Found Guilty at Five (8 page)

F
OURTEEN

L
OIS HAD SPENT YESTERDAY EVENING LOSING HERSELF IN
New Brooms paperwork. The business had grown to a point where she would soon have to start looking for a new cleaning member of the team. She seldom advertised the job, but relied on recommendations from her regular cleaners, and from friends in other villages. This had worked well so far, and only once had she taken on a bad apple, and he wasn’t very bad.

For all her hard work yesterday, this morning there was still a huge pile of filing waiting on her desk. She decided to tackle it today, and endeavour once more to forget all about lost cellos and stolen Japanese girls. Or the other way round, she thought, and smiled.

*   *   *

G
RAN CAME INTO THE OFFICE EARLY, AND ASKED
L
OIS WHAT SHE
would like for lunch.

“I don’t think I’ll be in for lunch, thanks,” Lois replied. “You can have a rest. You certainly deserve it, what with one thing and another!”

“Huh! Well, I’m glad somebody appreciates me. And I might as well say now that I just hope you know what you’re doing,” said Gran. “If he was my son, I’d be worried sick.”

“Which son?” Lois said in a tightly controlled voice.

“The one all mixed up with stolen cellos and a fancy foreign girl, and playing music that nobody wants to listen to all over the world. Why couldn’t he have settled down with his father, learning a trade, and got in with one of those rock bands in his spare time?”

This all came out in a rush, and Lois realised that her mother had been brooding on Jamie for some time. She had to hand it to her. Gran had in the past managed not to voice her disapproval of the way Jamie had been encouraged and lauded for his decision to make a career in music.

“Do you know
why
he didn’t learn to be an electrician like his father?” Lois replied. “Because his father didn’t want him to! Both of us, Derek and me, we were really proud that Jamie took to music like a duck to water. Even when he was a little lad, if you remember, Mum, he loved to play that toy piano you and Dad gave him. Could have been the thing that started him off.”

Gran shook her head. “Well, I don’t know, I’m sure,” she said huffily.

“No more do I,” said Lois, “but Jamie says we’re not to worry, and so I am not going to. I’m taking Jeems for a walk in half an hour or so, to get my thoughts in order. Don’t worry if I’m not back for lunch. I’ll take a sandwich. Might go as far as Fletching. I’ll take my mobile and let you know when I’ll be back. Derek knows. I told him before he went off to work. And thanks for worrying. But don’t.”

“And now there’s something else to worry about! You tramping off with that little dog. Anything could happen to you if you’re going through the spinney.”

“Jeems may be small, but she’s got sharp teeth and knows an enemy from a friend. I’ll be fine, Mum. Might even find some mushrooms for supper.”

*   *   *

L
OIS HAD THE PERFECT EXCUSE TO CALL AT THE HALL.
S
HE WOULD
check that the Norringtons were still happy with Paula’s work. Paula had been cleaning there for some time, and occasionally a job would become too routine and she would need to switch the staff around. She could use this to ask permission from the Norringtons to walk Jemima through the park and spinney.

She was pleased to see that the big Range Rover was not in the stable yard where cars were parked. Geoff Norrington must have gone up to London to his office. Sometimes he worked at home, but not today. That would make it easier, as Mrs. Norrington was a much more sympathetic person. Norrington could be smarmily pleasant when he wanted something. Otherwise he could take ages to decide what was in it for him.

“Mrs. Meade! Do come in. You are just the person I wanted to see. I shall put on the kettle and we’ll have a coffee. Do you want Paula to be with us?”

Lois said no, that would not be necessary. This was just a check-up call. She left Jeems tied up in the yard and followed Mrs. Norrington into the kitchen. Were there any problems with Paula’s work? On being reassured that all was well, and Paula still the best cleaner they’d ever had, Melanie Norrington and Lois sat down at the table to drink their coffee.

“It’s nice to have a chat,” Melanie said. “If you can spare a few minutes. The truth is, Mrs. Meade, since we’ve been here I have felt a bit lonely. It was fine for a while, when there was masses to do, but now, unless there is some event or meeting, I’m desperate for the sound of a human voice! Thank heavens for the chapel shop!”

Lois said she supposed it was a different lifestyle. “In your last house, you had neighbours, and people going by along the road. Some folk would give their eyeteeth to be undisturbed!” she said.

Melanie shook her head. “Not me. I like a bit of life going on around me. Anyway, enough about me. How are you doing? And your family? I saw your Jamie at the dog show. Was that his girlfriend?”

“No, Akiko’s a cellist, and Jamie accompanies her on the piano. They’ve known each other for a while now, and seem very good friends.”

“But no more than that?” Melanie grinned conspiratorially.

“We’re not sure. He’s fond of her, I suppose. Not as fond of her as she is of him, I suspect. I personally think that on Jamie’s side friendship is all there is to it. Derek doesn’t agree, but then that’s him.”

