PART 7 of MURDER MYSTERY

“I’m hungry,” announced Lisbet as they left the church. “Is there anywhere decent to eat round here?”

“There’s the King’s Head up the road,” replied Liza. “You never know who you’re going to see in there though.”

“I’ll take a chance,” said Lisbet. “Anyway I’ve got something to tell you.”

Liza’s mind started working overtime. “You haven’t found a man?” said Liza.

“No, no such luck,” replied Lisbet. “But wait until we get there and I’ll tell you.”

It didn’t take them long to walk to the King’s Head, but by the time they got there it was already fairly full. “Oh look, there’s Adam,” said Liza.

“Who’s Adam?” asked Lisbet.

“Oh he’s a bit of a snob. Thinks he’s it because he became Catholic from being Methodist. His whole family is Methodist but he reckons he’s found THE Truth now.”

“Oh my God – one of THEM,” said Lisbet.

“Yes,” said Liza, “and he reckons he’s going to be a priest. Says he’s in formation.”

“Looks like he’s in formation regarding the female sex,” remarked Lisbet. “Look at that girl he’s got with him.”

“Oh, that’s Francesca,” said Liza. “Everybody likes her.”

Francesca really was rather beautiful with her olive skin and long black wavy hair.

“He’s under her spell,” said Lisbet. “I’ve a feeling he won’t make it into the priesthood.”

“Hmmm. Maybe,” agreed Liza.

“Look at all those bums on those stools round the bar,” Lisbet suddenly saud, “And I don’t fancy one of them!”

“Shut up!” replied Liza. “Can’t you think of anything else? Anyway, what did you have to tell me?”

“Oh, yes, I’m going back to Sweden. They’ve called me back. I’ll be gone within rhe next two weeks.”

“Oh NO,” exclaimed Liza. “Who on earth am I going to go to the swimming baths and see naked men with now? And who on earth am I going to blast off to about that stupid eco theology that’s all the rage now?”

“You mean you don’t agree wirh it?” said Lisbet.

“Well some of it is so far fetched,’ replied Liza.

“Oh I’m sure you’ll find someone to blast off at,” said Lisbet. “What about that man with the exploding bowels?”

“Oh, Hugh,” said Liza. “I haven’t seen him for a while. I wonder what’s happened to him?”

Oh I expect he’s floating around somewhere,” said Lisbet.

“Maybe,” replied Liza.

“I’m going to miss you though,” she said.

“Well there’s always emails and phone calls,” said Lisbet.

“I suppose,” said Liza.

On their way back to the cottage from the King’s Head, they started to reminisce. By the time they got back to the cottage Liza was feeling decidedly sad.

“Well maybe you can come back for a holiday some time.”

“Yes, maybe,” replied Lisbet. They hugged, and said “Goodbye” quickly, not wanting to draw out the sadness any more.

That night, Liza rang Jack.

“Fancy a drink at the Wheatsheaf?” she asked.

“Why not,” replied Jack. “I’m at a bit of a loose end, and anyway I’ve got something to tell YOU now.”

“Ooooh, I’m all ears. What is it Jack.”

“Well I’ve been talking to a journalist bloke from the Gazette, and there was a murder here quitexa lot of years ago, and for some reason the whole town’s talking about it again.”

“Oh my goodness,” said Liza. “I can’t wait to hear more. See you soon.”

“O.K.” said Jack.