Chapter 22
Joyce is having her hair cut.
Anthony comes in every Thursday and Friday, and appointments at his mobile salon are like gold dust. Joyce always books the first appointment, because that’s when you get the best stories.
Elizabeth knows this, and so is sitting outside by the open doorway, waiting and listening.
She could just walk in, but waiting and listening are old habits she can’t break.
In a lifetime of listening, you pick up all sorts.
She looks at her watch. If Joyce isn’t out in five minutes she will make her presence known.
“One day I’m just going to dye the whole thing, Joyce,” says Anthony. “Send you out of here bright pink.”
Joyce giggles.
“You’d look like Nicki Minaj. You know Nicki Minaj, Joyce?”
“No, but I like the sound of her,” says Joyce.
“What do we think about this fella they killed?” asks Anthony. “Curran? I’ve seen him round here.”
“Well, it’s very sad, obviously,” says Joyce.
“They shot him, that’s what I heard,” says Anthony. “I wonder what he’d done.”
“I think he was bludgeoned to death, Anthony,” says Joyce.
“Bludgeoned, was he? You really do have lovely hair, Joyce. You have to promise you’ll leave it to me in your will.”
Outside, Elizabeth rolls her eyes.
“I heard they gunned him down on the seafront,” says Anthony. “Three guys on motorbikes.”
“No, just bludgeoned in his kitchen, apparently,” says Joyce. “No motorbikes.”
“Who’d do that?” says Anthony. “Bludgeon someone in their kitchen?”
Who indeed, thinks Elizabeth, and looks at her watch again.
“I bet he had a lovely kitchen too,” says Anthony. “What a shame. I always had a bit of a thing for him. Like, you could tell he was a wrong ’un, but you still would?”
“Well, we’re agreed there, Anthony,” says Joyce.
“I hope they catch whoever did it.”
“I’m sure they will,” says Joyce, and takes a sip of her tea.
Elizabeth decides enough is enough, stands, and walks into the room. Anthony turns and sees her.
“Ooh, here she is. Dusty Springfield.”
“Good morning, Anthony. I’m afraid you’re going to have to release Joyce. I need her.”
Joyce claps her hands.