by Diane Ezzard
Tracy showcased all her best pieces and sales went well at the end of the show. Reverend Philip Munroe had done his bit to help, providing some of the refreshments. He walked around telling anyone who would listen about the latest developments for their new building as well as informing them about the restoration work on the existing church. Apparently, the recent floods had highlighted yet another hole in the roof.
Dotty had dressed the part tonight. She looked sophisticated and elegant with her hair up in a French pleat. Her signature style was to wear polka dots, and she didn’t disappoint with her vintage navy dress with its full skirt and contrasting white collar and bow. She finished the look off with navy and white peep-toe shoes that now crippled her feet. She hadn’t had time to talk to her mum or any friends or neighbours until the show was over. After grabbing a glass of Buck’s Fizz, she went over to chat to everyone. Drinks were served and nibbles disappeared off the plates into the greedy mouths of the audience. There were many people attending that she knew, and she smiled as she walked around greeting people.
“Well done,” Dotty’s mum said, patting her on the back. Out of the corner of her eye, Dotty spotted Betty Simpson walking towards them. Unusually for Betty, she had worn lipstick and a smidgeon of powder on her face. It did nothing to enhance her appearance. Neither did the brogue shoes or thick green tweed skirt and lilac jumper, although for once her clothes looked well-coordinated.
“Hello, Betty. Does anyone fancy a top-up?” Meryl, Dotty’s mum asked.
“Another tea would be wonderful and if you can pop me a couple of those rich tea biscuits on a plate while you’re there.”
“Dotty?”
“No, thanks, mum.”
Dotty was left alone with Betty. Sometimes that was a good thing, on other occasions she could be a nightmare and asked too many questions wanting to pry into all the goings-on. One thing was for sure, she was always hard to get away from. Betty spoke into Dotty’s ear.
“That was a lovely show, wasn’t it, Dotty? The music was very loud, and some outfits were a bit too modern for me but I’m sure the young ones will buy them. You know, there was a time when I was skinny like those girls. Your friend, Rachel looked very nice, didn’t she?” Dotty nodded and looked over at the queue around the clothes rail that Tracy put on display. Women scurried around looking for their sizes. Two women grappled over the last fur shrug, but Tracy averted a crisis saying she had more in stock. Rachel was deep in conversation with the vicar.
“How’s your investigating going?”
“Not made much headway.” Dotty shook her head, “and it’s affecting poor Millie.”
“It’s not fair that Millie should be in the spotlight like that. From what I have heard her soups are nice, and she uses organic produce.”
“Oh yes, Millie only uses the finest ingredients.” Dotty was keen to show support for her friend.
“Listen, Dotty,” Betty moved in closer towards the younger woman. “I’m not one to gossip or talk about someone behind their back but,” she looked both ways before continuing, “you know that Edna Salcombe was having an affair with Nigel and that was why his wife kicked him out?” Dotty’s eyes turned into saucers, not so much because of the affair more that anyone would want to be with Nigel.
“Are you sure, Betty?” Dotty looked taller than ever next to Betty’s short round frame.
“Have you ever known me to be wrong? I spoke to poor Judith some time back in the butcher’s shop, out of range of eavesdroppers, of course, but she was beside herself with what to do.” Betty’s information was usually spot on, and this sounded like it had come to her first-hand. If Betty told you something, it was normally guaranteed to be kosher. Dotty would have to check it out.
Chapter 17
The horn sounded outside Dotty’s front door. She checked herself in the hall mirror before buttoning up her raincoat. The dark sky outside threatened to bring along a storm very soon. She rushed down the path and climbed into the passenger seat of Wayne’s vehicle. He leant over and kissed her.
“Right, where will it be then?”
“Do you want to try that country pub I told you about?”
“Okay, do you know the postcode?”
“No, but I can direct you.”
“Fair enough.” He nodded and turned the key in the ignition. The car revved up, and they were off.
