Ruth Owen was nothing like Alison had imagined. She came to the door looking flustered but none-the-less perfectly-groomed and manicured, her clothes hanging elegantly on her slender form, her hair cut in the latest style.
"Oh thank you, so much, I don't know what I'd have done if you hadn't rung. I thought my friend was picking her up."
I bet you did, thought Alison.
"Come in, Sweetie. I'll make your tea in a minute."
Patsy went in and started up the stairs, casting a look over her shoulder that said volumes.
"Well, right, I'll be off then."Half-way down the path, Alison hesitated and looked back. Ruth Owen was still standing in the doorway smiling her vacuous smile.
"I could drop her off every night, if you like. It's on my way home anyway."
"Oh, would you?"Ruth's smile became
