Free The Shade of Hettie Daynes by Robert Swindells Page B

‘
What
wasn’t?’
    ‘The . . .’ Realizing his mistake, Tony stammered, ‘I . . . I mean we didn’t take a picture of my sister in her costume, up the res. It wasn’t a trick.’
    Fox eyed him narrowly. ‘So what
was
it, Tony?’
    ‘A mistake, like my dad said. Look – I’ve got to go now, I’m shutting the door.’
    He tried to shut it, but Fox stuck his shoe in the way. ‘Come on, lad, let me see what you’ve got.’
    ‘I haven’t got
anything
, Mr Fox.’
    ‘Yes you have. They don’t call me Curiosity Fox for nothing. I’m a dab-hand at sniffing out what’s been did and what’s been hid. All I’m asking is a quick peek. It’s not for publication, I promise you.’
    Tony hesitated, then gave in. ‘Aw heck.’ He opened the door, stepped aside. ‘The thing is, Mr Fox, it’s not our photo. Alison’s friend took it, and she doesn’t want owt in the
Echo
about it.’
    The reporter smiled. ‘Haven’t I just promised not to publish, Tony? All I want’s a quick shufti. Come on, there’s a good lad.’

FORTY-EIGHT
    ‘BETHAN, IS THAT you?’
    ‘No, it’s Beyonce – how did you get my number?’
    Alison sighed. ‘Stop messing about, Bethan. Listen, I’ve got something important to tell you.’
    ‘You
must
have – it’s not half seven yet. Anyway, you can tell me at the res.’
    ‘The
res
?’
    ‘Yes. You’re not the only one making early calls. Me and Harry are meeting Rob there at half eight.’
    ‘Bit early, isn’t it? And what about Carl and the cave trolls?’
    Bethan chuckled. ‘Carl was off school yesterday,
and
the day before. His dad smacked him at the bonfire. Harry reckons it pulverized his brain.’
    Alison giggled. ‘Can you pulverize something that isn’t there?’
    ‘Never mind that, Aly. Meet us by the fence at half eight. The trolls won’t come without Carl, and the workmen don’t do Saturdays. Wear wellies – we get to explore the old mill at last.’
    When Rob arrived at twenty five to nine, the others were waiting.
    ‘What kept you?’ demanded Harry.
    Rob pulled a face. ‘I was just setting off when my mobi rang. Rooney, wanting a few tips on taking free kicks.’ He shrugged. ‘Got to help, haven’t you?’
    ‘ ’Course you do, Rob. Come on.’
    Their old footprints curved across the mud like a gigantic bite. They walked in them, watching the trees along the shore. It was a still, cold morning with a thin mist. Nothing stirred.
    ‘Too early for old Steve,’ grunted Harry.
    Rob nodded. ‘Hope so. You OK, girls?’
    ‘ ’Course,’ said Bethan. ‘We’re younger, not babies.’
    They hauled themselves onto the shore and walked along to where they could see what was left of the mill. Bethan wasn’t a baby, but she was tense. Out there was where the ghost stood. She wasn’t there now, but everyone’s got to be somewhere. Even ghosts.
Where is she in the daytime?
whispered a voice in Bethan’s head.
Can she see us?
    ‘OK,’ growled Harry. ‘Let’s do it.’ They slid down the bank and sloshed towards the remains of Hopwood Mill.
    Halfway, Bethan remembered something. She touched Alison’s sleeve. ‘What were you going to tell me, Aly?’
    Alison groaned. ‘I hoped you’d forgotten about that, Bethan.’ She put her mouth to her friend’s ear. ‘Guy from the
Echo
come to our place last night. Mum and Dad were out. Tony screened your snapshot for him.’
    ‘Oh, no!’ Bethan looked stricken. ‘He’s not going to put it in the
paper
, is he? Mum’ll go ape-shape.’
    Alison shrugged. ‘He says not.’ She looked at her friend. ‘Tony couldn’t help it. The guy practically forced him. Said he was just curious, didn’t ask for a printout or anything so maybe it’ll be OK.’
    Bethan nodded. ‘Let’s hope so. And let’s hope he’s not curious enough to come poking about here today – this is
our
adventure.’

FORTY-NINE
    ‘HEY LOOK.’ HARRY pointed to the ground they stood on. ‘There’s hardly any mud here. It’s