“Yes, Rowena loved the Halloween party and is looking forward to the next one. I’m hoping I’ll be back to normal by then.”
“I’m sure you will. In fact, I think another six months and you’ll be running around as good as new.”
“Linda says that too.”
“Who’s Linda?”
“Linda Cooke. She’s my physio. Did you know her husband is a detective? She’s brilliant. She’s my second favourite person after…”
“After Lucy?” Cessy smiled gently.
“Well, yes – but you’re my third favourite!” Harry’s face coloured bright red.
Cessy patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry, lad, I don’t hold it against you! And you obviously have good taste in girls! I think most of the males in this village are half in love with Lucy! But she is such a kind hearted, good friend, the rest of the females don’t mind because we love her too. I think even DI Cooke is half in love with her along with everyone else, although I think perhaps he’s in love with her cakes!” She giggled and Harry laughed too.
“Oh yes, Linda told me that! She says her cakes always sink in the middle.”
“Oh dear! Well, we all have that problem sometimes, maybe even Lucy. Well now, it’s time I went. Goodnight, Harry.”
“G’night, Cessy.”
He watched her leave the room and sat for a few minutes more. He did want to be at home with his family again and wondered how long it would take his mum to find somewhere suitable. He sighed and, grabbing his crutches, slowly rose from his chair, and made his way out of the room to the lift.
Chapter 18
The following day, as soon as he saw Kenny, George took the bull by the horns and asked if he could talk with him. Kenny readily agreed and they sat in the café area, which was quiet because as yet the café wasn’t open.
“We have decided to look for a house to rent in Hereford because we need to get Harry out of Sutton Court. We love the bungalow but sadly, as you know, it isn’t big enough for all of us. None of us wants to go back to Manchester. Rowena loves her school and Harry wants to continue working with the team at the hospital here. I’ve loved my job here but I knew this was only temporary until Harry was out of hospital. I’m so grateful to you and Lucy for the help you’ve given us but we can’t rely on your charity any longer.”
“It’s a good idea for you to seek a house in Hereford. It will be more convenient for Harry and Rowena. But as for this job being temporary, I’d like you to stay, if you will. You’re a good worker and I’m going to be losing one of my lads soon as his family are moving away. I’ll be short without him. Would you consider staying with us? If you became permanent staff, I’ll increase your wages too.”
“Oh! I didn’t expect that.” Although excited at the thought of having a permanent job at Baxter’s, he thought of Sally. Would she still be safe if he continued to work here? He didn’t see why not, there was no reason why anyone would look for her just because he worked here. If he saw her, he wouldn’t speak to her at all, just in case anyone was watching. He didn’t usually see her as a rule anyway. He made up his mind suddenly.
“Thank you. I would be honoured to stay if you really do want me?”
“I’m not just saying it, believe me. I had been wondering what I would do once Ray left. He’s worked with me a long time and I’ll miss him sorely. But they have decided to emigrate, would you believe? I really am going be a man down, so it’ll be a relief to have you, George. I didn’t offer before because I thought you’d go back to Manchester once Harry left hospital, but as you want to stay in the area I’m happy to offer you the job.”
“Ah well then, that’s great! Thank you very much indeed. I’m sure Netta will be pleased. I know the kids will be because they’re determined to keep in touch with the village.”
“That’s settled then.” Kenny rose to his feet and so did George. “I’ll get the contract drawn up as soon as I can.”
They shook hands and the two men parted. George went back to his job in the potting shed feeling optimistic about the future.
**********
Netta was good with money, especially while George was unemployed. Living rent-free in the bungalow, she had saved and saved the past few months, knowing the time might well come when they would need to find another home. They’d only lived in Herefordshire about a month before she’d become determined that they wouldn’t return to Manchester. She loved the countryside and the people around her and would be sorry to leave Having become friends with a few people and all the neighbours spoke to her when they saw her either in the garden or walking about. Although she could probably buy food cheaper in a supermarket than in the village shop, the food she bought from Madge was superior to anything she could get in a supermarket and so fresh, coming straight from the farms. Lucy’s bread and cakes were sublime and she bought them regularly. Oh yes, she would really miss the community in Sutton-on-Wye. However, Netta was practical too and she knew they had to move so her family could be together. A house in Sutton-on-Wye but they didn’t have the income for a mortgage. She could dream though…
There was no time to waste, in her search for a new home. Rowena had shown her some houses and the names of the letting agents.
After she’d driven Rowena to school, she headed the car towards the city of Hereford and hoped she would be able to find somewhere to park. After driving around a little, she found a space in a car park and locked the car. Just as she did so, her phone rang.
“Hello? George? What’s up?” She spoke sharply.
“I just called to tell you that Kenny has offered me a permanent job at the nurseries – and he’s going to increase my wages too!”
“Oh George,” Netta’s voice softened. “That is good news! I’m in town now, about to go to the letting agents. I’ll be able to tell them that we have a regular income. It’ll make things so much easier.”
“That’s why I called you to let you know right away. I have to go now, love. Good luck in your search.”
