Brenda makes a date!

Cantwell was in good humour when he woke the next morning. The previous day, Debbie had managed to buy two outfits by combining their clothes' coupons. A red dress and a neat grey costume that fitted at the waist and made her look slim. Her delight was obvious! When this was followed up by a cream tea in the cafe opposite the cathedral, she had forgiven him everything. A night of honeymoon-like bliss made him feel like a boy of twenty again.

So when he walked into Temple's office, he had a big grin on his face. Temple was amused and pleased:
"From the expression on your ugly mug, I'd say your day off paid dividends."

"Just like you said, Gov. I'm amazed how little it takes to please a woman."

"Not all women, Cantwell, just some women. As I can vouch."

"Sorry, Gov," Cantwell spluttered flushing with embarrassment.

"No offence, Cantwell, it's just my jaundiced view of women. You hold onto your more generous beliefs." He pushed a couple of sheets of writing paper towards him. "Take a look."

Cantwell sat down and read the letter:

Dear Inspector Temple & Sergeant Cantwell

First I want to say a big 'thank you' for what you both did for me.
The flat was so neat and tidy. I had been dreading finding a mess.

The groceries were very welcome. I did not expect anything like that from the police.

Secondly, I think we ought to meet. There are things I would
like to talk over with you. I need some advice.

Please write back to me, as soon as possible,
suggesting a time and place.

I think that somewhere in Exeter would be good.
No one would know me there.

Please make the appointment for sometime soon but
do not come to my flat

Your truly

Brenda Ellacott (Mrs)

Cantwell read the letter twice and then looked over at Temple.

"So?" Temple queried, "What do you think? Where would you suggest we meet? You know Exeter well. What's a good place that's central but where we can keep out of general view?"

"There are several cafes, Gov, but I suppose lots of people go in and out. She obviously doesn't want to be seen." He thought for a while. "There's a large hotel opposite the cathedral. We could meet in the lounge and go on somewhere from there. It's not far from the bus station for her either."

"Fine - I'll write now - you can post it - we'll arrange the meeting for noon the day after tomorrow."

Temple decided to write the letter by hand. The typing pool girls might well do copies. He was sure of one thing and that was the less Baker knew about these investigations, the better. His writing was usually a spidery scrawl. This time, he took care that it was neat enough for her to read. He handed it to Cantwell to look at.

"You address the envelope, Cantwell. Your writing is better than mine. Then take it to the Post Office. I don't want it sent with the general post from here."