The Would-Begetter Read Free

‘I do it on purpose,’ Hector assured her. ‘Works a charm every time. You rise to the bait just like a sheep.’
    ‘Right,’ the surprisingly suave reporter said to Caroline, with biro poised above his notepad. ‘Shall we get started then? I’m Hector Mudgeley, and I believe you already know Jessamy Hazelrigg our photographer.’
    ‘Hello. Jess! How lovely to see you again. It’s years since we last met! I didn’t realise you worked for the
Chronicle!
    ‘Yes. It’s twelve years actually and you look just the same.’
    ‘You don’t! We must talk later.’
    ‘Yes!’
    Hector waited with studied patience for a moment or two, until Caroline had rewarded him with her full attention. Then he continued, ‘And you are Caroline Moffat; two
f’s
, one
t
? Now, may I reveal your age?’
    ‘Why not?’ Caroline said, ‘Since it’s pertinent to the whole thrust of the article.’
    ‘Quite. And are you… ah… married at all?’
    ‘Not even slightly.’
    ‘Oh.’ He looked up and caught her eye with a humorousglance. ‘Right, and how long were you with your previous company?’
    As the interview progressed, Caroline thought, why is it that I always have to play games; see if I can disconcert them? This one is different though; a cut above your average Press reptile. Could it be because he’s from a wholesome and straightforward provincial weekly? No, I think there’s more to it than that. Mmmm… But how odd to see Jess grown up! I remember her so clearly at thirteen, very shy, rather plain, the vulnerable sort.
    When the questions were finished, and Hector had shut up his notepad with a satisfied snap, Caroline asked him, ‘Are you any relation to Ifor Mudgeley of Mudgeley Goggles Ltd?’
    ‘He’s my brother,’ Hector said, ‘Why?’
    ‘Just wondered,’ Caroline said. ‘Wasn’t Mudgeley a big name around here at one time? Didn’t they used to own most of Woodspring?’
    ‘And the
Chronicle
too,’ Hector agreed ruefully. ‘Not any more.’
    ‘But you never wanted to join the family firm?’
    ‘I never found the manufacture of protective clothing to be particularly stimulating,’ Hector said, holding her glance.
    Caroline detected a definite gleam in his eye, and debated within herself whether to respond in kind. She estimated that he was about ten years her senior and surprisingly well dressed. He was taller than she was (even in her highest heels) and had pleasant symmetrical features and thick greying hair. The thing however that most attracted her, was his habit of direct eye contact and his air of effortless self-confidence. She wondered whether it was justified, and found herself wanting to find out.
    He’d make a pleasant change from Vivian, she thought; less artistic but definitely more sensual… Not that I can actually do anything about him at this precise moment, with Jess here…
    Caroline collected her thoughts. ‘Do you work freelance?’ she asked her.
    ‘Nope,’ Hector answered for her. ‘She’s a wage slave, aren’t you Jess.’
    ‘I sometimes take photos for friends on days off or weekends,’ Jess said. ‘And I’ve been known to do the odd wedding.’
    ‘Mmmm,’ Caroline said. ‘Perhaps we could get together professionally? Not for a wedding (God forbid!) but I’m doing a presentation brochure and I need some mug shots of the Directors. The last ones we had done were quite ghastly; made them all look like delinquents. I’ll give you a ring, yes?’
    ‘Yes. I’d love to, but time could be a prob…’ Jess looked doubtful.
    ‘Excellent idea’ Hector enthused. ‘Industry and the Press will be all the better for a spot of mutual co-operation. I’ll square it with our Editor.’
    From the outset, Hector had been impressed by Caroline Moffat and now, with a bit of luck, Jess would be in touch with her further, which might create more opportunities for him to meet her too. He reckoned she was smart in every sense of the word. She was the type he could certainly