The Troutbeck Testimony (24 page)

The next day, less than a week after the fateful Bank Holiday Monday, Simmy was once again at the Mortal Man. Outside it was raining, so she and her companion were in the untidy wood-panelled bar, eating a ridiculously substantial roast lamb Sunday lunch.

‘Better than my cooking,’ said Ninian ruefully.

‘I prefer your gravy,’ said Simmy. ‘It was noble of you to come,’ she added with a smile.

‘I hiked five whole miles for this,’ he boasted. ‘In the rain.’

‘You did. And in return you can spend a long lazy afternoon in my warm, dry little cottage.’

‘Only the afternoon?’ He stopped chewing, a worried frown on his face. ‘I thought I was staying all night.’

She smiled again. ‘You’re welcome, if that’s what you’d like. I can drive you home in the morning.’

‘Thank you. That would be lovely,’ he said primly.

‘’Ello there,’ came a voice. ‘All right, then?’

It was Vic Corless, of the beard and the dog snares and the anonymous letter. He stood awkwardly, sideways on to their table. ‘Thought I should say something,’ he went on.

‘There’s nothing at all to say,’ Simmy told him coldly.

‘Yeah, but there is. You were a real lady, through all the trouble there’s been. Corinne and Bonnie think you’re their hero, for all you did. It’ll be the making of Bonnie, working for you. That’s all I wanted to say. Just that it’s good to know you, Mrs Brown. You’re one in a thousand.’

Ninian looked up at him, wide-eyed. ‘What are you saying, man? She’s one in ten million, at least.’

‘Stop it.’ Simmy was blushing. Suddenly springtime and romance and sweet-scented flowers were all she could think of.

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R
EBECCA
T
OPE
lives on a smallholding in Herefordshire, with a full complement of livestock, but manages to travel the world and enjoy civilisation from time to time as well. Most of her varied experiences and activities find their way into her books, sooner or later. Her own cocker spaniel, Beulah, is the model for Hepzibah, but is unfortunately ageing much more rapidly.

www.rebeccatope.com

T
HE
L
AKE
D
ISTRICT
M
YSTERIES

The Windermere Witness
The Ambleside Alibi
The Coniston Case
The Troutbeck Testimony

T
HE
C
OTSWOLD
M
YSTERIES

A Cotswold Killing
A Cotswold Ordeal
Death in the Cotswolds
A Cotswold Mystery
Blood in the Cotswolds
Slaughter in the Cotswolds
Fear in the Cotswolds
A Grave in the Cotswolds
Deception in the Cotswolds
Malice in the Cotswolds
Shadows in the Cotswolds
Trouble in the Cotswolds
Revenge in the Cotswolds

T
HE
W
EST
C
OUNTRY
M
YSTERIES

A Dirty Death
Dark Undertakings
Death of a Friend
Grave Concerns
A Death to Record
The Sting of Death
A Market for Murder