The Christmas Mansion Mystery ( Part Eight )

It was Sunday and Cherish was busy making phone calls, there were files to go through, she wanted to update herself with what Andrew was doing. Cherish was quite good at finance, and the books were kept in order, just like most of Andrews life, everything was filed and correct.

The rest of the house seemed to carry on as normal, although Nancy
didn't say much of anything, in less she was spoken to. The whole
business seemed to hit her, more than anyone else.

Because of what had happened Alice felt the boys might want to come
home early for Christmas, so decided to phone the Schools and see if
it would be okay to let the boys go early. They said that under the circumstances, it would be fine, if she wanted to pick them up.

Alice normally sent Jackson her driver to pick up the boys, but today
she realised that they would need her and to be honest, she needed
them. She decided to spend the day with them.

Cherish walked into the hallway as Alice was getting ready to leave.
“You all ready for the off?” Cherish asked.
“Yes,” said Alice...”just waiting for Jackson to bring the car around.”

“I'll see there's some food prepared for when you get back.” replied
Cherish.

“Oh don't worry, I thought I might take the boys out for something to
eat, you know how they like Chicken and chips.”

“Of course,” said Cherish, “we will see you when you get back.”

Jackson drove around the front of the house, ready for Alice to get in.
As they drove away, Cherish waved them off.

Alice reached the school earlier than she thought, there was hardly any
traffic, mind you it was a Sunday.

Pulling up outside the large building, that looked like it would fit well
in a period drama, Alice walked up to the main entrance and entered
through the large doors.

The porch was tiled in exquisite floral Victorian tiles, which led into
the main reception area. Your eyes as you entered were led up a main
staircase and a domed ceiling above.

“Hello! Can I help you?” said a voice, bringing Alice back to her
senses.

“Yes...I've come to pick up Sam Henvey.” A tall woman came walking
up to her, dressed in a suit.

“Just one moment.” the woman walked over to the reception desk and
started talking to another female.

Alice looked around for some sign of life, it was so quiet considering it
was a school for boys.

The woman returned with a book, “Sam has been informed you are
here, if you would care to take a seat, he will be down shortly. I will
need you to sign this book to say you have picked up your son.”

“Thank you very much.” Alice made her way over to one of the plush
settees and made herself comfortable.

It wasn't long before she caught sight of Sam, making his way down the staircase. Alice stood and Sam ran over to her and hugged his Mother.

“How are you Sam?” she said looking at him and pushing his hair out
of his eyes.

“Oh! Alright I suppose, It's good to see you mum, is James with you?”

“No Sam, I thought I'd pick you up first, how have you been?”

Sam being a typical teenager, wasn't really that interested in talking
about himself. “I'm fine, so have you bought the Christmas tree yet?”

Alice knew not to question him, if he wanted to talk, she would wait
for him to open up. “No tree yet...I thought I would wait and let you
and James pick out a tree.”

“Great!” replied Sam. “Can we go now?”

“Yes...but first I have to sign the book.”

They were just about to walk over to the reception, when Mr Baxter
the head master came into reception.

“Ah! Mrs Henvey...so you found Sam, good...good. You know his
work has much improved since last we spoke. Sam is becoming a
first class pupil, we had a few hiccups, but he seems to be doing a
lot better, I'm pleased to say.”

“Well headmaster, I'm very pleased to hear that. Sam has always been
a good boy.”

“So are you ready for the off Sam?” the headmaster smiled at Sam,
as he spoke.

Sam did not really care to converse with the headmaster. “Yes Sir!”

“Well Mrs Henvey I hope you have a good Christmas, if I don't speak
to you before hand, but it would be good to let me know of any news,
that I might need to know about, if you know what I mean!”

“Yes certainly Mr Baxter, I'll be in touch...we'll see what happens.”

“Well Sam I hope to see an even greater improvement when you come
back in the New Year.”

Alice felt the strain in her son's face, as she smiled at Mr Baxter. “I
can only wish that my son does his best, no more...no less.”

“Yes of course!” replied the head, “but there's always room for
improvement. Well I will wish you a good holiday, or as good as it
can be, under the circumstances.”

“What does he mean mum?” said Sam.

“Oh nothing, look I'll explain later. Come on, we have to get going,
pick up James. The same to you Mr Baxter.” Alice said rushing Sam
out of the building, she was angry that the head had made things
awkward for her, she wanted to explain about their Father, when Sam
and James were together.

Come on Sam, let's go and pick up your brother, he must be wondering
where we are.”

Sam took his mother's arm, as they walked to the car. Jackson was
ready with the door. They climbed in and as Jackson shut the door
and went to get into drive, Sam turned to his mother, “are we going
straight home, after picking James up?”

“No Sam,” replied Alice, “I thought we'd go to the zoo, have a bit of
fun, then we'll go and have some chicken and chips, at the Berni Inn,
I know how much you both love chicken and chips.”

Alice was determined to make a day of it.

To be continued …............