Free False Picture by Veronica Heley Page B

news for me?’
    The only news Bea had so far, was bad. How about this: Philip’s in debt all round and seems to have done a runner with the picture. Yes, that would help, wouldn’t it?
    Bea said, with care, ‘I’m trying to get an idea of what Philip is really like. What’s your impression of him?’
    Velma teased a handkerchief out of her pocket, and blew her nose. She shook back her hair. ‘Forgive me, I’m somewhat distracted. Sandy over-compensated Philip for the loss of his mother, and now the boy thinks the world owes him a living. That sounds mean and petty and I don’t mean to be. I’m sure he’s a nice lad underneath.’
    â€˜He had a job?’
    â€˜A production company which sells to the television channels. Somewhere in Soho. Tuesday Next? Some name like that.’
    Bea decided not to mention what she’d discovered about Philip’s finances that morning. ‘Is he still in contact with his mother?’
    â€˜I doubt it. Sandy says Philip went up there once for a holiday but came back early saying his mother had gone all weird, that there was no heating and she was living on lettuce leaves. He refused to go again.’
    So it was unlikely that Philip had gone up there. ‘Was Philip upset when you and Sandy got together?’
    â€˜He was over the moon. The first time we met, he gave me a hug and said, “My lovely, rich new mother!” He suggested I made him an allowance, but I couldn’t see why he should need one if he was working, especially as he was always boasting about how important his job was. In my view, grown-up sons should be responsible for themselves. Sandy agreed with me.’
    â€˜Sandy didn’t expect you to fund Philip’s lifestyle, then?’
    â€˜I don’t say he wouldn’t have gone along with it if I’d wanted to throw money at the boy, but he certainly didn’t suggest it. If anything, he’s embarrassed by my being so well off. Incredible as it may seem, Sandy loves me for myself. It was he who proposed a pre-nuptial settlement, not me. He refused to let me put his name jointly with mine on our house, and he was keeping his job because it was a worthwhile thing to do. They think the world of him at work. People who spend their lives working for others are few and far between, aren’t they?’ She dabbed at the corners of her eyes, gave her head a little shake, and tried to smile. ‘So, give me some good cheer, old friend. What has your little Maggie found out?’
    Sighing inwardly, Bea produced an edited report. ‘Philip wasn’t there last night. Apparently he’s somewhat cavalier in his comings and goings. There’s a party on tonight at a flat upstairs and we’re hoping he’ll turn up for that.’ Bea didn’t think he would, but Velma needed to hang on to hope at the moment.
    There was a stir of people around Sandy’s bed and Velma’s hand shot to her mouth. ‘I have to go.’
    â€˜You don’t intend to stay with him again tonight, do you? You’ll make yourself ill. Look, ring me when they’ve got him settled and I’ll come to fetch you, take you home with me. The hospital can contact you at my place if you’re needed.’
    â€˜I can’t leave him.’
    â€˜Then give me your keys and a list of what you need from home and I’ll bring it to you later.’
    Velma put her hand to her head. ‘Yes, I could do that, but … I can’t think straight. I’ll ring you, shall I? I must go to him. Pray for us, won’t you?’ She almost ran to her husband’s bedside.
    Bea went out into the fresh air. The traffic sounded too loud. She hailed a taxi and took it back home. And tried to pray.
    As she opened the front door, she could hear Maggie’s voice, rising effortlessly above the television and the radio in the kitchen. Savoury scents permeated the house. Maggie had been