Page 87 of Killing Mind

‘You’ll see,’ she said, turning a corner. ‘You’re going to meet one of my favourites, Hilda, she’s a character.’

Britney pushed open the gate to an unremarkable semi-detached house with a box porch.

She stepped inside and retrieved the key from beneath a pot holding a dusty artificial plant.

She unlocked the door and pushed it open.

Hilda looked startled for a second until she saw who it was. She smiled widely at the red-haired girl and then transferred that smile across to Tiffany when she realised she was not alone.

‘This is Tiff, she’s my new friend. You’re going to love her.’

The woman’s face creased even more as she clutched Britney’s hand. ‘If she’s anything like you, I will.’

Britney blushed. ‘Has Liz been gone long?’

‘Not long. She’ll be back later.’

‘Liz is her home help,’ Britney said, taking the pillow from behind Hilda’s back. ‘Comes in twice a day to get her up, put her back to bed and prepare easily cooked meals for later. It’s not enough,’ Brit said, punching the pillow and sliding it back behind her.

Brit positioned herself back in front of the old woman.

‘What shall I fetch today, Hilda?’

The woman reached for her purse, which was lodged between her thigh and the chair.

A short list was on the table on the other side.

Britney read it. ‘“Boiled ham, a tomato and a tub of Lurpak”.’

Hilda nodded and handed Britney her purse.

Britney opened it and took out a five pound note. ‘This is all we need today, Hilda.’

Hilda nodded and put the purse back by her thigh.

Britney put the list in her back pocket.

‘You wanna keep Hilda company and make us all a cup of tea?’ Britney asked.

‘Of course,’ Tiff said, as Brit headed out.

She stood in front of the elderly lady. ‘How do you like your tea, Hilda?’

‘Strong with two sugars,’ she answered with a smile. ‘Cups not mugs.’

Tiff headed to the kitchen and filled the kettle. She retrieved three cups and opened the unmarked canisters. The first was wedged full of triangle tea bags. She placed one in each cup. The second held neither coffee nor sugar but a rolled-up stash of notes. Tiffany smiled as she replaced the lid. Her own grandmother had kept an envelope of money behind the bread bin. Some people didn’t trust banks and building societies. The third canister contained the sugar.

She headed back into the lounge, pleased that she’d accompanied Britney. It warmed her heart seeing the help she gave this lady. She forced herself to remember what she was here to do.

‘How often does Britney come to see you, Hilda?’ Tiffany asked, taking a seat.

‘Couple of times a week. She is an angel. Fetches me anything I want. Liz doesn’t have the time.’

‘No children?’ Tiff queried. If there were they should be shot leaving this woman’s care to total strangers.

She shook her head. ‘Wasn’t meant to be but Ernest was enough for me,’ she said with a little sniff of emotion. ‘I look forward to her visits, always smiling. She’s a good girl.’

Yes, Tiff was beginning to see that.