The Unburied Past by Anthea Fraser Page B

Lance Pemberton for the first time since they’d split up.
    â€˜Kirsty,’ he acknowledged briefly, and would have continued on his way had she not moved to block his path.
    â€˜Lance, this is silly. We live in the same town; we can’t go through life ignoring each other. Can’t we at least be civilized?’
    He met her eyes unwillingly. ‘You’re not suggesting we kiss and make up?’
    â€˜No, I’m not,’ she answered steadily. ‘I’m suggesting we behave like a couple of adults.’ She paused. He was still hesitating, seemingly anxious to escape. ‘How are things? How’s your mother?’
    â€˜Almost back to normal, thanks.’ Mrs Pemberton had suffered a heart attack some six months previously. After a moment he added, ‘You’re looking tired.’
    â€˜Well, thanks!’ she said with a half-laugh. ‘You know how to make a girl feel good!’
    He didn’t smile and she added, ‘Actually, I’m fighting a headache, and at the moment it’s winning.’
    â€˜Business booming?’
    â€˜It’s going well, yes, thanks.’ She paused, memories of the flowers and chocolates surfacing again. ‘You … haven’t been trying to get in touch with me, have you?’
    His face closed. ‘I have not. You made it pretty clear that would be unwelcome.’ He frowned, searching her averted face. ‘Why do you ask?’
    â€˜Nothing, it’s just—’
    â€˜Kirsty, you must have had a reason. What is it?’
    â€˜Just that I’ve received one or two … things … lately and I don’t know who’s been sending them.’
    â€˜What kind of things?’
    â€˜Well, it started with an email—’
    â€˜A threatening one?’ he broke in sharply.
    â€˜No, no. Quite the reverse, actually, but it was unsigned. Then some flowers and chocolates arrived, again with no indication as to who they were from.’
    â€˜And you thought I’d sent them?’
    She couldn’t tell from his tone if he resented the inference. ‘Not really, it was just a process of elimination.’
    â€˜Well, let me set your mind at rest. I didn’t.’
    She gave a small smile. ‘Unfortunately that
doesn’t
set my mind at rest. If you see what I mean.’
    There was a pause, then he said, ‘Sorry if this sounds obvious, but have you tried checking with the post office and the florist?’
    â€˜Yes, to no avail.’
    â€˜Well, you obviously have a secret admirer. Congratulations.’ Again the searching look. ‘You’re worried about it, aren’t you? Why?’
    â€˜Just that I don’t like mysteries.’ And there were enough of them in her life at the moment.
    â€˜I shouldn’t worry; if he doesn’t get any reaction, he’ll soon tire of it. But if it continues you should go to the police.’
    â€˜That’s what Angie said. I might drop in on the way home.’
    Lance nodded. ‘Good idea.’ After a pause he said awkwardly, ‘I really should be going; I’ve an appointment at three and I need to prepare for it.’
    â€˜Yes. Sorry to have held you up.’
    He shook his head, dismissing her apology. ‘Good to see you again,’ he said gruffly. ‘Take care, and don’t let this anonymous bastard get you down.’
    And he was gone. Slowly, Kirsty walked on down the path. Not Nick, not Lance, and though she’d never seriously considered either of them, it did leave her with no other candidate. Reaching the bench by the fountain she seated herself and sat for a moment staring at the sparkling water; but its brightness hurt her eyes, and with a sigh she put on her sunglasses and settled down to read.
    â€˜Well?’ Angie demanded, as Kirsty came slowly up the stairs. ‘Did you go to the police?’
    â€˜Yes, for all the good it did. They suggested I set up a filter system