Stormy Skies by Summer Waters

Author:Summer Waters [Summer Waters]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780007366323
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Chapter Nine

“Cai and Kathleen had been busy in their absence. They’d mopped the shed floor twice and were just finishing loading the car with another pile of rubbish and recycling for the dump.

“The shed walls need scrubbing with water and then it’s ready to paint,” said Cai.

“We’ll do that while you go to the tip,” Hannah offered.

“Thanks. I’ll stop off and collect that table you found too. I’d better take a saw or I might not get it in the car. You stay here this time, Cai. We’re going to be tight for space.”

Kathleen went to the garage and came back carrying a large saw. She put it in the boot and slammed it shut.

“Who’s that coming up the drive?” asked Cai.

A young woman carrying a baby on her hip was striding purposefully towards them.

Kathleen smiled at her and called out, “Hello.”

“Hello,” said the woman in a clipped tone. “I’m Jane Row, your neighbour.”

“Kathleen Abbot.” Kathleen held out her hand. “Nice to meet you, Jane. I’ve been meaning to pop round and introduce myself, but I’ve been so busy moving in.” She held out her hand for a few seconds longer then dropped it when it became obvious that Jane wasn’t going to shake it.

“The thing is,” said Jane defensively, “I’ve seen wild animals being brought in here. People are saying that you’re running a rescue centre for them. Is that right?”

“Almost,” said Kathleen enthusiastically. “I’m in the middle of setting up a marine conservation charity called Ocean Watch. These are my helpers, Hannah, Cai and Antonia.”

“Is this going to be in the house?”

“Mainly in the garden shed,” said Kathleen. She waved at the car. “We’ve just been having a clear-out.”

“Well, I want you to stop.” Jane stared defiantly at Kathleen.

Antonia almost gasped out loud. How rude! Why did Jane want Kathleen to stop? Didn’t she realise how important their work was?

“We’ve been living here for three years. It’s a peaceful road and most of the residents have families. We don’t want a business stuck in the middle of us.”

“It’s not a business. I’m setting up a charity,” said Kathleen patiently.

“A charity that takes in dangerous wild animals,” said Jane. “If that isn’t bad enough, we’ll probably get rats next.”

“Rats!”

“Wild animals and rubbish encourage rats,” said Jane firmly.

“Which is precisely why I’m taking this rubbish to the dump,” said Kathleen icily. “Well-looked-after animals do not attract rats.”

Jane snorted. “They might! You’ll be storing animal feed and straw, both of which attract rats. Then there’s the noise you’ll be making and all the comings and goings of your visitors. I expect you’ll be opening to the public like some kind of zoo.”

Antonia couldn’t help herself. She didn’t mean to be rude, but it was clear that Jane didn’t have a clue what she was talking about.

“Our friend Claudia runs a marine charity called Sea Watch from her garden,” she said earnestly. “It doesn’t bother anyone. There’s no mess, no noise and definitely no rats.”

Jane glared at her. “This is my home.

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