The Suitcase In The Attic Read online

  The

  Suitcase

  In The

  Attic

  Daphne Neville

  Copyright © 2018 Daphne Neville

  KINDLE Edition

  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof in any form. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored, in any form or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical without the express written permission of the author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names and characters are the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

  PublishNation, London

  www.publishnation.co.uk

  Other Titles by This Author

  TRENGILLION CORNISH MYSTERY SERIES

  The Ringing Bells Inn

  Polquillick

  Sea, Sun, Cads and Scallywags

  Grave Allegations

  The Old Vicarage

  A Celestial Affair

  Trengillion’s Jubilee Jamboree

  PENTRILLICK CORNISH MYSTERY SERIES

  The Chocolate Box Holiday

  A Pasty In A Pear Tree

  The Old Tile House

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter One

  2017

  High up in the cloudless blue sky, a solitary buzzard drifted on a current of warm air keeping a watchful eye out for prey in the fields below. It paid no attention to the purple train which twisted and turned through the Cornish landscape, past a woodland and beneath a bridge where it came out alongside a stretch of golden sand and the sea which sparkled in the afternoon sunshine.

  Zac Burton looked from the open window of the train and across the sea to where Saint Michael’s Mount towered above the surf lapping around its solid rock base. It was high water and the stone path which visitors used to walk to the island was completely hidden beneath the tumbling waves.

  The train creaked and groaned and its speed decreased as it neared the end of its journey. When it finally came to rest a short distance from the buffers in Penzance Station, Zac, with luggage in tow, stepped onto the station platform and waved to Lottie Burton, his grandmother, as she walked quickly towards him, her face set in a broad grin. When the two met they hugged each other in an affectionate embrace.

  “It’s great to be back, Gran and I’m really, really excited about seeing your house and of course the friends I made here last summer,” He smiled, “I think they’re even looking forward to seeing me.”

  “And we’re really excited about having you to stay with us, Zac. We’ve not had any guests since we moved to Cornwall. Although I suppose it was only seven months ago.”

  “It seems longer than that since we waved you off. Don’t tell him I said so but Dad misses you. Well, he misses your cherry cakes.”

  Lottie laughed. “I’m not sure whether that’s a compliment or not.”

  “It’s a compliment,” said Zac, emphatically.

  “In that case I’ll make him one for you to take home with you but that’s not for a while yet so you’ll have to remind me nearer the time.”

  “No problem, I’ll do that.”

  “So did you have a good journey?” They reached the end of the platform and walked towards the exit.

  “Yeah, it was brill especially running alongside the sea in Devon and this last bit’s pretty cool too. I managed the Underground alright as well. Not bad for a country boy, eh?”

  “No not bad at all but then you’re young and youngsters today have a lot more confidence than we did in my day. Well, more confidence than me anyway although to be fair travelling alone wouldn’t have bothered Hetty at any stage in her life.”

  “How is Auntie Hetty?” Zac asked, as they stepped out into the sunshine.

  “Oh, she’s fine and really happy at the moment because the workmen started on the loft conversion yesterday. Well, actually it was started last week when the joinery firm put in the specially made staircase. It’s all very exciting and we’re both longing to see it done. It’ll make such a difference to us and then you’ll all be able to come and stay at once. You, your mum and dad and your sisters.”

  Zac sniggered as they walked across the car park. “I actually think Vicky and Kate are quite envious that I get to stay here first but of course they wouldn’t admit it.”

  As they reached a small yellow car, Lottie unlocked its doors. Zac put his luggage into the boot and then climbed into the passenger seat beside his grandmother. “And you’re driving now,” he said, “Well done you.”

  “Thank you, I must admit I really enjoy driving and I’m ever so glad your Auntie Hetty made me learn. She made me get a mobile phone too and learn to use her laptop.” She chuckled, “I’m very proud of my driving though because I passed first time whereas poor Het took three attempts but I don’t dwell on that fact because she’s a very good driver and I think it’ll take me a few years to have her confidence.” She started the engine, reversed and then drove towards the car park exit. “You’re seventeen now aren’t you, Zac? Have you started driving lessons yet?”

  “No, because still being at school means I don’t have any income. Mum and Dad offered to pay for lessons but I don’t want to take their hard earned cash. Things will be different in September though because Dad’s got me a Saturday job at the supermarket where he works and I’ll be able to do extra hours at half term and during the school holidays.”

  “So will you start learning in September then?”

  “That’s the plan. For now I just want to pass my test and get that over and done with, then when I’m older and working full time I’ll get a car. The insurance is so expensive for us young chaps and often costs more than the first car.”

  Lottie paused briefly to concentrate on the busy roundabout.

  “Yes, you must learn, Zac, it’ll open up a whole new world for you. The chap next door to us is a driving instructor and he’s very good. It’s a pity he’s not a bit nearer you.”

