Whoops! We're In Big Trouble Now
Page 18
“I bet you’re missing Dougal Andrews, though?”
“Like a hole in the head. Have you heard how The Bugle is doing?”
“Not a word. Actually, Dougal is the reason I wanted to talk to you.”
“Oh?”
“I’ve read the feature you filed earlier today on the ticket touts. It’s excellent.”
“Thanks.”
“Any idea what you’ll be working on next?”
“Not really. I’ll give it some thought over the weekend.”
“You do realise you have absolutely free rein to cover anything that takes your fancy?”
“Yes, that’s one of the main things that attracted me to this job.”
“I really do mean that. Anything, no matter how outrageous.”
“I get the feeling you have something in particular in mind.”
“That’s why I mentioned Dougal. I don’t know why, but this morning, I remembered something he once told me. He said that you were a bit of a paranormal nut.”
“He said what?”
“If that’s really something that you’re interested in, I wanted you to know I wouldn’t have any objection to you doing a feature on the subject. As long as it was objective, obviously.”
“I have absolutely no interest in the paranormal. Zero. Zilch!”
“Oh?”
“Dougal was talking out of his backside as per usual.”
“I suppose I should have realised. So, it’s not something you’d be interested in covering?”
“Definitely not. The whole idea that paranormal creatures are a real thing is ludicrous.”
***
“I can’t remember the last time it was just the three of us in here in the evening,” Neil said.
“That’s because you’ve always got creepy Kim over here.” Dorothy took a drink of blood.
“That’s rich coming from the woman with a bottle of blood in her hand. And anyway, Kim doesn’t come over here any more often than Parrot Man.”
“Call him that again.” She made a fist. “Go on, I just dare you.”
“Donny practically lives here.”
“He would be living here if you didn’t keep vetoing the idea.”
“Why should he move in if Kim can’t?”
“I’ve been going out with Donny longer than you’ve been with Kim.”
“That’s not true. I dated Kim first.”
“Guys! Guys!” Charlie raised his hand. “Do we have to keep having this same argument? It’s obvious neither of you is going to back down.”
“Why don’t you move out, Dorothy?” Neil said. “Go and shack up with Parrot—err—Donny some place?”
“I intend to, but not until the business is established. Why don’t you and Kim get somewhere else?”
“We’re saving up, but it’ll be a while before we can afford anywhere decent.”
“In that case,” Charlie said. “We’d better get cracking and find someone else to move in. It’s been months since Susan left.”
“The sooner the better.” Dorothy nodded. “Splitting the rent only three ways is costing me an arm and a leg.”
Just then, there was a knock at the door, but before anyone could get up, in walked their landlord, Redman.
“Well, well, well.” He walked over to the living area. “If it isn’t my favourite three tenants. The ones who never pay their rent on time.”
“I can explain—” Neil began.
“Save your breath. I’ve heard it all before. In fact, it only seems like yesterday that I was having this same conversation with you. This time, when Susan left, I was foolish enough to think that you’d learn from your previous mistakes.”
“We have,” Charlie said. “Look around. The flat’s clean and tidy.”
“That much, I’ll grant you. She did at least instil some good habits into you three.”
“What’s wrong, then?” Dorothy said.
“What’s wrong is that here we are again, three months after Susan left, and there’s no sign of you bringing in another tenant.”
“We’re on it.”
“No, you’re not. You haven’t even advertised yet, have you?”
“We’ll do it this weekend.”
“There’s no need. After the performance we had last time, I’ve taken matters into my own hands. Again.”
“No! We’ll find someone, I promise,” Dorothy said.
“Too late. Your new flatmate is standing outside. And don’t worry, it’s someone you already know.” Redman started back towards the door.
The three flatmates looked at one another.
“Who is it?” Neil mouthed.
The others shrugged.
“Come in.” Redman held the door open.
“Hi, guys. I lost my flat last week. I knew it was a longshot, but I thought I’d check if Susan’s room was still vacant. I couldn’t believe my luck when I contacted your landlord and discovered it was.”
None of them spoke. Instead, the three flatmates all stared in disbelief.
At Greg.
ALSO FROM ADELE ABBOTT
If you’ve enjoyed the Susan Hall Investigates books, then be sure to check out Adele Abbott’s long running series:
The Witch P.I. Mysteries
Set in the same world (Washbridge/Candlefield) as the Susan Hall Investigates series, the books follow the adventures of Jill Gooder (P.I. and witch extraordinaire). If mystery, magic and laughter is your thing, then you’re probably going to love them.
Book #1 - Witch Is When It All Began
Web Site: http:www.AdeleAbbott.com
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