In the middle of the week, he came home to find a note from Sarah, explaining he should go on his own to Harrogate, and she had written down an address. She had also explained she would meet him there that afternoon. Unexpectedly, she had to work on Saturday morning and would go straight to the train station at noon, see him in Harrogate later.

There was no mention of Finn in Sarah’s note, and so Blackie spoke to him the next day, when he finally went to the carpentry shop.

“I don’t want to go,” Finn said in a quiet voice. “I don’t want to spend the money, and anyway—” Finn cut himself off, then whispered, “I had a note from Moira. She wants to talk to me on her day off. And that’s Saturday.”

Although Blackie was surprised, he kept his face neutral. “And where are ye meeting her?”

“On the moor, opposite the Traveler’s Rest. She said we might want ter find a café, have a bite for dinner.”

“Then you’d better take some money with ye.” Blackie chuckled.

Finn said, “I will. I’ve got a bit put away from my bonus, just like you. But she said it’s her treat … as thanks for seeking her out in the Ham Shank.”

Blackie shuddered at the thought of that place.

Later that week, Blackie found the right time to talk to Patrick. He asked his uncle if it was all right for him to go to Harrogate on Saturday.

“You’re going with Sarah, correct?”

“She has to work Saturday morning, but she’ll be there, yes.”

“Is this an overnight trip?”

“I think so, Uncle Pat.”

His uncle frowned and paused for a moment. “Then take some money from your savings and stay at an inn. More suitable, I think. More discreet. And be careful. Watch your step and keep your eyes peeled.”

“I will, Uncle Pat; I swear on the heads of the Blessed Saints, I will.”

Patrick simply nodded, went into his office and closed the door. As he sat down at his desk, he grimaced to himself, and thought, Why say those words? If those two want to sleep together they will. They won’t be able to help themselves. Don’t be so daft, Kennedy. They’re young and involved, hot to trot. Don’t kid yourself.

Twenty-Eight

She was not home.

Blackie banged the knocker several times, and there was no response. There were no lights on inside the house. Surprise assailed him.

Happy anticipation turned to disappointment. He noticed the side path and walked down to the back door. He tried the doorknob. It was locked. It was obvious the house was empty.

Suddenly the woman in the garden next door came over to the wall, and said, “Mrs. Welles might be out shopping, you knows. For the weekend. She usually does that around now.”