by Ted Tayler
CHAPTER 1
Sunday 8th July 2018
Blessing Umeh was awake at dawn. After breakfast, she walked around the farm. It seemed so quiet. It would be a shame if her father thought it unsuitable.
Blessing’s mobile phone rang.
“Hello, Blessing? It’s Dave here, Dave Smith.”
It was the hunky PC with the cornflower blue eyes. Oh yes, Blessing remembered.
“Is it my car?” said Blessing. “Did the garage fail to fix it, and ask you to break the news?”
“No, it will be ready on Thursday. What if I help my brother-in-law by delivering it to you? Perhaps we could go out for the evening, and then I can get a taxi back to Chippenham?”
“That sounds great,” said Blessing. “I’ll see you on Thursday evening.”
What an excellent start to the day, thought Blessing. I hope it lasts.
Blessing strolled around thinking back over the events of the past twenty-four hours.
Yesterday had seen a few changes around here. Gus Freeman and Suzie arrived early in the afternoon. Blessing had been reading in her room, and soon she heard Suzie and her parents talking in the kitchen. Everyone sounded excited.
It became impossible to continue with her book. As Blessing walked downstairs, she spotted two cars in the yard beneath the landing first-floor window. That was odd. Why had Gus and Suzie not travelled to the farm together? She poked her head around the kitchen door to say hello.
John Ferris was shaking Gus by the hand. Jackie was hugging Suzie.
“Come in, Blessing,” said John. “These two might need a helping hand later if you’re free. Suzie’s moving her final few belongings to Urchfont. There will be more storage room upstairs for you. I’m sure Suzie won’t mind you utilising the wardrobe space in her old bedroom.”
“It will be most welcome,” said Blessing. “When my father arrives tomorrow afternoon, he will deliver those items that I couldn’t fit into my car. I feel as if I’ve interrupted a family celebration, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be silly, Blessing,” said Jackie Ferris. “We might open a bottle of champagne later, but Gus and Suzie are driving backwards and forwards to Urchfont this afternoon. We can’t raise a glass with them just yet. Nothing dramatic has changed. It’s not as if Suzie’s ever here for long these days, anyway.”
“You make it sound as if you’re glad to see the back of me,” laughed Suzie.
“Any celebrations can wait until tomorrow,” said John, with a grin at Gus. “We invited you two to Sunday lunch when you were here the other day, didn’t we?”
“You did, and we’d love to come over, John,” said Gus. “We’ll work up an appetite on the allotment in the morning. I was hoping to get there this afternoon, but Suzie had other ideas.”
“You know how it goes, Gus. We think we’ve got our day mapped out and suddenly the other half changes everything. It’s easiest to just go with the flow.”
Blessing forgot her book for the rest of the afternoon. John Ferris had a supply of old suitcases and cardboard boxes he unearthed from somewhere in the farmhouse. As items became ready to get stored in the Ford Focus or the VW Golf, Blessing helped John and Jackie carry them downstairs.
They soon loaded the cars. As Gus and Suzie disappeared along the track to the main road, Jackie turned her attention to refreshments.
“How about fresh scones and a mug of coffee?” she asked.
John and Blessing sat at the large kitchen table and tucked in.
I must join a gym, thought Blessing, this scrummy food is a nightmare. If only it didn’t taste so good.
“You need to keep your energy levels up,” said John, offering Blessing the last scone on the plate. “One more trip will see Suzie’s move finished. Then, Jackie will want to give her old room a good clean and shift a few sticks of furniture around.”
“What John means,” said Jackie, “is he’ll be busy with the animals and other chores around the farm for the next four hours, so yet again he won’t be available.”
“It never stops, does it?” asked Blessing.
“It’s the life I was born into,” said John, “I wouldn’t swop it for a nine-to-five job for all the money in the world.”
“I’ll help you, Jackie,” said Blessing. “I need all the exercise I can get to stop my weight ballooning with your lovely food.”
“Thank you. It will get done in half the time, and you can decide what to store there,” said Jackie.
