her way round to Number 2.
Her initial knocks on the door went unanswered. Jade wasn’t surprised. After all, earlier she’d let loose a stream of invective, with every word targeted at the man within these walls. Dee had overheard her, so Greg must have too. Jade decided she’d need to do some back-peddling regarding this. Her brain whirred as she took to the knocker again.
To her left, the net curtains fluttered. The light was on in the lounge. Despite the heavy shroud that this nylon veil afforded, Jade was still able to make out Greg’s outline against the illuminated backdrop. Thinking quickly, she raised one hand in a friendly wave.
She couldn’t see Greg’s face, but made sure that she smiled at his silhouette. Hopefully, he would perceive her late-night visit as being one of sociability rather than hostility.
‘Only me,’ she trilled, keeping the smile glued in place.
The shape disappeared. A few seconds later came the sound of bolts being drawn back. Hmm. So Greg still believed in keeping his house very secure, despite Mother currently not at home.
‘Miss Ferguson?’ he said softly.
Greg hadn’t bothered switching on the hall light. Standing before Jade, his face remained in shadow.
‘Hello,’ Jade beamed. ‘Sorry to trouble you at this time of night.’
‘Is everything all right?’
Jade let her smile slip.
‘No. Not really. Did you hear all that commotion earlier?’
‘Er–’
‘Simply dreadful. Dee was having a total meltdown.’
‘Miss Parker?’ said Greg, looking confused.
‘Yes. She knocked on my door earlier to say sorry.’
‘She paid me a visit too, but it wasn’t to apologise for anything.’
‘Ah,’ said Jade sagely. ‘Why do I get the feeling that she might have been trying to deflect blame?’
‘I don’t think I should comment,’ said Greg tactfully.
‘Listen, between you and me, I think Dee has man trouble. She has a crush on Mr Grimshaw at Number 5. Dee confided to me only yesterday that she had feelings for Brad and said she was going to make a play for him.’
‘Miss Parker’s private life is none of my business,’ said Greg, backing away.
‘I totally agree,’ said Jade, putting one hand out to stop Greg from shutting the door. ‘But I had to let you know about her private life because of that outburst. After all, it’s not fair that she should try and pass the buck for her ranting. You see, Brad has a bit of a crush on me’ – Jade shrugged deprecatingly – ‘and he turned Dee down. She feels humiliated. So now you know that her shouting was aimed at Brad and me.’
‘Right,’ said Greg uncertainly.
‘Well I’m glad we’ve cleared that up,’ said Jade cheerfully. ‘Now while I’m here, Mr Good, I just want to say how much I appreciate you looking out for everybody.’
For a moment Greg didn’t say anything.
Jade looked at him expectantly.
‘It’s my pleasure,’ he said eventually.
‘I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say what a relief it is to know that Gresham Terrace has its very own watchful neighbour, especially after my window was broken.’
For a moment Jade’s eyes glittered with malice and she was thankful of the poor light to camouflage her hatred of the man standing before her.
Greg didn’t say anything but inclined his head politely.
‘However,’ – Jade continued – ‘there is a flaw in your neighbourhood watch.’
‘Oh?’
‘Nobody watches out for you.’
‘Me?’
‘Yes,’ said Jade sweetly. ‘What if you ever got locked out? Or broken into? What if there was some sort of emergency whereby access was required to your house, but you weren’t around? So, I’ve been thinking. I absolutely insist you let me be your personal keyholder, and I won’t take no for an answer.’
Greg looked momentarily horrified at Jade’s suggestion, but quickly recovered himself.
‘That’s very kind of you, Miss Ferguson.’
‘My pleasure,’ Jade purred.
‘But it isn’t necessary.’
Jade blinked. ‘Why?’
‘In the event of me being locked out, there is a spare key to this house.’
‘Who is it with?’ Jade blurted.
‘No one. It’s in a safe place.’
This response wasn’t meant to be part of the script.
‘B-But…’ Jade stammered.
‘Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Miss Ferguson, and for explaining about Miss Parker’s personal situation. Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s been an exhausting day.’
‘O-Oh,’ Jade stuttered. She needed to work out a way to keep Greg talking. To persuade him into giving her that spare key. ‘How is your mum?’
‘Not great.’ For a moment Greg’s voice cracked. ‘I have an appointment with the consultant tomorrow at five o’clock. I’m desperately hoping he will have good news.’
Jade’s heart leapt. Greg always took a bus to the hospital. He would