The man shot Bobby another worried glance before he left.
‘Is my dad not with you?’ Bobby asked Pete.
He laughed. ‘He’s around t’ place somewhere. Helping me build a country fit for heroes to live in.’
‘How do you mean?’
‘Oh, just a little joke between the two of us. You’ll stay for a drink, I hope. I’m sure he’ll find his way here before long.’
Bobby never knew what to make of Pete Dixon. His manners with her were pleasant, polite and always appropriate. He was probably about forty, rather personable, and by all accounts an attentive husband and father when he was within the bosom of his family – even if he did provide for said family through largely illegal means. He had a reputation in Silverdale as a rogue, yes, but also as a man who’d do anything for anybody, always the first to offer a favour to a neighbour if they needed one. And yet something in his eyes left Bobby unsure whether she ought to allow herself to like the man. His mouth might be all smiles and warmth, but his eyes were cool, intelligent and calculating, like a cat’s. Bobby never quite trusted what might be going on behind them. This was why it worried her when she knew her dad was out with Pete.
‘I’m afraid I can’t,’ she said, rather grateful to have an excuse not to hang around. ‘I’m working today. Writing notes for a piece on the show.’
He glanced at her notebook. ‘Oh aye, for that little paper of yourn. Your dad’s right proud of you, you know.’
She perked up a little. ‘Is he?’
Pete nodded, swallowing the last of his pint. ‘Never stops telling me about this clever, hard-working daughter of his, and t’ other lass an’ all. In the Wrens, isn’t she, your sister?’
‘Yes, she is.’
‘Good for her. Important work they do.’
‘Could you tell my dad when he comes that our Lil’s in the reporters’ tent with a swollen ankle?’ Bobby asked. ‘I need to find somebody with a vehicle who could take her back to Silverdale later. I thought he might know of someone.’
‘Me and my missus can take her back if you want. She’ll have to ride in t’ back of our wagon wi’ three bairns and a dog, mind.’
Bobby smiled. ‘I think she’ll take anything rather than try to walk. Thanks, Pete.’
She was about to go when she hesitated.
‘Um, I was just wondering, if you don’t mind me asking… what was that you were selling before?’ she asked.
He frowned. ‘Selling?’
‘Yes. I saw you give a piece of paper to that man, and then he gave you ten bob.’ She smiled uncertainly. ‘Sorry. It isn’t really any of my business. I’m just nosy, that’s all. Well, it’s my job to be – not that I’m asking in any sort of professional capacity,’ she added hastily, remembering the worried look on the other man’s face when he’d run away from her.
Pete smiled and lowered his voice. ‘All right, I reckon if your old man can keep a secret then you can too. I’m running a book on t’ prizewinning beasts over in the show ring. I wouldn’t be living up to my reputation if I didn’t make a few bob out of today some way or other, now would I?’
‘Oh.’ Bobby felt relieved, although she wasn’t sure why. ‘No, I suppose not. Um, did my dad…’
‘He put five bob on Paul West’s Lonk tup,’ Pete said. ‘Do you fancy a flutter yoursen?’
‘I’d better not while I’m on the magazine’s time, but thanks anyhow.’
He smiled. ‘Happen you thought I was selling military secrets over here, hey?’
She allowed herself to laugh, reassured that there was nothing more nefarious going on than a bit of illicit gambling. ‘Yes, I’m sure there’s ever such a lot of fifth column action going on around Silverdale.’
‘Don’t you worry, love. There might be plenty round here who think I’d sell my own mother for the right price, but even I draw t’ line at selling my country. I’ll let your dad know you were looking for him when he turns up.’
Chapter 18
When Bobby eventually trudged home after a long day spent meticulously noting down names and getting quotes, she found both her sister and her father back at Cow House Cottage. Lilian was sitting in the armchair with her foot elevated on a stool, listening toHi, Gang!on the Forces Programme, while her dad read the paper. Bobby was pleased to see he was home early rather than joining the raucous celebrations that had spilled over into the pubs after the show.
‘I’m glad you both got back all right,’ she said. ‘Did Pete bring you?’
‘Not me. Tony persuaded the reporter from theShipley Gazettehe hitched a lift from Bradford with to help a damsel in distress,’ Lilian said. ‘Tony accompanied me back too. Supported me into the house and everything. I’ve been home for hours and my ankle feels a lot better for the rest. It was only twisted a little, I think, not sprained.’
