Let's Get Quizzical

It all came down to the grand final, but who would finish up on top?

A PAMPHLET quivered on the noticeboard outside the village hall, but Joan Godwin didn't spare it a glance as she strode by.

She was on her way to a last-minute meeting.

Joan knew by heart what the flyer said.

Snorrington Town Quiz.

Rose and Crown, Wednesday 7 p.m.

Marching up the path to Shirley's cottage, Joan could just make out two figures in the bay window.

Three members of their team. Cara must be late.

Joan rolled her eyes. A former fashion designer, Cara was never on time!

Shirley opened the door, every inch the history professor she was, her mop of hair wild, glasses low on her nose.

To Joan's surprise, Cara was making the tea, her acid-green hair arranged in its immaculate chignon.

"Where's Pippa?"

Their geography expert was usually punctual.

"Pippa messaged me earlier..." Cara trailed off as a message pinged in.

"Her headache's turned into a migraine. Apologies, but she's grounded."

Joan looked at her team, stricken, as realisation dawned on everyone.

"We're going to have to find a fourth person to stand in," Cara declared.

"At this late notice?" Shirley exclaimed. "Any quizzer worth having was snapped up weeks ago."

"I know," Joan agreed gloomily. "Without Pippa, who'll cover geography?"

Cara groaned.

"Just what we need. Especially with Lennie Malvern having been on 'Mastermind' last summer."

"Twelve points for his specialist subject." Shirley said. "Flags of the world."

"They didn't hear about anything else for weeks at the golf club." Joan felt her lip curl.

Shirley patted her hand.

"It's all right, Joan. There's always next year."

"I was so looking forward to wiping the smirk from his smug face," Joan fumed. "Odious man!"

Shirley tapped the table.

"Your sister wouldn't come on board, Cara?"

"She's away," Cara reminded them.