carnival sideshows.
“I’ve done the sums.”
“And?” Hannah said.
No point hiding the truth. “The change out of a million won’t keep Amber in sweets for a week.”
Father’s shoulders slumped and the way he rubbed his knee and right hand when he thought no one would notice told me his arthritis was giving him jip. Ben seemed just as defeated.
“Here’s the plan,” I said. “We need to cut back on household expenditure, especially phone. Text and use the land line where possible. No more expensive whisky either. We’ll sell our surplus produce at the farmers’ market, and I want you and Ben to keep up your investigation.” While I didn’t hold out much hope they’d have success, at least it would keep them out of mischief. “Meanwhile I’ll see if Seth’s mother can give me a couple more days’ or nights’ work.”
“What about me?” Hannah asked.
“Internet research and watching out for Amber. Maybe you could make some jams or chutneys to sell at the market, too, if you have time.” I was pleased to note all three had cheered after having a task assigned.
“I’ll also carry on with Shadow duties,” I said grudgingly.
My father perked up even more. “Ben and I have a lead for a possible job.”
“Yes?” A note of caution crept into my voice.
“The people who moved into the old Ledbetter estate.”
“The pop stars?” Hannah asked.
Father nodded. “Exactly so. More money than sense. Although why they get paid for their god-awful wailing, I’ve no idea.”
Ben snorted. “They’ve made a right mess of renovating the Ledbetter mansion. They call it modernizing. Butchery, more like.”
“Details,” I said, cutting in before the conversation diverged even further. “What sort of jewels? Do we have any orders, or can I steal on spec?” Although I’d hesitated over the word steal, there was no point dressing it up.
“Rubies are still in demand. Grab those if you see them, but if something else snares your attention, pick that up too. The lead singer’s girlfriend likes to collect baubles. Word is she prefers diamonds but accepts colored stones too,” Father said.
I checked my watch. “I have time to do a recon tonight.” From the corner of my eye, I noticed both Father and Ben brighten with hope. I decided to throw them a bone. “Would you like to come with me? It would speed things up if the three of us divide up the property.”
Hannah gave an approving nod while the two men beamed like schoolboys anticipating a treat. A sense of rightness enveloped me. Letting them come along was the right thing to do.
We parked the Mini about half a mile from the Ledbetter estate and made the rest of our way on foot, dressed in dark clothes to blend with the night.
The estate was originally Georgian with grounds designed by Capability Brown. We made our way past an ornamental pond and a faux temple, through a stand of oak before coming to a halt. The trees gave way to sweeping vistas in front of the house. In the faint moonlight, the scaffolding glinted like an exposed ribcage. Father was right. The modern additions offended my eye. I couldn’t wait to see the interior. Visions of velvet wallpaper, mirrored ceilings and large heart-shaped beds popped into my mind.
“Split up and meet back here in half an hour. I’ll go to the right. Father, you take the left. Ben, you can check out the security on the driveway.”
Father and Ben both nodded. I adjusted my ski mask to screen my face and scanned the lawn in front of us. In a tree behind me, an owl hooted, the sound low and mournful. A premonition? Uneasily, I scanned the open ground again. Would I ever be at ease with the family occupation? I liked to hope so since, with the huge debt hanging over us, there were no other options.
Father and Ben moved from the protective cover of the trees. Still the sense of unease remained. I scanned the area again and saw a figure flit past a window, ducking low to avoid detection by the
“I’ve done the sums.”
“And?” Hannah said.
No point hiding the truth. “The change out of a million won’t keep Amber in sweets for a week.”
Father’s shoulders slumped and the way he rubbed his knee and right hand when he thought no one would notice told me his arthritis was giving him jip. Ben seemed just as defeated.
“Here’s the plan,” I said. “We need to cut back on household expenditure, especially phone. Text and use the land line where possible. No more expensive whisky either. We’ll sell our surplus produce at the farmers’ market, and I want you and Ben to keep up your investigation.” While I didn’t hold out much hope they’d have success, at least it would keep them out of mischief. “Meanwhile I’ll see if Seth’s mother can give me a couple more days’ or nights’ work.”
“What about me?” Hannah asked.
“Internet research and watching out for Amber. Maybe you could make some jams or chutneys to sell at the market, too, if you have time.” I was pleased to note all three had cheered after having a task assigned.
“I’ll also carry on with Shadow duties,” I said grudgingly.
My father perked up even more. “Ben and I have a lead for a possible job.”
“Yes?” A note of caution crept into my voice.
“The people who moved into the old Ledbetter estate.”
“The pop stars?” Hannah asked.
Father nodded. “Exactly so. More money than sense. Although why they get paid for their god-awful wailing, I’ve no idea.”
Ben snorted. “They’ve made a right mess of renovating the Ledbetter mansion. They call it modernizing. Butchery, more like.”
“Details,” I said, cutting in before the conversation diverged even further. “What sort of jewels? Do we have any orders, or can I steal on spec?” Although I’d hesitated over the word steal, there was no point dressing it up.
“Rubies are still in demand. Grab those if you see them, but if something else snares your attention, pick that up too. The lead singer’s girlfriend likes to collect baubles. Word is she prefers diamonds but accepts colored stones too,” Father said.
I checked my watch. “I have time to do a recon tonight.” From the corner of my eye, I noticed both Father and Ben brighten with hope. I decided to throw them a bone. “Would you like to come with me? It would speed things up if the three of us divide up the property.”
Hannah gave an approving nod while the two men beamed like schoolboys anticipating a treat. A sense of rightness enveloped me. Letting them come along was the right thing to do.
We parked the Mini about half a mile from the Ledbetter estate and made the rest of our way on foot, dressed in dark clothes to blend with the night.
The estate was originally Georgian with grounds designed by Capability Brown. We made our way past an ornamental pond and a faux temple, through a stand of oak before coming to a halt. The trees gave way to sweeping vistas in front of the house. In the faint moonlight, the scaffolding glinted like an exposed ribcage. Father was right. The modern additions offended my eye. I couldn’t wait to see the interior. Visions of velvet wallpaper, mirrored ceilings and large heart-shaped beds popped into my mind.
“Split up and meet back here in half an hour. I’ll go to the right. Father, you take the left. Ben, you can check out the security on the driveway.”
Father and Ben both nodded. I adjusted my ski mask to screen my face and scanned the lawn in front of us. In a tree behind me, an owl hooted, the sound low and mournful. A premonition? Uneasily, I scanned the open ground again. Would I ever be at ease with the family occupation? I liked to hope so since, with the huge debt hanging over us, there were no other options.
Father and Ben moved from the protective cover of the trees. Still the sense of unease remained. I scanned the area again and saw a figure flit past a window, ducking low to avoid detection by the
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