Dotty Dreads a Disaster

by Diane Ezzard

  “Gosh, it’s fascinating.” Rachel looked at the screen over Harry’s shoulder.

  “Do you remember hearing about the case a few years back where a website that was there for spouses who wanted to cheat on their partners was hacked. Their details were put on the dark web so they could be blackmailed to avoid being exposed.”

  “Wow, it’s scary.”

  “There is now a cybercrime unit to look into cracking down on the dark web’s use for child pornography and serious crime rings. Hey, before I enter the site, have you got those tinfoil hats I asked you to make?”

  “I thought you were joking.” Dotty stared at Harry.

  “No, we need to hide our appearance.”

  “It’s like Big Brother is watching us.” Rachel shook her head and went to fetch the hats.

  She brought out three handmade hats and passed them around and put hers on. Dotty and Harry followed suit. They were like pirate hats and they all looked very strange. Dotty couldn’t help but chuckle.

  “Why do we have to wear them?” Dotty asked.

  “It’s to stop us from being recognised. We must tread carefully. It’s a minefield entering this area. We could stumble on countries selling arms or anything by mistake and we may find out information it is best not to know.”

  “Should we be doing this?” Rachel gulped. She found the whole experience rather heavy going and frightening.

  “If you want to discover what Nigel and Fred were up to, this is probably the only way. I have to warn you though, we could open a whole can of worms.”

  “I never liked the dark even as a kid.” Rachel bit her finger. The way Harry described it, it felt to Dotty like visiting the ghost train at the fair only scarier. If they were going to discover something that they shouldn’t then she was glad the other two were with her. She sat expecting something to jump out and pounce on them any time soon.

  It was over an hour later when Harry made the first discovery. Rachel had gone to fix more drinks. She walked back into the room and Harry and Dotty had their eyes glued to the screen.

  “Well, well, well. Have you read this?” Harry pointed at the monitor. “I found some information out about the White Brethren Society and it looks like someone was blackmailing them.”

  “Does it say why?” Dotty’s eyes narrowed as she scanned the screen.

  “No, unfortunately not, but that might explain those amounts going out of Nigel’s bank account.”

  “Well done, Harry. That’s a real breakthrough.” Dotty patted Harry on the head. “Now we just need to find out who and why. This discovery calls for a celebratory drink. Come on, let’s go to the pub.”

  Chapter 26

  Their excitement over finding out about the blackmailing was short-lived. Harry found nothing else.

  A few days later Dotty was strolling down the High Street clutching two large cartons of double cream. She hadn’t quite got her quantities right for her latest batch of chocolates and had run out. If there was any left over after she finished the rum and raisin mix, she would use it to go with the fresh pineapple she was also carrying. It wasn’t the easiest thing in the world juggling the items, along with a bottle of milk, but she was loath to pay ten pence for a carrier bag. There were literally hundreds of bags for life at home. Even Methuselah wouldn’t get through all her family’s collection of plastic carriers.

  She looked up and walking towards her was the woman she’d been hoping to speak to for some time — Edna Salcombe. Dotty stopped to chat with her.

  “Good afternoon, Edna. How are you bearing up after Nigel’s death? I hear that you two were very close.” Edna’s cheeks glowed. A police car drove past at a slow pace. Dotty didn’t even notice it. She was too excited about bumping into Edna and hearing what she had to say. She didn’t see Wayne’s eyes narrow as he clocked her.

  “It’s been a difficult time but I’m getting through. I just hope they find his killer soon.”

  “Do the police know that you two were an item?” Edna started coughing and spluttering.

  “That’s none of your business.”

  “Oh, sorry, it’s just that a few people mentioned it.”

  “Who? That two-faced woman, Christine Beckley?”

  “I don’t think it was her who told me.” Dotty frowned, looking up at the sky.

  “You know it was her who suggested Nigel try the mushroom soup, don’t you?”

  “Really? No, I didn’t know that.”

