Gideon's Chair

Chapter 34

" We just might have bloody well done it Suzannah " I said as we walked outside to enjoy the blistering heat . The weather people  predicted 84 degrees

Suzanna sat on one of the wooden steamer loungers , I had bought there a few years previous from an art deco sale . They were ridiculously vintage but extremely perfect

" You know John , I might just enjoy an hours sunbathing I feel a bit pulled from pillar to post , not exactly the week that was "

" Before you do that Suzannah , could you draw me a quick sketch of the layout of the library , a plan. If you can remember how it looked when they did the documentary "

" Sure John , pass me a bit of paper and a pencil "

I went into the study and returned with a sketch pad and a pencil . I needed Suzannah to stay with me , I would never admit it to her but I was scared

" It does have floorboards doesn't it " I said

She laughed " Oh yes , they get polished to within an inch of their life , they gleam"

At that moment the doorbell rang . My heart missed a beat .

" Are you going to answer it " Suzannah said

" Yes , sorry , just thinking about the library "

I cautiously opened the door . A woman stood there . Maybe mid thirties , slim . Dark hair tied back under a scarf .

" Can I help " I enquired , peering around the door.

The woman pushed a card out towards me

" House Maids , you booked a cleaner " she said in a very officious voice

" Oh yes " I replied , relieved " Come in , I had clean forgotten "

I brought her through the house pointing out a few rooms and onto the terrace doorway .

" Suzannah , this is the cleaner I mentioned "

Suzanna was laying back on the lounger , she had rolled her vest top up to create a type of bikini top . She put one hand across her face to shield the sun and turned her head up towards us

" Oh hi " she said , turning back to resort to catch the sunshine ,

I walked back to the kitchen with the cleaning lady . I was fascinated by a tattoo on her wrist

" Where do you want to start " I asked

" I will do in here first if that's ok, I have my vacuum in the car and everything else here " she held up a case

" Ok , I will leave it with you , there is no need to do that room" I pointed to the study " In any case its locked " She smiled " Of course Sir"

I went back onto the terrace , picking up my raybans on the way .

Suzannah handed me a plan of the library and pointed to where the platform used to be  

"I am going to need to have a look around there " I said glancing at the plan

" Good idea , obviously I can't come with you, I'm banned , well sacked , or at least nearly sacked  "

" No of course not , I will leave you in charge of the cleaner " I said  " I should only be an hour "

" Oh just one thing John , do you have any sun lotion and a beach towel , this lounger a bit on the firm side , my butts not up to it

" Yes , I think we have some upstairs , you want some shorts or similar "