Scandal at Six(78)

“Of course, I had forgotten the elephant shrews. Did they turn up?”

“Dunno,” said Derek. “Lois might know. She may be awake now, so shall I go and tell her you’re here?”

“Only if she’s feeling well enough. Not like Lois to be resting during the day!”

“She had a fall. Not too serious,” said Gran. “It’s only a surface graze, but enough to give her a nasty turn. Shouldn’t have driven home, silly girl.”

“Then don’t trouble her, thank you,” said Mrs T-J. “I’ll see her tomorrow, perhaps in the morning. Give her my love, and tell her to be sensible and rest.”

“Some hopes!” said Derek.



*



“Who was that?” asked Lois, when Gran brought her a cup of tea. “Someone came in, and then left again, walking down the drive. I could hear footsteps and I thought it might be Dot. I’ve just remembered I was going to see her this afternoon.”

“Brilliant, my dear Watson,” said Derek, following on behind. “Except that it was Mrs T-J, and she’ll give you a call tomorrow morning. Nothing urgent, she said.”

Gran sat down in a comfortable armchair and looked at Lois. “Did you sleep?” she said.

Lois nodded. “Drifted off for a few minutes. You can turn up the telly now if you like. I’ll stay here and watch with you.”

“More like I’ll stay here and watch that you don’t stir,” answered Gran. “Derek’s decided not to go to work. So he’ll take Jeems for her walk, after he’s rung Dot Nimmo and told her you’re not free this afternoon.”



*



At half past five, Lois finally woke up from a deep sleep. The sound of the telephone woke her, and Gran got to her feet. “I’ll get it,” she said, and went out into the hall. A couple of minutes later she was back. “Josie would like a word,” she said, holding the extension.

“Hello, dear? What’s new?”

“It’s very strange, Mum. Justin’s just been in. He’s collected all his things, put them in the Fiat, and then came in again and said he was very sorry, but he wouldn’t be coming back. He said the rent was paid up to date. Nothing wrong with the flat, he said, but after his father’s death he had had to make other plans. He seemed in a hurry, Mum, so I didn’t delay him. I just think it was very strange.”

“Mm, very strange,” said Lois. “Done a runner, has he? Never mind, Josie dear. I think I know the answer. He was rather rude to me this morning, and probably thinks he’ll go before he’s pushed! Don’t worry, we’ll get a nice middle-aged couple next time. Thanks for letting me know, anyway. See you tomorrow. Bye-ee.”





Forty-three





First call next morning was from Hunter Cowgill. At nine o’clock, when Lois was already busy with the cleaning schedules, the phone rang.

“Ah, there you are,” he said coolly. “Something happen yesterday? I was expecting you to join me for a coffee.”

“Sorry. Something came up. I’m coming into town this morning so can I call and see you? It is quite important, but best told face-to-face.”

“Very well. Would ten thirty suit?”

“Fine. See you then.”

The second caller was Mrs T-J, and as Lois had been filled in by Gran about the man in the cattle market, they agreed to meet for a cup of tea around three.

Thirdly, there was a call from Justin. When she heard his voice, Lois sat back in her chair and was silent for a moment, collecting her thoughts.

“Mrs Meade? Are you there? I do have to speak to you. Please!”

“Yes, I’m here. What do you want? I know you’ve left the flat. Probably because you were very rude to me yesterday! I can’t remember all you said, but I know you’re trying to clear your father’s name, should the illegal animal trade become known publicly. However, let’s forget about that for a moment. What do you want?” she repeated.

“To offer my apologies, and an explanation. I’m afraid I panicked, and then you ran away and fell down. I didn’t know what to do, and was about to take you to the accident and emergency department at the hospital when you came round and drove off. I was really shocked and felt terrible afterwards, not knowing where you had gone. You looked so dreadfully ill at first. Are you feeling better now?”

“Yes, I do feel better. But I have a nasty wound on my head where I fell in the kitchen. And I can’t remember much of what you told me before I fell.”

“Can I tell you again? I was, as you saw, looking through Uncle’s files. I was hoping to find some evidence of him blackmailing my father for many years. I need to know how much my father was involved in Uncle Robert’s little schemes. It was enough to keep him under a financial obligation to Uncle; I do know that. I loved my father and looked up to him. I am very anxious to clear his name.”