13

“Mrs. Elliott?” Chief Inspector Kent, standing at the crime scene, tipped his head as he beheld Berdie. “Are you all right?”

“Oh, Chief Inspector, I’m so glad you’re here. I just dropped Lillie at her home and got over here as quickly as possible.” Berdie took a very deep breath. “That local knowledge you spoke of. I had to tell you straightway that I’ve found what’s been missing.”

Kent cocked his head to the side. “Proper-fitting eyeglasses, presumably.”

“Oh.” Berdie’s concern for Hugh and getting pertinent facts to Chief Inspector Kent had entirely trumped her dreadful appearance. And the fact that the rain had stopped added a bizarre quality to the situation. “I do apologize. A mishap amidst curious circumstances.” She ran a finger through wet hair and tried, unsuccessfully, to straighten her glasses. “It’s just that I’ve discovered something that will turn your entire investigation on its head.”

“Is that a fact?” Kent ran an inquisitive eye over her soaked blue uniform and half smirked. “Working undercover, are we? Is it electrics or plumbing?”

Berdie realized that her critical information would be better received without the distraction of her ghastly appearance. “Can you come to the vicarage in twenty minutes for a quick cuppa?” Berdie requested with the hope she could tidy herself up in that amount of time.

“Quick cuppa? I can see my way clear to do that.” Kent smiled.

“Make it twenty-five minutes,” Berdie corrected and turned from the crime scene to trudge her soaked body to the vicarage.

Getting herself in proper order again took some doing, but she was soon ready. She wasn’t especially fond of her old black-framed spare eyeglasses, but they would get the job done until her other ones could be repaired. The floral-print wrap dress she wore was a deliberate attempt to regain some dignity in her dealings with the chief inspector. And in a timely manner, Berdie put the kettle on and toasted up some scones.

A strong rap came at the back door of the kitchen, and Berdie, who held two teaspoons, glanced at the clock. “Spot on,” she quipped and pulled the door open.

“I hope you have a moment, because it’s important I see you right now.” Tillie, hair loose and denims tight, entered the kitchen before Berdie had a chance to respond. “I’ve been trying to get hold of you all morning.”

“I’ve been out. What is it?” Berdie moved to the nearby kitchen table and put the spoons down among the other preparations for elevenses.

“Are you encouraging my father to make an absolute fool of himself?”

“What?”

“Are you?”

“Tillie, I’m sure I haven’t any idea what you’re on about. Come, sit down.”

“You know very well what I mean. My father and that Sandra woman.”

“Ah.” Berdie pulled out the chair. “That Sandra woman happens to be a very loving soul. Some tea?”

Tillie remained standing. “They’ve just met, and he’s mooning over her like a schoolboy.”

Berdie smiled.

“I found him out in the back garden of the B and B in the wee hours of this morning, and in his pajamas. Stargazing. Apparently, Sandra told him it was good for his soul. It’s madness.” Her volume rose with her anger. “And that’s not all. He’s been practicing with his prosthetic leg again, all to impress her.”

“Is that so bad, Tillie?”

“It’s not a proper fit. It gives him terrible sores.” She knit her brow. “Isn’t that just like you? Seeing things through rose-tinted glasses.”

Berdie adjusted her black frames. Hardly rosy.

Tillie verbally stomped her foot. “What do you know about his past with women? When Mum left, his life was a shambles.” Tillie’s voice trembled. “It’s just not fair.”

“Tillie, take a breath.”

“And now look at poor Avril. Why she ever took up with that man, I can’t imagine.” The young woman cocked her eyebrow. “I’m glad he’s gone, frankly.”

“Gone?”

“You’ve not heard? Kabil’s done a bunk. Gone.”

Berdie took a moment to let the news settle in. She knew Kabil had been ill at ease and distant. Somehow, she wasn’t all that surprised.

“Cedric tried to tell Avril from the start that man was mixed up with a bad crowd. He warned her that she’d never be first consideration in Kabil’s life as long as his cause held his soul.”

“Cause? What cause?”

“Not only does she have to cope with her father’s misfortune, now she’s been abandoned. This whole thing is a complete dog’s dinner.”

