Secrets on Saturday by Ann Purser

Author:Ann Purser [Purser, Ann]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Mystery, cookie429
ISBN: 9781101567609
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 2006-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

T

HIRTY

THE ESTATE AGENCY WAS NOT THE SMARTEST IN town. In a narrow lane off the High Street in Tresham, Lois found the dark, dusty office, which had once been a butcher’s shop. She fancied she could detect an unpleasant, lingering smell of raw meat. A middle-aged woman, hunched up in a severe cream-coloured blouse that had seen better days, looked up. “Yes?” she said.

Ah well, Lois thought, makes a change from the dizzy blonde who smothers you with charm.

“I’d like to have some details of Cox’s Farmhouse at Long Farnden,” she said. No good trying to approach the subject by side alleys, not with this one. “Do you know the house I mean?”

“Of course I do, Mrs. er …?” The woman got up and opened a drawer in the filing cabinet behind her chair.

“Meade,” Lois said. “Lois Meade. I live in Farnden.” The woman pulled a sheaf of papers from the file, and handed one to Lois.

“That’s it,” she muttered. Then, as if remembering instructions, she added, “If you’re really interested and would like to look round, one of our agents would be pleased to show you. You’ll have to make an appointment, as we’re really busy.”

Lois looked round. It didn’t look exactly jumping. A pile of unopened post lay on a side table, and through a glass door she could see the outline of a man sitting with his feet up on a desk, reading a newspaper.

“Thanks,” she said. “Can you tell me who’s selling?”

“If you live in Farnden, you’ll surely know,” said the woman, “and anyway, I’m not allowed to release personal information.”

Rat bag, thought Lois, but said, “I’ll have a look at these particulars, and give you a ring. Bye.”

The woman did not answer, nor did she watch her go out of the door and away down the street. She was too busy picking up the phone and dialling a number. “She’s been in,” she said cryptically, and put down the receiver.

THE SUPERMARKET WAS CROWDED. SCHOOL HOLIDAYS, and half the population of Tresham seemed to be doing their shopping. Tesco had sensibly set up a section of children’s games and toys, and Lois fought her way past, heading for the bread counter. She had seriously thought about ducking out of this meeting with Cowgill. He had been so abrupt and cold, giving Lois the strong impression that he thought he could now take her help for granted. Well, he couldn’t. She had never accepted any money for information, nor would in the future. If there was to be a future. She could easily carry on at her own pace, gathering evidence until she had something really concrete, and then go to the police station. There must be other detectives there who would listen politely and appreciate her efforts.

She stood at the counter, waiting in a small queue. A picture of Cowgill flashed into her mind, a grieving and defeated man, head down and nothing like the Cowgill of old. But that was a while ago, she told herself.

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