by Emily Selby
Celia shrugged. 'What do I know about policemen?' she asked in a clipped voice.
Katie pressed her lips so hard, it hurt.
'What if I put a picture of a briefcase, a magnifying glass and a deerstalker hat on it? You know, old fashion detective style, since he often makes hints at Sherlock Holmes? I think the card should definitely be stylish. He is a man with a sense of style, just not the Sunnyvale style.'
'I don't know,' Celia said with a big sigh. 'You can try that, I suppose. But I think, just a bunch of flowers and a bottle of champagne would do. Something classic and timeless.'
'All right then,' Katie said quickly, keen to retreat from the staffroom battlefield into the safety of her office.
'A lovely bouquet of roses and a glass of bubbly it is then.' She'd leave the other idea for her secret project.
'I'd better get things sorted out quickly,' she said.
She grabbed the door handle and was out of the station in a flash.
After a quick visit to the ATM and with cash in her purse, Katie rushed back to her car, but before she could turn the key in the ignition, her mobile rang.
'Linda, how are things?' she greeted her friend.
'Oh, not so well. I'm a bundle of nerves. I've not slept a wink all night. I've tried to lie down for a nap, but I'm just too wound up.'
'What about those pills that the doctor prescribed you?'
'How could you even mention that? I won't touch anything which has been in this house since last night.'
Katie opened her mouth to comment that this was a bit of an overreaction, but she quickly closed it again. Not that long ago, she hadn’t wanted Jane to pour water into a kettle.
'I see what you mean, particularly with Baby Adam around.'
'I'm beside myself. I'm so glad Baby Adam is staying with his parents. Although, without him, I don't know what to do with myself.'
'Where's Adam senior?'
Adam McKay, Linda's husband was a busy accountant.
'He's away at a conference till Friday night. I'm at home alone. I've thrown away all food supplies and restocked the fridge and the cupboards. I've defrosted and cleaned the fridge. I'm only using/stocking fresh stuff I, personally, buy and bring home and eat immediately.'
'You can't live like that forever, Linda.'
'Well, I hope you guys can catch that killer, because, frankly, one can't live like this forever.'
'We're doing what we can, Linda. Is that why you're calling?'
'Yes and no. I was wondering if, since you're at work right now, I could borrow the key and go work on my crafts project. I think having something productive to do will take my mind off these horrible events.'
Katie hesitated. She’d been hoping to drop in to the crafts room to at least see if she had all the necessary elements to make a card for Jack. Well - two cards!
'Can you promise me you'll bring the key back after lunch? And drop it off to the station? I want to work on my cards straight after work.'
'Yes, I definitely can. How about I pop in to the station now and get it from you.'
'Great idea. Just give me ten minutes. Buzz me when you're there and I'll come out with the key.'
Katie ended the call and drove back to the station. Her stomach a little heavy in anticipation of a potential encounter with an unhappy Celia.
Katie sneaked, unnoticed, into her office and worked until her phone pinged with a call from Linda.
'I'm at reception,' Linda said a little short of breath. Katie grabbed the key and pushed the door leading to the staffroom - the only access way to and from her office, unfortunately. Luckily, the staffroom was still empty.
Out at reception, Linda was leaning against the counter, her cheeks flushed, her breathing heavy.
'You okay?' Katie asked handing over the key.
'Not really. Just had a call from Mavis, she's in a right state. Apparently that inspector of yours has been bothering her again. He visited her at work! Unannounced. What a cheek! She's upset. She's been working so hard on getting herself back on feet again and just like that.' Linda paused her tirade to snap her fingers. 'Just like that, he turns up at the door demanding to talk to her again.'
Katie held her breath.
Respond to the message between the lines, not the words, Katie.
'I guess that must have upset her and you as well.'
'You bet!' Linda huffed. 'Now, instead of a quiet session in the crafts room, I need to spend the morning calming poor Mavis. And she was doing so well...'
'Poor Mavis,' Katie repeated. 'Why is he bothering her?'
'How would I know? You're the police people.'
