As she caught her breath a hand reached out.
“Allow me, madam.”
Red took Jack’s hand gratefully. “A proper little gentleman now, aren’t we?”
Jack grinned. “Give me a shout when you want to bring the other bags in, Cass, and I’ll give you a hand.”
Red exchanged a satisfied smile with Pippa. Acceptance at last.
Chapter 93.
The heavy, cherry wood door pushed open to reveal an expansive hallway, a faint waft of stale cigars and coal fires drifting in the air.
Ella and Jack ran through to the kitchen.
“No signal!” Ella frantically waved her mobile in the air. “OMG! I’m totally gonna die if I can’t text anybody.”
“Wait for me! Wait for me!” Ruby clattered into the hallway, struggling with her tiny suitcase.
Red turned, instantly overcome with a tidal-wave of emotion, captivated by the child’s excitement and innocence. “Come on, gorgeous.” She prized Ruby’s tiny fingers from the case handle, scooping the child up in her arms, “We’ll get the best room before the others. Let’s go!”
Red hauled the child over her shoulder like a rag doll, bounding up the wooden staircase, warmed by Ruby’s giggles.
“Faster, Cassie, faster! The others are catching up. I’ve got to get the bestest room. Snow White would have the bestest room.”
“You bet she would, princess.” Red threw open the first door she came to. “Nope, not this one. Not good enough for royalty. Let’s see what’s along the hallway.”
“Faster, Cassie!”
The sound of Jack and Ella’s voices chased up the stairs as Red swung open the door to the next room.
Ruby gasped. “Cassie, this one! Please can I have this one? This is the bestest!”
Red watched as Ruby bounded over to the huge four-poster bed, making a valiant attempt to climb up. “Here, little legs, let me help.” Red lifted Ruby on to the bed, where the child began bouncing, holding Red’s hands for balance.
“Well, you two certainly didn’t waste any time.” Pippa appeared in the doorway, her features soft, love shining from her eyes.
Red gently released Ruby’s hands, crossing over to Pippa. “Looks like we have one happy princess on our hands,” She planted a kiss at the side of Pippa’s mouth.
“Make that two,” Pippa replied.
~
“There we go.” Red sat back on her heels, pleased with herself. “That’ll keep us nice and cozy tonight.”
“It’s a gorgeous fire, Cass. We should have a fireplace at home,” Pippa handed Red a large glass of wine. “Did you sort out the pool?”
Red set her glass down. “Pip, the kids. are going to love it! Honestly, it’s so cool I nearly went for a dip myself. You’ve got to hand it to Richard. He sure knows how to pick ‘em. This whole place is just fantastic.”
“Yes, well let’s keep Richard out of this for now. I don’t want to even hear his name before Friday. Did you put the water heater on?”
Red dramatically palmed her forehead. “Forgot. I’ll do it tomorrow.”
“Cass! It needs twenty-four hours.”
Red grinned. “Of course I did, you daft bint. What do you take me for? Should be perfect by tomorrow afternoon. Can’t wait to see their little faces. But we need to make sure they don’t get too close before, or they’ll hear the heater running, or smell the chlorine, or something.”
“No worries. You know, I was thinking maybe we should have a pool at home.”
“Be serious. Have you any idea how much they cost?”
“Well, with your new DCI’s salary we can stop slumming it.”
“Pip, we are hardly slumming it back home. And anyway, I’m not sure I want the DCI’s post.”
“Cass?” Pippa’s face crumpled. “But it’s a given. You’re Acting Chief Inspector already. I’ve told everybody.”
“Acting being the key word. There’s only one case I’m interested in at the moment and I’m not allowed to get involved.”
“You’re too involved, Cass, you know that. It was clouding your judgment.”
“I know. I was just so... So consumed with anger,” Red swallowed a huge mouthful of Pinot Noir, “Bill was like a father to me. More than Dad ever was. I still can’t quite believe that he’s gone.”
“William loved you Cass, and he wouldn’t want you ruining your chances of promotion by blowing the case, would he?”
