Page 135 of The Stranger in Room Six

96

GUN ATTACK ON DEPUTY PM’S HALF-SISTER

FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS TAKING PLACE INTO POSSIBLE LINK TO PRO-NAZI MOVEMENT IN OLD PEOPLE’S HOME

Mabel

A voice is hovering above her. ‘Mabel?’

It’s Harry, her brother. She’s sure of that.

‘Are you all right?’

‘I think so. Where am I?’

‘In hospital, under observation. You had a nasty blow to your head when you fell but, thank God, the bullet missed you.’

‘Who tried to shoot me?’

‘We’re not sure yet but from what she’s admitted, she was working for someone else.’

‘I thought it was a man. He wanted the list. I don’t know why everyone keeps asking me for it.’

‘Who?’

‘Well, just one person actually. Belinda, my carer.’

‘Does she now?’ Harry appears thoughtful. ‘Look, Mabel. I know I explained this before, but the thing is that there aresome pretty important people who might be implicated by that list. They’ll do anything to destroy it. At least, this is what I’ve just been advised by Special Branch, who, unknown to me, have been watching over you.’

‘To spy on me or to protect me?’

He looks embarrassed. ‘Both. Apparently, they needed to make sure you were telling the truth. And if you were, they needed to check you weren’t targeted by the people who are after this list. The man who shot your attacker – and saved you – had been working undercover as the entertainments organizer here.’

Mabel feels her jaw drop. ‘Butlins Bill?’

‘I believe that was his nickname.’

‘Was? Is he all right?’

‘Luckily he wasn’t injured.’

‘Thank goodness for that.’

‘Mabel,’ says Harry, taking her hand. ‘We really do need to find that list.’

‘But I’ve told you. I don’t have it. You do believe me, don’t you?’

He hesitates.

‘You don’t, do you?’ whispers Mabel. Her eyes fill with tears. ‘I think I’d like you to leave now. I’m feeling very tired.’

97

Belinda

I’m called to Room Nine, which I’ve never been in before. To my knowledge, it’s always been empty, but now I see there’s electronic equipment everywhere. Harry Marchmont is there and – to my surprise – Butlins Bill.

‘I’m afraid I had to deceive you all,’ he says. ‘My real name is Garth. I’m from Special Branch, here to keep an eye on Miss Marchmont. We have recently learned that you were in prison with Amanda Smith, also known as Mouse. It’s all right. You’re not going to get into trouble for failing to mention your earlier conviction, providing you can give us some help.’