Ann Purser: Threats At Three

Lois and Jamie were just turning into the lane that led to the car park, when they both heard a shout. “Lois! Wait!”

Now all eyes were on the man who pushed his way through the crowds. “Police!” he was saying. “Make way for police!”

Lois and Jamie stopped and turned around. “What the hell?” Jamie said. “Doesn’t look like a policeman to me.”

“Oh, yes,” Lois said, “he’s a policeman all right. Here take the car key and wait for me. Shan’t be long.”

She stood waiting until Cowgill caught up with her, and then took his arm. “You really shouldn’t run,” she said, “not at your age. Here, let’s go and sit down on the bench over there.”

The wooden seat had been placed in a small paved garden in memory of a former mayor of the town, and was a haven of peace just off the busy market square. Cowgill sat down, insisting that he was fit as a fiddle, and age had nothing to do with it. Lois sat close to him and put her hand on his arm.

“What’s the latest on the Hicksons?” she said.

He had got his breath back, and turned to look at her. “They’ll be all right,” he said. “The father still has some questions to answer, but it will be sorted out without too much damage to the family. As for young Hickson, I am not at all sure about him, Lois. You can twist me round your little finger, unfortunately, and I instructed Chris how to talk to him, how to tell him what happened to Ross without mentioning that there will have to be further enquiries. It may well be that I have perverted the course of justice for you, young lady, but we shall see. The boy is young, and has had a rough deal so far. If those idiot parents of his keep an eagle eye on him, he may decide on the right course. Anyway, time will tell.”

Lois was quiet for a moment, then she leaned towards him and gave him a lightning kiss on the cheek. “Thanks,” she said. Then she stood up. “Happy ending, then?” she said, smiling at him.

“Maybe,” said Cowgill, rising to his feet and towering over her in policeman mode. He returned her smile and said, “But there was one other thing.”

“My car license has expired? Caught speeding through Farnden?”

He shook his head. “No, nothing like that. I ran after you because I am so excited about Josie and Matthew! You know what it means, Lois!”

“Um, yes. They are engaged, and will be getting married?”

“ And ,” he said with emphasis, “it means we shall be related!”