Planning Permission

Can a philanthropist help Maisie from beyond the grave?

forecourt,” she offered, when George started to look a little hazy. “Just across from our garden.” She pointed. “Walter Millet, the reformer…”

“Millet!” George’s fury surged. In seconds he was over at the window. “Over my dead body. I’m not having him staring at me every time I look out of my window.” “But he was such a nice man…”

“Nice man! Nice man!” George almost choked on the words. “Do-gooder. No sense of what’s important!” He staggered.

“Good deeds and kindness make the world a better place…” Maisie began.

George swung round. “Country wouldn’t be in the state it’s in if it wasn’t for the likes of… of… Show me where,” he said. “Show me.”

It hadn’t taken much, really. The dark night, George’s tiredness, the effects of the whisky. Maisie knew the building site well, the layout imprinted on her mind.

Poor George, he’d just stumbled backwards, hardly making a sound as the still-wet cement sucked him under. He only had himself to blame; demanding to know the exact location of the statue.

She’d been interviewed by the police, of course, but embroidering the truth had been easier than she imagined.

“Happens all the time, madam,” they told her, after they concluded their investigations. “We’ve more names on our missing persons files than most of us have had hot dinners. The only thing we know, given that we found your husband’s car in the station car park, is that he never returned from the city.”

Staring up at Walter Millet’s statue, Maisie couldn’t help but smile. Funny, the way things turned out; George was always at the shops with her now.

Millet, champion of the underdog – the man who found, fought for and won causes believed to be lost – ensuring George was finally kept firmly in his place. George, who said sentiment couldn’t stand in the way of progress. He’d been right. She’d taken his advice.

She reached for a shopping trolley, giving Millet a conspiratorial wink. And she’d have sworn he winked back!

BY KATE HOGAN

WEEK: JUNE 16 – JUNE 22, 2020

LIBRA

This is a good time to share ideas with your colleagues and contemporaries. You will enjoy brainstorming with creative people like yourself. Astro Tip: Social activity will keep you on the go.

SCORPIO

A group discussion will fill you with confidence. Praise comes your way for your contribution to a group effort and it’s great to know you’re appreciated. Astro Tip: Stick to your own devices.

SAGITTARIUS

You won’t agree with the way your boss or colleague approaches a difficult project. You have your own ideas but they won’t want to hear.

Astro Tip: You feel you really know best.

CAPRICORN

A group project fills you with excitement. By combining resources with someone who is talented and resourceful, you will be successful.

Astro Tip: Develop your own talents and abilities.

AQUARIUS

An offer or proposition could benefit you but you need time to consider it. Once you’re on your own, weigh up your options without distractions. Astro Tip: Listen to someone’s advice.

PISCES

Follow a hunch even if it leads down a strangely winding trail. If you listen to your instincts, wonderful things happen. Your intuition about a new job opportunity is right on target. Astro Tip: Watch your temper.

ARIES

Overindulging will slow your progress. You’re ready to come to terms with your body’s needs and start eating more nutritious food.

Astro Tip: Time to talk to a legal adviser.

TAURUS

Don’t be surprised if an older relative offers a surprising opportunity to you. Although this offer may be unexpected, accept it with a grateful heart. Astro Tip: Don’t feel bad about turning down a request.