Chapter 67: Linda Booth

Manchester, evening: Friday, October 17th

‘Auntie Mary?’ Linda had seen them from the other side and, dodging through the traffic, crossed the road. ‘Any luck?’

When they turned back to look at her the answer was in their faces. In between shifts, she’d met up with them a few times since they all arrived back in Ashford; they’d looked increasingly worn out. She grimaced. ‘I’m sorry.’ She linked arms with them, one on either side of her.

‘No,’ Peter pressed her hand to his side, ‘it is fine. We have decided we can do no more. Time to go home.’

His voice was hoarse. Linda frowned, trying to study his face but in the artificial shop lights it was difficult. ‘You okay, Uncle Peter?’

He smiled down at her. ‘Your aunt and I are both tired, that is all. And—’

‘Once we’ve settled Richard in at the university, we are definitely going home.’ Mary finished the sentence for him.

Compared to her uncle, her aunt looked angry, Linda thought. And I don’t blame her; Vicky has led them a merry dance these last few weeks. ‘I’ll walk with you. It’s not much out of the way and I’ve got at least another hour before my train home.’

‘You sure?’ Mary said.

‘I’m sure,’ Linda said. She’d ask her aunt about moving down to Wales, but now wasn’t the right time. She’d leave it for now.

They walked on, still in a line of three, each with their own thoughts, oblivious to the people who moved to let them pass.

When they arrived at the front door of the tall Edwardian house where Mary and Peter were staying, she kissed them both on the cheek. ‘You two look done in,’ she said. ‘Get a good night’s sleep. Look after one another. I’ll probably see you tomorrow.’

She waited until they’d pushed open the door and gone along the hallway to the stairs before she moved away.