Lark stole a look over to where her dad and Louisa were standing at the bar waiting to order their drinks. Louisa said something that made them both laugh, the sight gladdening Lark’s heart. She couldn’t help but smile.
‘Yeah, Dad said they have a lot of things in common, one of which is the history of Micklewick Bay. It would seem theyagreed to continue last night’s conversation at The Cellar and meet up here tonight.’
‘They actually look really cute together,’ said Jasmine.
‘I agree,’ said Stella, just as Florrie arrived, bundled up in her duffle coat and red bobble hat.
‘Sorry I’m late, lasses. I’ll tell you why when Mags gets here. Blimey, it’s raw out there. That wind’s picked up and it’s trying to snow again.’
Stella reached for the bottle of wine in the cooler and poured another glass as Florrie undid the toggles of her coat.
She’d just got sat down when Maggie landed. ‘Hi, lasses,’ she said, before directing her gaze at Lark. ‘Have I just seen your dad and Louisa at a cosy table for two over by the window?’
‘You have.’ Lark nodded before taking a sip of wine.
‘Apparently they’re continuing their local history anorak conversation from last night.’ Jasmine gave an exaggerated wink, making the friends laugh.
‘I thought I saw someone who looked like Silas when I first came in,’ said Florrie. ‘Must be a relief he’s getting himself out at last.’ She was wearing a dark denim pinafore over a blue and white striped Breton top with a navy-blue cardigan as an extra layer of warmth.
Lark nodded. She’d shared her concerns about her dad with her friends and they’d all listened, offering words of support.
‘Are you having a glass of wine with us tonight, Mags?’ Stella asked, the bottle poised over the remaining empty glass.
‘I am, indeed, thanks, Stells. I’m completely done breastfeeding, so I can guzzle whatever I fancy.’ Maggie chuckled. She was wearing a cheerful looking cherry-red jumper with sky-blue dots over a pair of boyfriend jeans; her rich chestnut curls were piled up on top of her head and kept in place with a scarf in a matching shade of blue. She always favoured bright colours which suited her personality well.
With everyone settled, and Jasmine having placed an order for their fish and chips at the bar, Stella said, ‘So, how’s everyone’s week been? I know we had a bit of a catch-up last night, but we always hold back a bit when the menfolk are there.’
All eyes turned to Florrie who’d puffed out a sigh.
‘What’s up?’ asked Jasmine.
‘Please don’t tell me it’s Dodgy Dick and Wendy,’ said Lark. She briefly told the others how the obnoxious pair had turned up in the bookshop’s tearoom.
‘You’re kidding?’ Maggie’s eyes were filled with concern.
‘I don’t think I like where this is going,’ said Stella.
‘It’s not Dodgy Dick… well, that’s not strictly true… I mean… Ugh!’ Florrie rubbed her forehead in frustration. ‘It looks like we’ve had some out-of-print books stolen.’
‘No way.’ Lark’s heart went out to her friend.
‘Were they worth much?’ asked Stella. ‘And did you capture any of it on the shop’s CCTV?’ Her lawyer’s brain was always switched on.
‘They were of mixed value, totalling just under five hundred pounds.’
Maggie tutted and shook her head in disgust.
‘They’re all books on the history of Micklewick Bay.’ Florrie swept her gaze around her friends. ‘And they weren’t all together. Some were in a separate display while the others were on one of the shelves.’
‘Hmm.’ Stella looked thoughtful. ‘It sounds to me like it wasn’t just a case of opportunist theft. I get the impression whoever it was, has specifically chosen those books.’
‘That’s what Ed and I thought,’ said Florrie. ‘But there is a definite market for them. And there’s been a considerable increase in interest recently. If they’ve been stolen to sell on, whoever it is stands to make a tidy sum.’
‘It’s disgusting! I don’t know why some people think it’s okay to take something that belongs to someone else rather than paying for it. And if they can’t afford it, save for whatever it is or bloomin’ well do without.’ Jasmine’s face had flushed red as it always did when something had annoyed her. When she’d been with Bart and after he’d passed away, she’d had years when she’d had to do without so her kids could have whatever it was they needed. She’d worked herself ragged to make sure they didn’t go without. Which was why she got so annoyed by people who thought it was okay to steal from others.
‘It’s cos they have no self-respect, no morals, and are deeply lacking in remorse. That’s why,’ added Maggie.
‘Couldn’t have put it better myself,’ said Stella.