“Did you say cellist? Wasn’t there some talk of a cello being stolen? Geoff heard about it in the shop. From your Josie, I expect. I don’t know what we’d do without the village shop. She must do well, your Josie. Is she carrying on, now she’s married?”

“Oh yes. She won’t give it up. It’s her baby, as they say.”

“But there may be a real one soon?”

“We shall manage,” said Lois, getting to her feet. “Now, I must get along. But there was just one other thing. Is it okay for me to take Jemima through the park and woods, like I always have? Your gamekeeper was a bit unfriendly about it.”

“Oh, don’t worry about him. I’ll have a word. He’s a bit of a liability at the moment. Comes and goes without telling us. Geoff employed him a few weeks ago. Goodness knows where he came from! I leave all that sort of thing to Geoff. No, I’ll have a word with him, or ask Geoff to, and you just carry on as you always have.”

*   *   *

L
OIS AND
J
EMIMA CROSSED THE PARKLAND, THE STRONG SUNLIGHT
burning the pale skin exposed on Lois’s bare shoulders. She was relieved when she and Jemima reached the cool spinney, where dappled sunlight was pleasant. She had not thought to bring a jacket, and decided to walk round the perimeter and then across a small field shaded with large chestnut trees. From there she could go swiftly into Fletching by a lane lined with mature oaks. She put Jemima on her lead and thought maybe she would have a refreshing lemonade at the pub, though she still felt reluctant to go into pubs on her own. She could hear her mother’s voice: “What will your father say, Lois Weedon?” Old habits die hard.

It was not until she had left the spinney and started across on the first field, keeping to the edge in the shade of the chestnuts, that she saw him. Jeems barked a sharp warning, and the gamekeeper looked round. He started to walk quickly towards her. Her heartbeat quickened, and she told herself not to be silly. She had permission, didn’t she?

“Ah, I thought so,” he said. “And have you the right to roam, as they say? I am glad to see the terrier is on a lead.”

“Excuse me,” said Lois firmly. “I’ve got permission to go where I like on Norringtons’ land. Now let me pass.”

His smile faded, and he made a move towards her. Jeems was on him in a flash, her teeth sunk deep into his thick leather boots.

“Get off, you little bastard!” he shouted, hopping round, trying to dislodge the sharp terrier teeth. Jeems hung on, and Lois began to laugh. “Oh dear, dear!” she said. “Do you suppose she doesn’t like you?”

“I’ll ring the little bugger’s neck!” he yelled, but she twisted away from him, still hanging on to his boot. He finally shook her off, and she retreated, growling ferociously.

“I’ll see that you don’t,” said Lois calmly, pulling Jemima away. “It wouldn’t look too good in Mr. Norrington’s eyes, would it? Tough gamekeeper attacks small pet dog? I advise you to go home and have a cup of hot sweet tea. Good for shock. I must be getting along. Good morning!”

Still chuckling, Lois continued out of the field and into the shady lane that led to the village of Fletching. As she approached the pub, she saw a family with two small boys sitting in the garden having a snack lunch. They smiled at her, and she decided to buy a lemonade and join them, but not at their table. They might not want her, and in any case, she had come away from home to think without interruption.

“Are dogs allowed in the garden?” she said to the landlady, who nodded.

“We’re not called the Dog and Duck for nothing, dear. No ducks, though, except on the menu! Just keep her on a lead. Here, doggie, a complimentary biscuit for all canine visitors.”

Settled in a shady seat, Lois relaxed. Quite an eventful morning! First the lost and lonely Melanie Norrington, and then the wicked gamekeeper seen off by the fierce hound at Lois’s feet. She was just drifting into a suitable frame of mind for serious thought when her mobile rang. Jamie. She considered not answering, but sighed and said hello.

“Mum? Just thought I’d give you a ring. Alan’s turned up, and we’re having lunch by the river. No, still no news of Akiko. But I reckon she’ll ring in a day or two. So you’re not to worry anymore. I’ll let you know when she turns up. And thanks for everything. Bye, Mum.”

Lois smiled. He was still the same old Jamie. Down in the dumps one minute, and in no time fully restored and back to his usual optimistic self. Takes after his dad, she decided. She looked across at the young family arguing over whether sugary drinks were bad for their teeth. The father said they were to settle it with their mother, and let him know the answer.

Same applies when they’re grown up, she thought. Mother will settle it. Mother will find the missing cello, and discover what was troubling Akiko Nakamasa. She thought back to the scene Cowgill had witnessed in the Wilmore Hall. Akiko in conversation with a strange man under the spiral staircase. Had this rendezvous been planned? Something to do with the missing cello?

A blackbird flew to the table where the family had been and began pecking at leftovers. Such a beautiful bird, with its glossy black feathers and bright yellow bill. Concentrate, Lois!

