Best of Woman's Weekly Fiction - September 2022

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Best Of Woman’s Weekly Fiction Issue 21 (LBZ4605)
© 2022 Future Publishing Limited after a scorcher of a also find brand-new tales from
All characters in stories are entirely fictitious.
summer, aren’t we all favourite and new writers
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Ba2t0h0 B8A818 15U) Ais. rAelgl iisntfeorremda intio Enn cgolanntadi naendd iWn athleiss .p Ruebgliicstaetrioend iosf fifocre i:n Qfouramy aHtioouns oen, Tlyh ea nAdm isb, uarsy f,a r Every month we select a serials in each issue so you
as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any responsibility curated choice of your most can follow these longer stories
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Woman’s Weekly Fiction 3
CONTENTS
5 Summer
Page 55
by Elizabeth Dale
This year was different
6 Intrigue at the Ink
Plotters Club Part 1
by Gabrielle Mullarkey
A weekend takes an unsettling turn
9 Defining love
by Christina Collins
Irene knew what to expect
10 Pam’s secret
by Sarah Swatridge
Page 16
Gran’s special secret
50 A tangled web
12 It’s an ill wind Part 3
25 Win or lose?
by Charlotte Sawdon NEW by Catherine Young
by Viv Doyle
Julia gets a shock Rachel knew what she’d seen
Trisha gets a surprise
16 Too late for love? 54 Wonder woman
26 A tangled web
by Glynis Serivens by Linda Lewis NEW
Part 1
Laura’s heart had been broken A super costume change
by Catherine Young
20 Intrigue at the 55 Football crazy
How is a little village so wicked?
Ink Plotters Club by Linda Lewis NEW
Part 2 30 Julia’s first day
NEW Liz seems sporty...
by Gabrielle Mullarkey by Geraldine Ryan
56 Fresh paint
Carl was definitely up to Who is more worried?
something by Lorraine Cook
34 The crown jewels
Jane was moving on
24 The walk
by Christine Sutton
Page 30
by Gina Goodwin 60 A tangled web
They hadn’t seen each other since
Andrea often enjoyed a stroll the war Part 4
36 A tangled web by Catherine Young
Page 24 Part 2 She couldn’t have imagined this
by Catherine Young 64 Accident prine
How can she convince them of the
by Susan Wright
truth?
Another dreadful day
42 Intrigue at the
65 For the birds
Ink Plotters Club
Part 3 by Pauline Brown
Mr Know-it-all appears
by Gabrielle Mullarkey
Things were getting more tangled
Puzzles
46 A new life
14 Brain teaser
by Annie Robertson 23 Masyu
32 Word chain
Ben hadn’t felt like this in years
40 Code breaker, odd one
out, riddle
48 Writer’s room
58 Sudoku
by Camilla Cooper NEW 59 Criss-cross
Can Hannah save the day? 66 Puzzle answers
4 Woman’s Weekly Fiction
by Elizabeth Dale
C SUMMER
arly’s mum mum asked anxiously at the
was excited when end of July.
she heard the ‘No,’ said Carly. ‘I don’t
news. want to tempt fate.’
Carly loved the warmest months
‘My first grandchild!’ But what she really meant
she cried. ‘And a summer was that she didn’t want any
– but this year was different
baby too. You’ll be able reminders that the baby was
to take him or her out and coming.
about to the park. It will At nine months, Max
be wonderful!’ insisted they buy some baby
‘Yes, but…’ Carly began. clothes. So Carly wearily
‘And just think, when agreed and they picked
you’re heavily pregnant, out some things online. But
you’ll be able to put your her heart wasn’t really in it.
feet up in the garden and When she finally went
relax. And you can watch into labour, nothing had
Wimbledon on TV. You prepared her for the hours
won’t miss a match… of helplessness and the need
How perfect.’ for pain relief.
Carly bit her tongue. Her ‘You’re doing really well!’
mum knew just how much Max cried. ‘I bet you can’t
she loved actually going wait to see our baby?’
to Wimbledon. But she ‘Yes!’ Carly panted, but
wouldn’t be able to this only because that meant it
year, not with the baby due would all be over.
in early August. After 12 long hours, the
Neither would she be baby came.
able to go to Thailand. Max wept happy tears.
