Page 35 of Murder in the Winter Woods
‘Yes, yes indeed, David. It is very hard to believe. Very hard indeed.’
‘Did they leave families?’
‘Yes. That’s actually why I’m asking you so much about the band. Their widows are anxious to know as much as they can about that part of their lives. You know how it is.’
To Julia’s mind, what she had just said made absolutely no sense, but David seemed to accept it, and said exactly what she had been hoping for.
‘Tell you what, let’s exchange numbers. If I think of anything more, I’ll let you know. And if the widows want to chat, please feel free to pass my number on.’
‘Thank you, David, that’s very kind of you,’ said Julia with a smile.
18
The weather looked kindly on Julia and Sean’s London jaunt. The day was bright and crisp and still, and the temperature mild for the time of year. Outside the window of their B&B, the sky was a clear, pale blue, broken by the almost-bare branches of trees and dotted with puffy white clouds.
‘So, are you going to tell me where we’re going?’ Julia asked.
Sean had planned the day, the details of which he had not shared with his companion.
‘You’ll see soon enough,’ he said.
‘It’s just that I’m trying to decide what to wear. Will we be walking? And will we be mostly inside or out?’
‘It’s London, my darling. Wear shoes you can walk in and bring something warm and waterproof in case there’s rain or snow.’
‘Yes, you’re right. But can you at least tell me where we’re going for lunch?’
‘You’re finding this difficult, aren’t you?’ he said with a teasing grin. ‘Not knowing where we’re going. Relinquishing control.’
‘Not at all! I love surprises.’
This was sort of true. She liked theideaof surprises, but uncertainty made her mildly anxious.
He nodded. ‘Good. Well, I hope you’ll love this one.’
‘It’s just that I don’t want to be underdressed. Or overdressed, for that matter.’
This, too, was sort of true, although she only had a small overnight suitcase, so it wasn’t as if there was a huge amount of choice, as far as her wardrobe went.
‘You look perfect,’ he said, taking her hands, and looking into her eyes with a twinkle. He leaned in and kissed her, and said again, ‘Perfect.’
She blushed. ‘Good.’
‘Although they’ll probably make you take off those shoes when we do the skydiving,’ he said.
She laughed with him, and batted his arm. She knew she was being silly. When he’d first mentioned the surprise day out, she’d been delighted at this thoughtfulness. It would be an adventure, and wouldn’t it be nice not to have to make all the decisions and arrangements herself
She was determined to let go and allow the day to unfold. She leaned in for a hug. ‘I’m really excited about the surprise day out. It’s a lovely idea, and you are a dear to organise it. And you’re right, I have found it a bit difficult. I realise that my inner control freak is freaking out just a little bit. I’m used to deciding where I’m going and what I’m doing. But I’m over that now; I’m in your hands. Let’s go!’
Although she’d lived in London for years, Julia had never lost her delight in the city’s iconic sights. They walked alongside the Thames, taking in the boats, the big wheel of the London Eye, the Waterloo Bridge, Cleopatra’s Needle. They admired the Houses of Parliament with the huge Christmas tree in New Palace Yard, which Julia had always wanted to see in person, but had never quite managed to get to.
‘I always feel like I’m in a movie when I walk this route,’ she said, as they walked past Big Ben
‘Yes. Gosh, I wonder how many times I’ve seen this view in movies.’
‘Dozens. I think this is the point where Hugh Grant arrives with a bunch of roses.’
‘I don’t see him,’ Sean said, peering into the flow of pedestrians coming towards them. ‘You’ll have to make do with present company.’
