Death at Holly Lodge by Louise R. Innes

Author:Louise R. Innes [Innes, Louise R]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 2021-06-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

“Now it’s beginning to feel like Christmas,” said Krish as Daisy locked the hairdressing salon’s doors and they stepped out into the High Street. They didn’t usually work on Sundays, but they’d been so busy, Daisy had agreed to see a few desperate customers in the morning and Krish had volunteered to help out. He lived above the newsagent a few blocks away and had insisted it wasn’t a big deal to come in on his day off.

“Are you coming to the market?” Daisy asked.

He grinned. “You betcha! I’m meeting Douglas there.”

“Douglas, eh?” Daisy raised an inquisitive eyebrow. Krish hadn’t had an easy time of it growing up being both Indian and gay, but since he’d moved to Edgemead, he’d really settled in and was now one of her best friends. His boundless energy was infectious, the customers loved him, and he was an essential part of her team. He’d taken a bit of a knock earlier in the year when his partner had been stabbed right in front of him, so Daisy was glad he’d bounced back and was dating again.

“We first met at a yoga retreat in the summer, but nothing came of it, and then we bumped into each other at Fortnum’s the other day. He lives in Richmond, which isn’t far from here.” Richmond was two stops away by train and also on the River Thames. It was a lovely town, bigger than Edgemead, and a lot more expensive being that much closer to London.

“He sounds great. I can’t wait to meet him.”

They strolled arm in arm down the High Street, admiring the festive decorations in the shop windows. Krish had an excellent eye for detail, and he’d told Daisy once that if he hadn’t become a hairdresser, he’d probably have done something in the way of interior design. They crossed the road and turned down a narrow, cobbled alleyway to the village green where the Christmas market was being held. Festive music floated over the still, icy air toward them and it wasn’t long before they heard the sound of laughter and of people enjoying themselves. They exited the alleyway and crossed the narrow lane to the green, which pulsed with activity. Stalls covered almost every square inch, and there were hundreds of people milling around, sampling the local produce and buying last-minute Christmas gifts. Kids ran amok, pursued by anxious parents terrified of losing them in the crowd, couples strolled arm in arm, and the smell of hamburgers and roasted chestnuts filled the air.

It didn’t take Daisy long to locate Floria and Josh, who were standing in front of a hot-chocolate stand. Krish hugged her goodbye and skipped off to find Douglas, while Daisy joined her friends.

“I’m so glad you could make it.” Floria squeezed her hand. “I was worried you’d have to work.”

“We closed early.” She smiled at them. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

“Hello, Daisy. Would you like a hot chocolate?” Josh asked over his shoulder. He’d been standing in the short queue.

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