Agatha Raisin and the Busy Body (24 page)

Simon stared down at the toys. Agatha Raisin had been a public relations supremo. He wondered if she could do anything.

‘I’ve just had an idea,’ he said. ‘I don’t want to get your hopes up. I’ll call you later.’

Agatha opened the door to Simon and said, ‘Come in.’ The sight of him made her feel guilty She knew she had been doing everything she could to halt his budding
romance with Toni.

‘Anything up?’ she asked. ‘Or is this just a social call?’

In the kitchen, they sat down at the table while Simon told her about May Dinwoody, ending with, ‘As a former public relations guru, I thought you could think of something.’

Agatha studied him for so long that he began to feel uneasy.

At last she said, ‘Yes, I could make her a success. I could lease her a shop and start a publicity campaign, but I need something from you in return.’

‘What’s that?’

Toni is very young. So are you. I don’t want my best detective to go off and get married and have children at her early age.’

Simon turned scarlet. ‘You have no right to interfere.’

‘I am determined to protect my agency. In three years’ time, you can have my go ahead. Up until then, I want you to steer clear. Are you in love with her?’

‘No, but almost.’

‘Then it is simple. Put the brakes on and May Dinwoody can look forward to a prosperous old age.’

Simon thought of May’s tear-filled eyes. Then he shrugged. ‘Okay, but only until the three years are up.’

The launch of Aristo Toys created a sensation in the quiet market town of Mircester. A famous pop band called Children of the New Age performed on a platform outside the shop.
A television detective, Buster Kemp, made a speech saying that it was important to buy good safe toys for children which could be passed down through the generations. ‘Just think,’ he
said, holding up a doll, ‘one of your grandchildren could be showing this in later years on
Antiques Roadshow.’

Then the mayor cut the tape and the shop was declared open. May, dressed in a conservative suit and with her hair professionally dressed, was flanked by two assistants.

She could hardly believe that people were actually paying the extraordinarily steep prices Agatha had insisted on charging. Her toys had become a ‘must have’.

‘Thanks,’ said Simon to Agatha when the long day was over. ‘How will she restock?’

‘I’ve leased a small factory on the outskirts. I’ve had May out there for the past three months training people. If you tap into the middle-aged and elderly workforce,
it’s amazing what talent you can find. I keep forgetting to ask May – did someone actually poison Carrie Brother’s dog?’

‘The vet said it died of old age and overeating. Carrie won’t believe him. She’s gone in for cats.’

Simon was leaving the shop when Toni caught up with him. ‘Coming for a drink?’

‘Sorry, Toni, I’ve got a date.’

‘Oh, have fun.’ Toni turned and walked away.

Simon swore under his breath. He could resign and then he’d be free to ask her out. But he loved the work. Somehow, he would make Agatha Raisin so beholden to him that she would let him
out of their agreement.

James Lacey studied the engagement columns in
The Times
but could not see any announcement of any engagement between Agatha and Charles. He had gone immediately off on
his travels again after that scene in the kitchen.

But why should he mind so much? After all, it was he who had divorced Agatha. So why did the world suddenly seem such an empty place?