Normally she and her ‘Oh, Carly, we have the most
partner Max didn’t book beautiful little girl! Look!’
holidays much in advance, Carly turned her head
but this year, the one time and gazed at the helpless
they’d planned ahead, the camping holiday in Cornwall thrilled about becoming a wrinkled baby the midwife
unplanned had happened. once,’ she said, wistfully. parent every day, but she had placed on her tummy.
‘We always said we’d have ‘Oh. Have you got a saw it as something she didn’t For a moment, the infant
a baby one day,’ Max had spare tent?’ want – and probably wouldn’t just lay there, then she
said, hugging her. ‘And they ‘No, but you could borrow cope with. opened her eyes and gazed
say it’s best to have them this dress,’ Carly said. ‘It She hoped to feel better into Carly’s. And even though
while you’re young.’ should sleep six at least!’ when she finished work and Carly knew her baby couldn’t
Carly blinked back the ‘You’re was less tired. focus yet, she felt an instant
‘You just need
tears. She just wasn’t ready. lucky,’ Julie And she did. connection. She fell totally,
It was all very well for him. laughed. to get used to But it was too helplessly, endlessly in love.
His life wouldn’t be that ‘Lucky?’ hot to sit in ‘I can’t believe it!’ Max
different. He’d carry on in Carly cried. the idea’ the garden said. ‘Isn’t she beautiful?
his job. He’d probably even ‘I was going as planned. What shall we call her?’
go to Wimbledon. to go to Thailand! There you And she was constantly Carly gazed down at her
‘It’s such a big change, all are, off on wonderful going to the loo as well – daughter. Suddenly, the past
you just need to get used foreign holidays, and where missing set point in the most few months of discomfort
Y
GETT to the idea,’ Max smiled. am I booked this summer? crucial Wimbledon matches. transformed in her mind into
O: It wasn’t that easy. Carly The local maternity So much for catching all the the most wonderful golden
OT
2. PH was constantly sick, and department!’ action! So much for the joy season again. The season
2 at work she had to listen to The office fell silent as Julie of having a summer baby. that had brought her precious
0
2
D, everyone excitedly talking got up and walked out. Suddenly, the golden season, baby to her.
MITE about their holidays. ‘Julie’s been trying for a as she called it, had become ‘Summer,’ she said.
NG LI ‘We’re going camping in baby for years,’ Helen said. the worst time of year. ‘What else could we call
SHI Tuscany,’ said Helen. ‘Have Carly felt terrible. What ✣✣✣✣✣ her but Summer?’
URE PUBLI yo‘uN eov,e br ubt eween ,h Caadr lay ?fa’ntastic wMaasx thwea ms gartotewr iwngith m hoerre? ‘thSihnogusl dfonr’t tyhoeu b baeb yb?u’ yhinegr ElizabeTHthE D EaNleD, 2022
UT
© F
Woman’s Weekly Fiction 5
INTRIGUE
at the
Ink Plotters Club
A crime-writing weekend with a top author
seemed like a brilliant idea at first, but it wasn’t
long before events took an unsettling turn
B
ree Plummer ‘For Leda. All a bit rude, if crime novels and ‘writer
hurried down the you ask me. The god Zeus in residence’ for this
staircase at Kellett is supposed to have turned crime-writing weekend SERIAL
Hall. himself a swan in order to hosted by her ladyship. PART
At the bottom, ravish Leda. Imagine!’ She was the only member
ONE
the hallway forked in two Bree asked mildly, ‘Known of the Ink Plotters Crime
directions – one led to Lady Kellett long, Lydia?’ Writing Club with a home
a shorter staircase, which edging to the drawing room. big enough to offer everyone ‘So,’ said
Bree reckoned went down ‘Oh, since she was plain a bedroom each, along Carl Casper as Bree sipped
to the kitchen. Susie Fairbrother at primary with the benefit of her her drink, ‘you’re my biggest
In the other direction lay school,’ snorted Lydia, late husband’s extensive fan, I hear.’
the drawing room, where following Bree. ‘Now she’s wine cellar. ‘You must get that a lot,’
Lady Kellett was holding a got all this.’ Bree was still smarting with sighed Bree.