John Ferris was right. When Gus and Suzie returned from Urchfont an hour later, there were only half a dozen boxes to carry to the cars. John and Jackie waved the couple off at the kitchen door.
As Blessing made her way upstairs with the Dyson, she heard John Ferris roar away in the Land Rover. The sooner she cleaned Suzie’s room, the sooner they finished. Blessing wondered if Jackie would think her rude if she skipped the evening meal.
Of course, after two hours, hoovering, cleaning, and manoeuvring furniture, both Jackie and Blessing were ready for something to eat.
“Right,” said Jackie, “you can use the wardrobe or any drawer space that you fancy. Nobody else will use the room for the foreseeable future. Now, how do you fancy something light to eat and a glass of wine? I think we’ve earned it.”
“That sounds perfect,” said Blessing, “what about Mr Ferris?”
“John won’t get back until after dark,” said Jackie, “I’ll prepare something when I’m getting our meal, and he can heat it when he’s ready.
Blessing slept well last night, but she was awake early thanks to the sounds of the countryside and her concerns for the afternoon that lay ahead.
When she finally returned to the farmhouse after her long walk, the smells from the kitchen enticed her indoors. Blessing groaned. How could John and Jackie face a fried breakfast every day? Jackie understood that Blessing needed something different and had explained when she arrived last Sunday that if it was fruit, nuts and yoghurt that got her moving in the morning, then that was fine. If she ever weakened, there was no shortage of eggs, bacon, and sausages. Why did life keep putting temptation in your way?
After their late breakfast, John disappeared to the furthest field on the farm to repair a fence, and Jackie prepared lunch. Blessing went to her room and tried to read.
Before she knew it, Blessing realised it was two o’clock. Her parents should be here soon. She heard a car entering the farmyard, but it was travelling far too fast for her father. It sounded more like Suzie’s Golf, not his people carrier.
Blessing checked her dress was neat and tidy where she had been sitting. Her father expected her to look her best, especially on a Sunday. Suzie spotted her coming down the stairs.
“Wow, you’ve dressed to impress, Blessing. It’s only Sunday lunch, not a formal occasion.”
“You don’t know my father,” said Blessing.
Gus strolled in from the farmyard carrying two bottles of red wine.
“I’m not designated driver,” he grinned, “and we’ve not had a lunch invitation before as a couple.”
“I shall have a soft drink today,” said Blessing, “my father disapproves. He used to worry that if I had a glass of wine in the evening, I still shouldn’t drive to work the next morning.”
“Have you heard about your sick motor yet?” Gus asked.
“I had a call earlier today,” Blessing replied, “the garage fixed it, and will return it on Thursday, after work.”
“Good, that’s one problem solved,” said Gus, “Luke and Neil will be off the hook for providing a taxi service.”
“As long as I can remember how to get to the office on my own, everything will be fine,” said Blessing.
“What time did you tell John to get back for dinner, Jackie?” asked Gus.
“Half an hour before I needed him,” said Jackie. She already had a glass of wine in her hand. “Everything’s ready and in the Aga. As soon as Blessing’s parents arrive and are ready to eat, I’ll dish up our food.”
&n
bsp; “Do you need a hand, Mrs Ferris?” asked Blessing.
“No, my dear, I’ve coped alone for forty years of marriage and served meals to far more people than we’ll have here today. It’s not a chore. It’s something I enjoy. Your best bet will be to unload your things from your father’s car and get it stowed away. I’m sure Gus and Suzie will lend a hand after yesterday. You won’t want to be doing anything strenuous after one of my Sunday lunches.”
Blessing heard the chugging of the Land Rover as it swept into the yard next to the kitchen door. John Ferris stopped in the kitchen doorway.
“Sorry, if I’m late,” he said, “it took me longer than I thought.”
“Don’t worry. You’ve got time to have a shower and change into something presentable. Oh, and at least try to drag a brush through that mop of hair.”
“Yes, Mum,” said John, taking the stairs two at a time.
No sooner had he left than Blessing heard another vehicle pulling up outside.
Kelechi and Maryam Umeh had arrived.
