Ramsay and the Smuggling Ring: A Retired Sleuth and Dog Historical Cozy Mystery (One Man and His Dog Cozy Mysteries Book 2) by P. C. James

Author:P. C. James [James, P. C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-04-25T00:00:00+00:00

19

AN EX-POLICEMAN’S EVIDENCE

Ramsay and Bracken headed back up the hill toward open space and out of the almost claustrophobic, tightly packed village. It was also the road to where Pritchard lived.

“You know, Bracken,” Ramsay said, when he was sure there was no one to overhear him, “I can’t help feeling many of our investigations back in the day came to nothing because of a Constable Storm character in the local force.”

Bracken didn’t care about a past he had no part in and continued straining at the leash, pulling Ramsay ever quicker to the open country and his favorite things, sheep and rabbits.

It was a bright afternoon now and the autumn leaves shimmered in the breeze as they walked the narrow lane from the station toward Fylingthorpe. Pritchard’s house seemed asleep as they passed on their way and Ramsay decided Pritchard was out. As their walk drew farther and farther afield, Ramsay checked his watch regularly. He wanted to catch his old colleague and interview him today. When he judged the time right, he tugged Bracken’s leash and said, “Time for the next interview.”

Pritchard was in his garden, deadheading roses, when they arrived. “Hello, Len,” Ramsay shouted, crossing the lane to speak to him. “I wondered if we’d see you on our walk.”

“Tom,” Pritchard replied, smiling. “This is a nice surprise. Come in. You’ll want a cup of tea, I imagine, after your constitutional stroll.”

“I don’t want to bother you,” Ramsay said — lied — “but you’re right. Refreshment would be very welcome. Bracken is a fine companion, only he’s still young and needs lots of exercise.”

“He can run around in my back garden while we talk,” Pritchard said, opening the gate to let them enter. “I like to keep the roses looking nice,” he continued as they entered the house. “They look so sad when there are too many dead blooms on the bushes. Do you have a garden, Tom?’

“I do but it’s not a patch on yours,” Ramsay replied. “I haven’t your green thumb.”

“Fertilizer and work are the only secret I have,” Pritchard laughed, as he plugged in the electric kettle. “And lots of free time.”

“We both have that,” Ramsay replied, letting Bracken off the leash and holding open the door for him to go out.

“Now what was it you really came for?” Pritchard asked.

Ramsay decided not to protest his innocence and said, “Baldock took Armstrong and one of the skippers into Scarborough headquarters. Did you hear?”

Pritchard shook his head. “I don’t encourage gossip. You think he has the wrong man or men?”

“Not necessarily,” Ramsay replied. “I hope Baldock has the right people because he was threatening me at the start of it all. I’d like to be sure I’m not suddenly roped into a murder charge in some way.”

“I don’t see how I can help?”

“I wondered if you’d thought any more about the smuggling racket and Baldock’s possible involvement?”

Pritchard shook his head. “I never think about it anymore.”

“Did you ever suspect smuggling through the village here?”

“Not really,” Pritchard replied.

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