Chertsey Park: A 1920s historical mystery of drama and suspense (Sophie Burgoyne Mysteries Book 4) by Bellamy G J

Author:Bellamy, G J
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-06-29T00:00:00+00:00

Inspector Morton had relayed the names of the guests, with accompanying notes, to Scotland Yard. With nothing to do in the village hall, he was looking over the report again, only this time he studied Sophie’s handwriting, trying to deduce if her penmanship revealed anything about her character. The words were, as he had found with most ladies’ handwriting, neatly and regularly formed, but that told him nothing as to what she was thinking. Sergeant Gowers broke into his reverie.

“Are we going to do the exercises now, sir? Or shall we save them for later so we can get really enthusiastic?”

“You’re a right comedian.”

“But you’re not laughing, sir.”

“Don’t you know any proper jokes?”

“Only a few, and they’re not very good. Do you?”

“No... Come to think of it, I’m also horrible at telling a story.”

“I’m not too bad at that. What about poetry?”

“Come off it.” Morton wrinkled his nose.

“Singing?”

“Now, I’m all right there, and when I’m in a group, but not a solo,” said Morton.

“I think I sing a little off key,” said Gowers. “At least that’s what somebody told me once, but I’ve never let it stop me… Actually, I really enjoy singing.”

“There’s a piano in the corner. I bet one of these chaps can play it.”

“Bartlett plays piano. He can sight read, too, and there’s sheet music in the office.”

“Bartlett!” shouted Morton.

In Ottershaw, the word had gone about that Miss Elizabeth Banks was an eccentric, but probably harmless as long as she found birds and animals to study. Elizabeth was unaware that she and the car she drove were now famous and the very latest thing in the village. Bert at the garage smiled and waved to her as she went off to town. Elizabeth was extraordinarily happy with life at present. Her only concern was whether Nick was looking after her cats properly. She reassured herself that he was and also hoped he remembered to lock the door when he left each evening.

As often as she could, Sophie watched from windows in different rooms, searching for the man in the old, greasy jacket. When she finally saw the jacket, it came as a surprise to find that Alfie Tanner was wearing it somewhat peculiarly over a raincoat. He was working behind the gun line, so she hurried to find her own coat to go out and talk to him.

It was cold, and Sophie shivered. Shotguns thumped nearby as they spoke.

“It’s like this, miss,” said Alfie. “They told me first thing I was to work out here and I’d only brought a raincoat with me, ’cause me only overcoat is a bit too shabby for this place. It’s freezing, so I asked if they had an overcoat I could borrow. They didn’t, but had some old jackets. This one looked the warmest, but it smells. I didn’t want to mess up me raincoat, so I wore it over the top. Better to be warm even if I do look stupid. Know what I mean, miss?”

“I understand, perfectly. Who gave it to you?”

“Big chap named John.

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