We already knew someone had been left dead on the island – it was hardly news.’ ‘It was a bit frightening,’ said Jane, who still looked pale. ‘I’ve never seen anyone keel over like that.’ ‘It could mean something,’ said Libby, looking thoughtful. ‘And at least it’s settled one thing.’ ‘What’s tha...
It was obviously a delaying technique. Fran got up and collected the mug. ‘Anybody else?’ Sandra and Libby shook their heads. They sat in silence until Fran reappeared with a fresh mug of tea and handed it to Denise. ‘Now,’ s...
Leaving Ben in the estate office, she heaved the cat basket out into the car and drove home, where Sidney put his tail between his legs and crawled under the sofa. ‘Be like that, then,’ said Libby. ‘I’m going to see Harry.’ When she tapped on the window of The Pink Geraniu...
Libby’s daughter Belinda met them for lunch, but Fran could not be persuaded to invite her own daughter Lucy. ‘She’d whine about bringing the children and then try and insist I went out to Tulse Hill to see them instead,’ she said. ‘I can do without that.’ On Sunday the weather went back to being...
‘I don’t know – this evening, I suppose.’ ‘She was still alive when she spoke to Martha – when?’ Fran looked round at her friends. ‘While we were on our way back here,’ said Guy. ‘It’s got to be connected,’ said Libby. Greta shook her head. ‘Poor Sally. I liked her.’ ‘She could be a bit much,’ sa...
‘The point is, I might be able to find something out about Laurence’s life.’‘Of course,’ said Libby, ‘but you can’t deny you’re just a little bit excited about Connell.’‘I know,’ said Fran. ‘Isn’t it awful?’Libby looked concerned. ‘I knew that’s how you were feeling,’ she said. ‘I feel a bit like...
He looked drawn and somehow older. She pinned on a determined smile and waved. ‘Hi,’ he said coming to a halt outside the door. ‘How are you?’ asked Libby, reaching up to kiss his cheek. He tried to smile. ‘Oh, OK, you know. Supposed to be meeting Pete. He’s been to see Mum.’ ‘I know, I was going...
The whites of their eyes caught the torchlight and reflected an ancient excitement. Above them, budding branches whispered, ahead of them the need-fire was already burning.The path wound down the shallow hillside among the trees. Two figures broke away, feathers nodding above black faces. Neither...
‘We were at school together. She lives in Canterbury somewhere, I think.’ ‘Could you find out?’ asked Libby. ‘I suppose, I could. Is it important?’ ‘No, don’t bother, Sophie,’ said Fran, ‘but it’s very kind of you.’ ‘But –’ began Libby. ‘No, Libby. It’s nothing to do with us.’ Fran stood up. ‘Com...
‘Obviously they aren’t. Ian may have sent an all clear.’ They drew up outside the theatre and Ben unlocked the back door. ‘Hello!’ he called out, and switched the lights on in the scenery dock. Libby went to switch on the worker lights and auditorium lights from the prompt corner. There was no si...