“Tillie, perhaps you should sit down.”

“Now Dad’s going the same way.”

“Tillie, you’re overwrought.” Berdie used her most soothing tone. “Your father is not Avril. His simple attraction to Sandra is different entirely. And who’s to say she’s not good for him?” She patted the chair. “Please, sit down.”

Tillie’s face went red, and her fist came down upon the table with such force it made the teacups rattle in their saucers. “I don’t want to sit down. I want my father to see sense.”

Berdie looked Tillie straight in the eye, and what she saw there was genuine anger. “Tillie, your father is a grown man. He’s responsible and aware of what he’s doing. He and Sandra are just enjoying time together. That’s all.”

“What does he see in her? What can he offer her? He’s disabled.”

Berdie expanded her eyes and balked. “Tillie, did you hear what you just said? Your father is missing a leg, not a heart.”

Tillie clenched her jaw. She put her hand to her forehead and closed her eyes. “I didn’t mean that. I don’t know why I said it.”

“You’re upset."

Tillie straightened. “Yes, I do know why I said it. Because he’s not financially capable. He can’t support her or her scatty aunt.”

“Hang about, Tillie.” Berdie’s tone was not so soothing now. “You’re jumping way ahead of the game.”

The young woman huffed. She looked askance at the table set for two. “Oh, you’re expecting someone?”

“Chief Inspector Kent should be along any moment.”

“I didn’t know…” Tillie looked toward the half-open door and took a deep, calming breath. “I won’t take up any more of your time.”

“We can discuss this later. Come by or ring me.”

“Just don’t encourage my father in this silly business, Mrs. Elliott. That’s all.” Tillie turned and made for the door, wasting no time on pleasantries.

“God go with you,” Berdie called to the disappearing woman and set about getting the clotted cream from the fridge for the scones.

Poor Avril. She must encourage the young woman to come stay with her and Hugh at the vicarage. And as far as Tillie’s outrage, she couldn’t help but wonder if the caregiver was a bit jealous of her father’s good fortune. But that was all secondary to the thing that mattered most to her right now: Hugh’s wellbeing.

Berdie heard a rapid knock at the door and hoped it was her anticipated guest.

“Come in, Chief Inspector.”

Jasper Kent entered the kitchen and closed the door. “Blimey, she wasn’t by half in a hurry.”

“Tillie? Yes, she’s in a bit of a spin.” Berdie put the cream on the table. “Do you remember what life was like when you were in your twenties?”

“Before or after marriage?”

Berdie chuckled. “Please, sit down.”

Jasper Kent took his hat off and hung it at the coat hook near the door, exposing his close-cut brown hair. He sat at the table.

Berdie removed the tea towel covering a basket of warm scones.

“This is quite nice. Scones and all.”

Berdie sat in the chair opposite. “It is elevenses, more or less.”

“Thank you. Certainly beats cold coffee and a digestive back at the station.”

“Yes, well, God bless this table and our bringing of light to troubled situations,” Berdie said in somewhat of a rush, half to Jasper Kent and half to the great Provider. “Tuck in. I’ll pour.”

He took a scone from the basket whilst Berdie splashed some milk in his cup.

“You were right about the young lad from London being guilty of something. Though Brice isn’t sure, I’ve determined it’s not setting the blast.”

Berdie nodded and tried not to appear smug. “What’s he done then?”

Kent glanced round the table. “Strawberry jam?”

Berdie lifted the lid on a ceramic dish shaped like a giant red strawberry, revealing the luscious fruit preserves.

Kent stuck a teaspoon in and ladled it onto his scone.

“It’s his Uncle Chander, been importing illegal foodstuffs into the country, dodgy meat and vegetables without health certificates or import licenses. We cottoned onto it without the lad even implicating him.”

“He’s very fond of his uncle. Not a grass.”

Kent filled his spoon a second time, and third, piling it on the scone. “Yes. Well, it seems Sundeep’s been his delivery boy to certain buyers.”

“I had no idea. He’s in trouble then?” Berdie poured tea into Kent’s cup.

