The Dungeon House (Lake District Mysteries) by Martin Edwards

Author:Martin Edwards [Edwards, Martin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780749019853
Publisher: Allison & Busby
Published: 2015-09-16T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

‘How lovely to hear you again, Nigel.’

‘It’s … been a long time.’

That gorgeous husky voice in her ear again. He sounded uncertain, but who could blame him? She squeezed the mobile into her palm.

‘Twenty years.’

‘Robbie rang and told me you’d be calling. He says you look the same as ever.’

‘Goodness, he’s the last person I’d expect to indulge in flattery.’

Except that perhaps he hadn’t meant to flatter her. She told herself not to be so negative. You led a happier life if you thought positive.

‘So.’ Nigel paused, as if steeling himself. No need, he had nothing to fear from her. Absolutely nothing, she only wanted to help. ‘What have you been doing with yourself these past twenty years?’

‘Nothing too exciting, if truth be told.’

She gave a modest laugh. It was spitting with rain, and she felt awkward conducting this conversation on the pavement outside the Eskdale Arms, but she’d needed to escape from You-can-call-me-Al. He seemed keen to get to know her better, and she wouldn’t put it past him to eavesdrop. His latest gambit had been to invite her to share bacon and eggs in his private kitchen at the back of the guest house. She’d excused herself by saying her GP had put her on statins, and she needed to keep her cholesterol count down.

‘Not like you,’ she said, when it became apparent that Nigel wasn’t about to respond. ‘Mind, I wasn’t in the least surprised you became so successful. I always knew you’d make it one day.’

‘What’s brought you back here?’

That question again. ‘Oh, I don’t know. I fancied a change of scene, and wanted to look up some old friends.’

‘You’ve heard about Shona?’

He made it sound like an accusation. ‘Yes, yes. I’m so sorry that you’ve had such a worry to contend with.’

‘A worry,’ the quiet voice repeated. ‘Rather an understatement.’

Her cheeks burnt. Thank goodness he wasn’t there to witness her embarrassment. All she could do was grovel, and hope he would forgive.

‘I’m sorry, Nigel, truly. Rotten choice of words. It must be appalling for you. You lost your wife not long ago, didn’t you? And now this.’

She paused, but when he remained silent, she asked, ‘What’s the latest news?’

‘There is no news.’ His voice was unsteady. ‘The police don’t seem to have a clue. They say … but anyway, you don’t want to hear me go on.’

‘Of course I do. Why do you think I told Robbie I was keen to get in touch? If there’s any way I can help, just say the word. I thought you might be glad to chat with an old friend. After all … we went through a lot together in the old days. You could talk to me about Shona. I’d love to meet her.’ She hesitated. ‘I’m sure you will be reunited soon.’

He didn’t reply. Wondering how to give her the brush-off without seeming to be rude? She held her breath.

‘I’m lousy company at present.’

‘Doesn’t matter,’ she insisted. ‘It would be wonderful to see you. Talk over old times.

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