  “Yes, I think it’s her you should be talking to, not me.” With that Edna marched off in the opposite direction to the one she wanted. She walked about a hundred yards before she realised then doubled back on herself.

  Well, well, Dotty thought — the plot thickens.

  She couldn’t wait to tell her friends this new revelation but had to wait until she arrived home and plonked her groceries on the side. She was due to meet Millie later, so she was excited about this new development. It looked like things may finally be moving forward with Christine as number one suspect.

  That evening she got ready with all the gusto of meeting a new boyfriend. Edna’s news had put a spring in her step. She couldn’t wait to get to the pub to see Mille. They met up outside and hugged.

  “Good to see you, Millie.” Dotty pushed the pub door open.

  “You too, Dotty. Your hair looks nice.” Millie smiled across at her friend as they took their seats in the corner of the pub.

  “Thanks, I had a bit chopped off the other day. Yours always looks fabulous and I love how you do your makeup.” Millie’s hair was long, dark and poker straight. It glistened in the light.

  “Being in the profession helps. Have you ever thought about becoming a beauty therapist? It’s good to do work that you enjoy because it doesn’t feel like work then.”

  “I enjoy making chocolates, but it feels like a chore sometimes because it is such hard work. I’ve always been put off doing beauty because I’m not clever enough.”

  “Rubbish. If I can do it, anyone can.”

  “You have to learn all the muscles, don’t you?”

  “Yes, but it’s not difficult. Plus, once you’ve qualified, the world’s your oyster. You could become a makeup artist working in TV or join a cruise line and sail the seas.”

  “You’re making it all sound very tempting. I might look into it, but I’d have to earn money to get through college.”

  “I worked behind the bar in a nightclub to pay for my course and I was experimenting making my soups back then. It was tough sometimes, getting in at four in the morning then having to be at college first thing. It was okay when it was my turn to be a model and I could lie there and have my back massaged. I’d be snoring away, catching up on my sleep. Half the time, it felt more like a holiday camp.” She laughed.

  “You are selling it to me, and it would be good to get a qualification. I might just make some enquiries. Anyway, how are you doing?”

  Millie was a grafter. She worked as a mobile beautician in the week and supplemented her income with her soup stall. She was a petite young woman with an attractive smile and a perfect figure. Her heart-shaped face and alluring blue eyes made her a hit with the opposite sex but she was a worrier and it showed. Since Nigel’s death, she had developed permanent frown lines and was considering Botox even though she was only in her early thirties.

  “The police have left me alone for a while now but I’m still not sleeping, worrying that they think I’m involved. How have you been getting on?”

  “My friends and I have spoken to a few people and we’ve made some interesting discoveries about Nigel’s private life. If anything, though, the more we delve, the more people come into the equation. There are many out there who wanted rid of that nasty man. We need to concentrate on who had the opportunity rather than the motive. Too many people wanted him dead but not everyone could have put something in the soup. Plus, how did they know that Nigel would have the mushroom soup? That was what concerned us and now I think we have the answer with the news
from Edna that Christine told him to try it. Did you make the soup at home?”

  “Yes, that’s right, and I transported it in a large urn to the event.”

  “Was anyone else around when you made it?”

  “I made it the previous evening. My flatmate, Amy would have been home. Her boyfriend Rick often comes over. He was probably there that evening.”

  “Did you go out at all that previous night?”

  “I had an eyebrow tint to do for Mrs Jones. I was only gone for about an hour. Could someone have got in the house and doctored the soup then, do you think?”

  “It’s another option that I hadn’t considered. Would it be okay to come over and have a chat with Amy?”

  “Sure, but as far as I know she had no axe to grind with Nigel Hastings.”

  “It’s not that I suspect her. I just want to run through possible access to the soup and if it was ever left unattended.”

  “Well, you can pop over tomorrow if you like. I’ll let her know you’ll be calling.”

  “Thanks, that would be handy. So, tell me, are you still not seeing anyone?” Dotty cocked her head and looked over at her friend, concern registered on her face.