They drove through the village and along the highway. At the next set of traffic lights, Dotty instructed Wayne.
“Get in the right-hand lane.” Dotty waved her hand pointing right.
“Calm down, there’s no need to be so bossy.” Dotty frowned.
“I’m only telling you which way to go.”
“I’ve had enough of women telling me what to do for one day.” Dotty sighed and remained quiet. If Wayne had a bad day at work, he shouldn’t take it out on her. She ignored the altercation because she was glad to see him so soon after the last time. He must be keen, yet something inside made her feel uncomfortable.
They got to the pub, and she ordered a large glass of red wine. Wayne wasn’t drinking because he was driving, so grabbed himself a bottle of coke. They took their drinks and sat in the corner of the quiet country pub.
“It’s nice in here,” Wayne said, looking at the décor with the brass artefacts and black and white photographs of bygone eras hung around the room.
“Yes, I like it. The food’s not bad either.”
“We should book in for Sunday lunch sometime.”
“That would be nice.” Dotty smiled. Wayne’s previous bad mood had disappeared. “How are things going at work? You seem stressed.”
Wayne shook his head and took a long glug of his coke before answering. Dotty couldn’t tell if he was annoyed at her question or if something else was bothering him.
“My boss expects us all to jump through hoops. She gets irritated when information isn’t forthcoming. You know the type. She wants everything done yesterday. She can be hard work but she’s a good copper deep down and she gets the job done I suppose. I shouldn’t moan. She’s not the worst boss I’ve had by a long shot.”
“Yeah, I’ve had some ropey supervisors in my time. The difference is your job has a lot more responsibility behind it. I don’t have a proper career like you, so I walk out of jobs if someone upsets me.” Dotty laughed.
“Believe me, I’ve frequently thought of doing that but with a mortgage, around my neck, I have to plant my feet firmly on the ground and grin and bear it.”
“Does your boss know you’re seeing me?”
“I keep Evelyn Collins out of my private life, thank you very much. What I do outside work has nothing to do with her.” Wayne’s tone was abrupt. It made Dotty wonder if his boss had broached the subject with him.
“How long have you been with the police?”
“It was my first job after college. I was fortunate. They were recruiting at the time, so I took the exams and got straight in. It’s not a bad life, and the money is decent.”
“I wish I could say the same about my job. Somehow, I don’t think chocolate work will ever make me rich.”
“Is there anything else you fancy doing?”
“Oh, there are so many things I like the idea of and then I try them and realise they’re not for me.”
“When you were at school, what did your careers advisor suggest?”
“He said I should do something creative.”
“There you go then — you are doing.”
“I know but I’m not cut out to run my own business. I’m hopeless at maths, so doing the accounts is a real ball ache.”
“That’s what accountants are for.”
“I may think about going to college and getting a trade or something behind me.”
“I wish you luck whatever you decide to do. I’m sure you will be successful.” Wayne took Dotty’s hands in his and leaned over and kissed her. He hadn’t intended it to be passionate, but it ignited a primal desire that erupted and made him continue. Th
eir lips were locked and as much as Dotty didn’t like showing affection in public, she couldn’t prise herself away. She enjoyed the tingling sensation that now marched around her body.
The kiss ended, and they gazed at each other with longing. Dotty’s five-date rule before she slept with someone showed signs of being broken. So, when Wayne asked her at the end of the evening if she’d like a nightcap back at his place, she readily agreed.
They left the pub and ran to the car. The rain pelted down. They both felt the anticipation of excitement at the thought of their bodies becoming as one. Whilst Wayne hadn’t known Dotty would be up for a more intimate arrangement, he was glad he tidied up his house before he came out. They drove along in silence. Wayne kept looking over at Dotty and smiling. He winked and held out his hand for her to do likewise. When he squeezed her hand, it was like an electric shock for Dotty.
