Chapter 70
SEVENTY
Lorna had half thought about going to a bank out of the village to do her business, but it was impossible as Simon used the car for work and the village bus only left every hour to the town and every hour back and she just didn’t have that sort of time to spare.
She slowed as she neared the branch of HSBC then, checking no one she knew was around, she quickly tied up Cooper outside and slipped into the warmth of the building.
A quick look around told her there was no one inside she knew and she also didn’t recognize the two cashiers.
There was only one other person in front of her in the queue and then it was her turn.
She’d already made an appointment online and as soon as she gave her name, she was escorted into one of the tiny customer rooms by Ross; his name badge informing her he was an account manager.
‘So you’re here to open a new savings account with us today?’ asked Ross once they were both sitting down.
‘That’s right,’ said Laura. ‘Easy access.’ She held her bag close to her side.
‘And you have all the relevant ID? We need two types: one photo, one with an address.’
‘I have my passport and the council tax bill,’ she said, taking them out of her bag and placing them on the desk Ross was sitting behind.
‘Fantastic. And what sort of deposit would you like to make?’
Laura thought of the notes held carefully in an envelope in her bag.
Not too many, not enough to make people think Christmas fair takings were lower than usual.
In fact, she’d worked extra hard to make sure the fair had raised more than in previous years, so no one would notice if not all of it ended up in the school safe.
So you could argue the extra cash was all down to her anyway.
Ross was still waiting for an answer. She reached into her bag, pulled out the envelope and placed it on the table next to the identification documents.
‘Eight hundred and ninety-two pounds,’ she said. She held her breath, waiting for some sort of response – she wasn’t sure what. A raised eyebrow? A suspicious frown? But Ross didn’t even bat an eyelid.
‘Let’s get started,’ he said, and began to type into the pad on the desk, inserting her personal details.
Ten minutes later and it was all done. Ross reassured her that her bank card and PIN would arrive in the post in the next few days.
Her stomach lurched as he said this until she reminded herself that Simon had a few days lined up in the office and so she could easily intercept the post before he ever had an inkling of what had gone on.
She said goodbye to Ross and left the bank. It was all done. She felt light and free, uplifted that it had all gone so smoothly.
Outside, Hazel was digging into her pocket, about to feed Cooper one of the treats from her tin.
‘Oh no,’ said Lorna. ‘Much as he’d love it, he can’t. He’s putting on too much weight. The vet has told us to restrict treats.’
‘Well, boo to the vet,’ said Hazel. ‘Ruining everyone’s fun.
But he’s like me. On a health kick! You know, I’ve lost a stone and a half since the doctor told me to get out and walk more.
And I miss Sukey still, of course I do, but I’ve met so many other dogs!
And they’ve always got a waggy tail for me. ’
Cooper obliged with an enthusiastic wag. Hazel laughed. ‘And I know your wag especially well. It’s one of my favourites; extra friendly.’
‘That’s because you’re his second-favourite person in the whole wide world,’ said Lorna, buoyed with goodwill after her fortuitous meeting.
‘Oh no,’ said Hazel, ‘not before the family. Maybe fifth favourite person. You know, you shouldn’t leave him tied up outside – someone could steal him.’
Hazel was right, thought Lorna. But he’d been fine.
She’d been fine. The money had been fine and been deposited in a very fine manner.
Everything was fine! Lorna felt as if she had just set up something very clever.
Accomplished. She would keep adding to it and who knew how much she could accumulate.
As long as she was careful (not like the Christmas gift – Lorna had since put this down to a ‘run-through’, she would not be making any mistakes like that again), she was onto a nice little income generator.
Payment really, as she kept reminding herself, for all her efforts.
And being Chair of the PTA did take a huge amount of effort.
‘You’re right, Hazel, but they won’t let our furry friends into the bank, you know.’
‘Pah,’ said Hazel. ‘Dogs should be allowed everywhere.’
‘Couldn’t agree more. Anyway, it’s not theft we should be worried about around here, it’s the Canine Killer.’
‘I’ve read about him in the paper,’ said Hazel, shuddering.
‘Might not be a him.’
‘Oh?’
‘Some say it’s happening because of the water quality down at Heron Water. One part in particular.’
‘What part?’
Lorna lowered her voice. ‘You know the woman who bought Imogen’s place? Well, she’s gone and dug beneath the water table or something. Upset the equilibrium.’
‘How does that work?’ asked Hazel, puzzled.
‘I don’t know. I’m not a scientist. It’s calmed down a bit recently – but the algae always lessens in winter.’
‘Yes, it does, thank goodness.’ Hazel wagged a finger at Cooper. ‘But still, don’t go drinking from the reservoir if there’s something up with the water there! Or at least keep away from that dangerous part!’
‘He will, won’t you, Cooper,’ said Lorna. She said goodbye and went on her way, a new spring in her step.