A lovely thought. I wasn’t sure I bought it. Dead is dead, isn’t it? Yet I so wanted to believe otherwise. “You really think so?”
He squeezed my shoulder and smiled. “I know so. Look.” His voice sparked with wonder, “Over there in the orchard.”
I followed his gaze. Nestling on the grass, were three of the whitest, purest feathers I’d ever seen.
Acknowledgements
This story, as with all my novels, would never have been written without extensive support and help from others. Broo Doherty, my agent at DHH Literary Agency, deserves very special thanks for being a fine editor, a good friend and, occasional ‘shrink’ for those crisis moments!
I’m naturally indebted to the entire team at Harper Collins, including Charlotte Ledger for her faith in me and enthusiasm for the story; Finn Cotton for reading early drafts, and not forgetting Emily Ruston for saving both my bacon and blushes, and for making the story so much stronger.
Graham Bartlett, former Chief Superintendent, is my new go-to guy for all things police procedural. Nothing was too much trouble and he answered my numerous queries with amazing patience and humour. Any mistakes are mine alone. ‘Bent Coppers’ by Graeme McLaglan proved an invaluable source of information regarding police corruption in the 1980’s so many thanks to him. Thanks also to Oliver Goom for ensuring that Rocco’s occupation in medical insurance, and the advice he gives to Molly, contains that ring of authenticity. I’d love to thank the stranger who showed me how to find Gullet Quarry. Alas, I never discovered his name.
Malvern often gets a bad press from me because I hated my time at school there so I hope, in some way, this might redress the balance. Finally, Ian Seymour deserves more gratitude than he realises. My husband and first reader, he has the tough job of serving up constructive criticism while remaining happily married. Fortunately, he does it with style. Long may it continue.
About the Author
E.V. Seymour is the author of ten novels and has had a number of short stories broadcast on BBC Radio Devon. Educated in Malvern at an girls’ boarding school, which she detested, she spectacularly underachieved. Sixth form in Cheltenham proved a lot more interesting, enjoyable and productive.
After a short and successful career in PR in London and Birmingham, she married and disappeared to Devon. Five children later, she returned and began to write seriously. In a bid to make her work as authentic as possible, she has bent the ears of numerous police officers, firearms officers, scenes of crime, the odd lawyer and United Nations personnel. She also works by day as a freelance editorial consultant, specialising in crime fiction.
Eve lives with her second husband and often has a houseful of offspring, sons-in-law, partners, and a growing tribe of little ones. Nomadic by nature, she is planning another move very soon.
@EveSeymour
www.evseymour.co.uk
About HarperImpulse
HarperImpulse is an innovative, award-winning digital imprint. In the five years since launch, we have continually hit digital bestseller lists, hosted the UK’s first online romance festival, published into over ten countries and grown an exciting stable of commercial women’s fiction authors.
Readers, come and say hi to the team and your next read …
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Writers, our vision is to publish the very best in digital-first commercial women’s fiction and we are simply looking for good stories! So, what are you waiting for? To submit, e-mail us at [email protected].
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