Beryl fanned her face with her hand and gave them a weak smile. “I don’t know what came over me then. I felt all dizzy. I felt like I was going to fall.” Her brow furrowed. “Why am I feeling like that? I thought I wouldn’t feel anything, with me being dead and all.”
Pearl patted her arm. “It’s your memories, they linger sometimes. Can you tell us about your death? You’ve just experienced a falling sensation, that could be relevant to your death.”
Beryl’s brow wrinkled even more. “I … I was out somewhere.” She looked down at her coat. “I must have been on a day out. This is the coat I usually wear on my trips. You never know what the weather is going to be like. I always take a waterproof coat with me.”
Derek returned to his seat on the sofa. Pearl sat at his side. Derek said to Beryl, “Can you remember where you were on your day out?”
Beryl thought for a moment. “I think it was the seaside. But where? And who was I with?” She rubbed her forehead. “I don’t feel at all well. What’s happening to me? Are you two doing something to me?”
Pearl turned to Derek and said, “This could take forever. Get your laptop out and let’s see what we can find out about Beryl Sherburn.”
“Will do.” Derek reached towards a table at the side of the sofa and picked up his laptop. He opened it and switched it on. He gave Beryl a kind smile and said, “Would you mind giving me your date of birth? It would help with my search. And can you tell me where you lived? Thank you.”
Beryl grudgingly gave him the relevant information.
Derek tapped away on his laptop. After a moment he looked up at Beryl and said, “I’ve found out where, and when, you died.”
Beryl’s lips tightened for a moment. Then she said, “I don’t think I want to know.”
Pearl said, “You have to know. You’ve come here to ask for our help for a reason. Derek, tell her what you’ve found.”
“Beryl, you died on Tuesday, 9th September, 2014. You were on a trip to Whitby and you fell down the steps that lead up to the abbey.”
“Did I? That’s strange. I never go up those steps when I go to Whitby. There are 199 of them. Why would I be walking up them?” She stopped and gave Derek a closer look. “What aren’t you telling me?”
Derek said, “It says here that you were drunk.”
“Drunk!” Beryl exploded. “Drunk! That’s a lie!”
Derek said softly, “We can smell the drink on you now.”
Chapter 2
Beryl leapt to her feet in outrage. She wobbled and then fell back into the chair. “It’s a lie! A rotten lie! Are you sure you’re reading about me? Have you got me mixed up with someone else?”
Derek turned the laptop to face her. There was a photograph of Beryl next to her obituary.
Beryl shook her head. “But that can’t be right. I never drink. I might have a small sherry at Christmas but I’d never drink on a Tuesday in the middle of Whitby!”
Pearl spoke, “This is good information. It shows us that something unusual happened to you that day. Tell me more about the steps that you fell down. Beryl, close your eyes and picture those steps. You might remember why you were going up them. Or down them.”
Beryl muttered to herself for a moment but then closed her eyes. Derek and Pearl watched her. Fear crossed Beryl’s face and her eyes opened. “Someone pushed me! They actually pushed me on purpose! I was near the top of the steps. My knees were hurting and I was gasping for breath.” She frowned as she relived the incident. “I saw a friendly face. I think they put their hand out to help me up the last few steps. But they didn’t take my hand. They pushed me right here.” Her hand touched her chest. “Why? Why would they push me?”
Derek explained carefully, “Beryl, it looks like someone killed you. Ghosts appear to me and Pearl when they’ve been murdered. We find out who killed them.”
Beryl shook her head. “No! That can’t be right. Who would want to murder me? I’m a lovely person. You’ll be asking me next if I’ve got any enemies!” She jabbed a finger in Derek’s direction. “If I died over a year ago then why am I appearing to you now? Why didn’t I appear to you last year? It doesn’t make any sense.”
Derek said, “It’s your anniversary tomorrow. Perhaps someone else is in danger. The killer got away with murder and now they may try to kill again. Beryl, you said you were on a trip to Whitby. Who was with you?”
