizza or two for supper tomorrow and you
are invited, Dorothy," said Gary. "Can you just promise me that you
will phone next time you need to go somewhere or be rescued?”<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“That’s sweet of
you Gary. You can go to bed now if you aren’t already there. I’m going to
prepare a yeast dough to bake tomorrow morning, but we have a date to go to
Crumb’s café, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“It’s going to be a
major calorie day, Ladies,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Preferable to
murder,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Don’t tempt fate,”
said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“We can meet here
and walk down to the café,” proposed Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Fine. I’ll be with
you at about three, shall I?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s fine. Gary will look after our daughters.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m going to look after my duvet now, Dorothy. Good night!”
said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Good night, you two,” said Dorothy and rang off.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Dorothy is sweet,”
said Gary. “Would you like an espresso, my love.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“What a good idea.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Gary pottered in
the kitchen and presently returned to the bedroom, Cleo’s cooking apron his
only article of clothing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I quite like you
in that,” said Cleo. “You could start a business as a naked cook. I’m sure
you’d do a roaring trade.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Aprons are
fortunately bigger than figleaves,” Gary retorted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“The clients only
get the figleaf from their fourth order,” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’ll do it if
you’ll manage me,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I do believe you
would,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“It’s cold in the
kitchen,” said Gary, “and I have no idea how we are going to get the vicar to
talk,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Are you linking
the two, Gary? You didn’t have to strip off in the cold.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Good coffee,
Swetheart. The job is yours!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Cleo spread a thin
layer of cream from a small pot she kept at her bedside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"You aren't
putting makeup on, are you, Cleo?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"This is
moisturiser, Gary."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"Do I need
some?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"You are
beautiful without."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"Nice of you
to say so! So are you, actually."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“With our beauty in
mind, why don’t we leave the vicar until tomorrow?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“You’re right. I’m
not dressed for business.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Neither am I now,”
said Cleo, casting off her kimono and pulling her duvet up round her shoulders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Try my side,” said
Gary. “It’s probably warmer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Not in that apron.
Aren’t you tired?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Not any more.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few hours later, Cleo rang Edith to see how she was. She
would not talk about the vicar, she decided. Edith said she was going to attend
the church service, at which a new curate would officiate. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The Bishop is coming this evening, Cleo. Won’t you come and
support Robert? He’s going to sing some spirituals.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sure. Why not?” said Cleo. “I know it’s all over between
Robert and me, but I still like to hear him sing.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mr Morgan has been practicing,” said Edith. “Now I can
listen to him playing whenever I want to without anyone suspecting anything.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo thought the ‘anyone’ had probably been Frederick
Parsnip, acting on his theory of the innate possession of wives by their
spouses that was, she reflected, one of Robert’s ideas, too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Things are turning out better for you now, aren’t they,
Edith.“<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh yes. I’m starting to believe I am alive, after all, and
the boys are ecstatic that no one is going to force them to go to church. They
really hated being preached at. It was bad enough at home, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo realized that it was certainly not the moment to tell
Edith that the vicar had been found and where. Edith clearly did not want him
back, but might feel obliged to take him in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At breakfast, Cleo tried to describe to Gary the state Edith
was in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“In other words ecstatic,” said Gary, summing up. “No boring
husband, a new lover, freedom to listen to the music she loves. What more could
she want?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I didn’t know the vicar forced his sons to go to church to
listen to his terrible sermons. I’m starting to ask myself what made that guy
tick,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ve stopped asking myself,” said Gary. “I see him as a
totally egoistic, unfeeling person leaving a large family in the lurch for some
kind of mythical existence that isn’t even in Africa.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I can imagine that Edith would be worried about him wanting
to come back,” said Cleo. “It’s a good reason for not telling her before we’ve
arranged something for him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Dorothy couldn’t and I think we should, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Anything for a quiet life.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary admitted that Dorothy had done the most to find the
vicar, but in contrast to other cases solved or helped along with her hunches,
this time Gary was generous with his praise. He no longer resented what he had
once called ‘meddling’. It no longer hurt his self-respect to have outside
assistance when he was stuck for ideas.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was no denying that Dorothy being a long-time friend
of Frederick Parsnip was an extra bonus, though she admitted she was often
annoyed with him and did not feel that he was really returning her friendship.
He wasn’t even up to caring about his family. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo found it difficult to believe that the vicar had
actually ‘shacked up’ with Flora Snow. Surely he did not really believe that
Flora was a reincarnation of Laura Finch, so his motive might just be
convenience. It would be interesting to hear a psychiatrist’s view of what was
wrong with the vicar. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary did not find it difficult to postpose everything else
in favour of entertaining his two daughters. Cleo pottered around tidying up,
but her mind was still on the events of the previous afternoon and evening
surrounding the finding of the vicar.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you think Greg Winter can get the vicar to talk, Gary?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s worth a try. Parsnip is probably wary of talking to us
again."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The officer on night duty sent in a short report to Greg,
who was now responsible for the rota and had asked his colleagues to submit a
report including anything unusual. Mr Parsnip had slept soundly all night. The
first guard, who had taken over for the night, reported that nothing had
happened. He had looked in on the soundly sleeping and loudly snoring patient
every hour and been relieved at 7 a.m. The second guard was to remain in
position until two. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite security having been taken care of, Gary was
nervous. Thereafter they guards would be on six hour shifts and he would help
out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m glad Greg is still in charge of the rota system,” said
Gary, but I’m worried, Cleo. We don’t know what the vicar did before Miss Snow
picked him up so what do we do if the vicar doesn’t remember? I can see the
mystery of the missing vicar being shrouded in fog for all time unless he
shakes off his selective amnesia.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We are in the dark at least until we find Grisham’s
assassin, and depending on the wayward Mr Parsnip to tell us is a lottery,
given that he might not know anything more than he has already told us,” said
Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If Miss Snow knew he was missing, at the latest on
Thursday, when the local weekly paper carried an article entitled ‘Has anybody
seen the vicar lately?’ She did not notify the police, although she must have
known his family would be very anxious about him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She wanted to keep him for herself, Gary, though how she
intended to do that long-term is a mystery.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It is possible that the vicar told her to keep quiet about
his whereabouts because he wanted everyone to think he is in Africa,” said
Gary,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s also possible that he really did have amnesia when she
found him, Gary. If his memory was blanked out over the time he left home for
the airport, it’s also likely that his mind blanked out the whole of his
marriage and Laura’s murder.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And it did,”said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’d like to know who that third person he talked about is,”
said Gary. “We have to face it: the vicar could be a murderer, Cleo. Our
reconstruction of Grisham’s death assumed that if he was drugged in the car.
What if Grisham got out and the vicar killed him and dragged him back to the
car, but to the passenger side? That would explain why Grisham was found on
that side of the car.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Isn’t that too far-fetched, Gary?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Is it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Parsnip might have faked an attack on himself by stabbing a
syringe into his fur-lined waistcoat when he wasn’t wearing it,” said Cleo.
“There’s really only one fault with that theory.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And that is?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It is hard to imagine Parsnip possessing a syringe and a
drug like curare,” said Cleo. “So where did he get them from?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let’s face it, Cleo: It’s pie in the sky imagining the the
vicar is guilty, so let’s ditch the idea that Parsnip had a curare filled
syringe at his disposal. Only one thing is clear, and that is that carrying a
poiseóned syringe around indicates premeditated homicide. The murder of Mrs
Grisham was committed in the same way. Those Grisham’s killings were
premeditated assassinations.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mrs Grisham’s killer can’t have been the vicar,” said Cleo.
“That’s a certainty.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m not even sure about that,” said Gary, “although by
Thursday he was relaxing in Flora’s armchair or even in her bed, she would not
have let him out of sight.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK. The vicar was sheltering with Miss Snow and terrified
of what might happen to him. He may have told Flora Snow what he was afraid
of,” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We should ask her,” said Gary. “Then we might stop talking
the hind leg off a donkey to no avail.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sure.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We need answers to all the questions we have not yet put to
the vicar,” said Gary. “We should not say anything to Edith, yet. I don’t want
her rushing to the hospital and I doubt whether Mr Parsnip would want to see
her, anyway, assuming he even knows who she is.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What if Edith has already told Miss snow that she does not
want the vicar back and Miss Snow to hang on it him?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Bring me some cake back from Crumb’s, wo’t you?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo phoned Dorothy to warn her not to say anything to Edith
about the vicar’s whereabouts. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I wasn’t going to.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ve had second thoughts, Gary,” said Cleo. “I’ll go to
that church service this morning. I want to listen to what people are saying. I
expect Dorothy will be there, so I can talk to her about keeping quiet about
the vicar.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Hurleys set off together. Gary turned off to walk
PeggySue across the common to feed the ducks. Charlie ran into the vicarage to
play with the Parsnip boys. Cleo walked across the old cemetery to the church.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy was delihted to see Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s funny Mr Parsnip not being here,” said Edith, meeting
them there. “Have you heard anything about him?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo and Dorothy exchanged glances.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Nothing concrete, Edith,” said Cleo. “Just don’t worry.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Robert is going to practice his spirituals for this
evening.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s nice,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m also curious to see the new curate.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t get a shock then, Cleo. It’s a she.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Wow! That’s
awesome.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“One of the
bishop’s ideas. She can use Frederick’s old study for the time being. I’ve made
it into a bedroom for her. It would have been difficult with an extra man in
the house.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Robert is staying
I suppose,” Dorothy said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Oh yes," said
Edith almost ashamedly, but not quite. “The boys don’t mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">There was defiance
in her voice. It was the new Edith. She was wearing perfume, had put on some
makeup and looked happy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"I’ve no idea
what Mr Parsnip will do when he comes back,” she said flippantly. “He can sleep
in his study and our new curate can sleep in my utility room until I’ve sorted
him out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“While Robert
sleeps in Frederick’s bed, Edith?” said Cleo. “Won’t it be a bit crowded?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’d rather not
think about that now,” said Edith. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The vicar’ wife did
not pursue the idea that the two sleuths might know something about the vicar’s
whereabouts. Everything was going smoothly for Edith at the moment and she did
not entertain the idea that Robert might not be able to deal with the
situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Robert sang his spirituals with as open a throat and fervent
an expression as Cleo and Dorothy had ever heard. In her life, the cold
indifference of Edith’s husband had been replaced by Robert’s friendly nature.
The affair had done both the lovers good, Cleo decided. She was proud of him,
if the truth be known. She did not love him, but she still loved his voice and
was glad she had decided to be there. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy was greatly enthused. So much so that she led the
clapping at the end of his performance. The new curate, a young woman straight
out of theological collage, also clapped hard and there was a standing ovation.
By the time Robert had sung two encores and the new curate had delivered a
rousing sermon and thanked everyone for coming and Robert for the glorious
singing, it was midday.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary had returned to the cottage and put one of Gloria’s
casseroles in the oven. PeggySue had enjoyed two helpings of mashed potato and
gravy from the casserole before Cleo got back. Dorothy had declined to lunch
with them saying that she had cooked ahead and would be at Cleo’s cottage for
the pizza.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, did your ex sing?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Practicing for the Bishop. Robert sings beautifully.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Which is more than can be said for me,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I didn’t say that and I don’t choose my men for their
singing, either,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did you choose me, then?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m not taking bets on that. Anyway, if we live long
enough, your singing might improve.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you want me to take lessons, Cleo?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s not such a bad idea.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Lunch is ready and I’ll think about it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t choose my men for their cooking either. We’re
having one of Gloria’s casseroles warmed up, I take it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You underestimate me, Cleo. I made the salad from fresh,
and I actually made this casserole with only a little help from Gloria.
PeggySue had tried it and approves.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“’Baby, aged one year, used as food tester for greedy couple’
would be a rather compromising news headline, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“At least she isn’t getting cat food. We had a case of that
a while back. Don’t you remember? That wasn’t all the woman did. She put her
husband on a diet of chopped razor blades.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“For heaven’s sakes, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She’s doing life for what that did to her husband’s
insides.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"I would find
a less detectable way of disposing of an unwanted husband."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"You would
replace him, Cleo."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"That would be
more humane and it's what people do with their unwanted partners most of the
time."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"Correction,
we think that's what they do."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The casserole was really tasty, and Cleo said so.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll take you on, after all,” she said. “I owe you a hug!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Greg phoned, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What did he have to report?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Nothing much. During one of the regular inspections by one
of the officers, Mr Parsnip had asked for paper and something to write with.
The officer had sent one of the nurses down to the shop to purchase the
articles and had given her the money to do so since Mr Parsnip did not have
any. Then the officer went off duty so he did not see anything Mr Parsnip had
written. Greg has taken over until a relief comes and he’ll do the night shift.
He’s going to try to find anything Parsnip has managed to write.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A confession would be nice.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But unlikely.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Or a suicide note.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Possible, I suppose,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo and Gary had time for a passion-driven siesta before
Cleo was due to go to the new café with Dorothy. Charlie had been instructed to
come straight to the café at four and bring some of the boys if they wanted to
come. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the phone rang just before three. Gary was nearest the
phone, so he took the call. It was Greg and he sounded very distressed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You aren’t going to believe this, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Go on, Greg. Just tell me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At about one thirty a nurse brought me a cup of coffee. I
don’t know what was in it, but I went to sleep…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“…And now Mr Parsnip has disappeared.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, Gary, he’s dead.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary’s voice changed. Cleo’s heart sank.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are you sure?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“They are in there trying to revive him, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But they don’t know when he died, do they?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, but they always try to resuscitate.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo rested her head on Gary’s shoulder. She felt cold.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How could it happen?” said Gary.” Any idea? “Violence?
Smothered?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There was a cup of coffee on his locker, Gary. I assume
that was drugged to the hilt.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did you manage to hang on to that cup, Greg?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes. It’s in a plastic bag. Mine isn’t. When I woke, the
cup and saucer had gone.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who brought it to you, Greg. Can you remember?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A short woman in a nurse’s uniform. I was so grateful for
the coffee that I didn’t really look at her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So you would not know her again.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Probably not.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll be right over, Greg. Don’t go away!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the meantime Cleo had got up, answered the front door
bell and let Dorothy in. She explained in a few words what had happened at the
hospital.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy was horrified.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Robert came to the vicarage and cooked lunch,” sie said
“He’s with the boys now. Edith went out. She said she had a headache and needed
some fresh air. I don’t know where she is. I can’t even tell her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll have to support Greg,” said Gary. “Parsnip was
poisoned and he’s probably too dead to be revived. Poor Greg was drugged, but
came round, probably faster than expected. I think you should stay here, Cleo.
Skip the café opening, please.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Of course we’ll stay here, Gary,” said Cleo. “I’ll phone
Charlie and cancel.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll phone her mobile Cleo, and did.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You go with Gary, Cleo,” Dorothy offered. “I’ll stay with
the children. I couldn’t go out enjoying myself at the café while Frederick is
lying dead at the hospital.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary put his arms round Dorothy. She was sobbing. He
motioned to Cleo to join them. There was silence while they all got used to the
new situation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So there must have been an assassin on at least one
occasion,” mused Gary. “Why else would that happen to Parsnip?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We know he was present at Grisham’s death. The killer was
not taking any chances,” Cleo added.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The irony is that the vicar was probably safe under Miss
Snow’s roof,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I expect that someone was watching out for the time when
Frederick would be vulnerable and available,” Gary speculated. “Did someone
follow him from the scene of Grisham’s murder oor to the hospital, I wonder.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’ve also got to come to terms with the fact that our
assassin could be female,” said Cleo. “A woman would be less noticeable to a
guy like the vicar and more likely to get in to serve coffee.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ m afraid you are right, Cleo. Let’s all have another big
hug before we go.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the burning questions in Gary’s mind as he drove to
the hospital was whether Mr Parsnip had been examined that day. Had he suffered
a stroke? The case of Grisham and his wife’s murders was still not solved and
now the vicar was the also dead. Gary phoned Chris Marlow while he was driving
to the hospital. The forensic scientist said he would drop everything and come
there. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Greg was grateful that Gary and Cleo had come immediately. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We need to know if you drank all the coffee, Greg,” said
Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, I didn’t. It tasted strange and I wanted to call the
nurse back, but she had gone. I poured the rest of the coffee into that plant
pot over there because I did not want to hurt the woman’s feelings.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
”So she did not know you had not drunk much. Thank goodness
you didn’t, Greg. We know now why it tasted strange, of course, but I’m
surprised that it knocked you out so fast and even more surprised that you came
to after only about an hour.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There are drugs like that,” said Chris. “We know that you
didn’t swallow a lethal dose because you are alive and well.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I feel a bit queasy to tell the truth,” said Greg, and
Chris called a ward sister, introduced himself as Dr Marlow, forensic
pathologist, and asked her to take a blood sample for him to analyse and give
Greg something against the nausea.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Have you been on duty all afternoon, Sister?” Gary asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes. I only saw the officer snoozing and I thought he had
just dropped off, but that’s understandable. It must be very boring just
guarding a closed door.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did you see who brought me the coffee, Sister?” Greg asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, but we have so many on the staff that I don’t know
everyone. Are you sure it was a nurse, Sir?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Now you mention it, I’m not sure, but the uniform looked
like a nurse’s overall.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It could have been a cleaner,” suggested the sister. “They
have to wear white overalls so that we know they are clean and tidy and they
work all day. Did that person wear a headscarf?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, and tinted glasses. I wondered about that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She may have been a Muslim,” said the nurse, “but they are
very trustworthy and conscientious as a rule.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The headscarf could have been a disguise, so it could have
been anyone, couldn’t it?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Put like that, I suppose it could,” said the sister. “We
can’t keep track of all the staff. We have to trust them whatever job they are
doing.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So there’s no security check on them?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not once they are in. Anyway, I should think it is easy
enough for someone to come in through the main door and then get into the
service area, especially if they are wearing a white overall.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It would also be easy to bribe a cleaner to make the wards
accessible,” said Cleo. “I don’t suppose those cleaning ladies earn much.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They were all shocked at the idea that a patient could be
vulnerable because security was not being taken seriously enough. The hospital
direction would have searching questions to answer. Why bother to guard a sick
room if the rest of the place is an open house?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I can see you are shocked,” said the sister. “I’m often
shocked about what goes on here, but we don’t often have a murder.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Assuming you can recognize what is a murder and what
isn’t,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sister bowed her head. That is exactly what had gone
through her mind on several occasions. How many of her nursing staff were ‘angels
of mercy’ ready to pocket a fat premium for helping relatives to an
inheritance?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Can we talk about that some other time,” she said to Gary,
who nodded understandingly. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Come to HQ, Sister, but call me first,” he said, handing
her his business card. “Discretion is guaranteed,” he added.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The medical team that had been trying to revive Parsnip came
out of the room with bowed heads.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Exitus,” said a doctor. “Sorry.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Can we go in?” asked Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes,” said the doctor. “There’s nothing to see. The patient
died peacefully. He just slipped away.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chris, Greg, Cleo and Gary trooped respectfully into the
room and stood around the bed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What a way to end,” said Greg. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If he had been left where he was he would be alive now,”
said Gary. “It’s my responsibility, Greg, but I had to do something. He could
not hide away for ever with someone he thought was someone else ,and we still
don’t know if he killed Grisham, though I doubt it now, because at least one
other person was involved and we could not find a valid motive except
self-defence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You mean that the woman who put drugs in the coffees could
have been an accomplice,” said Greg. “Or someone desperate to silence Parsnip?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She must have been. Do you think it could have been a man
dressed as a woman?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I didn’t get that impression, to be honest,” said Greg.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You weren’t looking for one, Greg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why questioning witnesses is so
difficult.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chris put latex gloves on and proceeded to look around the
room more carefully. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There was possibly even a fourth person involved,” said
Gary. “Someone prepared to drug a police officer in order to gain entry to a
patient and then poison him is an assassin. We know now where he or she could
have got the syringes.“<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You’re right, Gary,” said Chris. “I wish we had found one
in that cutting.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Our murderer was cunning, Chris. He or she would not have
left anything for you to find.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll get the area searched again, Gary. There were a lot of
leaves around. We didn’t turn them all over.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I was hoping to ask Mr Parsnip a lot of questions tomorrow,
but he needed to be medically examined and if necessary treated. I did not want
my questioning or even my presence to be in the way.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“This has hit you hard, Gary,” said Chris. “But you only did
what legal procedure demands.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I keep telling myself that,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Go home. I’ll get the medical report and send a team to
take another look at the place where Grisham died.” said Chris.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I hope they find something,” said Gary. “Up to now nearly
everything has been theoretical.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll sort out the police stuff,” said Greg, who was
starting to feel better.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“See you tomorrow at
HQ, Gary,” said Chris.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If they ask about next of kin, don’t tell them anything.
Just say that I’m taking care of breaking the news to them, Greg,” said Gary.
“Edith and the boys know me. Cleo and Dorothy will also be there. I think that
would be better than having you on her doorstep.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I agree,” said Greg.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And Greg, I’m glad you did not drink much of that coffee.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So am I,” said Greg.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<span style="letter-spacing: .75pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary and Cleo decided to go home to the cottage to discuss
the situation further with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dorothy. The
problem was that keeping Mr Parsnip’s death a secret was almost an
impossibility. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why don’t we just get it over with,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll stay here with the children,” said Gary. “I think you
will cope better without me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll meet you at the café at five, he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a good idea, Dorothy and Cleo agreed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
faith1110http://www.blogger.com/profile/02358925817174593317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015358035360649701.post-5638498910338435582015-11-11T13:05:00.005-08:002020-03-06T11:20:05.758-08:00Episde 12 - Leave it to Dorothy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Saturday October 31</b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday started late except for Charlie getting up soon
after six. She had switched on the Saturday morning kids’ TV entertainment,
made herself cocoa in the Micro, found the chocolate biscuits and settled down
for a couple of hours of uninterrupted viewing before the grown-ups appeared.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>“Do you hear what I hear,” Cleo whispered to Gary, who was
still fast asleep at just about half past six.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I can’t hear anything,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m going to look.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do that. I’m going to sleep for a bit longer, but before I
do, a small hug might be appreciated.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t trust your small hugs, Gary, but I’ll be back for
one when I’ve looked in at the girls.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo was amused to see that Charlie had curled up on the
sofa, covered herself with the plaid and gone back to sleep, leaving the TV
blaring. Cleo went to see if PeggySue was awake. She was, so Cleo changed her
and took her into the kitchen to get her a drink and make some coffee for
herself. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next time Cleo looked for Charlie, she had moved from
the sofa and was fast asleep on Cleo’s side of the bed with one small hand
stretched out to hold Gary’s. Cleo put PeggySue next to Charlie and herself
next to PeggySue to complete the quartet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At nine Gary was astonished on waking to see that he had a
bed full of women, as he described the scene. Two of the ‘women’ were asleep.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What a great start to a day,” he exclaimed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I just hope it ends as peacefully,” said Cleo. “I was
having a lovely sleep just now and look at these girls. Aren’t they cute!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But we are all getting up now,” said Gary, removing the
warm duvets. “Hockey is calling!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Gary, I wouldn’t do that to you,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Someone has to get some discipline into this place,” he
said. “I’m going to take a shower.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soon, raucous singing could be heard in competition with the
waterproof shower radio at full throttle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He’s happy, thought Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By ten, Charlie was ready to go for the bus to
Middlethumpton.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t forget to come, will you?” Charlie said as she kissed
them all goodbye.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’ll be there,” said Gary.”I wouldn’t miss it for the
world, Sweetheart.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back at ther breakfast table drinking about his ninth cup of
coffee, Gary decared that it was time to talk about a strategy for getting to
Parsnip.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Is Snow’s house being watched?” Cleo asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I hope so. I gave clear instructions.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s a really weird story,” said Cleo. “I know the vicar
was inclined to fantasize, but if he is at Miss Snow’s house and genuinely
thinks she is a reincarnation of Laura, we have a mentally sick guy on our
hands.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you think he could be violent, Cleo?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I wouldn’t have thought so, but he’s definitely unbalanced
if Dorothy’s hunch is right.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We have to find out if he killed Grisham, Cleo. If he did,
why? If he didn’t, how did he get away from the assassin?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We need to go to Miss Snow’s house quite innocently, not
giving an impression that we suspect something. Dorothy described her as being
very chatty.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You’ve never met her, so it might be a good idea if you and
Dorothy go there together. Dorothy can say she’s come to find out if the dog is
OK, and she can introduce you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I expect she knows who I am, Gary. Everyone seems to round here.
I have a better idea.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Go ahead.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You could go to the pub in Huddlecourt Minor and chat with
Molly. She might have seen or heard something and is keeping quiet about it.
Dorothy and I would go to Miss Snow’s house and I would text you what we
discovered there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That could be dangerous, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I doubt it. Dorothy is with me and she has known Frederick
Parsnip for a long time. I think she will know how to deal with him, and I’m
not exactly witless!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’d prefer it if we arranged for me to come along a few
minutes later,“ said Gary, who was understandably uneasy. I’ll drop you off and
drive to the pub, chat with Molly and drink something non-alcoholic, then drive
back to collect you. Huddlecourt Minor only has one main street, so if you
walked down it I would be sure to see you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That sounds OK.,” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But there’s a sporting chance that the vicar is there,
however absurd the whole story is,” said Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll call Dorothy
and invite her to the hockey match,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Dorothy was delighted to be asked. She arrived within a few
minutes and was, to Gary’s amusement, wearing her famous hat with the cherries
on it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You’d better leave that here,” he said tactfully.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t you like it, Gary?” said Dorothy. “It’s cherry hat
number three. Hat number one was coveted by Miss Plimsoll and hat number two
lost its cherries.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Very nice, but it might blow off. That sports field is very
exposed and windy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t worry about that, Gary. It’s nailed on.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The hockey match was entertaining. 22 little lionesses raced
across the pitch, whacking ankles, pushing and shoving, lifting the hard little
ball way higher than was actually allowed and generally fighting for ground.
Gary thought girls’ hockey was infinitely more violent than any sport he’d seen
men indulging in. Charlie was proud to have her parents, Dorothy and her little
sister there, though the latter slept peacefully through all the screaming.
Charlie managed to survive the match, which her team won, with only minor
scratches and bruises. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Miss Plimsoll, manager and trainer of the pack, sent them
all home with a flea in their ear for only managing half a dozen goals. The
apposing, losing team from a local boys school seemed to be drinking hot punch
and be very pleased to have survived.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lunch was partaken of by all with varying degrees of
enthusiasm at a stand selling chips and shiny red sauages Gary called
Frankfurters in aid of some charity or other. At two thirty the family was back
home. Cleo and Dorothy would drive to Huddlecourt Minor at four. So Dorothy
went home for an hour or so. Cleo helped Charlie remove the hockey-field grime under
the shower and put ointment on her wounds. The girls were to go to the
vicarage. Edith was delighted to see them when Gary dropped them off. Cleo
deliberately stayed away. Gary would answer any questions suitably and not
divulge where the vicar could be and that they were about to track him down.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few minutes after four Dorothy and Cleo rang Miss Snow’s
bell. Cleo was standing well back. She hoped Miss Snow would invite Dorothy in.
Then Dorothy would beckon to her and Cleo would pretend to have been phoning
someone, to provide a logical reason for not standing on the doorstep. The idea
was not to overwhelm Miss Snow and raise suspicion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why Dorothy, how nice to see you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Nice to see you, Flora.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I can’t ask you in, Dorothy. My cousin is visiting and he
is asleep on the sofa.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t mind. I’d love to meet your cousin.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It didn’t take much to make Flora Snow nervous. Her
nervousness was already approaching panic stations. She had fear in her eyes,
Dorothy commented later.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You haven’t met Miss Hartley, have you?” said Dorothy,
beckoning to Cleo. Cleo was clutching her mobile phone and squinting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How do you do, Miss Snow. The light is too poor for me
here. Could you come and read this text message? I forgot my glasses and Dorothy
could not see it, either.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well,” said Miss Snow, and stepped forward.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo was astounded at Flora’s likeness to Laura. She would
have believed they were identical twins, had she been told that. But the women
had different mothers. What fluke of nature had made them look so alike?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In an instant Dorothy had darted into Flora’s flat. That
wasn’t strictly legal, but under the circumstances necessary, she told Gary
later.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Asleep on the sofa was –as Dorothy had surmised – Frederick
Parsnip.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seconds later, Miss Snow had realized that she had been
duped and dashed back into her flat screaming to Dorothy to get out before she
called the police. Cleo sprinted in after her and closed the main door.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He’s here,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Get out,” screamed Miss Snow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her screams woke Mr Parsnip.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What’s up, Laura?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The vicar looked round wildly and his gaze fell on the two
sleuths. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t tell Edith I’m here,” he said without any kind of
preamble. He didn’t even seem very surprised to see them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I knew you’d come to see if I’m all right, Dorothy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are you all right, Frederick?” Dorothy asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The vicar stood up and went to Flora Snow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You know Laura, don’t you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo phoned Gary and told him to make haste. After gesturing
to Dorothy to guard Frederick Parsnip and Flora Snow, Cleo went to the front
door to wait for him. Dorothy put her hand on the pistol in her handbag. She
would fire at the ceiling if necessary. Cleo told Gary what to expect. Then
they went into Flora’s living-room together.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nobody had moved.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Look who’s here?” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Unbelievable,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And you know who this is, don’t you?” said Mr Parsnip.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who is it, Vicar?” Gary asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s Laura,” said the vicar, putting his arms round Miss
Snow possessively. “She isn’t dead after all.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was no denying the uncanny likeness with Laura, but
Laura had been dead for ages. Everyone knew that. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everyone except Frederick Parsnip, it seemed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy wondered why Flora Snow had not insisted on her true
identity unless she had an axe to grind. But was not really surprised that
given Frederick’s clearly unbalanced state of mind, possibly the result of the
events on that short journey with Grisham, he <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>blieved Flora was Laura, even if this woman
was half a head shorter and a lot plumper than Laura Finch had been. Laura and
Flora had had the same father. The vicar was not known for his ability to
recognize people even when his brain was working normally.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s a dream come true,” said the vicar.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How did you get away, Mr Parsnip?” Gary asked. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Get away from what?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“From the person who killed your driver.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I ran,” said the vicar.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What did you do before you ran away?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t remember.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He’s not wearing the clothes he came in,” said Flora. “I
went to Middlethumpton on the bus and bought him some at the charity shops.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did you? So you were thinking of making this a permanent
arrangement, were you, Miss Snow?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Finch,” said the vicar. “Her name is Laura Finch.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Never mind the name, Frederick, Mr Hurley asked you to tell
him what you did before running away,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I was in the car,” the vicar said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Was it your car?” Dorothy asked. Of course she knew it
wasn’t, but getting the vicar to talk was the main objective. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo and Gary looked at one another and decided to leave the
questioning to Dorothy. Mr Parsnip seemed to be warming to her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“My car? No, I don’t think so.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Whose car was it?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m a vicar,” said Frederick out of the blue. “I remember
that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Where were you going in that car, Frederick?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The vicar gave a lot of thought to the question. Cleo
wondered how much was loss of memory, how much was shock and how much was
duplicity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy had decided to sit on the sofa. After some minutes
fondling Miss Snow’s hand, the vicar joined her, sitting on the arm of the sofa.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I was going to Africa,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why were you going to Africa?” Dorothy asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I had an invitation to look after….souls,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So you were driving to the airport to catch a plane, I
suppose,” said Gary, irritated by the slow pace of the questioning.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I wasn’t driving. Mr Grisham was driving.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who is Mr Grisham?” asked Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m not sure. He offered to drive me. Then we stopped and
someone got into the car. I remember that,” said the vicar. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then he looked frightened.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll have to go now,” he said. “I don’t want them to catch
me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who are they?” Gary asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t know, but they must not find me here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, Mr Parsnip. You can’t go now,” said Gary, moving to the
door. Cleo moved to the window. There was no knowing what kind of strategy this
confused man would use to get out of the flat. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We just don’t want you to go anywhere on your own,
Frederick,” said Cleo. “You are not well enough.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Laura will come with me, won’t you, Laura?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy looked at Flora and indicated that she must say no.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She needn’t have worried. Flora Snow looked horrified. It
was one thing pandering to a man who seem to have lost his mind and needed
shelter, but quite another humouring him by pretending she really was her half
sister. Miss Snow had fed him, dressed him and comforted him. She had given him
time to recover, but the longer he stayed, the more convinced he became that
she was Laura. It was probably too late for her to tell him she wasn’t. He
would not believe her. Cleo wondered if it would help him if he saw Laura’s
grave, but decided that it would be too much of a shock at this time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We must call emergency services,” said Gary. "The guy
is unpredictable. The situation is volatile. If he realizes what is happening,
it might be too much for him and he could even try to commit suicide. We can't
have that."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo agreed that that would probably be the easiest way to
get him out of the flat and into some kind of medical therapy without too much
fuss. Parsnip had not said much about what had happened the day Grisham was
murdered. Judging from his mental state, he was hardly likely to be arrested.
