Chapter 50
FIFTY
A couple of days later, in Rita’s kitchen, Thom and Sennen were just getting ready to say their goodbyes when there was a knock at the door.
‘Morning,’ DS Grainger said, stepping in. ‘Just here to confirm, no charges have been made. Everything’s cleared.’
Thom frowned. ‘What! What about the person on the CCTV? The one seen in the café?’
DS Grainger gave a brief nod. ‘That’s been looked into. Your mother confirmed it was just a lost retreat guest. No wrongdoing, nothing to pursue.’
Thom cocked his head to the side. ‘Mum?’
Sennen tilted her head. ‘And that’s it?’
Rita smiled gently. ‘That’s it. Accidents happen. A candle left burning, caught on the paper tablecloth flipping up in the wind. The perils of marquee structures, I guess. No one was badly hurt, and that’s all that matters.’
Thom shook his head, still half in disbelief. ‘So, we’re really done with this?’
DS Grainger gave a curt nod. ‘All clear. A report has been filed for your insurance, but nothing further needed.’
The officer left, leaving a quiet stillness behind. Rita glanced at Thom and Sennen, who both started to speak at the same time. She put her hand up to stop them. ‘It’s done.’ Her look left the twins in no doubt she meant it.
Saved by the bell, Rita’s phone buzzed. It was a message from Kelly.
Reet, have a look at this.
She clicked the WhatsApp her mate had sent her.
Rita ran her hands through her hair. ‘Oh God, it’s Imogen’s article about the wedding.’
‘Read it out, Mum,’ Sennen said, and they all sat back around the kitchen table.
Rita cleared her throat. ‘The Luxe Lifestyle wedding section – I Dos you have the room and then it’s all a fixed structure.’
Rita tutted. ‘Great idea. Let’s see, all these new plans afoot. It’s very exciting.’
Sennen was thoughtful as she washed up their mugs. ‘I could have put money on it being the Brimbles who caused the fire, you know.’
‘Yes,’ Rita sighed, forcing a steadying breath. ‘It just shows you not to jump to conclusions even if the evidence is stacked up.’
‘Talking of the Brimbles, I saw Betty yesterday.’ Sennen dried her hands. ‘She told me that Chloe had had her baby, a little boy. Called Alfie.’
‘Aw, that’s lovely news.’ Rita smiled knowingly whilst rubbing her own bump.
‘And as for this glowing article, Thomas Jory, did it have something to do with you?’
‘Let’s just say, a gentleman never tells.’
Thomas grinned and for once Rita could see Archie in him without feeling any sadness.