Page 54 of Play Our Song

“Why? We don’t have room for a stupid grand piano,” said Dash. “And she’s not a plant, she can’t grow in a conservatory.”

“Eat your cereal,” said Mila, rolling her eyes at Tilly. “Can I get you something?”

“I’ll just grab some cereal, if that’s okay,” said Tilly. She tilted her head to better take in Mila, who was looking very tired. “But if you want to sit down, I can get us both something? Make some coffee maybe?”

Mila laughed. “No time for breakfast. I’ve got to get these monsters off to school. And you don’t have time to take care of me. Max has left already.”

“This early?”

“He’s catching up on paperwork,” said Mila. “Or hoping for a promotion.”

Tilly smiled and poured herself some cereal. She didn’t know what Max’s chances of a promotion were, but they couldn’t be high. Not if he wanted to stay working in Whitebridge. It was only when she was halfway through her cereal that she remembered that she had a big day coming up.

Her first informant. She wondered who it could be and what they could want to tell her. She was determined not to get her hopes up. Unlike her hopes with Sophie. They were very firmly up. Which reminded her.

“Mila, I was wondering if I could ask you something?”

“Anything,” Mila said, wiping up the mess that Dash had made.

“Absolutely feel free to say no, but I was wondering if it was alright to invite Sophie over tomorrow when I’m babysitting? After the kids are already asleep, obviously.”

Mila snorted a laugh. “Of course, it’s fine,” she said. “And don’t worry about the kids being asleep. They both know Soph. Although if you’re still wanting to keep things quiet, you’d do better waiting until they’re out for the count. Ag never stops talking and Dash doesn’t see the point of secrets.”

“What’s a secret?” Dash asked, looking up.

“None of your business,” said Mila. “Now go and find your coat, please.” He hopped off his chair and disappeared. Mila turned back to Tilly. “I know that the accommodation situation isn’t ideal,” she said. “But you should feel free to bring friends home. Even, um, special friends. You’ve got your own entrance,your own little flat up there. Who you invite is your own business.”

“Thanks,” Tilly said, feeling herself blush slightly.

“Max even did some soundproofing, so feel free to get loud,” Mila said with a naughty wink.

Tilly blushed even further, bolted the rest of her cereal, and decided to beat a rapid retreat. She had the feeling that Ag and Dash’s lack of filter was probably hereditary.

IT WAS HALF past ten when a man walked into the station. Tilly was sitting behind the desk getting some paperwork done. Writing parking tickets was all very well, but there was always so much follow up to do after. She looked up and smiled before she recognized the man as old Mrs. Dodds’ son.

“Oh dear,” she said. “Is it your mum? Is she alright?”

“Great,” he said. “Those new locks have really set her mind at rest. She’s a lot better now. Thanks for coming over.”

“Not a problem,” Tilly said, getting up and coming to the counter. “So, what can I help you with today, then?”

He reached up and scratched his nose. “Well, it’s more a case of what I might be able to help you with,” he said. “Max said you were working on this car theft thing?”

“Oh,” Tilly said, surprised. “Oh, right, yes. You’d better come through. Let’s go into one of the interview rooms so we’ll have some privacy. Coffee? Tea?”

“A cuppa would be lovely,” he said. “I’m Len, by the way. Len Dodds.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Len. I’ll be right with you.”

She hurried to make the tea, wondering just what she’d expected. Probably someone shadier, someone more… criminal looking, to be honest. Definitely not someone clean-cut andrespectable, like Len Dodds. She sighed to herself. She really needed to stop judging people like that.

It was a lesson to be learned, she told herself, as she carried the cups into the little interview room.

“Right then,” she said, once they were settled. “Why don’t you just tell me what you know in your own words?”

“Okay,” he said, picking up his cup. “The thing is, mum doesn’t sleep so well anymore. She’s up and down all the time and rarely sleeps past about four.” He paused and looked at Tilly. “I look after her, see? I moved in after she had her first stroke.”

“Right,” Tilly said, pen paused over her notebook.

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