You could not charge a guy with a crime if he just thought he was living with
someone he loved. Gary thought they could stretch the case to include hiding
from the police, but did the vicar even know he was missing? Only one thing was
clear: he would have to be detained while decisions about his mental state were
being made.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So what did happen that day, Frederick,” insisted Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll get his things,” said Flora.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t forget yours, Laura,” the vicar called out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Flora fetched the outer garments the vicar had been wearing
when he arrived. To their surprise he had worn a fur-lined leather waistcoat
under a very thick lined parka. He must have been sweltering hot. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Weren’t you hot in all those clothes, Frederick?” Dorothy
asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It gets cold at night in Africa and the waistcoat was too
fat for my suitcase.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Was anyone else in the car except you and Mr Grisham,
Frederick?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Only someone who got into the car when we stopped,” he
said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why did you stop?” Gary asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There was this person waving. We thought she needed help.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So it was a woman, was it?” Dorothy asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t remember,” said the vicar.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It all sounds like a reasonable explanation,” Gary said to
Cleo in a low voice. He was starting to doubt the vicar’s amnesia.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The person got in the back, directed us where we had to
drive, and when Mr Grisham stopped the car that person jabbed something into
his shoulder,” said the vicar, getting quite worked up as he recalled more
details.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Couldn’t you see who it was?” Cleo asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I didn’t look very closely.” said the vicar.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I saw a hand go up and come down on Mr Grisham. Mr Grisham
was dead very quickly. Then the woman moved over to behind me and shot me in
the shoulder,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But it wasn’t a gun,” Frederick,” said Dorothy. “Mr Grisham
was not shot, he was poisoned through a surgical needle.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo and Gary wondered if Chris had missed something. Did
the point of the needle containing the poison stay in Grisham’s body? If so and
the same thing had happened to the vicar, why had he survived? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What happened then, Frederick?” Dorothy asked. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I did what Mr Grisham did. I played dead. I wasn’t quite
sure if I was still alive,” he said. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But you were sure that Mr Grisham was dead,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mr Grisham stopped breathing. Just like that,” he said,
snapping two fingers. “He had breathed quite loudly, but then the sound
stopped.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And then?” Dorothy asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I waited for a long time until the stranger had gone. I
remember being shaken, but I was playing dead like we did when we were
children,” the vicar continued.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did you see the assassin, Mr Parsnip?” said Gary. “It’s
really important that you remember.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. I told you that. But <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard her voice.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So it was a woman,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It could have been a man with a very high voice,” said the
vicar.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What did the person say?” Cleo asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Got you now, or something like that,” said the vicar. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Frederick Parsnip started to sob. Flora put her arm around
his shoulder protectively.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Now see what you’ve done,” she scolded the three sleuths.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The vicar pulled himself together as another thought
occurred to him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s all right, Laura. They are only doing their job. Let’s
go to bed.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, Frederick. You are sick. You must go to the hospital,”
said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The vicar looked at the woman he thought was Laura and she
nodded.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From being domineering and bossy to his children and his
wife, Frederick Parsnip had become docile and submissive. The woman he thought
was Laura was now in charge. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What about your family?” Dorothy asked. “What about Edith’s
family?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The questions were provocative and difficult for the vicar
to answer. It was impossible to tell if he was putting on an act. It wasn’t in
his character, Dorothy knew, but he was not himself, so anything was possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Events can change characters,” said Cleo. “The gentlest of
people can become a killer.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Laura is my family,” said the vicar. “Your son was killed,
wasn’t he, Laura?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Flora looked very uneasy now. The game had gone on too long.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m not Laura. I’m Flora,” she shouted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t shout, Laura,” said the vicar. “These people won’t
hurt you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’d like to look at that waistcoat, Miss Snow,” said Cleo,
partly to combat the tension that was building up in the room and partly
because something had occurred to her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Flora handed her the waistcoat. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo thought she could see some damage to the shoulder seam.
Something appeared to be stuck in the seam on the right side. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You won’t need this now, will you Mr Parsnip?” she said,
rolling the waistcoat so that the shoulder seam was in the centre. If it was
tainted with a syringe needle tip filled with a neurological drug, careless
handling could be lethal. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It isn’t very cold out. I’m sure your thick parka is warm
enough,” said Dorothy, realizing that Cleo had spotted something.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary looked on in wonder at the teamwork between his two ladies.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The vicar nodded and Cleo asked Flora if she had a plastic
bag big enough to hold the garment. She planned to get the waistcoat to Chris
as soon as possible. Gary looked puzzled.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll keep it safe for you, Frederick,” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Thank you,” said the vicar.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“One more question, Frederick,” Dorothy asked. “Where is
Grisham’s mobile phone?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll get it,” said Flora. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The battery is dry,” said Frederick. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did you use the phone, Mr Parsnip?” Gary asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t remember.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary had rung for an ambulance on his mobile phone. Now you
could see its lights blinking through the glass door of the flat. The
paramedics listened to Gary’s instructions on the doorstep before getting a
wheelchair from the ambulance and approaching Mr Parsnip. The patrol car that
had been watching the house drew up behind the ambulance. Greg got out. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Greg Winter had been promoted to detective status. He was a
great colleague and Gary hoped he would soon be assigned to the homicide squad.
He did not think that the Swiss guy, Cook, would be with them very long. In
fact, he did not trust the guy and could not understand how he had received
such a glowing report from Roger Stone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Greg, we have found Mr Parsnip. He’s in the flat. He is
confused and has memory problems. He is to be under 24/7 guard while we find
out for certain that he is innocent of Grisham’s murder. If he is, he might be
able to help us find the killer. The balance of his mind is definitely
disturbed.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“At least he has turned up, Gary. By the way, my application
has been processed. I can work officially in your team from December and before
then I’ll help as much as I can.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That is great news, Greg,” said Gary. True to his new
feeling of loving the whole world he told the astonished Greg Winter that it
was time for a hug.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The paramedics were talking quietly with Mr Parsnip, so Cleo
went to Gary and asked him what the sudden embrace meant.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Greg’s coming to us, I mean the squad,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Congratulations, Greg. Then a hug is certainly appropriate,”
said Cleo, also embracing Greg.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Greg was not used to such gestures of affection from work
colleagues.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Go with the flow, Greg,” said Dorothy, shaking him by the
hand. “Since these two people made their trip to paradise official, no one has
been safe.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We aren’t married … yet. We only cohabit,” said Cleo. Greg
knew all about them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Cohabit?” said Gary. “Is that what you call it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ok, we share table, car and bed, but not toothbrush. Gary
would want me to tell you that,” said Cleo with a grin.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Greg thought this woman with the olive skin and sexy figure
was gorgeous. He would have liked to get to know her, but he knew better than
to give any sign of wanting to. He could imagine that Gary could be quite
jealous of anyone flirting with Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wow,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Is Mr Parsnip protesting, Dorothy?” Gary asked, giving Greg
what Greg would have described as a keep-off-the-grass look.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, Gary He’s as meek as a lamb, “ said Dorothy, standing
near to the little group on the doorstep. “I’ve never seen him like this
before. It’s Flora Snow who is protesting.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Serves her right,” said Gary. “She should have been
truthful.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She is truthful. He doesn’t believe her,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ask Parsnip about his wife, Dorothy,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t want to upset him, Gary. He seems so happy to have
Laura at his side.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t you start, Dorothy. It isn’t Laura and we all know
that,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But he doesn’t, Gary, and I won’t answer for anything if he
finds out in a crude and undiplomatic way that he has been fooled,” said
Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I agree, except that he fooled himself,” said Cleo. “Let’s
get him to the hospital and they’ll deal with him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sorry, Ladies, but that isn’t good enough,” said Gary. “I’m
going to ask him one or two more questions before he leaves,” and did just
that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you want me to tell your wife that you are back. Mr
Parsnip?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“My wife is over there,” said the vicar, blowing a kiss at
Miss Snow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary turned to Cleo and Dorothy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Whatever is bothering him, it includes cutting out his family,”
said Cleo. “Leave him to the doctors.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK. You’re right. Mr Parsnip is in cloud cuckooland,” said
Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He thinks he is on cloud nine, Sweetheart.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr Parsnip was wheeled to the ambulance. He was strapped on,
usually as a precaution in case the patient fell out, but this time the
security precaution was in the forefront.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll go with him,” said Flora Snow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So will I,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think it could be something like schizophrenia,” said
Cleo to Gary, as they drove home. “Probably caused by that terrible experience
in Grisham’s car.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He had a narrow escape and that was only because he reacted
with great presence of mind,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Self-preservation. An instinct we all have, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Like goose pimples when we sense danger or avoid it,” said
Gary. “Maybe his goose pimples told him to play dead.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You could be right. We say goose bumps, and they are part
of our reptile brain mechanism. The hair stands literally on end as the
follicles attaching the hairs to the skin become swollen.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Goodness, Dr Cleo,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Doctor yes; medical no,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So you really are that high up the academic ladder,” said
Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Disin’t you believe me? Not that it matters.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I was icredulous. It increases your awesomeness, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Anyway, goose bumps are an alarm signal,” said Cleo, “ and
helpful sometimes. You can’t control goose bumps. They are almost like a lie
detector.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I get them when I look at you in your kimono, Cleo,” said
Gary, “and I’m not lying.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Exactly. Turned on.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s one way of putting it,” said Gary. “We’d better get
home to Gloria. Our gregarious Granny won’t want to spend the evening in our
lovenest.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr Parsnip was transferred to the Psychiatric Clinic in
Middlethumpton. He was seemingly quite healthy physically, but distraught
psychologically. He would be examined by a psychiatrist before any decision
about his sanity was made. A and E were not responsible for first sight
diagnoses except where it was obvious. Mr Parsnip was now quiet. A mild
sedative sent him to sleep.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Flora Snow had accompanied the vicar since she was to all
intents and purposes his partner. However, she had remembered to put her
passport in her handbag so that she could identify herself whatever the vicar
insisted. Dorothy had dropped her pistol into Cleo’s handbag. She did not want
to be caught armed. She explained to all and sundry that she was going along
because she knew the vicar well and had solved a case involving Miss Snow long
before Mr Parsnip turned up at her house. The paramedics could not have cared
less. They were thankful that they didn’t have blood, sweat and tears to deal
with.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back home, Cleo and Gary made coffee and ate what was now a
very belated supper. PeggySue had been tucked into bed and Charlie was on her
way there. Gloria was ready to leave and gone in an instant. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo and Gary were relieved at the outcome of the evening,
but aware that a Saturday night should not end with so many unanswered
questions, so they wanted to start immediately to answer some of them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“At least Dorothy will be there to see what happens to the
vicar when he realises where he is,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He won’t like that. I’m glad Greg followed in the patrol
car. His colleague can start guarding the vicar straight off,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A phone call from Greg confirmed that they had arrived at the
clinic. Greg would set up a rota. His colleague that evening was a young
officer named Craig McCullen. Craig was also an amateur boxer. He was not as experienced
as Greg, but to be reckoned with by anyone trying it on. Craig would stay with
or near Mr Parsnip until a replacement arrived. On no account was Mr Parsnip to
be left to his own devices. There was a high suicide risk.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t think the vicar would actually commit suicide,”
said Cleo. “But it can’t be ruled out.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He might not, but his alter ego might if he is
schizophrenic or has an otherwise split personality,” said Gary. “I learnt a
lot about that when I was doing my burnout sessions at the clinic. I was amazed
at what the other guys sometimes said. We didn’t learn much about that during
out police training, but it’s a factor to be reckoned with.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We don’t know how much of Frederick Parsnip said can be
believed,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Could he have made it all up, Cleo?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He could make up any amount of junk, judging from the
sermons I was obliged to listen to sometimes. The vicar was a boring speaker
and a boring person except when he went on about saving African souls.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We could watch a Woody Allen DVD to wind down,” said Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I can think of better ways of winding down,” said Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll go with that. A little TLC would also do the trick!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No witches on brooms tonight, then?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We met one in Huddlecourt Minor,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So we did. I hope Dorothy is coping with her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If I know Dorothy,she will get on a bus and make for home,
leaving the woman to fend for herself. I know I would,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll phone her and tell her to get a cab home. We’ll pay.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll wait for you, shall I?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m not planning to stand you up, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I used to be afraid you would, you know.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not then or ever.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll warm the duvet, shall I.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’ll be fine for a start, Sweetheart.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
faith1110http://www.blogger.com/profile/02358925817174593317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015358035360649701.post-77808750786479826162015-11-10T11:01:00.001-08:002020-03-06T01:35:30.550-08:00Episode 11 - Albert's secret<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<b>Friday October 30</b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy’ phone-call had made Cleo uneasy. Her mind could not
get off the subject of Frank Cook. Was he responsible for the ridiculour idea
to take the day off when the Grisham case was in disarray and the vicar had
still not reappeared.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>Cleo and Gary enjoyed their crime-free Friday,
but only until Charlie arrived home later than usual because she’d been to
hockey practice. Charlie’s knees were
bloody and she was dishevelled. The honeymoon was over for the time being.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“Didn’t you take some extra clothes, Charlie?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“I forgot, so I had to wear my everyday uniform.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’ll get you a mobile, Charlie, then you can let us know
if that happens again,” said Gary. “Did you have a good practice?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Super. Can you come to the match tomorrow, Daddy?”
Charlie wanted to know. “Or are you still taking a holiday?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“Of course I can, Charlie, if Mummy lets me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Why shouldn’t I let you, Gary? You really are a
pain sometimes!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“But a loving one,” retorted Gary. <span lang="FR">“Je t’aime, Charlie!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Moi aussi,” said Charlie. “You too, Mummy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’ll do even better than that,” said Cleo, pulling Gary
out of his chair and enveloping him in an embrace that only fell slightly short
of one designed for lovers. Charlie looked on benevolently. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“What about me?” sie said. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
”You too,” said Cleo, openin her arms. “I love your Daddy.
That’s why we hug so often.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“The match starts at 12 o’clock…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“We’ll be there, Charlie. Shall I drive you to
school?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“No thanks, Daddy. My friends will be on the bus.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
Gary was delighted that his little girl had settled
in so well. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Mummy, are you going to bring PeggySue?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Of course. We’ll all come and cheer you on.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
That was another reason Gary was happy. Charlie really
thought of Cleo as her Mummy, though she had a photo of her birth mother pinned
up on the wall in the room she shared with PeggySue.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Where is the new baby going to sleep?” Charlie asked,
rubbing Cleo’s tummy very gently. “It isn’t jumping around much.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’ll let you know next time,” said Cleo. “It’s asleep
now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Good question. Where IS the new baby going to sleep?”
said Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I think we’ll have to make the cottage bigger,” said
Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’d better make a start then,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Can I still be friends with Cedric and the others? Mr
Parsnip hasn’t turned up and Edith doesn’t want him to.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Who told you that?” asked Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Albert. Mr Parsnip was a rotten father. Robert will move in
and be a better one, Daddy, but not like you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m glad to hear it, Charlie,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Can we have another hug now?” said Charlie.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A short one. I have to go,” said Gary. “ You can have a long
hug with Mummy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll do that, Charlie, and PeggySue can join in.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Where are you going, Daddy?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, where are you going?” Cleo asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not far,” said Gary enigmatically. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo had no idea what that meant.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Edith’s going to turn Mr Parsnip’s study into a bedroom
for the new vicar,” said Charlie, “and Robert is going to sleep in Mr Parsnip’s
bed,” she added. “It’s all a bit funny at the vicarage.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Just don’t think about it, Charlie,” said Cleo. “Grownups
do funny things sometimes. They stop loving some people and start loving
others.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m glad I’m home,” said Charlie. “We all go on loving all
the time here, don’t we?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes Charlie, we do, and you don’t have to go to the
vicarage at all if you don’t want to,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The boys need me,” said Charlie. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, just tell us when something bothers you,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Something is bothering me now,” said Charlie. “Everyone
at the vicarage has secrets. Even Albert has a secret, but he told me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“Do you want to tell us?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“He made me promise not to.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“But you need to tell someone, right?” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Yes. You won’t tell on me, will you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Of course not, Charlie,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“Albert said he knows where his father is,” said
Charlie.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“What? Did he say where?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“No, but I can ask him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“You should not be using Charlie as a spy, Gary,”
said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“I promised not to say anything,” said Charlie. “And now I’ve
broken my promise.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
Tears started rolling down the little girl’s cheeks.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Don’t worry, Charlie. We won’t give the game away,” said
Cleo, comforting her and wiping away her tears. “I’ll talk to Albert today, but
I won’t tell him what you have told me and you don’t know where the vicar is,
so he couldn’t tell you anyway, except that he had one,” said Cleo. ”I’ll get
him to tell me the whole story.”<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“I’ll be here this evening, said Gary. “Do you need my
car?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“Wow, Gary. I call that love. Sharing toothbrushes and cars is
a very positive sign.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I don’t use your toothbrush, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“You don’t need to. You have one of your own.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“Can we all have another hug now?” said Charlie. “You parents are sometimes
the limit!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
Gary gathered PeggySue in his arms and they all hugged for a minute or
two. It was a meditative moment for all of them, even PeggySue, who patted
Cleo’s and Gary’s heads and gurgled contentedly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Anyone seeing us now would think we were slightly
crazy,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Only slightly?” said Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I love you all,” said Charlie, “even if you are a bit
crazy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Since there would be no for a visit to the vicarage before
leaving for the hockey match next morning, Cleo took Gary up on his words and
drove to the vicarage in the red cabriolet that was ary’s pride and joy. She
parked carefully and went round the back of the house to the kitchen. Robert
would still be making his weekend deliveries so with any luck he would not be
there. Cleo asked Edith if she could have a chat with Albert on his own and the
boy was summoned. Edith would dearly like to have known why Cleo wanted to talk
to him but did not ask.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
It took Albert quite a long time to get to the dining
room, where the chat was to take place. He put his mobile phone down on the
table. He would not be parted from it for a second. After a minute or two he
broke the silence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“She told you, didn’t she?” he said. “Little sneak.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Told me what, Albert?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“That I know where my father is,” said Albert,
without meaning to.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Is that the secret you imposed on Charlie, Albert?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Yes, Miss.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I thought we were friends,” said Cleo. “Why didn’t
you tell me?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Because my father made me swear not to tell
anyone.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“But he must know that we are all very worried.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I don’t think he cares, Miss Hartley.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“How did you find out where he is, Albert?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I don’t know exactly where he is. He’s staying
somewhere in the snow.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“In the snow?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I think that’s what he said.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“So he contacted you a second time?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Yes. He was sorry he could not meet me. He said he had
borrowed the phone from the man who was taking him to the airport. I know it
was a mobile phone this time because it was one of those sorts of numbers.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“Can you remember it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“He told me to delete the call.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Did you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“No, Miss.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Good boy. Can you load the call now?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Cleo listened to Parsnip’s call and was sure it must be genuine.
He had asked after the boys, but not mentioned Edith..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The easiest way to get a copy of the call was probably to
record it with her own mobile phone, so she did that and made a note of the
phone number. There was a chance that Parsnip’s whereabouts could be traced via
the phone, but it was also possible that the phone had in the meantime run out
of juice and he had no connector to recharge it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Cleo thanked Albert for having confidence in her. When
asked what they had talked about, Albert was to say it had been about him doing
an internship with the agency with a view to doing one with Gary when he was
old enough. At 12 Albert was already quite grownup and an intelligent boy.
There were plenty of tasks he could do at the agency. Cleo gave him a key of her
office. He could use the computer at any time. Together they thought up a
password so that he had his own private network. Albert was thankful and relieved
that he was no longer burdened with the secret of his father’s whereabouts. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
On the short drive back home, Cleo realised that none of those
involved had bargained with Frederick Parsnip’s presence of mind, since that
was a quality no one thought he possessed. Grisham had had no personal form of
identification on him because it had been removed by the killer who could have
been Parsnip. It is possible that Grisham had given him the cell phone to hold,
so strictly speaking the vicar would not have stolen it, but only taken it with
him. Had Parsnip moved the corpse to the passenger seat? Had he put the
dog-collar on Grisham? Had he emptied Grisham’s pockets? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
It was vital that they talk to Parsnip. But what if he had
killed Grisham after all? Why would he kill the person who was driving him to a
new life in Africa, to the life he had been dreaming of, to the escape from
family and job responsibilities, in one word: to freedom?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Later, Gary had supper with the girls. Charlie had
showered off the hockey-practice grime and was sitting at the dining table in
her pyjamas colouring monsters in really ghastly colours. Gary put PeggySue in
the bath with loads of bubbles and a large yellow plastic duck nemed appropriately
‘Duck’ and then in her bed before putting his feet up and snoozing contentedly in
front of the TV, which was showing about the 33<sup>rd</sup> repeat of Breakfast
at Tiffany’s. Cleo hugged Charlie and sent her off to bed, kissed Gary on the
forehead, peeped in PeggySue, who was fast asleep, and went into the kitchen to
make nightcaps. Some time later, the lovers would find their way to bed and
their ‘lovin’ would end in the early hours, when they would fall asleep
entwined.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlie had been nodding over her pencils, so Cleo added
cold mlk to cool her cocoa and tucked her in for the night. Gary had livened up
for long enough to hug Charlie before going back to sleep on the sofa. Cleo
covered him with the plaid and kissed his brow. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“We could go to bed,” Gary suggested, pulling the sofa
plaid up to his chin. “I’m cold and you ust be tired.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You won’t be going to bed for some time and you are frying
in front of a blazing log fire,” said Cleo. “Are you sickening for youething?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“For you, my love,” Gary replied, reaching for the TV remote.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Those movies always put me to sleep,” he said
apologetically, switching off a movie that had seen better days 70 years ago.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Funny how you imagine the colours on black and white films,”
he mused.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Drink some coffee, Sweetheart. We have things to discuss.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“What things? I don’t think I want to discuss anything
now. It’s weekend and I need you and my duvet.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“You won’t when you’ve heard Parsnip’s phone call to
Albert, Sweetheart.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo went into the kitchen to get herself some coffee. Gary
followed her and wrapped himself around her from behind, His physical nearness
almost made her forget the urgency of what she wanted to say. Almost.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Forget Parsnip. Do you think anything Parsnip does is
going to warm me up more than my wife and my duvet?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“No, but let’s get our priorities right.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Now you are being a pain,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
Cleo ignored that comment. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“On second thoughts, I think Dorothy should be here,” said
Cleo. “We need a think-tank.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Not now, Cleo. Let’s go to bed. Dorothy is probably
asleep.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Gary, it’s only eight o’clock.” said Cleo, ignoring of
Gary’s unmistakeable line of attack.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Dorothy said she would come when Breakfast at Tiffany’s
had finished. That’s in about twenty minutes if she really had to. We arranged that
if I did not phone, she yould join us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’m cold and you are heartless,” said Gary. “We need us,
not Dorothy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’ll put a log on the fire and then I’ll warm you up a
bit,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Don’t frighten me?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“…platonically.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary did not believe Cleo, but she stuck firmly to her
intention.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Half an hour later Dorothy was standing on Cleo’s
doorstep.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Come in. I want to play you the recording I copied from
Albert’s mobile phone an hour or so ago,”
Cleo announced and Dorothy looked puzzled because she knew nothing about
Charlie’s confession of Albert’s secret.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They all listened to the recording.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“So what do you think, Dorothy?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“It’s definitely Frederick,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“But he said he’s in the snow,” said Gary. “I can’t make
head nor tail of that, unless he’s in Scotland on Ben Nevis or gone to Europe
and hidden on a snowy European peak.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Let’s listen to it again, “ said Dorothy. “I have a
hunch.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Gary thought that it would be a crackpot idea, but since
he’d thought Dorothy’s hunches had been silly before and then had to eat his
words, he would go with the flow. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Cleo looked at Gary with a mischievous smile on her face.
From being drowsy and longing for bedtime, Gary was now awake enough to realize
that he was in at the deep end of whatever was going on. From forbidding the
two sleuths from having anything to do with the Grisham case, Gary was now faced
with yet another theory concocted by one amateur sleuth and backed up by the other.
It was going to be either a monumental success or a monumental flop. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I think Albert really must have thought his father was in
the snow,” Dorothy started. “But what if Parsnip had merely left off the word
‘flat’? I certainly didn’t hear it.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I can’t see that it would make any difference,” said
Gary, who now thought Dorothy was being tiresome. “Snow is usually on hills and
mountains.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“A snow house is an igloo, isn’t it?” she continued. “If
he’d been in one of those, he would have used that word.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“I supposed he would,” said Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
But what if he was referring to snow with a capital
“S”?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Go on,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
Gary yawned.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Couldn’t it be Miss Snow’s house in Huddlecourt
Minor?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Who’s Miss Snow, Dorothy?” Gary asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Someone whose dog we found,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I never met her, Gary,” said Cleo. “She had lost her dog
and asked the agency to find it. Dorothy obliged.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Miss Snow wanted to be friends with me, but I did not
want that because the little dog I once found in Monkton Woods was probably
also hers and had run away, and after meeting Miss Snow I could understand
why.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I wanted to ask you to do a photo montage for Dorothy,
but there hasn’t been time yet,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“What kind of montage?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“A large dog to replace the one Dorothy used to have after
finding it in Monkton Woods. On Miss Snow’s description you would identify Dorothy’s
dog with her dog, but Doroth did not make enquiries about the runaway animal. She
just kept it and gave it a new name and she did not want Miss Snow to know she
had kept it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“It’s all as clear as mud,” said Gary. “Can I go to bed
now and talk tomorrow?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“You can read the case account in my records, Gary. Go on
with your hunch, Dorothy. I know Gary wants to hear it, don’t you, Sweetheart?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Gary resigned himself to Dorothy’s new grim fairy tale.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“When Miss Snow opened her door I was amazed to see that
she looked exactly like Laura. What if the vicar got to her house on his way
home, saw her and thought it really was Laura?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“You mean a reincarnation?” said Gary, starting to get
intrigued by this idea.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Frederick Parsnip had a soft spot for Laura Finch, Gary.
