The Beast of Bracksley Woods

by Doreen Hayward

  “My dear young lady, you have been so good to me I hesitate to make a suggestion. I had an idea. Please don’t be afraid to say no if you don’t agree. I wondered if you would take pity on an old man and consent to become my housekeeper. It would relieve me of such a lot of worry to have someone about the place while I am unable to do much. Needless to say, I would appreciate it so much if you would agree to look after me. I sincerely hope you don’t think I am being terribly forward in asking but I feel that we would get on splendidly together. Why not give it a little thought. I am sure we could come to a financial understanding without too much haggling. Of course, I certainly don’t expect you to accept my proposal on the spur of the moment. You take all the time in the world to come back and give me your answer. It would warm my old heart to have such a pretty young lady looking after me.” He gave her such a lovely smile that Debbie nearly agreed there and then but luckily thought better of it and bit her tongue and agreed to go away and talk about it again when they had a date for his homecoming. Not knowing what to say further, she made her goodbyes trying not to appear too eager to get away.

  When she finally got back home and had a chance to think things over, Debbie chided herself once again for being too impulsive. Had she given Greg the impression that she could be called upon for the odd errand? Was she such a pushover? Debbie had to admit that she was becoming more and more fond of the old boy every time she visited him. In fact, she reflected, she did not seem able to keep away from the hospital, she felt drawn to it like a magnet. Perhaps it was that every time she entered that ward she expected to find Mike lying in one of the beds. She must stop feeling so paranoid, she told herself, it certainly wasn’t good for her. Still, she would have a serious think about Greg’s offer. She couldn’t sit here moping for the rest of her life, perhaps she really wanted to feel needed. It was true, she badly needed a job and it was right on the doorstep.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Debbie heard the post drop onto the floor from where she was enjoying a cup of coffee in the warmth of the sitting room. She got up reluctantly and went out into the hall. She was just in time to rescue an official looking envelope from the Jaws of Trigger who had scooted into the kitchen with it. The envelope had got quite wet and Debbie had to be careful in opening it. As soon as she saw who it was from she knew instinctively that she had not been successful in her application to Pickering’s tasty teatime treats. Ah well, that’s that. Who needs him, she thought screwing the letter up and throwing it in the waste bin. It looks as though I shall have to take Greg Turner up on his offer, she told herself. The job would fill a gap until she made up her mind how to go about achieving what she really wanted to do. Debbie was so engrossed in what she was thinking that she failed to notice what Trigger was up to. The minute she turned her back on him, Trigger had retrieved the letter and half the contents of the rubbish bin and was now happily chewing his way through packages wrappers and odd pieces of paper. In a very short time the kitchen was strewn with rubbish which Trigger was ripping to pieces.

  Debbie shouted at him furiously. “You naughty dog. Look at the mess you are making.” Trigger looked up at her and winked. Debbie couldn’t help smiling but changed her mind immediately as she saw Trigger once again heading towards the waste bin, this time intent on finishing the job by pulling any remaining rubbish from the bin and making a meal of that also. Debbie’s shout of horror caught Trigger’s attention for a moment. He changed his mind about the bin but instead, he picked up a box which had contained a TV dinner. He pranced round the room with it gleefully showing Debbie what he had found. She went to grab the box out of his mouth but Trigger thought this was enormous fun and charged about like a demon knocking into chairs and anything else that happened to be in the way. Debbie tried catching him which only resulted with Trigger dashing through the sitting room where she had left her shoes. Trigger dropped the box and grabbed one of her shoes as he danced his way through to the hall and tore upstairs. Debbie gave chase. By the time she reached her bedroom Trigger had gone to ground wedging himself firmly under the bed where he commenced to destroy her shoe letting out a series of fearsome growls as he killed his prey.

