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Maggie and Polly stayed ten more minutes at the café. There wasn’t much talking going on because Polly was constantly eating. As soon as she’d finished the first scone, she had ordered another which was quickly devoured. Then with a cheery thank you to Maggie, Polly had exited the café. And left the bill for Maggie.
Maggie assumed Polly’s life was like that: someone always paid her bills. Thankfully, the bill wasn’t that much despite the scone orders. Maggie settled it, and left the café.
She stopped in mid-step when she saw a familiar figure rushing along the street outside the café. It was Toby. He didn’t notice Maggie watching him.
Where was he going in such a hurry?
Maggie followed him. She found him standing at the end of the street. He was gazing adoringly at Polly as she got into a taxi. Polly seemed unaware of Toby’s attention on her.
Toby jumped when Maggie tapped him on the shoulder. He quickly recovered from his shock, and gave Maggie a smile. “Oh, hello. It’s Maggie, isn’t it?”
“It is.” Maggie nodded in the direction of Polly’s taxi which was driving away. “I’ve just been having a chat with Polly.”
“I know. I saw you in the café with her.” A dreamy smile came to his face. “She looked so happy when she was eating those scones. I’ve never seen her look that happy before when she’s been eating.”
“Are you following Polly?”
He nodded. “Yes. I saw her posts and knew she was in Leeds. I was going to take her shopping when she’d finished eating in that restaurant. But you beat me to her.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were going to meet up. Polly never said.”
“She didn’t know. I was going to surprise her. She’s been so sad lately. I thought a bit of retail therapy would help. It always has in the past.” He shrugged. “I can catch up with her later.”
He made to turn away, but Maggie stopped him by saying, “Are you and Polly a couple?”
A guarded look came into his eyes. “No. Who told you that?”
“Polly did.”
“She did? She admitted that?” He broke into a wide smile. “What else did she say about me?”
Maggie said carefully, “Toby, do you know about Elliott and Polly?” She held her breath. Had she put her foot in it?
Toby shoved his hands in his pockets. “Did I know that Polly and Elliott were dating? Yeah, I do. I’ve seen her online posts with pictures of those dogs. I’ve read her comments. It doesn’t take a genius to work out who those dogs represent. I’ve never confronted Polly about her relationship with Elliott. I don’t want to make her angry. She might break up with me.”
Maggie frowned. “But she’s dating Elliott as well as you. You should be the one who’s angry.”
“I know, but I love Polly too much to let that bother me. I’d rather have a little piece of her than nothing at all.” He sighed. “I know how pathetic I sound. But love does funny things to a person. You lose all common sense. And your pride. You’d do anything for your one true love.” He stared at the road ahead, lost in his thoughts.
“Would you commit murder for Polly?”
Toby turned startled eyes her way. “Murder? What are you talking about? Who’s been murdered?”
“Harvey Chester.”
“He wasn’t murdered! He fell out of a tree. It was an accident. Who’s saying he was murdered?”
Maggie didn’t answer his questions. “Does Elliott know you’re dating Polly?”
“I expect so. But he’s never said anything to me. We don’t talk much.” Bitterness filled his next words. “I didn’t like how he treated Polly. He’s put her life in danger with those extreme hunts of his. I kept telling Polly she didn’t have to do the hunts, but she said Elliott always looked after her when she went on them. I want to be the one who looks after Polly, not him. She’s delicate.”
Maggie didn’t think Polly was delicate at all. “How did Polly get on with Harvey?”
Toby shrugged. “I don’t know. I never saw them talking to each other. Why are you asking about Harvey and Polly?” His look turned wary. “Why are you asking me so many questions which have nothing to do with you?”
“I’m nosy. What do you know about Elliott’s last hunt? The hunt with the tree.”
“I don’t know anything about that at all. I told you at the café that I don’t do his extreme hunts.”
“Who would know about them? Who’s in his secret group?”
“I’ve no idea.” Toby gave her a long look. “You think Elliott had something to do with Harvey’s death, don’t you? Do you think Elliott did that hunt just for Harvey’s sake? And then pushed him out of the tree?”
“Do you think it’s something Elliott would do?”
“I don’t know. But I know how much Elliott hated Harvey. He was very vocal about it. And Harvey hated Elliott. He was always posting about Elliott online. But murder? It seems extreme.”
Maggie thought her next statement might upset Toby, but she said it anyway. “It crossed my mind Elliott meant for you to fall out of the tree because he was jealous of your relationship with Polly.”
“What do you mean?” The colour drained from his face. “You don’t think Elliott wanted to murder me? That’s...that’s...ridiculous!”
“Perhaps. But I don’t think Harvey’s death was an accident. I think—”
Toby shook his head vehemently. “No! No. I don’t want to hear any more of your thoughts. You’re talking nonsense. Leave me alone!” He threw her a disgusted look before hurrying away.
Maggie watched him go. Had she upset him? Or was it all an act? Did Toby know more about Harvey’s death than he was letting on?