Mrs. Pargeter's Pound of Flesh by Simon Brett Page B

got an outside line and barked instructions about collecting the body to whoever answered him.
    'Was that the police?' Mrs Pargeter asked as he put the receiver down.
    'The hospital.'
    'Shouldn't we call the police?'
    'After an accident like this it is usual to call the hospital first. They may be able to do something.'
    'Something you couldn't do?'
    'I don't understand you, Mrs Pargeter.' The dull eyes flickered a cold look at her.
    Well, look, you're a doctor. Either she's dead . . . or there's something that can be done for her. If there's something that can be done, it would stand more chance of succeeding if you did it here – now.'
    He moved closer to her and lowered his voice. 'I don't think you quite realize what is at stake here, Mrs Pargeter. Brotherton Hall is a substantial business, and one whose reputation could be seriously affected by something like this. I can assure you we are not going to let an accident caused by one of the staff abusing her position here jeopardize the company's future.'
    'So you think it'd be simpler to have Lindy Galton registered "Dead on Arrival" at the hospital, rather than having the police in here inspecting the scene where she actually died?'
    'Exactly, Mrs Pargeter. You show a very acute understanding of the situation.'
    'And is that what happened with Jenny Hargreaves?' she asked coolly.
    'I don't know who you're talking about.' The response was immediate. The name prompted no flicker of recognition.
    'She was a girl –'
    'All I do know,' Dr Potter steamrollered over her, 'is that a lot of people have a lot of investment riding on Brotherton Hall, and that anyone who threatened the success of this enterprise would . . . would be very unwise.'
    This limp second thought about how to finish the sentence was more chilling than if he had actually spelt out the threat.
    CHAPTER 18
    Mrs Pargeter was lost in thought as she walked slowly up to her room. So lost that she didn't see Kim Thurrock until her friend was right alongside her in the ill-lit corridor. (The corridors at Brotherton Hall were all lit in a manner which the interior designer had described as 'discreetly modern', but which came across as old-fashioned murky.)
    'Three ounces less tonight!' Kim announced in triumph.
    'Oh, great. Well done,' Mrs Pargeter responded absently.
    'Three ounces! Even the girl who was monitoring my weighing said congratulations.'
    Oh dear, she'll be out on her ear tomorrow, thought Mrs Pargeter. Commendation of a guest's progress at Brotherton Hall was as heinous a staff crime as a scowl in Disneyland.
    'And, what's more, I actually got the address of this plastic surgeon in Harley Street.'
    'Oh, for Heaven's sake, love. You're not still thinking of that, are you?'
    'It's worth just investigating the possibilities,' Kim pleaded. 'I mean, the first consultation with this Mr Littlejohn is totally free.'
    'But any other dealings with him are no doubt totally expensive.'
    'Well . . .' Kim Thurrock was still childlike in her enthusiasm. 'It can't do any harm just to find out a bit more . . .'
    'So long as you promise me you won't start anything before Thicko comes out – I mean, is back with you.'
    'There's no danger of that. He'll be home in a couple of weeks. But it would be nice,' Kim added wistfully, 'if I'd had my first consultation by then . . .'
    'So that Thicko can see what's on offer? You show him Mr Littlejohn's brochure of available bums and get him to choose the one he'd like to see on you – is that it?'
    'No, of course not,' said Kim, in a way that meant exactly the opposite.
    'Well, look, don't you rush into anything, love. Give Thicko time to readjust to you as you are before you go changing yourself – eh?'
    'Yes, of course, Melita.' Kim gave a little giggle of excitement. 'Ooh, I can't believe he'll be back home so soon.'
    'He will be. And you'll have a wonderful time,' said Mrs Pargeter, fondly remembering many comparable reunions with the late Mr Pargeter.
    Her mood was more