‘Jimmy Harrison. Don’t know his brother’s first name. All I know about him is that he works for the company who bought the farm next door.’
‘Sounds a bit unlikely, but we’ll let you know how it goes.’
‘Oh, there’s a Mr Wilbury, too. Someone phoned me one day ages ago on his behalf, to make an offer for this land. I don’t know who he is or where he works.’
‘Now that is interesting. You didn’t keep the number, I suppose?’
‘It was an anonymous one.’
The detective wrote down the name and looked vaguely pleased, Rosie thought.
‘Right, well, I’d better leave you in peace now. Nice bungalow you’ve got.’
‘Thank you. I’m delighted with it. All down to my design and Drew’s building skills.’
‘Very good. OK then. I’ll be off. Hope you feel better soon.’
Rosie went to see him out and watched him drive away.
‘I’ll just get the shopping in. Won’t be a minute,’ she called.
She collected the various packages and took them inside.
‘I’ve bought really thrilling stuff. Cleaning materials and some curtains for my study. How’s that for exciting?’
‘Wow, I’m impressed!. I’ve been working too. Handed in my notice for the chalet. Won’t be sorry to leave the damp old place behind. Only trouble is, I need to get someone to go and clean it.’
‘I’ll go. There’s probably still some stuff of yours hanging around. I wasn’t sure what was yours and what belonged to the owner. I know you said there were some mugs and other bits and pieces. I’ll have to take some pictures and you can identify your stuff.’
‘I don’t want you to have to clean it. I’ll find someone from the village. I’m sure there’ll be someone wanting a few quid to do it.’
‘As you like. Well, I’m going to hang the curtains now and then I’ll cook something for supper.’
‘I’m sorry I’m no use. I hate sitting here like this while you’re doing everything.’
‘Don’t worry. You’ll soon be able to help. And don’t think I’ll let you just sit forever. It’s still early days.’
After another week, Rosie felt a little tired of looking after Drew and doing little else. She felt slightly stir-crazy and wanted to begin some new project or other.
‘I was thinking I might start on some designs for new houses. We need a website too. What do you think?’
‘I suppose. Not sure how I can help though.’
‘I thought you might look at developing the website. We’ve got pictures of this place for starters. I could do some layouts based on here. You know, sort of eco-friendly bits with pictures of our set up. What do you think?’
‘It might work. I can’t do much though. Not with one hand.’
‘You can start thinking about it, anyway.’
‘Maybe. I am sick of just sitting here like this.’
‘Precisely. I want us to start moving on some things. You applied for a job with the Truro company. You didn’t ever hear anything from them?
‘Not even an acknowledgement of my application.’
‘Maybe I should try for a job with them?’
‘Whoa, I don’t want you to get involved with that bunch.’
‘What do you mean? Me, a weak and feeble woman?’
‘Something like that. I just don’t think it’s a good idea. Leave it to the police.’
‘I feel we’ve left everything to them. They haven’t exactly covered themselves with glory so far.’
‘I quite liked the latest one who came here. Don’t remember what his name was. I felt he’d be looking into all the various problems we’ve encountered. I could phone him and see if he’s discovered anything?’
You could. But I’d leave him to his own devices for a while. It’s less than a week since we saw him.’
‘Perhaps you’re right. Look, don’t feel you have to stay in with me. Why not go shopping or something? You seem pretty bored lately. I know I am, but I do have a reason. Well, several at the moment.’
‘I could, I suppose. Mind you, I’m not sure what I might look at. We’ve got groceries in, and the house is more or less furnished now.’
‘Go and buy yourself something to wear. You keep saying you haven’t got a lot of clothes.’
‘Maybe. You’re right. Perhaps a break will do me good. I’ll trundle off to Truro and see what I can find.’
‘Leave me a sandwich or something. I can be left quite safely then.’
She smiled and went into the kitchen to make him a ham and cheese roll.
‘I’ll be off now. Your snack is in the kitchen. You can make yourself coffee too, can’t you?’
‘Certainly can. Go and enjoy yourself. Buy something nice.’
Truro seemed rather frenetic after her own peaceful village. Rosie wandered around various shops until she finally found some smart trousers and a new top. They’ll do, she thought, handing over her credit card.
‘I’m sorry, madam. This card seems to be … well unacceptable. Do you have another?’
‘What? But I’ve paid it all off. It was recently maxed out but I’ve paid it all off. I think I’ve got a debit card.’
She rummaged through her wallet and found her bank card, handing that to the sales assistant. The girl smiled and ran it through the machine.
‘Sorry, but this one won’t work either.’
Confused and flustered, Rosie took it back.
‘I’m afraid I haven’t got enough cash with me. Can you hold these items for me? I’ll go and get some cash out of the bank. I haven’t even got my cheque book with me.’
‘Very well. We can hold them till the end of the day.’
‘Thanks,’ she said, rushing out of the shop.
How embarrassing. She’d never been this short of the means to pay for anything she wanted. She went along to the bank and put her card into the slot. She clicked on her account. To her amazement, it showed she was overdrawn by fifteen pounds. How on earth could that be? She took her card out and rushed into the bank.