“Thanks. See you later.”
Netta went over the details of each house, discarding them if they had steep steps up to the door or if it didn’t have a downstairs toilet. Not familiar with the layout of the city, she needed to be shown by the letting agents where the houses were. In the end, she had selected three properties, one in Redhill, one in Hinton and a large flat in Bodenham Road. She really liked the house in Redhill but it was too far away from Rowena’s school, being across the river. The house in Hinton’s stairs were very steep and narrow, and she knew that Harry would never manage them. The downstairs toilet was pretty disgusting too. Wrinkling her nose, she hurried away. The agent looked discouraged as he followed her out.
The flat in Bodenham Road was surprisingly roomy and on the ground floor. It would be convenient for the hospital, the agent said, persuasively. She nodded, yes, it would be convenient for that but it was the other end of town for Rowena’s school.
“I’ll have to think about it. Can I bring my family to see it?”
“Of course. When?”
“This evening, if possible? My husband can try and leave work early. His boss knows we are house-hunting. Can I call you later?”
“Yes. Have a word with him if you can. Our office is open until five-thirty, although I could meet you later, it would be better if it’s not too late.”
Netta nodded. She watched him drive away and sat in her car, looking at the building they’d just come out of. It was large, built of sandy-coloured bricks with black ironwork around the edges of the roof. It was a well-presented building but inside she had noticed that the décor was looking rather sorry for itself and the bathroom suite was dated, although functional. There would be plenty of room for them but somehow it didn’t ‘call’ her. It didn’t seem right for a family like theirs to live in a flat. Although they were currently living in a bungalow, she thought it would feel odd living all on one floor, knowing there was a floor above. And what if their house mates were noisy and obtrusi
ve? Also, George would get caught up in city traffic driving to work. She shook her head. No, she didn’t need to bring the family, she already knew this place wasn’t right.
Dispirited, she drove home. Well, she didn’t really think she would find somewhere straight away, did she? Yes, she did! Under normal circumstances, she would probably have plumped for the house in Redhill because it was lovely, but George would have to cross the bridge to work every morning – and she rather thought that bridge could become a bottle-neck at busy traffic times. She recalled that the agent had said there weren’t that many places for rent in January but they would start coming in over the next few weeks. She wouldn’t give up, she would look on the internet every day to see if there were any new ones.
On reaching the village, she decided to pop into Madge’s shop. Once she’d parked the car, she called the agent to say she’d changed her mind and wasn’t going to bring her family to view the flat. It wasn’t in the right place. Again, he promised to call if anything came onto their books that would fit her requirements.
“Hello there!” Madge’s cheerful voice greeted her as she entered the shop. “How are you, Netta? My word, it’s chilly! I shouldn’t be surprised if we have snow soon. Got to expect it in January, I suppose. You’re looking rosy – have you been out long?”
“Yes, I’ve been into Hereford looking at houses to rent. We need to move so that Harry can live back with us.”
“Ah yes. Nothing suitable, I suppose?”
“No, not yet. I saw a lovely house in Redhill but it wasn’t in the right place for Rowena’s school. We need somewhere this side of the river.”
Madge nodded understandingly. “Oh yes, you really should be in the school’s catchment area, then the lass can get a bus to school. We’re in the catchment area here but the bus doesn’t come to the village. Hard for the villagers but I daresay they manage.”
“Yes. The agent said more places should come up in the next few weeks go on. I guess we’ll just have to be patient. But I do worry about keeping Harry at Sutton Court for too long because Cessy might well need the room.”
“I understand that, dearie. Sutton Court is always so popular hereabouts. People know it’s a good place, see? They look after their residents very well and make sure they have lots to do.”
“I’m very impressed with it. Cessy does a wonderful job there.”
“Try not to worry. Something will come up, it always does. Now, is there anything I can get you?”
Netta got her bits of shopping and made her way home. As she walked into the bungalow, it seemed to her like there was someone there, waiting to wrap their arms around her. She loved it and right now she was glad of the warmth as she went in. She had plenty to do because she’d gone out and left everything. But first, she would have a cup of tea and the cream bun, made by Lucy, that she had treated herself to from Madge’s shop.
Chapter 19
News in a village like Sutton-on-Wye travels fast. Just how fast, George found out the day after Netta had had her disappointing house hunt.
“George.”
He turned round and was surprised to see Ray standing there.
“Oh, hello Ray, I didn’t see you there.”
“I’ve only just come. I was looking for you.”
“Oh?”
“I heard you’re looking for a house to rent in Hereford.”
“Well, I’m glad you’ve not found anywhere yet because I have a proposition to put to you.”
“How’s that?”
“Well, you’ve probably heard that I’m emigrating with my family to Australia.”
George nodded, waiting for him to go on.
“Well, thing is, we decided not to sell out house in case we don’t like it there and want to come back. How would you like to rent it? We’d be happy to know we have someone in our house we can trust not to trash the place. It would be very suitable for your lad, there’s a loo downstairs and the stairs are wide and fairly shallow. It’s four bedrooms but one is very small.”
