‘I want to go check out Vanessa.’ Aunty Bev had calmed herself down after the family call. ‘I want to send out a message that if she wants to fight, I am ready for her.’ She pulled on her leopard-skin coat. ‘Do you know where this pub of hers is?’
‘You can’t just walk into her pub,’ I said. ‘Anyway, she hates this family. I have had quite a few locals warn me to not go anywhere near her pub.’
Aunty Bev shook her head. ‘Why does she hate the family? If she’s having an affair with Frank – why would she be stirring up trouble? Unless she and Frank have broken up and it’s not been amicable. That would tie in with what Layla told you, how what happened between Frank and Vanessa made everything worse.’
‘We’re running away with this.’ I took a deep breath. ‘We don’t know the full facts.’
‘Vanessa doesn’t know me, and I will lie when they ask me who I am,’ explained Aunty Bev.
I felt uncomfortable at the thought of Aunty Bev going off on her own to meet Vanessa. Aunty Bev was a loose cannon at the best of times and one stray comment could result in a screaming match. Also, we still didn’t know for sure if Maddie suspected Frank and Vanessa of having an affair. Layla was still upstairs, and I wasn’t even sure she would speak to me again after the key incident.
Grandpa rose from the table. ‘I’m coming too.’
‘No, Grandpa,’ I snapped, feeling on edge. ‘You stay here.’
He placed his hand on my shoulder. ‘I’m coming. I am still on the lookout for an adventure. Beverly has filled me in on everything.’
I glanced at Aunty Bev, who nodded. ‘Dad needed to know, Rachel. Right, let’s take my Fiesta.’
‘You do know the snow is still bad?’
Aunty Bev laughed. ‘My old Fiesta can handle a bit of snow. She loves off-roading.’
As I climbed into the back of Aunty Bev’s car, I had a worrying feeling about this situation. ‘Can we not mention who we are? I don’t want to cause trouble.’
Aunty Bev nodded. ‘Don’t worry, I will say that we’re on our way to see family and wanted a pitstop in Harp Brook.’
To my amazement Aunty Bev’s Fiesta got down the snow-coated drive and onto the main road. The Harp Brook Inn was at the far end of the high street. It was a quaint historic coaching inn, and a sign outside informed us everyone was welcome, and the Harp Brook Inn had been in the Good Pub Guide in 2010 and 2015.
‘Do we know what she looks like?’ Aunty Bev asked as she parked in the pub car park.
‘I’ve only had the pleasure of meeting her sister, Denise.’
‘We can check out the staff whilst we have a drink,’ Grandpa said rubbing his gloved hands together. ‘I’m in need of a decent pint.’
‘Grandpa, it’s still early. If they’re open, we’ll have coffees or a pot of tea.’
He muttered something under his breath as we all trooped inside.
There was a young woman behind the bar. ‘Can I help you?’
‘Are you serving coffee?’ Aunty Bev asked.
She nodded. ‘Sit down and I’ll come and take your order.’
‘Is Vanessa working today?’ Aunty Bev asked, making me flinch.
To my relief the young woman shook her head. ‘No, she’s not. Do you need to talk to her?’
I decided to speak for Aunty Bev. ‘No, we’re fine, thanks.’
‘Are you local?’ The woman beamed before pointing to a table in front of the window.
Aunty Bev shook her head. ‘No, I’m Maddie Baxter’s aunt and I’m from Brighton. This is Maddie’s sister and Maddie’s grandfather.’
My entire body froze. She had promised not to reveal who we were.
The young woman’s smile evaporated. ‘Oh, I see. Have a seat.’
