Enemy of the State: Fantastic Mystery Stories by E. C. Tubb

Author:E. C. Tubb [Tubb, E. C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ingram Distribution
Published: 2011-10-21T07:00:00+00:00

GIFT WRAPPED

We don’t talk about Amos Tyke now though, at one time, it seemed as if we spoke of nothing else; of how tall and handsome he was, his clothes, his car, his visitors and his dogs. He had five of them, German Shepherds that roved the house and garden, big, savage things they seemed to me.

“Of course he could be offering them for stud,” said Peggy Marsh. “Have you ever seen anyone bringing a bitch for service, Martha?”

I hadn’t and said so.

“Perhaps you didn’t notice?” Peggy was insistent. “I mean, you living so close and all.”

Susan Padbury smiled as she reached for another cookie.

“Martha would have noticed, you can bet on that. I’ve never known anyone’s front garden needing such attention as hers has done lately.”

Which really wasn’t a nice comment to have made.

Elmwood is a small community; a speculative development which misfired and which is now mainly occupied by senior citizens and the like. Frank had died before getting any real benefit from his retirement leaving me with a house too large and far too empty. It was natural that I should be interested in what went on.

“Susan’s just envious,” soothed Elizabeth. “Amos Tyke is the most interesting thing that’s happened here and you’re practically on his doorstep. You’ve met him, of course.”

“We’ve spoken.” I was a little curt because I hate the thought of anyone considering me a snoop.

“You have?” Elizabeth had been right; Susan was envious and it showed. “Did he tell you anything about himself?”

“A little.”

“Don’t be so bitchy, Martha,” snapped Lorna. “You live right next to him. Now tell us what you’ve found out.”

Lorna was older and richer than the rest of us and was the doyen of Elmwood’s social life. Even so I kept her waiting while I poured coffee.

“He used to own his own business in New Mexico, something to do with electronics, but he and his wife were involved in a car accident. She died and he was hurt. They had no children and he couldn’t face the old life after leaving hospital so he sold out and came here. He’s rented Three Oaks for a year, but may stay longer.”

I didn’t mention the way he had looked when we’d talked; how his eyes had crinkled at the corners and how the breeze had stirred his hair. And I didn’t say anything about his voice, so deep, so strong and masculine.

“A widower?” Susan was thoughtful. “Living all alone in that big house. I think it’s up to us to be neighbourly. I’ll invite him to a small party I’m giving next week.”

It was easy to guess why. Susan had been through two divorces and was looking for another chance. For her Amos Tyke would be a prize catch and she set about it like a general conducting a campaign. A new hairstyle, new clothes, new perfume. It was all wasted effort.

At the party Amos was coldly polite and spread himself around. The best she could manage was to get him to

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