14

Lillie’s voice croaked over the mobile Berdie held to her ear. “Why are you ringing me so early? I haven’t even had my morning cup of tea. Is the sun up yet?”

“Just. I’m in the church back garden, Lillie.” Berdie found herself competing with some squabbling greenfinches. She raised her voice just slightly while buttoning the cardigan she wore to keep the morning chill at bay. “I don’t want Hugh to hear me.” She paced before the memorial bench near the edge of the small pool that added such a sense of peace to the back garden. “All last night, I kept thinking about who may want to harm Hugh. I didn’t sleep well at all.”

“I should think not, but what can I do?”

“Help me.” Berdie took a deep breath. “I don’t want to believe it, but I think one of Hugh’s chums may want to do him in.”

“Why?” Lillie sounded more matter-of-fact than alarmed.

“I can’t explain it all, but Chad, Dave, Doug, Rollie, and that fellow, Ennis, were all involved in a disastrous battle with Hugh in command. Each one suffered unimaginably. Ennis died. I don’t know, but somehow, I think there could be someone who blames Hugh for it all and wants retribution, perhaps a settling of an old score.”

“Have you talked to Hugh about it?” was accompanied by the sound of an early-morning yawn.

“He thinks I’m off my chump.”

“Well, calling me at this hour, I’m inclined to agree.”

Berdie sighed. “What do you think, Lillie? Is it a reasonable assumption? Could someone be trying to get their own back on Hugh?”

“I don’t know.” Lillie exuded another yawn.

The greenfinch noise was becoming annoying. Berdie spied the offending birds. By the look of it, baby was squawking for breakfast from mummy bird and she was having none of it. The baby looked ready for flight, weaning age, yes, that was it, weaning. What a commotion.

“This horrible incident,” Lillie offered, “the surviving fellows were all there, and they’re all alive and breathing now. Right? Why then revenge?”

Berdie felt a sizzle in her brain. “They weren’t there,” she said to herself aloud.

“No, that’s not what I said, Berdie. I said they were all there and they—”

“Oh, how could I have been so blind?”

“What?” Lillie sounded suddenly awake. “Blind?”

Berdie glanced toward the now-divested crime scene. “How absolutely diabolical.”

“Berdie, what’s going on?”

Berdie’s thoughts were firing like so many lightning bolts, and along with it, scorching rage. Her knuckles went white from her tightening grip on the mobile. “Wretched, utterly wretched.” She worked to collect herself and think with a clear focus. “I’ve got to ring up Matthew Reese,” Berdie blurted.

“What’s he got to do with this conversation?”

“How, how?” Berdie repeated.

“How what?”

Berdie snapped her fingers. “Just like the lock on Sundeep’s door of the shipping container. How daring.”

“Sundeep’s lock?”

“The DIY lock he created for his door, in Slough, remember?”

“No.”

“And where did he get the information? The library, of course. Why didn’t I see it before?”

“Berdie, you’re not making any sense.”

“On the contrary, Lillie, I’m in full flow.” Berdie glanced again at the greenfinches. “Bless those little darlings.” Another thought struck her. “Little darlings.” Berdie gasped. “Max and Emmy. Keep them safe. It’s becoming clearer.”

“OK, Berdie, you’ve completely lost me. Go eat breakfast and ring back later when you make some kind of sense.”

“Right, I must call Rollie. And Chief Inspector Kent.” Berdie became aware of Lillie’s words. “Yes, breakfast. Go have your tea, Lillie. You’ve been wonderful.”

“Have I?” Lillie rang off.

Berdie was beginning to see the puzzle pieces fit together. If she gathered the information she expected from the people she now needed to contact, a whole scheme of how to catch out the guilty party could be put into place immediately. She entered Chief Inspector Kent’s number into her mobile. It felt hours before he answered.

“Kent” came in a raspy voice.

“Good morning, Chief Inspector.”

“Is it?”

“Indeed. Listen closely, please. I believe I know who tried to murder Hugh. I have a few things to work out yet, but I haven’t any doubt they’ll try again, and I fear it could be soon.”

“Who?”