  “I need time to get over Royston. I feel damaged after that relationship.”

  “If you want to talk about it, I’m all ears.” Millie hesitated then sighed.

  “Royston plays in a band.”

  “Oh, I hadn’t realised he was a musician.”

  “They’re only small time but he likes to live the rock-and-roll lifestyle.”

  “I see.”

  “It wasn’t the groupies that bothered me. It was his drinking. He couldn’t control it. He always went too far. Finally, when he smashed the bathroom up after a drunken night out, I decided enough was enough. We’ve split up many times in the past but pulling the towel rail off the wall was the final straw. It may sound daft, but I reached the end of my tether.”

  “I understand. So, have you had any contact with him since?”

  “I’ve received a few messages from him written in drunken Chinese but I’m not taking him back again. There have been too many occasions in the past where we’ve got back together but not this time. I’ve got to the point where I know he will never change so why should I keep putting up with it?”

  “Good for you for making the break. It can’t be easy.”

  “No, especially because deep down I still love him. I just don’t like him anymore and I don’t like the way he conducts his life.” Dotty passed a tissue to Millie who wiped a tear away.

  “Whenever you need a shoulder to cry on, call me. Don’t be alone with your sadness. You’ve had so much to cope with lately.”

  “Thanks, Dotty, that means a lot.” The friends hugged.

  The following night, Dotty called over at Millie’s house to speak to Amy. She explained the reason she was there, and that she was trying to get to the bottom of who planted the poisonous mushrooms.

  “I hope you don’t think I did it.” Amy looked over the top of her glasses at Dotty.

  “No, of course not but you were home that evening before the event when Millie made the soup. Could anyone else have had the opportunity to plant something in the batch?”

  “Let me think back,” she frowned. “If I remember rightly, Rick didn’t come over that night because he had a darts match. I’ve stopped going to watch him. I find it so boring.”

  “Can you remember if anyone called?”

  “I’m certain that was the night that Royston turned up drunk while Millie was out. I shooed him away and wouldn’t let him in.”

  “Could he have got in any other way?”

  “I don’t think so but, wait a minute, you’re right, we don’t always lock the patio doors at the back. I suppose it’s possible he could have sneaked in.”

  “I need to pay Royston a visit.”

  “You be careful, Dotty. Royston can be an unpleasant character, especially if he doesn’t like you.”

  Chapter 27

  Royston agreed to meet Dotty at the pub just off the High Street. There was a public carpark close by and at that time of night, there was no charge. Dotty was watching her spending, trying to put a small amount away each month for her holidays. She’d saved all of thirty pounds so far. The carpark was busy, but Dotty found a spot. She got out of her vehicle and weaved through the parked cars and made her way to the corner. This time, she saw the blue and yellow police car prowling along the road. She also noticed who was inside it and her stomach lurched.

  She recognised Wayne immediately. It was hard to miss his blond hair. Hopeful that he hadn’t noticed her, she kept her head down. It didn’t work. She heard a car door bang and footsteps marching towards her.

  “Dotty!” She carried on walking, picking up pace. “Dotty!” Wayne was gaining on her. She ignored the cries and continued on her journey.

  “Are you deaf?” A hand went on her arm and jerked her body around. She had no option but to stop and face him. Her head worked overtime thinking up an excuse why she hadn’t been in touch and why she ignored his calls. She should have been straight with him rather than avoid talking to him, but part of her was slightly afraid of him.

  “What do you want?” she frowned.

  “Meeting your new fella, are you?”

  “I am meeting someone, but it’s none of your business.”

  “I’m making it my business.” He stood with his arms folded blocking her path.

  “What’s the matter with you, Wayne? You’re going to make me late.”

  “I could take you in for questioning for interfering in police work.”

  “Oh, don’t be such a jerk. You wouldn’t do that.”

  “I saw you talking to Edna Salcombe the other day. Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to.”

