That doesnt mean he had anything to do with Alison going, David Carter said, rubbing his hand over his chin in what was clearly a familiar gesture of exasperation.
Your fathers right, George said mildly.
Maybe so, Brian muttered grudgingly. But he always has to know best, does Hawkin. If he lays down the law in the house the way he does on the land, then my cousins got worse than a dogs life. I dont care what anybody says, she cant have been happy living with Hawkin. He spat contemptuously on the concrete floor then turned away abruptly and stalked off to the far end of the milking shed.
Take no notice of the lad, David Carter said wearily. His mouth works harder than his brain. Hawkins an idiot, but according to Ruth, he thought the world of Alison. And Id take my sisters word ahead of that son of mine. He shook his head and half turned to watch Brian fiddling with a piece of machinery. I thought marrying Denise would knock some sense into him. Too much to hope for, I suppose. He sighed. Well be out with the searchers, Mr Bennett. And Ill think on what youve said. See if I can think of owt.
They shook hands. George could feel Carters cool eyes appraising him as he followed Clough out into the grey-streaked light of dawn. No love lost between young Brian and the squire, George commented as they walked back to the car.
Hes saying nothing that the rest of Scardale doesnt think, according to PC Grundy. We had a chat with him last night after wed done the door-to-door interviews. He says all the villagers reckon Hawkins in love with the sound of his own voice. He likes people to be in no doubt who the boss is, and they dont take kindly to that in Scardale. The tradition here has always been that the villagers get on with working the land the way they see fit and the squire collects his rents and keeps his nose out. So youre going to hear a lot of complaints about Hawkin, Clough said.
He couldnt have been more wrong.