Buried Secrets: The Freeman Files Series: Book 11 by Ted Tayler (highly recommended books txt) 📗

criminal all his life. Bert was as honest as the day was long. Somehow, those two found comfort in their companionship. Irene was ten years younger than the retired butcher. Funny how nobody seemed too concerned with an age gap when you were on the last leg of your journey. Of course, ten years differed from thirty. Next to Irene sat the Reverend Clemency Bentham. She had dispensed with the Laura Ashley tonight and wore a maroon blouse with her clerical collar, over black trousers. Gus tried to recall a Saint’s day at the end of July that might have caused Clemency to work a long shift.

“Gus, Brett tells us you’re joining us later. We haven’t seen you both for days,”

“My apologies, Reverend,” said Gus. “Duty calls. I don’t need to remind you of that. No sooner than we put one case to bed, then my superiors have another emergency.”

“Now you know what life is like when you’re wearing this collar, Gus,” said Clemency.

“I’ve kept an eye on your plants, Mr Freeman,” said Bert. “They haven’t run wild yet, but you can’t leave them alone for too long. The land is very much like a woman, Mr Freeman.”

That started a fit of the giggles from Irene North. Brett returned from the bar with the party’s next round of drinks. Gus thought that a soft drink was preferable for Irene.

“Suzie asked me to tell you a table will be free in five minutes,” said Brett. “What’s kept you away from here for so long?”

“Bert was just berating me for ignoring my plants,” said Gus. “but my team and I had a tricky case to solve in Swindon. Suzie and I spent a pleasant afternoon on the allotment the Saturday before last. That must have been our last visit, I suppose. Time flies when you’re having fun. I’ll find Suzie, and we’ll have our meal, then we’ll join you.”

Gus made his way to where he’d left Suzie, but he couldn’t see her. He looked around the bar and spotted her returning from the loo.

“Where are we headed?” he asked. Suzie pointed behind him. A teenage girl was preparing the circular table for two more diners.

“I decided on a salad,” said Suzie. “It’s still too warm for anything heavy. I ordered a steak for you, with a side salad and a children’s portion of chips. Was that okay?”

“You know me better than I know myself,” said Gus.

“Now you’re teasing me,” said Suzie.

The food arrived and was delicious as always.

“Do you want another glass of Chardonnay?” asked Gus after they had eaten. He waved his empty glass of Merlot to show that he was ready for another.

“You carry on, Gus,” said Suzie, “I’ll have one of those soft drinks that the Reverend enjoys.”

“Fair enough,” said Gus. “The gang are seated in the far corner. You make your way there, and I’ll fetch the drinks.”

Five minutes later, the six friends gathered in the corner. Around them, the busy bar emptied.

“I think someone wants to make a speech,” said Clemency.

Brett Penman stood and raised his pint glass.

“Thank you for making me so welcome since I arrived in this country. I knew my grandfather loved this part of the world. Until I saw things for myself, I imagined it was the countryside and the weird weather you guys get, but actually, it’s the people. I moved into my new place yesterday, and my belongings from Canada will be here before I know it. Tomorrow, I start a fresh chapter in my life, with my first day at the veterinary clinic in Wootton Bassett. I know what to expect. Lots of variety, dozens of anxious owners, and hundreds of temperamental pets. I can’t wait to get stuck in. Starting a new job can be a traumatic experience, but I know that I'll be coming home at the end of each day. That’s how I think of Urchfont, and Wiltshire now. It’s my home.”

“I’m sure we wish you the best in your new job, Brett,” said Gus. “The place must seem quiet without him, Bert?”

“I spent many years alone after my Cora passed, Mr Freeman. I know what to do.”

“I’m sure you do, Bert,” said Suzie.

Gus spotted the Reverend watching Irene North. Clemency was probably thinking the same as him. Bert wouldn’t get much time alone now that Brett was out of the way.

The landlord politely reminded his last few customers that he’d called last orders ten minutes earlier. Clemency Bentham was the first to make a move.

“My trusty steed is outside,” she said. “I’ll walk home with you, Irene, if you wish?”

“That would be most welcome, my dear,” said Irene.

“I’ll drive Bert home,” said Brett. “Are you two okay?”

“We walked along the lane to get here,” said Gus, “it won’t be a hardship to walk back.”

Gus waited for Suzie to pay another visit and watched as Brett helped his grandfather into his car's passenger seat. Clemency Bentham pushed her bicycle towards the turning to the housing estate where Irene lived, and Irene trotted beside her, still talking nineteen to the dozen.

“Ready?” said Suzie.

“I wonder if we’ve missed something,” said Gus.

“In what way?”

“The Reverend bringing her bicycle meant Brett couldn’t offer to take her home.”

“Where is this house he’s renting from Monty Jennings?”

“I don’t remember Brett telling us. Vera will know. I’ll ask her the next time I’m at London Road.”

“Perhaps it’s close to the rectory, and Brett creeps across the back gardens late at night.”

“I don’t think Clemency would approve,” said Gus, “let alone the Bishop of Salisbury.”

They walked along the lane in silence. Gus opened the front door, and they went indoors.

“What now?” Gus asked.

“Tomorrow is another day,” said Suzie.

Wednesday, 1st August 2018

“Will you be late tonight?” asked Suzie.

“Not if I can help