Katie swallowed a comment on how easily Linda could find out what it was.
'He's doing his job, Linda. If you want him to find the murderer, he needs to stick his nose into other people's business, even when they’re at work.'
'Honestly, he should at least give them a warning and try to meet on neutral ground.'
'Maybe he didn't have a choice. Is this in connection with what happened last night?'
'I guess so.'
'So, it's about your friends' son.'
Linda let out a long, noisy breath. 'I can't argue with you. Anyway,' she added, 'I'd better be going.'
'I'm finishing at 2.30 pm today, can you drop it off before then?'
'I will,' Linda said already on her way out.
Katie retreated to her office. She couldn’t wait to finish her shift. With all that had been going on recently, she was looking forward to spending some time in the peace and quiet of the crafts room.
27
By the end of her shift, Linda still hadn't returned the key. Katie left the office just after 2.30 pm and, desperate to start working on the cards for Jack, she called Linda from her car.
'Sorry, Katie, I forgot. I've just got home and had to do some shopping on the way because, as you know, I've got nothing to eat or drink. I'm home now, so if you want the key, come over.'
'I'm on my way.'
Katie drove to Linda's place. She parked and jumped out, slamming the door. Didn't Linda say Baby Adam was with his parents?
She ran up the steps and knocked. Mavis opened the door.
'Oh, good afternoon, Mrs Crabtree,' Katie said politely.
'Miss,' the chubby lady corrected, giving her a measuring look.
Katie smiled, the way she would have smiled at a tax officer accepting her two-minutes-to-midnight tax return.
'Have you wiped your feet?' Mavis Crabtree, Miss Crabtree, asked. 'Linda spent an hour cleaning that floor this morning.'
Katie stiffened. She clenched her teeth and wiped her feet meekly on the doormat.
Mavis Crabtree moved aside to let her pass.
'She's making herself some tea.'
Katie marched towards the kitchen.
'Won't be a minute,' Linda waved at Katie from the kitchen counter. The kettle was humming. The kitchen smelled of disinfectant mixed with lemon air freshener. Linda must have been busy.
'Have you managed to work on your cards, Linda?' she asked.
'Not much, to be honest. I was there only an hour or so. It's so cold in that room. Someone needs to sort out those heaters. I'm sure it's as simple as bleeding the radiators. I'll ask Adam when he's back. Honestly, Miriam should have done it at the beginning of the heating season.'
'I think there were working okay before. I have no idea what’s wrong with them.'
'They're old, it just happens,' Mavis cut in in a matter of fact way.
Mavis Crabtree had been to the crafts room?
'Miss Crabtree, did you go to the crafts room with Linda?'
'Yes, I took her with me.'
'Oh, I tell you, sweetie,' Mavis Crabtree suddenly changed the tone of her voice into that of a sweet little old lady. 'I was so distracted after that inspector came in I couldn't concentrate on work, so I took the rest of the day off and left with Linda.'
'We had a nice chat in the hospital café, didn't we, Mavis?' The kettle
whistled, and Linda took it off the cooker and poured the boiling water into two mugs. 'Would you like a cuppa, Katie?’ she asked. 'It's a fresh pack.' She lifted the box and waved it in the air. 'I've kept an eye on it. And I've cleaned the kettle.'
'No, no, I need to be going,' Katie replied hastily. She did have to go very soon, as much as she didn't want to drink anything in Linda, or anyone else's house.
Gee, this was becoming full-blown paranoia.
It has to stop. Yeah, by finding that crazy, poisoning murderer...
'What did the inspector want?' Katie asked lightly. Her question would either be dismissed or she would get an answer.
Linda glared at her, but Katie ignored it.
Finding that crazy, poisoning killer...
'About our walk again.'
'I saw you there, on Monday, you know,' Katie carried on, feeling a sudden influx of energy. 'You looked like you were quite enjoying it. But I've heard you felt quite dizzy at some point.'
'Yes, I did. Imagine that, my pet. I needed some rest and Linda, my dear Linda, ran to fetch some water. I was sitting on the bench waiting for her with my eyes closed. Didn't see anyone. Didn't hear anything. That's the end of story.'