  “Are you stalking me, Wayne?”

  “No, just going about my duties.”

  Just then his colleague arrived, a tall, broad-shouldered copper with dark hair, of a similar age to Wayne.

  “What seems to be the trouble?”

  “I’ve just had to give this citizen a friendly warning. It’s nothing I can’t handle.” Wayne hoped his partner would disappear, but he made no moves to go, in fact, none of the three moved. It was like a stand-off. They all stared at each other. Finally, Wayne’s colleague spoke.

  “If you’re all done here, we’ve got other pressing business to attend to. Come on buddy, let’s get out of here. Good day miss.” Wayne followed the other officer back to their car. Dotty watched them go. She sighed heavily. That was a lucky escape.

  Her heart was still fluttering when she walked into the pub for her rendezvous with Royston. She hadn’t met him before but had seen his photograph on Facebook, so she could easily make him out by his unusual hairstyle. It was blond and tousled with a quiff. He stared at her as she walked towards him. He had the strangest expression on his face. It looked more like contempt than a friendly greeting. Whatever it was, it shocked Dotty and made her blush. She stumbled into the leg of a chair. Someone behind her giggled. Dotty ignored what happened and brushed her dress down. Royston glared.

  “You must be Dotty.” His laugh was a sick sounding gurgle.

  “And you are Royston.” Dotty tried to force a smile but already felt uncomfortable.

  “It’s probably not a good idea to be seen with me.”

  “Why’s that then?”

  “Haven’t you heard?” He smiled briefly then his face turned more serious.

  “Heard what?”

  “I’m trouble.” Dotty gave out a nervous little laugh. Royston’s eyes seemed to penetrate her soul. She tried to ignore his stare and looked down when she spoke.

  “Have you seen anything of Millie lately?” Dotty asked. Even though she wasn’t looking, she could feel the intensity of those dark brown eyes.

  “You know the answer to that. You haven’t come here for her leftovers so what is it you want?” Dotty gulped and glanced sideways. His face looked mea
n, almost as though he had the word dangerous tattooed on his forehead.

  “You called to her house the day before the Spring Fair.”

  “Did I? I don’t remember. I was drunk.”

  “I think you do remember.”

  “Ooh, look at you, all brave and masterful. I like a woman with spirit,” he mocked. Dotty ignored his remark.

  “Well?”

  “You know that’s why we split up. Millie thinks I drink too much.” At that, almost to prove a point, he took a large glug of his pint. Dotty sipped her drink and watched him. She put the glass down and he grabbed hold of her wrist. It made her jump. “Have you ever been to hell?”

  “Sorry?” Dotty frowned.

  “I’ve been to hell and back and I don’t recommend it.” He laughed. It dawned on Dotty that Royston had already had a few scoops too many.

  “I hear you have a bit of a temper.” Dotty was chancing her arm now.

  “I’ve given up trying to be good. It doesn’t work. So, tell me, Dotty, what do you want from me, a murder confession? I’m not the most pleasant of people to be around right now.”

  “You know Millie has been interviewed over Nigel Hasting’s death?”

  “Yeah, the poor cow.” He took another large slurp from his glass.

  “Did you have anything to do with putting those poisonous mushrooms in her soup?” Royston’s laugh grew louder.

  “Not very subtle, not very subtle at all,” he tutted, staring at his pint. “So, that’s why you’re here. You think I did it. I can’t even boil an egg never mind make mushroom soup.” At that, he grabbed hold of Dotty’s hair and pulled it back.

  “Ow, you’re hurting me.”

  “Don’t you come near me making false accusations like that, lady. You stay away from me or you’ll wish you’d never been born.”

  Dotty didn’t need any other excuse to get out of there. She had seen and heard enough of Royston. As she left the pub, she shook her head. What could Millie have seen in such a monster? Thankfully, she had arranged to meet Dave at the next bar up the High Street. She rushed along the pavement, glancing over her shoulder to make sure Royston wasn’t following her.