Chapter 1

I was driving from my apartment, in Boston, Lincolnshire, to Skegness, on the east coast, when my mobile rang. I was lucky to be near a layby, so I pulled over and took the call. It was Angela Williamson and just the person I wanted to talk to. She sounded excited and wanted to meet me at the café, near the bank where she worked. I agreed and we made a time to have lunch.

Jo takes steps to deal with mother-in-law problems and has a surprise proposition.

“Hi , you must be Sally Walker, thanks for coming to talk with me.” I smiled as we shook hands before sitting down.

“I’m intrigued Jo, Jim Marshall did not tell me much about what you want me to do, other than the fact that you need some confidential investigative work done. The main thing that intrigues me is why use a reporter like me rather than a private investigator?”

Echoes of the Past
Being a mother is the best thing in the world, but nothing prepares you for it
What do you do when your son is different from other boys?
What do you do when he does not want to be older?
What do you do when he does not want to be a boy?
What do you do when he says you are not his mother?

Trish was immaculately made up, and her hair was styled nicely. She gave a good look at what was arranged on Marcia’s vanity and moved her head in a manner that suggested the cosmetics just wouldn’t do for the day. She grabbed a case that she’d carried in with her and setting it on the vanity, she said, “Let’s get this show on the road.”

Chapter 6

Back in our office I told her that it was her show now. I stressed that she had the knowledge and had to get the confidence if she wanted to move up in the force. I reminded her that she was ahead of most officers by being on good terms with her Chief Super and also on a first name basis with the AC, even if his first name was Sir.

We can’t be Erased

Belle of Vicksburg
-4-
Shopping

Echoes of the Past 1
Being a mother is the best thing in the world, but nothing prepares you for it
What do you do when your son is different from other boys?
What do you do when he does not want to be older?
What do you do when he does not want to be a boy?
What do you do when he says you are not his mother?

“What’s bugging you, Evie?”

“I think I’m in love.”

“With Chuck? Juan? Richie Morrow?”

“No, silly, Trent. Trent Foster. He’s simply…wonderful.”

“Oy vey.”

“Don’t you think he’s cute?”

My take on the classic fire story, where the guy is out dressed while his place burns.
As usual, many thanks to Dee Sylvan.

Chapter 3

“If that gives me direct access to the computers and records, sir, I’m in!”

The Superintendent then called for a break, and I helped the WPC make some tea. She had found some biscuits and we handed them around as the others conferred between themselves. That done, we both sat down with our own cups as the others came to a decision.

Then Strachan tapped on the table, and we all waited.

Hanging by my skirt, looking down at the mock hydra who was almost close enough to touch, with only a small tree keeping me from falling on top of the monster, I silently sent prayer to every single god and demon I knew of, including my history teacher. It didn't seem to help as the tree cracked again and I got another inch closer to the reptile.

Chapter 2

I was up with the lark on Monday morning, and dressed in my leather jeans, high boots, wool-knit sweater, and leather jacket. Today, I was Polly, the hard-nosed PI. I started with the car showroom in Arcadia Road, getting there as a young lad was washing the weekend grime off the cars on the lot.

Belle of Vicksburg
-2-
459 Willard Lane, Vicksburg, Mississippi.