Part 23 (1/2)

He stood at the foot of the bed and undressed himself slowly, let down his dark red hair, casting off the image of efficient businessman and becoming pure Grigori. He flexed his long body, shook out his hair, the soft lighting affectionately caressing his perfect limbs. It was the only foreplay Aninka needed. She held out her arms to him. Come to me.'

Chapter Eighteen.

Friday, 23rd October: Little Moor Barbara was quite surprised at lunchtime on Friday when Peverel Othman asked her if he could attend her writers' meeting that evening.

But of course,' she said. Are you intending to contribute?'

I'd have no other reason for attending, would I?' He smiled roguishly to imply that Barbara's company might be reason enough.

Barbara herself wondered exactly what his motives might be. She had met Mariam Alderley in the store earlier that morning, and had been forced to smother her surprise when Mariam had laid a hand on her arm and announced, I must thank you for sending Pev to us, Barbara. He's a G.o.dsend!' She had patted the canvas bag hanging over her arm. I can get out and about a bit during the day now. It's a great weight off me, I can tell you!'

Er... yes. What exactly is Pev doing for you, Marri?'

The voluntary work, as you suggested, of course!' Mariam laughed, an unfamiliar twinkle in her eye. The old ones love him! And he's the only person I've met who can keep the old witch Emilia Manden under control!' She leaned closer, casting a furtive glance to left and right. Mind you, Emilia hasn't shown up today! I'm hoping he's persuaded her not to come any more. I know he takes her out for walks, and such like, so perhaps she's contented with that now.'

Barbara was stunned by this information. Voluntary work? Walks with local old women? Well, one thing I do know, Marri, our Mr Othman is a continual box of surprises! I had no idea he... he'd take me up on the suggestion.' She had, in fact, never mentioned the old people's day centre to him.

Well, thanks anyway,' said Mariam, almost skipping to the door. Toodle'oo.'

Now Barbara was confronted with the decision as to whether she should face Peverel Othman out or not over the matter. They were in the bar, Othman in the process of devouring a hearty lunch. Barbara sat down opposite him. Aren't you back a bit early? I thought the old people's centre was open until three-thirty.'

If he was unsettled by her remark, he hid it well. He didn't even pause in his chewing, dab his mouth with a timely napkin, or take a drink of his beer. Instead, he laughed, swallowed. Oh Barbara, you've caught me out!'

Barbara put her head on one side. Apparently, I suggested you should get involved in voluntary work. Forgive me, but the memory of that suggestion escapes me!'

Othman shrugged, forked up another helping of shepherd's pie. OK, I exaggerated, well lied, I suppose, but I couldn't see the old biddy who runs the place letting a perfect stranger in without at least some respectable recommendation. Your name works wonders in Little Moor, Barbara. It's like a free pa.s.s.'

Pev,' Barbara began in a stern tone, I find it hard to believe you really want to work with old people. What are you up to?'

You shouldn't make a.s.sumptions about me. You hardly know me.'

Quite.'

He put down his fork, rested his chin in his hands. Very well. If you must know, I want to get to know the old people in order to expedite my enquiries concerning the Murkasters.'

This has become quite an obsession,' Barbara remarked dryly. So much so, I can't help thinking that researching the Murkasters is your sole reason for being here in the village.'

He grinned. OK, Ms Holmes, you worked it out.' He leaned forward. But don't advertise it, all right?'

What is your interest in them, or is that a secret, too?'

I'm a writer,' Othman said, and I like to grub around in mysteries. This book could be a big one, but I'm cautious about treading on the wrong toes, especially the wrong powerful toes.'

Barbara shook her head. And there you were the other night, inciting us all at Louis' to start doing your research for you!'

Othman pulled a mock frown. No, I didn't. As I recall, you and Lily ran off with the bit between your teeth without any coercion from me!' He laughed. But don't go thinking you can gazump me by sending a ma.n.u.script off to a publisher before I get mine in. Anyway, I'm contracted.'

I wouldn't dream of it!' Barbara said. She felt rather dizzy. The reasons for Othman's secrecy and slightly sinister behaviour seemed obvious now. So what are you going to bring to the meeting tonight, some of your ma.n.u.script?'

He shook his head. No. And I would prefer it if you didn't mention what I'm working on to anyone, not even the Winters. I'll find something to bring, don't worry.'

You can tell us about getting published,' Barbara said. I presume you've had books out before?'

A couple,' Othman said casually, applying himself to his lunch once more.

By Friday afternoon, Lily was starting to panic because Othman hadn't called on her again. Owen picked up on her restlessness, and probably divined its cause, but made no comment other than a sarcastic, Are you premenstrual, or something?' Lily went for a walk to escape her brother's observation, leaving him delving in the fractious innards of the car, with Ray Perks looking on. Owen had being seeing less of his friends recently, Lily thought as she pa.s.sed them. Bobby had phoned twice since the weekend and she suspected Owen hadn't bothered returning the calls.

Her feet led her unconsciously to the post office, and it was only when her hand was actually on the door that she realised what she was doing.

Lily!' Eva Manden exclaimed, as if in horror, as Lily walked into the shop.

Hi,' Lily said, eyeing the empty stool by the curtain. Your mother not here again?'

No,' Eva said. She's not. I did tell her you'd called, Lily, but...'

Evie, who is it?' called a husky, female voice from beyond the curtain.

Eva said nothing, looking at Lily in mute appeal. Then she whispered. Please, just go!'

Lily took a single step backwards, surprised by Eva's expression and words, but before she could leave the shop, another woman came through the bead curtain. Lily Winter,' she said, one hand on the door-frame, another lifting a cigarette to her lush mouth. Lily had never seen such a beautiful woman.

h.e.l.lo,' she said, and frowned. Do I know you?' She couldn't remember having met the woman before, and surely she wouldn't forget such a stunning sight?

The woman sashayed into the dingy shop, lighting up its dusty corners with her presence. I knew your mother,' she said. In fact, this is her dress. She gave it to me.' She indicated the loose, faded red folds that fell flatteringly around her slender body. Lily did not recognise it, but then her mother had always had a wardrobe stuffed full of clothes, most of which she never wore. The woman held out a hand, flashed a wide smile. Tentatively, Lily took the offered hand, shook it. The woman's grip was strong and dry. I'm Emma,' she said. Emma Manden.'

Oh,' said Lily, a relation?' She glanced at Eva, whose expression was that of stone, blank and hard.

That's right,' said Emma. I understand you've been asking about your mother?'

Lily nodded. Yes. I wanted to talk to Mrs Manden. She knew her very well.'

Unfortunately, Mrs Manden isn't very well,' said Emma. In fact, she's had to go away.'

Oh, I'm sorry.' Lily glanced once again at Eva, who still appeared to be frozen.

That's why I'm here,' said Emma, to help. Anyway, I knew your mother very well, too, so perhaps we could go for a walk and have a chat about her.' She looked at Eva. You don't need me this afternoon, do you?'

Do what you like,' answered Eva in a flat voice. She turned away and busied herself straightening some magazines on the shelf behind the counter.

Emma put an elegant hand on Lily's shoulder. Well, would you like to walk with me?'

Lily shrugged. Well, er, yes. I suppose so.'

They went out of the shop. Lily was privately thinking that Emma Manden looked too young to have known her mother that well, but then, as she'd already come to suspect with Peverel Othman, appearances might be deceptive.

Will Mrs Manden be all right?' she asked, as they walked down the lane. She let Emma choose the route.