Read Online Scandal at Six (Lois Meade Mystery) by Ann Purser - Free Book Online Page B

people! They’re just a load of nasty creatures, and my husband says I’m to quit. Once he’s made up his mind, there’s no moving him, and I must say I’m not sorry,” she replied. Her face was closed, allowing no more persuasive conversation, and with a quick nod she turned on her heel and got as far as the door before turning back.
    “Oh, an’ if you make any trouble for me about my wages, an’ that nasty tax inspector, don’t forget what I know about you! They’ll put you in a cage yourself, and for a nice long time!” With that parting shot, she was gone.
    The bird began chattering again, and Pettison cursed Mrs Richardson. “Nasty creatures, indeed! A case of the pot calling the kettle black, don’t you think?” he said. “Now, sir, I must look for another cleaner.”
    He found the telephone directory, services section, and looked down the list of cleaners. “From now on,” he addressed the woodpecker, “I shall use one of these cleaning businesses. One with a professional approach. Do the job, mind your own business, and leave. Ah, now sir, this looks likely. ‘New Brooms, We Sweep Cleaner.’ I like that!” He jotted down the number, and went out to his study and the telephone.
    *
    Lois was in her office when the call came in, and for one minute she wasn’t sure she had heard aright. “Robert Pettison, did you say? The zoo man?”
    “Yes, of course. Now, madam, you sound familiar. Have we met before?”
    “Um, yes, we have. Briefly. I came to see you about one of your snakes that escaped and was found in my daughter’s shop. How can I help you?”
    “Mrs Meade, isn’t it? I’m afraid I must have a wrong number. I am looking for New Brooms, a cleaning service. Sorry to trouble you.”
    “Hey, wait! You
have
got New Brooms. It’s my business, long established and extremely reliable.” She was doing some quick thinking, and in her mind had Dot Nimmo safely installed as cleaner and spy in Cameroon Hall.
    “Mm, well.” There was a long pause, and Lois could hear a tapping sound in the background.
    “You still there, Mr Pettison?”
    “Yes, I have given some thought to the matter, and I shall be glad if you could send a woman today. In about an hour’s time, please. Tell her to report at the gate.”
    “I’m afraid I couldn’t do that. I have a strict routine when taking on clients, and that involves my coming along to see you first. I shall need to estimate how long the work will take—just a quick tour around the house. Then we can sort out rates of pay, etcetera. You will appreciate I also need to make sure my staff will be safe, bearing in mind the animals and our unfortunate experience. When would it suit you for me to come along?”
    The tapping sound was now accompanied by a loud guffaw. “Splendid, Mrs Meade!” he said. “Would eleven o’clock suit you? And I’ll make sure none of our people are on the loose! Goodbye!”
    “Idiot,” Lois said aloud. “Still, Dot will be more than a match for him.”
    *
    Derek sat in the kitchen, reading the sports pages of the newspaper. “New client, and guess who?” said Lois, coming in with a smile.
    “David Beckham?”
    “Of course not! No, you’ll never guess, so I’ll tell you.”
    “I know,” said Gran, coming in from the larder. “It’s that bloke at the zoo. What’s ’isname.”
    “Mum, you’re a marvel,” said Lois. “And his name is Pettison. I’m going to see him this morning at eleven. Better get my skates on.”
    “Lois! I forbid it!” Derek had gone very red in the face. “Of all people, he is the most sinister old fool I’ve ever met. Don’t forget his lousy snake frightened us all to death.”
    “Too right!” said Gran. “You must be out of your mind, Lois. I’m with Derek on this.”
    “I don’t think you
have
met him, Derek,” Lois said calmly. “And I have, and am sure no harm can come from my going to see him. I don’t have to take him on if I decide not to. I was thinking Dot Nimmo