AS THEY ALL MADE THEIR WAY TO THE CAR PARK, JOSIE announced that she would go back to Farnden with Matthew. They were both effusive in thanking Douglas for organising the outing, and Josie said she intended to give the centre some publicity by pinning details to the shop notice board.
“That’ll certainly up the attendance figures,” said Douglas with a straight face. “Mind how you go, Matt,” he added. “Won’t do for a policeman to be caught speeding!”
Matthew Vickers sighed. How many times had this been said to him? But he was a good-humored soul, and smiled dutifully. “Precious cargo,” he said. “I shall be extra careful.”
“Blimey, our Josie’s a precious cargo, is she?” muttered Derek to Lois. “Getting serious, d’you reckon?”
“Hope so,” said Lois. “Time Josie got wed.”
“Mum! I heard that,” Douglas said, as he started the engine. “Don’t push. Best way to put them off, that is.”
They turned out of the car park, and this time they took no wrong turnings but drove steadily down a mercifully quiet M1 motorway. Conversation consisted entirely of an exchange of views about the centre, what they had liked best, what they’d missed. The general consensus was that it was a great day out, and they’d certainly go again soon.
Harry’s head soon drooped, and he was asleep.
“Look, Doug,” Susie said, turning round from the front seat. “He’s smiling, bless him.”
“Probably dreaming of walking in space,” Douglas said.
They were silent for a while, and then Lois said, “Hey, Derek, isn’t that Gavin Adstone and family?”
A large black car with darkened windows sped past them. “Idiot driver going too fast to be sure. Must be doing at least a hundred,” said Derek.
“And with a child aboard! And if you don’t mind my mentioning it, Doug, you’re doing eighty yourself,” said Susie.
“Could you see two men?” persisted Lois.
“Give it a rest, Sherlock,” said Derek, and settling himself comfortably, he closed his eyes.