Chapter 24 #2
‘I thought I saw someone who looked like Silas when I first came in,’ said Florrie. ‘Must be a relief he’s getting himself out at last.’ She was wearing a dark denim pinafore over a blue and white striped Breton top with a navy-blue cardigan as an extra layer of warmth.
Lark nodded. She’d shared her concerns about her dad with her friends and they’d all listened, offering words of support.
‘Are you having a glass of wine with us tonight, Mags?’ Stella asked, the bottle poised over the remaining empty glass.
‘I am, indeed, thanks, Stells. I’m completely done breastfeeding, so I can guzzle whatever I fancy.
’ Maggie chuckled. She was wearing a cheerful looking cherry-red jumper with sky-blue dots over a pair of boyfriend jeans; her rich chestnut curls were piled up on top of her head and kept in place with a scarf in a matching shade of blue.
She always favoured bright colours which suited her personality well.
With everyone settled, and Jasmine having placed an order for their fish and chips at the bar, Stella said, ‘So, how’s everyone’s week been? I know we had a bit of a catch-up last night, but we always hold back a bit when the menfolk are there.’
All eyes turned to Florrie who’d puffed out a sigh.
‘What’s up?’ asked Jasmine.
‘Please don’t tell me it’s Dodgy Dick and Wendy,’ said Lark. She briefly told the others how the obnoxious pair had turned up in the bookshop’s tearoom.
‘You’re kidding?’ Maggie’s eyes were filled with concern.
‘I don’t think I like where this is going,’ said Stella.
‘It’s not Dodgy Dick… well, that’s not strictly true… I mean… Ugh!’ Florrie rubbed her forehead in frustration. ‘It looks like we’ve had some out-of-print books stolen.’
‘No way.’ Lark’s heart went out to her friend.
‘Were they worth much?’ asked Stella. ‘And did you capture any of it on the shop’s CCTV?’ Her lawyer’s brain was always switched on.
‘They were of mixed value, totalling just under five hundred pounds.’
Maggie tutted and shook her head in disgust.
‘They’re all books on the history of Micklewick Bay.’ Florrie swept her gaze around her friends. ‘And they weren’t all together. Some were in a separate display while the others were on one of the shelves.’
‘Hmm.’ Stella looked thoughtful. ‘It sounds to me like it wasn’t just a case of opportunist theft. I get the impression whoever it was, has specifically chosen those books.’
‘That’s what Ed and I thought,’ said Florrie. ‘But there is a definite market for them. And there’s been a considerable increase in interest recently. If they’ve been stolen to sell on, whoever it is stands to make a tidy sum.’
‘It’s disgusting! I don’t know why some people think it’s okay to take something that belongs to someone else rather than paying for it.
And if they can’t afford it, save for whatever it is or bloomin’ well do without.
’ Jasmine’s face had flushed red as it always did when something had annoyed her.
When she’d been with Bart and after he’d passed away, she’d had years when she’d had to do without so her kids could have whatever it was they needed.
She’d worked herself ragged to make sure they didn’t go without.
Which was why she got so annoyed by people who thought it was okay to steal from others.
‘It’s cos they have no self-respect, no morals, and are deeply lacking in remorse. That’s why,’ added Maggie.
‘Couldn’t have put it better myself,’ said Stella.
‘Anyway, Ed’s going to check the camera footage while I’m out.
We placed one to cover that area, with some of the books being quite valuable.
Hopefully, it’s captured whoever’s responsible.
’ Florrie huffed out a sigh before reaching for her glass.
‘Anyroad, that’s enough of me bringing the mood down, how’s everyone else’s week been? ’
‘Ooh, I know what I meant to ask,’ said Maggie. ‘Has Nate made any progress with finding out who Buddy belongs to?’
Lark shook her head. ‘Not as far as I’m aware, but in fairness, I haven’t heard much from him, with me being busy with my dad for most of the day.’
It had been good to spend time with her father, talking and catching up, hearing about how he’d spoken to the head at school with a view to putting his retirement plans into action.
He’d told Lark how the headteacher had been supportive and could fully understand why he’d want to move back to Micklewick Bay.
