Clear the Heir: A Montgomery Sisters Cozy Mystery (Book 1) by Stacy Mitchell

Author:Stacy Mitchell [Mitchell, Stacy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-06-20T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

The next morning, Mary Margaret and Elizabeth packed up a one-person picnic of carrot soup, brown bread, and a chocolate fudge brownie, which Elizabeth had whipped up the night before. They drove down to the estate, dropping off Veronica at Mr. Steward’s cabin to join Jeb and the caretaker. The plan was to distract Peter long enough for Veronica to get into the library and get the silver box. Mr. Steward had a key to the main house’s kitchen door, so Veronica would go in that way. It was a long shot, and relied on the sisters keeping Peter’s attention long enough for the young woman to get from the kitchen to the library and find the box. Jeb was going to wait outside by the library window to help Veronica climb out to safety if time ran short and she couldn’t make it back to the kitchen.

The sisters pulled round the circular driveway, honking their horn to get Peter’s attention, giving the others a chance to get into their positions. A black Mercedes sat in the driveway. “Do you suppose someone else is here?” Mary Margaret wondered aloud.

“That could really throw a wrench into our plans.” The sisters disembarked from their vehicle, with provisions in hand. Mary Margaret knocked on the door, which was immediately opened by Peter. He glared at them intently.

“We come with an apology and some food.” Mary Margaret held the picnic basket out to him.

“We’re very sorry for any trouble we have caused, Mr. Markham. And we know there isn’t much to eat here, and we didn’t want you to starve - especially if you have guests.” Elizabeth motioned to the Mercedes parked in front of their car. “My sister is an excellent cook.”

He continued to glare. With a swift motion he grabbed the basket and stepped back into the house. “You’ll be hearing from my lawyers.” He slammed the door.

“Oh dear,” Elizabeth whispered. “That was not nearly enough time.”

Mary Margaret rang the doorbell again, insistently. An annoyed Peter opened the door.

“Mr. Markham, so sorry, it’s just that my sister lost her favorite scarf and she’s fairly certain that it’s probably in the library. Any other scarf she would just let go,” Mary Margaret waved her hand as if setting a small bird free, “but this one has a great deal of sentimental value, and you understand about something passed along from generation to generation.” Mary Margaret rambled, with exaggerated hand gestures.

Her performance astounded Elizabeth, who was not used to seeing this more theatrical side of her sibling. Elizabeth played along. “It would only take me a moment to peek in and see if I can find it.” She smiled hopefully.

Peter narrowed his eyes. “Fine,” he gruffed. He followed the sisters to the library, which had remained untouched since they had camped there; pillows and blankets still strewn about the floor. Elizabeth searched casually, peeking under the blankets and around the chairs and sofas. Mary Margaret stood in the doorway next to a seething Peter.

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