The Mermaid Garden(139)
“They’re on to him,” Jake told his father as Grey prepared to take some guests out in his boat.
“Your mole in the police force?”
Jake nodded importantly. “Apparently, they have a lead.”
“Do they now? Well, that’s good.”
“He’s getting a little complacent.”
“Complacency will be his downfall in the end.”
“He should quit while he’s ahead.”
“They never do. It’s like a drug. They can’t stop.”
“It shouldn’t be long before they catch him, but keep it to yourself. They don’t want him going to ground.”
At that moment Marina appeared at the boot room door. “I’ve got good news for you, darling.” Grey raised his eyebrows. “William Shaw-cross has just telephoned.”
Grey’s eyes lit up. “And?”
“He’ll be very happy to come and give a talk at our first literary dinner.”
“Well, that’s just fantastic news.”
“I’ve got his number so you can call him back.”
Grey patted his son firmly on the back. “Great idea, son.”
“Thanks, Dad.” They watched Marina walk off down the corridor.
“Though I’m not sure it’s going to be enough to save us,” Grey added in a low voice.
“What are you thinking?”
“I’m trying hard not to think at the moment, but it’s not looking good. The bank is hot on my tail. It’s only a matter of time before we have to make a tough decision.”
“You could retire.”
“I’m not rich enough to retire.”
“Buy a lottery ticket.”
“We need more than luck,” said Grey darkly. “We need a miracle.”
31.
Ican’t believe it’s come to an end,” said Pat mournfully. “It’s gone too fast!”
“I wish we were staying another week, don’t you, Grace?” added Veronica, leaning over to take one last sniff of the lilies. “Oh, I do love the smell of this place.”
“You’ll have to come again next year,” said Marina.
“I’ve had a lovely time,” Jane said, trying to sound jolly when inside she felt full of concrete. “Thank you so much, Marina.”
Marina sensed her heavy heart and wondered whether it had anything to do with the brigadier. They had been joined at the hip for the past few days, but she had noticed his absence at breakfast.
“You can come any time you like,” she replied in a low voice so the others wouldn’t hear. “You can stay as my guest.”
Jane’s cheeks reddened at Marina’s implication, and she hastily brushed it off. “Oh, I wouldn’t want to be a burden. I’m sure we’ll all come again next summer.”
“If we’re still around,” Grace interjected drily.
Marina accompanied them out onto the gravel, where the people carrier waited to take them home.
“It’s an oasis here. One forgets oneself,” said Pat, sweeping her eyes over the house one final time.
“I know. Heaven, isn’t it?” agreed Veronica. “Now I’m beginning to remember myself again.”
“What hell,” quipped Grace.
“Not so bad. I feel like a different person,” Veronica retorted. “I shall miss my lovely room, though.”
“And I shall miss the maestro,” said Grace as Rafa appeared up the track, followed by an exuberant Biscuit.
“I’m sorry you’re all leaving,” he said to the departing ladies. He tried not to look at Marina, who was staring pensively at the dog.
“Biscuit looks a lot better than he did the night you rescued him,” said Pat, whistling heartily and slapping her thighs. Biscuit trotted over eagerly.
“So, you’re going to keep him,” said Veronica.
“Of course,” Rafa replied. “He has nowhere to go.”
Pat bent down and gave his curly back a vigorous rub. “What a good dog you are. Yes, you are, a very good dog.”
Grace rolled her eyes. “Why is it the English all think their dogs understand what they’re saying?”
“Oh, but he does,” Pat insisted.
Grace tutted. “It’s all in the tone of the voice. Look, Pat.” She approached the dog, and in the same excitable voice as Pat, she gushed, “You’re a very bad dog, yes, you are, a very bad dog.” Biscuit wagged his tail so hard he nearly took off like a helicopter. “See, said with the same intonation, the silly animal doesn’t know the difference.”
“You’re an old cynic,” said Pat. “Or should I say in my most jolly voice: You’re a silly old bag, Grace.”