meet-and-greet for her guests. She swept her hand around embarrassment as her hostess ‘I never tire of hearing it,’
Kellett Hall sat on the edge the drawing room as they propelled her towards a tall, he smiled.
of Lower Melchem, the village entered, its walls a deep sandy-haired man standing ‘I’ve read all of your
where Bree worked and lived fuchsia to contrast with the by the window, clutching Inspector Golightly books,’
as the local vicar. violet drawing room across a glass and frowning out at she confided. ‘She’s clever
She rarely got a Friday the hallway. the grounds of Kellett Hall. and feisty, but compassionate
evening off, let alone Lady Kellett dashed forward, Lady Kellett made the too. I’ve always wondered…
a Saturday (she had a all tinkly bracelets and trailing introductions, plucking what’s her first name?’
colleague taking Sunday scarves, gushing, ‘Welcome to a glass of sparkling liquid ‘Ah, that is one mystery
morning service), but this our murder-mystery weekend! off a tray being carried that must remain so,’ he
weekend had been too I hope that your room is around the room by a grinned. ‘Inspector Golightly
exciting to miss. comfortable, Reverend?’ middle-aged woman. ‘Thank is a bit like the second Mrs
‘All set for our guest ‘I’ve a wonky lavatory in you, Mrs Stagg. Reverend, de Winter in Rebecca – we
speaker, Vicar?’ my en suite,’ Bree blushed your welcome never learn her first name.’
Bree started as one of her reported Lydia drink. Elderflower He nodded back towards
parishioners, Lydia Kirby, grumpily. as Lady Kellett cordial, as the other Ink Plotters drifting
popped out from behind an Lady Kellett requested. I shall about the room, casting shy
led her over
alabaster statue of a nymph ignored her be back shortly,’ glances in his direction. ‘All
wrapped in the wings and linked an to Carl Casper she added, women, I see.’
of a huge, hovering bird. arm through spotting something ‘A man joined – briefly –
‘Leda and the Swan,’ Bree’s. ‘Come and meet our from the corner last year,’ said Bree. ‘I think
shuddered Lydia, following guest of honour. I’ve told him of her eye. he felt a bit daunted by all of
Bree’s gaze. ‘Susie’s you’re a superfan!’ Bree turned to see that us though. Lady Kellett herself
supposed to be the model.’ Bree blushed as Lady Kellett Lydia had opened a glass- only joined a few months ago
‘Lady Kellett was the model led her over to Carl Casper, fronted cabinet and extracted and quickly made herself the
for the swan?’ author of 12 acclaimed a china shepherdess. de facto president, though
6 Woman’s Weekly Fiction
by Gabrielle Mullarkey
with nobody brave enough to gates and get the key off
point out that the same could you as soon as you’re back.’
be said for their creators. ‘I can drive you to the
‘And perhaps,’ said Lady chapel as well.’
Kellett, glancing at Carl, ‘No need!’ he said quickly,
‘Mr Casper might drop a few giving her a warm smile.
hints about his next Inspector ‘I like being alone with my
Golightly novel?’ thoughts to see how a place
Bree noted a look of panic might feature in a book.
cross Carl’s face. As long as you’re happy
‘What was the to let me look
favour you wanted Lydia around alone?’
to ask?’ she Bree
pounced on
reminded him as the hesitated for
group drifted away her in the a moment.
to prepare for dinner. ‘Of course, it’s
Carl turned driveway no problem…’
towards Bree so she trailed
abruptly that she stopped in off, unsure of quite what as
her tracks, causing a pile-up niggling her.
of deeply earwigging club She hoped the stone
members behind her. ‘I’d like simplicity of the chapel
the key to the Saxon chapel wouldn’t disappoint. It was
a mile from here,’ he replied. atmospheric, but also dark
‘Thinking of using it for and cramped. Only a handful
a major scene in my next of services were held there
officially, we don’t go in for would be given over to Golightly novel. It’d be great during the year.