Right. Hunter Cowgill, then. He had thought it worth his while to sit with wet feet through a recital of music which she was sure he would not have enjoyed. He was a Wagner fan. Big scenes and big noise. Presumably he was there to keep his eyes and ears open for gossip about instrument theft. Or was there more to it? He had been very unforthcoming.

A gang of boys, five or six of them, came jostling into the garden, opened bottles in hand, and one with music blaring. Time to go, thought Lois. She reckoned the purpose of her walk was achieved, and she knew where to go next. Conversations with Cowgill and Mrs. T-J to be set up, and a tactful questioning of Jamie, when and if Akiko returned.

If she ever got the chance, she would like to question Akiko about her cello. But this was unlikely. For a start she was missing, and even if she wasn’t, she would be most unlikely to talk about anything except the weather.

F
IFTEEN

N
O TIME LIKE THE PRESENT, THOUGHT
L
OIS, AS SHE SET OFF
back to Farnden. I can call on Mrs. T-J on my way, and hope to find her at home. Since the old thing had moved to the village, Lois noticed that almost day by day the former dragon of Farnden Hall had mellowed. On her daily visits to the shop she had warmed up with Josie, and came in regularly for a catch-up on local affairs along with her purchase of tins of Heinz soup.

“Does she live on soup?” Josie greeted her mother as she walked in and sat down heavily on the stool by the counter.

“Who?”

“Mrs. Tollervey-Jones. She’s just gone home with a bagful of tins. And what’s up with you? You look exhausted.”

“I walked to and from Fletching. Exercise for Jeems. She’s on the dog hook outside.”

“Sounds like you’re roasting her on a spit! Anyway, what can I get you?”

“Three minutes’ rest in your shop, thanks. I’m calling in on the old duck on my way home. Should I take some sausages for her? It’d make a change from soup.”

“No, she just bought some. I was exaggerating.”

“I must say you’re extremely chirpy! What time did you get back? Married life obviously suits you. It’s a pity you had to come back after such a short break. Comes of marrying a policeman, I suppose. Still, you can have a proper holiday later on. It’s wonderful to see you so happy, love. Everything all right with the shop in your absence?”

“Perfect, thanks. The team coped brilliantly. Sorry I missed Jamie, though. How long did he stay? And did you find out if he and Akiko
are
an item?”

“Ah, thereby hangs a tale. Here’s somebody coming up the steps. We’ll get together later.”

*   *   *

G
RAN HAD SEEN
L
OIS WALKING UP THE ROAD WITH
J
EEMS.
F
ROM
her observation post in the sitting room at the front of the house she could see down the street as far as the shop. It was her favourite pastime. When they had moved in, Gran had chosen the best of two large rooms for general family use. The sun streamed in much of the day, and she had her precious collection of Catherine Cookson’s novels on shelves filling alcoves by the fireplace, and handy for second reading.

Lois’s office was the other side of the house, with much the same view, but shaded by tall silver birches, and was often chilly. Gran pointed out that an electric heater would warm her up in no time, and in any case, it wouldn’t do to be too comfortable when she was working.

Now she walked back to the kitchen, shaking her head. That daughter of mine! She’ll be completely done in when she finally deigns to come home from her walk.

Lois, meanwhile, was sitting in welcome comfort in Mrs. T-J’s house, opening a conversation that she hoped would lead to some fruitful discussion.

“How’s Robert?” she said. “Very busy in the courts, I expect?”

“Oh yes, he’s doing very well. And Felicity has matured into a really good wife. I had my doubts at first. Very frivolous, was Felicity! But with the two girls, she has necessarily improved. Any news of Jamie? And Akiko’s cello? I had a word with those instrument dealers I mentioned. They were helpful. Said that if it is found, and turns out to be one that has a history, they can probably identify it. Once they find it!”

“Oh well. Very useful,” said Lois, trying to sound enthusiastic.

“Of course, we have very little information about her background, other than that she comes from Japan. I do hope this won’t upset her relationship with Jamie. They seemed such happy colleagues. Colleagues, if nothing else.”

“She’s disappeared. Or did I tell you that?”

“No, you did not. But my spies informed me. No, don’t look so grim, my dear. Josie in the shop mentioned it when I asked about the cello. She didn’t seem too worried. Mind you, just back from honeymoon, and the world looks rosy! All she said was that Jamie was back in London and trying to contact Akiko.”

Lois nodded. “Thanks for the instrument report. I’ve heard from Jamie that he’s not worrying too much about the cello, or her disappearance. He reckons Akiko’s father is loaded, and will probably buy her another. He’s had an old mate to stay, another musician, a hardheaded violinist. They’ve chewed it over, and now they think she’s gone away for a bit to get over the shock. I must say I am wondering if she’s had a breakdown and gone off back to Japan. Anyway, now I must go. My mother is a great one for punctuality, and I’m at least three hours late. Thanks a lot. And just remember to shut your front door!”

