He grinned. ‘Well, you do get involved in some dramatic events. What about Tweedledum and Tweedledee?’
‘They won’t be back in a hurry.’
‘Don’t you still have something they want?’
‘I think that if they survive, they’re not going to be on form for quite a while, which gives us a breathing space. They may suspect that the jewels are here, but they can’t be sure.’
‘You don’t fancy them for putting Owen in Magda’s bed?’
‘I agree that they are a couple of thugs, but I don’t think they’re terribly bright. Much as I think they need their bottoms smacked – hypothetically, I mean – I can’t see them putting a headless man in Magda’s bed.’
Piers dropped his screwdriver. ‘He wasn’t really headless, was he?’
‘No, of course not. When we went into the bedroom first, it looked as if the bed had been properly made up. It was only when we pulled the duvet off that it looked as if the body had been decapitated because the head had been hidden under the pillows. The twins wouldn’t think of doing that.’
‘Agreed. They’d have left the body wherever they’d killed it. The paramedics thought the twins had been binge drinking. Isn’t that more likely than their being drugged?’
‘Y-yes. But surely, in the middle of the day …? Why would they binge drink if they were on the trail of the jewellery? One of them told me they’d found a bottle of something in their car. What more natural than they should neck it down? And yes, I do think they were drugged. But why? I agree, they deserve something bad happening to them. They crash and bash around and hurt people and think they can get away with it, but I can’t think they’ve caused all the confusion surrounding the affairs of the Rycroft family. And, why now? It doesn’t make sense.’
With a mallet Piers tried tapping the door further back into place. ‘How on earth can I get this to stay put? I’d be happier if you had a steel-backed door. You need a builder on the job.’
‘I couldn’t get one to come out on a Saturday afternoon. Can’t you bodge it for me, somehow? We’ll have to do without the alarm. I’ll organize something on Monday.’
Piers stroked his cheek with his mallet. ‘You can’t be left over the weekend without a working alarm system. I wonder, maybe I could patch it up for now by taking off the damaged hinges and refitting them lower down. The lock’s shot, but I could fit bolts top and bottom. I’m not hot on electrics, but with a spot of luck I might be able to reconnect the alarm system. Only, you wouldn’t be able to open and close this door in the usual way for a while.’
‘Where will you get the bolts from at this time of day?’
‘I’ll bet you’ve got a couple on your garden shed door. I’ll use those for now, and you can get better ones on Monday.’
‘Understood. I’ll tell the agency girls to use the front door upstairs for the time being.’
‘And I suggest you get the alarm system tied in to the police station.’
Would her insurance cover a steel-lined door? No. They’d only cover replacing what had been there, plus it was going to cost more to tie the alarm system into the police station. Another job to do. Bother!
Piers managed to lever off the damaged hinges. They came away with a screech of tortured wood. It was a big, heavy door. The early Victorians had built to last.
She wasn’t so sure that she would. As she went back up the stairs, she tried ringing Bernice’s phone. Again it went to voicemail. She tried the number of Bernice’s hostess for the weekend. Again, it went to voicemail. She was about to try William’s number when the front doorbell rang and she answered the summons.
There on the doorstep was not only Magda Summerleys but also Mrs Tarring, the Rycroft administrator, and a third woman whom Bea failed to recognize.
‘I hope you don’t mind,’ chirruped little Miss Summerleys, who looked as if she’d been dragged through a hedge backwards and not enjoyed the experience. ‘Such a terrible day. And here’s me with just the clothes I stand up in. Mrs Tarring was so good, going with me to the hospital, and we found poor Kent … oh, poor, poor man … he’s always so capable and well, in charge, if you know what I mean.’
Mrs Tarring fidgeted on the doorstep. ‘Magda was so upset. Well, I was, too. I said I’d see her safely into your hands, and then …’
‘I turned up at Kent’s bedside and found them there,’ said the third woman. And now Bea knew her. She was the droopy blonde whom they’d seen in Kent’s flat that morning. Shirley Rycroft.
