Despite the sun, there was a chill to the air on this February morning. Baz shivered as she stepped into the warmth of Wellbeloved Café. The scents of coffee and chocolate and pastries filled her with pleasure. ‘Morning, ladies.’ She gave her friends a cheerful little wave as she stuck her head around the corner into the second room.
Only the ladies weren’t there. Or rather, Madge was in her usual spot. But the people sitting in Peggy and Carole’s chairs were not Peggy and Carole. Madge was deep in conversation with two people.
‘Blue! Ron!’ Baz felt like she hadn’t seen the couple in ages; she was delighted by their presence. ‘How are you both?’
Blue and Ron got out of their seats and made their way to Baz, enveloping her in the warmest of hugs. Ron held a teeny tiny dog in the crook of his arms. ‘Don’t mind Bunny – she loves a good cuddle.’
As they finally pulled away, Baz excused herself before they could say anything. ‘I’ll just go order my tea, shall I?’
When she returned a few minutes later, Blue and Ron were hugging Peggy and Carole. Peggy backed out of their embrace and waved them off. In Ron’s arms, Bunny was barking, growling, and snarling at Cookie. Cookie – whose nose was bigger than the entirety of Bunny – was cowering under the table.
Blue put her hands on her hips. ‘Well, ducks. We just stopped by to thank you for everything you did for those poor people. I know you weren’t able to help—’
Ron punched his partner playfully on the arm. ‘Oh my days, Blue! These ladies did everything they could. It’s not their fault the Killer Queen popped his clogs before he could be brought to justice.’
Peggy inhaled noisily as she dropped into her seat. ‘Not you two using that awful moniker!’
She’d been railing against the name since the news of Arthur’s crimes had hit international news several days ago. Baz wasn’t even sure where the name had originated. When the news first broke, the press were calling Arthur the Rainbow Ripper. But twenty-four hours later, all that changed. News outlets latched onto the ridiculous – not to mention factually inaccurate – Killer Queen.
Ron raised his hand to stave off any more of Peggy’s rant. ‘Oh, I know. I know. I’m using it facetiously. Anyhow, we appreciate everything you tried to do. You worked hard to figure out what happened to Sue and all the others. It means a lot to us – to the whole community that you cared enough to try. Even though … you know.’
Blue fanned herself. ‘I suppose we’ll have to take comfort in the fact that man will never lay a hand on anyone ever again.’
‘Anyhow, lovies.’ Still cradling Bunny in one arm, Ron took Blue by the elbow. ‘We just wanted to come and thank you for everything you tried to do. I know the outcome wasn’t what we’d all hoped – but at least it’s over now.’
‘The tickets,’ exclaimed Blue, clearly refusing to be led away when she still had a mission.
Ron released Blue’s arm. ‘Oh, goodness me. I almost forgot. Go on, then. Tell them what they’ve won.’
Blue began rummaging through her pockets. ‘We’ve, er, we’ve brought you free tickets for our next show. If you want to attend, that is. Of course, if you can’t make that one or if you’d prefer a different show…’
Ron sighed and reached into his partner’s coat pocket – one she’d already checked twice – and removed a folded sheet of paper.
‘Cheers, m’dear,’ said Blue. She unfolded the page and offered it to the women. She wasn’t sure which woman to give it to, so she ended up sort of waving it between them.
After a moment, Peggy snatched the paper from Blue and read it. ‘Thank you, Blue. Ron. That’s lovely.’ She looked at Madge and then Baz. ‘Free tickets to Royal Tea’s drag brunch at Buster Mantis. You know, the Jamaican place down in the Arches.’
Ron nodded. ‘It’s this coming Saturday. Though, as I say, if you’d prefer a different show, just let us know.’
‘You’re always welcome at any of our shows,’ Blue said before raising an index finger. ‘But one freebie and then you’ve got to buy a ticket like everyone else. After all, a girl’s got to eat.’
Warmth spread through Baz’s body – the pleasant sort, though, not the embarrassment she so often felt. ‘I can’t speak for my friends, but I can think of nothing I’d rather do.’