'Hm, that's interesting, because apparently Edward Sparrow didn't see anyone either,' Katie pushed on.
Mavis's chin trembled. She blinked a few times.
'What do you mean?' she asked in a weak voice.
'He told me the streets were empty. No people at all.'
'He probably didn't look properly, poor boy,' Mavis shook her head. 'I was there, sitting on the bench. All the time. Wasn't I, Linda, dear?'
Linda put one mug in front of Mavis, holding the other firmly in her hand.
'I'm actually not sure. When I - I left the shop, I looked in your direction, but I couldn't see you.'
Mavis gave a sharp laugh. 'That's a proof you need new glasses, dear. You saw me that day. I could barely walk.'
Linda shrugged and looked away, sipping on her tea.
Mavis took a swig from her mug. 'Oh, no sugar?'
'Sorry, Mavis. I’m out of sugar.'
'Doctor's orders?' Mavis asked, raising her pencil-thin eyebrows.
Linda let out a breath. 'Yes, if you like.'
'I'll go home and get some. I can bring some for you as well. Or milk?'
'No, thank you, Mavis.'
'I'd better get going, too,' Katie added. 'Can I have the key, please?'
Linda flinched.
'Sorry Katie,' she said with an apologetic smile. 'But I haven't finished yet. I was hoping to do it after lunch today. I mean, just after I've had tea. I've got Adam back this evening. Both Emily and Kieran are on night shift for the next week or so. Today’s my last free time for a while. I only need a couple of hours. You can join me.'
Join her? With a secret project to do?
'I-I...' Katie stuttered, worried. 'I can come in later. Just give me a ring and I’ll come over. I've got other some stuff to do now.'
'Thank you, Katie.' A smile brightened Linda's face. At least, there was one person happy with the new arrangement. 'Don't forget to dress warmly or bring a flask of hot tea.'
'There is a kettle there and some tea.'
'No, I burnt out the kettle last night. I must have turned it on empty. It was so very cold, my tea was cooling down faster than I could drink it.'
'Yes, it was an old kettle. We needed a new one.'
'Unfortunately, I don't have an electric kettle. I should get one. But I'm making myself a flask of tea.' Linda pointed to the tall, yellow object beside the kettle.
'All right, I'll get something hot to drink. Just don't forget to ring me when you're ready to go, okay?'
'Okay, promise. For sure this time.'
This time Linda did ring Katie, and surprisingly, it was just a couple of hours after Katie had left Linda's house. Katie was searching for some birthday card inspiration on the Internet.
'Sorry, Katie, I'm not getting much done. Just feeling too tired and sleepy. I think I'd rather go home and try to catch up on sleep before I collect Adam.'
'I think given last night, it's a good idea,' Katie replied. 'I've got to pick up Julia in twenty minutes. Do you want me drive by now or after I've got her?'
'Now would be good, if you don't mind. I'll need to put away my stuff and will be ready in five.'
Katie tossed her phone into her handbag, grabbed the car keys and ran out of the door.
If she had the key now, she could drive straight to the crafts room after she had dropped off Julia at the drama class. Two hours of peace and quiet to get some work done!
When Katie reached the community centre, Linda was standing by her car, stamping her feet and yawning.
'It's cold,' Linda waved at Katie the moment she emerged from her Micra. 'I've left you my flask. It's at least half full. Nice, green tea. It'll keep you warm. And the key is on the table.'
'Thank you, Linda,' Katie smiled at her friend, who clambered into the car and drove away.
Katie walked into the room and unzipped her jacket to make it easier to move the boxes around, while still keeping her warm.
Katie pulled all three boxes with the crafts supplies from the shelf, one by one. She put them on the floor and grabbed the first one.
Something colourful caught her eye, between the wall and the bottom shelf. A piece of paper.
Katie shrugged. She didn't have the time for cleaning now. She carried the boxes, one by one to the table. A few minutes later, she was engrossed in her creative activities.