Blessing went outside to greet them.
“Did you have a pleasant journey, father?” she asked.
“We attended St Peter’s for morning service and left home in plenty of time,” said her mother. “I persuaded your father to purchase a similar satnav to the one you have. Getting him to do as the woman told him was more difficult. It has taken us an hour and a quarter instead of forty-five minutes.”
“You’re here safely, and that’s what matters,” said Blessing.
“I can’t see your car, Blessing,” said Kelechi Umeh, “I hope it’s under lock and key. There have been lots of thefts of property in the countryside in recent months.”
“Nobody’s going to steal my car, father. Don’t worry. It’s perfectly safe in the garage.”
Blessing crossed her fingers behind her back, hoping her parents didn’t want to inspect her car today, and her accommodation. She’d avoided mentioning the breakdown to her mother when they’d spoken in the week.
Gus came to her rescue. He appeared in the farmhouse doorway.
“Hello there,” he said, “you must be Blessing’s parents. Pleased to meet you. I’m Gus Freeman, Blessing’s boss.”
“It is good that our daughter has an older man to supervise her progress,” said Kelechi Umeh. “I am not in favour of promoting youngsters into managerial positions. They need to serve a longer apprenticeship.”
Gus disagreed with the last piece of Kelechi Umeh’s wisdom. Gus believed that if they were good enough, people should get the chance, no matter how old they were.
“It’s good to meet you,” said Maryam Umeh, “but I’m surprised to see you here. Blessing told me you live in another village, on the other side of Devizes. Do you know the Ferris’s?”
Gus resisted saying he was supervising the progress of their youngest child.
“I’ve known John and Jackie for several months,” Gus replied. “their daughter, Suzie, is a Detective Inspector stationed at London Road. She’s a close colleague.”
Nicely done, thought Blessing.
John, Jackie, and Suzie came out of the farmhouse together. Jackie had shed her apron for a few minutes to show a light summer dress. John now wore a white, short-sleeved shirt and navy-blue slacks. His hair was almost under control, but not quite. Suzie made the introductions and then moved closer to Gus.
“We can eat whenever you’re ready,” said Jackie. “If Blessing needs extra hands to carry her things inside, then these two are ready, willing, and able. Maryam, why don’t we take a quick tour of our home? John, you could show Kelechi what we do here. Find a clean cloth to put over the passenger seat of the truck and don’t take too long.”
Blessing’s head was in a whirl. Suzie seized the initiative and asked Kelechi for the keys to his people carrier. John bundled Kelechi into the Land Rover and drove out of the yard towards the stables. Maryam was already in the kitchen, and Gus stood by the rear door of the vehicle waiting for instructions.
Suzie opened the rear door.
“Blimey,” she said, “how many clothes have you got, Blessing? I thought I was bad,”
Gus didn’t offer an opinion.
“It’s mostly shoes,” said Blessing. “I don’t mind getting rid of the dresses and coats that I no longer wear. Now I’ve stopped growing my shoe size will never vary, so an older style could always come back in fashion. It seems such a waste to throw them away when there’s plenty of wear left in them.”
Fifteen minutes later, Gus, Suzie, and Blessing had stored every box, suitcase, and carrier bag in one of the two bedrooms. They met Maryam and Jackie upstairs on the Grand Tour.
“What a lovely room, Blessing,” her mother said, “I can tell your father I have no concerns for your welfare. I do hope he’s alright with Mr Ferris. Kelechi is out of his comfort zone on a farm. He’s happiest in a lecture hall with other computer geeks.”
“Mother,” cried Blessing, “he might hear you.”
Jackie laughed.
“We understand one another, Maryam. John would be lost without his horses and his tractors. He relies on our two sons to advise him on whether it’s worth investing in robotic equipment, and then they have to install and maintain it for him. I don’t think they’ll ever truly leave home. John’s a technophobe, but it would be a dull old world if we were all the same, wouldn’t it?”
When John and Kelechi returned, they found the others in the kitchen with a glass in their hand. Blessing, Maryam, and Suzie were enjoying a cold lemonade. Gus and Jackie had a large Malbec; or what remained of it.
