Constable & Toop by Gareth P. Jones Read Free Book Online Page B

a pale, freckled face. He wore a suit, although neither the material nor the cut suggested a wealthy man. He looked uncomfortable enough in it to lead Sam to the conclusion that it was new, to him at least. From the wailing, moaning noise that Viola was making, Sam knew this was Tom.
    â€˜My name is Sam Toop,’ said Sam. ‘I have business with a Tom Melia?’
    â€˜That’s my name. Do I know you?’ said the young man.
    â€˜No. I live on the other side of the hill.’
    â€˜Then you wish to sell me something?’
    â€˜I simply ask for a few minutes of your time.’
    â€˜I’m afraid time is one thing I am short on right now. I’m already late.’ He stepped out and closed the door behind him.
    â€˜Perhaps we can talk as we walk,’ suggested Sam.
    Tom seemed more amused than annoyed by Sam’s insistence. ‘This business you have with me cannot wait?’
    â€˜You must tell him now,’ urged Viola.
    â€˜I’d be grateful to get it over and done with,’ said Sam.
    â€˜Very well. Although, I am only walking to the church and it isn’t far.’
    â€˜The church?’ said Sam.
    â€˜I am getting married today.’
    â€˜Today?’ he exclaimed, looking over his shoulder to glare at Viola.
    â€˜That’s why it couldn’t wait,’ she said. ‘We have to stop it.’
    â€˜You seem surprised,’ said Tom. ‘People get married all the time, you know.’
    â€˜It’s just . . . I wouldn’t want to upset someone on their wedding day,’ he said, speaking to both Viola and Tom.
    â€˜I didn’t realise upsetting me was your intention,’ said Tom, with a smile. ‘It makes me think twice about allowing you to accompany me.’
    â€˜He promised to love me,’ moaned Viola.
    â€˜I’m sorry,’ said Sam. ‘You must think me most peculiar.’
    â€˜Yes,’ replied Tom. ‘I do rather.’
    Last night’s downpour meant Tom and Sam had to jump over large muddy puddles on the way to the church, which Viola walked straight through, without disturbance or reflection.
    â€˜It’s a lovely day to get married,’ said Sam. ‘May I ask the name of the girl you are to wed?’
    â€˜Her name is Perdita,’ replied Tom. ‘A more beautiful, honest and kind girl you could never imagine.’
    â€˜That harlot . . . That double-crossing witch!’ Viola muttered.
    â€˜Then you’re a lucky man,’ said Sam, ignoring her. ‘How did you find her?’
    â€˜I have known her family all my life,’ admitted Tom.
    â€˜What about me?’ demanded Viola.
    â€˜You’ve been sweethearts since childhood?’ asked Sam.
    â€˜I . . .’ Tom faltered. ‘I have never wanted to marry any other girl.’
    â€˜Liar,’ screamed the ghost. ‘Liar!’
    â€˜There was never any other for you?’ enquired Sam.
    Tom stopped walking. They were standing at a corner where they could see the steeple of the church only a couple of streets away. ‘Is this your urgent business with me?’ he asked, the smile having fallen from his face.
    â€˜I don’t mean to interrogate you,’ said Sam. ‘But I suppose when I grow up I would like to find a love of my own. I’m intrigued to know how such unions come about.’
    â€˜I was engaged to her sister,’ admitted Tom.
    Whether it was Sam’s youth or his disarming manner, this was not the first time he had persuaded a total stranger to open up his heart to him in such a way.
    â€˜Ha!’ proclaimed Viola triumphantly. ‘The truth. Finally.’
    â€˜But I thought you said you always wanted to marry Perdita,’ said Sam. ‘How did you find yourself engaged to her sister?’
    â€˜It was a kindness,’ said Tom. ‘But it doesn’t always seem so.’
    â€˜A cruelty, more like,’ said