Mantequero (5 page)

“By the way,” she said, sticking her head through the window just before Alison set off. “I’ve just had a thought. Patsy will know.” Alison frowned.
Patsy? Yes, of course, the niece.

“Sorry.” She shook her head. “Patsy will know what?”

“She’ll know exactly where June went and when she was due back. She’s like a daughter to her. More so than to her own mother, I’d say.” She gave a loud sniff.

Alison brightened up. “Can you get in touch with her?”

“Easier for you than me, dear. She goes to Graystones,”

Of course she did. Miss Blacker had said so. In the juniors. In fact, she seemed to remember her saying she regularly looked after the child after school.

“I’ll find her. She’ll be in the juniors. You don’t happen to know her surname, do you?”

“Well, I only know her as Patsy. I imagine it’s short for Patricia. And her surname is –
just a minute –.” She stood for a moment with her eyes closed. “Owen – like the war poet.”

“Thank you” Alison beamed at the old lady. “I’ll find out what I can and ring you tomorrow.”

“Thank you, my dear.” The old lady’s eyes were very bright. “I’ve been so worried.”