by Sally Rigby
As soon as Seb moved into Rendall Hall, four weeks ago, Sarah immediately left for South America and was currently exploring in Machu Picchu. Her twin sons didn’t mind him being there and had visited him once, so far, and they’d talked. Despite their shock at finding out what their father had done, they’d pumped Seb for as much information as they could regarding the case and what was going to happen when it reached court.
Sarah had kept in touch regularly, asking for an update on how everything was going. Rendall Hall, her home, was large, and Seb mainly confined himself to the kitchen and the drawing room. He’d also taken over the study, which was a lovely room with a beautiful outlook and a perfect place to work.
‘Oh, here you are.’ Birdie’s voice interrupted his thoughts, and he glanced up to see her standing beside the table, smiling, a drink in her hand.
He glanced at his watch. ‘Not bad. You’re only fifteen minutes late.’
‘I knew you’d be impressed. I tried extra hard to be here at a reasonable time. It’s great to see you.’ She placed her drink on the table and walked around to where he sat, giving him a tight hug. Birdie didn’t do handshakes. She then sat opposite him. ‘I’m glad to see you dressed for the occasion.’
‘What do you mean?’ he said, frowning.
‘Don’t you possess any jeans, or T-shirts, or sweatshirts? I thought you were always so smart when you were here before because you’d brought no casual clothes with you, as you weren’t expecting to stay long. What’s your excuse now, when I assume you have most of your wardrobe with you?’
He had on a pair of trousers and an open-necked shirt. It seemed casual enough to him.
‘I have jeans,’ he said, realising that his voice sounding a little defensive. ‘I wear them when taking Elsa for a walk, but not for going out in the evening.’
‘You know I’m only joking, don’t you? You look fine.’ She smirked. ‘You’re so easy to wind up.’
‘Only by you.’ He picked up his pint and took a swallow.
‘That’s because you usually hang out with the oldies and not young people like me.’
‘I’d like to remind you there’s only twelve years between us, and yet you talk like I’ve got one foot in the grave.’
‘I’m mid-twenties and you’re knocking on forty … work it out for yourself. For me it’s having a good time and for you it’s cocoa, slippers and a good book in front of the fire.’
He wouldn’t mention that she’d almost got it right, or he’d never live it down.
‘From your perspective, twenty-six is mid-twenties, yet thirty-eight is knocking on forty. How did you work that out? And I take exception to the cocoa and slippers. The rest I can live with.’
‘So easy … So easy.’ She leant forward and gave him a playful punch on the arm.
‘Why don’t you tell me what’s been happening in your life since we last saw each other.’
‘Not a lot, really. Cricket’s going well and we won our last two matches. Thanks to me making a century both times. You should’ve seen me. I was on fire.’ She gave a pretend cricket swing in mid-air.
‘Tell me when your next match is, and I’ll come and watch.’
‘Two weeks on Sunday, we’re playing at the leisure centre on the A508.’
‘I’ll be there. Are you any further with the hunt for your birth mother?’
The smile on her face disappeared. Should he not have asked?
‘No. The Adoption Contact Register wouldn’t even tell me the date she got in touch with them to say she wasn’t to be contacted. I’ve decided not to rush it and will keep digging away when I can. Work’s crazy busy because Rambo’s broken his leg, so we’re getting loads of overtime, hence why Sarge wouldn’t let me reopen Lacey’s case.’ She shook her head, clearly frustrated. ‘Now it’s your turn. Tell me everything, including the real reason you haven’t been in touch with me, considering you’ve been here for a month already.’
The real reason. He wasn’t sure himself, although he had suspicions.
‘The time got away with me. I’ve been working hard on Rob’s investigation.’
‘Lame excuse,’ Birdie said, rolling her eyes. ‘Do you want to know what I think?’
‘I’m assuming that’s a rhetorical question because you’re going to tell me whatever I say.’ He sat back in his chair and waited for her response.