“It’s good of you, Ray, but we decided we needed to be in Hereford rather than the village. To make it easier for Row to get to school, you know?”
“My house isn’t in the village. I live in an area called Bobblestock; in fact, my house is very close to Whitecross School. It’s easy to travel to work as you’d not have city traffic to drive through; in fact it only takes me ten minutes to get here of a morning.”
“Oh! I didn’t know that. Um, well, it sounds like a good solution.”
“Tell you what, why don’t the four of you come round to see the house this evening? Come about seven and we’ll give you a tour.”
“Brilliant. Thanks. I’ll give Netta a call now.”
*****
They picked Harry up from Sutton Court at six-forty-five and set off for Ray’s house. It was indeed only ten minutes later when they pulled up outside. Even in the dark they could see that it was pretty modern, surrounded by identical houses. There were two cars parked side by side on the drive.
The door opened at George’s knock and Ray invited them in. As Ray shut the door behind them, a woman came into the hall with two children, a boy of about six and a girl about eight.
“This is my wife, Carol, and this is Megan and Andrew. We have another lad but he’s doing homework at his friend’s house. Carol, this is George, Netta, Rowena and Harry.”
Carol smiled at them. “Hello there. Welcome. So this is the young man we’ve all been hearing about? I’m happy to see that you seem to be recovering well, Harry.”
Harry gave her one of his grins.
“Right then, let’s do the tour. Downstairs first,” said Ray and led them into a door in front of them. “This is the main room, our lounge.”
It was a lovely room of average size with laminate flooring but warm. It was ‘L’ shaped and round the corner on the short leg of the ‘L’ was a dining area. Through that there was a spacious galley kitchen. They then went upstairs, Harry very slowly, but managing, to the bedrooms. The master bedroom had an en-suite toilet and shower room but there was also a good-sized family bathroom with a shower cubicle as well as a bath. Harry nodded his head.
Two more bedrooms were single size but adequate. One of them had bunk beds but the other had a single bed. As Ray had said, the fourth so-called bedroom was barely big enough to be called a room. In here was a table with a computer and a shelf unit with various books, CDs, and other miscellaneous items.
“It’s an everything and anything room,” said Ray. “Let’s go downstairs.”
They went down, with Harry coming last, bumping down on his bottom. “Easier,” he said with a laugh.
“Don’t blame you, lad,” said Ray. “I didn’t show you the downstairs convenience. Here it is.” He opened the door to show a toilet with a sink unit, a mirror above.
Ray led the way back into the lounge. “So, what do you think?”
“Let them sit down. I have drinks and biscuits for you,” said Carol, and handed a tray around.
“What do you think, Harry?” George asked him. “Do you think you can manage those stairs?”
“So, what do you think, Netta? Would you be happy living here?”
She nodded slowly.
“Yes, I think so. Do you like it, Rowena?”
“Yes, Mum. As long as I don’t have to sleep in a bunk bed!”
“A friend is going to have them,” said Carol, “So don’t worry about that. You probably noticed the house was looking a bit sparse in places. We’ve already sent a lot of our things, because it takes a long time. We will leave the larger pieces of furniture here because it’s expensive to ship them, so the house will be pretty much as you’ve seen it, except for the bunk beds.”
“Well, that’ll be great. We have nothing because we left all our furniture in the house in Manchester. The bungalow we’ve been living in is fully furnished.”
“So, when do you actually go?” asked George.
“In three weeks. We fly on t
he last day of January.”
Carol grimaced. “It’s scary stuff, but we’re excited too, aren’t we, kids?”
Megan and Andrew nodded, Andrew was pressed up against his mum, looking at them shyly. George couldn’t help wondering how they would get on out there, especially the young one, he seemed so shy. Still, kids are very adaptable, he thought.
“Well, that’s a load off our minds,” remarked Ray. “It was getting so close to us going and we thought we’d have to leave it empty and use an agent. But we’re glad we don’t need to. We didn’t want strangers in our house. Of course, we may well end up selling it if we become sure we’re going to stay there but that won’t be for a good while yet.”
“It’s a load off our minds too,” said George. “Thank you for thinking of us. I’ve been astounded at how everyone here has done so much to help us. We’re so grateful, aren’t we, love?”
“Yes, very grateful. We’ll leave you in peace now.”
George heaved a sigh of relief; thank goodness that was another hurdle crossed! It got him out of the village but near enough for an easy drive to work. Someone must love him after all.
Chapter 20
Paul Engledow nervously ran his finger around the inside of his collar. He felt it was trying to strangle him as he watched the little ball dancing on the spinning roulette wheel. Where would it land? He’d already lost so much money, he was in debt up to his eyeballs. This was his one, last hope. If he didn’t win this time, he knew he’d have to disappear, for it was only a matter of time before the heavies came down on him. He half-closed his eyes, scared to watch and yet afraid not to. He must win this time, he must!
“Number 14. Place your bets now, gentlemen.”
Fear Has Long Fingers Page 8