‘We met this morning, didn’t we, Mrs Abbot? At poor Kent’s flat.’ Shirley clutched her arms. The early evening had turned chilly as the sun waned in the sky, and Shirley was still clad in the sleeveless summer dress she’d worn earlier, without a sweater or jacket to keep her warm. ‘Mrs Tarring and Miss Summerleys were singing your praises and we wondered, we realize it’s an imposition, but if we could all get together and talk through things, we might be able to work out what’s going on, and what to do about it?’
Mrs Tarring was not so keen. ‘Yes, Shirley, I know you said that, but it is an imposition, and Mrs Abbot has other things to do today. Now that Magda is in safe hands, I do think that—’
Magda broke in, ‘If anyone can sort this, I’m sure Mrs Abbot can. I mean, the police are …’ She gestured helplessly. ‘There’s one lot for this and another lot for that, and the ones who came to Lucas’s place didn’t want to know about Kent’s being struck down, which is terrible, and I really don’t know what I’m to do. I mean, I had to tell the police that I’m going to be staying here tonight, but what happens tomorrow? Do I have a job or don’t I? When can I get my things from my room, and what will happen if Lucas comes back and finds the place locked up? And if he doesn’t come back, who is going to pay my wages at the end of the month? And what is to happen to the jewellery which I hid, and I’m not at all sure who it belongs to but I suppose it is safer in the garden shed here than anywhere else.’
She produced a pack of tissues and blew her nose. If ever there was a woman ground down by circumstances, she was it.
‘There, there. It’ll all come out in the wash,’ said Shirley, putting her arm around Magda and urging her inside. ‘I’m sure you’ve behaved beautifully and so has Mrs Abbot. You’ve got a place to stay tonight and everything’s going to be just fine.’
Mrs Abbot did not think everything was going to be just fine. Mrs Abbot had more than enough on her plate without taking in waifs and strays.
‘Oh yes,’ said Magda, dabbing her eyes. ‘Mrs Abbot was absolutely wonderful this morning when the twins came. They tortured her but she didn’t say anything!’
‘How very courageous of her,’ said Mrs Tarring. And perhaps she meant it.
‘Indeed,’ said Shirley. ‘We all know Mrs Abbot is quite something.’
Bea thought that Shirley’s tone of voice verged on the border of sarcastic. Bea wondered why Shirley had really come. The woman had managed to get all three of them into the house and was now closing the door on the outside world.
Bea surrendered to the inevitable. She gestured up the stairs. ‘Magda, the spare bedroom is at the top of the stairs on the first floor, to the right. It’s en suite. Would you like to go upstairs and freshen up? I think I can find you a toothbrush and a fresh pair of pants … or there’s a big Marks & Spencer’s on the High Street which is open till late and could probably supply all you want. I’ll find some sheets and towels for you in a minute. Mrs Tarring and Shirley, would you like to go into the sitting room, first door on your left? Take a seat. I’ll be with you in a minute. I’ve had a second visit from the twins, who busted the door downstairs in order to get in, and I have someone down there doing some first aid on it at the moment. I’ll have to see to him before I do anything else. Builders, you know. They need constant refreshment.’
Shirley’s eyes narrowed. ‘The twins have been here twice? And busted in which door?’ She glanced at the front door, which didn’t show any signs of abuse. ‘Don’t you have a
n alarm?’
‘We’re hoping to get it fixed. The twins seem to have imbibed something that disagreed with them, and they left in an ambulance.’ With a bright smile Bea hurried down the stairs. Piers had suspended operations on the door and had come to the foot of the stairs, listening to what was happening above.
Bea closed the door behind her so that their conversation couldn’t be overheard.
‘Piers, I’m not sure what to think. I did invite Magda, yes. But the other two?’
He grunted. ‘They’re after the jewellery. Magda came right out and said she’d hidden it in your garden shed. Is she mad?’
‘She’s on the verge of collapse. I don’t think Mrs Tarring is after the jewellery, but Shirley? I don’t know. Perhaps. It would be a good idea to shift it somewhere else, anyway.’
‘Any ideas?’
‘Maybe.’ Bea led the way through the main room and into her office. She’d closed but not locked the French doors that morning when she’d finished interviewing people. Now she threw them open. Birds twittered softly in the trees, a breeze persuaded petals to drop from the cherry tree near the pool, but the solar-operated fountain had creased to burble now that the sun had passed behind the steeple of the church nearby. She pointed to the shed in the far corner.