“I should say, but he’ll probably receive nothing more than a caution and community service since he’s young, with no previous record, and he’s been so forthcoming concerning the whole affair.”

“That’s good.” Berdie splashed milk in her cup, and then added a teaspoon of sugar. “I think he’s learned his lesson. He’ll stay clear of trouble now.”

Kent grabbed the spoon next the clotted cream. “Ah, lovely. My wife doesn’t let me eat this at home, says it’s bad for me.”

Berdie watched him ladle five teaspoons of the almost-thick-as-butter cream atop his jam.

The chief inspector’s mobile sounded from a trouser pocket. He puffed. “Excuse me, must get this.”

Berdie was well-acquainted with interrupted conversations. After all, she was the vicar’s wife in a small village. She smiled, poured her tea, and prepared her scone.

“Kent,” he spoke into the mobile. “Yes.” He paused. “Right.” He made a clucking sound. “Please keep me informed then.” He returned the mobile to his pocket. “Sorry, no rest for the wicked.”

“Are you wicked, Chief Inspector?”

“It depends on if you’re talking to the good guys or bad guys. Anyway, we have a new lead.” Kent returned to his overflowing scone, took a deep bite, and chewed. “Um, nothing compares with scones and cream.” He munched with satisfaction.

“New lead, you say?” Berdie probed.

“When we track him down,” he said between chews. He dabbed a napkin at the cream on the corners of his mouth. “He’s done a runner.”

“Kabil?”

“There’s no flies on you, Mrs. Elliott.”

“Then you won’t mind me saying that you’re probably on a hiding to nothing on that one.”

“Oh yes? He’s got motive: the commander was dead set against him and his daughter getting cozy. And that’s beside the fact that he’s linked to some questionable organizations. And you never heard it from me.” He took another bite of scone.

“What would be his motive for”—Berdie took a breath—“killing my husband?”

“Your husband? Why would you say that?” Inspector Kent slowed his munching and stared at the somber Berdie.

“The missing piece.” She wondered if he could read the apprehension that surely played cross her face.

Jasper Kent set the scone down and continued to study her eyes. “You’ve found something out.”

Berdie stood, walked to the kitchen dresser, and opened a drawer that held odds and ends. She pulled out a mobile phone.

Kent watched every move.

She returned to her chair and set the mobile next him on the table. “It’s Sundeep’s. A bit wet, but there it is.”

The chief inspector leaned forward, eyes cautious. “Where’d you find it?”

“I didn’t. It was discovered on Old Barn Road, near the grocery box that Sundeep delivered the morning of the blast. It was given me this morning.”

DCI Kent leaned back in the chair and stretched his arms forward on the table, his fingers spread out. “I hope I’m going to get a straight answer on this.” He paused. “Who gave it to you?”

Berdie took a sip of tea, avoiding his eyes, and then lifted her chin. “The call made to Hugh that afternoon was legitimate.”

Berdie watched Kent’s jaw tighten as he drew his hands back to the edge of the table.

“So this comes under the heading of professional confidence, does it? The investigative reporter doesn’t reveal her confidential sources?” He tapped a finger on the table. “The churchwoman’s obligation to privacy?”

“Something like that. Yes.”

Berdie observed a red tinge develop on the tip of the lawman’s ears.

“You’re going to have to trust me, Chief Inspector.” She looked him in the eye. “Jasper. I can tell you this—”

“Berdie, please.” The words yelled extremely perturbed.

“I can tell you this,” she went on, her confidence building as she did so. “There was a family in great need, they used Sundeep’s mobile phone to call Hugh, and their home is next to impossible to find from Old Barn Road.” She folded her hands on the table. “I know this is extremely frustrating for you. I understand. I’m giving you as much information as I can at the moment. You’ll get more later, directly from the source, if you step lightly. But please hear me out on this. Just consider: we’ve not found anyone who spied out the crime scene at the time of the blast. Your primary suspect, Sundeep, has, for all intents and purposes, been exonerated. In terms of motive, with Hugh as the target, your new lead, Kabil, is left at the back of the pack.”

Kent shifted in the chair.