“I can’t say until I dig a bit deeper, and I know tomorrow is Sunday, but even so, what we need is a confession, and we’ll need reliable honey, a substantial lure. Yes, and the sooner the better. Now, if you’d be so gracious, I believe, in an hour’s time, I’ll be able to give you ‘the who’ and a plan.”

****

Berdie glanced about at Chief Inspector Kent and Hugh as they stood in the vicarage hall. The plan had emerged from Hugh’s minor accident during rowing practice. The gravity of the moment hit her as they launched the daring scheme Berdie had developed. And now they were actually igniting the touch paper.

Berdie held the vicarage phone to her lips. “I’m so glad you’re in.” She labored to keep her voice even. “I was hoping I could ask a favor.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“You see, Hugh’s ankle began to hurt after rowing practice this afternoon following church. Quite sore—he’s taking prescription medication for pain relief.”

Berdie looked at Chief Inspector Kent, who glanced at Hugh. Hugh nodded.

“It’s just that I’ve a commitment to speak at the women’s guild over at Upper Winston this evening.” That part was quite true, but Lillie had stepped in for her. “It will run quite late. I have someone who’s staying with Hugh, but they must be home by nine this evening.” Berdie swallowed. Another truth—CI Kent had called in Peter Brice, who would be at the house until nine, but still, she worked to maintain her composure. “I was wondering if you may see your way clear to look after him through the night.”

“As a matter of fact, I am available.”

“Wonderful.” Berdie shuddered. “It shouldn’t require a great deal of effort. It’s just that I’d feel better if Hugh had someone with him. I’d be ever so grateful.” Berdie’s stomach churned.

“Don’t worry. I’m glad to do it.”

“Thank you so much.” Berdie nearly choked on the words. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning then, when I get back. Ta.”

Berdie rang off. She felt an odd mixture of gratitude that the bait was taken so easily, but it was tempered with loathing and a touch of fear for Hugh’s safety.

“Well done, Mrs. Elliott,” Chief Inspector Kent commended. “Not an easy thing to do. I daresay they don’t sound as if they suspect anything.”

Berdie gave a quiet nod. “That’s it then, everything and everyone in place.”

“Now, don’t worry, love,” Hugh added. “It’s a brilliant scheme, and it will all go like clockwork.”

“I just want you safe, Hugh.”

“And you’ve promised to stay out of the situation entirely, no heroics. You’re nothing more than a hidden spy.”

“Witness,” Berdie corrected.

“You stick to that. Let Chief Inspector Kent and the others do their jobs, and I’ll be fine.”

“Besides which,” Kent threw in, “if there’s a hitch, the Yard will have my guts for garters, and that is not going to happen.”

****

The small kitchen lamp which stood atop the collected stack of cookery books on the counter gave just enough subtle light to see what was happening. Berdie peeked through the tiny crack of the utility-room door that opened to the vicarage kitchen.

Tillie had just brewed a very special cup of chamomile tea, for Hugh, no doubt, when the back door quietly opened and a figure, dressed in black, slid silently in.

Berdie caught her breath.

The entrant observed what was happening. “Hello, Tillie.”

The young woman nearly jumped out of her skin. She put her hand to her chest. “You gave me a turn. I didn’t hear you knock.”

“No, you wouldn’t have.”

Berdie focused to keep her breathing quiet and even.

“Why are you here, Chad?”

“I thought you’d appreciate a little help, Tillie.” He smiled.

“Help?”

“Hugh, you know, taking care of Hugh.”

Tillie rubbed her hand on her denims. “I’m doing just fine.”

Chad moved closer to the young woman. “Come now, Tillie. I’m talking about taking care of Hugh.”

“I don’t know what you’re on about.”

Chad looked Tillie up and down, then grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl on the counter and rubbed it on his T-shirt, which made his strong abdominal muscles beneath noticeable.

Berdie could see Tillie’s body relax.

Chad leaned against the counter’s edge and took a bite of the red fruit. His tall, fit body seemed suddenly alluring and his dark eyes held a distinct magnetism.

“You helped me. In fact, I need to thank you. You did me a big favor, actually.”

“Did I?” Tillie leaned against the counter. “How’s that?”

“Although you didn’t finish the job.”