She had confided in him about her past, which fascinated him for it’s sheer
audacity, I expect. But did not tell him that her father had at least 3 love-children
dotted about the neighbourhood,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Good heavens!” said Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I think Flora Snow would have read or heard that the
vicar had gone missing, judging from the speed at which things get known around
here,” Dorothy continued. “I was baffled myself and shocked by her looks when I
first set eyes on her, until Miss Snow explained. Believe me, Flora Snow is the
spitting image of Laura Finch only shorter and a bit plumper.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“This is an awesome hunch, Dorothy. I’d like to pick holes
in the idea, but I can’t think of any,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Although Miss Snow would probably have taken anyone in
who was needy because she fancied herself as a good soul, she recognized the
vicar and when he called her Laura she could have had a brilliant idea,” said
Dorothy. “Miss Snow might even have blackmailed Edith. She probably knew Robert
and Edith had got together. Is Miss Snow getting paid by Edith not to reveal
where Frederick is?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think your hunch is getting out of hand, Dorothy,” said
Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“But surely Miss Snow would not blackmail Edith,” said
Cleo. “No one has ever mentioned blackmail.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Edith has proved to be something of a dark horse!” said
Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So you think my hunch could be a good one, do you, Gary?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll reserve judgement, Dorothy,” said Gary, unwilling to
acknowledge that at least the first part of her theory could explain the
vicar’s continued disappearance. “It’s a clever idea with the double, Dorothy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ve never met Flora Snow,” said Cleo. “I wonder if Edith
would be open to blackmail? She might, if getting rid of Frederick was
uppermost in her mind. He could stay away for ever if as far as she is
concerned, and she could say that it was for the vicar’s upkeep. It is his
salary, after all.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s all pretty sordid, isn’t it?” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She even shocked me, Dorothy,” said Cleo. “She must have
seduced Robert. He would never have had the nerve."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She did!” said Gary, wondering if he should say that in
Dorothy’s presence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How do you know that, Gary,” Dorothy asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He told me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Perhaps she had never been drawn to anyone before,” said
Dorothy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That is sad, but it would not surprise me,” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So what do you think really happened, Dorothy?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“I don’t think Miss Snow did anything,” said Dorothy. “I think the vicar
told her that he was in love with her, thinking it was Laura and airing a fancy
he had had for some time.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Are you sure about that fancy, Dorothy?” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“Didn’t you watch him at those meetings in the vicarage, Cleo? He fawned and
gushed over Laura like a slobbery Labrador. Let’s assume that he had not had
the courage or even the opportunity to declare his intentions before. If he
thought it was Laura and he had left all his family and work obligations behind,
he might have been glad to talk about his infatuation at long last. We know his
declaration would not have been to a reincarnation of Laura, as he believed,
but to Flora Snow, a woman edging 60, would have no scruples about playing
along.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“This is quite a story,” said Gary, “always assuming it’s
what happened.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“There’s only one way to find out, Gary.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Can I go to bed first, please?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Of course. We can’t do anything at this time of night and
since Frederick must have been at Miss Snow’s house for some days, he won’t
move on yet, if ever,” said Dorothy. “He might even be imprisoned.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“There is a downside to all this, of course,” said Gary. “If
it’s all as you say, Dorothy, Miss Snow might well be harbouring a killer. We’ll
pay her a visit tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“But not till after the hockey match, Gary. You promised
Charlie.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I shouldn’t think that matters. Miss Snow is more likely
to be home in the afternoon, isn’t she?” reasoned Dorothy. “If there are two of
them, she’ll need to do some weekend shopping. Frederick has to stay hidden and
they both have to eat. I wouldn’t put it past Miss snow to drug Frederick to
make sure he did not leave.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“But the guy can’t hide in Huddleton Minor for ever.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“There’s no point in speculating, Ladies. The hunch is
still only a hunch. I’ll walk up the road with you, Dorothy. The fresh air will
do me good.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“And I’ll take a shower and slip into my kimono,” said
Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
There was nothing particularly symbolic about the kimono
for Cleo, except that it reminded her of Chicago, but Gary saw it with entirely
different eyes and Cleo teased him about it. Cleo had bought the garment
cheaply many years before at a Chicago street market. She wore it as a dressing
gown, a bath-robe and between going-out outfits. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Kimonos are wonderful garments. You can parcel yourself
into one with an obi or a simple belt, or you can let it hang open and drift
about in it. Gary, whom Cleo called one of nature’s children because he preferred
to wear nothing at all, could live with the vestige of propriety a free-flowing
kimono gave the wearer, though Cleo was gradually catching on to the FKK idea.”
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Escorting her home. Gary had tried to get more information
out of Dorothy. Did she know where Laura's other siblings were? Somewhere in
Middlethumpton, Dorothy thought, but did not know their surname, and there had
been a legitimate brother. He was probably named Finch. Laura had never mentioned
him. It’s possible that he was dead. Laura had apparently been the only legitimate
heir to the family house and had not shared her inheritance with anyone, as far
as Dorothy knew.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I'll put a patrol team on Miss Snow’s house,"
said Gary when he got back to the cottage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Don't let Miss Snow see them," advised Cleo.
"She's a wily old bird, according to Dorothy."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Then she’s a good match for the vicar,” said Gary, “though
he’s a bit young for her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not necessarily. She could fall in love with him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“At her age?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“At any age, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I'll get Greg onto it," said Gary. "Greg is
reliable. They'll stay out of sight, but if Dorothy’s hunch is correct, Parsnip
is in there and we don't want him to get away, do we?"<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary took a shower and wrapped his bathtowel round his
haunches while they drank their nightcap coffee.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo drifted around tidying up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Multi-tasking again,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Necessity,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Tidying up in that kimono is quite poetic,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Like wandering lonely as a cloud?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t suppose Wordsworth wore a kimono,” said Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Maybe he also drifted around with a bathtowel slipping down
his haunches, instead.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t think they took as many baths in those days,” said
Gary. "I'd like one of those kimonos. Then we can both drift around."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I'm sure you know what you're talking about,"
said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"It's remarkable how energizing an evening walk can be."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I'll take your word for it," said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You can slip out of that kimono and under my duvet now,”
Gary invited as he finally lost his bathtowl and flung himself into bed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Still cold, Gary?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s not exactly how I would describe myself.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’ll just hand your bathtowel up to dry, shall I?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’d rather you didn’t bother,” said Gary as plucked the
kimono off Cleo’s back<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are you trying to tell e something?” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
faith1110http://www.blogger.com/profile/02358925817174593317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015358035360649701.post-10772064068635548132015-11-09T13:15:00.003-08:002020-03-06T01:27:45.112-08:00Episode 10 - Multi-tasking<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thursday October 29</b><br />
<h3>
<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The vicar’s disappearance had left Upper Grumpsfield’s
parish church in disarray. The Bishop would be sure to send someone to preach
on Sunday, but that did not solve the problem of the traditional Christmas
entertainment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>A phone-call from the Bishop, who had in vain tried to
talk sensibly with Edith about the forthcoming Sunday service, proved to be
futile. Edith could not help him, but gave him Dorothy’s phone number. Dorothy
would know more. At that point the Bishop realized that Edith was totally
overwhelmed by the whole situation, though he could not know that her emotions
were driven by her smouldering desire for Robert rather than any sadness about the
vicar’s disappearance. <o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Dorothy could only tell the Bishop that Frederick had not
yet turned up, improvising that everyone hoped he would in a day or two. She
explained in as few words as possible what had happened. The Bishop was
shocked. Why had Mrs Parsnip not told him that the vicar had not caught the
plane to Africa? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The newspapers had reported Mr Grisham’s murder, but there
had been no mention of the vicar except as a passenger in the car, thanks to
Gary’s diplomacy with the press, who were to believe that the vicar’s life
depended on their discretion, a situation that actually reflected a realistic
view of the event. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Until Gary had evidence that the vicar was not being held
a prisoner, he had not choice but to think of him as one, or even as a corpse
left to rot somewhere.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Dorothy made excuses for Edith. The real truth was that
the vicar’s wife had entered into an intimate relationship with Robert Jones
the day before he left for Africa. Edith had not <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>given much thought to anything else. Seeing
Robert fussing around her at the vicarage confirmed her suspicions. Dorothy’s
opinion of Robert made a U-turn. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Everyone believes that the vicar will come back soon,”
Dorothy told the Bishop, although she herself did not believe that he would
return to the vicarage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Why didn’t he go to Africa, Miss Price?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I have a theory, Bishop, but I can’t explain it now and we
have no proof yet.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who is we, Miss Price?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The Hartley Detective Agency and … the police.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Goodness gracious. Can you keep me informed, Miss Price?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’ll be glad to, Bishop. We are all worried about Mr
Parsnip. The man who was killed nt far south of Middlethumpton was driving the
vicar to the airport. Mr Parsnip evidently got away from the assassin, but we
don’t know where he went.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“It’s a big tragedy, Miss Price. I’ll try to get someone
to take the Sunday service.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“There are two, Bishop. It will be the first Sunday of the
month and All Saints.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Then I’ll come myself to the second one, the Bishop
volunteered. What time does the evening service start?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“At six.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“I’ll be there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Dorothy sighed deeply. It was kind of the Bishop to help,
but it did not solve the problem of the morning service or the Christmas
entertainment, she mused, and it certainly did not solve the issue of Edith’s
affair with Robert. You could be forgiven for thinking Edith’s actions were
premature, but it was nevertheless shameful.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Then the idea for a Christmas show that Dorothy had had
earlier and shelved as being unworkable came back into her mind. They would put
on a revue with lots of Afro-American Spiritual Songs and some Christmas carols
for everyone to sing along. She would call Robert that evening and invite him
to a spiritual brain-storming. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Mr Morgan, St Peter’s vain Welsh organist and self-styled
man-of-the-moment was still lodging in Delilah’s bistro’s front upstairs
guestroom. He could help her arrange things, she thought. It was at times like
this that she missed her friend, Laura Finch, who had once been so helpful with
suggestions, though she did not allow herself to be coerced into practical
tasks. Her main ambition had been to include herself in the programme, singing
some ballads or even opera arias, though she had been – to put it politely –
past it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Dorothy wondered if Gloria Hartley would help. Could she bring
a group of line-dancers along to liven the event up? She could, she said, and
would be delighted. It was an exciting project. Were the line-dancer to wear
grass skirts? Dorothy thought not, even though it would attract more men to the
event and Mr Morgan would no doubt be impressed and would hope to find a
soul-mate among the wriggling females. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“How fat are they, Gloria?” Dorothy asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“Mixed,” said Gloria. “And they do wear pantees under the grass,” she
added “We’re very respectable group.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Well, they don’t need to wear grass skirts for a
Christmas show, do they? We can decide later what they are to wear over their
knickers.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy resolved to tell that story. Grass skirts. Whatever
next?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The first rehearsal would take place in the church hall
the following Wednesday. Since it would also be a casting evening, anyone who
could sing properly or had something to offer a revue of Afro-American
Spirituals could come along. Dorothy hoped that the vicar would have turned up
by then. She would secure Robert Jones’s participation as soon as possible. She
hoped Cleo would consent to do the paperwork despite her preoccupation with her
new family constellation, unsolved mysteriesa, and her pregnancy, which was
fortunately going well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Gary was stressed out, to put his condition in Cleo’s
words. He had been a family man for only five days, but he could feel the pull
of weekend by Thursday and tried to clear his desk early so that he did not
have to return to the office after going home for lunch. He could work from
home and leave Nigel to cope with the everyday business at the office.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The happier Gary was at home, the more desolate did his
office at HQ seem. Nigel had stuck photos of the Caribbean on the office walls,
but that only emphasized the drabness of the room and the hopelessness of
trying to turn the profligates of the world into responsible citizens. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Gary had often said that he was destined to arrest felons
who saw their spells behind bars as welcome rest periods; someone cooked their
meals so that they ate regularly; their lives were organized; there was a
minimum of work and exercise; drugs and drink were easily accessible thanks to
the corrupt but lucrative delivery services of a few the warders that enabled
the prisoners to enjoy most of the fruits of their illegal labours; if the
prisoners were lucky, they met like-minded prisoners and could plot the next
punishable offence together even before they were paroled. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Prison is a crook’s paradice,” Gary had been heard to say
on many an occasion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
He dreamt of clearing up the mess behind the prison walls,
but the week he took up residence in Cleo’s cottage was also the week he was
forced to focus on the murders of the Grishams and the disappearance of the
vicar. He found himself facing the fact that he was not an efficient
multi-tasker. The more he thought about it, the more reliant he became on the
multifarious talents of the Hartley Agency, and the more willing he was to let
the Ladies do what they thought best. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Chris had sent in a pathology report that confirmed how Grisham
had died. The theory of a neurological drug applied through a syringe was
confirmed unequivocally. The fingerprints on the back seat of Grisham’s car did
not correspond with any on record. Chris would drive to the vicarage to collect
a toothbrush or other object that would bear traces of the vicar’s DNA so that
he could also be excluded – or included since he was still missing. There were
thousands of prints in the storeroom at the coffee bar where Mrs Grisham had
met her death. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Chris did not hold out any hope of tracing the assassin on
forensic evidence. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The murder must have
been premeditated, he thought. How else would the murderer have known where Grisham
was? And did the repeat of the use of a drug-filled syringe indicate that it
was the same killer as in the MI5 case Middlethumpton had been called upon to
solve? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Speculation dominated every mealtime conversation at the cottage.
Breakfast was no exception.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Mrs Grisham was extremely foolish to enter into any kind
of business venture that involved her being in the public eye, Chris,” Gary
said. “She was in a witness protection scheme and had been given a new
existence. Why did she defy instructions to remain inconspicuous and open a
coffee bar?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“She probably thought enough water had gone under the
bridge, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“But strangers were visiting her husband and he had organized
a change in their living quarters. She was worried about that. Life was fraying
at the edges and she was carrying on regardless.””<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“She was very foolish, I agree,” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Chris phoned to find out what knew about the Grishams.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“The whole damn business revolves around two guys who were
given new identities to protect them, and have been murdered,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“The two murders are obviously linked,” said Chris, and
they might not be the last if Mrs Grisham was not the only witness who could identify
Grisham’s mysterious callers. Did neighbours <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>notice anything.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoList">
“That’s a good question Cleo and Dorothy are planning to
investigate.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“There must be more witnesses to the comings and going of
strangers,” said Chris. “People are alarmed if strangers wander around their
territory. Someone always happens to be looking out of a window or weeding the
garden. The same goes for Mrs Grisham in her coffee bar. Someone will have seen
someone watching her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’ll let you know if the Ladies have any luck. I just
hope they are cautious. I can’t stop them once they decide to do something, so I
didn’t even try. That way I have a better chance of being told how they got on.
Keep me informed if you find any new evidence, Chris.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I hope Dorothy won’t decide to shoot her way out!” said
Chris.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’m sure the coffee bar has not been cleaned since the
murder,” Cleo told Gary. “How about collecting cigarette ends?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Hold on a moment, Cleo. I’ll phone Chris about that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The forensic team had not finished searching the premises
the previous day. The establishment was sealed off and the team was planning to
go there that morning. Rubbish containers were often a source of evidence and
would of course be included in the evidence collection if there was any to
collect. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“A smoker who was there for long stretches would have smoked
a lot because that’s what smokers do, even if it’s not allowed” said Cleo. “Smokers
defend their right to foul the air. So If that observer was professional, his
prints might be on record. We know Grisham was not a nice character, but we don’t
know anything about Mrs Grisham except that she had a high-pitched voice and
ran a coffee bar.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoList">
“So you didn’t examine the trash yesterday?” Gary asked Chris.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. That sounds like one of the Hartley Agency hunches,”
said Chris.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It is.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“We would have done it later. I’ll get onto it now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Chris says the forensic team did not search the trash,
but will do so today,” Gary told Cleo.“He didn’t sound too happy, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I expect the forensic team thought it was a clear-cut
killing of a totally insignificant person,” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The Grishams’ past was top secret, my love, and Chris has
half a dozen corpses in that mortuary of his. I dare say they all have to wait
their turn.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Wouldn’t that girl Sophia have already got rid of the
trash?” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I don’t suppose she had a chance. She was hysterical and
had to be given a sedative. Emptying ashtrays was the last thing on her mind.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ashtrays?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There’s still plenty of illegal smoking going on in cosy
venues.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What are you going to do next, Gary?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
I’ll get the report on the Grisham’s secret past from<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roger and hope to be home for lunch, OK?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Sure.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Do you happen to know any of the people who lived near
the Grishams, Cleo?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“No. Can’t we talk a walk down there and look with your
blessing rather than having to do it anyway?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“We could go there this afternoon, Cleo. I mean you
and me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I suppose we could, but what about PeggySue?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
”Can you get your mother to baby-sit?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“I’ll ask her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
On reflection, Gary thought he had made a mistake offering
to go to Lower Grumpsfield with Cleo. It was too dangerous. He would go alone
before going home for lunch. Cleo decided to send Dorothy because she less
recognizable. She phoned Dorothy to ask her if she would.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Gary had left for HQ, she phoned her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’ll go now, Cleo. The jaunt will do me good. What do you
want me to do?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Gary offered to go with me to find out if the Grishams
had contact with their neighbours. You should wait and go with him this
afternoon, Dorothy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That leave more time for things to get hushed up or murders
to occur, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Point taken, but I don’t think you should talk to anyone
at length.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I can’t find anything out by sign-language,” said Dorothy.
“I’ll have to talk to them properly. Nobody knows me there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“OK, but <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>make sure
they don’t think you are sleuthing, Dorothy. You could ask the neighbours if
they thought the Grisham house would be for sale,” Cleo suggested. “I assume
that the news of the Grishams’ deaths has got through to them by now, but you
could be asking about any house in the area.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That sounds good. I’ll report back when I’ve done the
job.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Dorothy’s turn of phrase often amused Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Dorothy was excited. She dropped her loaded pistol into
her handbag, having discarded her rucksack after the shattering experience of
not being able to reach the weapon when she thought she needed it. No one would
suspect her of being armed. Even HQ did not suspect her when she marched in
there. This was Great Britain, after all, and she was a respectable pensioner,
especially if she wore her ugly cloche hat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having set out to walk, Dorothy thought better of it and hopped
on the bus that went in the right direction. It eventually bowled down the main
street of Lower Grumpsfield and stopped on the corner of Shakespeare Road. All
the streets in Lower Grumpsfield went off the main street and most of the
houses were built quite recently for people who liked living quietly and worked
elsewhere. In Upper Grumpsfield, the side streets sported flower or tree names;
in Lower Grumpsfield the great poets of the nation had been immortalized.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Shakespeare Road was quite long and ended in Milton
crescent. The Grisham house was one of a number of modern residences that had evidently
been designed by the same architect since they all looked alike. The cresent
had been designed and built in one fell swoop and the houses were older and
bigger than those in Shakespeare road.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The area looked affluent. The Grisham residence was quite
central and the arc shape of the crescent meant that the neighbours could
definitely see what was going on at house Number 9. Dorothy did not think
visitors came on foot. She paused at the gate of Number 9. As she hoped, it
wasn’t long before a woman saw her and came out of a neighbouring house to find
out who she was.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“You know Mr Grisham is dead, don’t you?” said the
woman.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Is he,” replied Dorothy. “I didn’t know him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Murdered,” said the woman. “Mrs Grisham was also
murdered.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s terrible,” said Dorothy, wondering how much the
woman knew about the Grishams’ death and who had told her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“He was shot in the back,” the woman said without being
asked. “And I heard that Mrs Grisham was killed in the back room of her coffee
bar,” whispered the woman, getting quite close to Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Who could have done such a wicked thing?” said Dorothy
moving back a step. The woman had already seriously patronized her cocktail
cabinet several times.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Mr Grisham was either something in MI5 or a secret
agent,” the woman said. “I’m Kate Bollinger-Smythe with a hyphen, by the way. I
live next door at Number 8.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy calculated that if the houses were numbered
consecutively, she could make enquiries at 15 more houses.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“How do you do, Mrs Bollinger-Smythe,” said Dorothy. “And
I’m Ruth van Bomgardner. No hyphen. Dutch origin, you know.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Oh,” said Mrs Bollinger-Smythe, most impressed and
slightly subservient. “That’s almost royalty, isn’t it? I’m hyphened, by the
way.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I prefer to be incognito here,” said Dorothy, hoping that
the woman would be encouraged to talk by virtue of that very smart-sounding
name she had just given herself.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“There were funny goings-on at Number 9,” the woman
volunteered, getting closer to Dorothy, who resisted the temptation to step
back smartly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We were all puzzled.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“What kind of goings-on?” she whispered. “Did Mr Grisham
have a – well you know?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“A mistress? I’m sure he did, Why else would he want her
to live upstairs and him down?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“By her you mean Mrs Grisham, I suppose.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Yes, Mrs van Bomgardner.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“So Mr Grisham lived downstairs, did he? That’s a
very funny arrangement.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“She said he’d got religion and his friends were
part of a sect.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Really. What sect?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I wouldn’t know that,” said Mrs Bollinger-Smythe.
“I don’t nosy around.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Of course not.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“But then the vicar got quite pally with Mr Grisham. I
think Mr Grisham was giving the vicar a lift to Africa when he was killed.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Really?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Dorothy was just getting into her stride when Gary drew up
in his car. That was unfortunate, but Dorothy had the presence of mind to be
the first to speak to him. He had been astonished to see Dorothy there, jumping
the guns.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’m Ruth van Bomgardner and I am going to buy that
house,” Dorothy said very loudly to Gary, giving him a broad wink. “Do you want
it, Mr…?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Hurley. Not if you do, Mrs van Bom … what did you say?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Bomgardner and this is my friend Mrs Bollinger-Smythe, Mr
Hurley,” said Dorothy. “We are the two Bs. She has just been telling me how
sorry she was to hear about the Grishams.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Gary was quick-witted enough to know that he was spoiling
things by turning up, so he just told the Bs that he would not try to buy the
house if Mrs van Bomgardner had set her heart on it, and left.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Well, I never,” said Mrs Bollinger-Smythe. “At first it
looked as if he knew you, but he can’t have. He didn’t even know your name.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’d never seen him before,” lied Dorothy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
All in a good cause, she decided.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Gary drove home and let himself into the cottage. Gloria
was cooking and Cleo was giving PeggySue something green out of a jar.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“What the hell is that,” Gary asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Broccoli,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“They hadn’t invented broccoli when I was a baby, but I
survived without it,” said Gary, smelling the contents of the jar and thrusting
it from him rather quickly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“PeggySue likes it,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Or she’s so desperately hungry that she’ll eat anything,”
said Gary, planting a kiss on his daughter’s forehead.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Then he sat down without a demonstration of affection for
Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Oh dear,” she said. “It isn’t often that you ignore my
need for a little love in my life.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I haven’t stopped loving you, but I do wish you would not
let Dorothy go on curious errands for you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I met a Mrs Ruth van Bomgardner in Lower Grumpsfield. Do
you know who that is?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It sounds very much like one of Dorothy’s nom-de-plumes,”
said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You sent her there, didn’t you, Cleo?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“You and I were going to go there together. Remember? We
decided that was not a good idea and Dorothy went instead.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Did we?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Gary! You didn’t tell me you were going there alone,
either. You wanted me to wait till this afternoon .”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“We’d better have that hug, after all,” said Gary, now
feeling guilty about accusing Cleo of doing her own thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
Cleo stood up and the lovers embraced intensively.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
Gloria came in and stopped short at the scene.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Can I join in?” she said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Of course you can. Hugs are free-for-alls,” said Gary.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I think your daughter wants another mouthful of that green
stuff,” said Gloria. “Wouldn’t she do better on mashed potatoes and gravy?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Bring ‘em on, Gloria,” said Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’ll bring it all on if you folks can just stop the
lovin’ stuff for a few minutes.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“We’ll try,” said Gary, and presently they were tucking
into that gravy and mashed potatoes Gloria had talked about, plus lamb cutlets
and peas that were greener than any self-respecting pea should be.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I think they colour the peas,” Gloria explained. “I
bought them at Verdi’s emporium. He assured me that they are edible, but now I
look at them...”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“We’ll try them on PeggySue,” Gary joked, and proceeded to
mash some up on the small spoon reserved for serving mint sauce. PeggySue
pulled a face. She preferred broccoli.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“So what was Dorothy’s mission?” said Gary, once the laughter had subsided
and he had apologised for using his wonderful daughter as a food-taster.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Let’s wait until she phones, then she can tell you
herself.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Siesta first then?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Sure. PeggySue needs her sleep, too.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“I only get half the sleep I need,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“You’ll have to stop all that lovin’, Gary,” said Gloria.
“I’m going back to the shop now. That other village lover is waiting for me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So saying, Gloria left.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Your mother is quite embarrassing with her innuendoes,
Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Dorothy would say ‘if the cap fits, wear it’!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll put PeggySue to bed and you clear the table, Cleo. Is
that a deal?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Only if you stack the dishwasher later because you
haven’t got the clean stuff out yet and that’s your job, remember?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“You’re a hard taskmaster, Cleo!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I can’t top that, Gary, but I’m about ready for my
siesta, too.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“I only have an hour before I should get back to HQ. Our trip
to Lower Grumpsfield is clearly superfluous.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Stay here, please!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“I’ll phone Chris. Nigel’s holding the fort.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So you’d already planned to stay at home. The outing to the
Grisham’s house was going to take place, so you went there without me and were caught
out by Dorothy. “We really must coordinate, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s been a hard week, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And it isn’t over yet” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Siesta first,” said Gary. “Plans later.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ve decided to take some of tomorrow off, Cleo,” Gary
announced when PeggySue had told them she was finished with her siesta and
wanted her tea. “We need a home half-day.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We need a whole honeymoon,” said Cleo. “But we should get
married first.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Is that a rule, a custom or a proposal?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Take your pick. We could have a tummy bug and be out of
circulation,” Cleo suggested.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What a brilliant idea,” said Gary. “Nobody will ask for
proof.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But I’m not sure that taking time off iis such a good idea
with so the Grishams murders and Parsnips disappearance to contend with,” said
Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe me, it is.
We need to refresh ourselves.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But Charlie can’t take a day off school, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, and we’ll let Gloria take PeggySue to the nursery. That
way we can be alone all morning.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You really are the limit, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If you’d rather I went to HQ all day, just say the word.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK. No kids, no crime, no anything except a blissful day
neglecting everything.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
”I didn’t quite mean that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy phoned to say that the whole neighbourhood knew about
the Grishams’ murders, but she had been unable to establish how the news had
got around so fast. Should she investigate that?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary told her not to. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy was puzzled.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’re taking time off,” he explained. “You should, too. We’re
waiting for forensic findings, Dorothy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“This isn’t about findings, Gary. It’s about leaked
information, isn’t it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll talk to Roger and let you know.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy would have to manage on appeasement for the time
being. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What a good job I have other things to do” she told Gary. “Call
me if you need me, or better still, let me talk to Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What’s Gary up to?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think he’s been warned off the case, Dorothy. But he isn’t
saying. We’re taking Friday off. I’ve no idea what’s going on.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll sort out the Christmas Revuew. Somewhone has to.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
faith1110http://www.blogger.com/profile/02358925817174593317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015358035360649701.post-47955550533147348432015-11-08T02:15:00.003-08:002020-03-05T08:44:58.455-08:00Episode 9 - Small talk<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<b>Wednesday cont.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Gary was giving PeggySue her supper when the door bell
rang. Cleo opened the door to Chris, who was accompanied by a young man. Gary introduced
his little daughter briefly and went to put her to bed. PeggySue was tired. She
would sleep all through whatever loud conversation and laughter ensued. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>“Come in, Chris and introduce me,” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“This is Mike. He is my new partner.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Great! You’re most welcome here, Mike,” said Cleo. “I’m
glad you are out of the closet at last, Chris.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Cleo treated first Chris and then an astonished Mike to a
welcoming hug and asked them what they would like to drink.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Gary returned to the party. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Baby asleep. Any results, Chris?” he asked. “And thanks for
helping to straighten out my father role. I am overjoyed.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No problem, Gary. I was delighted to be able to settle the
quesion.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And I want to
thank my two Ladies for putting me straight on the Grisham case,” Gary said, as
if he needed an explanation for stepping <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>over to Cleo and treating her to an embrace
that had the body language of acute desire visible to anyone watching. Gary
eventually moved back and Cleo turned away, astonished at Gary’s public show of
sexual desire.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Let me explain,” he said. “Not about that hug, of course.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Good, Gary. I’m not into peepshows,” said Chris.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A peck on the cheek did not say what I wanted to, Chris,”
said Gary, justifying himself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I thought it was rather nice,” said Mike. “I quite like
demonstrations of desire.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you?” said Chris.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t you?” said Mike.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m still learning,” said Chris.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Gary gets a bit carried away, Mike,” said Cleo. “We have an
unquenchable physical desire for one another. It’s great, but it can get in the
way of social dialogue.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t apologize, Cleo,” said Mike.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary looked piqued. Cleo was getting her revenge, he
decided.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Anyway, Dorothy and my SWEET alter ego have an idea about
how that murder could have happend,” Gary said, hoping to change the subject. “Now
all we have to do is find the evil-doers and prove everything.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m tipping on a domestic issue,” said Chris with an amused
look at Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The prints we found on the back of the seats were of a
woman’s hand.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Women also work as agaents, Chris,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Less often,” said Chris. “The attack has to be forceful
and deadly accurate. A woman might prefer a more delicate strategy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But we are the weaker sex, so fewer people suspect us of
such treachery,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“You will have to come to the next brainstorming, Chris,”
said Gary, regretting the indelicate pass he had made at Cleo. “These private
sleuths are experts at thinking round corners!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everyone laughed. The ice was broken.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoList">
The evening was going to be a success.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“Reports tomorrow morning, Chris?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“I hope so. Forensics have a lot of work to do analysing what we have.
That corpse yesterday proved to be someone the drugs squad has been trying to
corner for ages. It might interest you too, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It will,” said Gary. “I’m surprised that the drugs squad
have not yet passed the buck.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“They will,” said Chris.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“What do you do for a living, Mike?” Dorothy asked. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Nothing spectacular, Dorothy. I work in a bank.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“It would be spectacular if you had a bank raid,
Mike,” said Dorothy..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Don’t wish that on us,” said Mike.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I’ve never been involved in a bank raid,” said
Dorothy wistfully.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I’d rather you weren’t,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“I’d shoot if necessary,” she said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That’s a good reason for staying at home,” said Gary, who
also declared that he could not use a bank raid right now anyway and could they
please play snap instead.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Snap?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I have a daughter aged eleven, Mike,” Gary explained.
“Kids’ games are great on social occasions. Not that we need to break the ice.
Where is Charlie, anyway?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“At the vicarage. Maths homework. She tutors Cedric.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I told her to be home before dark,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She didn’t tell me that,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Won’t Charlie’s presence hamper Edith’s new-found
sexuality?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Mike and Chris exchanged glances. Viewing Gary’s
unmistakeable passion in his embrace with Cleo had been an eye-opener since their
relationship was new and the talk about sexuality was scarifying.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I thought that might help Edith cope since Beatrice will
have gone home to Oscar by now,” said Cleo. “So I said it would be OK.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You can’t do that, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Edith always acts normally with the kids. She’s better off
not thinking about herself.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Who’s Oscar?” Gary asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Beatrice’s husband. Our hero of the western world. A
died-in-the-wool houseman. Much to be admired when you think what a dance
Beatrice leads him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Is that a hint, Cleo. Do you want me to be a houseman?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Of course not. You need your job as much as I need mine!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I could go and collect Charlie,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll do that myself if she doesn’t turn up very soon,” said
Gary. “But thanks anyway.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I once had a cat named Oscar,” said Mike. “He was really
fierce. Went for the ankles of anyone who got anywhere near him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“He sounds delightful,” said Dorothy, who loved cats in any
shape and form now she had one herself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That’s not what most people thought, Dorothy.
