The Mysteries of Brambly Hollow

had.
    “It’s going to take a lot of work to sort out the farmhouse,” Ken was speaking into his glass now. It was clear from his voice, from the deep sorrow lurking in the depths of his broody eyes, that although they had been separated for years that he still retained some affection for Elsa. While the adults talked, Cassie and Dean went outside and sat on the wall together. At least it had stopped raining now. Glancing at them through the window, Meli couldn’t quite tell how Dean was feeling. She was feeling crap, and the brandy was having a woozy affect on her cognitive functioning on an empty stomach. Remembering the stack of sandwiches loitering on the table, she asked the boys to bring them through.
    After thirty minutes, when the sandwiches had dwindled into nothingness, followed by two boxes of summer fruit pies, there was another knock at the door. It was Mrs. Barber, calling to see how Meli was, after her horrible experience. Despite her melancholy mood, and knowing that there was likely to be an ulterior motive to the visit, Meli was touched.
    “Many moons ago, I worked in a nursing home as a care assistant,” she shared, pausing as she squeezed her frame into an armchair, causing joints and springs to squeal in protest. “I still remember to this day my first stiff,” she gave a roar of laughter, while everyone stared at her with expressions resembling Mary Whitehouse watching Clockwork Orange. “Quite horrible. Poor chap had had a heart attack and when he fell he split his head open on the dressing table. Blood everywhere.” As if suddenly noticing the circle of faces, she pulled her features into one more befitting the occasion. “But I’m sure he didn’t feel a thing,” she added, the sparkle having drained from her tale.
    Hot on her heels, Tim arrived. He knew Ken and had seen his car parked outside. “Really sorry about the misses,” he said, lowering his head as he walked beneath the beams.
    Meli caught David nudge George and whisper in his ear, something about the Grim Reaper, come to collect. They both giggled. Meli shot them a stern look which sobered their expressions. When the brandy bottle was empty the adults all headed for the Smugglers Arms. It seemed like the whole village had heard about Elsa, and had packed themselves into the small bar, eager for news. They quickly made space for the VIPs, cramming around them like vampires waiting to feed.
    It proved to be a fair exchange of information though, as Meli learned more about Elsa that evening, than she had in all the months they had been neighbours. As a young woman, she had been a well educated and respected teacher in the local school. That came as a huge shock. Meli couldn’t imagine anyone less likely in the role. Elsa had married Ken in seventy-five when they were both thirty-one. Finn came along nine years later, with Dean arriving when he was two. Dean was three when his older brother died. Ken and Elsa separated that same year. Ken had kept in touch, and had watched her gradual deterioration into the psychotic woman she became.
    “I was totally gob-smacked when Elsa had the barn converted, knowing how she felt about strangers and how easily she became upset. I could only see disaster,” Ken was telling Meli.
    “I hear that she nearly sold the place a few times before we eventually moved in?” Meli prompted, digging for more information. Although Elsa was gone, it didn’t lessen her greed to know everything about her, to try to understand her.
    “Yeah, but each time I managed to persuade her not to. Bet you wish I’d managed it for you too,” he was grinning now, his cheeks ruddy from alcohol. “It was when I was trying to talk her out of selling to you that we really fell out. She was hell bent on going through with it. I hadn’t been back since. I feel bloody bad about that.” His eyes misted over.
    “I’m glad you didn’t succeed,” Meli placed her hand over his. She meant it sincerely. Elsa had been difficult without doubt, but she loved the lodge. Right at that moment she didn’t have any regrets. Cal returned to the table with a tray and drinks. As the crowds parted for him, she noticed that the Countess and Bill had arrived. When Meli popped to the loo a little later, she was delayed by Vilma, waving her over to their table.
    “I heard the news, my dear. Are you alright? It must have been awful to find her. Here, join me for a moment,” the old woman pulled her down into a spare chair.
    As