“I know. You’re right of course. As always.”
“Please, Cass, I don’t want any more talk of work, murder, cases, anything. We both need to relax, to spend some time with the children, and to be a family again.”
Red leaned further into Pippa’s embrace, “You got it, Counsel.”
“Unfortunately that means going back out in the cold. Ella and Jack want to explore the woods.”
“Today? I’m exhausted.”
“It was your idea to drive through the night. We all managed to get some sleep.”
“I did notice.”
“It’ll be dark soon enough. Just an hour to let them run off some of that energy.”
“Can’t you go?” Red turned on doleful eyes. “I’ll just lay here and make sure the fire doesn’t go out.”
“Family time, Cass. Remember?”
Red touched her forelock reverently, pushing herself into a sitting position, sharing a kiss. “Family time, gorgeous.”
Chapter 94.
“Jack, put that down. It’s dangerous.”
“It’s cool, mum. Look.”
Pippa rolled her eyes at Red. “Can you explain how playing with rusty old animal traps might be considered slightly risky to any normal person?”
Twigs cracked and snow-covered leaves crunched under foot as they crossed to where Jack was attempting to dismantle the device.
“Look, it works, apart from the spring being rusted up.” Jack opened and closed the jaws. “Wouldn’t want to get my foot caught in that.”
“Nor a finger. It’s not a toy, Jack.” Red took it from his hands before spotting Jack’s crestfallen countenance. She exchanged a surreptitious wink and a sly nod at Pippa. “Now go and do something nice and safe with your sisters.”
Jack grinned back as he ran off to join Ella and Ruby.
Pippa linked an arm with Red’s. “You are so good with him, Cass. He really listens to you.”
“It helps that I don’t treat him like a child. I think he responds to that.”
“I know, I know. But he’s still my baby. So where did you learn to be so good with growing boys?”
Red looked around, as if searching for a distraction to avoid answering. She found one.
“What’s that over there?”
Pippa’s gaze followed Red’s finger. “A fire? Not Jack, surely?”
“He’s over there with the girls. Let’s take a look.”
“Should we?”
“It’s probably the groundsman. We can introduce ourselves. He might know a good pub nearby.”
“We’ve plenty of wine.”
“I was thinking food? I don’t feel up to cooking tonight, and I’m pretty sure you won’t be getting your nails near anything.”
A clearing had been made in the middle of the dense forest, the remains of a dying fire evident, grass and leaves flattened. A half-eaten packet of bourbons and a plastic mug lay by a fallen log evidently doubling as a bench.
“It’s not the groundsman,” Red said, taking in the scene.
“It could be.”
“No groundsman is going to leave a burning fire. Nor would he leave his rubbish here.”
“Campers, then.”
“At this time of year? Where’s their tent?”
“Cass, you’re off duty now. Stop playing Sherlock.”
Red put a hand on Pippa’s arm. “Something doesn’t add up.”
“Cass, you promised.”
“Pip, the nearest neighbours are miles away. This is officially the middle of nowhere.”
“F
ell walkers.”
“Anyone walking at this time of year would be a serious walker, not a tourist.” Red nudged the hot embers with her foot.
“And what’s to say this isn’t a serious fell walker?”
“The same reasons that it isn’t the groundsman. No serious fell walker is going to leave their rubbish behind, or leave a lit fire. Looks to me like someone heard us and disappeared sharp.”
“A poacher.”
Red looked thoughtfully at Pippa. “Yeah, you could be right.”
“Of course I’m right. Now let’s get back. I’m freezing.”
Chapter 95.
Red slid the creaking bolts across, top and bottom, giving the cherry wood door a quick tug to confirm the obvious.
“Locking up for the night?”
“May as well. Unless you fancy a midnight stroll around Windermere?”
“I thought we were eating out tonight?”
“Shit.” Red shared pleading eyes with Pippa. “How about we cook something together?”
“I just knew we should have arranged for catering. Cass, I am not cooking. I’m on holiday. I want a break from routine domestic chores.”
