Chapter Nineteen
‘By some appalling coincidence’ – Milo scowled – ‘our paths cross again.’
Not a coincidence, Cindy piped up. My mum deliberately came here to have a nosy-’
‘Hush,’ I said.
Milo’s eyebrows shot upwards.
‘Are you telling me to be quiet?’ he snapped.
‘Um, I was speaking to my dog,’ I blustered. Now wasn’t the time to confess I had an affinity with Dr Dolittle. ‘She was being noisy.’
‘No, she wasn’t,’ said Milo.
‘Woof.’ Cindy gave an obligatory yap.
‘Hush,’ I said again. ‘See?’ I smiled nervously. ‘Noisy.’
‘What are you doing in Starlight Croft?’ he demanded.
‘I happened to be passing.’
‘Rubbish,’ he snapped. ‘You’ve been parked outside my house and staring at my property for ages. What are you doing? Giving it the once over.’
Told you, Cindy huffed. He thought you were casing the joint.
‘I said hush.’
‘Woof.’
‘Can we at least get our timing right?’
‘Woof.’
‘Hush.’
Milo put his head on one side, evidently bewildered. He looked from me, to Cindy, then back to me again.
‘There was a burglary at the manor house last week. The police believe that the criminal isn’t the usual type of villain. By the very nature of being female, you tick that box.’
‘Are you implying that I’m a crook?’ I gasped.
‘I’m asking’ – his tone was now ominous – ‘why are you parked outside my house? And why are you studying it with such obvious interest? Were you trying to assess if there’s a dog on the premises? Or a bell box on the outside wall? Or maybe a ring doorbell? Or could it be that you were looking to see if I have CCTV cameras?’ His chin jutted. ‘Because I can tell you now, I have all those things. And just in case you’re in cahoots with someone else, can I suggest you revise your driving skills. It’s very important, when making a getaway, that you don’t mow people down in the process.’
‘I didn’t mow anyone down,’ I retorted.
‘It was a narrow escape though, wasn’t it?’ he said belligerently. ‘And not content with almost running me over, you nearly took out an innocent couple too. In fact, I’m amazed you’ve not yet been banned for reckless driving.’
‘I’ve had enough of this conversation,’ I spluttered. ‘How dare you criticise my driving or insinuate that I’m a thief. If you must know, I came to Starlight Croft to… to… to look up an old friend.’
‘What’s your friend’s name?’ he questioned.
Yes, what was my imaginary girlfriend called?
‘Hetty,’ I said defiantly. ‘Hetty Cartwright.’
‘Hetty lives at Fern Farm. You’re going the wrong way.’
‘I’m not stupid,’ I said haughtily. ‘Before visiting Hetty, I was going to take my dog for a walk in the woods.’
‘Which are over there,’ he said, jabbing a finger.
‘And that’s where I’m going,’ I snapped. ‘So, if you don’t mind’ – I pushed open the driver’s door, forcing him to take a step backwards – ‘my dog and I will now be on our way. Meanwhile, please take your ring doorbell and have a good time watching a rerun of an innocent woman being intimidated by a bully of a man. In fact, I’ve a good mind to report you to the police for harassment.’
‘Based on your suspicious behaviour, I’m sure they’d be delighted to talk to you.’ He gave me a thin smile. ‘Tell them Milo Soren is happy to make a statement.’
‘I might just do that.’ I stuck my nose in the air. ‘Good day, Mr Moron.’
‘Soren,’ he snapped.