Scandal at Six(32)

“What’s happened to her?” he said in a loud voice.

“Who?”

“The wife, of course. She’s not here, and I have no idea where she’s gone. Where’s she gone?” he shouted. “You keep a close eye on our business, don’t you?”

“No need to be unpleasant,” said Dot, not in the least offended. “I reckon I can help you there. My cousin’s car was outside while he was visiting me, and when he went to go, he found a bloody great snake on top of the BMW. He returned it to sender, Ted Brierley, via your letterbox.”

“What on earth are you talking about, Dot? A snake! Betsy hates snakes. Come on, no ridiculous excuses. Where the hell has she gone?”

Occasionally, he and Betsy, along with Justin Brookes, acted as safe houses for new and valuable additions to Pettison’s illegal trade. Pettison always laughingly said he was sending them on to good homes, which was not illegal, he assured them. At least, not very.

The snake had been right at hand for Ted Brierley. He considered nosey Dot Nimmo a threat, working for Lois Meade. It amused him now and then to leave small warnings, in the shape of a worm or, in this case, a snake.

“She’ll be back shortly,” said Dot soothingly. “I just came over for a flue brush. Me chimney’s blocked.”

“Mm, well, I suppose you’d better come in. She should’ve been back hours ago. God knows what she’s up to.”

After rummaging about in the shed at the back of the house, he found the long-handled brush and handed it to Dot. “There you are, then. D’you want a cuppa? I’ve been so busy today I’ve not had time to chat to anybody.”

Recognising that he was genuinely worried about his wife, Dot agreed she could stay for a few minutes, and sat down, prepared to listen.

“Good of you to stay,” he said, when they were both settled with coffee. “I’m sure she’ll ring soon, or turn up, wondering why I’m in such a state!”

“It’s because of that accident at the zoo,” said Dot, going in with both feet. “We’re all a bit nervous, aren’t we? So naturally, as she’s probably gone to the zoo to get rid of the snake, you’re bound to be worried. She’ll have gone to see Pettison, I expect, so that’ll be okay.” She grinned, but he did not return her smile.

“Yeah, s’long as it is Pettison,” he replied gloomily. He stared into his mug as if his fortune was at the bottom of it.



*



Betsy Brierley was indeed at the zoo. She had found a keeper, and he had been delighted when she gave him the snake. Apparently, it was a rare and valuable one, and he had no idea how it could have turned up in Betsy’s house. He told her Mr Pettison would be curious to see it. She stayed chatting to him for a few minutes, and then he turned away as his mobile rang.

“Call from my husband?” she said with a laugh. “I bet he’s tracked me down. I forgot to leave a note for him, and he worries.”

“No, no, not your husband, Mrs Brierley. It was Mr Pettison, wondering if you’d like to go up for a drink? Seems he recognised your car.” He paused. “He said not to take no for an answer.”

“So what happens if I say no?”

“I don’t advise it. Mr Pettison has automatic control over the main gates.”

“Oh, very well,” she replied. “Let’s go up and get it over with. It’s out of office hours for me.” She grinned. “So I shall not be more than fifteen minutes; well, perhaps thirty.”

“He said I should take you up in my runabout. It’s quite comfortable,” he added, embarrassed by her brassy smile.

“It may be comfortable,” she retorted, “but you look very uncomfortable! Come on, then, lead me to your runabout.”

Pettison was waiting under the hall portico. He smiled his usual beaming smile, and handed her out of the vehicle.

“That will do for today, thank you,” he said to the keeper. “You can go off home as soon as everything is secure.”

“Glad to see you, Betsy,” he continued, taking her hand and leading her inside. “Lucky you turned up when I was feeling in need of company. And thanks for bringing back the snake. Careless of Ted to let it loose.”

“Company is all I’m offering,” she replied. “Can’t stay long. Ted will be worrying.”

“Oh, Ted will manage. We’ll knock back a gin and tonic, and then you can be away home. Give me a couple of minutes to fetch some ice, and then we’ll have a chat. I’d be interested to know what you’ve heard about poor Mrs Richardson.”

“Come off it, Petti!” she replied. “You know you couldn’t stand the sight of her. Probably arranged for her accident all by yourself!”