admiring eyes. A spot of hero worship developing there, thought Lois, and hoped this was a good thing. She was not at all sure that Hazel
¦
Brown’s of Tresham had been established for fifty years, and was regarded by most as the best estate agents in town. Their offices were in the main square, and, in a manner that suited their prestigious reputation, their windows contained a small selection of pleasant town houses and expensive country mansions. Inside, they were astute enough to have a wide selection of properties, including unattractive – but at bargain prices – small houses such as the major’s. The turnover in these was rapid, as newly-weds moved on to greater things, and elderly couples were encouraged by their families into retirement homes on their inexorable way out. The major’s exit, of course, had been precipitous and unexpected.
“I’m afraid it is in a bit of a state,” said the girl apologetically to Lois. “He went out that day, not knowing he wouldn’t come back,” she giggled. Lois did not smile. It was true that this stupid girl had no idea of all the ramifications of the major’s death. But even so, a sudden death, a murder, was not a laughing matter.
“We’re used to that,” she replied. “Not that we come across such tragedies very often, thank goodness.”
The girl took the hint from Lois’s serious face, and sobered up. “Quite right, Mrs Meade,” she said. “Poor man. Never got the person who did it, did they? And then there was that other chap – found in the wood. Honestly, it isn’t safe to go out alone round here, is it?”
“Can we get down to terms?” said Lois, deciding enough was enough. “I’m collecting my husband from hospital this afternoon, and I don’t want to be late.”
They talked over the details, and the girl handed Lois the key. “It’s Mrs Reading next door,” she said. “Do you know her? She’s very helpful.”
“She’s one of my staff,” said Lois. “Oh goodness, how convenient!” said the girl. “Couldn’t be better. Let us know if there’s any problems, won’t you. As far as we know, they’re still looking for the major’s relations. He was a loner, apparently. Nobody’s come forward yet, so you’ll not be disturbed.”
Lois stood up. “Thank you very much,” she said, thinking she’d been a bit cool. This could be a good contact, after all. There must be a steady stream of empty houses needing a smarten-up before selling. “I’m sure you’ll find we do a satisfactory job. I’ll be in touch.” She shook hands with the girl, and left the office. “Now for my Derek,” she said aloud with a lightening heart.
One of the agents’ partners nearly collided with her and looked at this attractive young woman appreciatively. “Good afternoon!” he said. “I trust you’ve found what you were looking for?” His mind was on houses, but Lois’s was elsewhere.
“Not yet,” said Lois, “but I’m working on it.”
¦
Derek’s bags were packed, and he smiled broadly as Lois walked in. “All present and correct,” he said, kissing her. “We just need to tell someone we’re going. All the rest’s been done.”
It seemed odd to have Derek sitting beside her in the car, and Lois was on edge, driving particularly carefully so as not to jolt him too painfully. “Car goin’ all right?” said Derek conversationally as they proceeded at a steady thirty miles an hour on the empty road between Tresham and Long Farnden.
“Yep…why? Can you hear something wrong in the engine?” Lois had an instant picture of them stranded without help, and Derek suddenly bleeding profusely and unexpectedly, and she not able to do anything about it.
“Just wondered what had happened to my speedy wife,” he said mildly.
Lois relaxed, and put her foot firmly on the accelerator. “It’s not easy, you know,” she said. “You’ve been really poorly, and now you’re my responsibility. Bound to be a bit nervous for a bit.”
“Don’t you worry, me duck,” said Derek. “I shan’t fall to bits. You just be yourself…I don’t want no special treatment.” She was silent, and he added, “I mean to be careful, don’t you worry. Now how’s the kids and Gran? Can’t wait to see them all, and get stuck into some of Gran’s home cookin’.”
As they approached the house, Lois could see the double gates had been shut, and something white was flapping in the wind. The weather had cleared, and the bright sun shone on the boys’ newly washed hair as they sat on the wall, waiting patiently. Lois drove up to the gates, and Derek started to say something, then choked. Across the gates a banner had been attached. ‘WELCOME HOME DAD’ stretched across a long piece of white cloth, the red letters uneven and wobbly.
Once inside the garden, Lois helped Derek out. By the back door stood Gran and Josie, both wearing pinnies of the old-fashioned sort Gran loved. Josie ran round to take Derek’s other arm, and together, in an awkward huddle, the whole family moved into the kitchen. There, on the embroidered heirloom tablecloth, Gran and Josie had set out the best tea any of them had ever seen. The centrepiece was a huge, iced cake, bearing the same message as the banner. They stood in silence for a few seconds, and then Derek, having a hard job to keep control, said, “Thanks. Thanks everybody. And now, Gran, if that kettle’s boiling, I’m dying for a cup of good strong tea – no more of that hospital gnat’s piss for me!”
? Terror on Tuesday ?
Thirty-Eight
Lois knew straight away that the major’s house job would be for her, and for her alone. There would be no one in the house, nor would anyone be likely to return unexpectedly. Lois could arrange to go in herself, at a time to suit herself, and know that she would not be disturbed. She had briefly considered taking Hazel with her, but she was still not quite sure about sharing all she knew with the girl. No, if there were any discoveries to be made, it would be better to be on her own.
Derek had been enthusiastic about Josie joining New Brooms for the holidays, and this morning Lois had driven her to Dalling Hall to join Hazel. “Now you be sure to ring me, Hazel, if there any problems, won’t you? Forget that I’m Josie’s mother, and treat her as you would a new member of the team. All right, then, I’ll come and pick you up at the usual time, Josie.”
Hazel said that it would be quite easy for her to drop Josie off in Long Farnden after work, and so Lois left them to it, not quite fully at ease, but confident that as far as professionalism went, Hazel could not be faulted. She would see that the job was completed up to the usual standard, even if it meant doing overtime to make up for Josie’s inexperience.
The morning was then free, and Lois went back home to keep Derek company. He was sure to be bored, sitting reading the newspaper and going for a stroll round the village. This was Sunday stuff for Derek. And even on Sundays he spent a large part of the day up at his allotment or in the garden. She walked into the house and was immediately aware of a loud banging coming from upstairs. “Mum?” she shouted.
Derek’s voice came down the stairs: “Gone to the shop to get some bread.”
Lois frowned. “Then what are you doing up there?” she shouted.
“Nothing,” said Derek defensively. Lois started up the wide staircase, and he appeared in front of her, hammer in hand.
“What on earth…?” Lois could not believe it. He had on his working clothes, and held a couple of long nails in the side of his mouth, a habit she had long discouraged but without success.
Now he took them out, and said, “I’m being very careful, Lois. Just fixing that loose board in the bathroom. No effort involved. Just a few taps, and it’s done.”
“But…” Lois paused. She was sure the doctor would not approve, but what could she do? She couldn’t be here every minute of the day, and in any case, it might be good for him to feel useful. She had wondered how he would manage being a convalescent, a man who was normally for ever on the move, fixing and mending. Now she knew.
“Are you sure that’s all?” she said. “Not thinking of putting in a new bath, or maybe rewiring the entire house before dinner?”
He shook his head. “I’ll put the tools away, and then you can make us all a nice cup of coffee, and we’ll sit in the front room and read the newspaper and talk.”
“Mmm,” muttered Lois. “Go on, then. And if you’re not going to be sensible, I shall have to give up work and
