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Chapter 18
Alice's first call was to her husband. She listened silently to the result of his researches.
"So I was on the right line," she said.
"You had better be very careful," said John at the other end of the line.
"I will," said Alice, and rang off.
Her next call was to Melanie.
"I was wondering if you could recommend a local solicitor who would be willing to do the local land searches on the property ... and a local surveyor who could do a structural survey."
The voice on the other end of the telephone was positively icy.
"Don't you think it is a bit early for all that? After all, it is highly unlikely that the owner will want to sell."
"I have very good reason to believe otherwise," maintained Alice, equally frostily. "Now will you do this for me or not? Or do I go elsewhere for professional assistance?"
She stressed the word professional. It was an implied criticism and Melanie knew it.
"No, you needn't look elsewhere. We like to keep things local here if we can."
"That's fine with me," said Alice. "I want to set up a meeting at the house at three o'clock this afternoon. Will you arrange for them to meet me there?"
The estate agent agreed and Alice rang off.
Jack was the last person Alice called.
"I am just telephoning to ask if you would like some letters I found addressed to you in the cottage."
"What?"
"I found some letters written by somebody called Estelle addressed to you in the cottage and I thought you would like to have them. After all, they are addressed to you!"
"I don't know what you are talking about."
"I've got a meeting about buying the property I'm staying in this afternoon. If you pop by, I'll let you have them. I had a little look and they make intriguing reading. She seems to have been in a bit of a dilemma."
The friendliness had now completely gone from Jack's voice.
"Those letters you refer to are private and you have no right to read them. I'll see you this afternoon."
"And I'll look forward to that," said Alice, gently and hung up.
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