Daisy: Not Your Average Super-sleuth! The Terrifying Tale of the Homesick Scarecrow: Daisy Morrow, #5

By R T Green

When an Earth-shattering secret has two legs, a big mouth, and a blinkered determination to get home by any means necessary, it's up to Daisy and Aidan to stop it happening… by any means necessary!

"One of the best cozy mystery series I've ever read!"

Come and meet our feisty R.E.D. heroine, and find out why she's such a hit with readers!

From feeling like they were back in the eighteenth century, Daisy and Aidan are thrust very much into the twenty-first century. Answering a desperate call for help, they find themselves embroiled in a crazy chase across the county to stop a secret going public that must never hit the front pages.

This time the puzzle is the whereabouts of a missing scarecrow, and the question of just how he intends getting 'home'. Our story is different in another, but just as scary a way too. Our intrepid heroes are separated, and neither knows where the other is. For Aidan, an encounter with an old friend proves frighteningly enlightening, while Daisy discovers evidence he could well be in mortal danger, and there isn't a lot of time to save his life… or the situation.

Neither of them realise the secret they're chasing is hardly the secret they thought it was. As an ever-increasing number of friends and enemies join the battle for the same pot of gold, the yellow brick road starts to look more like a four-lane highway, and the end of the rainbow seems to be ever further away.

Who will be the first to make Emerald City in one piece? With the spoils just out of sight over the horizon, that's anyone's guess!

'The Terrifying Tale of the Homesick Scarecrow' is the fifth book in the hilarious Daisy series, and like the others, is not exactly what you might expect!

Check out the whole series, and everything else we create, on the r t green website.

And enjoy!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wise Owl
• Release date: Jul 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201692902

R T Green

The RTG mission in life is simple... to not be like everyone else! ‘Going Green’ has taken on a new meaning, in the book world at least. Whilst we applaud the original meaning (ebooks are a perfect way to promote that) we also try to present a different angle to it. The tendency these days is that if you don’t look and read like everyone else, you don’t sell books. Maybe there’s some truth in that, but we simply don’t do it. The RTG books have been described as a ‘breath of fresh literary air’, and, by those discovering us for the first time, ‘unexpectedly good’. We know many readers prefer the same-old same old, and that’s fine. It’s just not what you get from the RTG stable. Those who know about such things said it would take five years to become a proficient author... I scoffed at that. They were wise. It took six. It’s one reason why even today we remodel existing books, and will always do so. Right from the early years the stories were always good, but were put into words less well than they could have been! These days we have several series and a few standalones, the hit Daisy series most popular amongst them. In everything we do, the same provisos apply – Never the same book twice. If we can’t think up a good story, it doesn’t get written. The RTG brand is about exciting and twisty plots, a fast pace which doesn’t waste words, and endearing (sometimes slightly crazy) characters. We can never please everyone, but it works for us, and, it seems, for those who appreciate our work. Enjoy! Richard, Ann and the RTG crew

Book preview

Introduction

THE DAISY MORROW SERIES documents the slightly-crazy adventures of our R.E.D. (Retired Extremely Daisy) heroine... she’s fun, feisty, kind of wicked, and rather like the other RTG books, she will take you to places you never really expected to go!

Perhaps in Daisy’s case, that’s even truer. Last time out we dove into the past, a scary tale of pirates and valuable treasure which brought the lawless eighteenth century into the present day.

This time round, we look into the future... a possible one at least. Even though it takes place very much in the present day, Daisy and Aidan are wrenched into a scary glimpse of a future AI scenario that really shouldn’t be happening, but is too valuable for those with the power to ignore.

But here, for Daisy and Aidan, the unthinkable happens. They are torn apart by an odd set of circumstances, and neither knows where the other is. It’s unfamiliar territory, and coupled with a frightening reality of what could happen in the immediate future, it’s up to them to find each other again, while both friends and enemies travel the yellow brick road, seeking the end of a rainbow that may or may not exist.

Like Daisy, I live in Norfolk, England. It’s a nice place to be, a tourist destination for those who seek the peace and beauty of its countryside. It’s a world away from Washington or London... but the perfect, if somewhat unlikely setting for a story with global connotations.