Mrs. T-J frowned, and thought of reminding Lois of her own undoubted seniority, if only in years, but remembered in time that she was, for the moment, a junior partner in the ferretin’ business.

*   *   *

J
OSIE WAS ABOUT TO CLOSE THE SHOP, PLANNING TO GO QUICKLY
up the road to ask her mother for more on Jamie and Akiko, when a police car drew up, and Matthew got out.

“Early closing day?” he asked, as he gave her a big hug.

“Hey, you’re the early one! It’s shop closing time. And let go of me! Our boys in blue do not hug strange females in the street.”

“Strange? A man can hug his wife at all times. Section forty-three of the police procedure act.”

“Idiot. Are you off duty now?”

Matthew shook his head. “Nope. On my way to Waltonby. Theft of a garden sundial, very valuable. Owner heartbroken. Not exactly the crime of the century, but we have to show willing. I shouldn’t be long.”

“I might still be up at Mum’s. She’s ferretin’ again. It’s all to do with the missing cello. That girl who is Jamie’s concert duo, with him on the piano. Apparently she’s gone missing now, but they’re not too worried. Probably gone away for a break without telling anyone. She was pretty shook up, poor kid. Apparently musicians get ridiculously fond of their instruments. Mum may know a bit more, so I thought I’d go up. Get a bit of exercise! Standing in the shop all day is not really the same as a good walk. But I shall be back before you.”

“Sounds like Jamie would be well advised to find someone else to play with. Missing Japanese cellists are rare birds, and could be hard to find. Anyway, see you later, wifey dear.”

*   *   *

N
OW MORE THAN EVER,
J
OSIE WAS SECURITY CONSCIOUS AND
locked, bolted and barred the shop before she left. Matthew had some time ago converted and improved a cottage a couple of miles outside Farnden, and she had moved in with him. The flat above the shop was more or less empty, though she still had a few of her things to carry down to Sycamore End. She planned to do this at the weekend, and then think about a tenant for the flat. The shop was much more vulnerable with nobody living there. She supposed the word had already gone round the village, so she expected to find a suitable person shortly. She arrived at Meade House, and poked her head around the kitchen door.

“Hi, Gran. How you doing? Is Mum around?”

“Hello, dear. I’m fine, and your mother is in the office on the phone. Why don’t you put your head round the door and let her know you’re here? And how’s Matthew?”

“No change,” said Josie, smiling. “Still the same old policeman.”

Gran sighed. A chip off the old block, this granddaughter of hers. “Have you got time for a cup of tea? Or coffee?”

“Love one. Tea please, Gran.”

Lois, still in her office, looked up to see Josie, and was glad of the interruption. She was tired after her long walk, and wished she could be like Jeems and curl up in a basket to sleep. But there were messages waiting for her, and she had only just finished dealing with them.

“Come in, do. You don’t have to knock! Sit down by the window. I’m just checking messages and having another talk to Jamie.”

“Has he heard from Akiko?”

“Ah, so you know she’s gone missing?”

“Jamie rang me, too. I am his only sister, you know, and we talk quite often. He wasn’t too worried at that point. Is that what you were going to tell me?”

Lois shook her head. “No, I’ve had another message from him, and I rang back. He sounded completely different. Nervous and much more worried this time. Didn’t say much. Maybe hiding something, d’you reckon? Can’t remember what I was going to tell you in the shop, but it’ll come back. But Mrs. T-J has been investigating. Nothing very exciting, I’m afraid. She has an informant in the music business, who says that when the cello turns up, they will be able to identify it. Just to make sure it’s not a fake.”

“Amazing,” said Josie, unimpressed. “I should think Akiko would be the best person to do that.”

Lois folded up her papers and put them in a heap, ready for New Brooms’ weekly meeting next Monday.

“Let’s hope we can get back to business as usual soon.” Josie stood up. “I’ve got heaps of thank-you letters to write. We’ve had some gorgeous wedding presents, some from very distant members of Matthew’s family. All very exciting! I’ll be off now. See you soon. Bye!”

After her daughter had gone, Lois thought some more about Jamie’s call, and about his confidence in her being able to help, if necessary. And why was he now sounding really worried? She guessed he had had some kind of a message, and it had not been good. After all, the girl’s behaviour after that concert had been very odd. It would have taken only a few minutes to let Jamie know what she was doing, and where she could be reached. Maybe Gran’s instincts were right, and she was not to be trusted.

On the other hand, as everyone continually reminded her, Jamie was a grown man, and perfectly capable of managing his own affairs. Parents should step back and let their adult offspring get on with it, shouldn’t they?