CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

“The doctor shouldn’t have allowed you to go out today. You’re exhausted,” a nurse scolded as she helped Keya into her pyjamas on Monday evening.

Keya certainly felt wiped out, but she wouldn’t have missed the afternoon’s meeting. It gave her closure about Daisy’s death and her poisoning, however unsatisfactory that was.

Aurora and Viv had promised to keep an eye on Theo, and Viv had even said she might ask about taking over the bakery. She enjoyed helping Aurora, but the shop was barely profitable enough to support them both.

Keya had told her to be in touch if she did, as the Waterwheel Cafe and Deli would certainly be interested in stocking and using the bakery’s products.

“Here’s your tea,” said the nurse as she pulled back the blue curtain.

Keya tried to look enthusiastic as a grey plastic plate of limp egg sandwiches was placed on her portable table. But when the orderly left, she reached under her pillow and removed a plastic container of couscous salad, which Sujin had bought for her before she’d returned to the hospital.

Beside her, a lady with neat, bobbed, white hair laughed. “I don’t blame you, dear. I’m here because of an issue with my digestion, and the food they serve is hardly going to help. Now I noticed that young police officer who escorted you here. Have you done something naughty?”

Keya smiled. Her stay in the hospital was going to be far more fun with her new neighbour.

Ryan came with Zivah to visit on Tuesday morning.

“Ryan gave me a lift,” Zivah said, “and smuggled me in. Otherwise I wouldn’t be able to visit as I’m at the cafe this afternoon and then picking Kaami up from Mum’s when I’ve finished. Feeding, bathing, and putting him to bed takes hours, so I’d also miss this evening’s visiting hours. But how long are you going to be in here?”

“A few more days, I think. They’re concerned that I exhausted myself yesterday, but I needed to find out what happened to Daisy.”

“Ryan told me all about it.” Zivah glanced at Ryan.

“It’s terrible,” she continued. “And in a small community like that. They must all be devastated. But then people aren’t as kind, considerate, and tolerant as they should be. Look at old Mr Shipton, who lives next to the Clutterbucks’ farm where Ryan lives. The residents in the houses opposite treat him dreadfully, even though they’ve only just moved in, and he’s lived in his bungalow for years.”

Keya looked at Ryan and asked, “Is it something you need to get involved in?”

“I have tried to mediate, in an unofficial capacity. I can see the new residents’ point of view. But they knew Mr Shipton’s place was a mess before they bought their executive homes.”

“I suspect the development company told them they were in the process of buying the property to build more houses, as I know they’ve tried to do, but Mr Shipton has no intention of leaving,” Zivah explained.

Keya enjoyed the discussion about the residents on Zivah’s street and she was pleased Ryan was close by to keep an eye on her sister.

“How was your weekend trip along the Cotswold Way?” Keya asked.

“Good. It wasn’t too hot on Sunday, so we ran the route in a reasonable time. And we’ll complete the final leg this Sunday, as long as Millie can organise someone to cover for her at the cafe.”

Zivah must have seen the concern on Keya’s face as she said, “But don’t worry. We’ll sort something out.”

There it was again. She should be organising and arranging shifts in her cafe. Not relying on others to do it for her.

Ryan cleared his throat and said, “And I came this morning to discuss your rural engagement commitments, which I’m taking over this week. There’s the school prize-giving, and what are your thoughts on security and our involvement at The Big Feastival?”

On Tuesday evening, Ryan and Warren accompanied Sujin to Cheltenham Hospital. Sujin collected Keya from the ward, and they sat at a table downstairs in the cafe and ordered a light supper.

“You’re still with the team?” Keya said to Warren.

“At least until you return to work. And we’ve solved a major case, haven’t we, Ryan?”

Sujin sat back, smiling.

“Daisy’s?” Keya asked in confusion.

“No. We caught the crop circle creators.” Warren proudly thrust his chest out.

“How?” Keya demanded, intrigued.

“It was Ashley Ricketts,” Ryan explained. “Some of his drinking mates were boasting about it in the pub. Ash admitted he normally eggs them on, but after what happened to Daisy, he thought he better report it in case someone else was injured.”

“So we were waiting for them at a field near Upper Oddington, and we caught them in the act!” Warren beamed.

“When?” Keya asked.

“Half past four this morning!” Warren admitted.

“You must be exhausted.”

“They’re young,” Sujin reasoned, as Warren yawned.

“We have tomorrow off, don’t we, Ryan?” Warren said.

“Why didn’t you tell me about this when you visited earlier, Ryan?” Keya asked.

Looking sheepish, he replied, “I knew Warren wanted to tell you and he was processing the suspects when Zivah and I visited. And I might have the morning off, but I’m handing out prizes at the school sports day tomorrow afternoon. I think I’ll go for a long bike ride in the morning. That’ll energise me,” Ryan said.

Warren gave him a sideways glance and muttered, “Not my idea of resting. But at least we have afternoon tea to look forward to at your cafe on Thursday, Keya. The inspector’s treating us.”

“I’m glad he kept his word, and I’m sorry I can’t join you. What about you, Sujin?” Keya asked.

“I’m working with Inspector Sue on a missing person’s case for head office in Gloucester. Inspector Unwin sends his regards, by the way.”

“Say hi, if you see him again.”

Sujin regarded her before asking, “He’s a good-looking guy, were you and he …”

“Oh, no! He did have his eye on Dotty for a while, but … well, that’s another story.”

On Wednesday, Dotty arrived as soon as afternoon visiting hours began.