The Gospel Makers by Anthea Fraser Read Free Book Online

‘Father’, had remained as distant, mysterious and unreal as his own father had been. Thank God — quite literally thank God — he’d been rescued by the Revelationists.
    Abandoning his memories, Daniel opened the file and settled down to work.
    *
    Christina stretched luxuriously, and Edward, watching her, smiled. ‘If this was a film, one of us would reach for a cigarette!’
    ‘Not these days, surely.’
    ‘I don’t know that anyone’s come up with a substitute. Anyway, my love, you’ll gather that I’m more than pleased to have you home again.’
    ‘Me too. But apart from missing me, how was the weekend?’
    ‘Oh, the competition was a great success — record number of entries, and the weather stayed fine.’
    ‘I meant with Stephanie,’ she said, reproach in her voice.
    ‘Oh. Well, she was OK. Not that I saw much of her, actually; she was off with Marina most of the time, and, of course, I was at the club. One odd thing, though. She announced that she’d gone vegetarian.’
    ‘What?’ Christina turned her head on the pillow to stare at him.
    ‘Really. Just suddenly came out with it. Wanted a note to take back to school.’
    ‘Saying what, for heaven’s sake?’
    ‘Asking that her wishes be respected.’
    ‘Good Lord. When did this come up?’
    ‘Just after you’d gone on Saturday morning, when I asked if she fancied some bacon and eggs.’
    ‘Well, if she keeps it up in the holidays she’ll have to make do with whatever vegetables we’re having. I’ve better things to do than plan alternative menus for her ladyship.’
    He said slowly, ‘There was something else odd, too. When she’d gone back to school I went into her room to retrieve the sweater she’d borrowed, and I saw she’d tipped all her make-up and scent into the wastepaper basket.’
    ‘Oh love, that can’t be right. She spends most of her allowance on make-up, she wouldn’t throw it away.’
    ‘Go and see for yourself. And there was that bottle of scent she begged and begged for, for her birthday. Cost me an arm and a leg, I seem to remember, and there it was, only half-used, in the bin.’
    ‘Then I shall retrieve it myself,’ Christina said decidedly. ‘Whatever’s got into the child?’
    ‘Some passing fad, no doubt. Now, what about your trip? You haven’t told me any details; was it worthwhile?’
    ‘Oh, I think so. Belinda’s been working out figures all afternoon. If we can get in with Bryant Hotels we’ll be in the big time.’
    Her thoughts moved on. ‘And as soon as I got back I had that lunch appointment at the King’s Head. Have you been since it reopened? It’s very plush now — all different shades of wood and lamps everywhere.’ She gave a little laugh. ‘And you’ll be interested to hear I tried to pick someone up!’
    ‘I beg your pardon?’
    ‘Really. Rather a dishy man, actually. I saw him sitting alone frowning at his watch and was sure he was my lunch date, so I went over to him. But as soon as we’d sorted ourselves out and he’d offered me a drink, the real Mr Derringer arrived, and that was that.’
    ‘And was the real Mr Derringer “dishy” too?’
    ‘Far from it. But much more importantly, he’s on the point of signing a contract.’
    ‘Good for him. And what happened to your deserted swain?’
    ‘Oh, his friends turned up eventually — I saw him leave with them. I bet they had a laugh about the blonde who tried to get off with him!’
    But the handsome stranger wasn’t laughing now. He was at that moment lolling in an armchair in his darkened room at the King’s Head. And he was dead.

 
    Chapter 4
     
    Dilys watched the car turn into the drive, arranged a smile on her face and went to open the door. The rhus in the border, she noticed, had started to redden — proof, if proof were needed, of the relentless march of time towards the date when her manuscript must be delivered. And now this.
    ‘This’ was in the process of emerging from the car, held tightly in his