Page 65 of A Village Theatre Murder

‘Thanks to Julia’s quick thinking.’ She turned to Julia. ‘It’s just as well you managed to get that message to me and let me know you were in need of help.’

‘And it’s just as well you got the message, understood what was going on, and came rushing to my rescue! The way you tackled Troilus to the floor when you got there – it was so brave and clever. I’ll never forget the sight of you sitting on his back, holding him down.’

‘I was just doing my job,’ the detective inspector said modestly. There was a pause. ‘I only wish I’d got to the answer earlier. If we’d worked out Graham Powell’s murder earlier, Roger Grave would still be alive.’

‘I don’t think you could have suspected that a man would be killed over a role in an amateur play,’ said Sylvia, absolutely decisively, and Hayley smiled at her.

‘Food’s on the table,’ Jono called through the door. Indeed, the smell of melted cheese and oregano and hot olive oil wafted tantalisingly towards them. Julia felt her mouth water and her tummy rumble in anticipation.

‘Come along, everyone,’ she said, and led the way to the table.

‘It’s absolutely delicious,’ said Tabitha, once they had all been served and were tucking in. ‘I think it might be the best lasagne I’ve ever had. And I’ve had quite a few!’ She patted her soft tummy, and laughed.

‘It’s my mum’s special recipe. She taught me how to make it. She was sick…but she made sure I got the hang of it before she died. I wanted to make it to say thanks to Dad and Julia for all the good meals they’ve been making for me.’

Jono’s touching story was met with a thoughtful silence, which he broke with a joke: ‘And to impress Laine, of course.’

Everyone laughed. Laine blushed.

The lasagne was so good it was polished off, and the last crispy bits scraped off the sides with a spoon.

‘Fantastic meal.’ Sean reached over and put his hand on top of his son’s. ‘Your mum would be pleased to know you made herrecipe for the people you care about. She’d be proud of you, Jono.’

‘Would she?’ he asked. There was a tiny tremor in his voice.

‘Oh yes, without a doubt! Your resilience, your kindness, your gift with animals. And as for this lasagne…Your mum would be proud as punch.’

‘She’d be proud of us both, Dad.’ Jono glanced over at Julia and said, ‘I know that she’d be happy to see you happy, Dad.’

‘Ah, look at us, getting all sentimental.’ Sean’s tone managed to be both gruff and tender.

‘Nothing wrong with a bit of sentimentality,’ said Julia. ‘Life is unpredictable. We must appreciate what we have.’

‘Indeed we must. And we do.’ He gave her a loving smile.

‘And I happen to have chocolate brownies, which I made just this morning, and which I think people might appreciate right about now,’ she said.

‘I’m sure you’re right on that score,’ said Hayley.

‘Well, if you clear the table, I’ll fetch the brownies.’

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