Red took Pippa’s hand. “Under oath now, Counsel. When was the last time you did a domestic chore of any description?”
“Objection!”
“Over-ruled. Will the witness please answer the question.”
Pippa looked thoughtfully at Red. “Members of the Jury, once again Acting Chief Inspector Rose has proven herself to be an incompetent investigator, that has failed to properly assess the evidence before bringing the prosecution.”
Red stared into Pippa’s eyes. “I love it when you talk dirty, Counsel.”
Pippa smiled back. “The prosecution’s case is fatally flawed. There will be no meals cooked at Windermere’s Edge tonight. Not by anybody.”
“And the grounds for this assertion are?”
“We haven’t been shopping yet.”
“Bollocks.” Red slid back the bolts again in resignation. “Gissa kiss, Counsel. I need it.”
“Like this?” Pippa wrapped her arms around Red, pulling her close.
“Mum, what’s for tea? I’m star – Oh, not again.” Ella stood indignantly in the doorway, Ruby next to her. “Do you mind? You’ll give poor Tues’ nightmares.”
~
“Now that’s what I call fish and chips.” Red rolled up her greasy paper and bounced it off the wall into a bin. “Kids, whaddaya reckon?”
“Why don’t we get a toy like in a Happy Meal?” Ruby carefully stuffed a long chip into her mouth. “Deimante always gets me a toy.”
Pippa turned in her seat. “Yes, well let’s not talk about Deimante, okay?”
“Chill, woman.” Red eased a hand onto Pippa’s knee. “We’re on holiday.”
Pippa lifted Red’s hand off, using a tissue.. My poor children, being force-fed junk food like this.” She wriggled her greasy fingers in the air to make a point. “I don’t understand why fish and chips have to be so oily. Honestly, it’s the kind of slop cutlery was invented for. Why should anyone wish to use their fingers for this?”
“Well pardon me for not bringing the caviar and champagne.”
“You know what I mean Cassandra. Look at the mess Ruby’s in. And she smells of that revolting brown water stuff.”
“It’s called vinegar, Mum,” Jack piped up. “It’s compulsory with fish and chips.”
“Thank you, Jack. I’m not that out of touch. I was being facetious. Ruby, bath time for you when we get back.”
“Don’t worry, Tues,” Ella said. “There’s a mini bath, just right for you.”
Red turned in surprise. “There is?”
“Yeah, didn’t you see it? Next to the toilet.”
Red grinned at Ella. “I think you’ll find that’s the bidet.”
Chapter 96.
Cass pushed open the front door, ushering the children through. “Right, guys. Here’s the plan: Bath and bed, okay?”
“Cass!” Ella led Ruby through, glaring resentfully at Red. “Be serious. We’re on holiday!”
“Sorry, El. I’m pulling rank. Just tonight. It’s been a long day and your mother and I want some quality time to ourselves. You’ve all got TVs in your rooms. It’s no big deal.”
“But, Mum,” Jack protested. “What about our break!”
“Sorry, Jack. Cass is perfectly in order. Just tonight. The rest of the week you can do as you please.”
“Promise? Cross your heart and hope to die?”
“Really, Jack. My word should be quite adequate. Have I ever lied to you?”
Jack considered. “Well, there was that time when—”
“Thank you, Jack. So, Ruby first. Ella, can you sort your little sister? And don’t dare put her in the bidet!”
Ella pulled Ruby to her. “As if. Right, Tues?”
“What’s a bidet?”
“I’ll show you. Okay then, sis? Bath and bedtime story?”
“Snow White! Snow White!”
“Rather you than me, Els,” Red laughed. “If I have to read that one more time…”
“Speaking of snow and white, children,” Pippa said, “the forecast is more snow tonight.”
“Yay!” Ruby looked hopefully at Pippa. “Mummy, is Father Christmas coming?”
Red laughed. “Sorry, Rubes. Santa’s reindeer are on holiday too, just like us. So no Father Christmas tonight I’m afraid.”
“Unless he’s delivering Easter eggs,” Jack chimed in. “Choccy eggs, Tues!”