“And don’t undermine your gut instinct. Just this morning, you told me you had a sense of trying to grasp smoke, that local knowledge could be critical. You’re right. The commander was not the intended victim.”

The inspector heaved an enormous sigh. “Berdie Elliott, if ever there was a woman so capable and at the same time so aggravating…”

Berdie leaned forward. “Be that as it may, Chief Inspector Kent, the real issue now is who wanted, or wants, to kill my Hugh, and why?”

****

Berdie, elevenses with Jasper Kent behind her, arrived at the hospital in good time. Now she could see clearly through the large window that opened from the hall to the commander’s hospital room.

Dave stood near the end of the bed. Avril, in a chair, sat near the head of the bed, Sparks at her side. But all Berdie could really see was her Hugh. It looked that he was about ready to leave, so Berdie waited for him outside the door.

“Hello, love,” he greeted when he entered the hall, Dave behind. “You’re wearing your old spare glasses.”

“Oh, Hugh.” Berdie wrapped her arms around him and gave a tight squeeze. She couldn’t help herself. She was so grateful he was still here to hug.

He returned the embrace, a slight red flush above his clerical collar. “Not that I mind, but why the special greeting?”

Dave, wearing a sheltered grin, moved a discreet distance away and looked out the hospital window.

“Hugh, you could be in danger.”

He wrinkled his brow and smiled. “It’s only a rowing practice, Berdie.”

“No, I mean real danger. Someone may want to do you in.”

Hugh chuckled. “The only ones who’ll do me in are Rollie and Chad if I don’t get to rowing practice.”

“But, Hugh.”

He took Berdie’s hands. “I have the best news possible.” He gave her fingers a squeeze. “Cedric’s regained consciousness.”

Berdie blinked. “Hugh, that’s wonderful, wonderful, but—”

“Sparks ignited a spark, pardon the pun, and Avril lit the fire.” Hugh’s face beamed. “Thank God! In a week’s time we’ve gone from despair to hope. We’re so blessed.”

“Indeed we are, Hugh, and not by half, but—”

“Now, although we have joy in the camp, Avril is still struggling. It’s Kabil.”

“Yes, I know, I heard.”

“Raise her spirits, Berdie. You’re good at that.”

“Am I?”

“I think she should come stay with us at the vicarage for a while.”

“I agree. But—”

“Good.”

Dave cleared his throat.

Hugh planted a kiss on Berdie’s cheek. “Who’s a lucky boy then? See you tonight.”

With that he released her hands and, happy as a sand boy, strode off, Dave beside him.

“But, Hugh.” Berdie could see his determined steps and realized it was useless to try and dissuade him. She sighed. Well, Lord, she directed heavenward while watching her man vanish down the corridor, You’ve faithfully kept watch over him these fifty-something years, and in some frightening circumstances at that. Please circle him with Your protection in the minutes and hours to come.

She glanced back through the window at Avril, Sparks, and Cedric.

A nurse entered the room. Avril nodded her head and started for the door while the nurse closed the blind on the window.

Avril entered the hall and looked at Berdie.

“Oh, Mrs. Elliott. Good news.” She barely managed the words. “It seems Daddy is going to pull through.”

Daddy, Berdie thought. “Amazing.”

Avril’s eyes were red. Her drooping eyelids spoke of little sleep and deep heartache. She had no headscarf. With her tousled hair and messy clothes, standing alone, she looked to be twelve years old: a sheep looking for its shepherd.

“Avril.” Berdie put her hand on the young woman’s shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.

Tears welled up as Avril spoke. “Thank you for calling me, Mrs.—”

“Berdie, call me Berdie.”

“Seeing my father again…” A tear fell on a now-pink cheek and the words stopped.

Berdie could see a dam about to burst. She moved her arm around Avril’s shoulder and hugged her. The young woman covered her face with her hands, and her shoulders commenced heaving up and down as the pain of the last difficult hours rolled down her face.

“The wet salt of healing,” Berdie breathed. “It stings but washes clean.”

Avril clung on until finally able to calm and regain her composure. Berdie pulled a tissue from her pocket and placed it in the trembling woman’s hand.