rules and regs. I don’t know a crime-writing workshop to look inside.’ She was no sooner
her,’ she added, pointing to with Carl, followed by Taking advantage of the heading for her car than
the tray carrier. ‘Did Lady K feedback on shared work, excited buzz this caused, Lydia pounced on her in the
call her Mrs Stagg?’ and dinner. For those who he added sotto voce to driveway. ‘I heard some of
‘Live-in housekeeper,’ had paid extra, Carl would Bree, ‘That’s why I took your conversation with Carl.’
explained Carl Casper. ‘The give a one-to-one tutorial on this gig. My website does Knowing Lydia as she did,
only servant on the premises, Sunday, before his departure. say ‘available for talks and Bree naturally assumed that
I believe. You’re not a regular ‘Can’t wait,’ he murmured workshops’, so when Lady K meant all of it.
visitor to the hall, then?’ near Bree. ‘I’m assuming got in touch, I looked up this ‘Do you think I should offer
‘Not even in a professional that, like everyone else here, area online and found out to show him other landmarks?’
capacity,’ confirmed Bree. you’re a keen crime writer about the chapel. I read that Lydia nodded at her rakishly
‘Last time we discussed the as well as reader?’ it’s usually locked and the parked Beetle. ‘Miller’s Pond
matter, Lady Kellett informed ‘I’m a novice,’ replied Bree. local vicar has the key.’ could make a great spot
me she was flirting with ‘I haven’t booked you for a Bree nodded as they carried for a murder. It’s only a
Buddhism, as recommended tutorial because I’ll probably on across the hallway. ‘I don’t 10-minute drive from here.’
by her daughter, who’s barely come up with 100 have it on me, but can nip ‘I think Carl wants to fly
travelling in Asia. I’m the words the whole weekend. back to the vestry for it. Will solo,’ explained Bree as
local vicar,’ she added. ‘Off- Others are more prolific,’ she tomorrow be OK?’ tactfully. She couldn’t help
duty, so no dog collar.’ added, with His face fell. ‘With feeling that the last thing Carl
Carl’s eyes lit up. ‘Yes, a warning nod towards tomorrow’s schedule so tight, would want when he was
I did hear Lady K refer to you Lydia. She didn’t add that, I had hoped to take a look at looking for literary inspiration
just now as “Reverend”.’ He at last month’s meeting of the chapel this evening. If you was Lydia dragging him
lowered his voice. ‘Actually, the Ink Plotters, Lydia had don’t mind fetching the key?’ here, there and everywhere.
I’ve a favour to ask you…’ regaled them with three Bree stifled a spurt of ‘I reckon he’s keener than
But just then, Lady Kellett chapters of Murder Most annoyance. ‘I’ll head back you think about exploring
clapped her hands to address Maniacal, featuring crime- now,’ she sighed. the area with a local,’
the room. solving sleuth Lyra Kidney ‘I really appreciate it.’ sniffed Lydia. ‘Why else
She briskly introduced Carl and her faithful pet marmoset ‘Call me Bree,’ she replied. contact Susie about offering
and outlined the weekend Melvin. ‘All detectives have ‘Will you tell her ladyship a workshop here?’
ahead. Tonight would be quirky pets because they’re I’ve popped out for a bit?’ Bree started. ‘I thought it
a welcome dinner. Saturday eccentric,’ Lydia claimed, ‘Of course. I’ll wait at the Continued overleaf
Woman’s Weekly Fiction 7
by Gabrielle Mullarkey
was the other way round.’ wife Amelia was him – only to mistime
‘No. In fact, she was much younger than her approach and find
surprised when his agent him, and given to herself locked in.
got in touch and asked if ‘nervous hysterics’. Parking under
Carl could come and look It’s said that Jane got a yew tree, Bree
at Kellett Hall – because of the inspiration for the hurried up to
the Jane Austen link, you neurotic Mrs Bennet the oak door, calling,
know. And then Carl himself during her stay and may ‘I’m here!’
messaged her, offering his have made extensive notes.’ She inserted the key and
services for the weekend.’ Bree went on to read turned it. The door opened
Bree pondered this as she that the hall had been relatively smoothly, given
resumed the walk to her car. open to the public until the that Carl must have eased it
She knew vaguely about 1980s, when the current ‘Reverend!’ Lydia sounded for her. Lydia practically fell
the Jane Austen connection Lady Kellett’s husband had panicky. ‘I’m locked in into
to the Hall, and resolved inherited a large sum and the chapel! I just – well – her arms, wild-eyed and
to ask Lady Kellett about decided he could do without I decided to come and look whimpering. ‘Vicar! Thank
it on her return with the the public traipsing around. at the place on my way goodness you’re here!
