Curious Campers

by Anne Lown

  “I had a run-in with Martin. He grabbed my arm and tried to pull me into his house. He only had his underpants on.”

  Les spluttered on his coffee, sending a spray onto the table. Tears formed in the creases of his eyes by his lashes. “You what?”

  Jenny giggled at his complete lack of composure, no longer the well-put-together heart throb he thought he was. “I know, sounds stupid, but I was really scared at the time.”

  “What did you do?”

  “Kicked him in the nuts and ran off.”

  His roar of laughter was infectious, swiping her stress aside and allowing her to relax for the first time that day. It was a relief. She’d been so pent-up she thought she’d snap if she had to deal with any more drama.

  “So, I take it you like your man without his kecks on.” Les winked.

  Jenny’s face flushed, again. It was like being a teenager and was the same way she’d felt when she’d first tried to get with Jason all those months ago.

  Les slid his hand towards her and entwined his fingers with hers. “Let’s meet later. We can talk about what’s really bothering you then.” He gave her hand a lingering squeeze before standing and saying, “Meet you in the pub, about ten-thirty.”

  He sauntered out of sight behind a row of lockers. The trembling that wouldn’t leave her was now replaced by another sensation. A buzz rippled up her arm from where he’d touched her hand. She jerked her head up and darted her gaze around the immediate area, hoping no one had seen them. She sighed, relieved no one had.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Jenny returned to Chapel End in a better mood than she’d left it both times earlier that day. Thoughts of Les crowded out the bad things that’d been whirling around in her mind. As usual, she’d missed the chance to visit the large supermarket in Bishop and needed to stop off at the convenience store in the village high street before going home.

  She slowed the car on her approach and flitted her gaze among the parked cars to find a free space. There was one farther along the line, but that wasn’t what caught her attention the most. The charity shop was now open, the grill rolled up and the lights on inside. She glided to a stop, turned off the engine, and in one smooth movement, opened the door and got out.

  The door to the charity shop swung open, and two older women barged past her on their way out. She stood aside, refraining from saying anything because she was still in her work’s uniform and didn’t need a complaint made against her.

  “Sorry about that,” Carmie said, ushering Jenny into the shop and locking the door. She flipped the sign to closed and turned off the lights.

  “I dropped by earlier, but you weren’t here. Where were you?”

  “The police,” Carmie said, “they questioned me about the alien I saw.”

  “Really, why would they do that? I thought they weren’t taking it seriously.”

  Carmie shrugged. “Someone else reported seeing it in their garden, about the same time it came here.”

  This was good news. Jenny could be right after all. Pete had described someone in an alien-type costume at the clearing in the woods, Carmie and a local had seen something similar, if not the same, and she’d been mugged by a man determined to claim back the cigarette butts she’d found. That man had to be one of the campers, or why take such a risk? Tension released from her muscles, and she tried to hide her escaping sigh.

  “What did you tell them?”

  Carmie placed a finger on her chin, pressed her lips into a thin line, and raised her eyes in thought. “I was about to close up when someone came in, but I didn’t see who they were. I called out and called out, but no one answered. Then I heard a noise and saw the alien. I hid behind the counter and called the police.”

  “Is that it?” Jenny was surprised how little her friend remembered. It was unusual for Carmie not to elaborate her stories, but then she’d been terrified at the time. “Do they think the alien is related to the man dying?”

  “Don’t they still have your Scott locked up?”

  “I’ve not heard from him yet. Surely this new lead means they don’t think he had anything to do with it?”

  “You want to ask that George. He’ll know what’s going on.”

  Jenny’s stomach clenched. She held her hand to her abdomen and willed it to relax. Her feelings of relief were gone. She would have to think carefully about what to do with the piece of evidence she’d found and only part with it if she got some decent information in return.

  She changed the subject. “I had a run-in with Martin again. He’s grabbed me twice in the last few days.”

  Carmie had begun to tidy up the shop but stopped what she was doing and stared directly at Jenny. “What did he want?”

  “The diaries.” Jenny swallowed and closed her eyes for a couple of seconds. “He wanted the diaries.”

  “But there aren’t any. No one found them.”

  “He still thinks there are. He wants me to find them.” Jenny hugged herself. She felt cold in spite of the heating on in the shop. “I don’t know what to do. With that and Scott in trouble, everything feels out of my control.”

  Carmie put down the garments she’d been holding and went to Jenny. She placed a hand on her arm and gave it a squeeze.

  “I’m so sorry,” Carmie said, “he scares me, too. I remember him when he was younger. He never appeared to have a girlfriend. I don’t think he knows how to treat them.”

  “Doesn’t seem like he’s changed much.”

  “It’s very sad for you, too. No man in your life, you must be lonely.”

  Jenny smiled. She glanced at her friend out of the corner of her eye, waiting for her to notice and realise she had some good news, as well.

  Carmie’s eyes narrowed. “What’s that smile for? You got something to say?”

  “I’m meeting someone later, for a drink.”

  “Tell me.”

  “It’s someone from work. He’s an agency driver, but I’ve known him a long time. I think he’s just split from his girlfriend and is looking to move on.”