“The over sixties club. It’s a social club that I organised. We go on theatre trips, meals out and on day trips. When my hubby died a few years ago I was going mad staying in all the time so I set up a club. I sort everything out. I know the best places to go.” She gave Derek a pointed look. “Do you get out often? Or do you shut yourself up indoors with only ghosts for company?”
“You mind your own business!” Pearl shot out. “We’re not talking about Derek, we’re talking about you!”
Derek gave Pearl a small smile. She was so protective of him. It was a nice feeling. He turned his attention back to Beryl. “How many of you went to Whitby? Do you have a list somewhere?”
“I could try and remember but I’m not sure I’ll remember everyone. Do you think someone on the trip killed me?”
“It’s a possibility. You mentioned seeing a friendly face at the top of the steps. Can you see the face at all?” Derek asked with a hint of hope in his voice.
Beryl shook her head. “I can feel the friendliness but the actual face is in the shadows. I can’t even tell if it’s male or female.”
Derek looked back at his computer and said, “Do you have a website for your social club?” Beryl told him that she did and she gave him the website address. Derek tapped away and then looked back at her. “It seems that your club is going on another trip to Whitby tomorrow.”
Pearl nodded wisely. “That’s why you’ve appeared to us now. Someone on that trip is probably the murderer. They could be ready to strike again. Derek, you have to get yourself on that trip.”
“I’m already ahead of you.” Derek tapped away and then sighed. “Looks like it’s all booked up.”
Beryl tutted. “What are you going to do now?”
“Let me think. The club is using Marilyn’s Coaches for transport. Have you used them before?” Derek asked.
“Yes, we always use them. I’ve known Marilyn for years, she gives us a good discount.”
“She’ll likely have a list of the people who are going on the trip. And she might have a list of people who went last year. All I have to do is find out who’s on both lists and take it from there.” Derek smiled at Beryl in what he hoped was a confident way.
Pearl chuckled. “That’ll be easy, Derek, love. You can charm this Marilyn woman, she’ll be putty in your hands in no time!”
Beryl’s eyes narrowed. “Why are you talking to him like that? What’s going on with you two?”
Pearl snapped, “None of your business! I’ve already told you that once.”
Beryl folded her arms. “Whatever’s going on between you two isn’t right. I’m just giving my opinion.”
Pearl jabbed a finger towards Beryl. “You can shove your opinion …”
Derek interrupted. “Right. Let’s get ourselves to Marilyn’s Coaches. They’ve got an office in town.” He switched his laptop off and returned it to the side table. He stood up and rubbed his hands together. “Beryl, I’m sure we’ll soon find out who killed you.”
Pearl stood and added, “Then you can bugger off and leave me and Derek alone.”
Chapter 3
A short while later, Derek stood inside the little building that housed the headquarters of Marilyn’s Coaches. A friendly-faced woman waved at him from behind a desk as she spoke on the phone. She put her hand over the receiver and said, “I won’t be long.”
Derek gave her a quick nod and a smile. He looked around at the posters that lined the walls. Marilyn’s Coaches certainly got around. He’d passed this building many times but had never thought to come in and book an excursion. Perhaps he should. He kne
w he needed to get out more. He glanced over at Pearl. Would she come with him on a trip? He chuckled quietly to himself. Would he have to pay for a seat for her?
Beryl was standing next to Pearl and pointing to the various posters. “We’ve been to this market, it was rubbish. We went to that shopping centre but they charged to use their toilets! Can you believe that? It cost us a small fortune by the end of the day. I sent the manager of that centre a strongly worded letter, I can tell you!”
“I bet you did,” Pearl answered. “Who’s that woman behind the counter?”
“That’s Marilyn. I was one of her best customers. She was always overjoyed to do business with me.” Beryl sighed dramatically. “I’ll have left a huge hole in her life when I passed on.”
Derek listened to their conversation. He turned his back on Marilyn and whispered, “Does Marilyn drive the coaches? Did she drive the one that you were on last year?”
Beryl shook her head. “No, she doesn’t drive. She organises. Like me. That’s what we women do best. Leave the dull work to the men. I think it was Marilyn’s husband who drove us last year. Useless lump that he is. I had to keep giving him directions. And he’s a miserable old sod, never cracks a smile.”
