Page 71 of Forgive Not Forget
“Backlog of bombs, is there?” Mark muttered as he stood. “Keep me posted, Katherine. I’m going to have to try and put stops on deliveries before we have a lorry car park on the high street.”
“Will do, Mark,” Katherine said as pleasantly as she could. She was pleased to see the back of him.
He exited the pub as loudly as he’d entered it. Sophie disappeared shortly after to confirm with her team that they were to go back to the office until further notice.
Katherine, Anna, and Carrie remained in the pub to go through the logistics of a site closure for the next day or two. With great foresight, Katherine and Carrie had grabbed their laptops as they were directed out of the abbey. They agreed Anna would update the website and contact the few suppliers they were expecting deliveries from. Carrie was to contact all booked ticket holders to inform them and issue refunds or new tickets. Thankfully it was always quieter at the start of the week, so that didn’t involve much work. They agreed it was best for the boss to inform everyone directly, so Katherine would contact all the staff and make the dreaded call to the trustees.
The major reappeared a little later. “The press has got wind of it, I’m afraid, and they’re looking to interview someone in authority at the abbey. I’m assuming they want you, Katherine.”
An uneasy feeling rose from the pit of her stomach. “I’m not sure I want to appear on camera. I’m not even dressed for it,” she said, looking down to remember what she was wearing. She grabbed a mirror from her handbag and then felt a hand on her arm.
“You look beautiful, as always, and you’ll be fine,” Anna assured her, giving her arm a little squeeze.
Anna’s comment brought her a moment of calm. She was right; she could do this. A lot of things were mind over matter. Just get on with it and it will be over within ten minutes. She stood and followed the major outside. Anna and Carrie trailed behind to see what was going on. He pointed to an area down the road that had been cordoned off for the press. There was a crowd of at least twenty people standing there with numerous cameras between them.
She turned to Anna and Carrie. “Buckle up, ladies. This one’s going to be a team effort! Stick to the facts and don’t be afraid to keep repeating them, and don’t let them put words in your mouth.”
By the time they had finished talking to what turned out to be three national news stations and two local ones, Gloria had joined them with three of her green slime shakes. Though she was clearly after any extra snippet of gossip she could glean, the drinks were gratefully received after all their talking.
Katherine looked at her watch. “Oh, is that the time? Aren’t the children due in soon, Anna?”
“Yes,” Anna replied in a tone that could have carried more subtlety. “They might be a little worried by what’s going on, especially when they find themselves routed around to the bottom of the high street.”
“I’ll keep you posted, Carrie,” Katherine called over her shoulder as they strolled off down the high street. “Now go home.”
“Will do.”
They left Gloria handing out her business cards and speaking to anyone who would listen about the trauma the villagers were going through with the discovery. Katherine found herself picking up her pace as the school bus came into Nunswick. Children’s faces were pressed to the window as they took in the scene of police cars and media vehicles.
Tom and Abigail were off the bus in a shot.
“Anna, Katherine.” Abigail stopped. “Is Mum okay?”
“Yes, she’s inside. Come on.”
“What’s going on?” Tom asked as soon as he could get a word in.
Anna tried to answer all the questions the children threw at her whilst attempting to herd them down the path to the cottage.
Laura was waiting at the door. “I saw the bus come past. Come here, my babies. I’ve missed you.” She threw open her arms.
They ran towards her, and her eyes widened with panic. She raised her palms. “Whoa, maybe just one at a time and very gently.”
Abigail wrapped her arms around her mother’s forearm and squeezed it. Tom copied his sister with the other arm.
“Come on in,” she said. “I’m sure I can manage cuddles on the sofa much easier than this.”
“We need to get some work done before dinner,” Anna said as she stepped into the hallway.
“Which I’m making!” Katherine interrupted from behind. “Perhaps you could help me, Tom?”
He beamed. “Can I?”
Katherine winked at him.
“So we’ll leave you to it. Shout if you need anything,” Anna said.
“Snacks!” Tom and Abigail yelled before disappearing into the sitting room.
