Page 46 of She Saw What He Did

‘It was once a hunter’s lodge,’ said Jeff Sharpe, the owner. ‘It’s just a holiday rental now.’

Apart from the leaves rustling in the breeze, there was no sound at all. A half-rotten step led up to the front door.

‘It’s not rented out often. People like their holidays near the action these days, you see. Like I said, people find it too remote.’

‘It suits me,’ said Sparrow. ‘I’ve got to get this novel finished, you see.’

‘Yes, you said.’

Jeff Sharpe’s eyes sparkled.

‘Sold a lot of books, have you?’

‘A few,’ said Sparrow stepping into the house. ‘You did say there was a basement.’

‘Yes, but it’s not often used …’

‘Research you see,’ interrupted Sparrow. ‘A basement is featured in the novel.’

‘Oh, I see,’ said Jeff, who didn’t really see at all, and the truth was didn’t care as long as he rented out the old place. He couldn’t sell it, couldn’t rent it. It was becoming a noose around his neck.

Jeff opened the door, its hinges squeaking.

‘Like I said, it’s not been used in a while.’

He moved aside so Sparrow could step inside. The floorboards creaked under Sparrow’s weight.

‘How much did you say it was?’ Sparrow asked.

‘A hundred and sixty for the week. You won’t find one cheaper. You can pay via bank …’

‘I’ll pay cash,’ said Sparrow.

The place was a bit dusty, but Sparrow wasn’t worried about that.

‘Where’s the basement?’

Jeff Sharpe led him through the small lounge to the kitchen at the back.

‘Down these steps,’ he said.

Sparrow clicked on the light and stepped down into the basement. Moments later he came back up.

‘This suits me,’ he said, reaching into his pocket. ‘I’ll pay you in cash now.’

Sharpe looked taken aback at striking such a quick deal.

‘Here’s the key,’ he said, after locking the door.

Sparrow had no intention of keeping that lock. He’d have a new one within the hour.

‘Thanks,’ he said, hovering by the door.

Jeff, taking the hint that he was no longer needed said,

‘Just put the key through the letter box when you leave. There are maps of the area in the house.’

Sparrow nodded and waited for Sharpe to get into his car. As soon as he had driven off, Sparrow walked back to the cottage and let himself in. He then again made his way down the worn wooden steps that led to the basement. It was empty apart from a few used paint tins. He’d get rid of those. It smelt musty. He looked up at the bare bulb that hung from the ceiling and then began to make a shopping list. He checked his watch, locked up and then made his way to the retail park. He still didn’t know if he’d need the cottage, but he wanted everything in place, just in case. Hopefully things would go smoothly. Sparrow didn’t want to dwell on the fact that up until now things had gone far from smoothly.

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