‘I’ll say one thing for you. You’re a quick learner.’ She took a sip of her drink. ‘You didn’t tell me you’d moved up here because you were worried that I’d try to force you into letting me help with your PI work and you like to work alone. Am I right? Or am I right?’
She was right.
‘It didn’t work, though, did it? As you contacted me with a case for us to consider despite not even knowing I was here.’
‘Touché,’ she said. ‘Anyway, before we discuss Lacey, tell me more about what you’re doing for Rob. Is it secret government stuff? I promise not to blab.’
‘It wouldn’t be secret then, would it?’ he said, laughing. ‘I’ve already told you, it’s research, and very similar to the work I was doing before my squad got disbanded, except I don’t go out anywhere. There’s nothing else to say about it.’
‘Sounds really boring,’ she said, doing a fake yawn and patting her mouth.
‘It’s not too bad.’
‘Really?’
‘Okay, it’s boring. But it’s Clifford Investigation Services’ first paid job and I need the money.’
‘Since when was that an issue for you?’
‘Contrary to what you believe, I can’t live on fresh air, and the supermarket doesn’t take IOUs.’
‘You’ll need to keep working for Rob while helping me on this case, then. There’s no payment.’
She was acting as if he’d already agreed to help. Was she right? Or was he going to turn her down? A moot point. Not only could he not see himself turning her down, because if it was something she was concerned about he trusted that it needed investigating, but he was itching to do something more exciting.
‘Tell me more about it.’
‘As you know, the investigation went nowhere. It came to a dead end, other than a few creeps who came forward, as they usually do, claiming that she was theirs. But we soon sifted them out.’
‘How did you do that?’ He leant forward slightly.
‘By not revealing everything. When Lacey was found she had a cardboard sign hanging around her neck with the words, Speak No Evil written on it in felt-tip pen. We deliberately kept it hidden from the media so we could flush out anyone who pretended to know her.’
He nodded slowly. ‘That’s interesting. Do you know where the saying comes from?’
‘I’d assumed the Bible. Is that wrong?’
‘It’s a common assumption to make but, yes, it is incorrect.’
‘And I’m guessing you know the truth.’
‘Originally it was a Japanese saying, and it was part of see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. It meant that a person should avoid anything evil. In the West, it’s been given a different interpretation. It means turning a blind eye to something that’s legally or morally wrong. See what I’m getting at?’
‘You think Lacey might have witnessed something that’s legally and morally wrong? And the sign was a reminder for her to ignore it?’
‘It’s a possibility. Although the person who placed the sign around her neck might have believed it had a religious connotation and that Lacey shouldn’t do anything bad. Whatever the interpretation, it’s certainly important to consider.’
‘Lacey’s silent for much of the time, could that be related?’
‘Do you mean now, after what she witnessed, or has she always been like that?’
‘She’s quiet but since the incident even more so.’
‘Is she still affected by it?’
‘She’s calmed down a lot, but she’s not totally back to how she was. Anyone who doesn’t know her might not tell there’s any difference because
she’s always so quiet and seldom speaks. But I can, even though she doesn’t articulate her feelings.’
He shook his head. ‘The poor child.’
‘So, now you know why I need your help. We worked well together last time. This will be no different. Trust me.’
It certainly wouldn’t be boring, that was one thing he was sure of.
‘I’d like to meet Lacey before making my decision. Is that possible?’
‘Yes, but it’s too late now because she’ll be in bed. Plus, we haven’t eaten yet. How about we go around to my aunt’s house tomorrow? I finish work at five and will go straight there. I’ll give you the address and you can come around a bit later, at six, to give me time to talk to Lacey and prepare her. Is that okay?’
‘Perfect. And now I’m going to do my mind-reading act.’ He picked up the menu and stared at it. ‘Medium rare steak and chips, hold the salad for you.’
‘Got it in one,’ she said, her lips turning up into an enormous smile.
Chapter 6
Birdie sat next to Lacey and took hold of her tiny hand. ‘I’d like to talk to you about something, is that okay?’
‘Yes,’ the little girl answered, her voice so quiet Birdie had to strain to hear.