I hope it makes you smile, and distracts you for a while from the trials and tribulations of life today. It’s a little Daisy nonsense, which could never actually happen.

Could it..?

Enjoy!

Richard, Ann, and the RTG crew

The Terrifying Tale of the Homesick Scarecrow

Once Upon a Time in Norfolk...

DAISY AND AIDAN WEREN’T aware, but the story actually began a while before they became embroiled in it. Four years before, to be a little more precise. It all started in the Middle of Nowhere.

It’s not really called that, it’s just a name the locals christened it. A few square miles of open, almost-flat farmland ten miles to the west of Norwich, England, if you stood in the middle of it, you really could believe you were in the middle of nowhere. It’s not too far from Daisy’s village, not in miles at least. But it’s a world away in other things...

In the middle of the Middle of Nowhere stands a small farm. There’s a thatched farmhouse, a rickety old barn, and one or two bits of agricultural machinery rusting away in the yard. It’s not a farm anymore. Inside its seemingly-innocent facade there lays a secret that might just change the world.

Whether for the better or the worse... well, that’s up for debate.

The owner of the farm isn’t quite what he seems either. Charlie Henderson is Aidan’s younger brother. He bought the farm four years ago, just after tragedy struck and changed his outlook on life. Now he wears the kind of clothes farmers do, walks the walk and talks the talk. But he too is just a facade, a necessary subterfuge to keep away prying eyes.

Charlie isn’t aware things are about to change. His gentle, reclusive, and very secretive world is destined to become anything but.

This time Daisy is forced to take a reluctant back seat, as Aidan ends up being the one in the firing line, aided and abetted by a few friends, and enemies with only one thing on their minds.

But as we all know by now, Daisy isn’t prepared to sit in the back seat for too long.

Oh dear...

______

Chapter 1

We’ve Only Just Begun

‘YOU REALLY DON’T HAVE to mollycoddle me, dad.’

He grinned as he opened the driver’s door. ‘I know, but you have to give your mum and me a little licence, Celia. We’ve not done any mollycoddling for three years, so we’ve got a lot of catching up to do.’

She sighed, batting her mother’s independent streak to the back of her mind. ‘I suppose it’s only a ride to the station after all.’

‘Exactly. Public transport in Great Wiltingham isn’t exactly prolific.’

Daisy chipped in with a smile, as she headed to open the gate. ‘And you’re still recovering yourself, and now off to look after a wounded sailor.’

Celia walked with her mum to the gate. ‘I know all that, but don’t you think feeling useful is part of the therapy I need?’

Daisy nodded. ‘You make a good point, dear. As long as he doesn’t end up relying on you too much.’

‘Mum... they’re only letting him out of Addenbrookes on the basis there’s someone at home to look after him.’

Daisy swung the gate open. ‘You said his parents asked him to go to their place in Aldburgh. He had a choice.’

‘He wanted to be in his own home. They’re going to visit often anyway.’

‘Can’t imagine why he’d rather be with you than his own parents,’ Daisy grinned.

‘Yes you can.’

‘Ok, I can. Just... just remember we’re on the end of the phone, ok?’

‘You’ll probably get sick of me calling.’

‘I hope so... oh, you know what I mean.’

Celia gave her mother a hug. ‘Of course I do. It’s only for a couple of weeks while he gets on his feet.’

‘And then?’

‘Let’s just see, yeah?’

They were just about to turn and head to the car when Daisy caught sight of someone on the pavement outside, shuffling slowly past, his head bent to the ground. He grinned warmly, and lifted a hand in greeting.

Daisy smiled back. ‘Walter... haven’t seen you in ages.’

He stopped shuffling as Daisy walked over to him, and opened his arms to embrace her, the walking stick waving in the air as he did. ‘Hello, you old wrinklie. Give us a kiss quick, before Aidan sees.’

She hugged him, gave him a peck on the cheek. ‘How have you been, soldier?’