Unfortunately he was run over. I grieved for ages.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Sometimes cats miscount the number of lives they have
left, Mike,” said Dorothy. “When you visit me – which I hope you will – you can
say hello to my cat Mimi, if she lets you. True to her name she almost sings at
me when she wants to draw attention to herself.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Great,” said Mike. “We’ll certainly do that, won’t we,
Chris.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’d enjoy being there just for the baking! I’ve been to
Dorothy’s cottage before, Mike. Her sitting-room is full of grand piano. I’d
like to hear you play it.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“A piano to play on, a cat and delicious baking? What more
could I ask for?” said Mike.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Dorothy is not only a great sleuth; she also makes the
best bara brith I’ve ever tasted,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“What’s bara brith?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“It’s Welsh currant bread, but you’ll have to ask Dorothy
what she puts in it,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let’s just say it would not be approved of at the AA,” said
Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ve never heard you complain, Gary,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t belong to Alcoholics Anonymous.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“The alcohol content is destroyed in the baking, Gary.
Even I know that from making gravy laced with something out of a bottle that
isn’t ketchup or soy sauce” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“You could set fire to it, like we do when we bake
Christmas puddings,” said Dorothy. “I always think it’s a waste of good plonk,
but it’s tradition and people enjoy the flames.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“As far as I remember, you set fire to the Christmas
pudding after it is cooked,” said Gary. “And if the alcohol has gone up in
smoke you can top up your own level with brandy sauce. I know my grandmother
poured some in just before serving, so it really hit the spot.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Christmas uddings are usually steamed, aren’t they?” said
Mike-<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s a wonder that British children are not alcoholics.
They are reared on brandy sauce,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“What about you kids, Gary? Surely you did not get any,”
said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“We were meant to get custard, but I always put brandy
sauce under it,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Robert used to set fire to the frying pan sometimes,” said
Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who’s Robert?” Mike asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Robert is Cleo’s ex, Mike,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’d rather live with Gary and do the cooking myself,” said
Cleo. “He’s a great lover and that definitely makes up for any deficits he has
in the kitchen,” she added, grinning at Gary. Dorothy tutted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t tell everyone, Cleo,” said Gary. “You are
embarrassing me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Touché!” said Cleo “I didn’t know you were that
conservative. I feel like shouting it all from the rooftops when you haven’t
already displayed your intentions.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Cleo,” said Gary, who now had the grace to be embarrassed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“And I can see we are definitely kindred cat-lover
spirits, Mike,” said Dorothy, urgently trying to steer the chat into less muddy
waters. “All we need now is a small, harmless bank raid to jolly things along.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
That final remark was made in jest, of course. Gary
realized that in time to say “Amen to some of that small talk.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“My talk is not small,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hoping for a bank raid is not funny, either, however little
it is,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll drink to that,“ said Mike. Gary hastened to fill
everyone’s glass so that they could bring out several toasts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Chris was eternally grateful for the reception these
lovely people had given him and Mike. It was the first time he had dared to go
anywhere in his new identity and he realised that the anxiety he had had for as
long as he could remember was gone like a puff of smoke. The rather risqué chat
had been in joke, of course, but Chris had no doubt at all about the intensity
of the relationship between Cleo and Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I can’t think why you were worried, Chris,” said Mike.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Neither can I, Mike,” said Chris. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“And neither can I,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m an old woman, but I’d say ‘go for it’!’” said Dorothy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
As if to deliberately disturb the joviality, the
phone rang. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
It was Edith in a panic.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Why Edith, are you OK?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
Cleo switched the speakers on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I’m worried, Cleo. Albert has not come home.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Oh dear. What time does he usually get in?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“He has baseball practice from 6 to 8 at the sports centre
up in Huddlecourt Minor, then he sprints down through Monkton Wood and gets in
at half past eight at the latest. I’m so worried.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“Have you told Robert?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“He’s out looking for him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“I’ll talk to Gary and ring you back very soon,
Edith.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“Robert’s your ex, isn’t he, Cleo?” sai Mike<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“He’s Edith’s new lover now,” said Gary. “Upper Grumpsfield is
a den of iniquity, Mike.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“No it isn’t,” said Cleo. “It’s a den of profligate lovers.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“She’s exaggerating,” said Dorothy. “I haven’t even got
one.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“You almost did have, Dorothy,” said Gary. “Remember that we
would have put him behind bars for tree-smuggling if someone hadn’t shot him
first.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I expect someone is going to explain how you smuggle
trees,” said Mike.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Not now, Dorothy!” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy ignored Gary’s groans.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoList" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“You
can swap them for drugs then smuggle the drugs somewhere and sell them for
a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>packet. Is that right, Gary?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“More or less.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Sorry to interrupt,” said Cleo. “The Snap game will have
to be postponed.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That’s true. We’ll have to help find that boy, Chris,”
said Mike. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I agree,” said Gary. “Let’s get moving.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo phoned Edith to say a search party was on its way. She
was to ring Gary if the boy turned up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Cleo and Dorothy wanted to go with them but Gary reminded
Cleo that she had an infant to care for and Dorothy should not be wandering
around in the dark at her age. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“What’s wrong with my age,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Nothing, Dorothy,” said Mike, “but Gary’s right. We might
end up having to look for you and that would never do.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Thanks, Mike,” said Gary. “It’s good to hear someone
talking sense. Let’s move!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The three men left the cottage after Gary had asked Cleo to
ring the vicarage and tell to keep Charlie there until he came for her. “Gary,
Chris and his friend Mike are out looking for Albert, Edith. Try to keep calm,”
said Cleo. “Is Charlie still there?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Yes, Cleo. She was about to leave.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t let her. Would you like Dorothy or me to come?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Edith said yes please and Dorothy sighed deeply. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Let’s hope the boy turns up soon,” she said. “A night of
Edith with hysterics is not my idea of pleasure.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“OK, Dorothy. You stay here and look after PeggySue and
I’ll go to the vicarage.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Well, if you’re sure, Cleo. Won’t Gary be mad at you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“He’d better not be. Who knows, the boy may have turned up
by the time I get there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“Let’s hope so. I’ve just thought of something.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“What?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Could Albert’s disappearance have anything to do
with Frederick?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Now you’re asking!” said Cleo. “I suppose it’s
possible.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Put that idea to Gary when you see him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“I will,” said Cleo. “I’ll just look in on PeggySue
before I go.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
PeggySue was fast asleep. Dorothy would wrap herself in
the plaid on the sofa and relax in front of the TV. Cleo was not planning to
stay away longer than necessary. She hoped that Robert would stay at the
vicarage all night once he returned, whatever arrangement he had with Edith.
She did not want to listen to Edith’s guilty conscience calling out for a
moment longer than necessary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
*** <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Albert’s disappearance was a flash in the pan. He turned
up and explained that he’d had a phone-call from his father and was to meet him
at Monkton Priory. But he had waited and waited and his father did not turn up.
Eventually he had given up and run home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Cleo phoned Gary on her mobile and told him that Albert
had just turned up and could tell them in person where he’d been. The search
party would walk to the vicarage to collect Cleo and Charlie.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo was glad she had decided to go to the vicarage and collared
Albert immediately for a serious chat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Did your father phone your mobile?” she asked<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Albert was very proud to be grown up enough to have one.
He had the only mobile phone in the vicarage household and had received it as a
present from Uncle Oscar, who would have liked a son like Albert, had Beatrice
not been too busy teaching other people’s children instead. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Albert nodded and on request found the voice mail for Cleo
to listen to. It did sound like Frederick Parsnip, but Cleo passed the mobile
for Edith to listen, to be quite sure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
If Albert’s mobile was the only one at the vicarage,
Frederick can’t have phoned from one, unless he had a cell phone no one knew
about. So the vicar had to be somewhere where there was a house phone. Cleo
said nothing of this simple reasoning to anyone. She also said nothing about
Grisham. He may have had a cell phone. Did Parsnip steal it along with the
guy’s wallet and papers?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
When Albert told Edith that his father had phoned, she
looked startled. When Albert told her that he had waited for the vicar for a
full hour in the cold before deciding to run home, she was horrified.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“If it wasn’t Albert’s father,” Cleo said to Edith while
Albert went to the bathroom, “Who was it? Have you heard that voice before?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Albert had to face more questions when he came back in the
room.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Weren’t you scared at the Priory,” Cleo asked. “It’s a
very creepy place, Albert.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I was scared,” admitted Albert. “That’s why I hid. If someone
came past, I would not want to be caught unawares.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Brilliant, Albert,” said Cleo. “It’s really time you did
a bit of detecting. I did promise you that once, didn’t I.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Yes, Miss Hartley, but I’m now more interested in all
that data you get from Mr Hurley. I’m writing a book, you see.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’ll talk to him. He might have time to show you around
at Headquarters.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That would be great, Miss Hartley.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“You must promise not to arrange to meet anyone in a
lonely place again, Albert,” Cleo said. “ While your father is away, you are
head of the household here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Not for long,” said the boy, meaning Robert, of course.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’m sure your father will be back soon since he did not
go to Africa after all.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“He won’t come back to live here. Mummy doesn’t love him
anymore and he doesn’t care about us, Miss Hartley.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
How sad the boy looked, she thought, but he soon
brightened up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Robert is going to live with us,” Albert said. “That will
be real cool!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
As Albert said that, Robert came in through the kitchen
door and was overjoyed that Albert had come home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
As he shook hands solemnly with Albert he realised Cleo
was standing there. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean-…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That’s OK, Albert. Your father and I are still friends,
but he loves your mother now and I love Mr Hurley.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That’s how it is, Albert,” said Robert. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Wow,” said the boy. “That’s awesome. We’ll get us a house
together, Miss Hartley. We can’t go on living here because of Father having
gone. The new vicar will need this house.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“Or your father will continue to live here,” said
Robert.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Do you know what I think?” said Albert.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“No. Tell me!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I think my Father is out there somewhere.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“He must be if he phoned you,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“But it could have been someone imitating his voice on the
phone, couldn’t it, Miss Hartley?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“That’s what I was wondering,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“It might mean that Father is a prisoner somewhere.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Have you any idea where, Albert?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Not really, but I’ll think about it, Miss Hartley. Is
there any supper, Mummy?” he asked as a still frantic Edith came back in the
kitchen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Robert took Edith in his arms despite Cleo’s presence. He
could not help thinking that she was like a frightened little bird. Cleo
witnessed the scene and could not help thinking that Edith was laying on the
helplessness rather thickly. She thought that might have been what was missing
in her own marriage to Robert. Edith was not really helpless except in the eyes
of Frederick Parsnip, who had nipped any attempt at independence in the bud. Apart
from that, Robert was not a romantic, so his demonstration was of empathy at
the moment, Cleo decided.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Cleo reflected that some women made a point of appearing
helpless, though she thought Edith was probably not aware of her <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>guile. Cleo had never acted helpless, although
in the past she had often wished someone would notice when she needed a bit of
support. That wish had been heard at last. Gary did notice. Many of those hugs
of his were timed to give her room to recover her equilibrium. The astonishing
part was that it worked and had become part of their daily routine. They hugged
one another, family, friends and even strangers if it seemed the right way
forward. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What are you actually doing here, Cleo?” Robert wanted to
know.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I won’t ask you that question, Robert. I came to support
Edith.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, it looks as if the crisis has passed, so we won’t
keep you,” said Robert.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’ll only stay until Gary and the others who have been
out looking for Albert come to collect Charlie and me, Robert.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“OK. Point taken.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“You two are like cat and dog,” said Albert between large
bites of a doorstep he had just made himself with ham, cheese and cucumber cut
the long way. “You are only slightly better than my father was and he was often
quite nasty to Mummy and us.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Robert looked perturbed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“It’s a weird situation, Albert,” said Cleo. “But we’ll
sort it all out.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I never wanted to come between you and Robert, Cleo,”
said Edith.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You didn’t,” said Cleo. “I’ll phone Albert as soon as I can
arrange that visit to HQ. Robert and I are still friends, aren’t we, Robert?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Are we?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Remember, Robert, that it’s six of one and half a dozen
of the other. You decided to walk out,” Cleo said. “You did me a big favour,
Robert.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Edith tried to join in with the conversation. She was not
really sure what was happening between Cleo and Robert, but when Gary came into
the kitchen through the kitchen door and went straight to Cleo to put his arms
round her and they kissed right, left and centre, she was quite sure that Cleo
was only interested in Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Edith had decided that Robert wanted a life with her and
the boys, so she went back to him and linked her arm through his. Cleo was
privately amused by that possessive gesture. She had never seen Edith hook her
arm into Frederick’s. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’m glad you came, Cleo,” said Edith, viewing the
magnetism between Cleo and Gary with great awe. She had felt traces of that
magnetism when she and Robert made love, but Robert seemed to unable to <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>join in as she would have wished.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Edith was relieved
to see that Robert and Cleo had no rapport. She knew what it was like to live
with someone who was indifferent. Was her magnetism enough to keep Robert
interested even if he wasn’t the passionate type she yearned for? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Yes. Thanks, Cleo,” added Robert. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Thanks, Miss Hartley. I’ll go to bed now,” said Albert.
”Maths test in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We should move,” said Gary. “Mike and Chris are waiting
outside.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll call Charlie,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So, young lady,” said Gary, after giving his daughter a
hug. “We need to talk seriously about you staying out after dark.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, Daddy. I was helping Cedric with his homework.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Very good of you, but worrying for us when you don’t come
home as arranged. You can see how upsetting that is from Albert’s
disappearance.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, Daddy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Cleo wondered how Robert would cope with those boys and
with Edith if she insisted on sex too often. He did not appear to be comfortable
with the current arrangmeent, but that could be because she had been in the
room. Cleo was as anxious as Gary to get away from the vicarage. Was Edith a henpecker?
Cleo wondered. Robert would <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>be unwilling
to let his wife be the leading light in his next relationship. But it was
doubtful whether Edith would go through another partnership in which she was
the little woman, the drudge. She hoped Edith’s sister Clare would give her
some useful advice and could not deny that one hazard was that Robert did not
really enjoy or even want intimate relations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The atmosphere in the vicarage kitchen had been much
frostier after he appeared, Gary concluded. It was good to be in the fresh air.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
Walking back to Cleo’s cottage, Mike asked Cleo if the man at the vicarage
really was her ex-husband.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Yes, Mike.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“You did right to get out, Cleo,” he said. “He’s
rather awful, isn’t he?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Edith looks too timid for such a macho, Cleo,” said
Chris.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Don’t bet on it, said Gary. ”She has so much pent-up
energy that he will get a good run for his money. I could see that at a glance.
Robert is not really a macho. He’s someone who wants things organized, like the
chops on a tray in his counter display.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“He’s a butcher, Mike,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
”A family butcher,” said Gary. “He’s getting five boys
with Edith, so being a family butcher will be convenient.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I just hope they settle down together” said Cleo. “ I’m
starting to find Edith quite tiresome and she’s more than welcome to Robert.“<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I think we need a hug,” said Gary beckoning to Chris and
Mike to join in, then the four of them stood close together with their arms
interlocked for about a minute and Charlie in the middle saying they could stay
like that as it was warm in the middle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That’s much better,” Gary said finally. “I always think a
hug gets rid of the evil spirits.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes Daddy,” said Charlie. “Cedric says the evil spirits
spoil his maths homework when he isn’t looking.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Or is it that he’s no good at maths, Charlie?” said Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That, too,” said Charlie. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Chris had never seen Gary in that kind of mood before. He
was astonished. Mike thought he must be on a different planet, and Cleo just
thought how much she loved him and what a big chump Robert really was.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Cocoa all round after all this fresh air?” she offered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
”Yes please, Mummy. I’ll help you make it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary exchanged looks with Chris. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So that was Gary’s secret, Chris mused. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Can you do maths, Mike?” said Charlie, who seemed to have
taken a liking to the young man.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I have to,” he said. “I work in a bank. I have to count the
money.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of it?”Charlie gasped. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not quite all of it,” said Mike, appreciately the
acceptance he had found among these great people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think I’d like to count money,” said Charlie.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy was relieved that everything had turned out well,
but very thoughtful on the subject of Frederick’s phone-call. She would consult
Miss Snow in Huddlecourt Minor about it, she decided. That lady was a chronic
nosey-parker and might have ideas or heard something relevant. Dorothy did not
tell anyone what she was planning, however. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
faith1110http://www.blogger.com/profile/02358925817174593317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015358035360649701.post-27104112764737757822015-11-07T02:04:00.004-08:002020-03-04T13:06:28.474-08:00Episode 7 - The coffee bar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<b>Wednesday October 28</b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo and Dorothy agreed that the walk down the hill to Lower
Grumpsfield would do them good. It was quite a long way. Plenty of time to
discuss the Grishams and the continued absence of Frederick Parsnip.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>“Do you think we should have invited Edith to join us this
morning, Cleo?”<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, Dorothy. I would no know how to approach her. Anyway,
she’s probably sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you think Frederick will get in touch?” Dorothy asked.
“I’m not so sure. He might be humiliated about missing the plane and have
sought refuge somewhere.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Or he might be dead, Dorothy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh dear. But he could have missed the plane deliberately ,
couldn’t he? If only I could think of a reason he would do that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Where could he have gone? His luggage was still in the car
boot, so I don’t think he had planned to disappear.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Maybe he was kidnapped,” said Dorothy. “But I can’t think
why. He hasn’t got two pennies to rub together.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If that was the case, surely the kidnapper would have been
in touch by now,” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Or would they wait until hysteria had stepped in before
stepping in themselves with some horrendous conditions for releasing him?” said
Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Exactly. But he’d have to be held prisoner somewhere,
wouldn he?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“To be honest, I don’t think Edith is that bothered about
him not coming back. After all, she is carrying on with Robert,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We don’t know that for certain, Dorothy. It might just be
malicious gossip. I only heard about it in a short phone-call and I’ve no idea
who was at the other end of the phone except that it was a female voice.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I suspect that someone wanted to upset you with that news,”
said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m not upset. I’m relieved if Robert finally found someone
else, especially as PeggySue is not his child.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Since when have you known that, Cleo? You didn’t tell
me," said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I'm sorry Dorothy. I didn't tell you about the DNA in
case it did not prove that Robert was not PeggySue's father."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"So Gary has gained a new wife and a new
daughter?"<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Yes and he is ecstatic."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Are you? I thought you were having words last
night."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"We were. I think Gary baits me so that we can kiss and
make up."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Spare me the details, Cleo. I'm happy for you both and
for PeggySue. I never guessed that you were having an affair with Gary in those
days. All those times I told you Gary was in love with you and you denied it.
And all the time you were seeing him secretly. I’m quite shocked about that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I denied it for a while, but then I started to love him
back in a big way.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy tried not to be shocked and puzzled though she was
both.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But isn’t it better to be truthful to one’s friends and not
marry men you don't love, Cleo?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I did love Robert in a way, and I did not want to let him
down. In the end Robert caught me unawares by arranging the Registry Office
with only 9 days preparation and Gloria is blame for that, because Robert
decided she had to be there and she didn’t say no.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why should she say no? I’d heard your mother saying what a
wonderful marriage you were going to have.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, forgive me for being secretive about my affair. I
often thought of telling you, but I did not want to listen to your disapproval.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don't have to forgive you,” said Dorothy. “You should
forgive me for being an interfering old fuddy-duddy. Being part of your agency
has improved my life so much and given me such a lot of excitement that I don’t
even watch as many late night movies as I used to.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You still get inspiration from those movies, though.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“In those movies I meet some of the nasty characters there
are in real life, but from the safety of my armchair. Take the Norton brothers,
for instance, or that dreadful Betjeman. He was as mad as a hatter.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fortunately, he has been put away for life,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But no one seems to be able to do that with the Nortons.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Gary says it’s not for want of trying, Dorothy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Many potential evil-doers are hidden away from view and
thus prevented from being a burden on society or a danger to it. Country folk
are often very conservative and many people think having someone crazy in the
family is a reflection on the others,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Or on themselves. You’ve been reading popular psychology
books, Dorothy. That’s not such a good idea.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But informative.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile they were walking down the main street in Lower
Grumpsfield.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“This is definitely the back of beyond. A regular one-horse
town,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t think there’s even one horse round here, though some
smart city folk like the quietness. They come for weekends and bring their groceries
with them – and sometimes their butlers, too.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I know for certain that they are pricing locals out of
their cottages who have been tempted by the high prices offered for their homes,”
said Dorothy. “ I was offered a lot of money for my cottage once, but I refused
very forcibly. I would not want to exchange it for one of those high rise
buildings like the one opposite the Wellness Centre.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s where I nearly ended up, Cleo.” said Dorothy.
“Laura’s family came from here, of course. She had a big house with a lot of
rooms, but I only ever saw the glass winter-garden she used as a rehearsal
room. I even accompanied that awful chorus for a time, but the noise was
excruciating when it rained on the glass roof or even just from the tuneless
singing, and in the winter Laura never heated the place properly. The
choristers used to exhale steam when they sang and I had to wear gloves without
fingertips so that my hands would not freeze up.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Awful,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did I tell you about Laura's sisters, Cleo?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You told me about Miss Snow in connection with that dog she
lost, Dorothy. At least she paid on the nail for our services.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Apparently Laura was the only legitimate child in that
family, except for a brother Laura once mentioned, but I don’t know what
happened to him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You could ask Miss Snow.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I suppose I could, but I suspect that my little dog Minor
had run away from her when I found him in Monkton Woods. She wanted to see a
photo of him. She would have recognized him, Cleo, so I’ve kept her at a
distance.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We can get a photo of a different dog, mount it on a photo
of you, and then you can frame it and tell her it was Minor.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That would be dishonest.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not if it shut her up. Have you tried photo montages on
your computer?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Goodness no. I don’t think I can do that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’ll find a photo of a dog that could be Minor. Gary will
help. I’m sure he’ll show you how to mount the photo into a photo of you and
the problem is solved if you want to use her services as a purveyor of gossip
again.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s a brilliant idea.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“When you come to dinner this evening we can talk some more
about it,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Am I invited to dinner?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I thought I’d done that. Will you come?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Of course.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m going to invite Chris Marlow, that nice forensic
scientist. He cancelled last night. I’m curious who he has in toe this time.
He’s had a string of girlfriends, but I think he has finally seen the light,”
said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What light?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think he prefers men, Dorothy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I do, too,” said
Dorothy. “If only I were 30 years younger.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The two sleuths were now standing in front of the new coffee
bar. Like many others, it had a huge glass display window and a highly polished
counter with chrome trimmings. There were machines for various types of drink,
bar stools to sit at the counterand a few tables and chairs for customers with
staying power. It also had rather overpowering lighting, so that everyone
looked as pale as death. Pop-music blared out of loudspeakers in each corner.
It was not the sort of place Dorothy would want to visit twice. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo was interested in the person behind the counter. She
was a small middle-aged woman, in Cleo’s view an entirely incongruous female
for those surroundings, but when the woman asked them what they wanted, Cleo
recognized the voice immediately.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why, Mrs Grisham, fancy seeing you here,” she said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy was surprised that Cleo seemed to know her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s my coffee bar, Miss…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hartley. We spoke on the phone.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I remember. Harley. That’s it. What brings you here, Miss
Harley?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hartley with a “t”, Mrs Grisham.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh sorry. What would you like to drink, Miss Harlet - and
your friend, of course?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy laughed out loud at the curious interpretation of
Cleo’s attempt at spelling her name.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Like the jam,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We don’t do jam,” said Mrs Grisham.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I mean the name. Hartley like the Jam not Harlet like a
harlot,” said Cleo, wondering if this woman was as stupid as Dorothy’s
neighbour, Jane Barker.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I hope you’re not here about my husband,” said Mrs Grisham.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. I’m sorry he had such a tragic accident,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Accident? They told me that he had been murdered, Miss
Harlet.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mrs Grisham was raising her voice. Everyone was looking at
her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t say that,” said Cleo calmly. “And it’s Hartley like
the jam.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why not, if it’s true?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Because you might be the next,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are you threatening me?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Of course not, but I know how Mr Grisham probably died, Mrs
Grisham. You should not shout about him being killed. That is really
dangerous.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“In this little place?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Certainly. If Mrs Grisham’s killer knows where he lived, he
knows all about you, too.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mrs Grisham looked frightened. Her little brown eyes darted
from Cleo to Dorothy and back again. Did the woman know more than she was
likely to tell them? Dorothy wondered if Mrs Grisham was pulling a fast one on
them. She seemed too naïve for words. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s that vicar,” Mrs Grisham said out of the blue. “He is
the cause of all the problems, including mine.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Can we talk later about that. This is not really the place
for it,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“My assistant will be here at twelve. We can talk then in
the back room, if that’s all right with you. I should stay somewhere near. Sophia
has not yet quite got the hang of the coffee machine.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Perfect. We’ll have two milk coffees and two of those
lovely-looking blueberry muffins while we wait, Mrs Grisham.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“All right,” she said, busying herself with the coffee
machine. The flamboyant gestures as she controlled the steam puffing
unpredictably out of the coffee machine only with difficulty made Cleo wonder
if that was why Sophia could not deal with it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Espresso with hot milk, did you say?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That will be perfect, Mrs Grisham.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The two sleuths found an empty table and sat down.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What do you suppose the woman meant, blaming Frederick?”
Dorothy pondered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mrs Grisham served them, but did not wait around. She had
tables to clear and wipe, she announced before toddling behind the counter to
start stacking the used crockery in the table-top dishwasher.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This coffee’s good. I don’t think that the Crumb enterprise
will offer better,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Will Gary believe our reason for coming here, Cleo?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. It isn’t the truth, either, but finding Mrs Grisham
here is anextra bonus and could save our skins!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The back room of the coffee bar was also the stockroom. It
was furnished with a sink, small table, a couple of chairs and wall shelves stacked with coffee and other supplies.
A narrow door announced the loo for staff only. There was a back exit. Cleo
wondered if it was kept locked. Dorothy and Mrs Grisham sat oin the available
seating and Cleo propped herself up against the window ledge.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Tell us about Mr Grisham’s activities a few days before he
gave the vicar a lift, Mrs Grisham,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I understand that you are separated from him, Mrs Grisham,
but you live in the same house,” said Dorothy, thinking that Cleo was starting
at the wrong end of questioning the woman.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo nodded encouragement decdiing that Dorothy must have a
hunch. Cleo knew Dorothy’s hunches from the way she would start to question
someone regardless of what had gone before. The hunches were not always quite
accurate, but they stimulated solutions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What happened to your marriage, Mrs Grisham?” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m sure you don’t want to hear my story,” said Mrs
Grisham, hesitating since she had been told never to tell anyone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But I do,” insisted Dorothy. “We won’t tell anyone and it
might help you if you talk things through.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That was enough to convince Mrs Grisham that she could trust
these two women.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, my husband was a lawyer in the old days,” she
started. “He had all sorts of problems and finally got caught up in some sort
of illegal racket.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But you don’t think he knew what was happening, do you?”
said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m not sure. He was imprisoned for working for the other
side, Mrs…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“…Miss Price.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But they let him out before his time and we were given new
identities and sent to this area. I asked him why and he said it was politics
and I was to keep my mouth shut.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Has there been any trouble, Mrs Grisham?” Cleo wanted to
know.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s just it,” the woman said “A few weeks ago someone
Malcom knew when he was working as a lawyer turned up and after that my husband
said we were separating our house into two for safety reasons. I was to live
upstairs.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It could have been due to that old acquaintance. Did he tell
you that?” Dorothy asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, but then he started to go to church. He’s never
believed in any religion, Miss Price. I started to get worried.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mrs Grisham hesitated and Cleo urged her to carry on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I was upset that my husband wanted to live a separate life
from me. I thought he was having an affair. Strange cars drew up in front of
the house, and one of the visitors was a woman.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So that’s why you were so irate on the phone, Mrs Grisham,”
said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wouldn’t you be?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Of course. So your husband made friends with Mr Parsnip at
church, did he?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, and he told me he had volunteered to take the vicar to
the airport. He actually insisted on it, Miss Price.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo decided that was suspicious.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was a pause while Mrs Grisham fetched more coffee and another
round of muffins. Cleo and Dorothy were definitely in her good books.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you know Edith Parsnip?” Dorothy asked out of the blue.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The question did not startle Mrs Grisham. On the contrary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh yes. She does lovely coffee mornings and other nice
events for retired people,” said Mrs Grisham.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But you aren’t old enough to retire, Mrs Grosham,” said
Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ve retired from being a legal secretary, Miss Price. I go
to all the meetings and I’ve had nice chats with Edith. She’s a friend of mine now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the background they could hear the young assistant
cursing and swearing. She was dropping things that crashed as she battled with
the espresso machine. A scream confirmed that she had tried her hand at making
hot milk with the steam contraption.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’d better go back in,” said Mrs Grisham. “If I don’t, Sophia
will break everything in sight including the machine.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s fine, Mrs Grisham,” said Cleo. ”Here’s my card again
in case you think of anything to add to your story.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mrs Grisham opened the back exit for them to leave.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you always keep that door unlocked, Mrs Grisham?”
Dorothy asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“For the deliveries. More convenient,” said Mrs Grisham.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Even when you are alone in thecoffee bar?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Of course, Miss Harley. We are quite safe here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I hope you’re tight.” Said Cleo. “And it’s Hartley with a
t.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo and Dorothy wondered what to make of Mrs Grisham’s
trusting nature.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Is she naïve or just plain stupid?” Cleo said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I need to think about the implications,” said Dorothy, “but
at least Mrs Grisham was forthcoming. We do now have something to go on.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Her frigid reaction to my phone call to her at home cound
be explained by the fact that she thought her husband was going astray,” said
Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I wonder where she got the money to do up the bar and start
the business,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Compensation for the change of identity, I should think.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It did not take long for Mrs Grisham to start trusting us,”
said Dorothy, “I wonder if she has told her story to Edith?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I hope she hasn’t,” said Cleo. “Edith tends to treat
people’s confidences like trophies. We can ask her in a roundabout way. Would
you like to phone her now?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. It can wait, Cleo. She hysterical enough already. We
should at least go through the motions and inspect that new Crumbs café before
we approach Mrs Grisham again, even if we do have to wait until the weekend,
unless we go to their trial run, on Friday, I think it is.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“As a tradesperson I’ve been invited, Dorothy. Then we have
a legitimate reason to approach Mrs Grisham again. We can tell her that she makes
better coffee. She’s obviously proud of her space-age coffee machine.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Especially with that girl flying UFOs all over the place. I
wonder if Mrs Grisham is insured for china breakages,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wouldn’t the girl have to be insured? I’m sure she isn’t.