  Carmie clapped her hands together and then held them under her chin. A grin spread across her face and she giggled. “I’m so happy for you.”

  Their conversation descended into their normal girly chat. Jenny stayed a while and helped her friend get the shop ready for the next day. She had some time to kill anyway, and being with Carmie was lifting her spirits. Together they picked something new for Jenny to wear from the clothes on display, which were of good quality since Carmie had taken over the shop. Jenny was grateful things now appeared better.

  The day’s been a roller coaster of emotions. Let’s hope it ends on a good one.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Jenny lay the dress she’d brought home on the bed. It had seemed a good idea in the shop, but since then she’d changed her mind. The evening was getting colder, and she didn’t want to appear to be trying too hard. Cold, blotchy skin and chattering teeth had never been a good look for her, anyway.

  She pulled on a pair of jeans and a pretty top under her hoodie, telling herself it would have to do. It was more appropriate for walking through the streets, and she’d be able to run if she needed to. Jenny closed the front door behind her, making sure it clicked shut. Striding along the path, she darted her gaze between the parked cars and garden gates. It seemed no one was about. It didn’t take long at this pace to get from her home to the pub, but that didn’t stop her heart hammering away.

  A blast of heat greeted her when she wrestled open the heavy door. It was a relief from the chill that had slipped inside her collar and tingled along her spine. She rubbed her hands together while she surveyed the room. A few of the regulars were already there, Martin being one of them. She traipsed over to the bar, taking care to give him a wide berth on the way. A few of her colleagues had turned up, too. Jenny cringed, wishing they had agreed to meet somewhere else.

  So much for a romantic evening with this lot watching.

  Of the men propping up
the bar, Harvey was the first to speak. “You’re brave venturing out. Meeting someone special?”

  The others, especially Nick and Pete, gave her a knowing grin.

  “Felt like coming out for a drink, nothing wrong with that.” Jenny was annoyed about needing to justify why she was there. It should’ve been presumed to be for the same reason they were, company in the evening, but she had a feeling they knew something they shouldn’t.

  Harvey nodded toward Dave, the pub landlord. “Get the lady a drink, Dave. White wine, is it?”

  “Thank you, yes.” Jenny tugged at her clothing, rearranging the hem of the hoodie. A slight burning sensation crept up her neck and into her face. She didn’t want to look up with everyone’s gaze upon her.

  “I’ll have one, too.”

  The voice came from behind her, and she instantly recognised the measured, velvety tone. Turning around, she was presented with the sight of Les fast approaching and noticed he wasn’t wearing a jacket. She scanned the area by the bar, and saw one hanging off the back of a chair.

  Now it makes sense, he got here first.

  “Pleased to see me?” he teased.

  She lifted her hand and twisted her fingers through her hair. “Maybe.”

  Les smiled and then paid for the drinks. He picked up the glasses and carried them to a table a few feet away, just far enough to gain some privacy.

  Jenny unzipped her hoodie and shrugged it from her shoulders and sat opposite him. She lay it on the chair next to her and glanced back at the others. All of them were watching. She was glad he was the one facing them—she’d find the audience too distracting, although she wasn’t happy there were there in the first place.

  “So, tell me about your day, you were upset earlier.” Les stared into her eyes, giving her his full attention.

  “Oh, it doesn’t matter. I nipped into the charity shop across the road once I got back and had a chat with my friend, Carmie. I feel better now.”

  “Carmie? Do I know her?”

  “Probably not. I wanted to check on her because she’d had a fright on Saturday. She thought an alien had come into her shop, but it was probably just a trick or treater.” Jenny gave a small laugh and turned away. She felt disloyal to the woman for playing down her scare.

  “Must’ve been awful for her. Did she say what this alien looked like?”

  Les seemed quite interested; he didn’t have the dismissiveness Scott did. He sipped his drink while he waited for her to go on, placing it carefully on the table and fingering the stem.

  “Not really, or at least not to me. She couldn’t speak properly at the time, probably suffering from shock.”

  “Do you think it was real?”

  Jenny nodded. “It might’ve been one of the campers. Jason and I found a campsite in the woods, but the police had already cordoned it off. It was Pete who told us about them.”

  Les’ eyes widened. “Campers? Did they see the murder?”

  “No idea, they might even have done it. It’s scary to think there’s a killer on the loose.”

  Les squeezed her hand before taking it in his own. Slowly he entwined his fingers with hers, securing them. He leant over, his face coming so close the warmth of his breath ghosted over her skin. “You poor thing. It must be frightening living on your own.”

  A slapping sound erupted on the bar surface, and Jenny flinched. Clearly, they were all listening and weren’t about to stay out of it.

  “Hey, Les, how’s Nadine these days?” called Pete. “Did you break up or something?”

  “That’s information only for grownups. Ask again when you stop wearing nappies.” Les didn’t seem bothered by the jibe, putting Pete in his place. He turned his attention back to Jenny.

  “Are you still together?” Jenny was curious. He wasn’t behaving like they were, but that didn’t mean much.

  He stared into her eyes. “I haven’t moved out yet, got to find somewhere I can afford. Maybe I’ll move in with you.”

