Page 55 of A Village Theatre Murder

‘Well, I don’t know about you, but I feel better after coming clean about everything,’ said Nicky, beaming at Tabitha and Julia. She didn’t seem particularly troubled by the ‘killer at large’ speech. In fact, she seemed in excellent spirits. Having owned up to her fifth or sixth troublesome interaction, she looked like someone who’d just come out of the confessional with a clean slate and a pure soul.

Julia, who had nothing to confess, and who thought the whole exercise had been a phenomenal waste of time, returned her beam with a wan smile, and said, ‘Well, I’m glad for you, Nicky.’

‘Bye then, Julia. I’ll be off to do my errands. Before I know it, it’ll be time to fetch Sebastian.’

‘I’d better dash, too. Don’t want to be late for Second Chances.’

‘Oh, thanks for reminding me. I broke my favourite mixing bowl. It was my grandma’s, such a pretty one. You know the ones with those old-fashioned stripes? I’m so upset. I want to come over and see if you have something similar. Maybe someone else’s grandma died and they didn’t want her mixing bowl.’

‘We usually have mixing bowls. I’ll have a look when I get in and let you know.’

‘Thanks, Julia. Or I’ll just pop round later, or tomorrow.’ Nicky bounded off with a spring in her step.

‘I’ll walk with you; we’re going in the same direction,’ said Tabitha. When she and Julia were at a decent distance from the hall, she chuckled. ‘Have to say, that was one of the weirder meetings I’ve been to.’

‘Complete waste of time for Hayley, I should think. Everyone confessing these mild transgressions and throwing themselves at her mercy.’

‘Oh dear lord, Guy’s story about the French postman…’ Tabitha’s chuckle gathered force.

‘I think you meanle facteur…’

‘Mais oui!’

‘Oh, and the teabags!’ Julia, who had been rather irritated by the whole thing, couldn’t help but be drawn into her friend’s good humour.

‘The parking place…’

‘The biscuits…’

‘I had no idea there was so much strife amongst the Players.’

‘I wracked my brains to find something I could confess myself,’ said Julia. ‘But I wasn’t there with the actors enough to get into any beefs.’

‘I know. Luckily, I’d been snappy about letting Gina wear her own dress, so I had something to offer.’

‘I was the only person who had no transgression to speak of. Well, me and Hector.’

‘Which is surprising if you think about it, because Hector is actually very…How to put it…?’ Tabitha was a very kind person, always at pains not to be overly critical and never mean.

Julia helped her out. ‘He’s a bit annoying. So breathtakingly self-involved.’

‘Yes, that, exactly. Ah well, we’re none of us perfect.’

By now they were approaching Second Chances.

‘Well, this is me. Bye, Tabitha. See you soon. Maybe a meal?’

‘Lovely.’

They lingered for a moment at the door. There was a troubled air between them, as if something should be said. Tabitha spoke first: ‘You take care of yourself, Julia. I’m sure we’re not in danger, but, like Hayley said, it pays to be alert.’

‘Yes, I’ll keep my wits about me. You too.’

28

Wilma and Diane were busy making their morning tea when Julia arrived. Even though she’d told Wilma she would be a little late because of meeting the police, she half expected her to be all ‘school prefect’ about the arrival time, but instead she welcomed Julia warmly.

‘Just in time for tea!’ she said, leading Julia into the little storeroom which also served as kitchen, and getting out a third mug. ‘Poor you, you must be exhausted with all this drama. Take the weight off your feet for a minute and help yourself to a chocolate swirl.’

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