Constable Through the Meadow (25 page)

As we prepared to leave, I said to my colleagues, ‘Miss Calvert’s going away soon, lads, can I ask you all to keep an eye on her bungalow when I give you the word, just in case some burglar shows an unhealthy interest in it?’

‘Sure,’ they said. ‘So long as we can have another party when she gets back!’

‘That’s a promise,’ she beamed, hugging her nephew.

My reinforcements left in a procession of cars, doubtless rousing and puzzling the entire village, and I returned to my parked bike. Derek followed me out.

‘Thanks, Mr Rhea,’ he said. ‘Thanks for looking after Aunt Alice. It could have been nasty, eh? A real intruder?’

‘It’s all part of the job,’ I said, shaking his hand.

Constable on the Hill

Constable on the Prowl

Constable Around the Village

Constable Across the Moors

Constable in the Dale

Constable by the Sea

Constable Along the Lane

Portrait of the North York Moors