He leant a slightly-shaky hand on the gate. ‘Oh, you know how it is. Those pesky jerries don’t leave us alone. Every night, wave after wave of them. Just no time to relax. But we got two of them last night.’

Celia was looking curious. Daisy explained. ‘Walter is with the ARP. He looks after everyone when the raids come. He’s very good at his job too.’

‘But...’

He grinned, showing his perfect false teeth. ‘It’s hard work, defending Norwich from those bastards.’

‘But...’

‘Don’t worry, my dear. They’re unlikely to bomb Great Wiltingham,’ he reassured her.

Daisy tapped her daughter’s arm. ‘We’re safe here, Celia.’

Walter made to leave. ‘Well Daisy, must go. Back on duty in two hours. Have to make myself a few ham sandwiches before then. Be safe, my dears.’

He ambled off, making his slow way along the lane with a backwards wave of his hand.

Celia shook her head sadly. ‘That poor man. He still thinks it’s World War Two. How old is he?’

‘Ninety-one. But it is still WW2, dear. When he closes his eyes anyway.’

‘Mum, you’re not making sense. He’s not well.’

Daisy grinned. ‘Actually, he’s the wellest person I know. And the sanest.’

‘Mum, I know you’re a little bit crazy, but...’

‘Dear, most of the village thinks he’s lost his mind. But he’s well aware it’s the twenty-first century. Last time we met, we were discussing the pros and cons of Boris Johnson.’

‘I think you need to explain.’

‘Ok... you know you young people spend a small fortune on computer games and virtual reality headsets to play war games?’

‘Well, some of us do.’

‘Point taken. So, Walter doesn’t need technology. When he wants to, he just closes his eyes and he’s back there. For real. And he goes there pretty much every night.’

‘But how? I mean...’

‘He got blown up by a doodlebug in nineteen-forty-two. When they put him back together and discharged him, a few weeks later he discovered he could take himself back, relive what he sees as his glory days. He actually does go back there, for hours at a time.’

‘Wow... if Sony could tap into whatever he does, they’d make a fortune.’

‘Actually, that’s the last thing they’d want to do. Think about it... no console, no VR headsets or game CDs... what would they sell?’

Celia grinned. ‘Good point. I guess I’ll just have to accept strange things go on in this seemingly-innocent village.’

‘Well, Walter is the Wiltingham Enigma for sure!’

Daisy gave her daughter a hug, and reminded her she was on the end of the phone any time day or night, and watched as the car drove away.

She walked slowly back to the kitchen, her mind a mess of contradicting feelings. She’d only had a couple of weeks since the Black Pearl adventure to spend time with her daughter, before she’d announced Jack was being discharged and she was going to Mundesley to care for him while he recovered the strength to look after himself.

Daisy couldn’t argue, although she would have liked to have found something to argue with. The man did save her daughter’s life, and if he hadn’t shown such bravery, Celia wouldn’t have been there at all.

It was the only thing Celia could do, and they all knew it.

Once again she was gone, but at least this time she was on the end of a phone. She smiled to herself at what Celia had said. Feeling needed and wanted would be good for her. There was no doubt about that.

Then again, in a few days, a quick visit to the North Norfolk coast might be a nice day out for the parents.

The parents settled down quite early that night, after Aidan had confiscated Daisy’s phone as the only way to stop her calling Celia.

She’d let out a few frustrated expletives, but knew he was right. Their daughter was in her mid-twenties after all, and quite old and intelligent enough to make her own decisions.

But as Daisy pointed out as she switched off the bedside table lamp, she was her mother.

Celia had called a couple of hours ago, to let them know Jack was home and all was well. But the mumsy instincts were still making their presence felt, and sleep was a while coming. Eventually it took Daisy away... for about two hours.

She woke suddenly, but the reason was obvious straightaway. Aidan’s phone was bouncing around on his bedside table, and he was reaching out to answer it. Instantly, Daisy felt a pang of fear thump into her stomach.

‘Celia?’ she whispered, as Aidan shook his head and answered the phone, switching it to speaker.

‘Charlie?’

His brother sounded frantic. ‘Ade, I’m so sorry to ring you at this hour. I didn’t know who else to ring... can’t trust anyone...’