“You’re so kind, Berdie,” she choked, dabbing her face. “You must think horribly of me.”

“Nonsense. Now, you must come and stay with Hugh and me at the vicarage.”

She lifted her watery eyes. “Do you mean it? You’d do that for me?” She sniffed.

“Yes. And when your father’s ready, he’ll come home with us to recover. What say?”

Avril nodded her head.

“Good as done then.”

Avril fingered the tissue. “You’ve heard about Kabil?”

“Yes.”

“He said nothing—he didn’t even leave a note. I tried ringing his mobile and the service has been discontinued.”

Berdie could see the writing on the wall. Was this just an impulsive decision, or did Kabil plan this in advance? Was there more to this than met the eye? “And your flight was a one-way.”

Avril swallowed.

“I should imagine you’ve little money to spare.” Berdie tried to frame it gently.

“I’ve learned a very hard lesson through all this.” She brought the tissue to her red nose. “Well, bittersweet, really.” Avril looked at Berdie straight on. “The only person on this earth who truly loves me”—she fumbled her words—“truly loves me, is my father. And I’ve made such a hash of things.”

“Avril, hear this clearly.” Berdie kept the eye contact steady. “Your presence here has brought strength to your father and uplifted his will to survive.”

“Do you really think so?”

“The bond that exists between a father and his daughter, since the dawn of time, defies all that’s worst in this world. It’s forever.”

Avril wiped her eyes and straightened her shoulders.

The nurse opened the door to the room and put her head out. “You can come back now.”

“Good.” Berdie smiled at the nurse and then addressed Avril. “Now, you go wash your face and we’ll return to the room much more refreshed.”

Avril worked at a smile. “I won’t be a minute.”

Avril made way to the water closet and Berdie sighed. “Whoever said there are no more miracles in today’s world needs to spend twenty-four hours in Aidan Kirkwood.”

****

Hugh took a sip of his sherry, an apéritif before dinner. The moment he arrived home from rowing practice, showered, and got into his comfortable night robe, Berdie prepared his favorite chair in the library. And now they were in the midst of the discussion.

“You’re sure?” he asked. “The call was legitimate then?”

“Yes, Hugh, it was.” Berdie sat forward on the leather couch opposite him.

“Blow me down.” He stared out the large library window. “They needed my help. And it was right of them to ring up. But I had no idea how to get to them.” Hugh ran a finger up and down the glass stem. “If the main entrance to their cottage is on Littlewoods Lane, why tell me to enter from Old Barn Road where you can’t see the place, and with an overgrown track at that?”

“The family is trying to live under the radar. They don’t use the main entry because it draws too much attention to them.”

“Sad, isn’t it? Someone fights for their country; then they’re secreted away simply because they’re making a difficult life adjustment.”

“Mrs. Limb actually seemed embarrassed about it all.”

“Hopefully, I can help change that.”

Berdie put her hand on Hugh’s knee. “Yes. But, Hugh, there’s a bigger issue in the whole affair.” She braced herself. “You were the target for the blast.”

Hugh downed the rest of his apéritif in one mouthful and plunked the empty glass on the side table next him. “As much as I hate the thought, it seems things point in that direction now.”

“It’s difficult to take it all in.”

“I survived a war,” he flared, “and someone wants to do me in at my small country vicarage?”

“Can you think of anyone who would want to hurt you?”

“It’s absolute nonsense.” Hugh ran a finger cross his lips. “Madness.”

“I have to ask, Hugh. Is there something, someone, who may want to do you harm from your military past?”

“Do you mean revenge for something that happened when I was in the forces?” He frowned. “It’s a bit late for that.”

“No, I don’t mean the enemy.” Berdie framed her words carefully. “Isn’t it notable that it happens when your old military chums are gathered here together?”

Hugh stared at her, taking in her meaning. “Rubbish, absolute rubbish.” Hugh’s voice blazed along with his cheeks. His left eyebrow arched dramatically. “You have no idea, Berdie. You weren’t there. You wouldn’t ask such a thing if you understood.”

“Understood what?”

