Trick or Treat

The local hooligans were out for tricks, unaware that Gilda Macy had a special treat in store for them...

- ANNE GORING

Gilda Macy had enjoyed Halloween. So far. Various giggling groups of ghosties and witches had called, and she'd done her bit - thrown up her hands and pretended to be surprised when she opened the door, winked at hovering parents as she distributed sweets, smiled and waved as the happy little troupes went off to call on other neighbours.

She closed the door after the last lot of excited children had gone, cleared away the dishes from her evening meal and thought about what old Mrs Browne next door had told her this morning.

"The little ones are lovely. It's those others." She'd looked worried. "Teenagers. From the estate, I guess. They really put the wind up me last year. Wouldn't go until I gave them money. I was frightened they'd put a brick through the window or something if I didn't."

"You should have called the police," Gilda said.

"I don't like causing trouble," said Mrs Browne. "This year I'll go to bed early, pretend I'm not in." 

"I'll keep an eye out," said Gilda. She laid her palm comfortingly on Mrs Browne's age-spotted hand. "You enjoy your evening and don't worry about daft teenagers throwing their weight about. I can deal with them."

Mrs Browne looked relieved. "I'm so glad you're my neighbour now," she said. "I hardly saw the young couple who were here before as they led such busy lives. And the house was empty for such a long time after they flitted I was beginning to think nobody wanted to live there."

Gilda laughed. "It must have been waiting for me to show up. I didn't hesitate to make an offer because this house is just what I wanted. Good big garden, space for friends when they visit, lovely village with lots going, in easy reach of town. Ideal for me when I took early retirement."

"Ideal for me too, now you're here," Mrs Browne said happily..