Episode 8 - Toni

Thursday cont.

As Gary stood waiting for the London Intercity, it occurred to him that he had no idea whether the person he was meeting was male or female. It was a good idea to hold up a sign to say who he was, even if he had previously thought it was silly.

Episode 7 - Speculation

Thursday cont.

Cleo's phone call from the new au pair was a surprise. 

"It's Toni. I can't be in Middlethumpton till three-o-four, Mrs Hurley. Is that all right?"

"Sure," said Cleo. "I'll let my husband know. He'll be there."

"I'm sorry about arriving late," said the girl.

"That's OK, Toni, but don't be surprised if my husband is expecting a guy. I'm not going to tell him."

".A guy?"

"Yes. We've been speculating about your name. See you later."

***

Episode 6 - Soup

Thursday, October 4

It was the link Dorothy eventually made between the tramp’s poisoning and the lethal soup that made it all so awful. She and Cleo had definitely been in danger. Chris’s newest report was credible. Even if only small amounts of toadstool poisoning were consumed, it would cause severe illness and possibly death. Who could have done such a thing deliberately?

***

Episode 5 - Deathcap

Wednesday cont.

It was no wonder that Cleo’s trip to Middleton library to look at back numbers of the Gazette did not reveal much. Bertie Browne, editor in chief and owner of the twice weekly freebie, published all sorts of stuff that was long on padding, but short on information and  often devoid of accuracy. Hot air and fake news were good enough to fill the pages that were not devoted to price-slashing (if you can believe that) offers of cars, cats and cucumbers. The Fargo family did not merit a single mention.

***

Episode 4 - The tramp

Wednesday cont.

Cleo decided to find out more about the Fargo family herself before regaling Gary with Dorothy’s advice. It was just possible that the tramp had genuinely been mistaken for the deceased relative.

Episode 3 - Night Rider

Tuesday cont.

Edith Parsnip had allowed Robert to leave and was getting was ready for a lonely night when Brass banged the vicarage gargoyle against the solid oak front door, so she answered the door in her negligée, a flimsy garment that revealed more than it hid.

“I’m sorry to wake you,” apologised Brass. “I just need to know what you saw and heard behind the church hall, Mrs Parsnip.”

Episode 2 - Marigolds

Tuesday October 2

Fred Bradley, known to everyone as Brass, was one of a rota of cops who ran the sub-police station in Upper Grumpsfield. It was really only a room with a counter and IT equipment, a coat stand, a loo and a tiny kitchen, but it served the purpose admirably and was a welcome addition to village life, since many residents regarded it as a sanctuary where they could air their grievances.

Episode 1 - Lisa calls the tune

Monday October 1

Cleo Hartley-Hurley wondered how Gary would take the news that she was planning a project that was a far cry from what he used to call snooping. She would probably have less time to air her theories on the current cases that beset the Chief Inspector who had, despite himself, become quite reliant on his wife’s Agency and her wise comments, and been put on the straight and narrow more than once by Dorothy’s hunches.

***

Preamble - Old and New

The day Lisa Keys came to introduce herself to Dorothy Price in Upper Grumpsfield should have been one of rejoicing and gladness. At least that’s what Mary Baker, who was now established at St Peter’s parish church as its lady curate, said later when she realized how crestfallen Dorothy had been. There was nothing diplomatic about getting Lisa to take over the chorus.