‘I’m sure you have other friends. Bend their ear, you’ll feel better for it, I promise.’ He drained his mug and thanked her for the tea. ‘If you just read and sign, I’ll be on my way. Now, I don’t suppose I need to tell you to shut all those windows tonight, do I? It’s supposed to get much cooler in the next day or so anyway.’
After he’d gone, Sylvia sat down and began to worry all over again. She wasn’t stupid, and for all his reassuring words about this Ratty, it was time to consider her options.
* * *
As PC Simon Laker drove away, he reported in on his mobile.
‘I’m pretty sure it’s not Ratty, Skipper. He left footprints in the bedroom. The occupant had watered the garden the night before and the borders were still wet. Ratty is skinny and has small feet, plus he always wears light trainers with grippy soles. These were more like large climbing shoes with distinctive smooth soles, and they had a logo like a cross in them. I reckon someone else is muscling in on our Ratty’s turf. No idea what his game is. It doesn’t feel right, Sarge, not at all.’
At eleven o’clock, Simon Laker took a call on his mobile.
‘I’m so sorry to bother you, PC Laker. It might be nothing.’
‘Yes, Mrs Wilson. How can I help you?’
‘I thought nothing had been stolen, but I’ve had a more thorough look and I missed something. But it doesn’t make sense. I mean, why would someone want a school photo of my two younger grandsons?’
CHAPTER THREE
Jackman spent the entire morning ensconced in Superintendent Ruth Crooke’s office being briefed on the latest policies on public safety. As far as he could see — and Ruth too, he suspected — the string of objectives and initiatives were a mind-numbingly boring waste of police time.
Hence, it was midday before he was free to welcome DS Marie Evans back to work. Admiring her radiant countenance, Jackman was forced to agree that Laura was most likely right. Marie looked five years younger than when she left for her holiday, and he doubted that the mountain air was entirely responsible for the glow.
She sat in his office, beaming at him from across his desk. ‘I had the best time, Jackman! Mum and I went to places she’s always wanted to visit. We hiked around the Bearded Lake near Aberdovey — it was magical. It’s not hard to understand why our Celtic ancestors considered it a spiritual place. Another day we went to the beaches at Borth and saw the petrified forest. It was amazing. Mum was in her element — she knew all the legends, of course. I felt like a little kid again. And I’ve got some fantastic photos. I didn’t want to come back — well, except to see you, of course.’
Jackman almost added, ‘and . . .’ He sat back and contemplated her rosy features. ‘Well, I have to say a week away from Saltern’s most wanted has done you a power of good. You look great, Marie.’