Page 87 of Murder Most Haunted

‘What is it?’ asked Midge.

Rona beckoned her closer until Midge’s ear was against her mouth. The smell of wine was overpowering. ‘Salt.’

‘Salt?’ said Midge.

Rona nodded but then her eyes flew open suddenly. ‘Or is that for explosives? Hang on.’ She held a finger up and thought. ‘No. That’s right. Salt and water. Unless you want to make a bomb, Midge? That might be more fun. Bridie can mix it.’

‘This is a really, really bad idea,’ said Harold.

‘I’ll tell Noah what ingredients we need,’ said Bridie, and left the room.

‘I’ll check on Gloria and then join you,’ said Harold, and quickly followed her out.

‘You have a little rest now too, Rona,’ suggested Midge, pulling her out of the chair and guiding her to the bed.

‘Be careful, Midge,’ said Rona. ‘All those chemicals. I don’t want my little Midgey Moo to get hurt.’ She started to cry as she lay back. Midge patted her awkwardly on the arm and then tried to pull the blanket up to her chin as she had done with Gloria, but Rona was wriggling about too much.

‘All the chemicals... so dangerous,’ she said, her tears running down on to the pillow. ‘It’s so sad.’

‘Go to sleep, Rona,’ said Midge, turning away from the bed to leave.

‘Midge.’ Rona’s hand suddenly shot out and grabbed her. ‘It’s important.’

‘What?’ Midge turned back.

‘Arse,’ said Rona.

‘Pardon?’

But Rona was already snoring.

Chapter56

Extract fromThey Do It With Stringspodcast

‘The Tin House’: Episode Five

[Interview with John Rendell continued]

Rendell:You’re all so uptight and ready to take offence, a drink would do you all some good.

Noah:I don’t see what good anaesthetizing yourself with alcohol does.

Rendell:No? Well, don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.

[Sound of glass being refilled]

Noah:I have drunk alcohol before, you know. It’s a choice now not to.

Rendell:Woohoo! Bet you’re a right little one-man party train. Have you considered that may be why your podcast thing got dropped by its sponsors – because you’re so boring?

[Silence]

Noah:Who told you?

Rendell:Oh yeah, I know all about that. I do my research, see, like a proper investigator. You, coming in here lording it over everyone with your paranormal this and that...

Noah:It was a mutual parting of the ways.