‘The jewels are in there under a pile of pots. You said you needed to use the bolts from the shed. It might well be a good idea to find another hiding place for the loot at the same time. Not that I think the twins will be coming back for it, but I don’t think they’re the only baddies on the block. Where would you put the stuff?’
He gave the garden the once-over, and made a suggestion that caused her to smile.
She said, ‘That would do nicely. Only an artist would think of that. Talk about camouflage.’
He nodded. ‘Leave it to me. You want me to stay on, after I’ve fixed the door? My weekend’s ruined, anyway.’
‘Surely there can’t be any danger from those three women?’
He shot her a keen look. ‘If you say so. I’d better get on with it, then. You said something about a cuppa. That would be good. Herbal tea, if you’ve got it. No sugar or milk. Now, as I’m going to be in and out of the garden for a while, can you draw your guests away from the windows?’
‘Tea and chat is what they came for, and tea and chat they shall have.’ She looked at her watch. ‘Or rather, we need proper food. I’ll organize a take-away for supper.’
As she want back up the stairs her mobile rang, and she answered it. This time it was from Bernice’s mother, who still hadn’t been contacted by her errant daughter. Bea soothed and promised retribution. She tried to remember the name of the woman who had invited William and the girls sailing that weekend. And failed. In a moment she would recall her name, or ring William again. Or perhaps Bernice might have come to her senses and turned her mobile back on. ‘Sorry, sorry. Yes, I’m on to it. I’ll ring you as soon as I hear anything definite.’
Back upstairs she made a mug of herbal tea for Piers, and popped her head through into the sitting room to ask if anyone else would like a cuppa. Her visitors were not talking to one another. Mrs Tarring was sitting at one end of the settee, and Shirley was standing by the back window, looking out onto the garden below. She was watching Piers, who was working on the door of the garden shed … which was where Magda had stashed the loot.
Shirley was enthusiastic. ‘What a pretty garden. Sheltered by all those high walls. Is there no way out except through the house?’
‘Correct.’ Bea switched on the side lamps, and both women started.
‘Tea? Oh yes, please,’ said Shirley, walking away from the window. ‘I assume that shed is where poor Magda hid the jewellery?’
‘I believe so,’ said Bea, drawing the curtain to shut out the view.
‘I really ought to be on my way,’ said Mrs Tarring. But made no move to go. She leaned back and closed her eyes. She looked exhausted, too. If Magda were worried about her job, so was Mrs Tarring. She was a widow, wasn’t she? If she didn’t earn, she had no one to support her. ‘If only Lord Rycroft would answer his phone! I’ve rung and rung.’
Bea also drew the curtains at the front of the house, treated her uninvited guests to a social smile and took the mug of tea downstairs to Piers … who was not there. He must still be in the garden. So Bea trod the stairs up and up to find bed linen and towels for Magda, who was sitting on her bed in the dusk, having a little weep.
‘You’ve had a tiring day,’ said Bea, drawing the curtains and switching the light on there as well. ‘Come on down and join us for a cuppa and something to eat. I’ll help you make the bed up later.’
Magda muttered, ‘You’ll think me awful when you’ve been so very kind, but I can’t help worrying about Lucas. This is not like him, not at all. I’m so afraid …’
‘I know,’ said Bea. ‘Have you made a list of things you need to get at the shops before they close tonight? Toiletries, underwear?’
‘I can’t think constructively, which is ridiculous and most unlike me. I really must stop being such a Silly Billy,’ said Magda. She dried her eyes and followed Bea downstairs to join the others.
Bea found some take-away menus and took them into the sitting room. ‘Mrs Tarring, I assume you would like to stay for a bit to eat, and then perhaps help Magda do some essential shopping? Shirley, I can see you are feeling the cold. No doubt you want to get back to your own place and warm yourself up.’
‘I’d love a bite to eat, too,’ said Shirley, plonking herself down on the nearest chair. ‘I really do think it would be helpful for us to exchange information, Mrs Abbot. I understand you are a widow and live alone?’