Blue squeezed Baz’s shoulder. ‘Cheers, love.’
‘We’ll all be there,’ said Peggy.
Blue and Ron turned to leave, with Bunny casting a final few snarls from the safety of Ron’s arm. In the archway through to the next room, they almost crashed into Sarah.
Once the drinks were distributed and all the associated pleasantries exchanged, the women settled down to focus on their crafts – and their chat.
Baz removed her embroidery from her bag. ‘I heard from my solicitor yesterday afternoon.’
‘Oh?’ Peggy’s eyes were still focused on her computer.
Madge peered over the top of her glasses. ‘The one from Chuk’s firm?’
Baz nodded. ‘Everything’s all nice and official now. Contracts have been exchanged. I’ll get the keys just over two weeks from now.’
Peggy winked. ‘See? Sometimes a little crime does pay.’
Madge sucked at her teeth and waved a dismissive hand at Peggy. ‘Well done, Baz.’
‘I’m going to go and have a chat with Debs once I leave here,’ Baz said. ‘I had a look through all the contracts and everything. I’ll be able to do the work the building needs and still reduce the rent.’
Peggy finally looked up from her computer. ‘Good for you.’
A companionable silence fell over the group for a few moments – even the café was quieter than normal. It was only because it was so quiet that Baz heard a tiny ping from the direction of Peggy’s computer. She clicked a few keys and then her eyes widened.
‘Oh, ho ho!’ Peggy pinched her lips together like she was stifling a chuckle. ‘I had an alert set up. You’ll never guess what the council’s just announced.’
Madge made a rolling go on gesture with one of her knitting needles, fine ombre pink wool billowing in the air after it.
‘The developer has backed out of the deal to buy the nature reserve. Subsequently, the council announced their intention to “rethink” their plans.’ Peggy made rabbit ears around the relevant word.
Madge turned to Baz. ‘Oh, I keep meaning to ask you, Baz. Have you heard any more from this friend of yours – Paul?’
Baz winced as she stabbed herself with her embroidery needle. A teensy speck of blood welled up. ‘I, erm, that is…’
Peggy looked up from her laptop. ‘He seemed quite keen on you, didn’t he?’
Madge shook her head and offered Baz a tissue from her pocket. ‘You really ought to get yourself a thimble.’
Baz inhaled slowly, willing the heat from spreading to her cheeks. ‘I’m going to be seeing Paul this evening, actually. He’s coming to mine for dinner.’
Peggy and Madge swapped glances, grimacing.
Baz raised a hand to stave off their comments. ‘Daisy’s going to help me with the cooking. That is, I say help. But we all know she’ll end up doing most of the work.’
Peggy nodded. ‘That’s probably for the best.’
Baz begrudgingly agreed. The women shared a split second of silence before it was broken by the bell over the front door. A soft tenor voice called out, ‘Yoo-hoo! Wagwan, ladies?’
Clive was followed by the giant of a man that was Chuk Ibeh. Cookie pulled himself out from under the table and danced in circles around Chuk.
Chuk was wearing that scrumptious cologne again. The man smelt positively heavenly, with notes of apple and musk and cedar.
‘Morning, Mags. Ladies.’ He bent to give Madge a quick hug.
‘Good to see you, Chukwuma.’ Madge looked up from her knitting.
Chuk looked down at Cookie – which was all it took to get Cookie to sit. His enormous tail swished back and forth, tickling Baz’s ankles each time it came her way. ‘Hello, Cookie. Will you give me a paw?’
Cookie practically punched Chuk’s thigh in his enthusiasm. Chuk took the paw and shook it. ‘Good boy. Now let’s see if I’ve got anything for you here.’ Cookie nosed one of Chuk’s pockets before the man could even look inside. He pushed the dog’s nose away gently and retrieved a bag of treats from the pocket.
Cookie stood up, twirled around, then sat back down, before batting at Chuk with one paw and then the other.
Chuk’s laugh was a booming, uproarious sound. ‘That’s a good boy. Here you go.’ He allowed Cookie to snaffle treats from his hand.
