Page 82 of Fire Must Burn

‘Again, she resembles you in that.’

‘Oh, I’m plenty tough,’ growled Sparks. ‘I could take you in a fight.’

‘At the moment, a four-year-old could take me in a fight,’ said Tony. ‘So, where is your weekend adventure?’

‘Off to the west to look at some beetles,’ said Sparks.

‘Anywhere in particular?’

‘A group of ponds in the Cotswolds. I hear they have a good selection.’

‘Have you got a bottle of chloroform and a stack of specimen boxes in that suitcase?’

‘There are specimen boxes in there,’ she said. ‘The chloroform bottle I carry in my bag at all times. You never know when it might come in handy.’

‘You really are a tough one,’ he said. ‘Thank you for visiting. Have a restful respite this weekend. And thank Miss Lowle for me. Tell her that I think I might be up to seeing her by Tuesday. They’re scheduling me for some debriding over the next day or two.’

‘I will,’ she said. ‘Good luck with that. I’ll be thinking about you.’

‘Hey, it’s no skin off your back, Sparks.’

‘Ouch. When the jokes get worse, I know you’re getting better. Goodbye, Tony.’

She risked a light kiss on the bandage covering his cheek. She doubted he could feel it, but she hoped he’d appreciate the gesture.

On her way out, she veered towards the Brigadier’s man.

‘Lowle can visit on Tuesday,’ she muttered.

‘Good work,’ he replied.

Gwen and Mrs Billington arrived at The Right Sort at the same time.

‘Good morning, Mrs Bainbridge,’ said Mrs Billington as she unlocked the reception room door.

‘Good morning, Saundra,’ said Gwen.

‘Off to the country this weekend?’ asked Mrs Billington, noticing Gwen’s suitcase.

‘I am, but a different part of the country,’ said Gwen. ‘Miss Sparks and I are going to be travelling together, and we’ll be leaving early. I’d like you to stay until two to take calls, then close up the shop.’

‘Oh? Is this a business trip?’

‘Not quite. We’re looking into a criminal matter for a client of ours.’

‘Oh dear, not another investigation,’ said Mrs Billington. ‘Those never pay anything.’

‘We’ve been paid for a couple of them,’ said Gwen. ‘In fact, one led to our being able to afford a second office and you.’

‘Well, in that case, good luck, and I hope you turn a profit on this one.’

Not likely, thought Gwen.

She spent the early part of her morning answering letters and paying bills. Then the telephone rang. A moment later, the intercom buzzed.

‘It’s DS Parham,’ said Mrs Billington. ‘Are you available?’

‘Of course.’