chapel key – as well as sort Bree drifted upstairs to to Miller’s Pond and Carl I heard someone – a woman
out whose idea the crime wait for the dinner gong, must have got here just – scream a few minutes
writing weekend had actually intrigued. She had a lot to before me. So I was waiting ago! Just outside here. Blood-
been. She wasn’t sure why ask her ladyship about, but for my chance to talk to him, curdling, it was.
it mattered, except that it first, she decided she needed but he can’t have seen me I nearly fainted clean away.’
did strike her as unlikely, a quick lie-down, and, in and then he left and locked ‘It wasn’t a fox?’
the humble Ink Plotters Club the dark depths of her room, me in and – and –’ Lydia rallied sufficiently to
snaring a luminary such as soon dozed off. ‘It’s OK, Lydia. I’ve got give Bree a withering look.
Carl Casper. Bree woke to a tap on her the key back. I’ll pop over ‘No, not a fox, nor a screech
He was waiting for her at door and opened it to find and let you out,’ Bree said, owl, but a woman. I know
the gates, when she drove Carl Casper standing there keeping her voice calm what I heard.’
back with the key. She swinging the chapel key and even. Bree sighed. ‘I’ll lock up,
handed it over. ‘Door’s old, on his finger. ‘Returned, as ‘Please hurry. It’s then we’ll walk around the
heavy oak, so might need promised. Oh – hope it’s getting dark!’ chapel, make sure no one’s
a firm tug when you lock up.’ OK that I found your room Bree ran downstairs. slipped and fallen while out
‘Thanks. I’ve got the by consulting a list of room When she poked her for a stroll.’ Though who’d
address on my sat-nav. Be allocations downstairs. The head back into the fuchsia be strolling through such
back for dinner.’ chapel was all I’d hoped drawing room, she saw a desolate spot at this time
Back inside the Hall, for.’ He tapped a notebook- Carl and the Ink Plotters of evening, she had no idea.
Bree found no sign of Lady shaped outline in his pocket. nibbling canapés. With Lydia clutching her
Kellett, or her fellow plotters. ‘Got some valuable ideas. If Wishing she could elbow, they made a brisk
Even Lydia had vanished. you’re looking for the rest of join them, she hurried inspection of the graveyard.
Bree peered back into the the group, they’re convening out instead to her car. But, as she headed
driveway and noticed that downstairs Despite the between gravestones back
This was
Lydia’s car was missing. for pre-dinner deepening to her car, the fading light
A suspicion about her nibbles. No sign not a place twilight and twisty winked on something lying
destination took shape, but of Lady K, so country lanes, on the pathway edge.
she decided Carl could take we’ll probably to be she arrived at the She stooped to pick it up
care of himself and wandered help ourselves.’ chapel in under and Lydia gave a gasp of
stranded
into the library. There she As she changed 15 minutes. It recognition. ‘That’s Susie’s – ZIEL
found a leaflet, framed on into a fresh sat on a hillside, Lady Kellett’s!’ AL
D
the wall, about the ‘Jane top, her mobile buzzed. It surrounded by listing Bree peered more closely NA
Austen connection’. Reading took her a few seconds to gravestones, eerily silent. at the pearl earring on her N: TRI
O
it jogged her memory. locate the phone, which had This was not a place, palm. ‘Is it?’ ATI
The leaflet said that Jane slipped down behind the Bree acknowledged, to be ‘Oh yes, I’d recognise it STR
U
Austen had spent a week bed. She picked it up – and stranded overnight. It was anywhere, Vicar. That was 2. ILL
2
at Kellett Hall in 1796, the immediately recognised obvious to her that Lydia had one of a pair Susie was 0
2
same year she’d begun Pride the number, alongside a stalked Carl to the chapel, wearing when she held the NG,
HI
and Prejudice: ‘Lord Walter series of missed calls. She followed him inside and meet-and-greet earlier.’ S
Kofe lJlaentte w’sa fsa tahne ro. ldW fariletenrd’s an‘sLwydeirae?d’ the latest call. twhhenile s kpulalknendi nign tthoe b suhttaodnohwolse CGOaNbTrIiNelUleE MS OullNar PkAeyG, E2 20020 URE PUBLI
UT
© F
8 Woman’s Weekly Fiction
by Christina Collins
A
s Irene flicked miniature red roses took
over the centre stage, while two thin
page of her cherry-coloured candles
Cute Kittens flickered romantically.