‘For the moment, yes. My ward is due back from school tomorrow.’
‘No man about the house?’ A teasing look. ‘Such a big house for just one person.’
That’s an inappropriate comment from a stranger. Is she trying to put me down because I’ve no man about the house, or was that a veiled threat? She’s not wearing an engagement or wedding ring herself, so sucks to her!
Bea bared her teeth in a social smile. ‘Do you fancy a pizza, or some Indian food, or what?’
The consensus was for Italian. Bea ordered straightaway, while wondering whether Piers would want to return to the mews cottage to eat or not. Had he found the cool box full of food, and worked out how to use the microwave? Probably not.
Mrs Tarring stirred herself. ‘We’re giving you a lot of trouble. Shirley, why don’t you make yourself useful by taking Magda shopping for essentials while I help Mrs Abbot put clean sheets on the bed?’
Shirley didn’t look pleased with the idea, but Magda smiled and said she really did need to get one or two things. Fortunately she had her cards with her. Should she go now?
‘Splendid,’ said Bea. ‘Remind me to let you have a spare key to the front door from the kitchen before you go, and the code for the alarm … that is, if we can get it to work, which is arguable. Take your time. I’ll keep your food hot for you.’
Shirley said, ‘Couldn’t Mrs Abbot go shopping with Magda?’
‘No,’ said Bea. ‘Not with workmen in the house. Which reminds me, I must see how this particular workman is getting on.’ She shot down the stairs, to find Piers screwing the second bolt into place on the broken door.
‘It’s not brilliant,’ he said. ‘You really do need to get it replaced, but it’ll withstand anything short of a battering ram for now. I’ll test the electrics in a minute.’
‘Oh, my goodness!’ A bright, cheery voice. Shirley had followed Bea down the stairs and spotted Piers. ‘Ah-ha, we meet again, Mr Whatever-your-name is. You’re the artist boyfriend, aren’t you? And handy with a toolbox? That’s nice. Is this where you have your agency, Mrs Abbot? What lovely big rooms. And access to the garden at one side and to the street at the other? Is this where the twins broke in?’
‘It is,’ said Bea, ‘and set the alarm off to the disgust of the whole neighbourhood. I’ll be getting complaints ab
out that.’
‘I’ll try the alarm now, shall I?’ said Piers, and took the stairs to the hall.
Shirley drifted to the back of the building. The door to Bea’s office was open and she noted that Piers had closed the French windows, and pulled the grille across. Bea said, ‘We’re very safety conscious, as you can see.’
Shirley said, ‘So you are. Yet the twins managed to get in.’
Bea didn’t reply to that. So what if Shirley was checking to see if she could break in to retrieve the jewels? Shirley wouldn’t have the strength to get through the door, even in its present condition. Various noises off indicated that Piers was trying the alarm system out.
‘Shall we join the others?’ said Bea, smiling as she swept Shirley up the stairs again.
In the hall, Piers was shaking his head. ‘Sorry. No can do. I can’t make the alarm work. You’ll have to get someone to look at it soonest.’
Did Shirley smile? Perhaps. Suddenly she was anxious to leave. ‘Well, I’ll be on my way, shall I? So good of you to take Magda in, Mrs Abbot.’ Without waiting to say goodbye to the others she almost ran out of the house, pulling out her mobile phone as she did so. Was she going to let someone know that the house’s alarm was out of order?
ELEVEN
Saturday, early supper
As soon as the door had closed behind Shirley, Piers grinned. ‘I wasn’t saying so in front of that little madam, but I’ve managed to reconnect the alarm, although it’s a rough and ready job and may not last. You’ll need to get it looked at properly on Monday. But there’s no need to broadcast the fact, eh?’
Meaning that he’d more or less invited Shirley to break in tonight?
‘Why, thank you, Piers. I’ll know who to blame if we’re burgled tonight.’ Bea heard the sarcasm in her voice and was sorry for it.
He said, ‘The thing is, better to have her attempt it tonight when we’re on our guard, than to leave it till there’s no one at home.’
He was right. In a way. And, he’d given up his time to help her. So she said, ‘I’m sorry. Yes. You’re right. And I am truly grateful.’
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