"Endings are elusive, middles are nowhere to be found, but worst of all is to begin, begin, begin." (Donald Barthelme).......“The road to hell is paved with works-in-progress.”(Philip Roth).......“The road to hell is paved with adverbs.” (Stephen King).......“Writers live twice.” (Natalie Goldberg)....."The business of life is the acquisition of memories" (Downton Abbey)

Thursday 11 December 2014

Episode 10 - Confrontations


As arranged, Robert used Sunday afternoon to introduce Gloria to the ins and out of meat selling. The morning had been taken up by jet lag. Gloria’s life was all mixed up, she said. Mine too, Cleo had replied.

Episode 9 - Meetings


Hatherton had been brought to Middlethumpton. He did not know why, but was very angry about it. Gary drove to HQ to explain about the action of bringing him to Middlethumpton and then to ask about the nature of Burton and Hatherton’s contact.

Episode 8 - Out and About


"What are you going to do with your car, Cleo?" Robert fussed, as he always did when he couldn't think what to do for the best. "Do you want me to take you to the airport?"
"No thanks," said Cleo.
“How are you going to get there?” said Robert.
“I think Gary is organizing a driver.”

Episode 7 - Rivals


Robert was relieved that Cleo had not gone off S.A. to investigate on Gary's behalf. It was mid-afternoon by the time the cottage and Cleo's office had been declared safe, so Robert got home first and was irritated to see a police car across the road.

Episode 6 - Spot on


Burton had been dead four days and no progress seemed to have been made in that investigation.

Episode 5 - Wellness for beginners


Cleo managed to get home well before Robert had to get up. She was glowing and happy after the passionate night she had spent with Gary.. She didn’t much care if Robert found out. She would marry him on condition he did not ask questions. At that moment it seemed the best solution.
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Episode 4 - Magda


Dorothy phoned Cleo to tell her that she thought Gary was infatuated with her and Cleo should think carefully before getting up to any hanky-panky with him.

Episode 3 - Cop at large


Cleo rang Gary and reported on their expedition as soon as they reached Dorothy’s cottage. No, they had not told the Kellys that Burton was dead. Was the forensic team going to the farm? Kelly tended to greet people with a loaded rifle. Magda Kelly was a termagant sporting silicone breasts, makeup to the ears and high heels when she wasn’t in mufti, which consisted of rags and tatters, uncombed hair and an unmade face. Kelly was presumably attracted to other qualities.
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Episode 2 - Burton's barn


The two sleuths were soon driving to Kelly’s farm via Dorothy’s cottage, where they could pick up the army pistol. Cleo's car was leased, ostensibly because she was inspecting boarding schools for a client. She had not told Robert that Gary had ordered a car for her as he would have been angry and remorseful. The car had not been ordered from Silver’s. The deal was that she would pay for the car. Gary had other ideas.
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Episode 1 - Business as usual


It is astonishing how long rumours and untruths can survive in a small community. Sometimes Cleo still found herself up against them, but it did not prevent Cleo Hartley from opening her Agency to deal with matters outside the police norm.