“This is interesting,” Keya said to Warren. “About a week ago, after some particularly insistent messages from Ashley to Daisy, she sent him this one. ‘Enough. I am not your girl. I am with Theo now and we are planning our future. And our family.’”
“How did Ash respond to that?” Warren asked.
“He didn’t. There were no more messages for several days and then there was one asking where to deliver some bread.”
Ten minutes later, Keya was scrolling through messages between Daisy and Doreen which were generally polite, if not particularly affectionate.
“I wonder if Daisy told her mum about her plans to start a family as there’s a message from Doreen saying, ‘We need to discuss your plans.’”
“But that could mean anything,” reasoned Warren.
“You’re right.” Keya put her section of printed sheets down on her desk and said, “I need a break. And something to eat.”
“Sujin suggested we try the new lunchtime menu at The Twelve Bells pub. And there’s a nice garden we can sit in,” said Ryan.
“I haven’t been there for ages. It’s run by a local husband and wife team, isn’t it?”
“Yes, Carol and Steve. Shall I call Sujin and see if he’s ready for lunch?”
While Ryan made the call, Warren asked, “Can I join you?”
“Of course you can. You’re part of the team now.”
Even Stan abandoned his missus’ homemade sandwiches and joined them in the colourful garden at the rear of The Twelve Bells pub. Sujin, Ryan, and Warren carried drinks across to the wooden picnic table where Stan and Keya were sitting.
“Here you go Stan, half a pint of the guest ale.” Ryan placed a glass of foamy dark brown liquid in front of Stan and sat down next to him.
“And sparkling water with ice for you, Keya. And Carol added a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint to freshen it up,” Sujin said, placing a tall, highball glass in front of Keya before sitting down next to her.
Keya was grateful, as her head was starting to hurt. Was it from all the information she’d been going through this morning?
“And they said the food will take ten minutes,” Warren added. He carried a wooden chair over from another table, placed it at the end of the picnic bench, and sat down.
They chatted happily in the warm sunshine. The day felt fresh after the overnight rain and the flowers were bright and cheerful.
“What are you all doing this weekend?” Stan asked.
“Working at the cafe,” Keya slurred. She stopped, and noticed Sujin glance at her with concern. She focused on the glass in front of her. Or was it two glasses?
“Millie and I are embarking on the second section of the Cotswold Way, from Wotton-under-Edge to Leckhampton Hill.”
“How far is that?” asked Stan.
“Just over thirty-five miles.”
“Rather you than me, and it’s due to get hot this weekend.” Stan lifted his glass to his lips.
“There should be some great views. Particularly in the final section as we climb up to the top of Leckhampton Hill.”
“Bonkers,” Stan muttered, and sipped his ale.
The food arrived, and Keya enjoyed the first part of her hummus and pickled vegetable sandwich in a homemade brown bread roll. But she struggled to swallow the final part, and her stomach felt sore.
Ten minutes later, Sujin yawned and said, “I better get back.” I need to check the results of a test I’m running.
“I suppose we should all head back,” Stan said in a wistful tone.
Keya didn’t feel like working this afternoon. She just felt like staying in the garden and sleeping. She felt her eyelids drooping.
“Keya?” Ryan asked, getting concerned.
“Just leave me here,” she mumbled.
She felt a hand shake her shoulder, and another voice urged, “Keya!”
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Keya was only partly aware of someone helping her to stand up. Or was it two sets of arms urging her forward?
And there was shouting. Had something happened? She couldn’t focus properly, and her arms were stiff and sore.
“Wait here!” someone called.
Were they speaking to her?
She leaned against someone. Sujin, she thought from the rich, earthy, slightly exotic smell.