And, even better, when they’d been chatting there’d been several times when he’d been able to speak about Greer without his eyes filling with tears, or a shadow crossing his face.
Lark saw this as a massive step forward.
He was now able to speak of the happy times they’d shared with a smile on his face, these memories gently pushing their way through and nudging his grief out of the way.
And she had a feeling Louisa was going to help him with this process. Hopefully, he’d help her, too.
Before long, plates piled high with the legendary Jolly Sailors fish and chips arrived, with sides of mushy peas and curry sauce.
The friends tucked in with gusto, chatting and chuckling as they ate.
Stella had them laughing so hard there were tears running down Lark’s cheeks as she recounted a trial she’d prosecuted recently.
The defendant had complained about her “verbally aggressive” cross-examination, and when the judge told him he could see no problem with it, the defendant proceeded to strip off down to his underpants in protest.
‘How did he think that was going to help?’ asked Florrie as she nudged her glasses back up her nose.
‘His underpants were pretty grim-looking. I s’pose a barrister with a softer heart than me might’ve weakened,’ she said, straight-faced.
Jasmine gave a snort of laughter, setting the others off.
‘It did get a few sniggers from the jury,’ Stella said. ‘I even noticed Judge Hartley’s mouth twitching.’
‘Knowing you as I do, Stells, I’m guessing the defendant’s display didn’t make you feel you had to take the softly-softly approach,’ said Maggie, popping a chip into her mouth and chewing.
‘Too right. I pointed out to his barrister that his client didn’t have any qualms about being “verbally aggressive” when he carried out the robbery at the off-licence and absolutely terrifying the shopkeeper and his wife in the process.
I advised that he tell his pathetic little wimp of a client that he could get himself dressed and man-up.
And that his ridiculous performance ensured that he didn’t have a hope in hell of me taking his delicate little feelings into account. ’
‘Mess with our Stells at your peril,’ said Jasmine.
‘I’m pleased to report, the jury potted him of every count; a guilty verdict all the way.
’ Stella gave a satisfied smile as she dusted her hands off.
She had a reputation for being a fearless and no-nonsense prosecutor and had a busier practice than many barristers with years’ more call than she had, which didn’t go down well in some quarters.
‘There’s a moral to that story,’ said Florrie.
‘Oh, aye?’ said Maggie.
‘Don’t strip down to your undies in public,’ Florrie said matter-of-factly.
‘Wise words,’ agreed Jasmine, feigning a serious expression, making them all laugh.
With the food devoured and the plates cleared from the table, the friends sat back, replete and relaxed.
On a trip to the loo, Lark had stolen a quick look at her dad and Louisa as she’d made her way across the bar.
She was beyond thrilled to see they still seemed to be enjoying one another’s company.
They were tucking into their food, and chatting away as if they’d known each other for years, not a hint of awkwardness in sight.
Lark could’ve done a happy jig on the spot but thought better of it, not wanting to draw their attention to her.
‘Did I hear you say Nate was going to head back to Crayke’s Cottage again, Lark?’ asked Maggie when Lark had returned to the table.
‘Mm. He wants to have a final check round – Mr Thurston’s very keen for him to make sure it’s been completely cleared, then he and his brother can put it on the market.
Ed seems to think there’s a panel or door that might have something left behind it but I’m not so sure.
I think it’s a bit of wishful thinking.’
‘Don’t suppose there’s a chance of him sneaking out of the friend zone, is there? I mean, it is nearly Christmas.’ Jasmine gave an exaggerated wink.
‘Jazz’s got a point, flower. Have you seen the way he looks at you? He adores you,’ added Maggie.
‘Hmm. And if I’m not mistaken, I think your feelings have grown for him too.’ Not much got past Stella. Her ferocious lawyer’s instincts were finely honed and she’d developed an unnerving gift for rooting things out.
With her thoughts being drawn back to Nate, Lark made a mental note to send him a message, see how he was getting on with Buddy, whether he’d made any progress finding his owner.
But that wasn’t all that was circling her mind.
She took a fortifying breath…