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Chapter 2
The man in jodhpurs was tall with jet-black hair and classic features. He had a confident and engaging smile.
"If it puts distance between myself and ... Fred ... I think that I would be absolutely delighted to have a drink with you," stuttered Alice.
"You don't want to mind Fred," he said. "He's a heart of gold and will do anything for you when you're in need."
"He wasn't very quick off the mark to get me my drink," said Alice, a little petulantly. She seated herself on top of a semicircular barrel with a curved back. Although the Inn was small, it was split up into tiny rooms with old wood partitions between them. It brought immediate privacy and an intimate atmosphere to their conversation. It felt strange to Alice sitting here with a man she didn't know far away from her husband.
"I appreciate you buying me a drink and rescuing me," said Alice. "However, I must mention that I am married to avoid any embarrassment later." She held her hand towards him showing off her wedding ring and an eternity ring her husband had given her for their fifth anniversary.
Jack smiled and shook the offered hand. His grip was strong and his hand sun tanned brown like his face. "I'm Jack," he said, unnecessarily and didn't let go of her hand.
Alice withdrew her hand from his grip, flushing again.
"And I'm Alice, how do you do!"
"What brings you to these parts, Alice?" He leaned forward across the table. His eyes, grey and adventurous like a buccaneer's, seeming to laugh at her.
"I needed a break. I always liked the countryside in Devon, so I thought I would take pot luck and see what I could find."
Alice didn't mention her other reason for being in the neighbourhood.
"It's a beautiful part of the country and around here is especially pleasant if you enjoy horse riding. There is a network of bridle ways on both sides of the valley and they all lead up to the top of the hill and the moor land."
"Judging from your jodhpurs, you would have more than a passing interest in bridle paths?"
"I run the riding school at the top of the hill," admitted Jack. "I can recommend myself highly. If you would like to see the countryside from the back of a horse, you can do no better."
"I may well take you up on that," said Alice. "But more important at the moment is to find somewhere to stay for tonight and for the rest of the week. Do you know of any holiday homes that are vacant?"
"There is only one that is not booked at the moment, to my knowledge," said Jack. "But the reason it is not booked is because of a tragedy there a few days ago."
"I read something about it in the newspaper," admitted Alice. "It sounded absolutely dreadful."
"The whole village is still in a state of shock. She was a popular girl." Jack's face was serious. "They still haven't found the person who did it. If you do stay in the area, you should bear that in mind."
"Was she a local girl?"
"I can't say that I knew much about," said Jack. "She inherited the property as far as I know and came to live here for a while. She mixed in well but it was strange having someone living there. The property had been used as a holiday home for many years, and was usually empty for most of the year. But she got involved with the local people, joined the skittle and darts teams. There was even talk of some romance."
"Who is managing the property now?"
"The local estate agent, you can find her down Main Street and turn left by the bridge. Would you like another drink?"
"No thanks, that was very nice and enough for the moment. All things in moderation," said Alice. "Fortunately, I don't believe in ghosts so I think I'll take up that opportunity to talk to that estate agent."
They emerged into the bright afternoon sun, which seemed harsh after the comfortable gloom of the bar. Tethered to the corner of the public house was a large horse.
"My favourite form of transport! Can I give your lift to the estate agents?" Jack had a twinkle in his eye again.
Alice looked down at her tight green skirt.
"I don't know who would be more embarrassed you or me," she said.
Jack looked as if he was going to comment but then thought better of it.
"I'll be off then!" he put a foot in the stirrups and in one easy motion was astride the large horse and cantering away down the street before Alice felt she had time to say goodbye properly.
Alice walked down the Main Street and then turned left down a side street, found the bridge with its rushing water flowing fast underneath and a tiny estate agents office nearby.
The estate agent was manned by slim young woman with short dark hair, a tomboyish grin and pin-striped trouser suit who said that the owner of the property would be very happy to let it for a couple of weeks.
She didn't mention the recent events there. Alice thought she probably didn't want to lose the commission. Within half an hour, Alice was making her way back to her car with the key and an agreement to stay there for two weeks.
The first stage in her plans was completed satisfactorily. But Alice couldn't help wondering whether the property would be as dangerous for her as it was for her friend.
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