It Had To Be You by June Francis

Author:June Francis [June Francis]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780749011772
Publisher: Allison & Busby
Published: 2012-06-14T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Dorothy wrenched the front door open and stared at the policeman standing on the step. She should have been on her way to work but she was late because she had been to the Gianellis’ to see if Betty was there, but had had no luck. The policeman was young, with fair hair and blue eyes.

‘Oh God!’ she exclaimed, placing a hand to her mouth. ‘Something terrible has happened to my cousin, Betty, hasn’t it? She’s thrown herself in the canal and has drowned.’

‘Calm down, luv,’ he said firmly. ‘It’s nothing like that. Am I talking to Miss Gregory?’

‘Yes!’ Dorothy’s lovely features relaxed. ‘It’s just that she’s gone missing and I’ve searched everywhere but can’t find her. I was all for getting the police last night but my uncle said to wait and that she’s probably gone off somewhere just to annoy us. My mother agreed and so—’

He held up a hand as if to stem the rush of words. ‘Betty’s safe,’ he said. ‘I’m Dougie Marshall. I believe you know my brothers. I received a message from my station concerning your cousin. I was to tell you that she’s with her half-sister, Emma, at her cottage up Lancashire.’

‘What! You’re Dougie Marshall and Betty’s with Emma! How did she manage to get there? She hasn’t any money as far as I know. I wish she’d told me she was going!’ babbled Dorothy.

‘Calm down, luv,’ he said. ‘Emma will be writing to you.’

‘Is that all she said?’

‘That’s all I know, Miss Gregory.’

Dorothy put a hand to her head. ‘I see. Thanks. Perhaps I should go and visit them. I’ll have to check the train times.’

‘Why don’t you wait until you get Emma’s letter?’ suggested Dougie. ‘It could be that your cousin will only be staying up there for a few days and will be back soon.’

‘You could be right,’ said Dorothy, feeling some of the tension drain out of her.

‘Have you been to the cottage before?’ asked Dougie.

She shook her head. ‘But I know you have. Emma told me that you’ve visited her.’

‘Lovely fell-walking country nearby. Do you walk?’

‘No. I’m a real townie.’

He smiled. ‘You should try it. Keeps you fit and is relaxing.’

She thought that he had the bluest eyes. No wonder Emma had fallen for him. ‘Thanks for the advice and for letting me know Betty’s safe,’ she said, giving him a dazzling smile.

He flushed. ‘All part of the job.’

‘Even so, I’m ever so grateful.’

‘My pleasure. See you around.’ He raised a hand and hurried down the drive.

Dorothy stood, staring after him for a moment, and then she went inside the house. ‘Who was at the door?’ asked her mother. ‘Was it one of our Betty’s other friends come to tell us where she is?’

‘No, Mum.’

‘She’ll get the edge of my tongue when she comes back,’ said Elsie, exasperated, lighting a cigarette. ‘She’s doing it deliberately to annoy me.’

‘What she needs is a good hiding,’ growled Teddy. ‘You’re best rid of her. She’s no good.’

Up until then Dorothy

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