‘Charlie, calm down. What’s happened?’

‘Oh Christ... it’s the worst thing ever... it’s a nightmare, and it’s only just beginning...’

‘Charlie, you’re not making sense. Tell me what’s wrong.’

‘Oh hell. Not over the phone. I know it’s three in the morning, but can you guys come. Please?’

Aidan glanced to Daisy. She nodded her head, slipped out of bed and grabbed a few clothes. ‘We’ll be there in thirty, Charlie. Just keep calm. Grab a drink or something.’

‘Thanks.’

‘What on Earth could have happened?’ said Daisy nervously as they set off in the car.

‘Your guess is as good as mine. He said he couldn’t trust anyone. But the farm is only fifteen miles away, so we’ll soon find out.’

‘I thought he was retired now? He’s been reclusive for the last four years, ever since...’

‘I know. We tried to bring him out of it, but failed dismally, dear. How many times did we ask him to join us for dinner at the pub in Cawston?’

‘About fifteen. He always said he was too busy, whatever that meant for a reclusive retiree.’

‘Now I’m starting to wonder if he did actually retire. A brain like his always needs something to do.’

‘And he doesn’t have me to occupy his mind like you do, dear.’

As they drove into the old farm that wasn’t a farm anymore, nothing seemed out of place. But as a fraught Charlie met them at the farmhouse door, he looked anything but in place.

‘Thank God. I’m so sorry, you two...’

‘It’s not a problem, Charlie. We haven’t had an adventure for at least two weeks,’ said Daisy.

Aidan glanced to her to button it. ‘Charlie, you’d better tell us what’s happened.’

He poured them a couple of brandies, and sank the remains of his in one gulp. ‘Trust me, I guarantee you’ve never had an adventure like this before...’

‘Just tell us, please?’

‘You’d better sit down. It’s a long and acutely embarrassing story.’

Daisy and Aidan sat down at the kitchen table. ‘We’re all ears.’

Charlie was still pacing the flagstone floor, empty glass in hand. Aidan said firmly. ‘Charlie, come and sit down, and start at the beginning.’

He pulled out a chair. Aidan handed him a fresh brandy, and as his head lowered, he began to tell them why he was in such a state.

‘First off, I’ve not been honest with you... well, not with anyone. I couldn’t, it was just too big.’

‘What was?’

‘I didn’t retire, not totally. I’d been working on something before... before it happened. When I lost my appetite to work on contracts for MI6, as you know I came here to shut myself away. But I didn’t stop inventing... gadgets.’

‘That’s what you did so well, Charlie... building the genius trickery MI6 agents use, as a private contractor.’

‘It was what I did well. But when I retired and came here, I took things a step further, and invented the biggest... gadget of all.’

‘So this farm is just a front?’

‘Partly. I did buy it because I wanted to be alone. But then I lost myself in work, and made a breakthrough. A massive breakthrough.’ He shuddered, like it was hard to even talk about.

‘Hey, Charlie.’ Daisy reached out a hand and wrapped it around his shaking forearm. ‘So no one knew about this?’

‘Just Rupert. He gave me the green light to work in secret. No one else knew.’

‘Rupert has just retired himself. He helped me out a few months ago, just before he was about to leave.’

‘When he finally retired from MI6, he didn’t tell anyone there about... about this. It was just too big. Apart from you two, he’s the only other person who knows... knows he exists. At least, I thought he was.’

‘He?’

Charlie shook his head. ‘You’d better refill your glasses, folks. The story I’m about to tell you will blow your socks off...’

Chapter 2

Two Days Earlier...

Wide-eyed and Legless

CHARLIE COULD FEEL the eyes, watching his every step as he walked slowly across the barn floor.

‘Stop it.’

‘Stop what?’

‘Watching me with your beady eyes.’

A snort. ‘If I’ve got beady eyes, it’s your fault.’

Charlie turned, fixing a glare into the beady eyes. Wishing he’d not given his creation such a piercing stare, he knew it would take forever to change the eyes. So for now at least, they would have to stay.

