Page 9 of Murder in the Winter Woods
‘I like it. As I said, we’re always on the lookout for seasonal stories atSouthern Times. Second Chances would have to be the focus though, being local. We’d interview you and take some pics of you in the store.’
‘Wilma would be the one to take a picture of – she’s the boss,’ said Julia quickly. She didn’t fancy the idea of having her face splashed all over the media, even if it was just a regional newspaper.
‘Whoever. We’ll take some pics. Human interest stuff, you know.’
‘Perfect! Thanks, Jim.’
With impeccable timing, Flo arrived with their toasties, which were golden and glistening and oozing with cheese.
Jim beckoned dramatically: ‘Come to me, best toastie in all the Cotswolds!’
Flo laughed, putting the plates down first in front of Julia, then Jim. ‘Ah well, you’re not the first to say it, I won’t lie. It’s all in the cheese, you know. We use only the finest local Double Gloucester. Well, and the butter, of course. You have to butter both sides of the bread. Inside and out. Don’t skimp! That’s how you get that lovely crispy toast.’
Julia felt fleetingly worried about how much dairy fat she’d be ingesting with all that cheese and butter, but she wasn’t one to let such thoughts ruin a good lunch.
‘They are absolutely the best,’ she said, taking up her knife and fork.
‘While we’re here, maybe you can help me with something,’ Jim said, when Flo was out of earshot.
‘With pleasure. What do you need?’
‘I’m writing a piece about Lewis Band, the taxi driver who was killed in the hit-and-run.’
‘Poor Lewis. Terrible story.’
‘It is. Did you know him?’
‘Just a little. I’d used his services once or twice, and saw him about the village. He was very reliable. He seemed like a good chap. Are you doing a news story about the circumstances of his death?’
‘No. There’s another piece going in about the standard of driving on the country roads – which, as you know, is an issue.’
Julia nodded.
‘News-wise there’s not much to say, other than the fact that some bastard hit a pedestrian and drove off without stopping.’
Julia noted that he didn’t seem to know that the driverhadstopped, and in fact, got out of the car. After accidentally reversing over him. Interesting that the police hadn’t released that piece of information. Jim also didn’t seem to know that Julia herself had found the body. She knew he would love that detail, and her first-hand account, but she decided to keep it to herself.
Jim continued: ‘I’m looking at a soft piece. More of a longish obituary, giving a sense of the man, him being well-known in these parts. I’m gathering anecdotes and quotes from people who knew him.’
‘I’d be happy to help, but I’m sure there are better people to speak to than me. As I said, we didn’t have much to do with each other.’
‘Right, well. No worries. I’ve asked a few people and I’ve got a few quotes. It’s probably enough. I was just hoping for something meatier, more specific. And I know that you’re good at noticing things about people.’
Jim turned his attention back to his lunch. He seemed lost in thought, sawing through the sandwich with a great deal more concentration than one would have thought was required to create a bite-sized triangle. He popped the piece into his mouth and chewed contemplatively. Julia was about to enquire after Moxy, Jim’s Schnauzer-poodle cross, when he spoke. ‘There was actually a bit of a funny vibe when I asked some people about him.’
Julia frowned. ‘About Lewis?’
‘Yes.’
‘Really?’ She waited for Jim to say more.
‘Yes. Look, there’s no doubt, he was a popular guy. Lots of people knew him and used his services. They sang his praises. But I’ve had a couple of weirdly lukewarm responses to my inquiries.’
‘That’s surprising. From who?’
‘Dora, for one.’
‘Dora from the sweet shop?’ Dora looked like an illustration from a children’s book about a perfect sweet shop owner or an ideal granny. It was hard to imagine her saying anything lukewarm about anybody.
