Consecrated Crime: A Rev Jessamy Ward Mystery (Isle Of Wesberrey Book 5) by Penelope Cress

Author:Penelope Cress [Cress, Penelope]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-05-29T22:00:00+00:00

Happy days

I doubt there are many Anglican vicars who have the head of homicide on their speed dial, but fortunately, I'm one of them. Annie brought warm towels to wrap around Sweetpea and Jenny’s shivering bodies. As their screams had awoken the rest of the house, they were soon being comforted by Steve and Celeste in the breakfast room. The only person not accounted for, apart from Archie, was Captain Jack.

“I’ve checked his room, Ma’am, and there’s no sign of the Captain or his things.” Ralph stood tall to attention as he delivered the news to Arabella, falling on his army training to maintain proper order.

“Very well, Ralph.” Lady Somerstone-Wright’s thoughts switched to the comfort of her guests. “Can you ask Annie for some fresh coffee? Reverend Ward, did the Inspector indicate how long he would be?”

“No, but he is on his way.” Poor Arabella, not a happy end to her party.

Hugh paced in front of the window. “Well, I hope he gets a move on. I can’t keep Mr Howard waiting. He’s not all ‘Happy Days’ now, you know.”

“Darling, why don’t you call your agent and explain.”

“Explain what, my sweet? Sorry, but can you ask Ron to take the next flight back to L.A. There’s a dead man in my pool!”

“There, there, my love. This is very unfortunate.”

“This was my big chance! Hollywood doesn’t come knocking every day, you know.” Hugh rounded on the other guests. “One of you did this! You ruined my chances. Your selfish, murdering ways have resigned me to BBC costume dramas for the rest of my days. You should have drowned me too!”

Arabella put a comforting arm around his waist and guided him to a box seat by the window. The rest of us remained as we were, frozen in shock. The truth was, though, that one of us probably was a ruthless killer.

Steve was the first to speak. “Where is the headmaster?”

“I imagine teaching year two. Anyway, Lawrence has nothing to do with this. What possible motive would he have, eh?”

“I wasnae accusing him of anything! For all we know, Archie had too much to drink and went for a late swim. This could be just another unfortunate accident.” Steve pulled Sweetpea close against his chest, rubbing her towelled shoulders vigorously. “Shouldn’t we let these poor lassies get dressed? They’ll catch their deaths. Sorry, I didn’t mean that. Sorry. This is all… it’s all unbearable.”

Ralph stepped forward to take command. “I think we should wait for the police. I can get a fire going if that will help?” Steve nodded. “Reverend, please ensure that no one leaves this room whilst I fetch some coal from the cellar.”

My attention turned to Celeste and Jenny. Celeste was fussing with Jenny’s damp, frizzy curls, detangling them with her long fingers and then smoothing them down. I wasn’t sure what it was, but there was something particularly intimate about the gesture. Despite their denials, maybe Sweetpea was right about their relationship. Both the young women were sobbing, but I detected a wry smile on Jenny’s face.

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