Chapter 9

“A great pair of legs—what else?” She cackled, and gave Neil a nod and a handshake. “I take it Miri and I won’tbe seeing you back at the Rectory, then?”

“Not this year,” I said. “But give Miri a kiss from her favourite nephew, will you?”

“I’ll give her several. From her onlynephew. Now, hold on a mo, I’ve got something for you.” She reached behind her for a moment then held out a crumpled carrier bag. “Happy Christmas—and remember: if you can’t be good—”

“—be careful,” I finished for her. I was guessing she’d got me the same present as last year, then. “Thanks, Aunty Gerry. You’re a peach.”

I kissed her cheek again, and she made shooing gestures. “Now get along with you! I’ve got the rest of the parish to shake hands with!”

I shoved the present into one of my voluminous pockets—Mum’s cardigan coming up trumps again—as we crunched on settling snow back through the churchyard.

“Miri?” Neil asked

“She’s the organist. And Aunty Gerry’s significant other.”