It’s just as well she isn’t Robert’s assistant wielding an axe or one of those
sharp knives.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It doen’t bear thinking about,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“On a serious note: We
should talk to Mrs G. about her husband’s visitors,” said Cleo. “She didn’t
have time to tell us everything, thanks to that inept assistant!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*** <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
After their
outing to Lower Grumpsfield, Cleo and Dorothy caught a bus back up the hill to
near Cleo’s cottage for a bite of lunch. They had cheated about walking home
after their visit to the coffee bar because the bus going round the houses from
Lower Grumpsfield via Upper Grumpsfield to Middlethumpton just happened to be
due and it did save their feet, they said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Gloria had
already arrived at the cottage with PeggySue and even prepared soup and some
sandwiches, so they all ate a quick snack together, except that PeggySue was
fed a warmed up baby-food vegetable mix out of a jar and was glad to get a
change of nappy and be put into her bed for a siesta. Learning to walk is hard
work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“So what have you
two been doing?” Gloria wanted to know. “You can’t have gone far because your
car was parked outside, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“We walked
to Lower Grumpsfield to try out the new coffee bar.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“You
walked? Are you crazy? You have a car!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Walking is
good for your health, Gloria,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“Show me someone who
is better off for it,” challenged Gloria, “Or even survived.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
That was a
non sequitur.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“No
detecting then?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Not so you’d
notice,” replied Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Cleo hoped that
Dorothy would not tell Gloria about the coincidence of finding Mrs Grisham
there and taking the opportunity of interviewing her. Gary would not approve,
though meeting the wife of the murder victim had been entirely coincidental.
Cleo hoped Gloria would not ask any more questions, but of course she did.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“So you did
do some,” said Gloria.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Some
what?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Sleuthing.
Snooping, detecting or whatever you like to call it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Not
intentionally,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I’ve never
heard of unintentional detecting and neither has Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
Cleo
rightly interpreted that as a bit of psychological blackmail. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Promise
you won’t tell Gary, Mother?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Why should
I do that?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Promise first!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“OK, I
promise.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“The wife of the
guy who was murdered taking the vicar to the airport runs the new coffee bar,“
said Cleo, “but we did not know that before we went there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“Wow! So you
had a chat with her,” said Gloria.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Only a short
one,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“But
revealing,” said Gloria.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“You could
say that,” said Cleo. “But you won’t, will you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Of course
not. What do you think of your old mother?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Do you
want me to tell you, Mother?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I’d rather
you didn’t.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
Unfortunately for the two sleuths,
Gary had also decided to have a midday snack at the cottage. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“So what have you
been doing this morning, Ladies?” he started after a round of kisses and a huge
hug for Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“I’ve been
working at the shop,” said Gloria.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“What have
we been doing, Dorothy?” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Nothing
special.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
Gary did not
believe her, but knew that he would find out in due course.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why are you here,
Gary? Are you checking up on us?” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“No, not this
time, Dorothy. I’m doing something special in about an hour,” said Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Cleo and Dorothy
exchanges glances charged with foreboding.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“You’ll never
guess, but the new coffee bar in Lower Grumpsfield is run by Mrs Grisham, the
wife of that murdered driver, Ladies!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“You don’t
say,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Awesome!”
said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
Gary was
not stupid. He knew prevarication when he came across it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“You knew,
didn’t you?” he said. “Why didn’t you tell me?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Because…”
Dorothy did not want to launch out on an explanation. There was a chance that
someone had seen them in Lower Grumpsfield. Could they risk telling an outright
lie about their whereabouts?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Meanwhile, Cleo
had decided that the truth would find its way to the surface so she would tell
it now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“Yes, but it
was a coincidence, Gary. We didn’t know until we got there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Go on. As
you know, I love grim fairy tales.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“We decided to
compare that coffee bar with the cake shop opening on Sunday here in Upper
Grumpsfield. I am invited to it and we might even get to the trial run on
Friday..”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Trial run?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We local traders
all have invitations, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I can almost
hear the birds singing,” said Gary. “You probably wanted to take a look at
Grisham’s widow, didn’t you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“We didn’t,”
Dorothy said. “It is absolutely true that we didn’t know she was there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“I was
totally astonished,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“How do you
know it was her?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“I recognized the
voice from…from phoning her,” said Cleo, sticking to the truth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Didn’t I
tell you two not to meddle?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“We weren’t
meddling,” said Dorothy “Cleo’s phone call was before Roger’s warning.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“So you
drank your coffee and left, I take it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“More or
less,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“More or
less?” said Gary. “Which one?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“We did
have a little chat with her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
Gary could
feel his hackles rising.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“What did you
chat about?” he asked with feigned patience. “No. Don’t tell me. I’d rather you
didn’t tell any more lies.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We have only told
the truth, Gary,” said Cleo. “Do you want that in writing?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“You’re being too
hard on Cleo and Dorothy,” said Gloria. “I have to go now. Don’t take your own
problems out on people who love you,” said Gloria, gathering up her coat from
the sofa and swinging her handbag onto her shoulder After telling Cleo she
would be round to collect PeggySue early next morning Gloria made a grand exit towards
the front door.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“Thanks,
Mother. You are a great grandmother.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I’m only a
grandmother, Cleo. Don’t make me older than I am.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I mean
that you are a great space grandmother.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Can we
discuss that some other time, Misses Marple? Bye now!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Left alone with
Gary, Cleo and Dorothy looked guilty. It wasn’t difficult. They both felt
guilty.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“What did I say
about not getting mixed up in the Grisham case?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“We are not mixed
up in it,” said Cleo, almost wishing that were the case. She did not enjoy
scrapping with Gary even if making the peace with him was worth an argument.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Promise?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Promise,” said
Dorothy, her fingers firmly crossed behind her back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’d better go now,”
Gary said. “ We can talk later. Frank Cook will be waiting for me - at Mrs
Grisham’s coffee bar.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“OK. See you
later,” said Cleo. “Robert’s bringing T-bone steaks for this evening. Yes,
T-bone! Don’t forget that Chris will be here for dinner and is bringing someone
for us to approve of.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
I’ll be home for
my siesta long before then,” replied Gary. “And I’ll need it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo did not find
it difficult to understand what he meant.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not angry with us
any more?” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I love you both,
unfortunately,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Dorothy and Gary
left at the same time. Dorothy marched resolutely up the road after refusing to
be driven the 100 or so yards to her cottage. Gary roared off to Lower
Grumpsfield. He was uneasy about his two favourite sleuths, and yes, he did
love Dorothy, too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“A few
minutes later Dorothy phoned Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Has Gary
definitely gone?” she wanted to know.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Yeah!
What’s the matter?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I’ll have
to come back. Something important has just occurred to me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“I’ll get the
coffee on,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Ten minutes later
they were sitting at the dining table slicing a bara brith Dorothy just
happened to have baked some time between yesterday and today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Well?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Supposing
Frederick did not get post from a society inviting him to Africa, but from old
clients of our smart lawyer now calling himself Grisham?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That would
mean…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“…that whoever killed Grisham had followed him here and
used Frederick without his knowledge to get at Grisham by instructing him to
offer to take the vicar to Heathrow.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“We’ll have to
tell Gary that. I’m sure he hasn’t thought of it,” said Cleo, “and it is
possible.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
She was about to
get on the phone to do just that when a call came from Gary on her house phone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“Cleo? Mrs
Grisham is dead,” said Gary. “Did you already know that?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Of course
not, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Can I believe
you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Of course you
can. I’m telling the truth, I swear it. When Dorothy and I left the coffee bar,
Mrs Grisham was trying to rescue her espresso machine from the destructive
hands of a young assistant who did not know how to work it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The speaker was
on, so Dorothy was able to ask who had found her. The assistant, who had
apparently had the shock of her life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What are you doing
back at the cottage?” Gary asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ve had a hunch,”
said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Cleo gestured to
Dorothy not to say any more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“What did the
assistant look like, Gary?” she said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
”Italian looking.
Dark hair, pretty, very young and wearing a checked apron to match the table
cloths in the café part of the bar.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“The same girl as
we saw. Sophia,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“She went into
the storeroom at the back of the bar to get more coffee beans and Mrs Grisham
was prostrate on the floor. The beans are all over the floor and the girl is
being treated for shock,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“How long
after we left, Gary?” Dorothy asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“When did
you leave?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“We caught
the bus up the hill. It was about twelve thirty.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Mrs Grisham was
found much later and I got there soon after,” said Gary. “She was still warm,
so she had not been dead long.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“You left at
about three, Gary, and you were in a huff.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’m sorry. I
can’t bear the idea that you could be in danger, Cleo. That goes for Dorothy,
too, of course. And you can see how justified I am, my love.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“The coffee bar
was full when we left, Gary, and there were people standing at the bar waiting
to be served. Regulars, I should think,” said Dorothy. “I expect they are there
every day for a lunch of coffee and a bun,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“If the killing
took place in the back room, the loud music would cover any sound,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Could you
identify any of the customers, Ladies?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Only one guy
leaning across the bar counter. He looked like he was the assistant’s beau. He
had a sleeveless shirt on and his arms were tattooed to the armpits with skulls
and cross-bones.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He’s here now. Sneaked
off work to get a free coffee from Sophia, he told me. He’s harmless. All the
aggression goes into those tattoos, I should think.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did he see
anything, Gary?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He left just
before two to go back to work, he said. Then he came back because Sophia was
nervous. But Mrs Grisham was dead by the time he had talked his way out of
work. He’s still here,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
”He was hardly like
to hang around if he was involved,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That’s what I
think,” said Gary. “He phoned the police. Sophia is in shock and had to be
given a sedative, but I’ll ask her some questions as soon as I can.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That’s a good
idea, Gary,” said Cleo. “She might have been scared of some guys in the bar. Do
you think that guy saw some? “<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll ask him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That might make
him a witness and therefore in danger,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m trying not to
contemplate that,” said Gary. “But you two will tell me exactly what Mrs
Grisham told you,” said Gary. “And Dorothy, I hope your hunch is useful. I have
to hang up now. Chris has arrived.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK and we both love
you, Gary, whatever happens,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’ll be home in time to hear about that hunch before
Chris arrives for supper, Ladies,” said Gary. “Just make sure you are home and
not on someone’s trail again.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
True to his word, Gary came home early, hugged them both for
saying they loved him, returned the sentiment, spent a few minutes hugging PeggySue
and carrying her around, rang the vicarage to tell Charlie to come home for
supper at seven, and finally allowed himself to be informed about the idea that
Dorothy had had.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I hate to admit it, but it’s brilliant,” said Gary. “Do
you want to take it further with me?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“It might be good to talk it through,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Spit it out,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“It would amount to Frederick being a victim, Gary, and
I’m all in favour of that,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“So you think the vicar was drawn into something, do you?”
said Gary, adding far too much sugar to his coffee. For Cleo that was a sign
that he was going to concentrate and take them seriously.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“Maybe we could brain-storm a bit,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I’ll make notes, shall I?” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“And suggestions, of course,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“OK. Let’s start with the gangsters tracking Grisham to Lower
Grumpsfield,” says Gary. “Go on from there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Of course, it’s all surmise,” said Dorothy., “I’m sure
not all of it is even going to be coherent.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That doesn’t matter,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“So finding out where Grisham lived would be Point 1 of
the plot,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Point 2 would be that they discover that Grisham goes to
church and decide to get at him there,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Point 3,” said Cleo, “would be that the gangsters on
Grisham’s trail make it to the church and hear the vicar telling the
parishioners that he wants to go to Africa to convert the heathens. They make a
plan to coerce Grisham into driving to Heathrow.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“It’s worth remembering that they were not interested in
Frederick,” said Dorothy. “They wanted to get at Grisham, if possible without
suspicion falling on them.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I just don’t know why they did not kill the vicar and
done with it,” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He might have got away fast,” said Gary. “I tjink we
mentioned that possibility.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Point 4,” said Dorothy. “The gangsters attend a church
service to watch Grisham and hear Frederick going on about his intention to
find a society that will send him to Africa and possibly help with the
financing.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did he do that, Dorothy?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes. Every Sunday for about three months.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How tiring,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Remember that this is just one theory,” said Dorothy. “The
gangsters would not have been the only people to hear Frederick going on about
Africa.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Point 5, Dorothy?” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“The gangsters decide to send Frederick an invitation to
go with a company they invent for the purpose. I don’t know if the letter still
exists, or even if it ever did,” said Dorothy. “You’d have to search his
office. It may be too late if the gangsters got there first.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s a good point, Dorothy. We should search through his
office and hope to find something relevant, “ said Gary. “We can ask Chris to
do that when he comes to dinner.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Point 6,” said Dorothy. “He falls for the plan.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“This is so ingenious that it could have happened just
like that,” said Gary, who seemed to have forgotten that the two amateur
sleuths were supposed to be off the Grisham case.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“It’s getting critical now,” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“At Point 7, the gangsters make themselves known to Grisham,
who probably recognizes them from past confrontations and knows they mean
business,.” said Dorothy. “They forced him to offer his services to Frederick.
He was to drive the vicar to the airport.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“So they they sponsored Frederick’s air ticket to make sure
they knew when he was travelling, did they Dorothy?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Yes. That’s Point 8 and that’s how I explain the timing.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“It all makes sense,” said Gary. “The vicar is so naïve
that he believed some religious organization not only invited him to Africa, but
also paid for the trip.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
”Point 9 would be that they threaten to kill Mrs Grisham
if Grisham does not co-operate and that is probably not the first time Grisham
has been threatened,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Then they make out a location where Grisham is to stop
the car for someone to get into the back,” said Gary. “Perfect, Ladies!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Grisham might suspect something, but if the gangsters
threatened to kill his wife, he might have decided to do what they want,” said
Dorothy. “That’s what must have happened, Gary. If someone got in that car,
ostensibly as a hitch-hiker, before it was directed off the main road and then
Grisham was killed in that off road cutting, it would explain the third
occupant of the car. They parked a car off the beaten track so that they could
make a quick getaway, and they did.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So they could have kidnapped Parsnip, couldn’t they?” said
Gary, getting into the swing of things. Come to think of it, more than one
person might have got in the car. Gangsters like to check up on one another.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The plot thickens,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The idea about the extra getaway car is a good one, too,”
said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Frederick might have protested, but I suppose he was too
scared, or he might have been threatened with a gun or reprisals against his
family,” said Cleo. “On the other hand, he was so hell-bent on getting to
Africa that he thought anything was acceptable that got him there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Assuming he had an inkling of what was going on,” said
Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I doubt it,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“The killer used a syringe on Grisham because that is a
clean way of killing. It doesn’t make a noise or leave any traces of a weapon,
unless the killer drops the syringe somewhere. After such careful planning, I
don’t think he would be that negligent,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Why do you think it was a man, Cleo?” Gary wanted to
know. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Because a woman might have been overwhelmed in some way
by the victims. Maybe Grisham would fake a mechanical failure and stop on the
road. Something like that,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m not convinced about that argument, Cleo.,” said Gary. “What
if it was Mrs Grisham?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What would her motive be?” Dorothy asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fear? Jealousy? Anxiety? Supposing she decided that if Grisham
was dead, she would be safe?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Whatever pressure Grisham was under, he would have known
the guys well enough to know that they would carry out their threats given the
opportunity,” said Dorothy. “I can’t imagine that Mrs Grisham would get in the
back of the car and just assassinate her husband and not the vicar!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“We know from Mrs Grisham that they did not live apart
because they did not get on, but because Grisham was getting strange visitors
and he wanted to protect his wife,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did Mrs Grisham tell you that, Cleo?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
”She was quite vague, but what she said convinced me that
Grisham was under pressure.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“All we have to do now is prove that’s how it all
happened,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“We, Gary?” Cleo remarked. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Forget what Roger said. I need you on this case more than
I need Cook because he will just stick to conventional rules and you have
ideas,” said Gary. “Apart from that, he’s an unknown quantity and I don’t like
working with unknown quantities.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I did not like him either,” said Cleo. “But Roger
recommended him, didn’t he?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Correction; he was recommended to Roger,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Meaning that Roger trusted the recommendation,” said
Doirothy. “Isn’t that the impression a person might make if he is impersonating
someone?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Uncanny, Dorothy. That thought went through my head, too,
but surely….”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not ‘surely’, Gary. That would make you naïve, too.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Our doubts about Cook make it even more important that
you promise me you won’t go anywhere or do anything without my knowledge.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, Gary. We promise.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You see ladies, I love you both and would hate to lose
either of you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Time for another hug,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I hope you understand that the danger of getting ebroiled
in something bigger than any of us and emerging dead is very real,” said Gary,
moved by the emotions being raised in him by uniting with two amateur, but amazingly
ingenious sleuths. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Someone killed Mrs Grisham and we can assume it was the
same ‘acquaintances’ of Mr Grisham unless we have absolutely the wrong end of
the stick,” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s still possible that it was a domestic feud,” said
Gary. “Understanding the reasons for Mrs Grisham’s murder might help us to decide
what’s behind it all.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Whoever killed Mrs Grisham wanted her out of the way, so
she must have known something,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I just don’t understand why they needed to kill her,”
said Dorothy. “They had got rid of Grisham and were not caught. Gangsters
usually clear off as fast as possible, so why did these guys hang around?” Dorothy
said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“There’s always a chance that more than one group wanted
to get at Grisham once they knew where he was, said Gary. “He was dead before
they got to him so they killed the next best person who might know something.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Gang warfare,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Poor Mrs Grisham,” said Dorothy. “There’s a chance that
she knew enough to denounce the gangsters once she realized that Grisham had
been killed by former clients or accomplices. That would be enough of a motive
to get rid of her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Accomplices doing what, Dorothy?” asked Cleo, who knew
that 90% of that new theory about Grisham was born of intuitive logic.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That’s what we need to find out, Ladies,” said Gary,
aware that the dearth of information had been largely responsible for the theory
Cleo and Dorothy had expounded. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Gary realized that the chances of the Ladies having hit on
how it happened should not be underestimated, but neatly tied up explanations
of crimes very often fell apart as soon as a new fact emerged.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
That said, Gary was in truth overcome by the shear
cunningness of Dorothy’s hunch. He was glad they were not on the wrong side of
the law. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“So what now, Ladies?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“We need to know more about Grisham’s activities and
whether Mrs Grisham was involved in any way,” said Dorothy. “Perhaps she took
care of the correspondence, for instance.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“There’s only one way of finding out and that through top
secret records, since the family were given new identities,” said Gary. “I’ll ask
Roger. I don’t think I can get access without his blessing, if at all, so
there’s no point in speculating further. A copy of your alleged A to Z of the crime would be helpful even if
it does prove to be fantasy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’ll do it now,” said Cleo, switching on her laptop and
printer. It didn’t take long to type the list and print a few copies.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“But we still have the problem of what happened to Mr
Parsnip, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“The police combed the area without success, Cleo. The
vicar must have run for his life,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Wouldn’t a professional assassin wear gloves to avoid
identification?” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I think I can say something on that,” said Gary, glad to
say something based on his experience as a police detective. “I think it was
probably easier to deal with a syringe without gloves on, and we don’t know if
those fingerprints Chris found were left in the car on the day of Grisham’s
murder.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“We’ll never know, will we?” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Not unless we can identify them, Dorothy,” said Gary.
“And even then…”<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
faith1110http://www.blogger.com/profile/02358925817174593317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015358035360649701.post-6209331005034618822015-11-06T12:58:00.001-08:002020-03-04T09:24:52.323-08:00Episode 6 - Introducing Frank Cook<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday cont.</b><br />
<h3>
<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Robert had included porterhouse steaks in Cleo's order
although she hadn’t ordered any. No T-bone, however. Was that symbolic of their
estrangement? T-bone steaks had been frequently on the menu that she and Robert
had grilled and eaten together when their appetite for them far exceeded the
appetite they had for one another. In the end, their passion for good food had
replaced any vestige of passion. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>If Cleo had not felt committed to keeping the partnbership going
whatever it cost, she could have put an end to what was becoming a farce.
Gary’s only explanation later was that she had been in denial.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On reflection, Cleo thought it might have been her mother's
influence on a level of 'you can't have chosen the wrong man again' that was
responsible for her attitude. Gloria had not known for certain about Cleo's
affair with Gary. She thought that Cleo might have been trying to improve her
marriage by having PeggySue and that everything would turn out hunky-dory.<span style="font-family: Umpush; mso-ascii-font-family: Umpush; mso-fareast-font-family: Umpush;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*** <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chris had to call off his date. He was terribly sorry, but
another corpse had cropped up, this time from the drugs squad.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At seven, Gary arrived with his guest.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Frank Cook was tall. He walked with a slight stoop, as though
he was always trying to avoid ceilings and door frames. He was taller than
Gary, who was much taller than many of
his colleagues. Gary wondered about Frank’s chances of remaining unrecognized since
he was an imposing figure. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Frank was grateful for the invitation and had brought Cleo a
bunch of mauve asters that he presented to her with a flourish and a bow. He
spoke good English with a gutteral Swiss lilt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Nice to meet you, Mr Cook. I’m Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy arrived a little later. Frank was devastated that he
had not brought two bunches of asters. Dorothy was flattered, but not fooled.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What do you actually do, Mr Cook?” she asked even before
they had finished their aperitif, although Cleo had warned her to stay on safe
ground.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I spy on people, Miss Price.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m Dorothy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m Frank. What do YOU do, Dorothy?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy did not wait to be asked twice. She told Frank most
of what had kept her busy up to her return to Upper Grumpsfield and most
importantly, that she had found her metier here because it was here that she
had started detective work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That is interesting, Dorothy,” Frank said. “Couldn’t we use
her in our missing vicar case, Gary?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary swallowed hard. Wasn’t that exactly what he didn’t want
to happen?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You should also ask Cleo,” said Dorothy. “She runs our
detective agency and we do a roaring trade…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“…. in missing dogs and marriage guidance,” Gary interrupted,
furious with Dorothy for mentioning the agency at all. “Hired by the locals,”
he added for good measure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo was horrified. Was this the same guy as the one she had
slept with an few hours earlier? She would put the record straight immediately.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I should point out, Frank, that we have been warned off the
Grisham case and we don’t know why,” said Cleo. “My husband is irate because he
thinks Dorothy and I will go ahead anyway.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo gave Gary one of her daggers-drawn looks. He’d had to contend
with them before and they had usually heralded an investigative triumph by her
agency.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And he’s right!” Cleo finished. “More gravy, Frank?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The meal was turning into a battle of wits. Frank was not
really aware of the extent of it, but he could tell that there was disarray on
the subject of detective work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll certainly find you plenty to do, Madamoiselles,” said
Frank, earning himself a polite if crooked smile from Gary. The look Gary gave
Dorothy was neither polite nor smiling. He could have throttled her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t worry, Gary. I’ll make sure we don’t get into danger
and I’ll bring my pistol along in case we do,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Frank looked at Dorothy with admiration and a good portion
of respect. What a lady!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s licensed, of course, and I’ve been getting shooting
practise at the police shooting range,” she added.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary again looked disapproving. There was no stopping
Dorothy once she got going.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo was delighted that Dorothy had thwarted Gary’s and
Roger’s fears about the Hartley Agency getting involved. They had an ally in
Frank and would make good use of him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, Gary was not resigned to the situation. He would
take Frank aside at the first opportunity and tell him exactly what he thought
of encouraging the two private sleuths to get mixed up in the Grisham case. He
also wanted to know if Frank had been told anything he should know.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Gary could not wait for that opportune moment. He told
Frank in front of the two sleuths that they had been instructed by his boss to
keep clear of the case.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That definitely makes a difference,” said Frank.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How?” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, if a Chief of Police said to keep off the case, that’s
what you do, Mademoiselles.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary was gratified. He hoped Frank would be good to work
with. He had never had an assistant on that level before.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who is, or rather was Mr Grisham?” Dorothy nevertheless
asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Grisham was a lawyer involved in defending some of the guys
exporting formulae from a UK chemical company to the Far East. All Grisham’s
team have been liquidated. He was the last. He had been struck off the register
when it transpired that he was a double agent. That did not please either side
of the debate. Grisham, who had a different name when he was a double agent,
retired with his wife to this area, naïve enough to think that he would be
safe. But he wasn’t, as events have proved.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why hadn’t Roger Stone told him that, thought Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Is that all?” he asked Frank.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Isn’t it enough?” retorted Frank.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleo and Dorothy had been listening carefully to Frank’s
account. They both thought independently that it could not be the whole story.
It was a rag to a bull to regale them with such an incomplete account.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t suppose you know what Grisham’s name was before he
changed it, do you?” Cleo asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You don’t need to know, Cleo,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll be the judge of that, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Frank felt a little embarrassed, but he knew he would have
to tell Cleo because she was the kind of lady who would keep on asking or would
go to unreliable sources to find out. He was not sure he wanted to be on the
wrong side of her, either. Cleo was one of those women with both beauty and
brains. He could understand why Gary was her willing slave and probably unable
to stop her doing her own thing. Frank tried to avoid such women whenever
possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Jack Coster,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sounds more like someone out of a gangster movie,” said
Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think he modelled his career on prohibition lawyers,”
said Frank.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Thanks for telling us, Frank,” said Cleo “I was just being
curious about the name,” the latter comment being for Gary, who looked
warningly at Cleo before changing the subject.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you play bridge, Frank?” he asked. “We have a perfect
quartet here if you would be so good as to partner my wife.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m not so keen on Bridge,” Frank replied. “Would you like
to learn Skat? That’s what we play where I come from.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And where is that, Frank?” Dorothy asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Basle, or Basel depending on whether you are on the Swiss
or German side,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And which side are you on?” Dorothy asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m Swiss born, but I have an office in Basel, that’s on
the German side of the Rhine. I live in Swiss Cottage London now. That sounds
like a coincidence, and it is,” said Frank. “I don’t see much of my London
base.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’d like to learn Skat,” Dorothy announced.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The food was marvellous, Cleo,” said Frank, hoping to score
at least one point on her scale of pros and cons.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I have my ex-husband to thank for any cooking skills I
might have,” said Cleo, wanting to get her own back at Gary. “He was a
brilliant cook and a good teacher.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Frank was only too aware of the animosity that seemed to
have sprung up. He would do his best to calm things down. In his opinion the
situation was volatile, but that was because he did not realize that little
tiffs were all part of the special relationship treasured by the trio – well,
at least the ladies treasured it, not least because they usually got the upper
hand.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK, folks, let me teach you Skat. I’ll ask you to sample my
Swiss cooking when I’ve found somewhere to live. I just happen to have a pack
of Skat cards in my pocket. Let’s get going, shall we?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To Gary’s intense relief, Cleo and Dorothy did not mention
either Grisham or Parsnip for the rest of the evening. It didn’t take them long
to get the hang of Skat. Gary lagged behind for a bit, but eventually they were
able to play a decent round or two and Frank was glad he had found someone
willing to play his favourite card game.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At about eleven, Frank announced that he would go back to
his hotel and get some sleep. He arranged to meet Gary next morning at HQ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The children had gone to bed peacefully, but PeggySue got up
again just as Frank was leaving.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“See to her, will you Gary? I’ll walk home with Dorothy. I
need some fresh air,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It would have been churlish of Gary to prevent that, though
he knew perfectly well that the two sleuths wanted to discuss the Grisham case
and decide how to move forward. He could not control them all the time and he
was sure that Cleo and Dorothy were eager to get a few steps ahead of him. Now
Frank was in on the case, they had two professionals to impress with their
amateur, but nevertheless effective strategies.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let’s keep to the arrangement for tomorrow, Dorothy,” said
Cleo, as soon as they were walking up the road. “I ve changed my mind about
taking PeggySue anywhere that would enrage Gary should we meet any kind of
risky situation. Gloria can take her to nursery school as usual.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You’re right, Cleo. It would also cramp our style.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I didn’t want to put it that way, but it would make it
difficult to move fast.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You make it all sound very intriguing, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It may be a wild goose chase, but at least we are doing something,”
said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By now they had reached Dorothy’s garden gate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Bring your pistol, however, Dorothy. Better safe than
sorry.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK. Spill the beans,” said Gary, when Cleo got back to the
cottage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What beans?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The ones you have been plotting with Dorothy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We are walking to Lower Grumpsfield.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I wonder why. Isn’t that where Mrs Grisham lives?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We are going to try coffee at the new coffee bar, that’s
all.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Pull the other one.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“On Sunday the Crumbs are reopening old Mrs Garner’s cake
shop opposite the supermarket. We want to compare the two.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary was a bit contrite.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sorry if I overstepped the mark earlier, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Which mark, Gary? Frank got the impression we were on the
point of separation, I’m sure.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll sort him out tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do that. If we have to work with him we’d better make sure
he knows how we really feel.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“HQ and the agency, of course.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can’t stop you if you’ve made up your mind, can I Cleo?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. That’s why I’m going to marry you. That’s why I love
you to distraction. That’s why…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Point taken. The girls are asöeep and it’s time to turn in.
