Free A Secret Schemer by Charley Dee

connection with
her?’
    ‘I don’t know who Vie Butler is
Lucy, though he did have a chat with a woman sitting with a dog on
her lap.’
    ‘That’s her Kate.’
    ‘OMG I had no idea, anyway I
stood back and with the band playing it was impossible to hear
their conversation.’ Kate responded tentatively.
    ‘I realise this must sound
rather intrusive, nevertheless could you please find out the link
between them. You know the woman is causing unnecessary annoyance
to both me and the brewery, therefore any information on her would
be appreciated.’
    ‘Of course Lucy, as soon as I
see him, I’ll ask, I only got a quick look at her and she’s
certainly as you all describe.’
    With that Grace came back in
the kitchen.
    ‘If Kate can spare you Grace
I’ll help you re-write the boards.’ Jena offered.
    ‘That’s fine Jena.’
    ‘I must sound piteous worrying
about this dreaded woman.’ I mutter.
    ‘Not at all Lucy, I know she’s
causing problems, you leave it with me love. I expect he knows her
from the old pub, as he said he used to frequent the place in the
early days.’
    ‘’Besides all of that Kate, is
the new love life making headway?’ I laugh.
    ‘Absolutely, in fact I’d say
there is definite chemistry bubbling.’ We both laugh as Lucas
appears in the doorway.
    ‘Am I interrupting?’ He asks
cautiously.
    ‘Not at all, just usual girlie
chat.’ I laugh. ‘How about we all have a cuppa before lunches
begin?’
    ‘I’ll put the kettle on then.’
Lucas adds.
     
    The weekend passed without any
major incidents. My mind is still on Kate’s boyfriend Jeff, and as
she won’t be in until Tuesday morning I once again have to be
patient.
    Tim had stayed over for the
past three nights and I was a tad surprised when he mentioned
moving in, his reasoning being that he would rather pay me rent
than his present landlord. Somewhat mystified I am, as sharing my
bedroom permanently hadn’t been on my agenda…Just yet anyway. After
a heart to heart with Jena, who thought it was much too soon, I
suggested that he could move into my spare room on the condition I
had my own space. Jena thinks I’ve lost the plot to even consider
it, I feel she’s always been a little unsure of Tim, maybe she can
detect things that I’m far too loved up to see. He had recently
referred to the fact that Lucas had moved in, to which I explained
that Lucas was a valuable member of staff and happened to be down
on his luck at the moment. His reply had been that I had a large
second bedroom that he would eagerly rent from me and promise not
to crowd me. I’m continuing to contemplate this carefully, as well
as listening to Jena’s point of view, although my main concern at
the moment is still Vie Butler and Jeff’s connection…
    Monday seemed to drag; the
weather had taken a turn for the worse with blustery winds and
lashing rain, strangely enough trade increased during bad weather,
so I had nothing to complain about. The bank manager was full of
compliments for the way the business was taking shape, which had
raised my spirits, so why was I so anxious about Kate’s boyfriend’s
connection with Vie Butler…have I suddenly turned into a
psychic?’
    At last Tuesday morning and I’m
wide awake at six o’clock, after an early shower and a quick look
at the early news reports I make my way down to the kitchen. No one
else is around so I make a coffee and pick up a copy of last nights
Evening Standard.
    ‘Good Morning Lucy.’ Mary says
cheerfully. ‘You’re always an early bird.’
    ‘Hello Mary, yes not keen on
wasting the day under the duvet.’
    ‘Lucas is the same I usually
share a cuppa with him each morning.’
    ‘I’ll pop the kettle on again
then as I expect he’ll soon be down.’
    ‘Good idea love, I thought I’d
better mention Lucy the tissues have gone missing from the ladies
again, maybe I should glue the box down.’ Mary explains.
    ‘It makes you wonder if it’s
worth trying to improve the toilet