33
TARA
There was no sign of Zoe for the rest of the week. Jim hadn’t seen her at The Hope Centre, although he hadn’t seen Griff there either. One of the library staff, Esther, often had lunch at The Chocolate Pot after she finished her Saturday-morning shift so I’d casually asked whether she knew Zoe.
‘Yes! Such a lovely young woman and what a voracious reader. I thought I read a lot but, my goodness, she practically inhales books. Fabulously eclectic reading tastes too.’
‘I don’t suppose you’ve seen her recently?’
‘Just this morning. She recommended an autobiography of a woman I’ve never heard of but she’s always spot on with her suggestions so I can’t wait to dive in.’
I couldn’t outwardly ask whether Zoe had any injuries but I couldn’t imagine Esther’s tone being quite so light if she was concerned about her, which put my mind at rest. For now anyway.
We weren’t any clearer about Ingrid’s plans. Jed told me that Pam had phoned her on several more occasions but had only managed a conversation with her voicemail. Ingrid had messagedto say she’d seen Declan a couple of times but had given no indication as to how that had gone or what it meant for the future.
My parents had been in touch to say they’d met with a building contractor who’d agreed to take on the refurbishment of Whispering Winds. I loved hearing them talk so enthusiastically about their new home and, having already seen the stunning views from the garden, I couldn’t wait to see the inside myself.
‘Let me know when you’ve got a weekday off and I’ll see what I can get arranged,’ Dad said. ‘The estate agent doesn’t work on a Sunday and, even though we’re doing a quick purchase, it’s a little too soon for me to have a key but, other than the builder, I promise you’ll be the first person who sees it.’
‘Good. I can’t wait.’
But then the conversation took its inevitable downturn.
‘We’ve had a couple more messages from Leanne,’ Dad said. ‘We haven’t spoken to her and I remain resolute that we won’t. Just keeping you in the loop.’
I noticed the use ofIas opposed towein remaining resolute and my stomach tightened. I really hoped this wasn’t coming between them. I’d never known them to argue but a difference of opinion on something so major had to be causing a strain between even the most devoted couple. Another thing to go on Leanne’s rap sheet.
There’d been several dull, rainy days but, by Tuesday, the wind had dropped, the sun was shining and it felt like spring had arrived. I’d selected yellow from my branded polo shirt collection and noticed that many of my customers had ditched the winter coats and opted for brighter-coloured clothes too. The change in weather seemed to have brought everyone out of hibernation and we were full most of the day which was brilliant… except we were short-staffed.
One of my full-time team members, Ellen,was a single mum whose young son had come down with a stomach bug over the weekend and she’d needed to stay home with him. We’d managed all right without her yesterday because it hadn’t been too busy but today was also Maria’s day off so the skeleton team I had in had barely stopped all day. I made sure my team always got their breaks but I forfeited mine on days like this.
The flow of customers didn’t ease until 4p.m. at which point I took a mug of soup and a bread bun up to the flat and sank down at the dining table, rolling my tense shoulders.
I’d nearly finished eating when my mobile rang showing Sheila’s name.
‘I’m so sorry to disturb you but there’s a woman down here asking for you and she’s very persistent.’
‘Did she give a name?’
‘She did and I’m afraid it’s gone in one ear and out the other.’
‘Was it Zoe?’ I asked.
‘No. I know who Zoe is. She’s a lot older than that. Long blonde hair.’
My stomach lurched. It couldn’t be! She wouldn’t dare to come to The Chocolate Pot, would she?
‘Leanne?’ It was a struggle to force the name out as my throat had gone very dry.
‘Definitely not that. Think it might have been Catherine or Christine or something like that. Should I just ask her again?’
‘No, it’s fine. I’ve no idea who that could be but tell her I’ll be down in two minutes.’
Sheila was clearing a table at the back of the café when I got downstairs.
‘It’s the woman at the table near the door in the dungarees and cream cardigan.’
I squinted down the shop and spotted who she meant but Ididn’t recognise her. Thanking Sheila, I made my way towards my visitor.
