Person or Persons Unknown by Anthea Fraser Page B

not, I wouldn’t know.’
    â€˜It’s odd they never found out who did it. The absent father seems to have been the only suspect, and he had the best of alibis.’
    â€˜How so?’
    â€˜By emigrating to Australia months earlier, blissfully unaware of impending parenthood.’
    â€˜Ah! That, I didn’t know.’ Gavin glanced at her. ‘How does Max feel about this? Your taking it on, I mean?’
    Rona pulled a face. ‘As you’d expect.’
    â€˜Can’t say I blame him. You’ve had some narrow escapes this last year.’
    â€˜His point exactly.’ The corners of her mouth lifted. ‘I have to say, though, that hunting murderers adds a certain piquancy to life!’
    â€˜Well, for God’s sake be careful.’
    â€˜Oh, I shall. Now, that’s enough about me. Where’s Magda swanned off to?’
    â€˜Paris,’ he replied, refilling her glass. ‘Some people have all the luck.’
    â€˜Is she still planning on putting cafés into her boutiques?’
    â€˜In principle, yes; there are a few where it wouldn’t be practicable, but she’s doing some market research.’
    â€˜The one in Buckford was great.’
    Gavin smiled. ‘That’s her flagship.’
    The waiter approached to enquire if they’d like a dessert, but they settled for coffee and the accompanying amaretti.
    â€˜And separate bills, please,’ Rona added as he moved away.
    â€˜Oh, now look—’ Gavin began, but Rona cut in.
    â€˜No, Gavin, I mean it. The last time we met here, with Magda, you insisted on paying, which was very generous, but I can’t let you make a habit of it. This is one of my favourite haunts, and I can’t run the risk, every time I come, of someone I know trying to treat me. It was great having your company, but I pay my own way. OK?’
    â€˜Far be it for me to argue,
Ms
Parish.’
    â€˜Good,’ she said, and purposefully took out her credit card.
    Minutes later they were on the pavement outside. Gavin’s car was parked in the small yard behind the restaurant. ‘Can I run you home?’ he offered, but she shook her head.
    â€˜As you know, it’s just round the corner, and Gus will protect me from any bogeymen.’
    â€˜As long as you’re sure. It was good to see you, Rona. Mind how you go.’
    â€˜I will. Love to Magda. Goodnight, Gavin.’
    With Gus’s lead tightly in her hand, she walked swiftly down the pavement and rounded the corner without looking back. Where Gavin was concerned, she thought, it was a policy she’d be well advised to follow.

Four
    T he next morning, Rona was still wondering how best to put the proposal to Barnie when Dinah phoned.
    â€˜Rona – ages since I saw you! How about you and Max coming over and meeting the family? Melissa would love to see you again, and I don’t think you’ve ever met Sam, have you, let alone little Martha?’
    â€˜That would be great, Dinah.’
    â€˜Lunch time would be better than evening, from the children’s point of view. How about Sunday? Are you free?’
    Fleetingly, Rona thought of her parents, but no invitation had been forthcoming. ‘Yes, that’d be fine, thanks.’
    â€˜Come over about twelve, then – and pray for a fine, warm day! Indoors, the noise level can be excruciating if they let rip together. The cats flee to the top of my wardrobe!’
    The Trents had three Siamese, who had long ago formed a non-aggression pact with Gus.
    As soon as Dinah rang off, Rona pressed the button for
Chiltern Life
and asked to be put through to Barnie.
    â€˜Telepathy!’ he greeted her. ‘We were talking about you at breakfast; you’ll be getting a call from Dinah later.’
    â€˜I already have,’ Rona told him. ‘Lunch on Sunday.’
    â€˜Well, she doesn’t waste time, I’ll say that for her! What can I do for