Tillie dipped her chin and lifted her eyes. She took a step toward Chad. “What do you mean?”

Chad took another bite, chewing slowly, keeping his eyes on the young woman. “You made him suffer, you tore his life apart, but the commander survived. Still, his world’s in ruins, so well done.”

“Chad, you naughty boy.” Tillie’s voice was velvet. She took another step toward him. “You’ve got a bit of apple, just there.” She slowly slid her finger round the edge of his bottom lip and wiped the offender away. “Go on.”

Chad didn’t flinch. “Though it pleased me that the old fool got what he deserved, you didn’t get what you actually wanted, did you?”

Tillie was close enough to Chad that he reached out and took her by the arm, then drew her close. “You and I are cut from the same cloth, aren’t we, Tillie.” It was a statement, not a question.

Berdie could just make out a low rumble of amusement that exploded into laughter from Tillie’s mouth.

She leaned into Chad. “I knew you, but I didn’t really know you. Not until the picnic lunch. You’re not just a pretty face.”

“Why a bomb?” he breathed.

“Why not?” She moved her lips alluringly close to Chad’s face. Just as she did, he placed the red fruit to his mouth and took another bite.

Tillie pulled her arm from his grasp. Her eyes narrowed and she stepped back to her former place at the counter’s edge and stared into the prepared tea.

“Tell me, Tillie, what gives you more pleasure? To dominate men or get away with murder?”

Berdie took a shallow breath. Be careful, Chad. Remember, softly, softly.

Chad tipped his head. “Such a beautiful woman and such a lust for vengeance.” He set the fruit down. “Are you going after Hugh because of your father’s injury?”

Tillie ran her fingers through her long hair. “If you think that’s all it is, you’re more stupid than I thought.”

Chad lifted his chin. “I know how the commander ruined my chance for a decent career, a decent life.”

Tillie pounded her fist on the counter. “Poor baby Chad. A decent career? What about maiming, death, destroying a family?”

Tillie yanked her scooped neckline downward, exposing her chest and the deep red scar that ran cross it, baring it for Chad’s eyes. “A little souvenir from Daddy. Crazy mad one night, he thought I was the enemy and tried to slice me open.”

Berdie squeezed her eyes shut and held back a gasp. I thought as much. She steadied her gaze again on the sad, sick figure of Tillie Devlin. Berdie fought her instinct to enter the fray.

“Ouch. That had to hurt.”

“In so many ways. How many times did we huddle under the table, in fear for our lives, while my father wielded a firearm to attack the nonexistent enemy outside our door?” Tillie swallowed hard. “You’ve no idea.”

Chad raised a brow. “Or maybe I do.”

“And did you lose a brother?”

“Brother?”

“Marty, my little brother. My mother kept me with her. But she sent Marty away, for safety’s sake, to stay with a mate of his from school whose single mum, unfortunately, drank too much. We didn’t know. Neither of the boys had proper care.”

Tillie looked wistful, eyes distant. The corners of her mouth sagged.

“Marty and his mate began to sneak out of an evening to run the streets.” She took a deep breath and brought her eyes back on Chad. “He was struck by a car while chasing after his mate in the road. Marty died instantly.” She looked away. “Probably a mercy in the circumstances.”

Chad shifted his weight.

Tillie reclaimed the spoon to make rapid swirls in the chamomile tea. “Of course, my mother couldn’t deal with it. She had precious little backbone at the best of times. I have to say she tried, but in the end the poor cow took solace in the arms of another man and left us.”

“So it was all down to you. You had to nurse your father back to life.”

Berdie watched the woman knit her brow, let go the spoon, and face Chad straight on.

“I’m the father. He’s the child.”

Berdie felt a cold shiver up her spine.

“How’d you make the bomb?” Chad appeared unaffected. “You should have asked me for help.”

“Oh really?” Tillie crossed her arms. “Don’t be idiotic. I couldn’t trust you.” She smirked. “If you must know, it was Kabil who was my supplier. We met when Avril first took up with him. He was into dark doings of all sorts. A shameless few moments of pleasure with him, and I got all the materials I needed.

“Lure him in, then blackmail for what you wanted?”

“A lot of men from his part of the world love blondes.” She twirled a strand of hair in her finger.

