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CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

‘ I can’t think of anyone who’d have the guts to take on thugs,’ said Ray, turning the roast potatoes. The heat from the oven blasted his face, and he grimaced.

‘Like we’re all cowards,’ said Sandy.

Ray shut the oven door and wiped his hands on a tea towel. ‘No, I’m not saying that. I meant it’s surely either a criminal, ex-copper, or ex-soldier. Someone confident enough to handle themselves.’

‘He has a point,’ said Beth.

‘Yes. I don’t imagine Dan or Jack at the pub would be brave enough,’ admitted Sandy. ‘You certainly wouldn’t be.’ She laughed, poking Ray in the ribs.

‘Do you mind? I’ve got muscles.’

‘You must be hiding them.’ Sandy laughed.

‘Doesn’t he give anything away on those cards?’ asked Ray, refilling their wine glasses.

Beth covered hers with her hand. ‘I’ll wait until dinner,’ she said. ‘The cards are printed with the exact words, “When the law fails to serve us, we must serve as the law.” He signs himself off as The Vigilante. He might write some other comment on the back. That’s it.’

‘No fancy pattern on them so that you can trace them?’

‘Plain white cards. Thousands of people buy them every day.’

Zoe, Beth’s three-year-old niece, flew into the kitchen. ‘Snowy’s woken up. Can I show Aunty Beth?’

‘Snowy?’ questioned Beth.

‘Snowy the rabbit,’ smiled Ray. ‘He came yesterday.’

At that moment, the doorbell rang, and Beth glanced at Sandy in disbelief.

‘It was Ray’s idea,’ squirmed Sandy.

Beth shook her head. ‘I don’t believe you two.’

‘Not me, honestly,’ persisted Sandy.

‘Liar.’ Beth smiled.

‘Right, let’s see this rabbit then,’ she said, taking Zoe’s hand.

The sound of Tom’s voice reached her from the open back door. Beth had known something was up. Sandy had been edgy from the moment Beth had arrived. Why did they have to do this stupid matchmaking?

‘I hear we’re rabbit visiting,’ said a voice behind her. He looked gorgeous as usual – more gorgeous now than when she’d first met him. He’d been thinner and gaunt then, grief for his wife etched across his face. Now, he looked relaxed. The tight lines of anger around his mouth had gone.

‘His name is Snowy.’ She handed him the rabbit. His hand was warm as it stroked hers. I so need a drink , thought Beth.

‘He’s still a baby,’ said Zoe.

Beth raised her eyebrows. ‘I can’t escape babies, it seems,’ she said.

‘Me neither,’ he said.

Beth closed her eyes and sighed. ‘Oh God, I’m sorry. I should have thought.’

He shook his head. ‘No, don’t be. I don’t want people to tiptoe around me. I lost my wife and unborn child, but time does heal, and life goes on, and it will for you too, Beth.’

Tom handed the rabbit to Zoe.

‘By the way,’ he said to Beth apologetically. ‘I honestly didn’t know you were going to be here.’

Beth laughed. ‘You mean you’re still unaware that my sister and her husband are matchmaking?’

‘Oh,’ he said, surprised.

‘Dinner is almost ready,’ called Ray.

‘Do I call you sir this evening?’

‘I’d prefer you didn’t.’ Tom smiled.

But you’ll be counting my drinks , she thought resentfully.

Dinner was roast lamb, Ray’s speciality. Beth noticed Sandy didn’t top up their wine glasses like she used to. Or maybe I’m just imagining it . Perhaps they had been this considerate the last time Tom came to dinner.

‘If you ask me,’ said Ray, ‘this vigilante guy is doing us all a favour.’

‘Ray!’ said Sandy, surprised.

‘Well, obviously, as one of the “so-called public”, he probably has inside knowledge.’

‘Of what?’ asked Beth.

Ray shrugged. ‘The locals.’

‘My husband, the psychiatrist, turned police officer,’ said Sandy.

‘Out of curiosity, how would someone like that think?’ asked Tom. ‘Would there be some baggage they’re carrying that’s driving them to revenge?’

Ray nodded. ‘It could be that he hates injustice and has decided to put things right. Or maybe he hates the police for some reason and wants to show them up. Or maybe he craves power.’

‘And if you had this person come to you, you would be able to tell us?’

‘If they were a threat, of course.’

‘Try telling that to some priests,’ said Tom, keeping his voice controlled, but his body was tense.

‘Patient confidentiality, I’m afraid.’

Tom scoffed. ‘Tell that to the families of murder victims.’

‘Right,’ said Sandy, ‘dessert. Ray, come on.’ Ray lifted his eyebrows but followed her into the kitchen.

‘They are giving us dinner,’ Beth said quietly, topping up her glass. ‘Besides, Ray did have a good point earlier. He said that surely only someone who could be sure of taking care of themselves would put themselves out as a vigilante, ex-cop maybe, or ex-soldier.’

Tom nodded. ‘Worth looking into.’ His foot touched hers under the table, and their eyes met. ‘Got a date for the summer fair?’ he asked. ‘I hear it’s good.’

‘It is,’ she said, taken aback. ‘It got cancelled last year, so you didn’t see it. It’s fun. I’m on call, but I don’t have a date. I think everyone is a bit pissed off with me these days.’

‘Yeah, I’m a bit pissed off with you too,’ he said, grinning at her. ‘But I’m free if you can stand it.’

‘As long as you buy me a hot dog,’ she said, attempting to cover her embarrassment.

‘You’re on,’ he said.

The door flew open, and Sandy waltzed in with a trifle. ‘Dessert,’ she announced.

‘Dishes,’ declared Ray.

‘Excitement,’ said Tom, and everyone relaxed.