Are we agreed on that?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think we need one of those big hugs, Gary. I know you’re
a specialist in them.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t have any with Frank, Cleo, or I might get jealous.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t YOU have any with Frank, Gary. Didn’t you notice that
he was more interested in Dorothy than me? Gays like older women. They feel
safer with them. They only pretend to want women in their beds.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not another.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What do you mean by that?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not telling, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If you mean Chris, don’t bother. I know all about him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On that they went to bed. Explanations were left at the
door.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some actions don’t need words.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
faith1110http://www.blogger.com/profile/02358925817174593317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015358035360649701.post-1912413185488757282015-11-06T00:29:00.000-08:002020-03-04T09:06:12.331-08:00Episode 5 -The truth will out<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday cont.</b><br />
<h3>
<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Cleo decided that she and Dorothy would find out more
about Grisham with their own methods. They would also make an effort to trace
the vicar, though Cleo did not think there was much hope if he had decided to
disappear. But they would tread carefully. No one should find out that they
were doing their own bit of spying since Gary would be furious!<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><div class="MsoBodyText">
“Exactly who is the new guy, Gary?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“He goes by the name Frank Cook; he’s experienced and
unknown in these parts. That’s how he works, apparently. He goes to places
where no one knows him, gets the job done and moves on.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That sounds good, but he’s sure to be known in the
underworld. He can’t go unrecognized for ever,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“We might not be talking about the normal criminal
underworld, Cleo. I have a feeling that Grisham had something to do with espionage.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s out of the agency’s depth.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Be warned, Cleo. You could be in serious trouble if you happen
to hit on something that would endanger national security.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How would I know that unless I delved deeper?” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“You’d inform me if you found out anything and I’d inform
Roger. Normal procedure. No cloak and dagger stuff. But we would not know what
is relevant, so we should not get our fingers into that pie, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“But surely a guy living in Lower Grumpsfield separated
from a silly woman with a high voice is hardly likely to be involved in spying,”
said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“There’s always the MI6,” said Gary. “Foreign powers have
a vested and often unhealthy interest in what goes on in this country.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I expect I’ve been investigated already then, and judged
harmless.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We are not talking about local issues and mysteries.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’d sure like to know what we are talking about,” said
Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“The problem is that once you stubbled over something you would
be in the thick of it. We don’t know anything about Grisham except that someone
decided he would be more useful dead <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>than alive for one reason or other. If there’s
been some security leak, or spy exchange, or something of that nature is going
on that Grisham knew about, he would be suspicious and possibly dangerous to
the characters responsible for whatever is going on,” Gary said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“OK, but what if Parsnip killed Grisham, so that he could
get away from Edith?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ridiculous. He wouldn’t have the brain or the imagination,
Cleo. And he was getting away by going to Africa, anyway.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How about this then? Parsnip gets Grisham to go off the
road so that he can urinate, or he offers to drive, and then he makes off.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So what about the person who sat on the back seat?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“If Grisham wais a spy or into undercover crime, or had
done so at some time, he might be due for extermination.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“And that’s why I think Roger Stone should have come
clean, Cleo.”<span style="font-family: Umpush; mso-ascii-font-family: Umpush; mso-fareast-font-family: Umpush;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Dorothy will say it's a domestic crime," said
Cleo.<span style="font-family: Umpush; mso-ascii-font-family: Umpush; mso-fareast-font-family: Umpush;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"She could be right, of course. We have absolutely no
idea why Grisham had to die."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Quite apart from this fruitless exchange, Gary was glad he
had come home for lunch just to witness at first hand the tiger in Cleo as she
defended her agency and was quite obviously not going to resist the temptation
to do a little espionage of her own. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
As for lunch, he didn’t seem to be getting any.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“I didn’t cook,” said Cleo. “I’m just going to have a snack with PeggySue.
We’re cooking tonight. Shall I make you a sandwich?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Please.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Ham or cheese?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Both.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“I’ll get it. Look after your new daughter, Sweetheart!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Trust Charlie to know before we did,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’m so glad Robert is out of it,” she said, embracing
Gary with alarming intensity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“You literally took my breath away then, Cleo,” said Gary<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I love you to bits, remember?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I remember it well,” intoned Gary with a strong French
accent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Maurice Chevalier has a rival,” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll put PeggySue in her high chair, shall I? My little
girl loves my singing, don’t you, Sweetheart”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PeggySue just laughed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
In the kitchen, Cleo opened the sliding door that Robert
had freed from the tiles that someone had stuck over it, and peeled off the
wallpaper on the dining-corner side. Robert had been very proud of that
discovery and it was very useful if you wanted to cook and keep in contact with
the party.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Have you told Robert about PeggySue?” Gary asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, and Gloria can’t have because he’s sure to have phoned
by now if she had.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So when are you going to tell him?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Later today, I suppose. He’s bringing me some steaks for
this evening. Gloria has her line-dancing so she has no time. Robert does not
know he’s going to lose a daughter. Ketchup?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“No thanks. As for PeggySue: he didn’t want her but he’s
still legally her father,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“He did want her once she arrived, Gary. As usual he had
told himself to join it if he couldn’t beat it, the beating being my insistence
on having a baby before it got too late for me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“It wasn’t too late and it obviously still isn’t, Cleo.
Robert is a chump.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“When you contest his father status he won’t fight the
claim,” said Cleo. “He’s quite parsimonious when it suits him and I don’t think
he will want to have to finance a kid that isn’t his.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Even if he loves her?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“He apparently loved me but he walked out on me and if the
truth be known, it was me who supported him as far as living quarters was
concerned.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I hope you are not referring to me. Don’t I pay my
share?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Of course you do. We’ve been through all that, Gary. I
really meant this cottage and I think that’s one of the reasons he moved out,
apart from having set his sights on Edith, of course.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“The plot thickens,” said Gary. “The psychological
component of losing the kid will be an issue for him, won’t it? It’s almost
like a castration.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Don’t exaggerate. Anyway, he still has Julie to confirm
that he could have been the father, and she was grownup before he even knew he
had her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Very convenient,” said Gary. He was starting to wonder
about Robert, though he quite liked the guy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Of course, he might be bloody-minded enough to contest my
claim just for the hell of it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I shouldn’t think so. Anyway, you have clinical proof,”
said Cleo, passing Gary’s sandwich through the hatch. “He’ll hate me for a bit,
though I truly had no clear idea until your obvious empathy with PeggySue was
more than wishful thinking for me. Charlie had noticed something we hadn’t.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"And kept it to herself! What about our affair, then?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"He knew about that, too."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"So why did he not challenge you about it?"<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"For reasons best known to himself, I suppose I was a
kind of trophy," said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I can't say that I saw you in that light, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"You were the one I wanted," said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Yes; hungry for decent sex and fed up with the boredom
of being married to Robert," said Gary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I agree about the sex, sweetheart, but Robert was not that
boring," said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He damn well was and is, and I have so many sweethearts now
that I’m starting to be one myself.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“To me you have always been one, Gary. Je t’aime!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Moi aussi.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So Robert has known about our relationship since it
started, even if he didn’t challenge us,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“If I’d been in that position I would never have married
you, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“It takes all sorts, Gary, and I did kind of love him at
the time. He was so vulnerable that I could not hurt him by crying off.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That’s about the stupidest reason for marrying someone
that I’ve ever heard.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“But he did marry me and that was good for my
respectability in this village. Maybe he thought our marriage would kill off my
infatuation for you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“But it didn’t.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I did try.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“And failed miserably, Cleo, I'm happy to say. Do you want me
here when he comes?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“No. That would only complicate things.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“OK. I’ll have to meet Cook anyway. He’s supposed to
arrive today.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“Bring him to dinner, then I can take a look at the guy whose
usurping my agency.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“He isn’t taking your place, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“I was joking…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Send me a text or call when Robert has left. If Robert
has not been and gone, I’ll work at HQ until I get your all clear.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That sounds sensible.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Just one thought, Cleo. Supposing an accident had left
Robert sterile, would he have told you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“I don’t know. Why do you ask?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“If that were the case, he would know that PeggySue cannot
possibly be his child.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“I never thought of that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Find out. You’re the sleuth.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
In the meantime PeggySue had finished her fingerfood. Gary
cleaned her up with dampened kitchen paper then picked her up and carried her
around for a bit, whispering sweet nothings into her ear and dropping kisses on
her cheeks before changing her nappy and putting her in her cot for a siesta.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“You’re just like something out of a women’s magazine,”
said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I practised enough on Charlie. My wife was already too
busy with her love life to bother about her daughter. I intend to be the ideal
father so I might as well get some more practice in.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That’s fine by me. Are you planning a siesta or are you
racing back to HQ?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“A short siesta would be a good idea. It might get very
late if Frank Cook comes for dinner.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Gary’s idea of a short siesta was an hour’s love-making
followed by a ten minute nap and finished off with a pot of strong coffee drunk
in gulps. Eventually he got into his car and drove off. PeggySue woke and
demanded immediate attention. Cleo <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>gave
her a drink and put heri n the playpen. It was past five and she expected
Robert to turn up any minute. The idea that he could have kept it a secret from
her that he was sterile went round and round in her head. She would ask him.
Spying on him would be unworthy and undignified.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
When Robert did turn up he was in a hurry. After some
minutes humming and hawing he came out with the confession that he was on his
way to the vicarage to be with Edith.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Cleo was in one of her less charming moods.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Be with or sleep with, Robert? I’m not sure I caught what
you said.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Robert blushed. He had no reason to answer for his actions
to Cleo, but he felt guilty all the same. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“So you know,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“It’s a small village, Robert.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Why don’t people mind their own business?” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Never mind that now. How is Edith coping with the news
that Mr Parsnip was supposed to have been on a plane that crashed and then
didn’t catch that plane at all and has disappeared, apparently without trace.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“I haven’t talked to her about it yet,” said Robert.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Really? But that isn’t what I want to talk to you
about, Robert.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“Gloria dropped strange hints today.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“What did she say?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Nothing concrete. I was to beware of the truth, she
said.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Typical Gloria,” said Cleo. “I expect she wanted you to
question her till she cracked and could tell you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Tell me what? You know I would not put pressure on Gloria
to tell me something because she might make something up that I would not
believe anyway.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“She was not to tell you that I had a test done on samples
of PeggySue’s and Gary’s DNA.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I think I know what you were going to tell me, Cleo. I’ve
known all along about not being PeggySue’s father so it’s actually a relief to
get the truth out in the open.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“How did you know, Robert? Because of that rugby
accident?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“How do you know about that, Cleo?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“Little birds and guesswork, Robert. You could have been
honest with me instead of making up that rigmarole about me being too old to
have a baby.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
Robert did not question that.<span style="font-family: Umpush; mso-ascii-font-family: Umpush; mso-fareast-font-family: Umpush;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"There's another one in here right now," said
Cleo, patting her tummy. <span style="font-family: Umpush; mso-ascii-font-family: Umpush; mso-fareast-font-family: Umpush;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Well, congratulations to you and your lover, Cleo,"
said Robert, who felt more humiliated than ever.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I'll ignore the irony, Robert. Do you know what I think
was really small-minded of you? You know I wanted a baby and you knew there was
no danger of my having one with you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“But…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“You also knew about my affair with Gary, but you thought
we would be careful, didn’t you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“But…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“But the truth will out, Robert. That’s the problem with
the truth. It likes to be out in the fresh air rather than smouldering in the
breast of the dissembler.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I knew you were closer to Gary than you ever admitted. I
just didn’t believe you were that close.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“You didn’t want to believe that, but Gary is not a monk
and I am not a nun, and we took no precautions. I wanted his baby and he wanted
it to.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You mean you talked about it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Of course.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Is Gary going to contest what’s on the birth
certificate?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Yes, Robert. We will have your statement that PeggySue
cannot be your child quite apart from the DNA evidence that Gary is PeggySue's father.
So are you going to resist his attempt to put the record straight?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“No, and I’ll continue to support you if you have
difficulty in giving your daughter a decent start in life.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That won’t be necessary, as you very well know, but thanks
for the gesture.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It really doesn’t matter who the father is, does it, Cleo?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Of course it does. Gary has never been happier.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Then we have a happy end, Cleo. Isn’t that what you
wanted?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sure. Am I to say thank you? You’ve organized one for
yourself, after all.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
”I didn’t organize it. Edith came to my flat and asked me to
sleep with her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She did that? I wouldn’t have thought she’d have the nerve.
I hope she turned you on. I couldn’t.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Robert was lost for words. Cleo was so angry that Gary’s
suspicion about Robert was true that she couldn’t resist rubbing even more salt
into the wound.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I hope you tell Edith the truth about your sterilty,
Robert. I’m sure she would like a daughter to go along with those five boys.
She might want to look elsewhere for a sex partner who can give her one.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are you threatening me, Cleo?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. It’s your secret, not mine. For me the subject is
closed, but I always told Edith I was not sure who the father is and she
promised never to say a word. When I tell her that Gary is definitely
PeggySue’s father she’s going to start wondering.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Robert was silent for a moment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll tell her when the time comes.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So you took precautions, I take it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Robert was embarrassed. He didn’t need precautions and Edith
would not have bothered if she wanted another child.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Can't we be friends, Cleo? We have to go on living in this
village.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I thought we were friends, Robert.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Cleo offered Robert her hand and he shook it, squeezed it
and finally kissed it. There were tears in his eyes, but none in Cleo’s. She
was thinking that he could share his tears with Edith in future. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I’ve brought the order Gloria gave me. I’ll collect the
tray another time. I’ve got to go now. Edith is waiting for me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
With those words Robert left the cottage. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Cleo wondered how she could have lived with that same
feeling of detachment she had felt during the final weeks of their marriage.
Something labelled ‘love’ can’t consist of patches over the emptiness in a
relationship, she mused. It must be instinctive, like the instinctive love Gary
had had for his daughter long before he knew the truth. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
In a relationship, once emptiness set in there was no
turning back. Had she loved Robert once? She certainly had no feeling left for
him now. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
That must have been how Edith had felt about Frederick Parsnip.
Was the vicar’s disappearance going to change that? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Whatever Gary said, they would have to find Frederick
before anyone else did. Dorothy would work undercover. She didn’t miss a trick
and knew lots of people. If Mr Parsnip had stopped off somewhere near, she
would find him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
faith1110http://www.blogger.com/profile/02358925817174593317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015358035360649701.post-44174466671272055102015-11-05T09:26:00.000-08:002020-03-04T08:34:08.659-08:00Episode 4 - Friends<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><b>Tuesday October 27</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Domestic bliss is all
very well, but it doesn’t get crimes solved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a>Gary had asked Roger
Stonefor advice on the Parsnip case and was meeting him early on Tuesday
morning.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Stone had had a hard
time recently. Even Gary had for a time thought he had been leading a double
life that included supporting and covering up for his wife, who was now serving
a life sentence for murder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">For a time Gary had also
thought Stone was corrupt, but he had continued to support him through the
crisis because he was a friend. Fortunately, Stone’s complete innocence was
proved and he was reinstated in his position as co-administrator of Middlethumpton
Police HQ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Gary had bouts of shame
when he remembered that he had also distrusted his friend. Stone had always
supported him and had been responsible for Gary getting his job as head of the
homicide department. He had not wanted to believe his frined and colleague was
guilty of anything underhand, but there had for a time been no evidence to
support Roger’s innocence, only damning evidence that had subsequently been declared
fake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Roger Stone had been the
object of criminal mobbing. Gary had detective status and solved many difficult
crimes, eventually including the mobbing of his friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">On the other hand, Gary had
carried out many of the successful actions that stemmed from Roger’s
suggestions and advice. Gary knew of the rumour that Roger was working for M15,
but Roger had never offered to talk about his role as a secret agent and Gary
never asked him about it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“So what do you think we
should do?” Gary asked him after he had gone through what he already knew about
the case. “Was Grisham involved in something he could not handle?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Chris delivered an
interim autopsy on the corpse of Mr Grisham, who had been killed with a
neuromuscular blocking drug through a syringe. It had that lamed his nervous
system and killed him outright within minutes of its application. So he had
probably just had enough time to drive the car off the road. Roger was anxious
to know if a third person had been in the car, and that was also Gary’s biggest
worry. Chris’s interim forensic reportreported fingerprint evidence that
someone had indeed been sitting behind Parsnip and Grisham. That could confirm the
suspicion that someone else had steered the car into that clearing after
Grisham’s murder. Where had the vicar been at that time? Had he already escaped
on the main road? If there was a third person in the car, the vicar must have
made a very fast dash for freedom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“We could go to the
national dailies,” said Gary. “Give them a photo of the vicar and get them to
ask if anyone recognizes him. That’s the kind of story they like. We’d just say
that the car in which he was travelling was found abandoned and anyone who has
seen him should get in touch with us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“You’d have to say that
the vicar was not wearing a dog- collar and may have amnesia or be in shock,”
said Roger. “You could say that the car has been removed for investigation. On
the other hand, the are good reasons for not going to the press at all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Why, Roger?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I can’t explain
now, but I will in a few days’ time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“OK. No media.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“It’s M15, Gary,” said
Roger. “I can’t make decisions withut consultation there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary wisely thought better of asking Roger about his role in
M15.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*** <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Another problem is not
knowing if the vicar is really a harmless victim of circumstances because he
may not be,” said Gary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Exactly,” said Roger.
“That’s another reason for not going to the media.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“We don’t know if he
killed Grisham. Where would he get a drug like curare and why would he kill
someone he thought was taking him to a bright future?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“There’s also the
risk factor.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Which is?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“If he is guilty he might take umbrage
to being spotted by someone and turn violent.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I’d better scrap the
missing persons action altogether then,” Gary decided. “He might turn up in
Upper Grumpsfield after all if we give him time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Gary wondered whether
Roger was playing down the drama of Grisham’s murder for any particular reason.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Who was Grisham?” said
Gary, not really expecting an immediate answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Roger did not even hint
at an explanation..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“It is a murder case and
you are short-staffed,” Roger said. “Would you like extra support in your
department?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“It might be a good idea
to get someone completely new to the area. I’m starting to be recognized.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“That’s because you work
with that gorgeous woman of yours, Gary. How is she, by the way?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“We are in seventh
heaven, to be honest,” said Gary. “I don’t mind telling you that from having
one pretty daughter I now have two and we’re expecting a third baby, though we
don’t know the gender, or Cleo is just being cagey.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Goodness. How did
you manage that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span class="apple-converted-space">They both laughed at
that rather leading question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoList" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Cleo had Chris do a DNA test and it turns out that
Cleo’s daughter is also mine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I told Cleo to do that,” said Roger. “It’s on the house, by
the way.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m glad she’s on our side, Roger.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You should be. And if my maths is right, you have been<span class="apple-converted-space">…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“… together since I
set eyes on her that time with the Rosso case.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“But you had other
girlfriends, didn’t you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Sort of, but. I could
not live without Cleo then and I don’t want to now. I know that sounds childish
in a grown man but…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Not at all, Gary, but I
should think that those private conflicts caused the burnout problem.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“They did. I hated
myself for two-timing. I tried to love those other women, but I couldn’t. One
even told me I needed a baby-sitter, not a wife. The doctors at that sanatorium
said I had to get my private life sorted out and preferably find another way of
earning money.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I’m glad you
didn’t leave, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“So am I and you can
thank Cleo for that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I can believe that. I’m
relieved that Cleo finally made up her mind about you and saved me the drama of
finding someone to replace you as a colleague…and a friend.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“In the end Robert
walked out on her, Roger. We suspect that he was already carrying a torch <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for Edith Parsnip, the vicar’s wife. Cleo
described her own marriage as bordering on geriatric, so Edith was setting
herself a challenge.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“A thought just occurred
to me, Gary. Could that vicar have been two-timing his wife? Could he have fled
the vicarage in order to have a new life?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“It’s certainly a
possibility. I’ll have to ask Cleo what she thinks. Cleo will ask Dorothy
Price, and Dorothy will have a hunch. That’s how the Hartley Agency gets quick
results.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“The police often can’t
compete with private sleuths once they get going.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Cleo’s support
certainly helped in North Wales,” said Gary. “Her agency has taken on a local
private sleuth who seems to know a lot.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Name?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Frank Wetherby.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I know him, Gary. First
rate, I’d say. He used to be in the Secret Service but left to do his own
thing. Tell Cleo to watch him, however. He’s mercurial, volatile and
ambitious.All his jobs up to now have been stepping-stones.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“How do you know that,
Roger?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Let’s just say I do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“What about
Shirley?" Gary could not resist asking. "Would you have had a future
with her if your wife had not shot her?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“It took a jealous wife
with high criminal energy to destroy that affair, Gary, though Elinor was only
protecting her property, me being part of it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“That was a terrible
tragedy,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“It hit me hard.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Shirley made no secret
of your affair.” said Gary, refraining from saying that Shirley had more or
less chosen for Roger for what it could get her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“She would be alive
today if she had not been so insistent that I was the man she had been looking
for, Gary. I can say that now, but I was stupid enough to fall for that
flattery. She had probably had a string of men who believed that, one after
another up the career ladder.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Gary also refrained from
telling Roger that Shirley had said exactly the same things to him. He thought
that Roger probably knew.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Your wife was a jealous
woman,” Gary said instead. “It takes a lot of hate and jealousy for a wife to
kill her rival.“<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Our marriage was only
on paper. A deal, I suppose you’d say. I needed someone good-looking to take to
events and Elinor needed the status and financial freedom my position gave her.
She did not need me. She had her toy-boys for her bed and I was financing her,
them, the hotel rooms she frequented, and in fact all her escapades. Fortunately,
her father had won on the pools and helped me out sometimes. He was probably
glad that someone like me had taken her on.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“So murder was
preferable to losing all the perks that went with the marriage to you, Roger.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“As time want by, I
realized that Elinor is evil in a fanatical, mad way,” said Roger. “Sometimes I
think revenge was on her mind when she killed Shirley. She got at me by killing
that poor woman with the gun I used to keep in my bedside cupboard. I suppose
she wanted me to get life for the murder, but in the end she tipped the scales
against herself.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">I was a long time since Gary
and Roger had had a heart to heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“And now you have the
right constellation in your life, Gary. I envy you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“You will turn the
corner eventually, Roger. I did after I had almost given up. I was having affairs
with women for the sake of it. I was waiting for Cleo to say she would have me
after all. It took her nearly three years, despite our affair.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Or because of it. Thanks
for listening to my tale of woe, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“That’s what friends are
for.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Changing the subject, is
there anything I can do for the vicar’s family?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Edith Parsnip has taken
up with Robert Jones, Cleo’s ex-husband. How about that for a happy end?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“So you think things
will turn out right for him, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“At least Robert has someone
else in his life. That makes Cleo happy and more at ease with the situation we
are in, but she nevertheless thinks she behaved badly towards Robert. I keep
telling her that Robert walked out, but that seems to make it all worse. If only
Cleo had reached that point of no return It bothers her that she did not make
the decision”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“She should have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“But where would Robert
have gone?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">That was hardly her
problem, was it ?” said Roger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Her mother calls our
current life-style living in sin.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“It’s the generation
gap,” said Roger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Cleo was born of a love
affair, Roger. You’d think her mother would bear that in mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoList">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Stop thinking about women’s
motives, Gary. Look where it landed me!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Roger’s desk phone
rang.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Chris Marlow is
looking for you, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“That will be
about Grisham.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Roger Stone looked
worried.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Do you know more
than you are telling me, Roger?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“It’s possible, but my hands are tied at
the moment. Keep me informed. I’ll get you an assistant. I know one who goes
undercover. He’s experienced and shrewd. You’ll need both if what Chris said
about injected poison proves accurate. That’s spy stuff. I’ll get him to phone
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“His name?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Frank Cook. He’s Swiss
by birth and polyglot, but has anglicized his surname. Communicates mainly by
phone. Likes to be anonymous, untraceable.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Phones can be
tapped, Roger.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“He’s careful. Knows
the ropes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Roger Stone
hesitated before his next piece of advice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Keep the Hartley
Agency out of it, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Any particular
reason?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Just remember
that the case is not really about Frederick Parsnip.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“So the agency could
look for him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“As we speculated
earlier, finding him might be dangerous. He might have seen more than he
should, for instance who was in the back of that car.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Do you know who
was in the back of that car, Roger?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I wish I could be specific, Gary. There's
always the chance that it is a domestic crime and has nothing to do with spying
or anything else in that direction. ”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That sounded like a hint.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did it?” said Roger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I’ll talk to Cleo
about keeping out of the case.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Good. I don’t want
you to lose her, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Gary phoned Cleo
immediately after the talk with Roger Stone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Hands off Parsnip,” he
told her. “Instructions from Roger.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“He can’t tell me what to
investigate,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“He can and I can, Cleo.
He’s serious. I don’t know why yet, because he refused to be more specific, but
he’s getting an undercover colleague to help me with the case, and Cleo…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I’m listening.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Chris found
evidence that a third guy was in that car.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“It stinks, Gary. The
agency will not get involved.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Promise?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Promise.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Cleo had already asked
Dorothy to investigate Grisham. She was sure he was the key to this mess and
too dead to say why. She rang Dorothy and told her to cancel her mission.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“But I’m ready to go
out,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Instructions from Roger
Stone have to be taken seriously,” said Cleo. “Gary sounded anxious.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“But there’s nothing to
stop me walking past the house, is there, Cleo?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Can I stop you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“No. I was going there
anyway. There’s a new coffee shop<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in the
main street.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I’d forgotten.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I think it’s a rock
café, Cleo. Not like Crumb’s. We can go there together for the coffee, can’t
we?” said Dorothy. “That isn’t going against Mr Stone’s wishes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Knowing that Dorothy was
going to do that anyway, Cleo decided to go with her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“OK, but only to try
their coffee, Dorothy. Not to ask questions. Be at the office at 11. We’ll have
a talk about other cases in the books.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Cleo thought she had
better not tell Gary she was going to Lower Grumpsfield. He would definitely
smell a rat. But Cleo was just as curious as Dorothy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">As it was now only
Tuesday, Crumb’s new café was 5 days away from its grand opening, so she and
Dorothy could actually compare the two enterprises. That is what she would tell
Gary. Her conscience appeased, Cleo got to work on a new case, the reopening of
the Manor School in Huddlecourt Minor. She wondered what Dorothy would have to
say about that, given that it had been closed down by the authorities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Chris summarized the
autopsy results he could already verify in an email to Gary and sent a copy to
Cleo. He wanted to show Gary the small bruise on Grisham’s right shoulder where
the nerve poison had been injected into the man’s body. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Gary went to the
pathology lab to find out more. Examining corpses with smell of formaldyhide
floating around his nostrils was something Gary hated, but it had to be done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“No front-seat passenger
could have done that,” said Chris. “Shall I show you why?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“You‘ve already
established that there was a third set of prints in the car,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“But we don’t know if the
owner was already in the car before Grisham was killed, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Could you identify the
prints?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Not on our normal
database,” said Chris. “They could be a woman’s. Roger told me to look at the
Interpol records, but I need an ID code for that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I can give you that,
Chris.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Write it down, Gary.
I’ll look after we’ve finished my experiment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Chris dragged two normal
chairs together and sat Gary on the left-hand one. He then fetched an empty
syringe with a needle and sat on the other chair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I’m Grisham,” he said.
“We could carry out this experiment in a car, but I think our imaginations will
do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Chris handed Gary a
syringe containing water. The needle was fixed on top.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“You are Parsnip, so you
are sitting on the passenger side. Hold the syringe the way you would to give
yourself a jab, then push the needle into my right shoulder,” said Chris. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“This is assuming that Parsnip
was right-handed. It’s hardly liklely that he would use the weaker hand for
such an important action.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Give me moment to check that, Chris. Dorothy will know.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy did know. She had visions of the vicar sharpening
his pencels with the scalpel in his right hand. She told Chris as much and they
agreed that the vicar must be righ-handed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Remember that Parsnip
would be safety-belted. A man like him would definitely use the safety belt, so
he could not move freely.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Gary was unable to reach
Chris’s right shoulder with his right hand. Even using the left hand he would
have had to twist round, and such an attempt would have led to the safety-belt
jamming and Grisham certainly taking evasive action. Since that action would
have to be extremely fast, it was virtually impossible for an agile person to
execute such a movement let alone someone with slower reactions. Parsnip’s
record for running into things on his mountain bike had shown many a time that
his reactions were not exactly fast.Cleo and Gary had often laughed about Frederick
Parsnip’s predicaments. His only otor skill seems to have been at sharpening
pencils to a frazzle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I see what you mean,”
said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“So that poison must
have been injected from the back seat. Another argument would be that nerve
poison could be jabbed in anywhere, so it would be more natural for a
front-seat passenger to aim for a leg. Those African natives blowing curare
arrows probably had a good aim, but they were aiming at a moving target and the
main object was not to miss it.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“You’ve convinced me,”
said Gary. "We’ll rule Parsnip out. I wonder where this third person could
have come from? Woeverit was can’t have been in the car when the vicar got in
because they would have seen him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I’ve no idea, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Let me have any more
details right away, will you, Chris?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I don’t think there’ll
be much more. There were no marks on the corpse to indicate a fight and I
expect the blood analysis to tell me more about the poison. It must have been
fast-acting and I think it was inflicted when the car was stationary because he
could probably not have driven anywhere once it was in his body.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“That leaves a lot of
open questions,” said Gary. “For instance, was he forced to drive off the main
road?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Cleo has invited me to
dinner tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Good, but let’s not
talk about this case, Chris. Roger wants the Agency kept out of it for safety
reasons. He could not tell me the exact reason, but Roger does not issue idle
warnings.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“MI5 probably, Gary. I
know Stone has contacts there, but I’m not sure how intensive they are. He may
have been told to warn you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“It’s possible. Roger
closes up like a clam when anything to do with espionage comes up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Gary, I’m bringing
someone. Cleo said I could.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Great, Chris. Do
I know her?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Him, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“OK. I didn’t
realize…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I’ve stopped
keeping up appearances.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“You mean…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Yes, Gary. If it
offends you, I’ll find a reason to cry off.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It isn’t Nigel, is it, Chris?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, but I quite like him, too.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Whoever you bring, It’s
fine by me, Chris. You’re always welcome and love is great wherever you find
it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoList" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I didn’t tell Cleo who I’m bringing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought it might be better to just bring
Mike along and not s anything anything straight off, especially as I told her I
quite like Nigel.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Look Chris. We are a
modern society. Cleo prefers men and so do you. I can’t see a problem there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Chris laughed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Thanks for that, Gary.
Now I’m really looking forward to that dinner.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Gary reflected on Chris’s
situation for a long time. Chris was a victim of society because even well into
the twenty-first century there were people who feared anything they either did
not understand or did not want to. Like others with the same inborn inclination,
Chris had tried to hide behind a string of girlfriends he had liked but not
desired. He had not been honest with himself let alone with the other people in
his life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Gary knew guys who had
married for that reason. He had met patients at the sanatorium who were
ostensibly there because they had burnout, but in fact they were just plain
miserable because they could not admit, often even to themselves, that they
were gay. Gary had even wondered if that was his problem, but it wasn’t. His
love for Cleo, their love-making and mutual understanding had dispelled that
idea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I just want to tell you
something about myself, Chris.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You don’t have to.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I do. I had string of girlfriends while I was was waiting
for Cleo to ditch that butcher. I slept with one or two of them, but I hated
it. I thought that if I couldn’t have Cleo I’d settle for celebacy. It didn’t
come to that, fortumately. Cleo was always tolerant. I kept on telling her I
was looking for a replacement and she said it was a good idea.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Cleo is a wonderful woman, Gary. I love women but I don’t
want sex with them.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bring Mike tonight, Chris. I’m looking forward to a great
dinner. We’ll make you feel at home and be glad to.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Cleo was getting herself and the girls some lunch when
Gary breezed into the cottage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I just wanted to make sure you weren’t out detecting
something you shouldn’t,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Would I do that?” said Cleo, faking amazement.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Yes, you would, but Roger Stone was really anxious that
the Grisham case be investigated by experts.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“So it’s already stopped being the Parsnip case, has it?
