Free Design For Loving by Jenny Lane Page B

loud knock at the door. Cautiously, she put on the chain and Lyall’s voice called out urgently.
    ‘ It’s Lyall — open up, Katie, I need to speak to you.’
    She unlocked the door and he almost shot inside. ‘What on earth’s the matter?’ she demanded. ‘Is it Aunt Alice?’
    ‘ No, but because I don’t wish to alarm her, I came here first. I surprised some intruders at the workshop just now. The alarm was going off ninety to the dozen when I got there.’
    She stared at him, her heart in her mouth. ‘Had they got in?’
    ‘ Yes, through that side window that’s a bit iffy. Anyway, I obviously gave them such a fright that they scarpered.’
    She suddenly noticed he’d cut his hand. ‘What have you done to your hand? Surely you didn’t hit anyone?’
    He looked down at his hand in surprise, as if unaware that he had hurt it. ‘No, I was doing battle with the sash and must have grazed it.’
    ‘ Did they get anything?’
    ‘ Nothing of any significance. I had a quick look round, but I thought I’d better get you to come and check things out, and find out if you want to phone the police.’
    ‘ Did you get a good look at them?’
    ‘ No. They didn’t hang around long enough for that. Just a group of youngsters, I reckon. I’ve probably disturbed any fingerprints. Actually, I think they were after Jack. I heard his name mentioned and shouted after them that he didn’t live here anymore.’
    She shivered and he put an arm lightly about her shoulders. ‘It’s up to you what you want to do, Katie.’
    In the end, they decided to call the police and, after dressing Lyall’s hand, they went to take a look at the workshop together. Fortunately, the intruders hadn’t time to do much damage, what with the alarm going off and Lyall startling them, but apparently they had stuffed their pockets with whatever they could find. Mainly Lyall’s pendants and few tools, and had sprayed a rather rude message on one wall, together with some indecipherable hieroglyphics.
    Fortunately, the police weren’t too long in coming and, after taking a few details, had a quick look round and advised them to get some stronger window locks. As they departed they said they’d be back in the morning and not to touch anything.
    Katie had a restless night remembering the phone message from Jack and wishing she had mentioned it to Lyall.
    It was late morning by the time the police had finished at the workshop.
    Lyall rang to let Katie and Shelley know that they could go in and they arrived together.
    ‘ There’s been a fresh development,’ Lyall told them. ‘Amazingly, the police apprehended the youths last night in Hastings. They were in a stolen car with a distinctive, personalised number plate.’
    Katie felt an enormous surge of relief. ‘But I don’t understand. How did they connect them with the break-in?’
    ‘ They had the pendants,’ Lyall said. ‘I’ve given a statement to the police, managing to keep Jack’s name out of it, and rung the glazier and the locksmith.’ They were in the midst of setting the place to rights when Olivia Finch turned up, dressed as if she were going to a garden party.
    ‘ So this is where it all happens. Really, Lyall, you’re so difficult to get hold of, I thought it easier to drive over. After all, you did invite me to take a look round.’
    Lyall took her arm and, after introducing her to Shelley, told her,
    ‘ I’m afraid this morning isn’t exactly the best time you could have chosen, Livvy. As you can see, we’ve had a bit of a problem here, and we’re only just getting straight again.’ He explained in a few words what had happened and she frowned.
    ‘ How dreadful for you. Well, it’s obviously no use hanging about here, so why don’t you finish off what you’re doing and take me out to lunch, darling?’
    He smiled, but Katie could see from his expression that he was barely containing his impatience. ‘Your timing is really rather unfortunate, Olivia. We’re