Berdie’s stomach churned. Off comes another layer of the onion.

“Oh yes?”

Berdie could just see the jut of Chad’s chin. He was doing his best to maintain composure while Tillie went on.

“I felt bad for Avril; I really did, well, for about three minutes.” Tillie dropped the hair strand.

“Cloak of Deception, that’s where you learned to build the bomb. But you didn’t learn very well, did you? I mean, it didn’t do the job properly. He’s still alive.”

Tillie’s face went red. “You trying to wind me up?”

“Yeah, maybe I am. You look good in that shade of pink.”

Berdie wondered if Chad was pushing too hard.

But Tillie half scowled, half grinned. “Cheeky beggar.” She leaned her back against the counter. “Actually, I was quite upset it was the commander who got it. I know what you think of him, but I rather liked the old boy. Had no idea he’d have that vile dog with him. Still, it bothered me at first, but then…”

“Bothered you that the commander got it, or that Hugh didn’t?”

As if struck with her failure, Tillie’s face darkened. She turned, stiffened, and seized the spoon from the teacup, then hurled it headlong into the kitchen wall with such force it sounded like cannon fire.

Chad clucked. “Now, steady on, Tillie.”

“Don’t steady on me, Chad. He made the call. The day of that ruinous hailstorm, Captain Hugh Elliott destroyed the father I knew and left me with a burned-out husk.”

“Point taken,” Chad spoke calmingly.

Tillie let go a long sigh.

“I know Doug has the occasional bout with depression and can be hard to deal with, but he’s certainly more than a husk. He’s gotten much better. Not trying to do you in anymore, is he?”

“And I’m supposed to be grateful?”

Chad didn’t respond.

“My father never blamed Hugh, you know. Said it wasn’t anyone’s fault, things happen in war. Truth was: he had no bottle left in him.” Tillie let go a quick breath. “So I had to take the responsibility, do the dirty work, to make Hugh pay.”

“Like an avenging father would for a child. I know all about harboring the lust for revenge.”

“Yes, I believe you do.”

Reel this venomous woman in, Chad. Reel her in.

“You making tea then? I’m thirsty.” Chad reached out for the cup Tillie had just made, but she placed her hand to shield it.

“No,” she boomed.

Chad rocked back and grinned. “Ah. For Hugh, I presume.”

Tillie looked at the golden liquid and didn’t respond.

“Just a few too many painkillers perhaps? Say, enough to put him permanently to sleep?”

Berdie watched Tillie smile.

The young woman, as if a penny had suddenly dropped, caught her breath and glared at Chad. “Hang on. You know too much.”

Berdie froze.

“What do you mean? You know what they say about great minds.”

Tillie turned her head to one side.

“They think alike, that’s all,” Chad asserted.

She regarded him thoughtfully for a few seconds. “Get yourself a cup, and I’ll make some tea for you.”

“Not with the same ingredients as Hugh’s, I presume?”

Tillie’s mouth bloomed into a half-smile. “Presume, if you wish.”

Berdie strained to see Chad step to the cupboard, never turning his back. But for the instant he swung the cabinet door open, it blocked the view between him and Tillie, and Tillie moved quickly. Silently, she pulled out a knife from the large jug that held cooking utensils near the range, drew it down, and held it closely alongside her leg.

“My dear Lord have mercy,” Berdie breathed.

Chad closed the cupboard door, cup in hand.

Berdie couldn’t bear it. She had promised Hugh to stay protected, but this was deadly. Tillie was poised to strike.

Berdie had to do something, anything. Chad could take care of himself, but she had to warn him. How? What could she do? Seconds felt like hours.

The utility room was just feet from the back door. The element of surprise? Berdie wrapped her hand round the utility-door handle, then made a fist with the other and beat upon the inside of the utility door, rapidly, several times. Band, bang, bang. In her best baritone voice, she shouted out the first words that jumped into her mind. “Vicar, special delivery. I need you to sign, please.”

Berdie cringed. Special delivery? It had gone past ten.

A pounding raged, and it wasn’t her fist. A miracle? She rapidly realized, a miracle all the same, there really was someone at the back door.

