Page 23 of Match Point in Crumbleton
‘Geraldine Scott,’ announced the woman.
‘It’s nice to meet you.’ Cath held out her hand, but Geraldine didn’t take it. Instead, she eyed it with suspicion and then crossed her arms over her ample bosom.
‘So, I guess you’re here about the cup?’
Well… at least that made things easier. Now Cath didn’t have to figure out how to broach the subject!
‘Yes, I—’
‘I meant to give it back when the last version of you left,’ said Geraldine, sounding defensive, ‘but it’s a lovely piece of silverware, and it’s important to the town. Anyway, I gave it pride of place in the window… and if I’m honest, I don’t really think about it much.’
Cath nodded. The antiques shop was a right little Aladdin’s cave. There were shelves from floor to ceiling, and they were all full to overflowing. Some of them were bowing ominously under the weight of curios, and Cath couldn’t help but wonder how often one of them gave up the will and went crashing down along with several hundred pounds worth of stock.
As for the window display, it looked like you’d pretty much have to send a mountaineering team out on an exhibition just to reach it, so she wasn’t exactly surprised that Geraldine didn’t think about it too often!
‘I don’t have it for sale if that’s what you’re thinking,’ huffed Geraldine.
‘Oh no!’ said Cath, shaking her head. ‘I didn’t, I mean I…’
‘I get it out of there twice a year to empty out the dead flies and give it a bit of a polish. I mean… it’s worth the effort. It’s part of the town’s history—and who’s going to see it in the museum?’ she paused for effect. ‘No one, that’s who! The place is a shambles.’
Cath felt herself bristling slightly, though she couldn’t imagine why. After all, it wasn’t her who’d been responsible for letting the place slide into such a state. But still… it was her territory now. At least, it was until the council ran out of cash.
‘Well… I’m here to change all that,’ she said, squaring her shoulders.
‘Hmm,’ said Geraldine, raising an eyebrow. ‘Well, I know what the paper said, but I can’t see you getting that place open in the next few weeks.’
Watch me!
The words might not have come out of her mouth, but Cath felt the lingering sense of desperation that had been haunting her since lunchtime disappear. Instead, it was replaced by a steely resolve. It felt… unexpectedly good.
‘Either way, I’ll be needing the cup back,’ said Cath, lifting her chin.
‘Got something sporty planned?’ said Geraldine.
‘You know… I might just have,’ said Cath, making a snap decision.
‘Well, feel free to pick my brain anytime,’ said Geraldine. Her voice was still loud enough to set the silverware on the shelves ringing, but it had definitely softened to a degree. ‘I hate to say this, but I was at the last game that cup was awarded at.’
‘You were?’ said Cath.
‘I was. Of course, I was a young whippersnapper back then – but I still remember it. Fantastic match… and there were these bowls of amazing strawberries. Locally grown. Sweet and juicy and covered in cream…’
Cath smiled and nodded along as Geraldine waxed lyrical. After about ten minutes without managing to get another word in edgeways, she began to surreptitiously edge back towards the shop door.
‘I just need to…’ she muttered, tapping her watch and stepping back onto the street as Geraldine finally paused to breathe.
‘Of course, of course,’ said Geraldine, flapping two meaty hands at her. ‘I’ll dig the cup out for you. It might take me a little while though.’
Cath nodded her thanks, still backing away. ‘I’ll come back for it!’
CHAPTER 10
ANDY
Andy tipped the little green can and guided the trickle of fuel carefully into the tank of the ancient lawnmower.
‘There you go, old girl,’ he murmured. ‘I bought you a drink… so you’re going to behave for me now, aren’t you?’
