Birds Of A Feather Episode 44
Jess had just given Alfie his dinner and was trying to convince herself that she really should eat something when she heard a vehicle stop outside the cottage.
It was Rob’s.
“I got your message,” he said as she let him in. “It sounded urgent.”
“It is. But first, how’s your father?”
“He’s come round, but still isn’t out of the woods.”
“You look shattered. Would you like a cup of tea? Or maybe something stronger?” Jess offered.
“Tea would be great, thanks.” Rob sat down at the kitchen table and ran his hand over his face.
“It gives you a jolt when you look at your parents and realise for the first time that they’re getting older.
“Dad looked terrible. But he would insist on talking. It was as if he wanted to get it all off his chest before he . . .”
He stopped and shook his head. Jess could guess what he’d been afraid to say and her heart went out to him.
“He’s in the best place,” she said gently.
Rob nodded and took a sip of the tea that Jess handed him.
“What Dad told us confirmed Alice’s suspicions. Heston Building Supplies is on the verge of bankruptcy and Brigstocke is behind the business’s failure.
“All he was interested in was getting his hands on the site where the business used to be.
“But he’s gone to a lot of trouble for just a building plot.”
“I don’t think that’s what he was after,” Jess said slowly, as things began to fall in place. “Not after overhearing him talk this afternoon.”
Rob frowned at her.
“Where was this? I thought we agreed we weren’t going to push it any further?”
Jess nodded.
“I know, but I was in the studio earlier and saw Brigstocke talking to someone.
“When I got out the binoculars I saw it was Harry Manvers.
“I can’t believe I trusted him. I actually heard them discussing a deal they’re working on.”
“How did you do that from here?”
Jess flushed.
“I went down there,” she admitted. “I’m sure they’re using that garage as a warehouse, using your father’s business as a cover for some sort of smuggling racket.
“Did Heston Building Supplies have regular deliveries from overseas?”
“Yes, they did. I used to enjoy watching the lorries come in with the foreign number plates.” Rob looked thoughtful.
“If there is something dodgy about the cargo, it would be easier to offload it in the middle of nowhere than in the town centre.”
“Well, there’s a shipment due tomorrow night at eight. Harry Manvers said he’d bring the money. Then Brigstocke said . . .”
She broke off. This was the bit she wasn’t looking forward to.
“Go on,” Rob said warily.
“He threatened Harry. He said the last person who’d crossed him didn’t live to tell the tale.
“A young journalist. He described watching her car roll over.”
She saw the colour drain from Rob’s face.
“What shall we do?”
He looked surprised she should even ask.
“You must tell the police what you heard.” He glanced at his watch and stood up. “I have to go.
“My mother and I have a few bridges to build and she’d never forgive me if I’m late for dinner.
“Promise me you’ll phone the police.”
Jess promised, and as she opened the door to let him out, a car drew up in front of Elsie’s cottage.
It was Ben. Elsie had been visiting her sister for the day and he’d obviously brought her home.
He got out of the car to help his grandmother and glanced across at them.
His face darkened as he saw Rob.
“Ben, this is Rob,” she began. “He’s –”
“He’s the reason you’re too busy to see me tonight,” he said coldly. “You don’t have to explain.”
Before Jess could put him right, he gave his grandmother a kiss on the cheek and got back in his car.
“Ben, please,” Jess began. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
But she got no further. He drove off, leaving Elsie, Jess and Rob staring after him.
“It’s your own fault,” Elsie said. “I told you to snap him up before someone else did. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”