The Beast of Bracksley Woods (8 page)

The next few days were busy for Debbie. Greg came home from hospital and she made sure that the place was clean and tidy and that he got fed regularly. She made it clear to Greg that he would have to get someone in to do his cleaning for him. She thought she might know just the person he needed and offered to look into finding someone. She went to Mrs Harrison in the shop and asked if Mrs Brown would be able to give Greg a couple of hours in the morning to clean up for him. Mrs Harrison promised to pass the message on to Mrs Brown and asked her to give Debbie a ring. Things were soon sorted out between them and Betty Brown was installed at the farm cleaning up for Greg and leaving him a meal. This didn’t stop Debbie from calling in frequently to make sure he was all right and taking Trigger out for walks and doing shopping for him. Debbie had taken Trigger back home when Greg was settled hoping that the dog would provide him with a bit of company when no one else was around. There were also hospital visits to be arranged for Greg. He needed to attend a clinic for physiotherapy so Debbie drove him there and brought him back. All the extra jobs took time but Debbie didn’t mind. It kept her mind occupied and from wandering onto other things.

Things seemed to be working out for Debbie. The dinner party for Mrs Lomax was a great success. Mrs Lomax was full of praise and promised to recommend Debbie to all her friends. To her surprise, one of the ladies present that evening booked her for a similar gathering nearer Christmas and Debbie took her details so that she could call round and arrange the evening properly. All in all, Debbie was pretty proud of her efforts. She had even picked up a couple of orders for Christmas cakes. She loved doing these because it gave her a chance to use her artistic skill in icing and decorating a cake. She had even decorated a marvellous creation for Greg. Debbie had promised to cook Christmas dinner for Greg on Christmas day. He had already invited Paul and Kevin round to share the meal with him. Of course, the invitation also included Debbie who silently resolved to make sure the fellows did their share of the washing up afterwards. Debbie was amazed to realise how quickly Christmas seemed to have crept up on her. She purchased a pack of Christmas cards and busied herself one evening writing them for various friends she had known during her time In London and friends they had made during their travels. Where possible she just dropped a note in with the card letting people know that she was okay and filling her life with good works.

By the time Debbie saw Kevin again, his stitches had been removed and the wounds had almost healed. Unfortunately, there had been no more sightings of the vicious dog who had attacked him that night in the woods a few weeks ago. Debbie and Greg were deep in conversation about the new kennels that were being built. The building could start after Christmas Kevin informed Greg just as long as the weather held up. Everybody seemed to be looking forward to the coming festivities. Even poor Trigger had got the bucket off his head and the stiches removed.

Debbie threw herself wholeheartedly into the coming festivities trying all the time to turn her mind away from remembering the last Christmas she had spent with Mike. His health had been slipping badly by then. He was unable to play tennis anymore and had developed several other worrying symptoms. They both did their best to ignore the fact that Mike was having difficulty in walking and seeing properly. They had spent the holiday with Mike’s parents in a small village of Sandy in Bedfordshire not far from where she was living now. It seemed such a long time ago since Debbie had seen Sheila and Jeff Richards. She must give them a ring Debbie reminded herself, to make sure they were doing okay after Mike’s funeral which was the last time she had seen them. Turning her attention strictly away from these memories she focussed once again on getting the arrangements ready for the Christmas dinner party at Broadmead Farm and promptly forgot to telephone.

On Christmas eve while Debbie was busy putting the finishing touches to the traditional turkey dinner which she planned to take up to the farm early the following day and finish off in Greg’s oven, the doorbell rang. Debbie was astonished to find Sheila and Jeff Richards standing on the doorstep. “Well … what a surprise!” Debbie exclaimed. “Why didn’t you ring and warn me you were coming. Please come in out of the cold,” she added opening the door wider.

The elderly couple trooped in and Debbie ushered them into the sitting room. “Take your coats off while you are indoors, otherwise you won’t feel the benefit when you go outside again,” Debbie instructed cheerfully. “I’ll put the kettle on for a warm drink for you. It is very cold out there,” she said heading towards the kitchen.

