Cass’s heart was racing. Ranulph had responded immediately. And he had found a solution to her problem. Although Cass knew, without even asking, that Austin wouldn’t tolerate anyone coming with her to see him.
She took a few breaths before replying, firstly so she wouldn’t say anything too crazy, and secondly so it would look as if she’d given her answer some thought.
Thank you so much for your suggestion. It’s brilliant[was this going too far?]and very kind. I’ll try to get someone to come with me although I don’t think Austin would accept anything other than me coming to see him alone.
Cass x
It was only after she’d pressed ‘send’ that she realised she’d added a kiss. It was such a habit; she even did itwhen she wrote notes to herself reminding her to do something.
The emails went back and forth, becoming friendlier and friendlier. At last, when the final arrangements were made and a meeting place confirmed, Cass signed off for the night. There were two kisses this time.
As she brushed her teeth she remembered she had yet to work out how to get to London in time for an early morning meeting without having to buy a train ticket that cost the same as a deposit on a small flat.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
The following morning, she gave her mother a very toned-down version of what had happened the previous evening. She explained that she had to talk to the publishers about finding the petroglyph and, while she was in London, she would collect Howard’s camera from the man who had it. It was true, and it shouldn’t send her mother into a spiral of anxiety.
When she mentioned train tickets, her mother reminded her that she had a brother who lived in London.
The thought of involving Martin was not appealing: it would involve too many questions and besides, he lived on the Northern Line and she didn’t want to travel too far on the Underground during rush hour.
It was Rosa who provided a solution. ‘You can sleep on my sister’s sofa. She lives in Paddington.’
‘I thought she lived on a boat?’ said Cass.
They were in their usual spot in the wine bar, Cass on one side of the bar and Rosa the other. By now, the owner quite liked the situation. They were both attractive young women and he felt they gave the right vibe for his establishment.
‘She does live on a boat,’ said Rosa. ‘And the boat is in Paddington! Paddington Basin actually.’
‘Oh, perfect! But would she mind?’
‘Of course not. It may not be super comfortable on her banquette but it’ll be handy and she’ll be happy to have you.’
It was perfect, Cass realised. She could arrive the night before her meetings, either have a meal with Susie, Rosa’s sister, or maybe take her out somewhere, and be up early in the morning. She’d meet Ranulph, record her story about finding the petroglyph and then go back to Paddington to collect the camera. Then she’d get on the next train home that she could using her cheap ticket.
Her mother had not approved of the plan. ‘Why don’t you go and stay with Martin? He’s got a very comfortable spare room and he’d love to have you.’
‘Mum, he lives in quite the wrong part of London for my morning meeting. I’d have to cross London in rush hour to get there and it would take ages.’ This was all true but it didn’t mention how much Cass didn’t want to stay with her big brother.
Her mother nodded. ‘I can see that would be tiresome. Remind me again why you have to explain about how you found the petroglyph? And why the man couldn’t give back your dad’s camera at another time?’
Cass wished she hadn’t mentioned why she was going up to London. But she hated lying and had felt she’d explained it in a way that didn’t make the whole venture sound mad, which of course it was.
‘He’s just not very obliging, Mum. Anyway, it’ll be fine. I’m popping up to London the evening before and staying with Rosa’s sister – you remember Susie? The actress?’
‘She had a part in that crime thing set in Orkney?’
‘That’s her. I expect I’ll be home the next day, but I’ll let you know.’
‘Well, just don’t tell Martin you stayed in London and not with him!’
‘I won’t if you won’t,’ said Cass.
A few days later, Cass took a train which got her to London in the early evening.
She did know Susie, Rosa’s glamorous older sister, but not terribly well. But thanks to Rosa, Cass knew how to find Paddington Basin, and once there, finding the narrowboat would be easy.
Sure enough, Cass was soon making her way along the towpath, theEliza Doolittlein her sights.
