Page 17 of The Christmas Star

‘And you know this how?’

‘Because serious crimes don’t happen here in Settledown.’

I let out a laugh. I’d seen too many small-town murder documentaries to know they probably did.

‘Although there was an issue with crowd control back in April.’ Graham turned to Theo. ‘That Patrick Grant off the telly’s Sewing Bee did a book signing down at Leaf and Spine. Talk about hardbacks at dawn. It was bedlam.’ Graham shook his head. ‘I never thought I’d say it because she’s a lovely woman, but I was glad when Janice didn’t come back from Cornwall and the place shut down. No one wants to experience that again.’

I scowled as I listened, wondering what Patrick Grant had to with Mum’s disappearance.

Clocking my frustration, Graham glanced around. ‘Well, is there any sign of a struggle?’

‘No, not exactly,’ I replied.

He looked to Theo. ‘What about next door?’

Theo chuckled and shook his head. ‘Not that I noticed.’

‘Then it’s like I said. They’re simply out and about.’ Moving to leave, Graham paused. ‘Look, if it’ll make you feel any better, I’ll keep my eyes open.’ He checked his watch. ‘I’ll even pop into the cinema.’ He gathered his things. ‘If I were you two, I’d just wait it out. I mean, it’s only half past ten and they’re not babies. Trust me, they’ll be back safe and sound before you know it. Now if you don’t mind, I’m already late for my refs.’ He put a hand up. ‘Stay where you are. I can see myself out.’

Lost for words, I leaned back in my seat and watched him head down the hall. Mum was seventy-nine years old. An elderly woman out goodness knew where on a cold December night. I might not have known much about policing but there had to be protocols and procedures to follow in cases like this.

‘Merry Christmas,’ he called back as he exited the house.

I heard Graham’s vehicle start and the sound of its engine fade as he drove off down the hill. ‘I hope his car breaks down,’ I said.

CHAPTER 13

‘You know, he’s probably right,’ Theo said. ‘Jackson and Maeve will have gone off together.’

I sneered. ‘Why, because PC Graham Smithers says so?’ Reminded of Rory and Callum hours earlier, my annoyance flared. I leaned forward and rested my forearms on the table. ‘You men do like to stick together.’

Theo suddenly fell back in his seat clutching an invisible arrow as it hit his chest. ‘Ouch!’

The perfect icebreaker, his action made me chuckle. ‘I’m sorry. It’s been one of those days.’

‘No problem.’ Theo sat back up. ‘Mine hasn’t been great either.’

I hated to think of Mum out on her own. She didn’t drive, which meant relying on public transport. In the Yorkshire Dales, buses and trains weren’t as regular as in the city and considering the time of year, getting a taxi wouldn’t be easy unless she’d booked in advance. As much as I disliked Mum’s friendship with Jackson, I had to admit I hoped Theo was right. ‘Say they are together,’ I said. ‘Where would they go? What could they possibly have in common?’

‘If I know my son, not James Stewart’s It’s a Wonderful Life.’

‘And I can confidently say Mum isn’t a fan of skateboarding, video games or whatever else it is teenagers get up to.’

As we both fell quiet, Theo gave me a gentle smile. ‘I’m sorry about before. I shouldn’t have got defensive. Maeve’s a good neighbour and definitely not into abduction.’

I took in his soft expression. The laughter lines around his clear blue eyes. His five o’clock shadow and the dimple in his chin. As he held my gaze, again I found myself staring and, just like at the front door, had to snap myself out of it. ‘Don’t worry. I get it.’ I waved a dismissive hand. ‘We all say things we don’t mean when we’re under stress. Besides, I’m sure Jackson didn’t mean to lead Mum astray.’

Theo laughed. ‘I’m not sure about that. I mean out of the two of them, Maeve is the adult.’

I huffed. ‘A vulnerable adult.’

‘You’re kidding? Maeve’s no more vulnerable than I am.’

I couldn’t believe just because he lived next door he thought he knew Mum better than I did. ‘She’s an old woman.’ I indicated the window and beyond. ‘One slip out there and she’s done for.’

Theo’s expression turned serious. ‘And Jackson is still a child.’

‘Rubbish. He’s what? Seventeen?’