The Visitors(58)

‘We’d usually want references, but I think we’re pretty good judges of character, and we know Markus,’ Brendan had said. ‘You seem like a good sort to me.’

She’d blushed. Then Geraldine had called her name again.

‘Thanks, Brendan,’ Holly had said before leaving the room. ‘I really do appreciate what you’re doing for me.’





Chapter Forty-Five





David





Two years and three months ago, I found out that Mr Brown, who lives two doors down, was having an extramarital affair.

I’d realised over time. Although I’ve always kept an eye on proceedings from my bedroom for Neighbourhood Watch purposes, I had a full-time job at the printing firm at the time, and in those days I enjoyed visiting the local library’s reading room so I didn’t sit at home in my room as much.

Mr Brown had lost his job and been out of work for a few weeks, and Mother had told me that Mrs Brown, who sometimes took tea with Mrs Barrett of an afternoon at the local café, had been forced to increase her hours at the local dental surgery when their income dropped.

The surgery opened at eight a.m. prompt, and Mrs Brown, who struck me as an organised, efficient individual, would leave the house at seven fifteen in the morning, five days a week.

It just so happened that at that precise time, I’d already taken my shower and would be getting ready in the bathroom for work myself.

I’d always have the side-opening window ajar to help disperse the trapped steam, and as I stood in front of the mirror combing my hair one particular morning, I noticed that, fifteen minutes after Mrs Brown had left, a black cab pulled up.

A woman – who, it had to be said, looked quite a bit younger than the lady of the house – got out and was met at the door by none other than Mr Brown himself.

Truthfully, I didn’t think much of it at the time, but when it happened twice more that week, my interest was most definitely piqued.

The third time the taxi dropped the young lady off, I gave in to an impulsive whim. I called work and informed the office that due to a minor medical matter, I’d be a little late in.

I left the house and waited at the end of the crescent, where I had a good view of all the houses. Within the hour, Mr Brown’s front door opened and he kissed the young lady goodbye in full view of anyone who cared to watch. There was no cab to collect her, and she walked down to the main road, towards me.

When she passed me, I looked at my watch as if I was waiting for someone. She was young and pretty and smelled faintly of talcum powder.

That was the first time I’d been close to Miss Della Carter, and as soon as she’d disappeared around the corner, I had a very strong urge to get close to her again.





Chapter Forty-Six





Holly





At the end of the day, the staff gathered their belongings. Martyn was first out, calling goodbye to the others.

‘Damn it!’ Holly and Ben both turned at Emily’s loud cursing as she came downstairs in her flat driving shoes, rifling in her handbag. She stomped over to her desk and dumped the bag on there.

‘What’s up?’ Ben asked.

‘I can’t find my car keys,’ she muttered. ‘But they’ve got to be in here somewhere.’

Josh passed on his way out of the shop and stopped to watch, mildly curious.

‘On overtime, Em? You’re usually first out the door,’ he teased.

‘Yeah, well, that was before my car keys decided to do a bloody disappearing act,’ she growled, both hands immersed in her vast cavern of a bag. ‘Sod this, I’ve got a nail appointment in fifteen minutes. Drastic measures are called for.’

She upended the bag onto her desk, and Holly watched as Ben and Josh both peered down at the mountainous heap of items that emerged.

‘Blimey!’ Josh said. ‘It’s true what they say, Ben. Everything in there but the kitchen sink.’

The two men sniggered, and then Josh’s face grew more serious. He scowled and peered closer at the tangle of tissues and mints and make-up.

‘Isn’t that…’ He cocked his head to one side and squinted, as if trying to make sense of something.

‘What is it?’ Emily snapped. ‘It’s keys I’m looking for.’

Her jaw dropped as she followed Josh’s pointing finger and looked down at her belongings.

‘Isn’t that one of the glass flowers from the broken vase?’ Ben said, incredulously. ‘Look, there’s another…’ Only then did he seem to realise the implication of his words and hastily clamped his mouth shut.

Holly pushed her chair back, stood up and walked over to Emily’s desk.

‘The chipped-off flowers,’ she breathed, stepping in closer. ‘What are they doing in your handbag, Emily?’

Emily opened her mouth but seemed unable to enunciate any words. She looked up wild-eyed at Holly, Josh and Ben, who stood around silently in a semicircle.

‘What’s this, an impromptu staff meeting?’ Mr Kellington called across in a jolly voice. ‘I say, can anyone join in?’

‘I think you need to take a look at this, boss,’ Josh said gravely. ‘Something’s come to light.’