Jeff cleared his throat before saying in a small voice, “Actually my dear, we have come to throw ourselves on your mercy. You see, our power supply is run by oil and they have failed to deliver it for some reason. Unfortunately, we are not the only ones in the village to be left stranded with no heating, there are others but they are going away for the holiday. We wondered if you would mind having a couple of guests for Christmas.” “You must stay here. Of course you must. When I have made you a warm drink you go and fetch your things in Jeff,” Debbie told him.

“Thank you very much Debbie,” Sheila said gratefully. I didn’t know how I was going to cook a Christmas dinner and I feel so embarrassed to land ourselves on you like this.”

“Think nothing of it. I am glad to help, although I have to explain that I am cooking a Christmas dinner for some friends and we will be eating at his farmhouse.”

“Oh, I see. I hope we are not intruding,” Sheila said looking worried.

“Not at all. You must join us as well. Don’t worry, the turkey is enormous so there is plenty to go round.” “Is that what we can smell cooking at the moment,” Jeff inquired sniffing appreciative.

“Yes, that’s right. I am getting everything ready today and just taking it up to the farm in the morning and warming it all through,” Debbie explained. “Maybe you could lend a hand Sheila. What do you think.” “Yes, of course. I would be glad to help,” Sheila answered. Then she asked. “Won’t your friends mind us gate-crashing their dinner party?”

“No, not a bit. Greg is quite elderly and his friend Kevin is a RSPCA Inspector and Paul is the local vet. Greg hasn’t long been out of hospital with a broken leg and arm. His leg is still in plaster so he can’t walk very well but his arm is getting better although the plaster is not off yet, at least he can use it.”

“Oh dear,” Sheila said, “Did he have an accident?” “It’s a long story. I’ll fill you in later. Let’s have a cup of tea, it’s just ready now.” Debbie went to the kitchen and brought in a tea tray. Placing it on the table she proceeded to pour out three cups of steaming hot tea. As soon as they were comfortable and warm Sheila asked “Do you regret moving down here dear. We were a little worried about you. It must have been quite lonely for you at first. We didn’t think you would settle. After all, you had been travelling so much and then you lived in London. We thought you would miss all your friends.”

“Well I must say, you seemed to have taken to country life pretty quickly what with a farmer an RSPCA Inspector and a vet for friends,” Jeff grinned at her attempting to lighten the conversation. “I told you Jeff, it’s a long story,” Debbie answered. As the evening drew in they spent the time chatting and reminiscing. Mike came into the conversation and although the mention of his name still had the power to wound, Debbie found that talking about him was easing. She realised that Jeff and Sheila also needed to talk about the son they had loved and lost and Debbie felt comfort in being able to talk with them without hiding what she was feeling. She was glad they had come. Perhaps Christmas wasn’t going to be so bad after all.

Christmas day dawned bright and sunny. There had been a heavy frost overnight making the landscape looked like a Christmas card. It was bitterly cold and Debbie couldn’t help thinking what a blessing it was that Mike’s parents had sought refuge with her. At least she could offer them a few home comforts until they were able to return to their own home.

The day was going to be busy so Debbie was up early and prepared breakfast for her guests before leaving for Broadmead Farm. She took Sheila and Jeff a cup of tea and explained that she would be back for them later. In the meantime, they were to take their time and have breakfast which she had left ready for them down stairs. This would give her plenty of time to have a private word with Greg to tell him they had extra guests for dinner. Greg was delighted and said they were very welcomed. It was a pleasure to have so many guests to share Christmas with. His previous Christmas days evidently had been spent more or less alone. Always one for a soft story Debbie’s heart had gone out to Greg when she learned from Mrs Harrison at the shop that Greg’s wife had walked out on him years ago leaving him to bring up his young daughter alone. Mandy had turned out to be a disappointment to him. She had gone off the rails a bit as she got older and Greg seemed unable to control her. She had gone off with an undesirable character from a local fair which had settled in the district for a couple of weeks. In spite of a police search for the seventeen year old Mandy, they had been unable to find her. By the time they got round to catching up with the fair on the road, the couple had flown. Years later, Greg received a letter from Mandy informing him that she was now married and settled in Canada. He heard nothing from her after that. One day a letter arrived from Canada from a Solicitor informing him that Amanda Stevens had been killed in a road accident.

