3 Nerys and the Tickets

Chapter 3 Nerys and the Tickets Peanut and Little-Bit left the house, shutting the bright yellow front door behind them. At the same time, Nerys, their mother's assistant at Blood, Stone & Partners, arrived at the gate at the other end of the path. 'Well, hello there, my lovelies. And where are you two going on this fine summer's evening?' The lilting, Welsh-accented voice danced out of

her mouth and instantly made the world seem sunnier. Little-Bit smiled. 'We're going to the National P—' 'We're going to the Science Museum!' interrupted Peanut. 'They do these really cool sleepovers in the school holidays where you get to look at stars and machines and, er, other sciencey things.' 'Ooh, I'm not gonna lie to you, that sounds wonderful.' She shut the gate behind her. 'Well, don't let me hold you up. Is your mother at home?' 'Yes,' sighed Peanut, suddenly remembering the likely purpose of Nerys's visit to pick Mum up for her date with Mr Stone. 'She's just getting ready.' 'Tidy,' smiled Nerys, eyes twinkling mischievously. 'I've got her tickets here, and a little surprise to boot. Now, you have a lovely time at the museum. And don't do anything that might get you in trouble. I don't want to hear that you've been causing Mum any more grief.'

Peanut and Little-Bit said their goodbyes and walked through the gate on to Melody Road. A huge silver car was parked at the kerb, taking up at least two normal-sized spaces. An opaque black window slowly slid open to reveal a smiling middle-aged man wearing a dark-blue, peaked cap. 'Hello, Hammond,' said Peanut happily. 'How are things?' 'Mustn't grumble, young miss. Mustn't grumble,' said Blood, Stone & Partners' resident chauffeur. 'But I must say, it makes a nice change to see you. I have been doing so many airport runs recently. I dread to think how big sir's carbon footprint is.' Peanut frowned. So Stone is doing a lot of travelling, is he? What's he up to, I wonder? Her suspicion-ometer had been working overtime recently. 'Hurry up, Peanut,' said Little-Bit, popping her sister's thought-balloon. 'Let's go and pick up Rockwell. We're late.'