Read Online Jazz and Die by Stella Whitelaw - Free Book Online Page A

steep climb up the grass sward. The pair of them could be anywhere. There were dozens of worn paths going off in different directions, half hidden by shrubs and wild brambles. The band might have been a hundred miles away but still the brass sound carried. I could almost make out a tune but couldn’t put a name to it.
    A bulky figure in a windcheater was walking towards me, two light tan Labradors romping around his feet, enjoying the freedom of the grassland, the wind blowing through their silky coats. I recognized him. It was Tom Lucas, the number one steward from last night’s concert.
    ‘Hi there, Jordan, enjoying these lovely views?’ he called out. ‘All free gigs this morning. Our work starts at one o’clock prompt. Where did the rota say you should be?’
    Time had been kind to him. He had such a sweet smile, strong teeth and pleasant voice. No wonder Mrs Lucas stamped her ownership, accepted the jazz.
    The dogs came rushing over to me, scenting a friend. ‘Hello, boys,’ I said, giving them my hand to sniff before I ventured to stroke them. I’m always scared of dogs. I’ve seen too many injuries from bites in my WPC days.
    ‘They’re friendly,’ said Tom. ‘They won’t hurt you.’
    ‘I’m always careful. In case I’m not welcomed.’
    ‘You’re welcomed. They like you. They’re called Ant and Dec.’
    The dogs were a little overweight like their master. They didn’t get enough walks. I wondered if Tom had a job with long hours that kept him within four walls or perhaps Mrs Lucas overfed them. Too many doggy treats.
    ‘I’m looking for Maddy,’ I said. ‘Chuck Peters’ daughter. I think she was with Ross, the drummer.’
    ‘Are they up here?’
    ‘Someone saw them coming this way.’
    ‘Oh, I know the chap. Wild and windy hair. No, I haven’t seen them. They haven’t come this way. Be careful, Jordan, the pathveers very close to the cliff edge up here. The council ought to put up a fence.’
    Very close to the cliff edge? Fear rose in my throat. Supposing there had been an accident and Maddy had gone over and Ross was scrambling down to rescue her? I would have to look.
    Vertigo. It all came rushing back, my acute vertigo outside my new flat. The dizziness, the sickness, the trembling legs. What could I do? I could hardly ask Tom to look when he had two lively dogs, Ant and Dec, to look after. I could hardly ask him to hold onto my belt while I peered cautiously over the cliff edge, white faced and sweating.
    I wished I was up here to enjoy the view of the bay for it was a glorious sight, fresh and windy. The air was sweet, tinged with wild flowers, sea-thrift and clover, and salt blown up from the turbulent sea below was blowing through my head. I could hear it thrashing on the rocks. No sand or sailing boats here, only cliff falls.
    ‘You’re looking very worried,’ said Tom.
    ‘I am worried.’
    ‘I’m sure that young lady can look after herself. Ross wouldn’t dare try anything on and lose his spot in Chuck Peters’ band. It’s his big chance in the jazz world. He’ll go far.’
    ‘The cliff edge?’
    Tom chuckled. ‘They’ve probably headed for the bushes.’
    I didn’t say that Maddy was the one who wouldn’t care if Ross lost his place in the band. His career didn’t mean anything if she could get what she wanted. She was a determined young woman. She would get her claws into him, whatever the cost. He’d have a job fighting her off.
    As if to back up my thoughts, I caught sight of Ross running downhill further inland, half sliding on the grass, his shirt flapping off his back. He was glancing back over his shoulder as he ran, panting, trying to keep his balance on the steep slope.
    ‘There he is!’
    ‘And there’s young Maddy.’
    Maddy had emerged from a scrub of bushes, brushing leavesfrom her clothes, trying to fix her hair. She started waving her fist at him, her face contorted.
    ‘I’ll make you pay for this, you bastard,’ she shouted, her words