The daft bat, thought George fondly, wondering what Kath was on about, but before he gave it any thought, a customer required attention and he found himself busy for the rest of the day.

Chapter 46

The following two weeks passed in a bit of a whirl for Sarah. She’d employed a nice young girl, Violet, to work in the shop with her. She’d been pleased that Lena approved her choice. She’d been busy during the day training Violet up, and her evenings had been filled with discussing what type of outfit Lena would wear. The woman refused to entertain a wedding dress, saying she hadn’t worn one for her first marriage, so didn’t need one this time. Anyhow, she was too old to be a blushing bride.

George had taken Sarah to a concert at Battersea Town Hall on Saturday night, and they had been for a long walk in the park on Sunday. Now it was Monday morning again and she was back behind the counter at work.

‘Violet, I’m going to make us a drink. Would you like tea or coffee?’

‘Neither, thanks. I’m not keen on them.’

‘What about some orange squash?’

‘Yes, please.’

Sarah went into the back room, but a few minutes later she heard the bell over the door ring, and went back into the shop. It was Violet’s second week, so she didn’t want to leave her alone. ‘Good morning,’ she chirped, but was horribly surprised to see two policemen standing in the shop with their backs to her as they spoke to Violet.

Her heart began to race as she feared her father might be paying her a visit, and if he was, it wouldn’t be a friendly one. When the policemen turned around she blurted, ‘Oh, I thought one of you was Sergeant Lyons. Ron Lyons.’

‘Sergeant Lyons retired, miss, and moved down to Cornwall.’

‘Oh, I see,’ Sarah said, puzzled.

‘Are you Sarah Jepson?’ one of the constables asked.

‘Yes,’ Sarah answered, her heart still racing.

‘We’re investigating an alleged assault that took place in a house that you live in.’

‘Yes,’ Sarah muttered.

‘Roger Brooke sustained substantial injuries during an attack which we believe was carried out by Samuel Edwards. We haven’t been able to locate Mr Edwards since the assault, but we believe you were the last person to see him. Did he tell you where he was going?’

‘No,’ Sarah said, thinking that even if she knew she wouldn’t tell the police. As far as she was concerned, Roger deserved what he got, and she hoped that Sam got clean away.

‘So you have no idea where he can be contacted?’

‘No,’ Sarah said brusquely.

‘Thank you, Miss Jepson, sorry to have bothered you, but if you do happen to hear from Mr Edwards, please let us know immediately.’