“Maybe he’s like that when you’re around,” Pearl muttered.
“Pardon?” Beryl snapped.
Marilyn called over to Derek, “Hello! Sorry for keeping you.” Derek turned around and smiled at her. Marilyn continued, “I had to take a booking for one of our overseas trips. They’re so popular. Not that I’m complaining! It’s all good business. What can I help you with?”
Derek took a step forward. He wondered how he was going to ask Marilyn to show him her private records. He began with, “I saw that you’re going to Whitby tomorrow …”
Marilyn held up a hand. “If you’re looking for a seat then I’m sorry to disappoint you, there aren’t any seats left. But we’re going to Scarborough the week after, I could book you on that.”
Derek heard the door opening behind him. He jumped slightly as Beryl let out a growl. He didn’t know women could make noises like that. He turned his head to look at who had entered the building. He blinked. Two women had come in. They were both dressed in tweed skirts, jumpers and light-coloured waterproof jackets. One was in her sixties and the other one appeared to be in her thirties. They paused as they stood at Beryl’s side.
Pearl let out a laugh. “Look at these three! They look like Russian dolls going down in size! Even their handbags go down in size.”
Derek mentally agreed with Pearl. The two women looked like smaller, and younger, versions of Beryl. Were these her sisters?
Beryl glowered at the women and hissed, “What are you two doing here? As if I couldn’t guess!”
Marilyn said, “Hello, Pam, and hello, Felicity. We were just talking about the trip that you’ve organised for Whitby. This gentleman here was asking about it but I told him you were booked up.”
The older woman, Pam, stepped forward. She gave Derek a once-over and then smiled at him. “You’re in luck. One of our passengers can’t make it. You can have her seat.”
“Really? Thank you. Are you sure?” Derek asked.
“She doesn’t need it. She died yesterday.” Pam took out a clipboard from her handbag. “I need your name, address and a contact number. You can pay me now or tomorrow.” Her eyes crinkled as she smiled at him again. “We’ll provide you with a packed lunch. You’ll have a great time with us.”
Pearl marched to Derek’s side and folded her arms tightly. She said to Derek, “I don’t think you should go on the trip, Derek, love. I don’t like how this female is looking at you.”
Beryl came to Derek’s other side. “I wouldn’t trust Pamela Carter as far as I could throw her.” She gave a sniff of disapproval. “And I wouldn’t be able to throw her very far, she’s really piled the pounds on.”
Derek could only smile at Pam. It was hard to concentrate with Pearl and Beryl grumbling at his side.
Pam asked for Derek’s details again. He gave them to her. Pam gave him a card with her telephone number on. “In case you need me for anything.” She actually fluttered her thin eyelashes at him. “We will see you bright and early tomorrow morning. Bring a waterproof jacket, you never know what the weather is going to be like! Perhaps you can sit next to me, Derek.”
The younger woman stepped forward. Derek had forgotten she was there. The woman said, “Mum! I thought I was sitting next to you! You promised.”
A look of confusion passed over Pam’s face. “Oh, yes, sorry Felicity. Of course we’re sitting together.” She gave Derek a bright smile. “This is my daughter, Felicity. I know what you’re thinking! I don’t look old enough to have a grown-up daughter!” A tinkle of laughter followed.
Pearl said dryly, “You look old enough to be her grandmother.”
Pam put her hand on Derek’s arm and steered him towards the door. “We will see you tomorrow. I’m so looking forward to it! I hope we will have the opportunity to get to know each other a bit better. We can get you registered for our over sixties club too!” She opened the door and Derek stepped out. Pam smiled and wiggled her fingers in goodbye as she gently closed the door.
Derek stood still and listened to Pearl’s strong opinions about Pam. Beryl was standing at Pearl’s side with a funny look on her face. Once Pearl had run out of steam, Derek quietly said, “Beryl, what’s wrong?”
Beryl nodded her head towards the closed door. “I think that Pam, or Felicity, could have something to do with my murder.” She started to sway from side to side. Her hand flew to her forehead. “I don’t feel at all well! What’s happening to me?”
