‘That’s very kind of you,’ Lizzie said, then added, ‘Oh, and Gwen?’

‘Yes, Lizzie.’

‘I wondered if I might … pick your brains, as it were, later?’

Her smile wavered and she looked unsure.

‘I’m keen to find out what I can about the history of Mapledon while I’m here.’

‘Oh, I’m not really sure I’ll be of much use there, lovely. I’ve only been here six years.’

‘You must know more than me,’ Lizzie said. She made sure she gave her biggest smile. ‘And you could definitely enlighten me on the villagers who live in Mapledon now, I’m sure.’

Chapter Forty-Eight

1989

Mapledon Park

Wednesday 21st June – 4 weeks before

Beams of sun broke through the tall, leafy trees, like shards of glass. Tina watched as the shimmering lights cast patterns on her dress. She’d been sitting beneath the large oak, its gnarly roots digging uncomfortably into her bottom, for twenty minutes now, waiting patiently for Pat. She knew he’d turn up, even if it was past the agreed time. He must’ve just got caught up on some police business. She’d often wondered why he’d hung around the Mapledon area. He’d had a promising career in front of him. He’d been keen and ambitious at one time and had been earmarked for the accelerated promotion scheme, but then, nothing. He just stayed local. He’d never talked about why. Although Tina had her suspicions.

Hearing heavy footsteps, Tina jumped up and brushed her dress down with both hands before straightening.

‘Morning, Tina. Looking lovely and summery.’ His smile brought one to Tina’s lips too. He wasn’t what she’d consider good-looking, but his smile always radiated warmth and it was contagious. And the fact he always complimented her made her feel good. Mark rarely told her she looked lovely, or even just nice. It gave her a boost when Pat looked at her the way he did. She’d always known he liked her, even back when they’d been teenagers it’d been obvious. But she’d been into the bad boys then, the thrill and excitement they could offer. Pat was … comfy. He was quiet and kind. And he’d ended up with the equally quiet and kind Zoe.

It was only now that it was dawning on Tina that she’d made an error in judgement by choosing Mark. She wouldn’t do anything to jeopardise Pat and Zoe’s marriage now, of course, but she could use his feelings for her to gain some information – and it was what the others were also counting on. Although he was very much by the book, if Tina asked him to look into something – someone – for her, she felt certain he would. For the good of Mapledon.

‘Thanks, Pat – you’re too kind,’ she said, looking down at herself, then back at him. She returned the broad smile.

‘We having a picnic?’ he asked, casting his eyes around the empty area of the park Tina had asked him to meet at.

‘Ah, I should’ve brought you something. A doughnut at least. Sorry.’