Which was when Noah became quite hysterical at the thought of the security deposit, because those paintings and antiques were ‘worth a bloody fortune’.
For her part, Rona wanted to know how she was supposed to sleep ‘with a gun-toting murderer on the loose’, and didn’t appear reassured when Noah argued it was much more likely to be a paranormal purging taking place, and would anyone mind if he did a quick sweep for an ectoplasm trail?
Rona, it appeared, did very much mind, and took herself off to her room, which by the sounds of all the chair scraping on the floorboards above them was being thoroughly barricaded. However, Noah didn’t get much further in his slime exploration before they were interrupted by another sudden violent bang – this time one of so much energy that finally the front door broke free of its restraints and flew open, crashing against the wall with such force it was nearly ripped from its hinges.
Midge’s breath caught in her throat.
Framed against the illuminated night sky, a glowing figure loomed over the threshold.
Midge stared, unable to make sense of what she was seeing, as the shape began to take form. Despite Noah’s screams, it wasn’t the White Lady of the Moor standing in front of them.
It was Bridie.
Chapter41
‘There you are!’ cried Bridie, striding forward. ‘I’ve been banging and banging on the servants’ door for ages!’
‘It’s boarded up,’ said Harold, automatically, his face swinging between Bridie and Midge.
Midge was swept up in a firm hug before being released back on to the floor. ‘Goodness, Midge,’ continued Bridie, giving her the once-over, ‘what on earth is that on your mouth?’
For a moment, Midge couldn’t think what Bridie was talking about, having completely forgotten about her acquisition of Rona’s orange lipstick, and about her reapplication of it this morning. ‘Um. Lipstick, it’s Rona’s – she thought it suited my... my hair.’ Midge touched her hair, quickly, suddenly feeling slightly foolish.
‘Did she now?’ Bridie raised an eyebrow before turning to Noah, her hand outstretched. ‘Hello, I’m Bridie. Midge’s wife. Fantastic cloak, by the way.’
‘Not a ghost, then?’ said Noah in disappointment, taking her hand unenthusiastically.
‘Not the last time I checked,’ laughed Bridie. ‘What is this, flour?’ She brushed off a small dusting of flour on Midge’s arm. ‘And close your mouth, Midge, you look like you’re catching flies.’
But Midge was too shocked to control her lower jaw. How was Bridie even there? ‘I-I don’t understand...’
‘What’s to understand?’ said Bridie, turning back to her. ‘I felt bad all weekend for making you come when you clearly didn’t want to, so I thought I’d join you for the last evening.’ Bridie paused briefly. ‘Why are you just standing there?’
‘But you must be exhausted from the treatment,’ said Midge. This was typical of Bridie. Always pushing herself beyond her limits when she should be recuperating.
Bridie waved off her concern with a dismissive hand, but Midge could see the tell-tale signs of fatigue in the droop of her shoulders.
Harold’s eyes were wide open. ‘How did you get here? Have you got a car?’
‘Oh no, darling. I don’t drive,’ replied Bridie. ‘I took a taxi.’
‘So is the gate open now?’ said Harold.
‘Not completely,’ replied Bridie. ‘I had a dreadful time of it, to be honest. The driver would only bring me so far, apparently none of the locals will come near the house because of the white lady or something? I had to walk the last couple of miles or so.’
‘But how did you get on to the range?’ asked Harold.
‘Luckily, the gate was open for a short while at least,’ explained Bridie. ‘The firing was only scheduled for later this evening. I checked the noticeboard.’
Harold blinked. ‘Noticeboard?’
Bridie nodded. ‘Online. They only close the ranges for a few hours at a time. Although it took me so long to get up here, I nearly got caught in it all again!’
Harold looked at Midge. ‘That means we could get out! Did you see when they stop?’ he asked Bridie, who shook her head.
‘No, sorry, I was only looking at this afternoon’s times. I assumed Rendell would have all that in hand.’ She frowned, looking about. ‘Where is he, anyway?’
Midge opened her mouth, but Bridie carried on, ‘Never mind. First things first, I can barely feel my feet. I’m looking forward to a lovely, long bath.’