‘A friend of mine is coming round soon, and he’d like to meet you.’ Birdie looked into the pale blue saucer-shaped eyes which seemed far too large for Lacey’s tiny face. ‘His name is Seb, and he’s a kind man. I’m going to be with you all the time. You can sit next to me while he’s here. Is that all right with you?’
‘Yes.’
‘I have to warn you he’s very tall, and you might not have seen anyone so big before. But you remember the book we’ve read about the Big Friendly Giant?’ Lacey nodded. ‘Well, he’s like that and he’s also very kind, too. I’ve told him what a lovely little girl you are, and that’s why he asked to meet you.’
Lacey gave a tentative smile and looked over at Catherine, who was smiling back at her. When Birdie had first mentioned to her aunt about Seb coming over, so they could look into Lacey’s background again, she hadn’t been sure in case it turned out to be detrimental. Birdie had convinced her they wouldn’t do anything to harm Lacey, they only had her interests at heart.
‘Do you need the toilet before Mr Clifford arrives?’ Auntie Catherine asked Lacey.
The girl nodded, jumped off the sofa and ran out of the room, heading towards the downstairs cloakroom.
‘Don’t worry, Auntie Catherine,’ Birdie said, witnessing the look of anguish on her face.
‘I hope we’re doing the right thing.’
‘We are. You saw how Lacey was on Saturday when she was shocked by whatever she’d seen. How’s she ever going to move forward in life with this hanging over her? Part of that means trying to discover where she came from.’
‘You’re right.’
‘Seb’s a good guy but I must warn you, he’s not like us.’ She hadn’t intended telling her aunt too much about him in advance in case it put her off letting him come round to meet Lacey.
‘What do you mean he’s not like us?’ she asked, frowning.
‘Several reasons. First, he’s an aristocrat. His father’s a viscount. So he speaks really posh.’
‘And you’ve only just told me this now? For goodness’ sake, Birdie. What’s he going to think when I give him a cup of tea in one of our mugs? I know they’re china, but they’re only ordinary. I should’ve got out the best cups and saucers but it’s too late now because it will all need washing. It hasn’t been used in ages. I don’t believe it. He—’
‘Don’t be daft, Auntie,’ Birdie said, interrupting, before her aunt got herself into a state. ‘He’s not going to expect special treatment. He used to be a police officer, remember, so you don’t have to be on your best behaviour or act any different from how you always do.’
Her aunt expelled a breath. ‘Okay, I feel a little better now. You said several reasons. What else haven’t you told me?’
‘This will blow your mind. He’s got this weird memory thing going on. He remembers every single thing he’s ever seen, and everything that’s ever happened to him in the whole of his life. It’s ridiculous.’
‘Like a photographic memory.’
‘No, that’s what people think. Me too, until he explained it. It’s HSAM, which stands for highly superior something or other. You probably won’t see it in action while he’s here, but I thought I’d tell you because it makes him special and very interesting.’
‘You’re clearly very fond of him.’ Her aunt tilted her head to one side, a tiny smile on her lips.
‘Yes, but not in that way, if that’s what you mean. He’s so different from anyone else I’ve worked with. And, knowing Seb, he’d say the same about me, too. We made an excellent team the last time, and I’m sure we will again.’
‘I’m looking forward to meeting him but if I’m not convinced he’s going to help, then we’re not going through with it.’
‘I get it. After you’ve met him, if you don’t want us to investigate, then we won’t. Having said that, I know you’ll like him. You’ll see that between us we’ll do our best and won’t do anything to upset Lacey.’
‘Are you planning to interview her?’
‘No. It wouldn’t be fair to her. There’s no need …’
She stopped mid-sentence as Lacey ran back into the lounge.
‘Okay, love?’ Catherine said. ‘Sit yourself down next to Birdie. Mr Clifford will be here in five minutes.’
At six on the dot the doorbell rang.
‘A man after my own heart who realises the importance of punctuality, I’m liking him already,’ her aunt said, staring directly at her.
