by Mike Crowson
* * *
Haworth High Street is a much painted, steep and cobbled, pedestrianised living museum and considerable tourist attraction. In summer it looks like a picture post card of itself. Tommy thought it could be very different on a chill and rainy November evening, though. He'd seen it on such a day and considered it not at all surprising that Branwell Bronte had drunk himself to death or the sisters written novels - there was damn all else to do in the place in winter but drink or write, and if you didn't have the talent to write ...
Francesca looked lovely. They were sitting at a table outside the Three Sisters restaurant and she was wearing a head turning, figure flattering, off-white top and loose white trousers. In the valley a steam train on the Worth Valley railway chuffed smoke and steam, though one couldn't see the train itself.
"I was able to get away in good time," Tommy remarked into the interval between main course and dessert. "I can't always," he added, swallowing hard. "Being a detective can be a demanding job. Any police job can be."
Francesca did not appear either surprised or put out. "You're a detective at Witchmoor Edge?" she asked, but in such a way that implied she already knew the answer.
"Yes," Tommy answered. "Why?"
"Nothing really, except I think I know your boss."
"Detective Inspector Hampshire or Chief Inspector Cooke?"
"Millicent Hampshire. A very interesting lady. Extremely good at dowsing."
Tommy was stunned, but he didn't want to talk about Millicent or work. "What are you doing tomorrow?" he asked.
"Filling in as a waitress in one of our restaurants."
Tommy's face fell: he was aware that the Sapori family had their money in a chain of restaurants, but it sounded like a brush off.
Francesca laughed chidingly. "Actually, I'm free all day," she said, "I will be tied up in the evening. A meeting which will involve your Inspector. All day though, I'm free and I'd really like to go somewhere with you. Where do you suggest we go?"
"I thought we might drive up the dales somewhere."
"Stump Cross Caverns," said Francesca. "I have wanted to visit the caves for a while."
"Your wish is my command, as long as I'm off duty," Tommy said, and Francesca Sapori laughed.
Chapter 16: Sunday 19th August (Evening)