Did Roger say who Grisham really is? “<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That’s what bothers me, Cleo. Roger did not actually say
anything, and certainly not what kind of guy Grisham was. Hiring an assistant
for me who sounds like someone dropped off an espionage lorry is not very
confidence-building.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“Then we’ll have to find out, won’t we?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Not we, Cleo. Not even me, I shouldn’t think.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“Why?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
“That new colleague works undercover.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
“Isn’t that someone who goes after top secret information or finds out who
is leaking formulas and stuff?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“It can be, or it may be just to support the squad. But
those guys don’t grow on trees, so why send one here if the case doesn’t merit
it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Isn’t it just possible that Roger thinks you could be
recognized, Gary?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That’s one reason and that’s why you and Dorothy have to
stop meddling immediately.“<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Gary, you know I love you, but I’m not going to be
labelled a meddler, even by you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I was really thinking of Dorothy. She goes about her
investigations with very conspicuous enthusiasm and a lot of dangerous gusto.
She’s been lucky up to now that no one has wanted her out of the way.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Dorothy has had some splendid results. If she goes, I
lose my Girl Friday.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Just stick to domestic issues or investigate things that
won’t bite you!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That is not a reference to lost dogs, I take it,” said
Cleo, smarting a bit from what could be described as a dressing-down.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That’s not what I meant. Don’t take me so literally!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
faith1110http://www.blogger.com/profile/02358925817174593317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015358035360649701.post-8032848780471718112015-11-03T02:06:00.000-08:002020-03-03T23:54:51.805-08:00Episode 3 - B420 slash 256 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<b>Monday cont.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">From about ten
miles south of Upper Grumpsfield Gary followed the instructions given to him by
the patrol officer. He was to turn right off the main immediately after a pub named
‘The Swan’ that was on the right side of the road, and drive down a very bumpy
lanecalled ‘Swan Lane’ for about a hundred yards to an open space. There they
would find the car and the police officer in charge would be waiting for them.
The area had been cordoned off and an ambulance was standing by.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a>Gary had a
digital camera in the glove pocket of his car. He took photos from where they
had parked. Cleo took photos on her mobile. <o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoList">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Let’s get closer,”
said Garyr.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">As they got
nearer Cleo declared that the guy sitting in the passenger seat could not be
Frederick because Frederick had a shock of brown hair and this guy seemed to
have a bald pate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">On closer
inspection it was clear why the police had thought it was a churchman. He was
wearing a dog-collar, but it was definitely not Mr Parsnip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Gary walked round
the car and said there wasn’t a flat tyre so it can’t have been a puncture that
had forced the car off the main road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The
paramedics were standing around waiting for instructions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Can you
get him out, boys?” said Gary, taking more snapshots of the scene.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“We’ll try,
Sir, but he’s been dead for hours and may be too stiff.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Cleo
shuddered. Gary turned to the patrol officer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“How did you know
about this car, Officer?” Gary asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“An anonymous
phone-call from a public phonebox, Sir.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“In other words,
you did not trace it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“No Sir.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Was it a woman’s
voice?” Cleo asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Yes, Miss.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I had an anonymous
phone call from a woman this morning,” said Cleo. “But wasn’t about this
incident.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Do you link the
two, Cleo?” Gary said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’ve no idea,
Gary. But it does make you think, doesn’t it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Did you
find any identity documents, Officer?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Nothing,
Sir. Nothing at all.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Gary decided that
Parsnip would have taken his passport and ticket with him and Grisham might
have been travelling without any documents since he was planning to return home
that day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Gary got beyond
showing his police badge and explained who he was. The patrol officer was
overawed. Why would a Chief Inspector be bothering about a tin-pot little
traffic incident?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’ll explain
some more,” said Cleo, showing her own business card.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“The vicar is a
friend. He was on his way to Africa and being given a lift to Heathrow by this
dead guy here,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Have you
combed the area for the other person in this car, Sergeant?” Gary asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“No Sir,
but I’ve ordered a second squad team. They should be here soon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Compliments,
Officer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“This guy
was actually the driver,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“So he must
have been moved,” said the officer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“The question
is who moved him over and why?” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“And how,” said
Gary. “I doubt whether Frederick Parsnip would have had the strength.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Don’t you
believe it, Gary. Women can lift cars if their child is trapped underneath,”
said Cleo. “The vicarmust have been desperate. That lends strength. And he
might have been trying to hitch a lift in time for the plane.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“That would not be
recorded anywhere, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Excuse me butting
in,” said the officer. “But if he ws in shock he might not be responsibler in control
of his actions. People in that state do funny things.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“That’s a good
point, officer,” said Gary. “But what about the dog-collar? Whoever left
Grisham dead must have changed his shirt.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“No deal there, Sir.
Dog-collars are on a sort of long frill. To put one on you simply open the
back, clip it round your neck and tuck the frill into whatever pullover you are
wearing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I think some
dog-collars are made with a shirt front so that they can be worn without a
pullover,” Clo added.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“How do you know that,
Cleo?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Curiosity
mainly, which is one reason I’d like to know more about why all this junk
happened.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“We need to find
Parsnip, that’s for sure, Offocer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Meanwhile the
paramedics had managed to strap the dead Mr Grisham onto a stretcher. Gary
looked through the man’s pockets and found nothing, not even a wallet. Parsnip
must have had enough presence of mind to take anything with him that he thought
might be come in handy, including a wallet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Cleo dictated Grisham’s
name for the paramedics to attach a label to him. Then they wheeled him to the
ambulance and pushed the trolley in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Where shall we
take him?” they wanted to know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“HQ in
Middlethumpton, please,” said Gary. “Pathology will deal with him there. The
entrance is in the side street before you get to the main entrance if HQ is on
your right.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“OK. We’ll find
it,” said one of the paramedics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Is there a death
certificate?” Cleo asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“No doctor,” said
the paramedic. “We phoned him, but he said I could write an interum death
certificate myself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“That’s not legal,”
said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I am<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a medical student,” said the paramedic. “Final
semester. I know when a person is beyond resuscitation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Gary phoned Dr Chris
Marlow, forensic pathologist at HQ, and told him a corpse named Grisham would
be arriving shortly. Chris said he would send a forensic <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>team to look at the car and surrounding area.
Gary said they would wait till forensics arrived. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"Where did you
say you are, Gary?" Chris asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"Not far from
Upper Grumpsfiel. I'll hand you over to someone who knows, Chris. And
thanks!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The patrol officer explained
where they were<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and how to get there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">A second patrol car
drew up and the two patrol officers went to look for signs of omeone wandering
around, ossibly confused, in the vicinity. They didn’t hold out much hope.
There was a wood to comb through and on the other side there was a country road.
Anyone trying to get away might have hitched a lift or even caught a bus. There
was a regular bus service down that road and he had been gone for hours, hadn’t
he?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“So Parsnip had a
choice of getaways, didn’t he?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“If he was alive
to tell the tale,” said Cleo. “If he got that far, a bus driver might have
noticed that he was in a strange mental state.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Don’t you bet on
it. Bus drivers are paid to drive the passengers, not look out for mental
defects. Unless a passenger is obviously drunk or a rowdy, he has to be let
on.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Poor Frederick.
What sort of plight has befallen him?” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Until we know
that he hasn’t killed Grisham, we should be economical with our pity,” said
Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’m sure that Parsnip
is more of a victim than an activist. I really feel anxious about him, ”said
Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Don’t be anxious.
Whatever has happened, it is either out of his control by now or he has planned
the whole stunt.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“He wouldn’t do
that. Gary.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“He’s a vicar who pinned
his dog collar on a dead or dying man who was doing him a favour, cleared off
with Grisham’s wallet and is either roaming around or has an accomplice.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“You make him sound
like a criminal, Gary. There may have been a third person involved.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“That makes it even
worse, Cleo. It might mean there is a killer out there whom we cannot identify.
Parsnip may even have been drugged. Grisham managed to drive off the road, so
whatever killed him must have had some sort of delayed action. Until we know that
Parsnip is not a killer, he is!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Chris arrived with
his team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I didn’t know
you’d come yourself,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Curiosity
mainly.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“The corpse is
already on the way to HQ,” Gary told him. “The paramedics were anxious to get
going.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“That’s OK. I
couldn’t have done anything for him. I don’t suppose there were any signs of an
attack, were there?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“No. Mr Grisham
looked as if he was asleep.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Sounds like some
kind of drug or maybe heart failure. Do you have photos of how the corpse
looked when you arrived?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Gary showed Chris
the photos then mailed them to his phone. That way they would also be at HQ and
in his own mailbox.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Grisham was the
driver, Chris. We have to assume that the vicar dragged him onto the passenger
seat before running off. He may have done that to get at the dead man’s
wallet.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“It does not sound
like the vicar I’ve met. A bumbler if ever there was one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you give this case a name, Sergeant?”
Gary asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’m
Benton, Sir, and yes. It’s B420 slash 256.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Chris and
Cleo made a note of the number.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“B is for Benton
and the 420 is the bus route behind the wood,” Sergeant Benton explained. “This
little road has no ordinance survey number.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“What happens if
more than one policeman’s surname starts with a B?” Cleo asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I was the first
on this system, Miss Hartley, so all the others have to use more than one
initial”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“And the 256?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The numbers on
the car registration plates, Sir.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“That sounds
logical,” said Gary. “We’ve had case numbers with birth dates on them before
now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Well, to be
honest, it’s my mum’s birth month and year, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Oh,” said Gary.
“A nice coincidence.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“There’s no point
in your staying, Gary,” said Chris. “There’s nothing you can do here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“OK. Phone me
from HQ. I’m going back to the cottage now. See to the kids. Help to make
dinner. That sort of thing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I didn’t know
you were a houseman, Gary,” said Chris.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I am now,” said
Gary. “I have a working wife.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’ll be in my
office, Chris,” Cleo said pointedly. She had managed to get DNA from PeggySue
and Gary to Chris when she was supposed to be in Middlethumpton looking for a
new blazer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Ciao,” said
Chris, winking at Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“What did
he wink for?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Just a
joke,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Can I
share it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Nope,” said
Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Gloria was
already at the cottage, having collected PeggySue from the nursery. There was a
delicious smell of baking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I hope you don’t
mind, Gary, but I’ve put a cake or two in the oven,” said Gloria. “Where’s my
daughter?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“In her office. Why
should I mind about you making cake, Gloria? It was a brilliant idea. I can’t
wait to eat some.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Wait about ten
minutes, Gary. Why did Cleo have to go to the office?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“She didn’t have
to. She wanted to,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"It must
have been important."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“It would be,
Gloria. The vicar has disappeared.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Awsome!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Your daughter’s up
to something, Gloria, but she wouldn’t say what.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Then it has
to do with you, I expect.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I don’t
suppose you know, do you, Gloria?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I have an
idea, but I’m not telling,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I won’t
tell her you’ve told me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Don’t turn
your charm on, Gary. It’s wasted on me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I wouldn’t have
thought so. What about that guy you met at the Bistro the other evening?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“That was
business.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“What
business?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Line-dancing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Oh. Do you
want to tell me about it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Nope.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Gary opened his
laptop. He wondered if Chris had already put some results of his investigations
into a mail. Of course, it was too soon to expect results, but Chris was a dab
hand at making accurate forecasts. Having found no mail, Gary phoned him, but his
line was engaged. Cleo was on the phone to Chris in her office, but not about
the vicar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Did you
find anything out?” she asked Chris.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Were you
hoping that PeggySue is Gary’s daughter?” said Chris.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I think it’s
possible.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’m surprised at
you, Cleo. Were you messing around with Gary nearly two years ago? PeggySue’s
about a year old, isn’t she?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“To be honest,
I’ve been messing around with Gary from the day I met him,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Why didn’t
you marry him?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“He’s
married.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“But…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“No buts. I
never considered it and then I decided Robert was the right man.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“But he was
married, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“He didn’t
know that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“And that Jay
Salerno fellow was still alive so you were still married to him,” said Chris.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I didn’t know
that, either, did I?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“But now you are
living with Gary and that is just perfect,” said Chris, who was a romantic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Do you have the
results, or are we just indulging in a little marriage guidance, Chris?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Gary is 99 comma 9 percent
PeggySue’s father,” said Chris. “Are you happy about that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Over the
moon, though Robert is in for a nasty shock.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“He won’t
care. He didn’t want the baby, did he?” said Chris.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“No, but I
made him the fathe,” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Simply
because he was not to find out about your affair with Gary?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“More or
less, Chris. I thought Robert could be the father.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Robert doesn’t look
like the type you would jump into bed with.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“He wasn’t
Chris. Do you want more details?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Poor Robert did not
notic what a fine woman your are, Cleo. I think what you did on a grand scale
was called cuckolding in the old days.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“He’s over
it now. He has a new girlfriend.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Edith,”
said Chris. “I saw that coming.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“You did?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Didn’t
you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Dorothy
Price had that idea a while back,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“A discerning
lady if ever there was one, “ said Chris.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“But Edith has
five kids and she might still be married if the vicar is not dead,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“The vicar’s
demise was good timing if it happened,” said Chris. “I hope Robert can cope
with all those kids, given his basic aversion to offspring.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Robert plays
football with the Parsnip boys. I think it’s girl children that are more of a
problem for Robert, Chris. Remember Anna? The girl we found at the bell tower?
I wanted to adopt her, but he didn’t want that. Can you send me a copy of the DNA
test results? I’m not sure that Gary will believe me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Black on white,
Cleo. I’m going to look into Grisham now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Literally, I
expect.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Of course.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“So how’s your love
life Chris? You knw all about mine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’ve been getting
friendlier with Nigel recently.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Wow, Chris.
Nigel’s a nice guy. I think that if Gary wasn’t stuck on me he’s go for a guy
like Nigel.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“He’d better not,”
said Chris. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’m really happy
about PeggySue and thanks a million, Chris. I’ve received your fax. It’s worth
a pot of gold.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’m really happy
for PeggySue,” said Chris. “Gary will make her a good father.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“He is
already, Chris. It was love at first sight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“All my
loving….” sang Chris.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“More
appropriate than ‘Help’, Chris.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I went up
and down Penny Lane once,” said Chris.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Come for dinner
and tell us about her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Not her.
It. I’ll be there, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“How about
tomorrow?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Cleo found it
impossible to concentrate on her work knowing what that DNA test meant for her
family. She was overjoyed. Robert would be a bit put out, more at the
implications than his loss of fatherhood. He had made an effort to get used to
having a second daughter and merely reconciled himself to PeggySue. He would be
sad that Cleo had lied about having an affair with Gary, but only because she
had steadfastly denied it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">*** <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Cleo packed up
for the day.She would go home and tell Gary first, then they could decide how
to tell Robert. But before that she would phone Dorothy about the Grishams.
Getting to know what made them tick was something Dorothy could do to
perfection. She would not tell Dorothy about PeggySue’s parentage just yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Gary, we need to
talk,” Cleo called when she got home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Gloria’s in the
kitchen helping out,” Gary almost sang out, more as a warning than anything
else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Don’t mind me,”
Gloria said, emerging from the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I don’t think you
can keep anything a secret, Mother,” said Cleo. “The whole world knows I’m
pregnant.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“At least we know
who the father is this time,” said Gloria. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Gary left his
laptop, which was sitting on the dining table, and moved to the sofa.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Well,” said Gary.
“Confess!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“What would you
say if I told you were going to have another daughter, Gary?” Cleo started.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’d like
that,” said Gary. “Have you found out what you are hatching out?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I mean would
you like a ready-made daughter?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“A what?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I mean a
kid like PeggySue,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’m going
to adopt her. We talked about that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“You are
not going to adopt her, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">His face
clouded over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Are you leaving me?”
he said. “You’re 4 months gone. You can’t leave me now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’ll never
leave you, Gary. I’m just trying to break some news to you gently.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I can’t
detect any gentleness and I’m a detective,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Even I
know what Cleo’s trying to tell you,” said Gloria.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Go on
then. You seem to know everything. Tell him!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“PeggySue
is your child, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“She is?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I didn’t
know you were sleeping with my daughter all that long time ago.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“It’s all your fault,
Gloria,” said Gary. “That case with your neighbour. Remember?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Sort of,”
said Gloria.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Cleo and I met
over your extraordinary behaviour. Cleo was distraught and it was love at first
sight for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Awesome,” said
Gloria.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“It’s taken me
till nearly now to convince her that she’s the only woman in my life.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’d never have
thought that, Gary,” said Gloria. “You’ve had a few women tagging along during
that time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“They were a
cover-up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“For Christ’s
sake, what for?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“For reasons best
known to herself, your daughter decided that she would stick with Robert and I
would be the side-kick.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Can I just
get a word in edgeways?” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“No, Cleo,”
said Gloria. “I know the truth now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“It’s not
about you or the truth, Gloria.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I think it
is.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“It’s about Gary
and me, and the daughter he has who came back from Spain, the one he has just
found out about and the third one or maybe a son that he’ll have in a few months.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’ll cook
the dinner,” said Gloria, short of words for once.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I hope
that wasn’t a joke about PeggySue, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Of course
not.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I need time
to get over the shock.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Cleo handed him
Chris’s report on the DNA analysis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“So that’s what
Chris was winking about:”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Sure.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“And that’s why you
went to the office.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Sure. We don’t
have a fax machine here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“We just have old-fashioned
emails,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I wanted you to
have the result on paper, my love.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“That was a
good idea.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Are you happy
now, Gary?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I was
before, but now I’m delirious, drunk and stunned. I need a hug.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Gloria came in from
the kitchen to say something, saw Cleo and Gary embracing with a passion she
could not possibly have interrupted and tiptoed away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Should we
tell Robert immediately about PeggySue?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“We’ll have
to. I can’t see your mother keeping it a secret.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I’ll phone
him at the shop.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Do that,"
said Gary. He was glad not to have the chore of telling Robert anything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"Robert
probably has enough stress with Edith and that ridiculous vicar involved in a
disappearing act. What the hell could have happened?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Ask me
another," said Cleo. "Do you think he killed Grisham?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I haven’t
started thinking about it yet. I was rather hoping for a brain-storming,
preferably with Dorothy present.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“We can arrange
that. I’ll ask her to supper. I think Gloria’s making a casserole.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“She always makes
casseroles, Cleo,” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Finished the
lovin’, kids?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Not really,” said
Gary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Casserole’s what
I cook best, Gary,” s</span>aid Gloria, carrying in a cake that was still
steaming from the oven.<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> “Have some cake
to tide you over.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Have we had
a big hug recently, Gloria?” said Gary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Just let
me put the cake down first,” said Gloria.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Not without
us,” shouted Charlie, running in carrying PeggySue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Where’ve you come
from, Charlie?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“We got sent home.
The heating at school broke down and were all shivering.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Charlie has a
key,” said Cleo. “She must have come in and snuck into her room, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Did you hear us
talking just now, Charlie?” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Not really,
Mummy,” said Charlie, looking a little guilty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“We’ll have to tell her
now,” said Cleo, watching the two little girls and thinking how sweet they were
together and how much Charlie was enjoying being the big sister.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Tell me
what?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Your Daddy
is PeggySue’s Daddy, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I knew
that,” said Charlie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“How?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“She has the
same toes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
faith1110http://www.blogger.com/profile/02358925817174593317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015358035360649701.post-76127007966389047852015-11-01T10:12:00.002-08:002020-03-03T23:17:35.419-08:00Episode 2 - Beatrice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<b>Monday October 26</b><br />
<h3>
<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Although the five
Parsnip boys would inevitably brag at school about their hero of a father going
to Africa to convert the pagans, they were not sorry to see him go.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>Albert 12, Bertram 11, Cedric 10, and the twins, Daniel
and Edmond 8 had never had the kind of father they really needed. Frederick
Parsnip did not understand children, did not want them near him and avoided
even his own offspring whenever he could. He was sure it would be a blessing
not to have to chide and discipline them or even talk to them. We cannot add
praise them, because he never did. The vicar thought that games and even
football were a waste of time. <o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Albert and Bertram attended Middlethumpton Comprehensive
and this term Cedric joined them on the school bus every morning since he had
graduated from primary school and was going to the big school instead. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The boys didn’t think much of girls, but had made an
exception for Anna, who had once been found on the vicarage kitchen doorstep
and was now graduating to the Comprehensive along with Charlie, Gary’s daughter,
who had learnt Spanish in Spain, where she had been taken with her mother, but
was later sent home to her delighted father. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Once the boys were out of the house that Monday morning,
some time after the vicar had left with Mr Grisham in Mr Grisham’ four-door
Ford, it was time for Edith and Beatrice to discuss the new family situation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The boys had been disturbed to see their father apparently
getting on with Mr Grisham like a house on fire, because Mr Grisham was an
unpleasant kind of person. Edith had assured them that Mr Grisham was doing
their father a big favour by taking him to the airport. It would have cost a
fortune to take a taxi, and Frederick Parsnip had not been inundated with other
offers to give him a lift. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
In fact, most of his parishioners were disgusted that he
should leave them in the lurch. They were going to hold a meeting to choose a
deputation to go to the bishop and tell him not to let the vicar come back. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Edith had not been invited to the meeting. On reflection,
it has to be said that Edith would probably have supported the deputation
except that she was going to live on Frederick’s salary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Beatrice made fresh tea and scrambled eggs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“We can’t have you falling apart,” she told Edith, who was
battling with her conscience about Robert. “We’ll get this place tidied up and
move the beds together in the master bedroom, then you can invite Robert to
stay.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I can’t do that. What would the children say?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“You’ll have to tell them, Edith. You can’t enter into a
cloak and dagger affair. “Tell the older boys first and then they can tell the
young ones.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
“If you think so, Beatrice. Can’t you tell them?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
“Edith, it’s your love affair. You tell them!” Beatrice
remonstrated.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
With those words, Beatrice got up from the table and took
her crockery to rinse at the sink.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Leave that, Beatrice,” said Edith. “Mrs Cagney is coming
to clean. She can do the kitchen.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I’ll help you over this
domestic hump by staying tonight, Edith. Oscar will understand.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Oscar Pope was
Beatrice’s long-suffering husband. They had celebrated their silver wedding
recently. Beatrice always did exactly what she wanted to and Oscar kept the
home fires burning. It was a good arrangement, thought Beatrice, who had
unfortunately been unable to have children, but compensated by exerting control
over schools in the guise of school inspector.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Although Beatrice and
Oscar led blameless lives, Frederick Parsnip had not approved of them. That was
almost like a blessing coming from him. Edith had always been envious of her
sister-in-law. She was big-mouthed and big-bosomed, but unlike her brother she
was also big-hearted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Frederick shrank in Beatrice’s
presence. He had always done that, even as a little boy. Beatrice had had to
take him to places in his short flannel pants. His nose ran constantly and he
was invariably sullen. Later, Beatrice maintained that she was to blame for him
becoming a vicar. She was not sure why, but at least he had some authority in
that job. Not much, but some. she had to admit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Edith was still sitting
at the kitchen table when the phone rang. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">It was Cleo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">It was nearly midday
morning by now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Edith and Beatrice had
moved to the sitting-room for morning coffee so that Mrs Cagney could clean the
kitchen. The phone was in the hall, so Beatrice could not quite hear what was
being said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Hello, Cleo,” said
Edith, ruefully remembering that she had seduced Cleo’s willing husband the
previous afternoon and had had sex with him all night. Now she was panicking.
Had Cleo caught up with her and was not really separated from Robert?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Have you been
listening to the radio?” Cleo asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“No. Why?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“A plane has come
down in the Alps, Edith.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoList">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Edith was relieved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Is that all!” she
sighed, much to Cleo’s astonishment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Cleo thought that Edith
should at least be sad enough about Frederick’s departure to show some sign uf
unease. She could not know that Edith was relieved that her night with Robert
had not been the reason for Cleo phoning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I don’t want to worry
you, but it was a flight to Africa. When did Frederick leave?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Ages ago. You don’t
think…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Never mind what I
think. He could have been on the plane then, couldn’t he? I mean, he left home
in plenty of time, I suppose.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">To her shame, Edith
could not remember exactly where the vicar’s plane was heading or even the
exact time his plane was leaving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I suppose so, but
I don’t know for sure. Is Africa via the Alps?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Find out, Edith.
There were no survivors.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Oh God!” said
Edith. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Never mind God,” said
Cleo, who had no time for mythical super-beings. “Ring the airport. The boys
will find out about the plane crash somehow and you really should be a step
ahead.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Beatrice had listened
into Edith’s half of the dialogue and was now standing next to her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Give me the phone. I’ll
talk to her,” she said, grabbing the handset.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“What is it, Cleo?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“There’s been a plane crash
in the Alps, Beatrice. The plane was heading for Africa. Frederick could have
been on it. There were no survivors.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Oh dear. That is bad
news. I should deal with it immediately,” said Beatrice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I have an idea,” said
Cleo. “Since Edith seems to be in an odd frame of mind, find the flight data and
I’ll sort it out. I hope he was insured.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“That’s the least of our
worries at the moment, Cleo. I’ll find the flight documents and call back.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“OK. Good luck!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Edith was quite unable
to say anything. Her guilty conscience rather than grief that she might have
lost Frederick was choking her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Pull yourself together
and come with me,” said Beatrice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Edith followed Beatrice
like a zombie as she led the way into Frederick’s study, where Beatrice combed
through the contents of the in-tray, the out-tray and the see-to-it-later tray.
The filing system was a mess, but Beatrice found a flight confirmation in the
see-to-it-later tray,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Thank goodness,” she
said, waving the document around. “I’ll phone Cleo back now.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Beatrice went back into
the hall and pressed the button with ‘Cleo’ written on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Here it is, Cleo.
Flight Number BA 1358 to Nairobi, leaving at 10:15.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“OK,” said Cleo. ”I’ll
find out if your brother was on the plane, but it’s strange that you have not
been notified if he was, Beatrice.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“We haven’t heard
anything, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Well, he could have
missed the plane if you have not heard from BA. Let's hope he did.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">There was hope in
Beatrice’s heart as she went back into the study to tell Edith of the
possibility that Cleo had suggested.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Edith was sitting on
Frederick’s swivelling chair sobbing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“He’s getting a divorce,
Beatrice,” she said, handing a document to her sister-in-law. “He signed the
papers before he left. All I need to do is get to a lawyer and I’ll be free.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I thought that is
what you wanted,” said Beatrice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“But not if
Frederick died for it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“He was alive when
he signed the divorce papers, Edith."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“But he’ll never
know if his divorce went through.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“It won’t go
through if he’s dead."</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Umpush; mso-ascii-font-family: Umpush; mso-fareast-font-family: Umpush;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">"Of course
not. Silly me," sniffed Edith.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Umpush; mso-ascii-font-family: Umpush; mso-fareast-font-family: Umpush;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Where did you
find that document, Edith?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“On his desk, under
a pile of unfinished sermons.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Well, you won’t need
divorce papers if he was on that plane,” said Beatrice callously. “That solves
one problem, doesn’t it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoList" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I suppose it does,” sniffed Edith, and Beatrice
could not hazard a guess at why Edith was going through the pain of divorce
when the pain of widowhood was ptobably more imminent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Beatrice decided
that any further attempt to talk to Edith would be futile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I think we should
wait until Cleo phones back,” she suggested.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I think I’ll phone
Dorothy,” Edith said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Edith knew that Beatrice
was upset, but her rough manner of coping with the situation was hard to bear, and
Edith could not think of any appropriate words to comfort her sister-in-law.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Both women knew that it
wasn’t love of Frederick, but devotion to her sons that had kept Edith at the
vicarage. Edith’s loyalty to her feckless husband had in Beatrice’s view been unacceptable,
and now providence had taken over from missionary fervour. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Dorothy, have you heard
the news?” Edith sniffed into the phone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“What’s the matter, Edith.
No I haven’t,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Frederick has been killed
in a plane crash,” said Edith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“What? That’s terrible. Do
you want me to come over?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Yes, please,” said Edith.
“I’m sorry to bother you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“It’s no bother at all.
I’ll be over as quickly as I can.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“You shouldn’t have told
her that, Edith. We don’t even know if he was on that plane,” said Beatrice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I can’t think of any
reason why he wouldn’t be,” said Edith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“We were going to wait
for news from Cleo,” said Beatrice. “Now you’ve upset Dorothy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“She would have
wanted me to tell her, Beatrice.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“But you don’t know,
Edith.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Beatrice was getting
exasperated. Up to now she had been patient and kind during this visit, but she
did have a sneaking understanding for her brother’s attitude to his wife.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">The phone rang. It was
Cleo again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Listen carefully, Edith,”
said Cleo. “Better still, give me Beatrice.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Edith obediently passed
the handset on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“No need for hysteria,
Beatrice, that’s why I’m telling you. Frederick did not check in at the airport
so he was not on that plane. Look at the confirmation in case it’s in a
different name.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Why would he use a
different name, Cleo?” said Beatrice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Don’t ask me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Just a minute.
Edith can get it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Beatrice held her hand
over the phone speaker and instructed Edith to fetch the flight confirmation.
It was definitely in the name of Frederick Parsnip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Cleo? Still there? The
confirmation is in my brother’s name. No doubt about that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Then you can assume
that he is alive and well and will probably turn up somewhere shortly.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“He’s not dead,”
Beatrice whispered to Edith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Into the phone she said “That’s good news, Cleo. He <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>can get his divorce after all.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You don’t say he’s actually getting a divorce, Beatrice,”said
Cleo and added suprisingling “Edith will be thrilled.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t think she will, Cleo, but it might explain why he
did not get on that plane,” said Beatrice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There’s no point in speculating,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Dorothy is on her way here. I hope she deal with Edith’s
strange reaction to it all.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">The question bothering
Cleo and Beatrice was :Why would the vicar go to such lengths to leave and then
not leave after all?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Edith might know when
she calms down,” said Beatrice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Not that it really
matters,” said Cleo. “Phone me back if you need to contact the flight company,
Beatrice, but they apparently do not know why he did not check in.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Dorothy arrived just at
that moment, so she was greeted with the good news.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I don’t believe it. He
was dying to get to Africa,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Or he was dying to get
away from Upper Grumpsfield,” said Beatrice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Does he have a reason,
Edtih?” Dorothy asked astutely. “She had observed shades of intimacy between
Edith and Robert at the BBQ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Well, I…” Edith started
and shut up when Beatrice gave her a very angry look.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“So where is he now?”