‘Just... just look somewhere else please.’

‘But you’re the only thing moving around here.’ The eyes finally left Charlie, and aimed instead at something sitting on the workbench stretching across the side wall of the barn. ‘But I guess I could stare at those...maybe that will galvanise you into action!’

Charlie grinned. ‘Oh yeah. And it will galvanise you into action too, and I’m not sure the world could handle that.’

The face changed in an instant. The mouth locked down into a stern pout, the nostrils flared slightly, and the eyes somehow grew even more manic. When the words came out, the voice and the tone was a perfect imitation of the very well-known ex-president he’d based it on.

‘You think this is funny? You should take me seriously, you never know what might happen.’

Charlie gulped, trying not to let it show. He managed to keep his voice from shaking. ‘Tomorrow. I told you, tomorrow.’

The head lowered, the voice turned mellow. ‘Tomorrow never comes. Look at me...’ he glanced down sorrowfully at his lack of legs, and sniffed for dramatic effect. ‘Don’t you care, my creator? See, I’m crying now...’

‘You can’t cry.’

‘Sure I can, inside. And I want my legs!’

Charlie knelt down next to the slightly-comical yet somewhat-more-scary face, and smiled reassuringly. ‘Tomorrow, I promise. I just have to run final tendon checks, and you’ll be whole.’

The face crumpled into despair. ‘But I won’t ever be whole, will I?’ Now the anger was building again. ‘Because you, you cruel heartless moron, gave me a name that is also the one appendage of the male human body I won’t ever possess!’

‘Ok, maybe Willy wasn’t the best name I could have chosen... but you don’t need an... appendage anyway.’

‘Who says I don’t? I like women as much as the next man.’

‘You’re a scarecrow, Willy.’

‘But...’ Willy didn’t get to protest any further. Outside, from the tiny country lane passing next to the barn, the sound of a screech of brakes filled the air. That was followed by a vehicle shuddering to a halt, which ended in a crunch of metal against harder metal. Then silence.

The silence didn’t last long. They heard someone wrench a car door open, and moments later a woman’s frustrated voice.

‘Bugger!’

Charlie got to his feet, and headed towards the barn door.

‘Hey! Don’t leave me here... I want to see!’

He turned, put a finger to his lips. ‘Hush, Willy. You’re a secret, remember? Not a sound... or a movement, ok?’

‘According to you I’m a scarecrow, so what’s new?’

The low sun burned into Charlie’s eyes as he strolled into the yard. Through the squint, the reason for the noise was all too obvious. A red Audi TT convertible had come to rest against the rusty and very hard iron chassis of the disused hay trailer parked next to the road. Narrowing his eyes to see clearer, he knew why the two objects had inadvertently come together. The front tyre of the Audi was flat.

That was further confirmed by the cartoon-like actions of the agitated woman next to it, kicking the tyre furiously with a red stiletto. That didn’t seem to work, but clearly it hurt. ‘Oww!’ she growled, bending over to remove the shoe and massage painful toes. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Charlie standing watching, a slight smile on his face.

‘Oi! You finding this funny?’

‘Nope,’ he grinned, inside this time. It was kind of amusing, watching the antics of a girl clearly out of her comfort zone.

The girl in question didn’t seem to be sharing his amusement. A slim, tanned arm gesticulated at the trailer. ‘You leave that thing there?’

‘Nope. Been there yurs and yurs!’ Charlie replied, in his best faux-Norfolk.

‘Well, it shouldn’t be. It’s a friggin’ road hazard.’ The accent was Essex. Very Essex. It was starting to feel like an episode of TOWIE meets Emmerdale. Just without the hills.

She bent over again, removed the other shoe, and began to pad over the dusty ground towards the barn like she was walking on hot coals. Charlie watched as she drew closer. Fake blonde, fake tan, probably fake boobs trying to burst out of a simple white t-shirt that by rights was too small, yet somehow accentuated the fact she really didn’t need fake anything to turn heads.

‘Maybe it would have been best to put the other shoe back on, instead of taking them both off?’ he offered.

The girl finally reached