“Thank you, Jack.” Pippa gave him a stern look as she closed the door. “Easter’s not until the weekend. Please don’t get your sister excited before time.”
Red slipped the bolts, top and bottom, and rattled the security chain into place. “Jack, while Ruby and Ella are getting sorted, how about putting the groceries away for us, and then making a nice cup of tea for me and Pippa?”
“Sure. You and Mum put your feet up in front of the fire.”
Pippa beamed. “Why thank you, Jack. That’s so thoughtful of you. Come on, Cassandra, before he changes his mind. Ruby, darling, I’ll come and say good night when Ella finishes reading to you.”
“Me too, gorgeous,” Red added, following Pippa through into the lounge.
Pippa threw some logs onto the dwindling fire. “You know, Cass, I’m rather enjoying myself here. It’s nice to rough it now and again.”
Red slumped into the seat beside her partner. “Roughing it? Indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, satellite TV in every room.”
“I was referring to that ghastly food we ate earlier.”
“Pip, that was delicious. Best fish and chips I’ve had in a long time.”
“Well it might have been tolerable on a plate, but eating out of paper in the car… Really, Cass. The only food stuffs that should be eaten by hand are cucumber sandwiches and oysters.”
“If music be the food of love, play on, I say.”
Pippa slipped her hand into Red’s. “Cassandra, that is so nice. I’ve never heard you quote Shakespeare before.”
“Give me excess of it; that surfeiting, the appetite may sicken and so die.” Red grinned at Pippa. “Just because I went to a comprehensive school doesn’t mean I didn’t learn anything.”
Pippa tried to look offended. “Have I ever suggested otherwise?”
“Only every flaming day. Now, what will it be, TV or music?”
“You know how much I dislike television, Cass, please. Let’s see if they have any decent music in their collection.”
Red pulled Pippa to her feet. “You choose the first one, but don’t even think of putting an opera on.”
“Of course not, Cassandra. I wouldn’t want to offend your working class upbringing with anything remotely haute culture.”
Red gave Pippa a playful slap. “Don’t start that again.”
Pippa picked handful of CDs. “How about Romeo and Juliet, seeing as you’re a fan of the bard?”
“I want
music, not an audio-book.”
“Cassandra, really! It’s the ballet. Dum-de-dum-de-dum-de-dum-de-dum-de-dum-de-dum-dum.”
“Tchaikovsky?”
“Prokofiev, Cassandra, you philistine. Oh, and about the comprehensive school? I rest my case.”
“Don’t start on about my school. That tune you just massacred could have been –”
The sound of shattering china emerged from the kitchen.
“Are you okay in there, Jack?”
No answer.
“Jack?”
Red slipped from Pippa’s grasp. “I’ll check he’s okay. Probably trying to clean up the mess and hoping we didn’t hear anything.”
Red pushed the door open gently. “Jack? We thought we heard…” Jack was on the draining board, peering through the window. “Jack? Are you okay?”
The boy looked round, sheepish eyes diverting to the broken cup on the floor. Red followed his gaze.
“Let me guess. You dropped the cup and now you’re trying to escape through the window and then blame Ella?”
Jack grinned, easing himself down. “Sorry. Something made me jump. I dropped your tea.”
Red forced a smile. “It would be my tea, of course. When you say something made you jump…”
“It’s nothing. Probably just my reflection in the glass.”
“Where?”
“Just there.” Jack gestured to the lower window frame. “I was just stirring your tea when I turned round and…”
“And?”
Jack looked embarrassed. “It’s not important.”
Red checked the window locks and pulled the blinds down slowly, taking the opportunity to scan the garden view as far as the kitchen’s light allowed. “If it was just your reflection why were you up at the window?”
“I thought maybe…” Jack shrugged. “I’ll make you another cup.”
“Listen, don’t tell Mum anything, okay? You know what a worrier she is. Keep it just between us two.”
Saffina Desforges' ROSE RED Crime Thriller Boxed Set Page 23
