Chapter 35
Joyce
The police came over today, and at first I had to feel sorry for DCI Hudson, but I think he rather enjoyed himself by the end.
Anyway, Elizabeth gave him and Donna the file, so we’ll see what they make of it.
Joanna’s name is not on the file anywhere, which Elizabeth reassured me helps with “plausible deniability,” just in case anything we’re doing is against the law. Which I assume it is.
I asked Elizabeth to repeat the phrase “plausible deniability” and I wrote it down.
She asked me why I was writing it down, and I said it was because I’m writing a diary, and she rolled her eyes.
Though she then asked if she was in the diary, and I said of course she was, and she then asked if I was using her real name.
Which I said I was, though I’ve thought about it since, and who knows with Elizabeth?
Perhaps she’s really a Jacqueline? We tend to accept what people tell us they’re called, no questions asked.
But I’ve been thinking. You must think I’m murder obsessed—it’s all I’ve written about since I started this diary. So perhaps I should tell you some other things. Let’s talk about a few things that aren’t murder. What can I tell you?
When I was putting the Hoover round after the police had gone, Elizabeth said she thought I would get on with a Dyson. But I said I didn’t think so, not at my age. But perhaps I should take the plunge?
And after the hoovering we had a glass of wine. It was a screw top, but you don’t notice these days, do you? It’s just as good.
When Elizabeth went home, I asked her to give my love to Stephen, and she said she would. Then I said they should both come to dinner one night, and she said that would be lovely. But all is not right, there. She will tell me when she’s ready.
What else that isn’t murder?
Mary Lennox’s granddaughter has just had a baby.
He’s called River, which has raised a few eyebrows, but I rather like it.
The woman who works in the shop is getting divorced, and they’ve started stocking chocolate digestives.
Karen Playfair, from up on the hill, is coming to give us a Coopers Chase Breakfast Masterclass talk on computers.
The last newsletter said she’s coming to give a talk about tablets, and that caused some confusion, so they had to print an explanation this week.
Apart from that, and the murder, all is peace and quiet.
Anyway, I see that it’s getting late, so I will wish you a good night. While I have been writing, Elizabeth has sent me a message. We are off on a road trip tomorrow. No idea when, and no idea why, but I shall look forward to it very much.