‘Can I speak to someone about my account?’ she asked the “meet and greet” lady. ‘It seems to be empty. I know there should be a lot more in there.’
‘I’ll see if there’s someone available.’
She went through to the back and returned and ushered Rosie into a booth to one side.
‘Mr Hedger will be through in a moment.’
‘Thank you,’ she said, sitting down.
‘How can I help?’ he asked, after introducing himself.
‘It seems that someone has drained my account.’
‘And is this your main branch?’
‘Well, no, it’s actually in Redruth. But I was shopping here and tried to draw some cash out. I know there should be a whole lot more. I mean to say, when my parents died, they left me heaps of cash. I know I’ve used a lot lately, but there should be rent coming in from my house in Bristol.’
She was burbling, she knew it. But the stress of this latest happening was almost too much to bear. How could anyone do this to her?
‘I see. I can take some details, of course. Haven’t you got a credit card?’
‘Yes, but that has also been stopped. But I paid off the balance in full recently. I reckon someone has cleaned me out completely.’
‘Have you bought anything on-line lately? They are often one of the main sources of overspending.’
‘No I haven’t bought anything on-line all that recently. Oh, I know I’ve bought lots of furniture and things, but that’s all been paid off. This is terrible! Whatever can I do?’
‘Well, we can certainly look into the situation. If someone has cleared out your account, then you’ll be entitled to compensation. But it will take a few days, naturally.’
She glared at him.
‘Someone has cleared out my account. And they’ve maxed out my credit card.’
She spoke slowly and firmly.
‘Yes, well you’ll have to take
that up with your credit card company. I’m sorry. It does seem as though you’re the victim of someone who is guilty of identity fraud. Leave it with me. I’ll see what I can find out.’
‘And meantime? What do I do for money?’
He looked a little puzzled.
‘If you wait for a moment I’ll see what I can do.’
‘Oh. I see. OK then.’
He left the room and came back a few minutes later.
‘I can see from your records you should have a lot more money in your account. So, if you could come through here with me. You need to make a phone call in strict confidence. Tell the person at the other end exactly what has happened.’
‘Right,’ she muttered, following him to another small room.
‘If you lift the phone, you’ll be connected straight away. I’ll leave you to it. If you knock on the door when you’re through, I’ll be back.’
Tentatively, she lifted the phone and someone spoke. She told them all about her problems, quoting endless numbers.
‘So you see, I have no money and no working credit card. I’ve still have a card, of course, but it’s been maxed out. I’m not sure how I’ll manage.’
‘It will take a couple of days to reset your account. We’ll allocate a new number for you and send a new cheque book.’
‘And my credit card? It’s the same company.’
‘That too will be sorted.’
‘I need some money to buy food. To pay bills. All the usual reasons.’
‘Speak to the manager there. He will let you have some money on account. Anything else I can help you with?’
‘Probably not. Thanks very much. Goodbye.’
She sat for a moment and thought about everything.
She wondered how anyone could have stolen her card numbers and who on earth had cleared out her account. Then she went to the door and knocked. The manager returned a few moments later.
‘I can let you have some cash while they sort out what has happened.’
‘Thank you.’
She gave him her cash card, filled in a form and came out with some money in her wallet. She went back to the shop and told the woman she was not going to buy the items. It did not feel good. Dejectedly, she went back home again and told Drew of the problems she’d had.
‘Oh well, at least you got some money out of them,’ was all he said.
She stared at him in surprise.
‘Yes, but you don’t understand. My account has been cleared … a lot of money was in there, and my credit card has been maxed out.’
‘OK. So what are you going to do about it?’
‘Well, I’ve got to wait. They’ll sort it out – or so they say.’
‘OK. A case of wait awhile, then.’
She glared at him.
‘Not sure what you expect me to do about it.’
‘Nothing. Of course … nothing.’
She felt furious at his lack of sympathy. Why was he being so unreasonable?
‘It means I’ve only got a small amount of money to buy food and pay for everything we need.’
‘I’ll give you some. At least, I can write a cheque. Fortunately, it’s my left arm that’s broken and I’m right-handed, so I can still write. How much do you want?’
‘Don’t bother,’ she said. ‘I’m going to my study.’
Rosie slammed out of the room and shut the study door. She slumped down in the chair and felt tears burning her eyes. Didn’t he realise what it meant to her? Someone had access to her current account and it was now empty. Her credit card was from the same bank and that too was cleared out. She would have to change everything. Who on earth could it have been? Who could have gained access to it all?
Then she stopped dead. Drew had looked uncomfortable when she had told him, and seemed totally unsympathetic. But no, surely he’d never do anything like that? Should she tackle him or would that ruin their relationship? She decided to keep quiet. He was obviously having a difficult time at the moment.
With a sigh, she went to get supper ready. It was a bit early but she could take her time. Grumpily, she made a sauce and cooked some pasta. She heard Drew clomping along, and he came into the kitchen.
‘What’s up?’ he asked.
‘I’m worried. You know why.’