The rain came down heavier. Dotty watched the droplets as they snaked down the windscreen. This wasn’t a night for the faint-hearted. The wind howled through the side window. As they drove back past the dual carriageway onto the country roads, Dotty switched her attention to the changing scenery. The tyres hissed along the rain-soaked ground. Wayne drove on through the wooded area towards open fields. It was hard to see too far into the distance with the mist caused by the wet weather. Few cars drove past to light up their darkened journey. There were no streetlights in this rural part of Sussex. In daylight and fine weather, this was a pleasant run out, but not tonight. This year, spring had been plagued by torrential rain and gale-force winds. Any little sunshine they had, Dotty was out, making the most of it with Winnie.
The car moved steadily along. The shiny grey Volkswagen Passat was Wayne’s pride and joy. It was the first time he had been able to afford a brand-new car, and it was thanks to all the overtime from the murder inquiries he worked on. He always said that whatever bad was going on in the world, there was always an opposing positive side for someone. If lots of people died, then the undertakers were happy. Snow was good for the team who got called in on overtime to work on the road gritters. Wayne felt fortunate to have a good job that he enjoyed. He believed he made a difference in people’s lives and the only downside was the unsociable hours and a demanding boss.
They turned a corner and suddenly there was a clunking noise. The car bounced up and down then shuddered to a halt.
“Blast.” Wayne hit the dashboard.
“What is it?”
“A flat tyre.” He looked up at the sky. The rain showed no sign of stopping. He sighed. “Not to worry, I’ll have it changed in no time.” Wayne hunched up his collar and got out of the car.
“Do you want any help?” Dotty called.
“No, you stay in the warm. There’s no point us both getting drenched.”
Dotty sat waiting. The rain affected her view outside so she couldn’t see the problems Wayne was having. He pulled out the spare wheel and jack. Dotty sat there for ages. She heard Wayne cursing and swearing so she got out of the car to see what was wrong.
“What’s up?”
“Spanners.”
“Spanners?” Dotty quizzed.
“I took out my spanner set the other day and forgot to put it back in the boot, so I can’t change the wheel. This is a disaster. I’ll have to call the emergency services. I’m so sorry about this.”
Just then a vehicle with its headlights glaring came to a halt after noticing the hazard warning lights on Wayne’s car. A tall dark-haired man got out of his vehicle. Dotty’s heart melted. He was no stranger to the couple.
“Dave!” Dotty exclaimed.
“Sergeant Lockyear, fancy seeing you here.” Wayne didn’t know whether to be happy or sad at Dave turning up to save the day.
“What seems to be the trouble?” Dave asked.
Chapter 18
Dave Lockyear was much more of a handyman than Wayne, but Wayne knew the score on the love stakes. He wasn’t letting his love rival show any prowess. Dave brought out his full spanner set for Wayne to peruse.
“Here, this one should fit.” The two men crouched down to check the tyre. Dotty looked on, the hood of her coat was up, and her hands were on her hips. The rain had eased off slightly, but it still wasn’t a pleasant task to carry out in the cold wet weather.
“So, have you two been on a night out?” Dotty hoped Dave’s detecting skills weren’t all about stating the obvious.
“Yes, we’ve been for a drink.” Dotty smiled at Dave.
“And now when this is sorted, Dotty is coming back to mine for a nightcap.” Dotty shook her head at Wayne’s comment. She could see what he was trying to do.
“Do you want me to change the wheel for you?” Dave asked Wayne.
“No, run along. I can manage. I’ll bring your spanners to work.” Dave seemed hesitant to move. “Look, we mustn’t keep you from your computer games, or whatever it is you do in your spare time. Plus, it’s raining. I’m sure you don’t want to mess up your slick hairstyle.” Dotty thought Wayne’s tone bordered on aggressive.
“If you’re sure you don’t need my help, I’ll leave you two and bid you a good night.” Dave bowed his head and returned to his vehicle.
“Get back in the car, Dotty.” Wayne waved Dotty away.
