Legacy. Jeff Edwards
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he really live with Mrs Green?’
‘He’s lived there ever since his mother was murdered. He couldn’t move back to the farm after she was killed there. Friends of ours bought the farmhouse from him and he’s having the rest turned into a housing estate. When that’s done Toby’s wealth will more than triple.’
‘The tax man must love him.’
‘He’s got my husband Brian’s family of accountants looking after those tricky little matters for him. Toby hasn’t got too many troubles at the moment. He’s had a hard life till now and it’s good to see it all working out for him.’
‘So he looks after your lawn, and Mrs Green’s lawn, and you look after him.’
‘That’s how it works around here. You’d be surprised at the size of the works projects that get done around here as a favour, or in return for a previous favour done.’
‘What does Mrs Green do to get favours done for her?’
‘I don’t know. I think she’s too old to be doing favours. She just pays. Cash. It’s almost better than a favour.’
‘Who takes her up to the city when she wants to go?’
‘Mrs Green? The city? Other than when Toby went to court, I can’t recall Mrs Green ever going to the city. Before she started to work at the gallery, she only went to the village once a week. She virtually lived like a hermit out here.’
‘It must have been a very lonely existence for her. Does she have a lot of visitors?’
‘No. Only Toby. And postie George.’
‘Postie George?’
‘Our postman and local favour organiser.’
‘You’ve lost me.’
Lana laughed; ‘OK. I wanted a car. George talked to a few of the local boys who had cars to sell and they brought them out here for me to make my choice. I ended up with a very good deal.’
Bree nodded: ‘And now you owe George a favour in return.’
‘Right! Now you’ve got the idea.’ Lana smiled. Holding her arms out wide, she said: ‘And what is your humble opinion of our urban ecological space?’
‘I’m impressed. The natural world will be forever in your debt for maintaining your level of animal habitat. However, I would suggest the inclusion of more trees and possibly a water feature to encourage frogs and tadpoles. Very important to the ecosystem.’
‘I’ll discuss that with Brian,’ promised Lana.
‘Now I better ring Sam to come and pick me up, so you can get back to your work.’
Sam had just settled himself in his new position when the phone in his shirt pocket began to vibrate. ‘Shit!’ he said. Reading the screen he saw it was Bree.
‘What is it?’
‘Sam dear, where are you?’
‘You bloody know where I am. What are you doing down there? Trying to blow our cover?’
‘Do you think you’ll be long on your survey of wrens? I’m out at the Reynolds’ house. Could you possibly tear yourself away to pick me up?’
‘Why don’t you walk? It will do you the world of good.’
‘Ten minutes. That would be perfect. Do you know where to find the house?’
‘Walk you silly bitch.’
‘I’ll see you soon, Sam love.’
‘Piss off.’
Bree turned to Lana. ‘He’ll tear himself away from his wren survey and be here soon.’
When Sam did turn up about twenty minutes later, Lana could see he had been busy in the field. Bits of grass and leaves were stuck in his hair and there were grass stains on his shirt and trousers.
‘Sorry I took so long,’ he apologised. ‘I got distracted by a particularly attractive jenny wren.’
‘He’s so easily led astray,’ said Bree as she hopped in beside him. ‘Thanks for a lovely time and I hope you like my suggestions for making your yard nature friendly.’
‘I will,’ replied Lana. ‘Maybe I’ll see you both around the village.’
‘We’ll be leaving early tomorrow,’ said Sam.
‘But we might be back to check on the progress of the logo,’ offered Bree, as Sam put the car into gear and headed down the lane towards the main road.
Bree became businesslike: ‘I need to check on something. Take me to the gallery.’
‘What did you find out?’ asked Sam.
‘Lana Reynolds says Green hasn’t been out of the village in years. I need to confirm that.’
‘If she hasn’t been out of the village for years, and if the videos do exist, then they have to be around here somewhere.’
‘My thinking exactly,’ confirmed Bree.
They pulled up in front of the gallery and walked in to find Jade Green tending to yet another customer. The agents walked slowly around the room until she had finished. ‘What can I do for you today?’ she asked as her latest customers left, bag in hand.
‘I was wondering if you know the area of the city that our office is in. When you and Toby bring it down I don’t want you to get lost,’ said Lana.
‘Oh I won’t be bringing it down. I never go to the city. It’s not my cup of tea at all. Toby does all the deliveries. Why don’t you ask him?’
Sam feigned surprise.
‘You never get to visit the city?’
‘I’ve got no reason to. I’m much too old for all that rushing around. Here’s Toby now.’
Toby walked in, accompanied by another tall male in a suit.
Mrs Green said to Toby: ‘Our friends from the Save the Country Fund are worried that you might get lost taking the logo up to London.’
‘I usually do. But I find my way eventually. That’s why I leave early.’
‘Maybe you can take Mrs Green with you,’ offered Bree. ‘She can read the map and direct you.’
‘Not me. Not only can’t I read maps, but I have no interest in going with Toby.’
‘You’re not interested in having a good looking escort like Toby take you to the city?’ asked Bree.
‘She didn’t want me with her the one time she did go up by train. I did offer, didn’t I,’ said Toby.
‘Yes Toby you did,’ conceded Mrs Green.
‘When was that?’ asked the man in the suit.
‘Just before Toby’s trial. I needed to buy something to wear to court.’
The man turned towards Bree and Sam: ‘I’ll make sure Toby is suitably furnished with directions. I’ve worked there for years and go down there to attend court at least once a week. I’ll make sure he doesn’t get too lost.’
Sam