The Girl in the Astrakhan Hat

By luigi_pagano

Tue, 12 May 2020

671 reads

2 comments

1 likes

When I left Hilary Moneypound, at the end of our recent interview, I was more confused than when we began.

Her last words had been: “I remember Francesca from when I was a trainee in the typists' pool. She was the best...”

She had mentioned my mother by name, in a way that suggested they had been friends or colleagues. Did my mum also belong to that typing pool? And the best at her job?

I don't remember her at all, as I was only three when she died, but I was told by my uncle Jeremy that she was an outstanding war photographer and that was her main métier. Perhaps in her younger days she had undertaken some secretarial work. I was determined to find out and knew where the answers may lie.

In the loft of my house there was a large military trunk that had belonged to my late father, with a fading name and rank, which contained a number of notebooks and where I had found my mother's diary. That would be a good starting point but it would have to wait as I had more pressing tasks.

The chalet was now empty and needed attention after Gideon had departed almost stealthily one early morning, Not that I missed him but was curious about his current whereabouts. Hilary had been evasive when I asked the question.

“He has been furloughed, Jessica”, she had said with no further explanation. I shall have to find an excuse to pump her for more information.

◊ ◊ ◊

Considering that Gideon has lived in it for a good few months, he has left the chalet in good order. He has stripped the the bed, put the sheets and pillows in the laundry basket, and has vacuum cleaned the floor.

He hasn't taken his 'birdwatching' binoculars and now I discover that they are night vision. I give him the benefit of the doubt and consider the possibility he may have been watching the bats that I know fly around my house at night.

Another thing that he forgot or meant to leave behind is a photograph of a Slavic looking girl with a mischievous smile, wearing an astrakhan hat.

The writing on the back says: “From Russia with love.”

She could be a genuine girlfriend or else he is living a fantasy and thinks of himself as another James Bond.

I shall take the photo and the binoculars to Hilary and see if my discovery elicits a reaction from her.

There is an alternative source that I could try, Willy 'the pistol' Browning. From what I remember from the time we first met, not only was I impressed by his physique but also by his laid back attitude and he seems an amenable bloke with whom I could talk openly.

Since we were both tested negative for the virus I might take a chance and invite him over for tea.

By hook or by crook I shall learn the truth.

Comments

I am still a loyal reader and

Permalink Submitted by onemorething on Thu, 2020-05-14 14:39

I am still a loyal reader and enjoying, Luigi. I like her ruse to take the binoculars to continue her investigations into what happened to Gideon. And the ongoing mystery of her background... Rachel x

I know you are, Rachel and it

Permalink Submitted by luigi_pagano on Thu, 2020-05-14 17:03

I know you are, Rachel and it is of great comfort to me. Without your support and Jenny's this tale would have folded up ages ago. Some episodes have proved more successful than others (i.e. cherried), others not so. Maybe too predictable or the standard is slipping. No matter I'll carry on regardless.

Luigi x

The Girl in the Astrakhan Hat

By luigi_pagano

Comments

I am still a loyal reader and

I know you are, Rachel and it

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