Page 115 - My Home on the Earth

Helen stood up to leave the room and then added: ‘But there isn’t a Cooper in the building.’ She moved to a cabinet and took out a folder. ‘These are the names on the residents’ listing: Rogers, Ackroyd, Western, Kemp, Whalley, Hughes, Kilroy, Abbott, Dickenson, Cooke, Bisson and us. No Cooper. She might be a cleaner or a carer.’
Alice nodded. ‘I see. I’m sorry to have troubled you both.’
‘Poppycock!’ laughed Constance. ‘Don’t you worry. Helen will delve into this matter, and I guarantee by tomorrow she’ll tell you who she is and why she is here. Leave your number and she’ll call you. I think we’ll have tea now, Helen.’
Constance stared at Alice. ‘You seem troubled, my dear. It’s no good explaining to me who this person is or what she’s done. In the morning, I’ll have forgotten you came today most likely! But whatever is bugging you, I hope you find the truth and solve your mystery.’
Alice smiled and said thank you.
Later, outside, in the car park, Marjorie couldn’t understand why her friend was trying to solve the matter alone. ‘Can’t the police do anything?’
‘It’s not a priority because nothing serious has happened. No one has been injured or threatened. Emily’s husband is still searching whilst on duty. The boy is about thirteen, maybe fourteen. Cara recognised him from a photo she’d seen years ago in my family album. Good grief! I’ve just had a thought. The names on the list. Didn’t Helen say one name was Kilroy?’
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