Robert Hugill

I think the phrase is properly something like as neat as a bandbox or something, but I can't remember the original!

To finalise things, Russ Kahn had insisted that they all come to his office. Ralph had expected that Nolan and Verne would just sign paperwork and that was that, but not a bit, Russ Kahn insisted on meeting them again and having a drink to celebrate their new partnership. So, Wednesday evening, Ralph, Nolan and Verne foregathered in the ritzy foyer of RK Enterprises’ headquarters building. Well, ritzy by comparison to what they could afford, and it was impressively kitted out with some seri

Thanks, have not the slightest idea where I picked it up from!

May well have been.

Next instalment on Friday!

'Lawks' is very, very period but rather fun.

Ludo woke up early and ended up rushing for the bathroom. Arthur found him retching over the toilet. Finally, it finished, and they ended up sitting in the kitchen with cups of mint tea. “You Ok now?” “Think so. Sorry about that. Can’t think what happened.” “Well, last night’s dinner was harmless enough.” “Yea. Reckon it might be anxiety.” “About Jackie?” “The whole thing. If the police are wrong then I’m still in the frame for the fraud, and if Graham Marcus is rig

Saturday evening, they did watch Spirited Away, and the girls loved it. It also helped to have something riveting to watch so that they would not worry so much about the noise of fireworks. Not that they were scared, quite. But it was a bit late for them to be out and Therese wasn’t keen. She reluctantly let them do a bit of ‘trick or treat’ on Halloween, but standing in a cold park watching fireworks was too far. Ralph didn’t mind, and Nolan commented to the girls that it was far cosier here.

'This woman is morally your ugliest character yet' I'm definitely going to frame that quote!

The whole place had a rather bleak, unloved air, as if no-one spent enough money on it, which was probably true. After all, why have luxury around for interviews with potential felons. DS Marcus was at the Police Station with another policewoman, introduced as DC Cynthia Creaton. She was big, sleek, glossy and dark skinned, and Ludo suspected there were muscles underneath her uniform, and he didn’t want to find out. The name rang a bell, he thought Arthur had talked to one called Cynthia. H

Russ is the focus of his own story later in the series, filling in some background...

Morrie was delighted when Ralph got back to him about dates for their photo shoot. The best slot was Thursday evening, that seemed to work for Ivor, Ralph and Nolan. Morrie snapped the offer up immediately, blithely commenting that he was sure that he’d manage to fix one of his photographers. Beth had laughingly offered her services as photographer to Ralph, which had caused Ivor to protest, but they’d all known that it for the joke it was. There was no way either man fancied their colleagu

Friday, Arthur and Adam moved in properly. It felt strange, the four of them in the house. It was plenty big enough, but Ludo was so used to having space and time and he was horribly aware that Arthur seemed to be trying to occupy as little room as possible. Late morning, Ludo wandered into the work area for Arthur that they had created in what had been Jackie’s study. His heart lurched, it felt so odd her not being here, though like Damian, he didn’t want her back. “Look, we’re never going

Thanks! I have to confess that tofu chowder isn't something I have ever cooked, but it seemed logical based on my (very English) recipe for chowder.

“He’s moved in!” “No! The Dribble's moved in with you?” Therese laughed, “No way. That’s turned into a drought. No, Ralph’s boyfriend.” “Bloody hell. Randy Ralph’s back.” “That was quick. But”, Dee’s brow wrinkled, “what you said about Ralph’s place being small.” “Is entirely true. But it’s a necessity.” Barb cackled, “What, Ralph not getting enough, and he needs it on tap?” “No. The boyfriend’s accountant has embezzled funds and done a runner. Bloke’s company