It burst open. The door smashed violently against the kitchen wall. Berdie caught sight of a black streak, a leather lead dragging after and an unidentified hand working to keep hold of it. The streak bumped a kitchen chair and came to an abrupt halt.

“Sparks?” What’s he doing here? He’s certainly adapted to his cast quickly!

A clatter resounded on the floor. A glint of metal was just visible at Tillie’s feet. The knife.

Sparks launched into a barking tirade.

Tillie’s scream nearly shook the roof. She grabbed Chad’s arm. In desperation, she pushed him forward and wedged herself between him and the counter.

Chad grabbed the first thing he fingered on the kitchen counter. He thrust Berdie’s summer canapé tray forward as a shield. “Get back,” he shouted at Sparks, “back.”

Berdie gasped.

There in the open doorway stood Milton Butz, legs spread, determination on his adolescent face. Avril was behind him.

“Sorry ’bout this,” Milton apologized to Chad and Tillie. “He’s a bit frisky tonight, getting his zip back,” he announced buoyantly. He picked up the lead and held it taut. “Sparks, heel,” he bellowed, but Sparks continued his exited tirade.

“Get him away from me,” Tillie screamed.

Avril drew her hands to her mouth, wide-eyed.

An adolescent youth and fragile young woman were not a part of this evening’s plan. Though Tillie’s knife attempt was apparently thwarted, more needed to be done.

Berdie wrapped her fingers round a nearby broom. Sorry, Hugh. She yanked the utility door open. Lord have mercy on us all.

She leapt into the kitchen, broom at the ready, as if to sweep the frightful dog out the door. She stood back from the animal and motioned Avril to come stand behind her. The bewildered girl obliged.

“You!” Tillie screamed at Berdie.

Sparks lunged toward Tillie, but Milton held the dog steady.

“Mrs. Elliott,” Milton announced with loud shock in his voice, “this place is certainly all go tonight.”

The rumble of advancing feet and the impending reach of the law could clearly be heard.

Tillie struggled to pull away, but Chad pushed his back into her and held her captive, squeezed between him and the kitchen counter.

In an instant the whole of the kitchen swarmed with uniformed police, Chief Inspector Kent in the lead.

Milton’s eyes became large as dinner plates as Sparks barked at the commotion. “Blimey.”

“We’ll take over now.” Kent jabbed his index finger toward the back door. “Get that dog outside.”

“Sparks, heel,” Milton trumpeted. This time, the canine yielded. Both were soon out the door.

Berdie returned her broom to an upright position.

A policeman grabbed Tillie, who flung herself about as she tried to wrestle free.

“No,” she screamed.

A second constable grabbed hold from behind, while a third one held Tillie’s wrists together and applied the handcuffs he pulled from his belt.

“What’s happened? Why are they taking Tillie?” Avril asked. Bafflement etched her face. “What’s she done?”

“Evil” was all Berdie uttered. “Avril, we need someone to mind Sparks and Milton in the back garden until the police can speak with everyone. Would you, please? Milton can manage the dog. Don’t be frightened.”

Avril still stared at Tillie.

“Please, Avril? Outside?” Berdie knew the time would come for explanation, but not now.

The girl nodded and left out the door.

Tillie’s angry gaze fell upon Berdie. “You wretched witch, I s’pose this comes down to you.”

Berdie held the broom steady and straightened. “Though my broom is at hand, no, it’s not true. I’m not a witch. But allow me a moment to tell you what is absolutely true.” Berdie pulled her shoulders back. “Your father has more bottle than you’ll show in a lifetime. He has forgiven everyone for all that has happened. He’s understood the complexities of life on this planet, good and bad. That’s why he can move on in his life, why he is moving on in his life.”

Tillie’s upper lip twitched.

“The real hero takes where he is and makes the best of it. Your pathetic revenge can’t change that.”

“How dare you.” Tillie struggled against the restraints.

“Killing Hugh won’t bring your father’s health back, nor your mother, or brother. And it certainly won’t give you peace. Letting go, Tillie, that’s where peace lies.”

“I’m tired of listening to your rubbish, you interfering cow.”

Berdie eyed Jasper Kent.