Once that was done, Clive pushed his way past Chuk. ‘You’ll never guess what!’
Peggy heaved a sigh. ‘All well, I trust, Chuk?’
‘It is indeed,’ replied Chuk. ‘I came this way this morning to meet with my client to deliver some good news.’ Chuk waved at Clive. ‘And he suggested we stop by to see you ladies.’
‘Madge and her friends were investigating the people who went missing,’ said Clive. ‘Especially my friend Eddie. You probably read about it in the papers – it’s been all over the news lately. The Rainbow Ripper – I won’t mention the other name the papers have been calling him. My friend Eddie was one of his victims. Anyway, the ladies tried to find him. Although they didn’t do anything in the end. In fact, the Rainbow Ripper died before anyone found out what he was doing.’
Clive stilled for a moment before turning to the women. ‘Still, it’s nice you tried.’
Madge frowned.
Peggy rolled her eyes. ‘What do you want, Clive?’
Clive clapped. ‘Oh, I just came to say thank you for suggesting that the deliciously beefy Chuk help me with my immigration issues. He put my application together and says I have a really good case. He came to tell me this morning that I’ve got a court date. It’s not until April, but I suppose at least it’s good to know the wheels are in motion.’
Madge lifted a single eyebrow. ‘Good for you, Clive.’
‘Anyhow, that’s all.’ Clive bent to get a closer look at Madge’s knitting.
He reached out to finger the wool but she slapped him away. ‘It’s been nice seeing you, Clive.’
Peggy made a shooing motion.
‘Fine.’ Clive shook his head. ‘A lady can tell when she’s not wanted.’ He fondled Chuk’s coat, running his fingers down the lapel. ‘And I’ll see you in April. Of course, if you want to see me before then, you only have to call.’ He tapped a nail against the taller man’s chest before mincing out of the shop.
Madge shook her head. ‘What an odious little man.’
Chuk threw back his head and released a surprisingly delicate laugh. ‘Clive? A little odd perhaps, but he’s actually quite sweet.’
Peggy and Madge both harrumphed.
Chuk wagged a finger at Madge. ‘And he’s certainly got a soft spot for you.’ He pulled another treat from his pocket then bent down to give it to Cookie. When he stood back up, he smoothed his trousers. ‘I best be off.’
‘Give my regards to Laura,’ said Madge.
‘I will, Mags. You should come round for dinner one day. Maybe you could bring Clive.’ Chuk winked at Baz while Madge flustered and spluttered.
He waved at the women before ducking through to the café’s main room. He called his greetings to Sarah before heading out into the morning sun.
When the door fell shut behind him, Madge shook her head. ‘Sometimes I can’t believe I married that man.’
Baz coughed up the tea she’d just drunk. ‘I’m sorry – you what?’
Madge’s eyes shifted left and right. ‘Chuk and I—’
Baz furrowed her brow. ‘Yes?’
Madge looked Baz right in the eye. ‘We used to be married.’
Baz had to remind herself to breathe. ‘You what?’
Madge cocked her head and looked at Baz. ‘Surely you heard Peter call him Grandad?’
It was unnaturally warm in the café, Baz was sure of it. ‘Yes, but most people have four grandparents. I assumed you were connected by marriage. That is, by someone else’s marriage.’ She shook her head. ‘Hang on, no, that doesn’t make sense. You were showing one another pictures of your great-grandchildren. If you two used to be married, wouldn’t they be his great-grandchildren too?’
Madge laughed. ‘Baz, I’m so glad you joined our little group. You are such a joy.’ Madge set back to work on her knitting. ‘Chuk and I have two kids together: Tony and Em. And we share five grandkids – including Peter – and one great-grandbaby. Tiana was my second and his first. She’ll be three in a few weeks.’
Carole looked up and grinned. ‘The truth is … alligators are much better suited to playing the accordion.’ Then she laughed so hard she had to stomp her feet on the floor a bit.
Baz leant back in her chair and returned her focus to her embroidery work. ‘I’m glad I joined you too.’
Thank you for reading my little book. I hope you enjoyed it.
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