Page 77 of The Little Flower Shop By the Sea
‘Yes. A place like this, you have to know how to treat people to get the best out of them. You need adelicatetouch.’
Woody nods thoughtfully. ‘Yes, I like that. I do have a delicate touch. My sarge at police training college always said I was a soft touch. I guess that’s why they sent me here.’
I smile at him again. ‘You bet it is.’
Lovely Woody was definitely one of my favourite people here in St Felix. Aside from being very proper, he was also kind, and very gentle and understanding with everyone who needed his help. Even though Woody didn’t have a hope of ever preventing any crime here in the town, or achieving the air of authority he longed for, everyone knew Woody, and more importantly everyone loved him.
‘You were saying something about team work,’ I remind him.
‘Ah yes. I may not have been here in the town that long, Poppy, but during that time I have learnt that places like St Felix run on committees, organisations, societies and the like. You won’t get far without them onside.’
‘You mean like the Women’s Guild?’
‘Yes, and the Parish Council.’ He screws up his face. ‘They’re a tough nut to crack. Even I’ve had problems with them. Me, in my position!’
‘I’m not looking forward to dealing with them – especially Caroline. I don’t think she likes me very much.’
‘I don’t think Caroline likes many people,’ says Woody. ‘But you can deal with her, Poppy, I know you can. And do you know how I know?’
I shake my head.
He leans in towards me. ‘Because you already have someone very important on your side.’
‘I do?’
‘Yes.’ Woody nods keenly. ‘Who in a small town such as this commands the most admiration and respect from people?’
‘Erm…’
‘Who do people look up to and listen to when they talk?’
‘Clarence?’ I try, hoping I’ve got it right with our local priest.
Woody looks dismayed, but carries on regardless: ‘Yes… Father Claybourne is definitelyoneof your allies,and…’
There’s more than one?
‘Jake?’ I ask, shrugging my shoulders.
Woody tries not to let his irritation show as he leans back in his chair.
‘Yes, I’m sure Jake has your back too. But I feel the description applied more to myself than the local flower grower.’
‘Oh! Well, it goes without saying, Woody, surely?’ I reach forward and grab his hand. ‘Of course I know you’re on my side.’
Woody blushes and looks down at my hand holding his. ‘Whatever I can do to help – you know that?’
‘Ooh, what are you two up to!’ Amber calls as she appears behind us, peeping over our shoulders.
Woody immediately snatches his hand away and leaps up, knocking over his chair in the process. ‘Nothing! Nothing at all, Amber!’
Amber grins. ‘As if, Woody. Poppy only has eyes for Jake anyway!’
Amber picks up Woody’s chair for him and heads around to the other side of the table. ‘Thank you, Woody,’ she says, as he dives in front of her and whisks her chair back from the table. ‘Very kind.’
I stare at her across the table while Woody enquires if Amber would like a drink.
‘Guinness, please, Woody,’ she replies, and he heads off to the bar. What?’ she asks innocently, seeing my glare.