  Hetty was in the front garden sweeping the tarmac when Lottie arrived with Zac. Albert was with her chasing dandelion seed heads blowing in from the grass verge on the opposite side of the road.

  “Welcome to Primrose Cottage.” Hetty leaned the broom against the garage wall and hugged her great-nephew as he stepped from the car. Albert seeing a new face stopped chasing the seed heads and sniffed Zac’s legs instead.

  “Blimey, Auntie Het, you’re really skinny now.” Zac was clearly impressed.

  “That’s sweet of you to say so. I must admit I feel much better for it and can tackle aerobics pretty well as much as the youngsters.” She cast a loving look at Albert. “I have
a lot more energy too which is just as well as this young rascal does like his walks.”

  “You actually look like twins now you’re the same size and Grandma has the same colour hair.” Zac stooped down to pet Albert who seemed desperate to make his acquaintance.

  Lottie touched her brown locks. “You noticed.”

  “Of course, but I didn’t know whether or not I ought to mention it.”

  “I got your grandmother to dye her hair last New Year’s Eve for the fancy dress and she liked it so much that she’s been dyeing it ever since. I’m really proud of her.”

  Lottie took Zac’s case from the boot. “I’m proud of you too, and Sid. Do you know, Zac, they lost a total of four and a half stone between them and raised five hundred and sixteen pounds for charity.”

  “Wow! Well done, but who’s Sid?”

  Lottie closed the boot. “He’s a plumber and he’s currently working in our new shower room. He’s a smashing bloke, you’ll like him and Basil and Mark too. They’re doing the building type work. You know, putting up stud walls and so forth. They finished the windows today so it’s already taking shape.”

  After being shown his room, Zac explored the house and then went out into the garden where his grandmother was unpegging washing from the line.

  “He’s arrived safe and sound then,” called a deep, male voice.

  Lottie looked towards the wall where a man’s head and shoulders were visible over the top. “You’ve grown,” she laughed.

  “Sorry, I’m being nosy. We’re out here having a barbecue, you see, and I heard young Zac’s voice so jumped up onto the bench to take a peep.”

  Lottie dropped the last item of washing into the laundry basket. “Zac, this is our next door neighbour, Alex, and Alex as you’ve already realised, this is my grandson, Zac.”

  Zac reached up and shook Alex’s hand. “Are you the neighbour who is a driving instructor?”

  “Yes, but only part time. The wife and I run the antique shop in the village as well.”

  “The wife also has a name and it’s Ginny,” rebuked a female voice as a face appeared alongside Alex. “Please forgive my husband, Lottie, for his appalling bad manners.” She tutted, “Spying on one’s neighbours is sneaky, Alex.”

  “But forgivable,” insisted Lottie, “and if the truth be known, I think it’s something most people will be guilty of at least once in a lifetime.”

  Zac was allocated the smallest of the three bedrooms on the north side of the house overlooking the back garden and the countryside beyond. Knowing his great aunt and grandmother liked everything to be neat and tidy, he put his clothes and belongings away in the chest of drawers once he’d unpacked and tucked his case beneath the single bed. He then sat down and sent messages on his phone to Emma and Kyle, his friends in Cornwall, and then to his parents to let them know he’d arrived safe and sound.

  In the evening Hetty, Lottie and Zac walked down to the Crown and Anchor for a meal and so that Zac could meet up with Kyle for a game or two of pool. The pub was busy with holidaymakers, many with children also dining and a few locals, mostly men, who sat on high stools alongside the bar.

  After their meal, when Zac went off to play pool, Hetty and Lottie took their drinks out onto the terrace which overlooked the beach. The sea was flat-calm: there was not a breath of wind and the evening felt a little chilly for the sun had moved round to the side of the building leaving the terrace in part shade.

  By ten o’clock, Zac was feeling tired; his eyes felt heavy and he could not stop yawning so they left the pub and crossed the road into Long Lane. Zac was still yawning when Lottie unlocked the door of Primrose Cottage. “It’s the sea air to blame,” she said, “For some reason it’s tiring but you’ll soon get used to it.”

  “Yeah, I remember that when we were here last summer and I suppose you can’t get much further from the sea than Northamptonshire. Not in this country anyway.”

  Lottie nodded. “No, I suppose not.”

  “So have you made any plans for tomorrow?” Hetty asked, as they went inside the house.

  Zac shook his head. “No, I’m here for six weeks so there’s plenty of time to plan things once I’m settled in. Right now I just want to sleep so I don’t think you’ll see me very early tomorrow.”

