Poisoned Cherries

Chapter 41

Did that make Ricky’s day? Not by a long way. He tried everything to talk me round; he even got Miles in on the act. But I wasn’t having any of it, and eventually they came to terms with it. Most of all, of course, what I wasn’t having was Mandy O’Farrell in my spare room.

I did phone Susie, though, as I’d agreed, as soon as I got home. I told her the real reason for my jumpiness the day before and I told her about the photograph. I didn’t expect her to sound frightened, and she wasn’t. I did expect her to sound angry, and she was. But not just at the mischief-maker; she turned the heat on me as well. ‘Why the hell are you only telling me this now?’ she demanded. ‘Do you think I’m some sort of a bloody wimp? If this guy’s threatening anyone he’s threatening our daughter, and I had a right to know that from the start.’ She paused, for emphasis, I guessed. ‘Now tell me what you’re doing about it. . and I’d better be impressed, or I’ll make my own arrangements.’ I didn’t like to think what they might be. Lord Provost Jack Gantry had had connections with some euphemistically named security firms around Glasgow, and the survivors were still around.

‘You’ve had cover since last night,’ I told her. ‘One of Ricky’s guys has had you in his sight ever since. I plan to step that up. There’s a woman on his staff; you met her, briefly, the other night. I plan to move her in with you, until this guy’s nailed.’

‘That big blonde Amazon?’ she exclaimed. ‘The one you called Mandy?’

‘That’s the one.’

‘Can she handle herself?’

‘Oh yes. She wouldn’t be working for Ross if she couldn’t.’ I was taking a chance that she could also keep her mouth shut. . something she hadn’t been able to do the night before. . but I wanted Susie and Janet to have effective close protection and I couldn’t think of anyone who was better equipped to do the job.

‘Okay,’ she agreed, just a touch grudgingly. ‘I’ll give her a try. But the best solution is to catch this guy. Have you reported it to the police?’

‘Ricky’s briefed his contacts; they know what’s happened, but they’re keeping it under wraps.’

‘So what the hell are you and Ross actually doing, apart from giving me a house-guest and sitting on your arses?’

‘The only thing we can, love. We’re waiting for his next move.’