Hidden Treasure

By Carrie Hewlett

Annette was on a mission. But first she needed the kit

“What’s the best metal detector you can buy?” Annette asked the man in the shop.

She’d always wanted a go. Not the normal sort of bucket list wish, but do-able.

Well, it was now Frank had gone.

She glanced round at the different models with interest. With Easter round the corner, and the weather improving, it seemed the ideal time to try something new.

“I recommend the Garrett Ace Apex. It’s a beauty. I’ve got one,” the young man enthused. “It’s easy to use and has good resolution, but the Dr Otek one’s good too.”

“Oh…” Annette realised she should have done her homework on the different models first.

She’d never expected such an array of choice – or price.

“Umm…what’s good for a beginner? I’ve never actually used one before. Used to watch people on the beach scanning and searching for valuables with my Frank, but he always said it was a silly idea. Now he’s passed away…”

She paused, staring off into the distance, momentarily lost in thought.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” the man sympathised, bringing her back to the present.

Annette gave a faint smile. “Thanks.”

“My granny loves using my old metal detector. Let me show you…” He walked towards a cheaper model.

Granny. Still. That was the circle of life nowadays. And even though she didn’t have grandchildren, she was of that age.

She’d always wanted children … but Frank had always been happy with just the two of them.

The man, called Duncan, showed her various models; Annette asking numerous questions before making a choice.

Holding it in her hand, she felt happy it would do what she wanted. It wasn’t too heavy, or complicated to use.

Duncan also explained that if she was going treasure seeking on the beach, she’d have to apply online for a free permit.

“It’s easy to do, though. The same rule applies to public parks, as local councils have different rules and regulations.

“Some have a strict no metal detecting policy. And if it’s on farmland, you’ll need permission first.”

“Really? I’m glad I came to you for advice. Do people ever find much?”

Duncan grinned. “No. But we all live in hope.

“It’s a pleasant way to while away the hours, and get some exercise.”

Annette grinned back.

“That’s what I’m counting on. I might make some new friends too.”

Now that Frank was no longer able to criticise who she saw, she could be friendly with anyone she liked.

“Happy to help. You’ll need some insurance too.

“And if you do find anything of value, there’s normally a fifty-fifty split between the finder and the landowner.”

Annette nodded. Holding the metal detector in her hand, she knew she was doing the right thing. Her eyes gleamed.

Returning home, she carefully read the rules in the accompanying booklet and had a few practice sessions by dropping jewellery on the floor and seeing how well the detector located them.

It all seemed fairly straightforward. She was going to enjoy using this.

Having convinced herself she had everything in order, she glanced out of the window. Dusk. Perfect. After all, she didn’t want the neighbours thinking she was going barmy.

Going into her garden, she turned the volume down low – no point in disturbing next door’s dog with a high pitched noise.

Once the Labrador started barking, all the other dogs in the vicinity joined in.

Wielding it round the garden was interesting to say the least. Especially as all she had was the illumination of the outside light.

Seeing the light flash on the metal detector she knew she’d found something, and her pulse rate quickened.

Hopefully this was Frank’s cache that she’d been looking for. She’d never known where he’d buried it.

He’d come into the kitchen one morning and told her in triumphant tone that nobody would ever get their hands on his collection of rare gold coins.

“But why bury them? You’ll never get to see them,” she’d protested, knowing he was proud of his collection which he’d inherited from his grandfather, and gradually added to over the years.

“But I’ll know they’re there!”

Not long after, he’d dropped dead of a sudden heart attack. Natural causes, the doctor had explained.

Of course, she never mentioned the odd changes she’d made to his diet.

Sure, there was a small inheritance. But knowing there was hidden treasure somewhere in the garden worth a fortune would make things even easier. All she had to do was find it.

Counting out the coins later, she sighed happily.

She knew exactly who’d buy them – an old friend of Frank’s who’d been after them for years.

Now she’d be set up for life. Easter egg hunts were fun, but finding buried treasure in your garden was far better!