  Zac yawned repeatedly as he closed the door of his room, undressed and climbed into bed. It had after all been a very long day, but enjoyable and the first he hoped of many. Before he turned off the bedside lamp, he checked his phone to see if there were any messages from home; he then laid his head on the pillow. On the ceiling, several cracks ran through the plaster and to amuse himself he looked to see if he could make out images in the faint lines. He laughed when he decided that the biggest cluster of cracks resembled Dodge, his best mate at school. With a smile on his face, he turned off the light and promptly fell asleep.

  Chapter Two

  Zac was woken the following morning by noises in the attic; feet shuffling across the bare floorboards, muffled voices and music which he assumed came from a radio. Keen to see what was being done he forgot about having a lie-in and instead grabbed his clothes, took a quick shower and went downstairs.

  “It sounds like your blokes are here and working already,” said Zac, looking at the clock which said half past eight.

  Hetty glanced over her shoulder and smiled as she took milk from the fridge. “Yes, they’re very reliable and always here at eight o’clock sharp.”

  “Basil and Mark, that is,” Lottie added, “Sid comes separately and so his times vary. In fact he won’t be here ‘til later today because he’s gone to sort out a leaking pipe for someone in the village.”

  “So what happened to your lie-in?” Hetty asked as she stirred milk into two mugs of strong tea.

  “Inquisitiveness,” replied Zac, “and the fact that once I’m awake I find it difficult to get back to sleep especially when it’s light.”

  “I thought as much. Come on,” commanded Hetty, as she lifted up the mugs, “and I’ll introduce you to Basil and Mark before you have your breakfast.”

  The new stairs which led up to the loft from the landing were narrower than the main staircase and uncarpeted hence the sound of their feet on the treads told Basil and Mark of their imminent arrival.

  “Sounds like tea’s coming,” they heard a voice call from above, “best move that bag, lad. We don’t want the ladies falling over it and spilling our brew.”

  When they reached the top Zac saw a young lad not much older than himself dragging a large bag of tools into a corner. He nodded to the lad, stepped from the staircase and looked around the open space. “It’s much bigger than I thought it would be and I see you’ve got the floor down already,” Zac tapped the wooden boards with his foot.

  “Zac, this is Basil,” explained Hetty as she placed the two mugs on top of a box.

  Basil shook Zac’s hand.

  “And this young urchin is Mark,” teased Basil. He nodded towards the lad who stood with his hands in his pockets.

  “I think you two woke Zac up this morning,” tutted Hetty, “He was going to have a lie-in.”

  “Whoops, sorry about that,” laughed Basil, “but not easy keeping quiet on bare boards. They were already down by the way which saved quite a bit of work although Sid’ll have to take them up in that corner to do the plumbing.” He pointed to the side of the loft which was above the bathroom.

  “Sid being the plumber,” Hetty reminded him.

  “And you’ll like him,” chuckled Lottie, having come up to join them, “he’s quite a character and extremely good at his job.”

  “So there’s going to be a shower room up here as well as two bedrooms. I can’t wait to see it done.”

  “Yes, and look at these views, Zac, aren’t they wonderful?” Lottie pointed to the two new dormer windows which looked out towards the coast.

  “Fantastic,” he agreed, “I can see why you chose to live here.”

  Sid arrived just after lunch having repaired
the leaking pipe. He was a man of medium height, in his forties and a bachelor who had never been enticed into marriage; he was also relatively new to the village having only arrived in late November the previous year. He lived in a modest two bedroomed semi-detached bungalow in Honeysuckle Close near to his friend, Bernie the Boatman.

  Shortly after Sid’s arrival, Emma one of the girls with whom Zac had made friends last summer called round to see him. She gave him a hug.

  “It’s brilliant to have you back, Zac. I saw Kyle on my way up here and he said you were in the pub last night and so had a few games of pool. I was baby-sitting so didn’t get out but we can meet up again tonight, if you like.”

  “Great, I shall look forward to it.”

  “Would you like a cup of tea, Emma?” Hetty called from the kitchen. “I’m just about to make one for the chaps upstairs now Sid’s here.”

  Emma peeped round the kitchen door. “No thank you, I’ve just had a cup with Chloe. I called in there before I came here because she wanted me to see the last bedroom that’s been decorated before it’s occupied tomorrow.”

  “Is that the same Chloe that used to own the café you worked in during the holidays?” Zac asked.

  “That’s right and she’s now next door in Tuzzy-Muzzy. She sold the café back in March because she fancied a change.”

  “And how is she liking running a guest house?” Lottie asked. “I’ve not seen her since the busy part of the holiday season got underway but know she seemed happy enough a while back and she had a busy half term week in May.”

  “She’s loving it because she said once breakfast is over and the rooms are all done she pretty well has the rest of the day to herself. In fact she thinks she might need to find a hobby but that would be more for the winter because she has the garden to keep tidy at present although Alfie pops over and helps if there’s any heavy work to do and of course Colin does his fair share.”