The Perfect Daughter Read Online Free PDF

shocked at this lack of hospitality.
    â€˜I could make the coffee, if you like, Nell. Shall I put these in water?’
    I was still clutching the lily-of-the-valley. She took them from me and went out to the kitchen.
    I said to Bill, ‘You can have a coffee, if you like, then you really must go. We’re expecting the police at any moment.’
    He raised his eyebrows. ‘Have you been burgled?’
    It took me a while to realise he was joking.
    â€˜They’re looking for a woman who was out on licence. The Special Branch have been watching this place for days.’
    â€˜I think I passed one of them on the way here.’
    â€˜How would you know?’
    â€˜Plump, pink face, bowler with curly brim.’
    â€˜Gradey.’
    â€˜Polite bloke. I asked him for directions.’
    â€˜But you knew where I live.’
    â€˜Yes. Just wanted to see his expression.’
    He grinned at me. This was all new to him, but Bill was a quick learner.
    â€˜Bill, I’m sorry I forgot I invited you, but so many things have…’
    â€˜Evidently. Mind if I sit down?’ He moved the bedding aside and settled on the chaise-longue.
    â€˜I shouldn’t sit down for long. It won’t do your career any good to be arrested.’
    The floorboards creaked overhead. Amy looked at me then went upstairs in a hurry.
    â€˜What for?’
    â€˜Aiding and abetting.’
    â€˜I suppose I shouldn’t ask who’s upstairs.’
    â€˜No.’
    â€˜So I’m supposed to drink my coffee, get the train back to Manchester and leave you to it?’
    â€˜I’m sorry about the tickets. I’d have liked to hear Chaliapin. They say he sings the—’
    *   *   *
    Which was when it happened of course, just when I’d started for a few seconds to think like a normal human being. There must have been the sound of a car turning into the street, but I didn’t register it until it stopped outside and simultaneously Amy’s voice came high and sharp from upstairs.
    â€˜Nell, I think it’s them.’
    This time the knock on the door was thunderous. Gwen came through from the kitchen and took up position beside me. She glanced at Bill who was still sitting on the chaise-longue, looking no more than politely interested.
    â€˜We can’t put him out the back door. They’ll have a man there.’
    â€˜Yes. Remember, Bill, it’s nothing to do with you. You just happened to be visiting.’
    Another thunderous knock. ‘Open up! Police!’
    I was annoyed my heart was thumping so much. I smoothed my hair and went to the front door. A sergeant in uniform was on the step with two constables behind him.
    â€˜Are you Miss Eleanor Bray?’
    He’d cut himself shaving. There was a nick on his cheekbone with a bit of cotton waste stuck to it surrounded by a tuft of blond bristles. He was already angry, probably at having to work on a holiday. I said nothing – usual policy.
    â€˜We have reason to think you are harbouring a licence-expired prisoner. I have a warrant to search these premises.’
    â€˜May I see it?’
    He put it into my hand, standing aside as he did it so that the constables could get through. I let them barge in, praying that Gwen would do as she was told. She managed not to raise a hand to them, but only by gripping the edge of the table so hard I thought her fingers would make dents in the wood.
    â€˜Who’s she?’ said the sergeant, following them in, looking at Gwen.
    â€˜Seen her before, sir,’ one of the constables told him. ‘She’s June Price’s friend.’
    â€˜And I suppose your little friend is upstairs, is she?’
    The sergeant moved towards the stairs. Gwen let go of the table and lurched at him. I tried to grab her and missed. Then suddenly Bill was on his feet, blocking her path. The police were so intent on Gwen and me that they hadn’t noticed him sitting