calendar, the date They took their seats and a
jumped out at her. Forty waiter poured them each
years of marriage! a glass of expensive-looking
She knew Gary would cabernet sauvignon.
remember, he always Irene sipped her wine
did, and the annual as she studied the specials
bunch of flowers would menu. Tomato and pepper
be delivered. Maybe crostinis, followed by
it was her delight at LOVE red mullet in a rich chilli

receiving anything Defining and garlic sauce, were
at all on their first the order of the day.
anniversary that As they finished off
had encouraged him with a raspberry and
to continue giving Irene knew what to expect from her strawberry pavlova, the
flowers as an volume of the music rose
ongoing tradition. husband on their special day – so and Irene listened as
She’d been Simply Red resonated
marginally why would this year be any different? around the booth.
disappointed when, ‘It’s not their usual
on their 25th music tonight is it,
anniversary, the gift hadn’t said, clinking Irene’s mug down the stairs, her fitted Gary?’ she commented. ‘I’m
changed, but it was a in a celebratory fashion. dress hanging gracefully loving their choice of songs.’
slightly larger bouquet. ✢✢✢✢✢ over her still-slender hips. Gary stared at her across
Gary was consistent if When the day arrived, Her hair was pinned up, the table, his grey eyes
nothing else and, as this was Gary’s sunshine vibe with a sparkling clip. locking with hers. She
his only flaw, she had nothing radiated around Irene. His Gary’s eyes roamed over detected an air of jubilation,
to complain about. He’d buoyant smile beamed her, ‘You look amazing!’ and felt the dimples in her
been brimming with romantic down on her before she’d Irene smiled. ‘Flowers cheeks becoming prominent.
gestures before she’d married even had the chance and compliments. I’m Gary reached into his
him, and she knew he still to clear her blurry eyes. impressed,’ she thought. jacket pocket and pulled
loved her. So what if it was ‘Happy anniversary, Her brother-in-law James out a small velvet box. He
flowers again for their Irene,’ Gary said, pulling the had arrived. placed it in front of Irene,
ruby anniversary? obligatory bunch ‘Your carriage who eyed it suspiciously.
So what if it
‘Don’t you mind that he of flowers from awaits,’ he ‘What’s this?’
hasn’t got you something behind his back was flowers jested as Irene ‘Open it.’
special this year?’ her as if they were stepped outside, She lifted the lid and inside
sister Liz enquired when a big surprise. He again? her stiletto heels was a vibrant red ruby
they met. ‘I mean, not pecked her on the clipping across pendant on a delicate gold
many people are lucky cheek. ‘I’ve booked a table the path. A red Jaguar was chain. Reflecting the glow
enough to reach their 40th for us at The Rouge for 7pm.’ parked on the driveway. from the candles, its facets
wedding anniversary.’ Irene took the flowers and ‘New car, James? Smart!’ bounced the light around and
Irene sipped her started to cut the stems. Gary She sank into the plush gave her eyes a rosy sparkle.
cappuccino. ‘Not really. had excelled himself as they leather seats, the interior ‘Happy anniversary,
It’s who Gary is, Liz, and were an impressive bunch. oozing as much opulence Irene,’ Gary said softly.