  Debbie retreated downstairs to wait until Trigger put in an appearance. She felt cross and frustrated. Trigger had given the impression of being a well behaved dog but now he seemed to be showing his true colours. Greg turner had led her to believe his dog had been trained. Judging from Trigger’s recent behaviour, this was not the case. She would have to ask Greg how she was supposed to correct him. Actually, she had intended to pay him a visit at the hospital this afternoon but first she would take that little monster upstairs for a walk which may calm him down a bit. To while away the time Debbie decided to make a few small cakes to take with her when she visited. She couldn’t very well take fruit or flowers because she hadn’t been able to get out much. Anyway, she was sure her little offerings would be appreciated just as much. When Trigger eventually crept down stairs and curled up in front of the fire as if butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth, Debbie gave him a piece of her mind just to relieve her frustration

  The air was bracing as she headed towards the small shop for one or two necessary purchases. Trigger behaved well walking on the lead as though he had never done a thing wrong in his life. Having chatted to Mrs Harrison who informed her that young Jimmy Fox was off to the hospital today to have the plaster taken off his ankle which had been broken during a school football match and old Mrs Carter had waited for her carer to come and get her up for so long she had tried to do for herself and had a fall. Mrs Brown, who lived next door was trying to give her as much help as she could but it wasn’t easy when you had young children to look after. Mrs Harrison was a very pleasant lady and seemed to know everything that went on in the village. This was how village life should be, Debbie thought. If you need to know anything, just go to the village shop and you were sure to get an answer. Debbie smiled to herself as she headed toward Broadmead Farm to collect Greg’s post for him.

  Just as she neared the gates of the farm Trigger shot forward. Debbie wasn’t particularly looking where she was going and the sudden jerk took her by surprise. She stumbled forward and tripped on the lead and pitched forward landing full length in a puddle. She was so surprised that she let go of the lead and watched in horror as Trigger streaked away. She lay stunned for a minute but finally managed to climb to her feet. Her knee was grazed and there was mud all down her coat but Debbie‘s wasn’t concern so much for herself As she looked round for Trigger, she saw a man heading towards her with a german shepherd trotting along beside him. He had caught Trigger and was bringing him back to her.

  “Are you all right Miss,” the man called in a gentle Irish brogue. “This young rascal needs a good talking too. You took a bit of a tumble there me dear young lady, you are not hurt? Well, at least that’s good,” he added,” as he came toward her.

  “I think so. Oh thank you. You’ve caught him. Thank goodness. I thought I had lost him” she breathed as he got up to her.

  “Are you all right miss?” the man asked looking concerned. “Are you taking Trigger for a walk, or is he taking you? Where’s me dear old friend Greg then, not with you?” He queried looking round.

  “Actually, I am supposed to be looking after Trigger but he seems to have the devil in him today,” Debbie answered looking at the man more closely. “Do you know Greg, then?”

  “Yes, to be sure I know him. Me name is Kevin Sullivan and this is Danny, me little helper. I am the local RSPCA Inspector. Where is Greg? I’ve just come back from a bit of a break,” he said. “I was just about to call in to have a chat. Do you know when he will be back?”

  “How do you do Mr Sullivan,” Debbie said. “I am afraid he is in hospital. He had an accident last week and is recovering with a broken arm and a broken leg. I don’t think he will be doing much in the immediate future, that is why I am looking after Trigger. You see, it was me who found him.” She explained.

  “Oh dear
me,” Kevin said, “that doesn’t sound very good. Perhaps I should hotfoot it to the hospital.”

  “I am going there myself this afternoon. I just came up here to collect the post for him. If you would like, I could give you a lift since I am going the same way.”

  “Well, to be sure, that’s mighty generous of you me dear girl, we might as well use one vehicle instead of two. I have my own van and we could use that if you prefer. What about this little hooligan, do you leave him in the house while you are out.”

  “No. I take him with me and leave him in the car while I am visiting,” Debbie informed him.

  “Well, how about taking my van and saving your petrol. Danny can keep an eye on Trigger for us. They can stay in the van together. By the way, me dear, what is your name?”

  “Debbie Richards, at your service.”

  “Right then Debbie, that’s a date. If you tell me where you live, I’ll pick you up about two o’clock.”

