31/10/2019

Tony and Helen are unimpressed with the trick or treaters from Beechwood. Helen’s glad Henry’s not doing it; he has a lovely party at Bridge Farm to enjoy. However Helen reports later that Henry’s not having a good time. He’d rather be out with the older children, like Keira. Tony offers to take him out trick or treating, but Helen insists she goes instead, leaving reluctant Tony in charge of the little ones. Helen returns with a happy Henry, and finds Tony has coped gamely.
Robert and Jim go birding to escape the Halloween mayhem, but their peace is wrecked by a phone call from Lynda and an intrusive firework close by. As Robert is spooked by an owl, Jim detects his companion’s latent fear. Robert concedes he doesn’t mind a ghost story, especially at Christmas, but might draw the line at the M R James test which Jim details with relish. When Jim winds him up with a ghostly photography-based tale, Robert makes his excuses and leaves. He needs to get back and help Lynda with the tricksters. Once back home he’s jumpy, and entreats perturbed Lynda not to respond to the doorbell when it rings. You never know what might be out there!