“We were—are—a brotherhood, family. We were ready to die for one another. That forges an irreversible bond.”

“There had to be trouble, obstacles, disagreements, arguments of some sort.”

“Fighting a war’s hardly going to be all sweetness and light.” Hugh rubbed his hand over the bathrobe that draped his leg. His irresistible blue eyes took on a distant stare. “We all had our crosses to bear.”

“Hugh?” She could see memories of a faraway time steal cross his vision and tighten his shoulders. “And what was your cross to bear?”

“We needn’t talk about this.”

“Hugh, there’s something that’s getting to you. I see it. Tell me, please.”

He dropped his chin, as though letting memories tumble forward. “We had an operation involving surveillance of insurgents. We prepared for a strike ambush.” Hugh rubbed his hands together, as if trying to wash the event away. “I can only speak in broad strokes, Berdie. You understand that.”

“Of course, Hugh.”

Berdie felt the need to be closer. She positioned herself on the arm of the chair Hugh sat in.

“Using surveillance to determine what’s going to happen is often simply making your best guess.” Hugh took a deep breath. “Cedric was involved with another situation, and I was the officer in charge. I made the call to go in. I went with my men.” Hugh’s voice was strained. He paused.

“I’m listening, Hugh,” Berdie whispered.

“I can still feel the desperately hot air, sweat trickling into my eyes. Somehow…” He shook his head. “They were waiting for us.” Hugh leaned forward, pressed his fingertips together, and dug them into his chin. “We walked into a trap.” His eyes squeezed shut, and then popped open. A deep furrow plowed his brow. “I can’t describe the horror, nor do I want to. It’s not for your ears.”

Berdie put her arm around Hugh’s shoulder. “No.” She rubbed the back of his neck. “You survived, and I’m ever so grateful.”

Hugh leaned back into the chair. “A miracle from God, we all did, but one. Rollie was the first one wounded. Even so, he tried to help when Doug went down. Dave took a heroic stand against sustained enemy fire, and Chad with him. I don’t know if we’d be here today if it wasn’t for their shooting skills and gut fortitude.” Hugh’s upper lip moistened. “By the time backup and medics arrived, Doug’s leg had to go to save his life. Ennis was captured. He was found dead several months later in an enemy camp.” He sighed. “There was some talk of a mole after that disaster, an informant. Cedric put a stop to that in a hurry.” Hugh tapped a finger on his knee. “What a dog’s breakfast it was, and all down to me.”

Berdie grasped Hugh’s chin and turned his gaze to meet her eyes. “I know you, Hugh Elliott. You did what you thought was right, your very best. No one can fault you for that, and most of all, you.” She released his chin.

He looked away and stared at a shelf of books, lined up like soldiers on parade. “If anyone, of all the men, had a right to find fault with me, it was Doug. All of our lives were forever changed, but his especially.” Hugh let go a puff of air. “That’s why, when I knew I was called to the ministry, I had to see Doug.”

“I don’t remember this.”

“I asked if things were all right between us. He was gracious to a fault. He said he never once blamed me for what happened. We were all just doing our duty. I made the best decision I could with the information I had at the time. He said that it didn’t matter who made the decision, the result would have been no different. And I’ve had a special appreciation for him since.”

“But you never said.”

“No. It was between Doug and I, and our Maker. But that’s enough of the past.” Hugh put his hand on Berdie’s thigh and gave a squeeze. “I could go another apéritif, love.”

Berdie stood and took Hugh’s glass. While pouring, she considered what Hugh had just unburdened. She almost deplored herself for thinking it, but she couldn’t help it. Doug, Dave, Chad, Rollie, all of them wore wounds of one kind or another that were inflicted on Hugh’s watch. Suddenly, Berdie saw Hugh’s friends as possible threats. She shuddered. Had Doug truly never blamed Hugh? Was he that generous? “Yes,” she whispered to herself. “Hugh believes he was. I want to believe it too.” Just the thought of wrongful revenge made the back of Berdie’s neck prickle. And she sensed something frightful lay ahead. If ever urgency pushed her to expose evil that lurked nearby, it was now. “My dear Hugh.”