The Richard Spooner Column: A Christmas mystery on my doorstep�

I 've written before about my working-from-home view from the window and, dear reader, it will not stop me from doing so again, I 'm afraid.

And, you will be pleased to know, this view has a touch of heart-warming seasonal cheer, which has been in short supply these past two years. However, like all good Christmas mysteries, this one has a rather sinister twist

The latest incident involved an apparent act of kindness of which even a reformed Ebenezer Scrooge, the main character in Christmas Carol, written by my old friend Charlie Dickens, would have been proud.

I first noticed the lady in distress as I was finishing my early breakfast of yoghurt, blue berries with a touch of honey to ease the pain. Her white car, a Citroen I think, seemed to expire right in front of me.

Several attempts to re-start the vehicle were tried but even to my un-trained ear, it was obvious the battery was flat.

The force with which she closed the driver 's door as she alighted indicated, even from a good distance, that she was not a happy bunny. She examined the bonnet and felt around its edges. But there was no open sesame.

Seeing the lady in distress, I immediately abandoned my breakfast to help but I was too late. A good Samaritan had pulled up and was already instructing the lady how to open the bonnet.

After a cursory examination he obviously came to the obvious conclusion. She did as he asked and tried to start the engine. An ominous click came from the exposed engine.

By coincidence or a Christmas miracle our hero had jump leads in his boot - how I admire those people who set forth ready for every eventuality.

He quickly linked up the wires in the required format - but not before he received what appeared to be a severe shock. But our lady in distress was quick to offer comfort.

Very soon the Citroen engine was purring satisfyingly. The celebratory hugs and kisses between the couple starring a scene worthy of a pantomime seemed rather touchy-feely for strangers.

In fact, I would go as far as saying they were very good friends. Maybe he had been following her - but to where? Too early for the pub. Sainsbury 's? The doctor 's? The bookies? Even better, a secret rendezvous? By now, the mind was racing so it 's probably best to leave things there.

However, there was a final act that is still a complete mystery. Our hero returned the jump leads to the boot of his car but then emerged clutching the largest sledge-hammer I have ever seen.

After placing it in the boot of the Citroen, he returned to the rear of his own car and this time emerged with a massive pickaxe. Again, this was deposited in the rear of our damsel in distress 's vehicle.

The cars had been engine-to-engine for the re-starting operation. But after several manoeuvres, our now happy couple set off in the same direction

But what were these dangerous-looking tools for? Digging up patios? We shall never know.

Suggestions on a Christmas card please.

Talking of which - season 's greetings and a prosperous 2022�

JL