Detective Sebastian Clifford Books 1 - 3: A Midlands Crime Thriller Series by Rigby Sally

Author:Rigby, Sally
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Top Drawer Press
Published: 2023-10-10T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

‘I fail to understand why Sebastian can’t return from Market Harborough to assist me, even if it’s only for a short time while things are difficult,’ Phillip Clifford said to his wife as he stared at himself in the mirror while tying a full Windsor knot in his navy tie. They’d arrived home later than he would have liked from the Savoy last night, and his tetchiness was in part because of being tired.

He had a meeting with the chair of a large charity later. They were intent on persuading him to sit on the board of directors, but he was unsure whether he’d have the time now he couldn’t rely on Hubert to pull his weight. All the more reason for his younger son to step up.

‘He has his own life to live, and we’ve always encouraged that,’ Charlotte said.

‘Only because I believed that eventually he’d see sense and return home to us. Family comes first, and now that Hubert isn’t contributing, Sebastian should feel duty-bound to take his place until his brother is back working at full strength. Whenever that will be.’

‘Hubert is planning to see someone for his problem, and he’ll soon return to work. Sebastian spoke to him yesterday and achieved more than we have been able to since this problem first took hold. I can’t tell you what a relief that is.’

‘I know what you’re going to say, but in my day one had to get on with things oneself, with no outside interference.’

‘This is no longer your day,’ Charlotte said gently, standing behind him so he could see her reflection in the mirror. ‘I realise now that there’s no shame in Hubert seeking expert advice. He’ll soon be back in the saddle, you’ll see. We’re lucky that Sebastian visited and could help his brother, as well as stepping in at such short notice to go with you to the Savoy. Talking of which, how did it go last night?’

‘Sebastian was very good, but he’s not in the same league as Hubert, who, when on form, is a natural at these events. Sebastian’s a little more reserved, but he certainly was an asset. The event was a success, and they raised a substantial amount of money.’

‘I’m pleased to hear it. But you can’t expect Sebastian to be there whenever you need him. He’s got his own career to pursue now as an investigator.’

‘I had hoped he’d have nothing more to do with the police force, but it appears he’s still working with them. Surely he could find something more suitable to engage in.’ He gave a frustrated sigh.

‘He’ll forge his own path, even if we don’t approve. He always has done.’

‘Yes, you’re right. He’s been like that for his whole life, so it’s futile to expect him to be any different. But one can hope. It disappointed me when his relationship with Annabelle ended. I’d hoped she could make him see sense and do something more fitting with his life.’

‘They weren’t destined to be.’

‘She was eminently suitable and would have been an excellent addition to the family.

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