Chapter 4
“Sorry for disappearing so abruptly yesterday, Derek, love. Beryl was getting all agitated. I had to take her somewhere quiet.”
Derek smiled her way and said, “I understand.” His phone was in his hand and he was pretending to be on a call. It was the only way he could speak to Pearl when there were other people around. And there were certainly plenty of people around this morning as he stood outside the town hall waiting for the coach to Whitby.
Pearl looked around. “I can’t see many men here. I don’t like how those women are looking at you. They’re sizing you up like a piece of meat.”
“Are they?” Derek said into his phone. He hadn’t even noticed. He’d been eagerly looking for Pearl all morning. He was relieved when she’d appeared at his side a minute ago. He lowered his voice and said, “How’s Beryl now? Is she coming with us?”
Pearl nodded. “She’ll be here. She said she wouldn’t miss this trip for anything. She couldn’t tell me anything else about her death. She couldn’t remember what Pam and Felicity have to do with it. She doesn’t like that Pam at all!”
“So I gathered. Why is Felicity coming on the trip? She’s not over sixty.”
“I asked her that. All she could tell me is that she felt sorry for Felicity. The poor girl hasn’t got a social life of her own and Beryl didn’t mind her coming on the trips.” She nodded towards the end of the road. “Looks like the coach is here. Has Pam spoken to you this morning? Has she touched you in an improper manner?”
Derek laughed. “She’s spoken to me, that’s all. She checked me off her list. She approved of what I was wearing.” He tugged on his waterproof jacket. “I don’t think it’s going to rain, but you never know.”
Pearl’s eyes twinkled. “You always look so handsome. You watch yourself today.”
The coach pulled up in front of them. The doors opened and the engine was switched off. Pam walked over and called out, “One at a time! No pushing!”
Pearl looked over to Pam and sniffed. “She’s wearing the same thing as yesterday. And her daughter’s stuck to her side like a shadow.”
Derek put his phone away and stood to one side as various women clad in various waterproof coats climbed on to the coach. Many of them asked Derek to lend them a hand as they climbed up the three steps. He politely held his hand
out and did so. He tried not to smile as he heard Pearl telling them in no uncertain terms to get their hands off him.
Pam and Felicity stood near the open door. Each had a clipboard in their hands. Pam called out a name as a person climbed aboard. Felicity repeated the name and then wrote on her clipboard. Neither of them smiled as this serious endeavour took place.
As the last woman climbed aboard Pam let out a series of loud tuts and declared, “There’s always one! I knew it would be Theresa.” She looked at her watch. “She knew what time we were setting off. I told her three times.”
Felicity looked at her watch too. “Mum, we’d better go. We’re already one minute behind schedule.”
“What’s the hold up?” the driver called out. Derek looked closer at the man. He was of slight build with a surly look on his face. Hadn’t Beryl mentioned something about Marilyn’s husband driving the coach? The driver continued, “If we hit the rush hour we won’t get there in time. I’ve told you this before. You know the rules.”
“Yes, Howard. I’m well aware of the rules.” Pam tapped her watch and said firmly, “We’ll go now.”
Derek heard a call from down the road. He saw a small woman running towards them and waving an umbrella in the air. Derek pointed towards her and said, “Is that Theresa?”
Felicity was already climbing on to the coach. Pam looked at the running woman and said, “Yes, that’s her. It’s too late now. Howard, start the coach.”
There was a roar as the coach started up.
Derek looked back at the running woman. She was now bent over and wheezing. Derek turned on his heel and ran towards her. When he reached her he cupped his hand under her elbow and said, “Are you running for the coach?”
Theresa looked up and nodded, unable to speak. Derek took the large bag that she was carrying and said, “Let me give you a hand.”
Theresa gave him a grateful smile and managed to gasp out a thank you.
Derek was the recipient of various glares as he helped Theresa on to the coach. Pam and Felicity gave both of them a cold look and pointedly looked at their watches. Howard muttered under his breath about rush hour traffic. The other passengers tutted and grumbled as Derek followed Theresa down the aisle of the coach. Derek jolted as the coach set off.
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