‘Sorry I was less than sympathetic. I was wrapped up in my own problems. I know I have to be patient, but I feel so sick of being stuck here like a lump. I’ve got some sickness benefit sorted now, so I’m not totally broke. I can pay for some of the bills. In fact, I must pay you for my share of food and also for rent.’
Rosie listened to his words. Is it really sickness benefit or has he come into rather more money? She hated herself for even thinking like that.
‘Well, thank you. Let’s wait till the bank has sorted things out. I’m probably going to have to change my account yet again. What a mess.’
He came closer to her and put his one good arm round her.
‘I’m so sorry. I was just too self-absorbed. You’ve had enough troubles with building this place. We will sort it out, though. I promise you.’
She stared at him. He was being so nice. He couldn’t possibly have caused so much damage, could he? He tried to kiss her … somewhat unsuccessfully.
‘Oops. I shouldn’t have tried to do that.’
He turned and left her standing. She felt tears burning again. What was she going to do?
Chapter 12
It took four days for the new bank account to be set up. Rosie went into the branch to draw money out and collect her new account information. She felt very insecure about it all.
She also had to take Drew to the fracture clinic and drove him there with slightly bad grace.
‘I’m very sorry to have to ask you to do this,’ he said at last.
‘Don’t worry about it. You can hardly drive yourself.’
He smiled, or rather grimaced.
‘They might take the plaster off my wrist this time. Then it’s a case of getting it moving again. I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to getting more mobile again.’
‘I can imagine.’
‘It means I’ll be able to help a bit more. Do some cooking sometimes.’
‘That’ll be nice.’
‘Anything to cheer you up.’
‘I don’t know what you mean.’
‘You seem to be so grumpy lately. I’d like us to get back to where we once were.’
‘Well, I’ve been so worried lately. Always something getting me going. I’m sorry. I know it’s been extra tough for you. I promise to try and cheer up.’
They parked and went into the clinic. He was seen pretty well straight away, which made a change.
‘I think we can take this plaster off,’ the doctor told him after his X-ray.
‘Great. One thing less to have to hump around.’
‘You’ll need to be careful, though. And make sure you keep doing the correct exercises. I’ll book you some physio appointments.’
A few minutes later, Drew was staring at his arm. It looked pale and thinner and seemed to have lost some flesh.
‘My God. It looks so feeble.’
‘It’ll soon perk up again. Your friend will be able to drive you for physio, I take it?’
‘I think so. Maybe she’s getting a bit tired of it. Perhaps I can get a taxi occasionally.’
‘I leave that to you.’
‘Thank you, doctor. I’ll see you again no doubt.’
He came back into the waiting room and saw Rosie sitting looking bored. He hobbled over to her.
‘Phase one unlocked,’ he said, wiggling his fingers.
‘Well done. I’ll go and get the car closer now.’
‘Thanks. I really do appreciate all you’re doing for me.’
She smiled and left him standing near the door. He watched her walking back to the car and sighed. He’d be so pleased to be fully mobile again but it would be at least another six weeks or so. He kept his fingers crossed tha
t Rosie would hang on for that long. He really felt so deeply for her and was scared she was going off him.
And they really needed to do something towards their new business. Perhaps now he had the use of his arm again, they could make some plans. Poor girl had hit so many problems. Someone really had it in for her. For them. He made a decision. He was going to try to discover who was responsible for all their dramas. Right back to Dennis’ murder. The police had hardly been dynamic by any stretch of the imagination.
‘I’ve reached a decision,’ he told her as they were driving home.
‘I’m really going to try and get to the bottom of all the problems we’ve been through from start to finish. I’m going to write everythingdown and see what I can discover.’
‘That sounds noble of you.’
‘I feel it’s necessary. What do you think?’
‘Good luck to you.’
‘You don’t sound very enthusiastic.’
‘I’m just not sure what you think you can do. I mean, if the police haven’t done anything in all these months, what hope for you?’
‘I’ve got to try something. Or go quietly mad. I’ve been sitting around for long enough. Oh, I know I can’t walk yet, but at least I now have two hands to use.’
She stared at him, unsure of what difference it would make. His arm looked somewhat feeble, but she didn’t like to say anything to put him down.
‘I’ll try to help you, I promise. Perhaps if we write stuff down, we might see a pattern.’
Drew tried to adjust the way he used the Zimmer frame when they got back home, but his wrist wasn’t yet strong enough. He continued to lean on it and hobbled inside the bungalow.
‘Don’t push yourself,’ Rosie told him. ‘Early days yet.’
‘I want to be able to use crutches soon. It’ll be so much easier when I can.’
‘Right. I’ll make some coffee and let’s get to it. You’re right, of course. The sooner things get sorted, the better.’
‘So, what was the first thing that happened?’
‘My caravan was torched. And I lost all my credits cards and everything. Laptop, you name it. Then there was someone wandering round the site. Poking into stuff. I still think that might have been Martha, you know. Perhaps she was looking for her old boyfriend.’
‘Maybe. I’ll put that in anyway.’
The Phoenix Project Page 14
