Page 74 of A Merry Little Christmas
‘We have to ask the question,’ said the female PC, apologetically. ‘But we know about the background to this and I can assure you, we’re taking it very seriously indeed.’
‘The thing is, someone else was driving that car,’ said Caleb. ‘We’ve followed it all the way from Sunnybrook in Surrey. And I’m damn sure it wasn’t that woman behind the wheel.’
‘Well, she says itwasher.’ The male PC frowned, clearly not knowing who to believe. ‘She says she just got back ten minutes ago. She lives alone. There’s no one else registered as living at that address.’
‘Really?’ I stared back at the house, mystified, just in time to see a curtain twitch closed.
The police left with an instruction for us to call if we had anything else to report. They would get surveillance of the bungalow underway in case someone returned for the car.
‘In the meantime, why don’t you phone Will’s mum?’ suggested the kindly female PC. ‘He might even be back home by now.’
Caleb nodded and we thanked them, and they drove away, leaving us sitting in Caleb’s car feeling totally helpless and wondering what to do next. Caleb was reluctant to phone Penny again when we had no positive news to give to her.
‘The fact that they’re setting up surveillance on the house is positive. It means they’re taking it seriously,’ he said with a frustrated sigh.
‘That’s true.’ I glanced at the bungalows on either side. ‘Why don’t we talk to Eileen’s neighbours?’
‘Great idea.’ Caleb nodded immediately and we got out of the car. ‘That one’s in complete darkness so they’re probably not at home. Let’s try the neighbours on this side?’
When we rang the bell, a smiley woman answered the door.
I stepped forward, taking the lead, hoping I could explain the situation in a way she would understand.
‘Hi, I’m really sorry to disturb you, but my name’s Katja and this is Caleb, and we were wondering if you knew the lady who lives next door?’
She looked surprised. ‘Eileen? Yes, she seems like a nice woman. Why? I’m Harriet, by the way.’
‘Hi, Harriet. Do you know if there’s anyone else living there? Sorry, it’s just that we think we saw someone else driving the car that’s parked on the driveway and we think it might have been involved in... well, criminal activity?’
Harriet looked alarmed. ‘Oh, my goodness. What sort of criminal activity?’
I drew in a breath. And then together, we explained the whole thing about the court case and the intimidation, and the suspicious car. And about thinking Will had been kidnapped.
She looked horrified at the mention of Will being only twelve.
Leaning forward, she murmured, ‘To be honest, I’m not terribly surprised.’ She glanced along at the bungalow next door. ‘He’s been in trouble with the police before. Drugs. I think he’s a dealer.’
‘Who is?’ asked Caleb.
‘Eileen’s grandson. He comes to visit sometimes. As far as I know, he’s the only one who drives that car. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Eileen behind the wheel.’
‘Did you see him arrive? It would have been about twenty minutes ago?’
She shook her head sadly. ‘Sorry, no. I was in the sitting room with the TV on.’
I looked at Caleb and he nodded and thanked Harriet for being so helpful. ‘We obviously really need to speak to this man, and the police would, too.’
Harriet nodded. ‘You’re welcome to come and wait inside, until you see him coming back?’
‘That’s so kind of you.’ I smiled at her. ‘But don’t worry, we’ll just wait in the car. But thank you.’
‘Okay. Well, good luck.’ She crossed her hands over her chest. ‘I really hope you find your young nephew safe and well.’
*****
We retreated to the car. But two hours later, the driver still hadn’t returned.
I’d seen Harriet glance through the curtains several times, and finally, she came out of her bungalow carrying a flask and a package.