She quickly found the elements necessary to make the 'classic, timeless', (and Katie couldn't help thinking, ‘boring’), roses and champagne card. But her own 'card for the detective' idea took her some time. She poured out the contents of the 'Finders-Keepers' jar and carefully shifted through the collection, choosing things that could be made into a magnifying glass, a briefcase and a Sherlock Holmes hat. She even found a pipe!
'Right,' Katie said to herself, rubbing her freezing hands. 'I'd better get going.' She glanced at the tall, yellow flask that Linda had left for her.
Not a bad idea to warm herself up a little.
She grabbed a cup from the rack and poured herself some of Linda's tea. She sipped.
Yuck! It was too strong for her. It must have brewed for too long and was quite bitter.
Katie poured the remains into the sink and flicked the kettle. Linda was right - the little light didn't come on.
Katie unplugged the broken appliance and put it away. She'd need to report it to Miriam, or maybe better Ally Baker. And mention the cold heaters.
She returned to the table. She glanced at what she’d prepared. It would be nice to have a few properly cut out shapes. Something she could do with Jane's machine.
What a great idea!
Katie trotted back to the shelves and pulled Jane's scrapbooking machine off the shelf and put it on the table. She then returned to collect the cutting dies.
Half an hour later she had a nice selection of colourful shapes, including some roses and champagne bubbles for the official card.
Her phone bleeped. It was nearly 6 pm. Time to finish and collect Julia from the drama class. Fortunately, it was just around the corner.
Katie put the card elements into two separate plastic sleeves: one for the office, one for her personal project. She then packed away the machine and the dies, and in the end, her own stuff.
She carried the boxes to the wall units and pushed them one by one onto the shelf.
But the last box wouldn't fit into the slot. Whatever was stuffed behind it must have been displaced when Katie removed the boxes.
Katie sighed. She would rather avoid the extra work now, but the sticking out box bothered her.
She pulled the box off the shelf and reached into the tight gap between the plank and the wall behind it. After some gentle tugging she pulled out a bunch of papers.
She pulled the bundle apart and a cascade of little shapes fell on the flo
or.
Tiny cut-out flowers, hearts and droplets...
She tried to gather the spill-out with her hand, but tiny pieces of paper stuck to one another and the carpet. She pinched a few together and pushed them into bigger piece of paper she’d picked off the floor.
Some of the speckles had some writing on them.
She looked closer.
Handwritten words covered some of the pieces.
A few recent images flashed through her head.
Handwritten notes. Cutting dies. Jane left on her own in the crafts room, standing by the shelves...
What if Jane had written a second secret journal?
Katie grabbed another plastic sleeve and her hand froze over the paper scraps on the floor. If this was evidence, she shouldn't be interfering with it. It was up to the police to decide.
She dialled Jack's number.
"I can't talk for too long,' she said when he answered. 'I think I might have found something in the crafts room. I think it maybe Jane's. Can you send someone right now?'
'I'll be there in a tick.'
She texted Julia and Mrs O'Brien to let them know she had been held up and was waiting just around the corner in the crafts room. Then, she collected her crafts supplies, congratulating herself on doing so. Because, knowing the procedure, the police would cordon off the crafts room again, for a few days if not more. A sudden wave of tiredness flooded over her. Her eyelid itched. She blinked and rubbed her eyes. She'd had too much stress lately, and of course, hadn't slept that well the night before. She yawned.
She'd be better to wait outside, in the crisp, cool air.
Katie stepped out doors and locked the room.
'Hi, mum, I've got a little solo performance.' Julia's voice cut through the thick stillness of the evening. A few seconds later Katie pulled her daughter in a tight hug and kissed the top of her head.
'That's great, baby. Congratulations.'
'Me, too, me too, Mrs Redford,' Ines joined in.
'Congratulations to both of you, then.' Katie waved at Ines and her mum who stood at the corner. 'Thank you very much for walking Julia. And good night!'
'No problem! Good night,' Mrs O'Brien called back and disappeared with her daughter around the corner.
