A Fool and His Money Read Online Free PDF

gone very quiet. As he mulled it over, the door opened again. This time, it was Boase.
    â€˜Morning, sir.’
    â€˜Good morning, Boase. How are you?’
    â€˜I’m just fine, sir, but I’ve just had a strange story relayed to me.’
    â€˜Go on. I’m listening – Penhaligon’s just making some tea. Tell me your “strange story”.’
    â€˜Well, one of the circus troupe I met the other day came running after me down Killigrew.’
    â€˜Bit odd, that? Who was it?’
    â€˜Well, it was Billy Jones – one of the clowns.’
    â€˜What did he want?’
    â€˜He was just standing outside the recreation ground when he saw me passing on the other side of the road. He said that he was worried about Clicker – you know, the lead clown. He said he hadn’t seen him since yesterday afternoon.’
    â€˜Is that a problem?’
    â€˜Well, he says Clicker is really reliable – he’s been with the circus for years, man and boy. He says it’s not like him to go missing. In fact, I saw him myself, last evening – when I was queuing up with Irene. He was talking to a woman and then he didn’t turn up for the performance. That’s what I was telling you about – the crowd went mad because he wasn’t there – he’s practically the star of the show.’
    â€˜Is this man worried about Clicker?’
    â€˜He seemed to be very worried.’
    â€˜Well, I don’t think we can do anything yet – it might seem a bit premature. What do you think?’
    â€˜He’s quite an old man, sir. Maybe we should be concerned. And it’s out of character.’
    â€˜You think we should be looking for him?’
    â€˜Well, not a manhunt as such – but maybe we should be keeping our eyes open, asking a few questions.’
    â€˜You win, Boase. Let everyone know what’s happened and to be on the lookout – but I think it’s too early to start panicking.’
    â€˜Right you are, sir, I’ll let them know.’
    â€˜Anything more on this church business?’
    â€˜Not a thing, no.’
    Suddenly, hearing a scraping sound, Boase looked towards the door. He walked over and opened it to find Penhaligon’s shoulder against it and the constable bearing a large tray. Boase held the door open wide enough to accommodate both man and tray.
    â€˜Thank you, sir. I’ve brought some goodies for you both.’
    Penhaligon laid the tray down on Bartlett’s desk and the three men stared at it. There was a teapot, two cups and saucers and a large plate upon which were two sausage rolls, two large slices of fruit cake and two cherry buns. Penhaligon grinned at Bartlett and Boase.
    â€˜These are from Superintendent Greet. He said he thought we’d all appreciate a little treat.’
    Boase stared at the constable.
    â€˜Let me see if I’ve got this exactly right … Greet said he’d like to give us a little treat. Superintendent Bertram Greet from upstairs?’
    â€˜Yes, sir.’
    Boase looked, at Bartlett who shrugged his shoulders.
    â€˜Don’t look at me – I’m as perplexed as you are. Just tuck in. Quickly, before he changes his mind. Thank you, Penhaligon.’
    The pair finished all the food and drank the tea.
    â€˜I’ve never known you to eat this early, sir.’
    â€˜Well, shame to waste it – he’s up to something though, you mark my words. Anyway, we need to get on, can’t sit here all day. I’ve got some papers for you to go through, including an update for Greet on the church business. I need to have a word with those constables about their note-taking, too – I think I’ll get that out of the way this morning.’
    â€˜Righto, sir.’
    Boase removed a large pile of papers from Bartlett’s desk and began to work on them immediately. Bartlett went to find the constables who were on duty in a bid to improve their