“I hope you found your appetite,” said Jackie, getting up from her chair and donning her apron once more. “Roast beef and trimmings are coming up.”
The next two hours passed in a flash for Blessing. She couldn’t believe how talkative her parents were. They seemed happy. Perhaps she needn’t have worried, and her father would say she could stay.
Gus knew that, when required, Jackie Ferris could provide fast food. He’d seen her in action, but this afternoon it wasn’t as much lunch as an afternoon event. It was after five o’clock before anyone moved from the kitchen table.
Jackie took Maryam and Blessing into the kitchen garden and then the orchard. There was plenty to see, and Blessing’s mother needed inspiration for her new garden at their home in Englishcombe village.
Kelechi couldn’t resist walking upstairs to check Blessing’s room. John and Suzie went to the stables to see the horses. When Kelechi returned to the kitchen, he found Gus Freeman pouring one final half-glass from the Malbec he’d brought from home.
“Do the Ferris’s pass muster?” Gus asked.
“I can’t believe how big this farm is and how bumpy the tracks are,” he said, “as for the accommodation it’s excellent. I’m content. One day, perhaps you could allow me to visit your offices, Mr Freeman.”
“People tend to have committed a crime, or at least we suspect them of having done so for us to invite them upstairs to our office,” said Gus. “I can assure you that I’ve never worked in such smart surroundings. My superiors pulled out the stops to convince me to come out of retirement. Blessing has fitted in well, as I expected. Your daughter is a team player and has a bright future. Mr Umeh. You can be proud of her.”
“Pride comes before a fall,” said Kelechi. “Many dangers lie in wait for a young woman, and my daughter is in a profession where the risks are greater than in many areas she might have chosen. A father always worries about his children.”
“I’ll do my best to see that Blessing comes to no harm,” said Gus. “We’re working on cold cases which my colleagues failed to solve. Most of our work is in the office or the field interviewing witnesses. We work in pairs, as far as possible, so Blessing will always have one of the other three detectives with her or me.”
“Blessing is a dutiful daughter,” said Kelechi Umeh. “Maryam and I have done what we can to raise her in the right manner. I’m pleased she has made a good first impression, M
r Freeman, I can return to Englishcombe village and prepare for the new term at Bath University with a glad heart.”
“I can hear the others returning,” said Gus. “I suppose you’ll want to head home soon?”
“We wish to get home before it gets dark,” said Kelechi.
Gus glanced at his watch. That shouldn’t be a problem. It wasn’t six o’clock yet. Maryam came into the kitchen carrying a bunch of flowers.
“These will brighten our living room, Kelechi,” she said, “Jackie has a bountiful garden.”
“It will take time to get our new garden as well-organised as the one we left behind,” said Kelechi. “We’ve hardly had time to open everything we brought with us from Claverdon. I know my gardening tools came with us and they are in the house somewhere. I may need to buy a ride-on mower, Mr Freeman. My lawn is extensive.”
“It takes time,” said Gus, “and there’s no end to the work involved. Whether you commit to growing fruit and vegetables or to have a place to grow flowers and shrubs surrounding a neat stretch of grass.”
Everyone was back in the kitchen now, and Blessing could tell that her parents wanted to be on their way.
“Thank you for a wonderful afternoon, Mr Ferris,” said Kelechi, shaking John’s hand. “You and your wife have been most generous hosts. We will make our way back to our new home now. Blessing, if you would come with us to the car?”
“Think nothing of it,” said John, “we’re happy to have met you. Don’t be strangers. You’ll always be welcome while Blessing sleeps under our roof.”
“Yes, Maryam,” said Jackie. “I know you’ll phone Blessing regularly. You’ve got my number if she’s busy on a case and you need a chat.”
Blessing walked outside with her parents to see them off.
“Safe journey home,” she said as her father started the engine.
“As long as he listens to the lady on the satnav, we’ll be fine,” said her mother, shaking her head. “If not, we must ask someone for directions. Goodbye, Blessing. I’ll call in the week.”