“Goodnight, Dave,” Dotty shouted but Dave didn’t hear. He had already got in his car and slammed the driver’s seat door.
It still took Wayne an eternity to change the wheel. Dotty felt sure Dave would have done it in half the time. After the way Wayne spoke to his love rival, she wondered if she had chosen the wrong man. Still, if it was because he was jealous then that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.
When he finally got back in the car, Wayne was drenched.
“Don’t you like Dave?” Dotty asked.
“I can’t say I’m his number one fan. I mean, the way he idolises his mother and takes her dancing, there’s got to be something wrong with him.” Dotty thought that was rather sweet but said nothing.
“Still, you were quite curt with him and if he hadn’t arrived when he did, we’d have been in a pickle.”
“Listen, that was only banter. If he can’t handle my manner, then he shouldn’t be in the force.” Dotty decided not to pursue that line of conversation. The unexpected delay in their journey had affected Wayne’s mood, and she felt the tension in the car.
They drove in silence for a while. Dotty was having second thoughts about going back to his place.
“The delay has made us late. Can I take a rain check on that coffee and make it some other time?”
“Of course, so do you want me to take you home?”
“Yes please.”
Wayne pulled up outside Dotty’s home and leaned over to kiss her. He took her hand in his.
“I’m sorry for being a jerk. I’m not usually so moody. Work has been getting me down lately. I shouldn’t have taken things out on you. The flat tyre seemed like the final straw. Will you accept my apology?”
Dotty smiled, and they kissed.
“Of course.”
“I hope you’ll let me make it up to you and allow me to take you out again sometime.”
“Sure.” Dotty was having doubts though. She didn’t like his moody side. The expression — keeping her options open sprang to mind.
She had other things to think about rather than her love life right now. She did the neighbourly thing the next day and called to see how Judith Hastings was bearing up. Dotty went up to the Hasting’s large pre-war semi and rang the bell. When Judith opened the door, she looked like she had been crying. The rims of her eyes were red. Dotty didn’t believe it was grief, so it had to be something else causing her woes. Dotty soon found out what.
“Come in, dear. I’m not myself right now. Nigel’s death has affected me more than I expected.” Judith took an embroidered handkerchief out of her pocket and sniffed into it.
“I’m sorry to hear that, Mrs Hastings. That was one of the reasons I called. I wanted to see how you were and if I can run
any more errands or do anything to help.”
“You’re so kind and thoughtful, not like most of the young people today. I’ve hardly seen anything of my son, Gordon since his father’s death. They were so alike, you know. I still can’t believe he sided with Nigel when we split up. Children today are brought up to be selfish and mean, only out for themselves. I’m so glad now we never had any more children.” Dotty followed her into the kitchen. Judith quickly collected up the papers lying on the kitchen table but not before Dotty saw her wading through bank statements.
“I was passing and thought I’d pop in to see how you were.” Dotty’s eyes were still on the paperwork which Judith promptly dropped in her haste to get everything out of sight.
“I can do that.” Judith tried to push Dotty out of the way, but Dotty’s nimble limbs were too quick for her.
“It’s no trouble. Here, let me help you.” Dotty saw the red demand letters and she also couldn’t help but notice the overdrawn figure on the bank statement. It was obvious now to Judith that Dotty had seen what she was trying to hide. “Is everything okay, Mrs Hastings?” Dotty had been crouched down on the floor, picking up papers. She rose at the same time as Judith.
“No, it’s not,” she wailed. Although Dotty didn’t feel she knew her neighbour well enough to comfort her, her automatic reaction was to put an arm around her shoulder.
“Whatever’s the matter?” Dotty helped Judith into a chair.
“I’m broke. He’s left me penniless.”
“What do you mean? I thought he was an accountant. How could he not be on top with your finances?”
“I don’t know and I’m not the best in the world for sorting out things like this.” Neither was Dotty if truth be known. She couldn’t add up well but if there was money going astray, she may spot that.