  “I had better collect the post now I am here, than I will make my way home.”

  “I’ll walk that way with you and then I shall know where to pick you up,” Kevin replied with a grin. He followed Debbie and watched as she collected a handful of post. All the while Debbie held Trigger firmly on the lead.

  Kevin watched as Debbie started back towards the road. “Have you ever kept a dog of your own?” he asked conversationally.

  “No, I’m afraid not.”

  “Well, you ought to think about obedience classes,” He informed her. They would teach you how to handle a dog properly. Look at old Danny boy here, he is a tribute to good behaviour. As good as gold although I say so meself.”

  “Oh really,” Debbie answered sharply wondering what it had to do with him.

  “I must admit, it was a bit of bad luck Trigger seeing me. He knows me quite well and he obviously has got you marked out. He would never have done that with me or Greg. He was just testing you to find out how much he can get away with. Until you set him boundaries, he will try and take advantage. Just be firm with him and let him know who’s boss.”

  “Thanks for the tip,” Debbie said rather stiffly.

  “Oh dear ’un all, me and my big mouth. I didn’t mean to preach at you,” Kevin said apologetically.

  They trudged along in silence until they reach Debbie’s gate. “Here we are then,” she turned to look at him properly to bid him goodbye and noticed his mop of red hair for the first time. “I’ll see you later.”

  True to his word Kevin picked Debbie up at two o’clock and with Trigger safely in the back of the van with Danny, they drove to the hospital. On the way Debbie filled Kevin in with a few details of the accident. “Well, it doesn’t look as though Greg will be out and about for a few weeks, does it? We shall have to do the best we can.”

  “He has asked me to be his housekeeper,” Debbie told him “and I haven’t made up my mind to take the job on yet. I am not working at the moment but I hope to establish a cookery school in the future. Until I can make the necessary arrangements and find suitable premises and enough finance, it will have to remain a dream for now. However, you never know your luck do you? Pigs might fly but I live in hope,” She said with a smile. “In the meantime, I shall do what I can for Greg.”

  “Aah. To be sure. Never give up. That’s what I say,” Kevin answered as they drew up in the hospital car park.

  Greg beamed with pleasure when he saw Kevin. “So you’re back,” he said. How is everything/”

  “Everything is much as I left it. I understand this young lady has been looking after you.”

  “This young lady has been a tower of strength. I have asked her to be my housekeeper and I am praying that the answer will be yes.

  “I have given it a lot of thought,” Debbie chipped in “and I have decided to partially take you on, at least for the time being. I have to be honest with you. I am making a few plans of my own which I hope may prove successful in the near future.“ She explained gently to Greg. You will have to get someone in to clean for you but I’ll do my best for you anyway,” she finished. “Cheer up. “I’ve brought you some shortbread biscuits and a few little teatime cakes you might like to share with your friends when the tea trolley comes round,” Debbie said changing the subject.

  “Thank you my dear. I shall look forward to them.” Then to Debbie’s embarrassment he turned to Kevin saying “She is such a lovely girl you know, she is a treasure, she really spoils me,” Greg grinned at Kevin.

  “I can see that me old mate. I wouldn’t say no to one of them meself. Go down lovely with a cup of tea,” Kevin answered eyeing the box of biscuits and small dainty cakes where Debbie had placed them on the locker.

  “That is the best news I have had today,” Greg answered.

  “I have got some good news for you Greg,” Kevin said cheerfully, “I have arranged for the workman to start work as soon as you say the word.”

  “Marvellous! The timing is all wrong though. I can’t do anything at the moment to help,” Greg said gazing at the plaster on his arm.

  “Well, I can always keep an eye on things and make sure we are getting a good job if you give me the okay so that the men can start work. You don’t need to worry about anything. Leave it to me, there will be plenty to do when you are up and running again.”

  “Perhaps we should warn Debbie what is about to happen,” Greg said.

  “Maybe Debbie will change her mind about coming to work for you if we spill the beans now. Kevin gave Debbie an evil grin. “Shall we risk it?”