  A nagging in the back of her mind itched away. The answer wasn’t good enough, and even though she liked him, she’d have to find out for sure before taking things further. She wasn’t about to go stepping on Nadine’s toes, even unknowingly.

  The pub door swung open, a gust of cold air blowing in, and she sat back in her chair. She let go of Les’ hand and pulled her arms in against her torso. It was a perfect opportunity to cool things down a bit without appearing to do so. She shivered, her light top not enough to ward off the change in temperature.

  Jenny flicked her gaze to the new arrivals. It was DS George accompanied by Colette. The woman sauntered in as if she were the centre of attention. A superior smirk cut a slice across the bottom of her face, like a slash from a blade with her blood-red lipstick. She was looking well turned out like she always was.

  “Got yourself another date, Colette?” Pete obviously thought he was in fine form, but Nick nudged him, and it had the desired effect. Pete shut up.

  “Hello, Harvey,” she said. “Buy a girl a drink?”

  “Why don’t you ask him?” He nodded towards her companion. “I’m sure he can afford it.”

  George followed Colette to the bar and placed his order, a double vodka with ice and lemon, and an orange juice. He either hadn’t heard the comment or was choosing to ignore it. Once Dave had finished the transaction, George picked up both drinks and led Colette to the far corner. She gave Harvey a parting smile. He seemed like he was trying to not be bothered, but he wasn’t winning that one.

  Jenny watched the encounter, intrigued by how they were all behaving. “What do you think they’re here for?”

  Les shrugged. He didn’t appear all that interested.

  She bit her bottom lip. She had an urge to go over to George’s table and tell him she’d found something in the woods.

  Would it be rude to do it now?

  Convinced the man would want to know sooner rather than later, she excused herself. “I’ll be right back.”

  From where she approached, Jenny could see the date wasn’t a romantic one. George had his notepad open on the table in front of him. It was blocked from everyone’s view by the way he was sitting with his back to them all. She sighed, relieved she wasn’t out of line. He was here on official police business, although it was a strange place to be conducting his interview.

  “Sorry to interrupt, but I need to have a quick word.”

  George looked up at her, jutting his chin out and scowling. “Can’t it wait?”

  “No, not really. I just need to tell you I found something, down at the campsite. I wanted you to have it in case it was important.”

  “What on earth were you doing down there?”

  “I wanted to see if I could help Scott in any way and prove he didn’t do it.”

  “Mr Harris has been helping us with our enquiries. He is no longer being held.”

  “You mean to say he’s at home?” Jenny narrowed her eyes.

  If he’s there, why didn’t he let me know?

  “Has been since last night. Is that all?” he asked.

  “No, the thing I found, when can I give it to you?”

  “I’ll pop by after I’ve finished here. All right?”

  Jenny retreated, leaving him to whatever questioning he was going to do with Colette and returned to her table. She sat, her mind whirling with thoughts of Scott. Why hadn’t he called her? A text message would’ve done. She sighed. Maybe she wasn’t important in his life after all.

  “You okay?” Les slid his hand across the table and wrapped it around her own.

  “I think I’d like to go home. Sorry.”

  “I’ll walk you.” He stood and picked up his coat.

  She noticed how eager he seemed to be to go with her, but she was no longer feeling sociable. Jenny glanced at the others. There was something not right. The atmosphere had completely changed, all except for Martin who remained the same and stared at her.

  “No,” she said, “you stay here with the boys, I’d l
ike to be alone. George is popping by later anyway.”

  “Give me a call and let me know you’re home.” Les recited his phone number for her to type into her phone.

  She did it just to please him so she could leave quicker. She pulled on her hoodie and zipped it up. “I’ll see you at work.”

  On the walk back, all Jenny could think of was Scott. So much for begging for her help. Maybe it was time she cut him loose and remove the drama from her life. The sudden shrill tone from her mobile phone jogged her from her thoughts. She removed it from her pocket, and a wave of guilt washed over her. It was Scott. She knew she should answer it, but bitterness at being left hanging ate into her. Her emotions were in turmoil. Maybe letting him go was the right thing to do. Jenny cancelled the call and turned her phone off. She’d had enough.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Harvey watched Les saunter to the bar to join them. It looked like he’d struck out with Jenny, but that wouldn’t matter. He was sure he was still with Nadine. They’d been together so long it was hard to imagine their breakup being genuine. The man fielded the ribbing he got from the others with ease.

  “Why so glum?” Les asked.

  Harvey flicked his attention over to the far table. “Colette’s up to something, I just know it.”

  “Yeah,” Pete said, “getting another free drink. Hope he’s got his credit card on him.” He laughed at his own joke, but no one else did.

  “I bet she’s telling him about my knife.” Harvey shifted his weight on the stool he was sitting on.

  “What knife’s that?” Les glanced over to the table. It clearly seemed like he was missing something.

  “Someone stole one of Harvey’s knives from his house,” Pete piped up.

  Les’ eyes widened. “You got a collection? Can I see?”

  “Later. I want to know what she’s up to first.” Harvey raised his glass and supped at his pint. He could ask her afterwards, but he knew it would cost him to do so. The woman always had an angle she was working.