Free The Beast of Bracksley Woods by Doreen Hayward Page B

and Kevin round to share the meal with him. Of course, the invitation also included Debbie who silently resolved to make sure the fellows did their share of the washing up afterwards. Debbie was amazed to realise how quickly Christmas seemed to have crept up on her. She purchased a pack of Christmas cards and busied herself one evening writing them for various friends she had known during her time In London and friends they had made during their travels. Where possible she just dropped a note in with the card letting people know that she was okay and filling her life with good works.
    By the time Debbie saw Kevin again, his stitches had been removed and the wounds had almost healed. Unfortunately, there had been no more sightings of the vicious dog who had attacked him that night in the woods a few weeks ago. Debbie and Greg were deep in conversation about the new kennels that were being built. The building could start after Christmas Kevin informed Greg just as long as the weather held up. Everybody seemed to be looking forward to the coming festivities. Even poor Trigger had got the bucket off his head and the stiches removed.
    Debbie threw herself wholeheartedly into the coming festivities trying all the time to turn her mind away from remembering the last Christmas she had spent with Mike. His health had been slipping badly by then. He was unable to play tennis anymore and had developed several other worrying symptoms. They both did their best to ignore the fact that Mike was having difficulty in walking and seeing properly. They had spent the holiday with Mike’s parents in a small village of Sandy in Bedfordshire not far from where she was living now. It seemed such a long time ago since Debbie had seen Sheila and Jeff Richards. She must give them a ring Debbie reminded herself, to make sure they were doing okay after Mike’s funeral which was the last time she had seen them. Turning her attention strictly away from these memories she focussed once again on getting the arrangements ready for the Christmas dinner party at Broadmead Farm and promptly forgot to telephone.
    On Christmas eve while Debbie was busy putting the finishing touches to the traditional turkey dinner which she planned to take up to the farm early the following day and finish off in Greg’s oven, the doorbell rang. Debbie was astonished to find Sheila and Jeff Richards standing on the doorstep. “Well … what a surprise!” Debbie exclaimed. “Why didn’t you ring and warn me you were coming. Please come in out of the cold,” she added opening the door wider.
    The elderly couple trooped in and Debbie ushered them into the sitting room. “Take your coats off while you are indoors, otherwise you won’t feel the benefit when you go outside again,” Debbie instructed cheerfully. “I’ll put the kettle on for a warm drink for you. It is very cold out there,” she said heading towards the kitchen.
    Jeff cleared his throat before saying in a small voice, “Actually my dear, we have come to throw ourselves on your mercy. You see, our power supply is run by oil and they have failed to deliver it for some reason. Unfortunately, we are not the only ones in the village to be left stranded with no heating, there are others but they are going away for the holiday. We wondered if you would mind having a couple of guests for Christmas.” “You must stay here. Of course you must. When I have made you a warm drink you go and fetch your things in Jeff,” Debbie told him.
    “Thank you very much Debbie,” Sheila said gratefully. I didn’t know how I was going to cook a Christmas dinner and I feel so embarrassed to land ourselves on you like this.”
    “Think nothing of it. I am glad to help, although I have to explain that I am cooking a Christmas dinner for some friends and we will be eating at his farmhouse.”
    “Oh, I see. I hope we are not intruding,” Sheila said looking worried.
    “Not at all. You must join us as well. Don’t worry, the