True Love Ways by Sally Quilford Read Free Book Online

Drew, but
she never let it go beyond that. She preferred to admire from afar.
     
    “If you ever do think of me, Meredith,” said Drew,
“just try and remember that the dog collar is just an item of clothing. I'm a
man, like any other man.”
     
    It was that fact which frightened her most of all.
     
    After the youth club had closed, Drew walked
Meredith home, whilst they discussed Alfred Turner and what they had learned so
far. It felt nice, walking alongside him. As if they’d known each other
forever.
     
    “I wonder,” said Meredith, “how many more of his
stories joined up. I thought he was talking about different cases, but what if
the part about someone stealing the car, and the twenty thousand pounds are the
same case?”
     
    “I don't see what that’s got to do with Turner being
murdered now,” said Drew.
     
    “It might if the murderer was on the train and
thought he might recognise them. You said that Jimmy stole cars...”
     
    “Yes, but as far as I know, he didn't have a rich
uncle leave twenty thousand pounds to him. Anyway, how long ago is it that this
Trefusis chap was murdered?”
     
    “Just over fourteen years. Aunty Peg was trying to
find out who'd killed him when Aunty Sheila took me away.”
     
    “Jimmy is twenty-four years old. Yes, he might have
started young, but I don't think he was even capable of murdering someone and
driving away a car at the age of ten.”
     
    “But Turner mentioned a child, one he claimed was evil.”
     
    “Jimmy is not evil, Meredith. He's misguided, and a
bit of an idiot sometimes. But he's not evil. Besides, who knows how old the
child that Turner mentioned was? Bear in mind he was an old man. Anyone under
eighteen would be a child to him.”
     
    Meredith had to admit that Drew had a point.  “All
the same I might ask Aunty Peg more about Colonel Trefusis in light of what
we've learned.”
     
    “I think we're in danger of becoming sidetracked,”
said Drew. “But it's up to you, of course.”
    “We have to explore all avenues,” said Meredith.
     
    “Fair enough. Now, onto more cheerful subjects. Will
you come out with me for a drink one night?” They had reached the gate to the
constable's cottage.
     
    “What? To talk about the case?”
     
    “If we must, but I really meant you and I. As a man
and woman.”
     
    “A date?” Meredith's heart began to hammer. She felt
she ought to feel safe with Drew, given his career choice, but her physical
response to him told her differently.
     
    “I'm sorry if that's such an unwelcome
suggestion...”
     
    “No, it isn't. I mean … yes, we could go on a date.
It doesn't have to lead anywhere, does it?” Her mouth was so dry, she could
barely get the words out.
     
    He half-laughed, half-sighed, sounding irritated in
the process. “Not at all. In fact, if you have a drink with me just once, I
promise never to darken your doorstep again.”
     
    “I didn't mean...”
     
    “Drew, Drew! Wait.” Betty came hobbling down the
street on her high heels, interrupting them. “Oh Drew, I don't know what to
do.” She threw herself into his arms, sobbing. Meredith didn’t think that was
absolutely necessary, frowning as Drew’s arms encircled the crying girl.
     
    “What is it?”
     
    “It's Jimmy. They've found him over in Shrewsbury
and arrested him. Please come, Drew. He hasn't got anyone else.”
     
    “I'll borrow Reverend Mortimer's car and come
straight away.” Drew seemed to have forgotten Meredith was there.
     
    “I could come and help,” she suggested.
     
    Betty glared at her. “No, not you. You think he
attacked the old geezer. He needs friends around him, not enemies.”
     
    Meredith's face burned scarlet. “I do want to help,”
she said.
     
    “You'd best stay here,” said Drew. “It's not as if
you know Jimmy very well. You're practically a stranger to him.”
     
    Meredith swallowed hard, feeling like she was going
to cry. Then, as was her manner, she pulled herself