Blood Ribbons: A gripping Suffolk coast murder mystery full of twists (Steph Grant Murder Mystery Series Book 4) by Lin Le Versha

Author:Lin Le Versha [Versha, Lin Le]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hobeck Books
Published: 2024-02-06T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

The owners of The Crown in Oakwood had generously donated sufficient bedrooms and a conference room to the group for the two full days needed to pull the project together. The couple, who were well past retirement age but appeared to be energised by the group’s arrival, greeted them with smiles and an extravagant tea, which everyone gratefully wolfed down. While the rest of the party was unpacking and settling into their rooms, Caroline, Steph, Hale and Mike Simpson gathered around a table in the lounge over another pot of coffee and planned how to manage the next two days.

Caroline suggested that the priority was to allow everyone to recover from the journey and to start work again the next morning. The others agreed this was the best strategy, and she thanked them and crossed her fingers. ‘We can only hope the day’s journey has diluted the dreadful atmosphere of last night and Jim will be more positive – or at least accepted.’

As Hale collected the coffee cups on the tray, it appeared he’d had a brainwave. ‘Should I offer to take Jim home? He must be feeling awkward, and it would get rid of any further disruption.’

They stood for a moment, reflecting on his suggestion. Mike spoke first. ‘I think that’s a great idea, Hale, but coming from you, he might think it’s formal.’

‘Really?’ Hale was surprised. ‘Why?’

‘He might think you’ll get him away from the group, then arrest him for murder or something.’

‘Even though he’s got close to confessing he was involved in Duncan’s death, I don’t think we have anywhere near enough evidence to arrest him. But I take your point.’ Hale looked at Caroline.

‘Oh! Thanks!’ She rolled her eyes. ‘Sorry. Yes. It’s a good suggestion and it might stop any more rows. I’ll get it over with before I unpack. If I don’t make it to dinner, come and rescue me!’ Pulling her shoulders back, she marched towards the doors.

‘I’ll come with you and stand outside, just in case.’ Hale headed after her.

Steph had hung up the last of her clothes and shoved her case under the bed when Caroline barged in with Hale.

‘Not one of my best moments! Jim stormed out of his room before we left, and went next door to Tom and Judy, from where I heard some loud and vivid descriptions of me that I have no intention of repeating.’ Caroline plonked herself on the bed, while Hale leaned against the door, looking morose.

‘Caroline was brilliant and so diplomatic. Jim didn’t appear to understand at first, then when he did, I thought he was going to hit her.’ Hale shook his head. ‘It’s not as if he’s been taking part in much, is it?’

Before anyone could answer, an explosive knock or kick on the door was followed by a hard shove, which made Hale stumble forward as the door burst open. Steph was amazed to see Judy stepping into their room and surprised that she had the strength to shift Hale.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.