Y
GETT I wouldn’t expect anything Red tulips, anemones and as the gleaming bodywork. Irene lifted the pendant
O: different. So I won’t carnations slotted in between ‘Here,’ James said, and from the box and twirled
OT
2. PH be disappointed.’ sprays of white freesia, and passed them a bottle of pink it around in her fingers. At
2 ‘Maybe you should have sweet-scented foliage. champagne. ‘Enjoy a glass the same time, she took in
0
2
D, given him a hint. I know ‘These are lovely, Gary, now. Happy anniversary!’ Gary’s red tie, and tasted
MITE I would have!’ and The Rouge sounds great.’ At The Rouge, Irene and saltiness in her mouth. Tears
NG LI ‘That’s not my style. We’re ‘James is giving us a lift. Gary were directed to a of happiness had just spilled
HI
S both happy and healthy, and Saves taking the car.’ private booth, an upgrade over onto her crimson lips.
URE PUBLI tha‘Wt’se elln, oeungjohy f oyro umre d.’ay,’ Liz reaAdt y6. .S3h0ep mhe, aIrdeende swloaws ly othne raen by etfaobrlee. tAhe vya’dse h oafd ChristinTaH CE oElNlinDs, 2022
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Woman’s Weekly Fiction 9
I
s everything all right?
I was expecting
you tomorrow,’
Pam asked.
‘I’ve been sent,’
18-year-old Jodie
whispered. ‘They’re
worried about you.’
‘They?’
‘Mum and Dad. Mum’s
really anxious. She
thought you might open
up to me.’
‘Why?’ Pam asked,
genuinely surprised.
‘What’s given them
cause for concern? I’m
only 70 – these days,
that’s not ancient!’
‘Dad thinks you’re
behaving strangely, and
Mum suspects you’re up
Pam’s SECRET
to something.’
‘Nothing new there,’
chuckled Pam. ‘I like to
keep them on their toes.’
Jodie gave her
She knew her news might cause upset –
grandmother a big hug.
‘That’s just one of the
but could Pam keep it to herself?
things I love about you.
You’re so full of life.
Everything about you is
mysterious and exotic.’ her keep-fit class and sung ‘but I am going to London… secret to herself a while
Pam looked around her. She with the choir. on business.’ longer. Jodie was young, but
had a dying orchid on the ‘Mum’s suspicious because ‘Business?’ Jodie’s face lit there had always been a close
window sill but, as far as she she says you’ve had your best up. ‘That sounds intriguing.’ bond between them. Pam
was concerned, that was coat cleaned and you’ve ‘It’s “mind your own could see so much of herself
about as ‘exotic’ as she got. booked a taxi to take you to business”, young lady, and in her granddaughter. She so
Nevertheless, she was the station,’ Jodie confessed. that goes for your parents too.’ wanted to confide in her.
happy to play the part of Then, the penny dropped, Pam tapped the side of her Pam felt that Jodie was the
a glamorous, fun-loving gran and Pam tried to hide a smile. nose, just as her father had one person who really listened
if it kept Jodie and the rest of ‘I didn’t realise I had done when he had a secret. to what she had to say. She’d
the family interested in her. 24-hour surveillance.’ It was all well and good always said it was a true gift
She hated the thought she’d ‘I told them it must be having her family live close to be a good listener.
become a duty to visit. because you by, but it did Now Caroline, her
‘Dad thinks
There was a twinkle in have a hot mean they daughter, had what Pam
Pam’s eye as she tried to date in you’re behaving could keep referred to as a butterfly mind.
think what could have London,’ Jodie tabs on her She might start off listening,
alerted her daughter and continued. strangely’ – not that she but soon she’d drift off and
son-in-law to her current ‘How did had anything daydream about something
situation. Had she done you know?’ to hide. Usually. She liked to completely different. George,
something out of character? ‘It’s true then?’ Jodie feel independent. Caroline’s father, was just the
She’d gone to lunch with laughed, and Pam joined in ‘They mean well,’ Jodie same – dreamers, the pair
one old friend and had been because she’d been caught out said, as though she’d read of them!
to the garden centre for coffee by her quick-witted grandchild. Pam’s mind. ‘You know how ✣✣✣✣✣
with another. No, she’d not They were so alike. Mum worries about you?’ Once Jodie had left, Pam
done any more socialising ‘I haven’t got a date, if that’s Pam managed to change couldn’t concentrate on
than normal. She’d been to what you mean,’ Pam told her, the conversation and keep her anything. She looked at the
10 Woman’s Weekly Fiction