5th March
Joan Stanford and Mandy left Helen and me alone to think over the proposition. Joan Stanford had apologised for the time pressure but explained that it was necessary to act quickly.
ARK would be wanting to obtain Leadbetter’s laptop, and to avoid suspicion, it was critical that it was returned to his office as soon as possible – as if ignored by those who had attended the vicar.
The existing recording would need to remain unchanged because Leadbetter had heard those words and, at some point, could verify their authenticity. Scope existed, however, to add further dialogue to develop the sting operation – dialogue that Leadbetter would assume he had simply missed while unconscious.
‘Frankly, I’m scared,’ said Helen, concluding a long discussion between us, ‘but as those nutcases already think we’re involved in this, they might not believe that it’s all been a figment of their imaginations. Also, we owe it to Sam and to the people these medieval bastards have killed or might kill.’
I had to agree that, quite by chance, we were already involved too deeply with it all and had to see it through. ‘I’m scared too,’ I admitted.
The door opened, and Joan Stanford re-entered the room. ‘Have you had enough time to think about it?’ she asked.
‘We want to help,’ I said.
Before more could be said, Mandy Watkins also re-entered the room followed by Duck.
‘Duck,’ I said in astonishment, ‘what are you doing here?’
Joan Stanford answered for him. ‘The plan we have in mind involves Duck and his farm.’
‘They told me the whole story this morning,’ Duck explained. ‘I said I would help if you and Helen agreed to become involved.’
‘I’m sorry to keep rushing you all,’ interrupted Joan Stanford, ‘but Mr. Morrison and Mrs. Hargreaves will need to make the additional recordings for the laptop as soon as possible.’
Joan Stanford looked at Helen and me and beckoned towards the door.