It was after work on Monday when Nora and Jay set off on their trip to track down her last remaining ex-boyfriend.
It wasn’t far, and she and Jay chatted on the way. ‘I saw the look in your eyes when Renee told us about her lost love,’ he said.
‘I know, right? Theo Carlisle, the artist.’
‘You’ve looked him up too, haven’t you?’ said Jay.
‘Might have done,’ said Nora. ‘But I didn’t find anything. Did you?’
‘Not really. There’s a couple of Theos exhibiting in the southeast, but he must be a similar age to Renee so it’s likely he’s not still working, or he could even be—’
‘Don’t say it,’ said Nora. ‘But I know you’re right. I think we should try a bit harder. See if we can track him down.’
‘Meddling doesn’t always end well though. It’s very unlikely it’ll turn out like Davina and her long-lost-family show. What if he’s still happily married with umpteen children and a football team of grandchildren? What then?’
Nora ran her teeth over her lip as she thought. ‘Maybe you’re right. But whatever it is, at least Renee would know.’
‘Hmm,’ said Jay. ‘OK. I’ll do a bit more digging.’
‘Any more weird messages?’
‘Yeah, a couple. They’re sick of my faffing about. If I don’t reply, things will get choppy. They’re saying they’re going to share all my secrets. And they still want me to take a trip to the corned beef factory.’
‘Jay, this is getting serious. I’m sure stalking is a crime. I think you should report it,’ said Nora, feeling anxious on his behalf.
‘It’s OK. I’ve spoken to the police about it. Apparently it’s classed as harassment. They’ve said to keep records but they need quite a bit of evidence to actually arrest someone, and seeing as I have no idea who it is, it all gets a bit tricky. They’re pretty sure there’s no intent behind it and say it’s best to ignore them. They sent me a useful information sheet about home security, which was nice.’
‘And you’re OK with that?’ she asked.
‘I think I have to be. Hopefully they’ll get bored or turn vegan then I definitely won’t end up as corned beef.’
Nora crossed her fingers. She hoped Jay wasn’t really in any danger. Worry clenched at her gut. The thought of anything happening to him sent a horrible sensation through her body. They both kept their thoughts to themselves for the rest of the journey.
Nora pulled up in a gravel car park where an ornate iron sign declared Bramble Brook Forge. Bruce waiteduntil Jay instructed him to get out of the car and he walked to heel the whole time he was sniffing all around. It was clearly a good place for smells. Through some gates they found a paved courtyard dotted with metal sculptures, from bees on a trellis to a giant palm frond. A welcome sign on a converted barn led them into a shop full of smaller pieces.
Through a split barn-style door with a large red warning sign on it, they could see a furnace and hear someone hammering metal against metal. Unless it was a cleverly positioned soundtrack, in which case it certainly gave the place an authentic feel. Nora wondered if perhaps sometimes she was a little cynical.
‘Can I help?’ asked a middle-aged man, appearing from outside. He had long grey hair tied back in a low ponytail.
‘I’m interested in the garden pieces. Who makes them?’ she asked.
‘They’re all designed and made here on the premises by our local blacksmiths. Was there anything in particular that caught your eye?’ She suspected the man could smell a sale.
‘I’m still browsing really,’ said Nora. ‘I’m hoping I’ll know the right piece when I see it.’
The barn-style door opened and with a backdrop of the roaring furnace behind him, out strode a bare-chested Adonis of a man.
‘Nora?’
‘Tyler?’
‘Oh, come on!’ muttered Jay behind her.
‘I thought I recognized that voice. It’s so good to see you,’ said Tyler. ‘I’d better not hug you as I’m all sweaty.’
The light seemed to catch the sheen on his chest as he spoke.
‘Yeah, probably not a good idea,’ said Jay. ‘Pleased to meet you. I’m a friend of Nora’s.’ He swapped the lead between his palms so he could shake hands, but Tyler only had eyes for Nora.