  “I think you ought to know that Kevin and I are going into partnership. We are going to open some boarding kennels and we are also adding rescue kennels. There are no rescue kennels around this area and Paul Norton, our vet who also happens to be a friend of ours, is all for the idea. We have got the required planning permission and can now go ahead with the work. The kennels shouldn’t take too long in putting up but the work won’t interfere with you,” Greg finished lying back on his pillows as though he had made a tremendous effort.

  “Of course, I shall be keeping my job on but I expect to have quite a lot to do with the kennels because that is where I shall be bringing all the waifs and strays I pick up, so you will be seeing quite a lot of me in the future if you intend to stick around,” Kevin told her.

  “Well, that all sounds very enterprising of you. I don’t think much of what you do will affect me much,” Debbie answered. She was later to regret that thought and find out just how much of their plans would affect her.

  Debbie sat by Greg’s bed deep in thought for a while. No doubt there would be a number of people visiting the rescue pens and also the boarding kennels. They were bound to affect her even if it was only for cups of tea. She was trying to think of a way of advancing her own business opportunities. Reminding herself that Christmas was nearly on top of them she suddenly had a brilliant idea. She would prepare herself a leaflet offering to do dinners for people and also put an advert up for making Christmas cakes. She could make a really marvellous Christmas cake. She could do them so well that it would make your eyes pop out. Dragging herself back to reality she asked “Do you think you will be home in time for Christmas? There is only another four weeks to go.”

  “Sure to be,” Greg said confidently. “If you could go in and turn the heating on and give the place the once over as soon as we know when I will be released, I should be more than grateful,” “I was wondering, have you made any plans for Christmas? I wondered if you were going away.”

  “No, no. I shall be here.”

  “That’s a relief. Can I book you to cook my Christmas dinner? Mind you, I shall be having a few guests. Kevin will come, so will Paul. I daresay they will both be on call but at least we can make sure that they get a decent dinner inside them even if they have to go out in the cold.”

  “Well, that’s a date then. I’ll put it in my diary.”

  “I am sorry to break the party up but I must be getting back. Trigger is downstairs in the van with Danny. Inc
identally, you may be interested to know that that young fellow – me – lad disgraced himself this morning. He tripped poor Debbie up,” Kevin said grinning at Greg.

  “Oh dear. We can’t have that. He doesn’t usually do things like that. You will have to be firm with him my dear, otherwise he will be ruling the roost before you know it,” Greg told her looking concerned. “I hope you didn’t hurt yourself.”

  “It was nothing,” Debbie answered feeling embarrassed and looking daggers at Kevin.” Kevin laughed and got up to go.

  “See you tomorrow,” He said leaving Debbie to say goodbye and follow him out of the ward.

  That evening Debbie sat down to do some serious thinking. She had a few ideas and wanted to see how they looked on paper. First of all, she would make a couple of sample cakes and photograph them so that she could add them to some kind of leaflet which would advertise the sort of service she hoped to give. She was pretty well equipped in the kitchen but if she intended to do private dinner parties, she may have to take on extra help or even buy in extra dishes, etc. She had no intention of starting anything too big that she wasn’t able to handle on her own. She could make some posters and put one in the village shop and the post office. An advertisement in the local paper would help to get her known. She was sure her activities wouldn’t interfere with her duties at the farm. At least, when Greg got out of hospital, Trigger could go back to his own home.

  Debbie busied herself for the next couple of hours transferring her ideas on to her laptop. As soon as she had made the sample Christmas cakes, she would take photographs from her mobile and stick them onto the advert with the prices of what she intended to charge for her mobile dinner service. When Debbie eventually closed down the laptop and sat back, she felt relatively more relaxed and more cheerful about the future. Smiling to herself she thought of the interview with Mr Pickering. She was about to show him just what he had missed by not employing her. Things could work out. It was a challenge. Although she could never forget Mike, Maybe the loneliness she felt wouldn’t be so bad as long as she kept busy.