The Promise by Teresa Driscoll

Author:Teresa Driscoll [Driscoll, Teresa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781503905078
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Published: 2019-02-06T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 27

CAROL – NOW

Monday

Things go from bad to worse. Not only am I missing Emily more than is rational but the crows are back and although he will not accept it, our neighbour Jonathan is entirely to blame. He has sown some new crop in the largest of his fields as an experiment but can’t be persuaded to take any precautions against the birds.

I have tried reasoning with him. Explaining how filthy and utterly disgusting they are, how much damage they can do, but he won’t take me seriously. His farming, he argues, is for fun not profit. An experiment. So where’s the harm in a few crows around?

Harm? Is he serious?

Yesterday I came home to find one sitting on the top of the telephone pole, ripping some poor little bird to shreds. The prey was still alive, struggling as the crow tore at its flesh. I threw a stone but the crow was too high. Just stared at me with that superior look I so hate.

I had to go into the downstairs toilet to throw up.

When Ned gets back from Spain, I must persuade him to talk to Jonathan.

There are all sorts of contraptions these days – electronic devices with timers to set off tiny explosions to scare them away. Not expensive – I’ve checked.

Meanwhile I have made two scarecrows for our own land. Basic – just old clothes stuffed and attached to broomsticks. I’ve put one by the vine and the second at the end of the drive. The postman gave me the most peculiar look when I was setting it up. I tried to make a joke, of course, but for me, it’s more serious than any of them can know.

I couldn’t bear it if they bring back the dreams. Not now. Please not now. Bad enough that it’s so quiet with Emily gone. But the crows.

If the crows stay, I don’t know what I shall do.

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