Lois Meade 14 - Suspicion at Seven

by Ann Purser

  “Not entirely right,” Aurora said, taking another tissue. “He might have got off lightly and then he’d be back. I had never trusted him, and had no reason to trust him in the future. When I went to the Mill toilet that day we’d had a walk, he was standing in the yard looking down into the water. He shouldn’t have been so close, but workmen had moved the safety barriers usually making it impossible for accidents to happen. It was so easy. I had soft shoes on, and he did not hear me coming. On impulse, I gave him a small push, and he was flailing about, hitting his head on the edge as he went. I ran into the hotel and found you there, waiting with our drinks.

  “It was a terrible shock when he came in sight spread-eagled on the mill wheel! I thought for a minute that he was alive, but it was just the movement of the water. And the rest you know, Lois.”

  To Lois’s relief, Aurora got up from the table and walked toward the kitchen door. She sniffed, and with a choked “Goodbye,” left.

  SIXTY-FOUR

  “Cowgill? Is that you?”

  “Yes, Lois, it is me. And I am on my way to see Mrs. Black. She has telephoned and asked to see me. I suggested I come to her, and, if you wish it, you may be there to support her.”

  “Thanks, Cowgill. You may not think me much of a friend, but I think she will be better with you by herself. She is a very strong character, and has given me a very clear account of what happened that night. Now she has to do the same for you. There may be other times when she needs my support, when I shall willingly give it. Is that sensible, d’you think?”

  “I shall need to check with you her statement in detail, but for the immediate future, I think perhaps you should not see her. I shall be taking her into custody in any case. Will you be able to help Milly? It is going to be a terrible shock for her, and we must minimise it as much as possible.”

  “Josie will be able to help there. They have become pals since we were introduced to Milly, so I am sure there will be a lot we can do to help. What a dreadful case, Hunter. I am strongly tempted to call it a day. No more ferretin’. Think how happy Derek would be. What do you think?”

  “I think you should do what your heart tells you, Lois. With your Josie married to my nephew Matthew, we shall meet on occasions. I could not bear to think we would never see each other again. Officially, of course! Bless you, my love. I know you will come to the right decision. And now I must go and be very official with Aurora Black.”

  EPILOGUE

  The Brigham Bakery was undergoing a fresh coat of paint, with the name Milly Black painted in gold on the door. This was underneath the logo of a first-class award in a local competition for a good crusty loaf.

  “Hi, Lois,” said Milly, as she climbed down the ladder. “Is this too showy, d’you think? Now the place is all mine, I am feeling keen to make it look its best. Wasn’t it a turn-up that Dad left me everything in his will? I expect I would be back nursing sick souls if he hadn’t. I think I’ve inherited poor Mum’s love of baking. Do you think she will be allowed to bake bread for the other prisoners?”

  “’Nuff said about that, Milly. But today I am not too happy to see you up on that ladder without a safety helmet! Can you take a break?”

  Milly climbed down, and they went into the shop. “Coffee?” she said. “Oh damn, who’s this coming in?”

  “Cowgill,” said Lois. “Better offer him a cup. Everything has been cleared up now, but it is always a good thing to stay on the right side of the law.”

  “Sorry—against the rules,” said Cowgill, refusing the offer. “But I might accept a muffin in a paper bag, to eat later? Thanks, Milly. Congratulations, anyway, on your award. As far as I am concerned, it is not only for bread, but for bravery, too! Well done, girl. Now, I hoped to find Lois here. Something has come up that might interest you, my dear. There’s this derelict house—once a posh job with servants and so on—and a prospective buyer has found something extremely nasty in the attic.”

  “I don’t see how that could possibly interest me,” said Lois, smiling at him. “But tell me more.”