Page 85 of Be Less Panda
‘Is the tension rising elsewhere instead?’ She grinned at him, pleased he seemed back to his old, relaxed self.
‘It might be. But we better get settled in first. I don’t think Mother dearest would appreciate me having my wicked way with you in the entrance hall.’
‘I bet there’s been a lot of that in the past.’
‘Probably. Do you fancy a bit of role-play? I could be the country squire, and you could be the poor scullery maid?’
‘Cheeky! If we’re doing that, I’ll be the lady of the manor, and you can play the poor gardener.’
‘I see. We’re going for a Lady Chatterley vibe, are we?‘
Before Lucy could answer, the sound of sirens came from behind them.
Mark looked behind them. ‘It’s a police car.’
Lucy glanced in the driver’s mirror. Blue flashing lights filled her view. ‘Who are they after?’
‘Us by the look of it. You’ll have to stop.’
‘Shit! I shouldn’t have tempted fate.’ Lucy pulled over to the side of the road, her heart rate rising. She hadn’t been speeding, so what the hell was this about?
The police car pulled in behind them. A middle-aged policeman got out of the passenger side and strode purposefully towards them while his colleague stayed in the driver’s seat.
He tapped on Lucy’s window. ‘Good afternoon, madam. Can you get out of the car, please?’
‘Only if you keep your distance.’ Lucy wasn’t in the mood for being messed about or catching Covid now.
‘Fair enough.’ The policeman took a step back and waited for her to open the door. ‘Mind telling me the reason for your journey?’
‘We’re moving house.’
He peered into the back of the car, looking sceptical. ‘You don’t seem to have much with you.’
‘We don’t need a lot. We’re moving into furnished accommodation.’
‘That’s convenient. And where would your furnished accommodation be?
‘Dashford-on-sea.’
‘Famous as one of North Devon’s favourite holiday destinations. That Dashford-on-sea?’
Great. A sarcastic copper. That was all they needed.
Lucy decided to play him at his own game. ‘Is there another one?’
‘I think not. Are you sure you’re not going on holiday?’
‘Quite sure. We’re moving in with my fiancé’s mother. She’s old and frail.’
The policeman didn’t look satisfied with her answer. ‘Can I see your driving licence, please?’
Lucy got Mark to pass over her handbag. ‘Don’t antagonise him,’ he whispered as he handed it over.
‘As if I would,’ she whispered back.
She found her licence in her purse and held it out at arm’s length for the policeman to read.
‘You’re from Birmingham,’ he said. ‘Lots of Covid in Birmingham.’ He took a step back. ‘Where did you say you were going again?’