Like Birdie’s parents, her Auntie Catherine had that mad gotta be on time vibe going on. Hardly surprising as she was Birdie’s mum’s sister and their parents had been the same. It was certainly a trait that travelled down the generations.
‘You’ll be pleased to know that he’s nothing like me in that respect and is always on time, if not early.’ She turned to Lacey who was sitting ramrod straight next to her, hands tightly clutched together in her lap. ‘I’m going to let Seb in now. You stay here with Auntie Catherine, and don’t worry. Remember what I told you. He’s very nice. Okay?’
‘Yes,’ she said.
Birdie left the room and opened the front door. Seb was standing on the doorstep, peering down at her. ‘Come in. Before we go into the lounge, I want to warn you that Lacey’s a little worried. Auntie Catherine as well. But I’ve told them you’re a nice person, despite some of your strange little ways.’
‘My what?’
‘Only joking. Let’s go inside.’ She led him into the lounge and closed the door behind them. ‘Lacey, Auntie Catherine, this is my friend Sebastian Clifford. Known as Seb.’
Seb took a single step towards Lacey so he was at least ten feet away from her. Birdie approved. He clearly realised getting too close would scare her.
‘Hello, Lacey, it’s very nice to meet you.’ He turned immediately to her aunt. ‘Nice to meet you, too, Mrs Cooper.’ He held out a hand and her aunt stood and shook it.
‘Please, call me Catherine. Take a seat.’ She gestured to the other easy chair beside the sofa, where Birdie and Lacey were sitting.
‘Thank you.’ He smiled at Catherine and Birdie could see her immediately relax. Seb had that way about him. Not only was he a good-looking man, but he had a disarming way about him which seemed to put people at their ease. Unless you were Twiggy. But he hadn’t got to know Seb properly.
‘Birdie tells me you’re living in Harborough. Where about?’ Catherine asked.
‘I’m staying on the outskirts of East Farndon in a house belonging to my cousin while she’s travelling overseas. She’s currently in South America. I don’t know where she’s planning to go next.’
‘I’ve always wanted to travel, but life got in the way, and we never got around to it. Maybe when we retire, we will. I’ve heard parts of South
America are breathtaking. Have you been?’
‘Yes, in my gap year I travelled there and also to Asia and the Pacific Islands. I loved it.’
‘I didn’t know you’d gone to all those places,’ Birdie said. ‘Then again, you don’t know everything about me. Which is probably good, isn’t it?’
Birdie glanced down at Lacey who was sitting as still as a statue, and she took hold of her hand. ‘Maybe we should go travelling overseas together when you’re older. What do you think? We’d have a great time exploring and visiting all those historic places.’
Lacey nodded.
‘Who’d like some tea?’ Catherine said.
‘That would be lovely, thank you,’ Seb replied.
‘Would you like to help me get everything ready, Lacey? I can’t manage it all on my own.’
‘Okay,’ Lacey said, following Birdie’s aunt out of the room.
‘What do you think?’ Birdie said to Seb once she’d heard them in the kitchen and knew they were out of earshot.
‘She’s obviously wary of what’s going on around her. My niece and nephew couldn’t be more different. But, that aside, she has a dignity about her. I could tell by the way she looked at you and your aunt for reassurance that she trusts you both. I understand now, having met her, why you’re determined to discover what upset her so much the other day. I also agree that it’s important to find out her history because then you can assist in her moving past whatever happened and develop to her full potential.’
Birdie nodded in agreement. He’d got it in one. Not that she’d doubted he would for a second.
‘Does that mean you’re agreeing to help?’
‘It looks like it,’ he said shrugging.
She refrained from punching the air, as they had to get Catherine’s approval first.
‘That’s fantastic, now all we need is my aunt’s consent. Let’s hope you passed the test.’
‘Test?’
‘Yeah, you didn’t think it was all one way, and you had the final decision, did you? If Auntie Catherine objects, then it’s a no go.’
‘I can live with that,’ he said, smiling. ‘Will I hear the verdict today, or do I have to wait?’