“Matilda Margret Devlin. I’m arresting you for the attempted murder of Commander Cedric Royce.”

Tillie, hair disarrayed, still struggled against the constable that held her in tow.

A uniformed officer poured the tea from the cup prepared for Hugh into a special laboratory container.

“And the attempted murder of Reverend Hugh Elliott, by the look of it,” Kent went on. “You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defense if you do not mention, when questioned, something you later rely on in court. Anything you say may be given as evidence. Do you understand the caution?”

“Get stuffed,” Tillie snarled.

The constable grappled her from the kitchen to the hall, headed for the front door and the awaiting police car that would take her away.

Berdie was wrenched by a concern for Tillie and relieved that Hugh was safe, all in the same moment.

“Well said, Mrs. Elliott,” Chad cheered. “That rubbish sounds familiar.”

Chief Inspector Kent shook Chad’s hand. “Mrs. Elliott said you were the man for the job. We could use someone like you in our organization.”

“Thank you. I may take you up on that.”

“Good work all round.” The chief inspector was matter-of-fact. “Though we hadn’t counted on company.”

“Yes, I must apologize,” Berdie offered. “I hadn’t counted on that either. Avril’s been staying over with her father at hospital. I hadn’t any idea she was coming in this evening. Milton or Sparks either.” Berdie perked. “But it seems to have helped our scheme. I think we owe a certain debt of gratitude to our four-legged friend.”

“And his young caretaker,” Chad added. “Not short of substance, that one.”

“Yes, well, I’ll be back in a shot. I want to just be sure my men get that she-wolf settled in the police vehicle securely.”

“Yes,” Berdie acknowledged.

The moment Kent left, Berdie moved close to Chad. She wanted to speak to him about a discovery she made while putting the picture together of what had happened in the past twenty-four hours.

“Have you read the book?” She studied Chad.

He shifted his weight and lifted his chin. “What?”

“Cloak of Deception, the exposé on intelligence operations by an author named S. N. Flow.”

Chad looked away.

“You know, I recently had a revelation. The commander had a copy of the book on his bedside table in the guest bedroom. I studied the cover. Flow is an anagram. Look at it in the mirror and it spells Wolf.”

Chad swallowed and tapped a finger against his thigh.

“Switch the S and N and you have it. N S Wolf. Ennis Wolf is the deserter who defected to the insurgents. It’s he who penned this exposé.”

“You have a fertile imagination.” Chad’s voice was quiet.

“You know it, I know it, and quite frankly, I think all the fellows know it now that they’ve read the book, including the commander. But no one speaks of it. When did you become aware?”

Chad stared at the floor. “Ennis has a family, children who are proud of him and his service.”

“He betrayed all of you.”

Chad took a deep breath and swallowed hard.

“You’ve known a long while he was the mole. He leaked his information to the gutter press, to be published on his death. Did you know that part?”

Chad frowned. “Would anyone in their right mind let information like that be exposed?”

“The commander got the wrong man when he made those unthinkable accusations toward you. I believe he knows that now.”

Chad was poker-faced and still.

“Now, our conversation on this subject is done, and I’ll not speak of it again. Whatever needs to be done is up to you and your fellows.”

Chad sighed in obvious relief that this discussion was ended.

“It sounds like you may possibly have a job offer.”

Chad smiled.

Chief Inspector Kent reentered the room, Hugh with him. “Now then, she’s settled in for her free ride to the nick.”

“And so she should be.” Hugh sighed.

Berdie became aware of a very large presence at the back door.

“Reporting for duty, as you asked,” Constable Albert Goodnight all but shouted, looking less than sharp in his wrinkled uniform.

“You’re late,” Kent rebuked.

“Yes, well, sorry about that, sir.” Goodnight ran a finger down his uniform buttons. “It’s just that the missus’s sister needed a lift to the train station. Well, that and the fact that Tottenham’s cup game went into extra time.”

Kent’s jaw fell.

Berdie almost expected as much.

Goodnight’s cheeks bulged for smiling like a schoolboy on half term. “They won. One-nil.”

“You’re a Spurs supporter then.” Chad was making light of it.

“Up the Lilliewhites.” Goodnight bounced and rubbed his hands together. “So, have I missed anything?”