Dorothy asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“We don’t know,” said
Edith and Beatrice together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Didn’t he drop any hints?
He must have had a plan.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Perhaps he had a car
accident,” said Edith, suddenly convinced that that was what had happened. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Mr Grisham is odd ,”
said dorothy. “I wouldn’t get in a car with him, and I’m over seventy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“It was kind of him to
give Frederick a lift,” said Edith. “No one else wanted to.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“That’s as may be,”
scoffed Dorothy. “We are sure that Mr Grisham would have taken the most direct
route since he would not want to be late, so we’ll phone the police and ask if
there’s been a car accident. Did Frederick wear his dog-collar to travel,
Edith?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Oh yes, Dorothy. He
always wore I mean wears his dog-collar.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Then it should not be
difficult to identify him, even if he is dead in a ditch somewhere,” said
Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Edith howled. She
sounded like a paid mourner. Beatrice was disgusted with the blatant histrionics.
Edith had spent the night having sex with the family butcher and now she was
wailing about a man she was only too glad to see the back of. What hypocrisy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Unless he removed it,”
said Beatrice. “The dog-collar, I mean, and stop howling, Edith!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Why would he do that?”
Dorothy asked, also thinking that Edith was exaggerating her grief beyond
tolerance level, especially as she now knew that the vicar had survived by
default. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Search me,” said
Beatrice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Dorothy phoned the
police. Had there been an accident between Upper Grumpsfield and Heathrow
airport?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Now you’re asking,”
said a rather cocky operator. “Do you know how many car accidents there are in
a day, Miss?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I didn’t ask how many.
I just need to know about one,” said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Car registration?” the
operator asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I don’t know, but a Mr
Grisham was driving our vicar to the airport,” explained Dorothy. <u style="text-underline: double;"><o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Driver and
passenger, then,” said the operator.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Yes,” said
Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Hold the line,
please,” Dorothy was instructed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“About 25 repeats of the
standard waiting jingle later, the operator called out “Still there, then?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“You told me to wait,”
said Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“No accident like the one
you described, Miss. Will that be all?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I suppose so,” said
Dorothy as the line went dead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“No accident,” repeated
Dorothy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“They can’t have
disappeared into thin air,” said Beatrice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Can’t they?” said
Dorothy. “We’d better get Gary in on this. I’ll phone Cleo and she will get
things moving.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Thank you, Dorothy.
What would I do without you?” said Edith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Start thinking, Edith.
Think what could have happened to Frederick.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chief Inspector Gary Hurley of Middlethumpton police was
having a relaxing Monday with Cleo at the cottage that was now his home. His
job would have required him to be at HQ had he not had his efficiant assistant
Nigel to take care of office business. Gary had loads of reports to write and
could do that at home. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary preferred home to HQ not least owing to the novelty of
living in perfect harmony with the woman he declared to be the love of his
life, who had now signed the divorce papers organized by Robert and was waiting
eagerly for the day she and Gary would be free to marry. What had started out
as a flirt and become an intermittent affair was now an unshakeable status quo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">After Dorothy’s appeal, Cleo
was in something of a quandary, not because of Frederick’s apparent failure to
carry out his plan to fly to Africa, but because she had received an anonymous
phone call quite early that morning. She had been nestling in Gary’s arms at
the time, so it was really odd timing to hear from the anonymous caller that
Edith had spent the night with her ex husband. While being glad that he was now
concentrating on the person Dorothy had predicted would be the right partner
for Robert, Cleo did not believe that Edith would have done such a thing the
night before Frederick left, if at all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Robert would surely not
have encouraged Edith, but people don’t always do what one has mentally planned
for them or even what they have planned for themselves, she reflected. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Cleo wanted Robert to be
happy and she wanted Edith to be happy. But did she want them to be happy
together? Was it a good idea for them to even try? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">When she tried to
discuss with Gary who could have made that anonymous phone call, he told her he
had better things to do than talk about her ex and could she please shut up and
come back under his duvet. Edith had waited long enough for Frederick Parsnip
to leave for Aftrica. Surely she could have waited another day rather than
putting the cat among the pigeons by jumping the guns!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“We’d bett get up,” Cleo
proposed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I’ve got a free day,
especially so that we can catch up a bit,” Gary protested.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“No time, Gary. You’ll
have to do something.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Since Cleo had showered
and dressed, Gary resigned to his fate and took a hot shower. Then he drifted into
the living-room with his bath towel wrapped Egyptian style round his haunches
to find some coffee and bite of breakfast. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I really like that
shower radio,” he said. “I can sing much better if someone else is playing the
tune.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I heard,” said Cleo,
refraining from telling him that his singing had not improved at all. He was
not to know that she had bought the shower radio to discourage his singing
rather than to encourage it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“You look like the
Egyptian soldier in Charlie’s history book, Gary.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I’m not wearing a
helmet or carrying a spear,” he protested jokingly. “I couldn’t look sideways
if my eyes were looking to the front.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I expect that could be
arranged,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Gary flicked through the
pages of the history book that had been left on the dining table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m really quite glad<span class="apple-converted-space"> I’m
not in a coffin like those in the British Museum. I’d like to know why they
print such gruesome pictures in books for 10 year olds.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Education,” said Cleo.
“They keep away from photos of skulls and bones for a while longer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I could leave the towel off, of course,” said Gary. “Then
the Egyptian look would be a thing of the past.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s too cold for that,” said Cleo. “I don’t want to have
to nurse you through pneumonia.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’d like that,” said Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Charlie asked me if I
would mind being her other mother now we are a family.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“She can hear PeggySue
intoning ‘Mama’,” said Gary. “I’d love you to be her mother, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I love Charlie, Gary. I’ll adopt her as soon as possible.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I want PeggySue to be
mine, Cleo, if she isn’t already.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Cleo had already decided
to get a DNA test. She would ask Chris Marlow, the head of the forensic
department at HQ. Now she and Gary were living together it was really important
to know. PeggySue didn’t really look like any of them except that her skin was
darker than Charlie’s, but considerably lighter than Cleo’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">It was not until Cleo
had established that Frederick Parsnip had not been on the Africa plane that
she and Gary had time to talk about it. They came to no conclusion other than
that the vicar had by some stroke of fate (or was it luck or even good
management?) missed the connection. Gary thought was quite likely that missing
the plane had been deliberate. Frederick Parsnip was jittery and
inconsequential. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Dorothy rang.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I called the traffic police,”
she said. “There was apparently no accident involving a parson on the route to
the airport. I just wondered if Gary could check on that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“He’s sitting right
here,” said Cleo. “Would you like to talk to him?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Not necessary,” said
Dorothy. “But it might be a good idea to call Grisham’s wife and find out if
Grisham has returned home yet.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“That’s a good
idea, Dorothy. I’ll do it now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Call me back, Cleo, but on my mobile.
I’m going to the vicarage to take some of the pressure off Beatrice.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Dorothy has put more
thought into this than we have, Gary,” said Cleo as she kneaded Gary’s
hunched-up shoulders. “Sit up straight or you’ll be hobbling like an old man
soon,” she told him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Dorothy is closer to
Frederick than we are,” said Gary, ignoring Cleo’s comment, but enjoying the
fuss she was making. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“But he annoys her
and I’ve heard her scolding him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“People do that and stay
friends,” said Gary wincing as Cleo kneeded his neck muscles. “You boss me
around sometimes, Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Do I? I don’t mean
to.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“But you can’t
shake me off. I’m here to stay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I’m counting on
that,” said Cleo, massaging Gary’s shoulders even harder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Better now?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“The good thing
about pain is that it’s great when it stops.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You could put some clothes on while I phone Mrs Grisham,”
said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll think about it,” said Gary. “Next time you decide to
knead something, why don’t you make bread?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There’s nothing erotic about bread, Gary, and I love
massaging your shoulders.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I did notice. All the better to hug you with.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not now, Gary!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll give you exactly 7 minutes,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Cleo found Grisham’s
phone number and dialled. Someone with a very high voice answered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“This is Polly
Grisham,” it announced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Can you get your
mummy to the phone, dear,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I am the mummy,”
said the squeaky voice. “What do you want?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Sorry,” said
Cleo. “Is your husband at home?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I don’t know. He
lives downstairs and I live up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Oh. Could you
check?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Who are you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I’m Cleo Hartley
of the Hartley Detective Agency.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Are you? What do
you want,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miss Harley?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Hartley. I just
need to know if Mr Grisham is at home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Has he been out?”
said Mrs Grisham.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“He took the vicar to the airport, Mrs
Grisham,” Cleo explained, surprised that there seemed to be no communication
between the Grishams even though they lived in the same house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I don’t know anything
about that,” said Mrs Grisham. “ Mr Grisham doesn’t tell me what he’s doing,
and I don’t tell him, for that matter.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“Can you do me a
favour, Mrs Grisham?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“What favour?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“Can you check if
his car is in the drive or the garage?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“I’ll do that.
Just a minute.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">Polly Grisham went
to the front window and looked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“Are you still
there, Miss Harley?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“Hartley. Is the car
there?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“No, it isn’t, and it
can’t be in the garage because that’s where he plays with his trains, Miss
Harley.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“Hartley. I won’t keep
you any longer, Mrs Grisham.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“Good. I have better
things to do than wonder what Malcolm is up to.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“That was a really odd
phone-call,” she told Gary, who had returned to the warmth of his duvet. “The
car belonging to that guy who took Frederick Parsnip to the airport has not
returned home. There may have been some kind of accident after all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“I’ll get onto it,” said Gary sighing.
He was resigned to having to take an interest in what was getting Cleo quite
worked up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“We don’t have the
registration number,” said Cleo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“No problem,” said Gary.
Within minutes he had had both the car registration and information that an
incident involving that car had been traced. Gary was a lot more serious when
he told Cleo what he had just heard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“You aren’t going to
believe this, Cleo, but that car did not even reach the motorway. It was found
in a lane a few miles down the road half an hour ago.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“Oh, my goodness.
What about the passengers?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“They only found
one. It was someone wearing a dog-collar.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“That must be
Frederick.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“The man was dead,
Cleo.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“That’s all we
need.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“They’ll need witnesses.
I think we should get there. I might be able to do something useful even though
it’s myfree day.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“Why didn’t they phone
the vicarage? Mr Parsnip must have had all his documents with him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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“Hadn’t you phoned and asked about car accidents? They
probably had you number and hone back.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“They can’t have found
any documents on the corpse,” said Gary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“It sounds odd,” said
Cleo. “Presumably Frederick was on the front passenger seat, so where is
Grisham?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I expect they are
looking for him. I think the problem is that the guy they found had been dead
for hours.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“So the Grisham guy
might have been able to get out of the car and wander off.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“He may have had concussion,
Cleo. Let’s get going. We’ll learn more on the spot.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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“But Grisham would have ween driving, Gary. He must have
pushed Frederick onto the driver’s seat. How callous!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">Gary rang the road
patrol to say they were on their way, ascertained that no ID documents had been
found anywhere near or in the car, got a description of exactly where the car
was and checked that someone responsible would be there waiting. The car was
not to be moved until they had identified the vicar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“That’s fine by me,” said
the patrol officer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“I don’t think we should
tell Edith just yet,” said Cleo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“You’re right, though what
we know already is pretty conclusive.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">Cleo rang Gloria to get
her to pick up PeggySue from nursery school and be at the cottage in case
Charlie came home before they did. Gloria asked a lot of questions, none of
which Cleo answered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
faith1110http://www.blogger.com/profile/02358925817174593317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015358035360649701.post-4188338539395083202015-11-01T02:56:00.002-08:002020-03-03T21:55:05.105-08:00Episode 1 - The wonder<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<h3>
Sunday October 25<o:p></o:p></h3>
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<br /></div>
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When is news gossip?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a name='more'></a>It turned out not to be just a rumour that Edith Parsnip,
the vicar’s wife. had at last taken a lover, bless her. No one was more shocked
than Edith herself. Although her marriage was all over but for the shouting,
she had sworn to remain loyal until the five sons born into the marriage at a
time when Frederick was not yet exclusively interested in converting African
pagans, were old enough to understand. <o:p></o:p><br />
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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What had happened?<o:p></o:p></div>
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At least one miracle. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Frederick Parsnip had at last secured a position at a
missionary complex in what he hoped was darkest Africa. He could save souls
till the cows came home, assuming there were some there. Frederick Parsnip –
don’t call him Fred - had long since lost interest in saving British souls.
Evangelism for people in far-away places oozed out of his pores; he looked to
heaven for guidance in his new endeavour.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mr Parsnip was an indifferent parent and atrociously
egoistic family man; his five sons were only of interest if they were scrubbed
clean and spoke coherently; Edith was good enough for kitchen duties but he
made sure she did not get anywhere near his bed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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Rumour had it that the twins born to the Parsnips were the
result of Edith seducing the vicar in a most unladylike way. Whatever the truth
of that delicacy, the vicar had looked elsewhere for sexual joy, but had been
thwarted by the untimely and violent death of the lady he most admiredwithout
ever having actually got nearer to her than befits a vicar. After that tragedy,
the vicar turned to the solace of theoretical emasculation and declared that
all sex based activity was original sin, and therefore to be avoided.<o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Parsnips slept in twin beds as far removed from one
another as was possible in the main bedroom. Edith often removed herself from
the bedroom completely, ostensibly to avoid her husband’s loud snoring. Then
she slept on the day-bed in her utility room, which also housed a TV bought
from a Premium Bond win, and all her sewing equipment. If the vicar even
noticed when Edith did not sleep in the master bedroom, he refrained from
commenting and was glad.<o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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Edith’s twin sister Clare, who had now settled in a
bungalow nearby with her Austrian husband and their lively two-year-old twins,
had been known in her youth as a party-girl. Edith had always been the dowdy
one. It could be a clue to the vicar’s personality that despite Edith and
Clare’s difference in temperament, he was unable to tell them apart except by
memorizing Edith’s clothing and calling the other one Clare.<o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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Edith, who had been shocked that Clare could attract and
be attracted by so many nice men, was full of moral rectitude and covert envy.
She was jealous of her sister while disapproving of her life-style. The vicar
thought Clare was awful, though he had been known to wonder if she was as cold
a fish as Edith. In fact, a psychologist would say that he was tempted, but was
afraid of being lured into a relationship he could not sustain. Edith was
harmless because she had given up on the vicar, and if her twins were the
result of him being raped by her in a last ditch attempt to add to her quota of
children with a daughter she could knit pink and sew frilly frocks for and ,
they did not mention the fact to one another. As far as he knew, the only
person to know of that embarrassment was the doctor who had treated the bites
and scratches he had suffered during that humiliation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dr Mithell, the village GP, had tended to the wounds. He
would have been appalled to know that his wife was a rather talkative member of
the Townbswomen’s Guild, though she swore everyone to secrecy if she imparted
any particularly juicy scandal that came her way in her role of doctor’s
assistant. She had been shocked at the reports on the vicar’s medial file.
“Just fancy”, she had told her friends, “Fancy forcing someone to have sex with
you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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Edith’s admirable if dubitable ethics lasted until she
started seeing Robert the butcher through different eyes. That had been after
Cleo’s passionate feelings for her friend and colleague Gary Hurley had led to
their one night stands becoming a serious romantic attachment, and just a few weeks
before the letter arrived summoning the vicar to Africa. <o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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True to character, the vicar never showed the letter to
anyone. It was his triumph. Africa needed him and he needed Africa. The new bishop
promised to support Frederick. His family could continue to live at the
vicarage and the vicar’s salary would be paid regularly on condition that he
returned after his Africa contract ran out. Frederick Parsnip promised
faithfully to return, while crossing his fingers behind his back. If Mr Parsnip
had not been departing on a Christian mission, he could have been escaping the
drudgery of a sluggish parish, his failed marriage or himself. He did not know
that his invitation to Africa was as phony as his wifes ethics and financed by
savings from the household budget.<span style="font-family: "umpush"; mso-ascii-font-family: Umpush; mso-fareast-font-family: Umpush;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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Having foolishing entered into her marriage with Robert
(so as not to break her promise) while carrying on her passionate affair with
Chief Inspector Gary Hurley, Cleo, pregnant with the child she pretended was
Robert’s while knowing it was Gary’s, made a genuine effort to stop seeing Gary
until she could no longer deny to herself that she had married the wrong guy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Their affair became a permanant arrangement about which Robert
probably knew but made no serious effort to break up. For the family butcher, possessing
a woman like Cleo was a feather in his cap even if he was unwillingly but not
unknowingly sharing her. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The truth is that Robert had known all along about Cleo’s
preference for the handsome cop without seriously considering that she would
enter some kind of external romantic arrangmeent. For a time, Cleo claimed
happiness with Robert, though her marriage was spiced up, Cleo would say, with her
extramural trysts with Gary. <o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cleo Hartley’s loyalty to Robert was almost fanatical. She
was grateful for his friendship when others had looked askance at her. She would
not desert him. PeggySue became a sort of permanency insurance for Robert, who did
not want the child for a reason only he understood at the time. He hoped that
Cleo would settle for comfortable domesticity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Later, Cleo could not explain why she had been so anxious
to hang on to the marriage to a guy who would have preferred her to have an
abortion having decided that she was too old for parenthood. Was that the
moment when the marriage really ended?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was providence that one day Robert and Edith started to
exchange shy smiles. <o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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Later, Edith was to declare that Frederick’s intention to
fly to Africa the following Monday, having had a call from the Almighty to do
good works there, had been the impulse she needed to get nearer to the family
butcher, but she would never have dared to do what she did had not Frederick’s
sister Beatrice told her to get on with it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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Beatrice had come to the vicarage for the weekend, mainly
to say goodbye to Frederick, the little brother she no longer thought was worth
his salt as a vicar or a husband. She intended to support Edith in her hour of
need. What she suspected but had not yet verified was that Edith was more glad
than sad that the vicar was leaving, and was instrumental in his going. <o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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Chatting to Edith about her forthcoming loss convinced
Beatrice once and for all that her sister-in-law would be better off without Frederick
and she said so. The light in Edith’s eyes convinced Beatrice that Edith was
losing her heart to someone else, so she suggested to Edith that it would be a
good time to go after what she wanted.<o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">Apart from a Sunday
service, in which Frederick announced to the sparse congregation that he was
leaving them, but with the bishop’s blessing, to help Christianity in Africa,
the vicar spent the day deciding what to pack of the clean, ironed and folded
clothes laid out on his bed. He had preached a relatively short sermon based on
his favourite hymn ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’. Mr Morgan, the organist, had
accompanied all the vicar’s favourite hymns with verve and panache. His Welsh
emotions had made him cry, mainly because the beauty of his own organ-playing
moved him to tears; Robert Jones, who was not only everyone’ family butcher,
but also the best amateur singer in the region who made up at least half the
volume of the chrch choir, had given the vicar a good send-off by singing a few
Spirituals for him with the backing of the choir, a motley group of senior and
junior citizens, some tuneful, some tone-deaf but willing. At one point, the
vicar was not even sure that he could go to Africa and leave such a voice as
Robert’s behind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">Edith, who avoided her
husband’s pulpit performances whenever whe could, stayed home even on this
memorable morning cooking a farewell beef roast with an extra Yorkshire pudding
for the vicar, after which he decided he needed forty winks before finishing
his packing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">That was the opportunity
Beatrice had been waiting for.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "umpush"; mso-ascii-font-family: Umpush; mso-fareast-font-family: Umpush;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">Edith found herself
admitting to Beatrice that she was making the Africa safari financially possible.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">Beatrice was shocked,
but declared that it was for the best. An offer had come from a new parishioner
to take Robert to the airport and a mysterious second plane ticket fluttered
down out of the envelope containing her contribution, much to Edith’s puzzlement.
Frederick would use the mysterious one and Edith could get the money back on
the first ticket, which she had of course bought unknown to the vicar..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">Did someone else want the
vicar out of the way? Frederick Parsnip took it all in his stride, declaring
that it was wonderful to have such kind supporters. Edith could buy new shoes
for the boys, the vicar generously advised. There might even be enoughEdith to get
a new winter coat. The last one was several years old and had previously
belonged to someone who donated it to the Red Cross charity shop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“Why don’t you go to
that man you admire?” Beatrice suggested to Edith.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "umpush"; mso-ascii-font-family: Umpush; mso-fareast-font-family: Umpush;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“I can’t do that. He
hasn’t invited me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“He won’t invite you
unless you make it clear to him that you want him to,” said Beatrice, who had
no experience to look back on. She was married to a psychiatrist named Oscar who
fulfilled almost all of her wishes and had provided her with a sold, if
childless marriage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">Edith thought about taking
the initiative. Beatrice had not asked who the man was and Edith did not
volunteer the information. After all, respectable vicar’s wives did not
proposition men.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“Well, if you
think…” Edith started.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“I do, Edith.
Think of your future.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“I didn’t know I had
one. In fact, sometimes I think I’m already dead.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“Rubbish. Run along now.
I’ll see to the boys and keep the vicar happy by plying him with coffee. He
probably won’t even notice you aren’t here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“That’s the whole
problem, Beatrice,” said Edith. “I’ve been invisible to Frederick for so long
that I think I’ll step in front of a mirror one day and I won’t have a
reflection.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“Well, you are not
invisible. You are a nice woman and you deserve something better than my
brother.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">Edith hurried to Robert’s
flat and rang the doorbell before she had time to think better of it. The front
door was closed because it was Sunday and the side entrance to the shop was not
needed for deliveries. Robert’s flat was on the first floor above the shop. A
flight of stairs led to it. Robert was waiting at the top. He wasn’t expecting
anyone and had just finished his accounts. He was ready for a little snooze and
not pleased to have a visitor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“Why Edith, what
brings you here?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“Can I come in,
Robert?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Of course. Has
something happened?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Beatrice sent
me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“Beatrice is
Frederick’s sister, isn’t she? Why would she send you here?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“She could see
that I am unhappy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“Oh yes, of course,”
said Robert. “The vicar’s leaving tomorrow, isn’t he?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“Don’t misunderstand
me,” said Edith, taking a seat on Robert’s sofa in Robert’s little
sitting-room. “I’m glad he’s going.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">Robert was surprised. He
had a soft spot for Edith, but had only seen her as the vicar’s wife and
therefore a no-go area, even if he had wanted to go elsewhere.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“Do you want to
know why?” Edith asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">“Are you going to
tell me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">Edith hesitated for a
moment before doing something she had not planned that was totally out of
character if we are thinking about the family drudge the vicar saw in her.
Looking at Robert now she imagined she was her sister Clare, who was good with
men. She looked just like her, after all. What would Clare do? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Edith moved nearer to
Robert, who was sitting in an armchair next to the sofa, turned to him, put her
arms on his shoulders and kissed him full on the mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Robert was
understandably astonished. Quite apart from being bowled over by Edith’s
gesture, he was not used to a woman taking the initiative. Cleo had not even
made an effort to bring out Robert’s fervent side, so it had remained dormant.
They looked at one another in amazement before mutually repeating the kiss with
a lot more energy and mutual passion, during which Robert found himself putting
his arms round Edith and drawing her closer until they were all but interlocked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">At the end of the intimacy,
Edith drew back and apologized. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I don’t know what came
over me,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Whatever it was, it was
very enjoyable, Edith.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“So you aren’t
appalled.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“No. Why should I be?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“We are both married,”
said Edith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“To partners who don’t
want us, Edith. There’s no crime in looking for someone who does.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Do you want me?” said
Edith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“If you’ll have me,
Edith. Do you want me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Oh yes, Robert. I want
you,” she replied, opening the buttons of Robert’s shirt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Now?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Yes, now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Robert was astonished,
but that did not stop him from gathering Edith, who was as light as a feather
for a butcher used to carting carcases around, in his arms and carrying her into
his bedroom, where he flopped her down onto the counterpane, and started to
pull her clothes off. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“What are we doing,
Robert?” cried Edith in mock despair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“We’re going to have
sex, Edith, but only if you want to.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I do want to, Robert,” Edith said as she helped him to get
his clothes off with admirable speed and enthusiasm. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">What happened for the
rest of the day and throughout the night until Robert’s alarm clock rang out at
them at four thirty next morning<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was
world-shattering for them both. Quite suddenly, Robert had found himself
behaving like the lover he had never really been but always wanted to be, but
never found a woman to bring it all out. Edith, also as naked as the day she
was born, was indulging in love-making such as she had never known in its reciprocal
form. She did not recognize herself. Had she slipped into her sister’s
personality?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“You look worried, but
we are only doing what comes naturally, Edith,” Robert assured her, and they
made love again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Suffice it to say that
Robert the family butcher and Edith the vicar’s wife consummated their secret
love for one another in no uncertain manner. Two souls had been saved , not by
a missionary, but by the simple mechanism of mutual attraction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I’d better go home,”
said Edith, startled by the insidious alarmclock bell. Robert had broken off
their pursuit and was sitting on the side of the bed feeling he had conquered
the world and not just this little angel of a woman. Edith knelt behind him on
the bed and let her fingers wander down his back and around his haunches until
he said “Please stop.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Not yet,” Edith said,
and drew him back onto her with surprisinf force.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Eventually Robert found
enough determination to get out of bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ve got to go to the wholesaler’s, Edith.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I’d better go home then,”
said Edith, disappointed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Yes, you’d better. I’m
sure someone will have missed you.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I don’t care if he
has,” said Edith, meaning Frederick Parsnip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I’m glad you came,”
said Robert, who was prone to understatement in times of emotional stress. “I
would never have had the courage to invite you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“It’s done now, Robert.
I’m happy and I think you are. Beatrice will be delighted.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Robert was startled.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“What has she got to do
with it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“She sent me here.
Aren’t you glad about that, Robert?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Of course I’m glad. If
I didn’t have to go to the blasted wholesaler’s I would persuade you to stay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“We could do this again
tonight, Robert.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“But not at the
vicarage, Edith,” said Robert, pulling on his clothes at breakneck speed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I could get Beatrice to
stay and look after the boys. Then I could come here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“That’s a good
suggestion, Edith, but we should get going before anyone sees you leaving.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edith dressed and they drank a hasty glass of orange juice
before leaving Robert’s flat together.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">It was still dark. Robert
drove off to the wholesalers while Edith ran home, let herself into the
vicarage through the kitchen door and put the kettle on. Within two minutes
Beatrice was in the kitchen, eager to hear how Edith’s outing had gone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“You were right, Beatrice,”
said Edith, not even wondering why Beatrice was up so early.”I don’t think
Robert would have got round to approaching me for a long time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpFirst">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Do you mean Robert
Jones the butcher?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpMiddle">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Yes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListCxSpLast">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“But he’s married.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“So am I, Beatrice, but
Robert has separated from his wife and is living in his old flat above the shop.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">“Did anyone see you going
there or coming out? You know how people talk.”</span></span><span style="font-size: 7.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">“Frederick will be gone
within a couple of hours and after that I don’t care.”</span></span><span style="font-size: 7.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friederick<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>came into
the kitchen at that moment. His timing had always been inopportune-<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">“You were away all night,
weren’t you, Edith?” said the vicar as he reached for a mug and poured himself
a cup of tea bfore drifting off into his study..</span></span><span style="font-size: 7.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">“We lost track of the time,”
Edith called after him before she could think twice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Just imagine the
headlines,” said Beatrice. “While the vicar was packing for darkest Africa his
wife was asleep in the arms of her lover. That will make interesting reading.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We weren’t asleep, Beatrice.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That was only a manner of speaking.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“You sent me there,
Beatrice.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I didn’t expect you to
seduce him, Edith.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I didn’t have to and ….
But once we got going we really didn’t sleep much.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I don’t suppose you
did. Robert is quite an attractive man. I expect he’s good at sex.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Edith blushed. Beatrice
was very forthcoming. The vicar’s wife was not used to such straight talk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I hope no one tells on
me. What would the new bishop say?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Cross that bridge when
you come to it, Edith,” said Beatrice, who knew whar the former bishop had done
to Edith. We’ll get Frederick off to the airport before we think about what’s
going to happen next.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“You’re right,” said
Edith.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“You are happy for a
change, and that’s what counts,” said Beatrice as Frederick wandered back into
the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Where were you all
night, Edith. I thought we could…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Well, you thought
wrong, Frederick. You’ve had enough time thinking of me only as the home drudge
and I don’t want your advances.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“So Robert was the answer
to a maiden’s prayer, was he?” said the vicar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Edith paled. How did
Frederick know? Beatrice shook her head. She had not told him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“You deided on a sexless
marriage, Frederick,” said Edith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I know you think I am not
very perceptive, but I saw that coming,” said the vicar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I didn’t,” said Edith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“But it did, didn’t it?
Bad form of Robert not to wait until I was safely out of the way.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">”To be correct about
that, it was my idea. I seduced Robert, not he me,” said Edith forcefully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">It was Beatrice’s turn to
go pale. Frederick would probably blame her because Edith would not have had
the nerve to go to a man and force herself on him, she decided. Although she
was guilty of sending Edith to Robert, Beatrice did not want be accused of
interfering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Taking after your
profligate sister, Edith?” the vicar sneered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I hope so,” retorted
Edith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“Perhaps I should thank
Robert,” said the vicar. “I’m sure he’ll look after you and make a better
father for the boys than I ever was.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“You said it, Frederick.
Now go and get ready before Mr Grisham arrives.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Mr Grisham was a new
parishioner who attended St Peter’s regularly. His offer to take the vicar to
Heathrow had been accepted gratefully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">An hour or so later, the
boys had lined up with clean hands and ears and presented their father with a
large box of HB pencils to sharpen when he had problems to solve. They had
clubbed together to buy the best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">“I prefer B2 these
days,” the vicar said, instead of thanking them. “They sharpen better, but I’ll
take these in reserve.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Frederick showed no
emotion, unless indifference counts. Beatrice received a perfunctory kiss on
each cheek. The vicar shook his sons by the hand, advising them to wash
regularly and not to cheat at school. He shook Edith by the hand, blessed her
union with his successor and hoped she would refrain from having any more
children. </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">***</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span class="apple-converted-space">Then he was gone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
faith1110http://www.blogger.com/profile/02358925817174593317noreply@blogger.com0