Debbie was determined to make this Christmas special, if not for herself and Mike’s parents who still grieved the loss of their son, then she was going to make a special effort for Greg. She bustled round getting everything ready in the kitchen before driving back home and collecting Sheila and Jeff. By the time Debbie had got her in - laws back to the farm and made the introductions, Paul arrived. He looked so handsome and smart as she let him in all suited with a white shirt and a jazzy tie. She looked into his sparkling blue eyes and felt the now familiar tingle go up and down her spine as he greeted her with “merry Christmas,” and planted a kiss on her cheek. He presented Greg with a bottle of wine plus malt whisky and Debbie with the most enormous box of chocolates.

“Oh my goodness Debbie! Here was I determined to go on a diet after Christmas,” she laughed. Paul join the gathering in the sitting room where there was a fire blazing away While Debbi introduced Sheila and Jeff who were sharing a pre-lunch mince pie and sherry with Greg.

Kevin arrived shortly after and coming into the sitting room he greeted the assemble company with “Top of the mornin’ to yers all and a merry Christmas. I have a special surprise for the young lady of my dreams, Debbie. I have to little orphans here looking for a good home. They have been dumped and abandoned and need a good home and someone to love them.” He put the basket down by Debbie saying “Just take a wee peep, me dear Debbie and tell me you’ll love them.”

“Yes Debbie, let’s all have a look at what that big-hearted Irishman has chosen for you,” Greg called encouragingly from his seat near the fire.

Debbie could hear squeaks coming from the basket as she gingerly lifted the lid. Inside were the two of the most prettiest kitten she had ever seen. Sheila came over to look inside. She gasped with pleasure as she bent and picked the kittens up. “Oh. Aren’t they gorgeous! She exclaimed.

“Jesus, would you know They were left on a bus last night,” Kevin explained. “they called me out at crack of dawn ’un all. What a liberty. Fancy getting a man out of bed on a Christmas morning at that time. “They found the poor little creatures as they were cleaning the buses. Sure ’un all, I hardly had time to shut me eyes last night before it was mornin’ again. I had to go into Bedford and collect them at six O’clock on a cold and frosty morning like this. Why they couldn’t have waited and let me have a lie – in just for a change, is beyond me,” Kevin grumbled good naturedly.

“Oh! How could anybody be so cruel to abandon two little mites like these,” Sheila said cuddling the kittens to her.

“Are they for me?” Debbie asked looking at the kittens more closely. “I hope they won’t need too much looking after,” she remarked looking straight at Kevin wondering if she was being put on once again. “Somebody more likely left them on the bus after they had been partying and forgot them. On the other hand, they could have forgotten them on purpose – or maybe they could have been some child’s Christmas present.” Paul teased looking at Debbie and winking. “ Anyway, it seems that their loss is your gain Debbie. They are Very nicely marked,” Paul said grinning at her. “You take good care of them. Kevin always likes to think he has found the perfect home for his waifs and strays.”

Was she such an easy pushover or just a soft touch Debbie decided a little resentfully. He might have asked me first. If she refused the kittens, Sheila would no doubt think the less of her and think she hated all animals. She wouldn’t want that, would she? especially pretty little kittens such as these who had been abandoned. “so, is this my Christmas present, Debbie?”

“Debbie, me darling girl, The two little mites need a good home and since you haven’t got Trigger any more, I thought you could do with some company. At least, these little ones won’t need walking.”

“I think Debbie has got the message Kevin,” Paul said grinning at Debbie.

“Oh, Put them back in the basket Sheila and I will put them out in the kitchen. They are far too little to leave in here with these men especially with Trigger about. They’ll be nice and warm in there until we take them home,”

“I’ll give you a hand dear,” Sheila said eager to help. Debbie picked the basket up and followed by Sheila, she escaped to the kitchen. “Dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes,” she called as she shut the door.

Later, as they sat round the fire enjoying the wine Paul had supplied and allowing the meal to settle Greg patted his stomach appreciatively saying “Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. That was absolutely marvellous my dear. I haven’t eaten like that for years.”