Death on the Towpath (Booker & Fitch Mysteries Book 4) by Liz Hedgecock & Paula Harmon

Author:Liz Hedgecock & Paula Harmon [Hedgecock, Liz & Harmon, Paula]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: White Rhino Books
Published: 2023-11-29T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Jade moved around the shop, adjusting a book here and a CD there, wishing they were properly busy.

She had been twitchy ever since meeting Fi the day before, when what she now thought of as the letter had arrived.

‘I still think it’s a terrible idea,’ she had said.

‘Going along with the blackmailer?’ said Fi. ‘It would be, if I didn’t have a plan.’

‘Do you have a plan?’

‘Not yet.’ Fi tapped the side of her head. ‘I’m working on it.’

Jade wasn’t sure how she felt about this new, reckless Fi. I’m not used to being the sensible half. In her head, she said sorry to Fi for all the times when she must have worried her sick with various daft schemes. Maybe I’m just getting old and cautious. I can see why Fi’s angry, of course I can, but surely there’s another way to tackle it?

‘If you do go ahead,’ she found herself saying, ‘maybe Hugo can advise us on surveillance.’

Fi brightened. ‘Hidden cameras? That’s a good idea. Can you ask him and let me know?’

‘I’m not asking him that using my own phone!’ said Jade. ‘The police could be monitoring us both. Which reminds me, we ought to have some sort of code.’

‘I’m not sure the police are allowed to do that,’ said Fi. ‘It’s probably disproportionate.’

‘I’m taking no chances.’ Jade searched her brain for a phrase she might remember. ‘OK. If you do go along with the blackmailer, text me something like…’

‘I bought that book on investments I was telling you about?’ Fi suggested.

‘That’ll do. Yes, good, because then you could ask if I want to read it, meaning will I help. And if you decide to tell the police and stay out of it, you can tell me you didn’t buy the book.’ Jade felt it was important to give Fi a definite option for not embroiling herself in more trouble.

‘OK, whatever,’ said Fi. ‘I really don’t think we’re being monitored. Anyway, I can’t make a decision until the blackmailer sends more information. Which will be tomorrow.’

‘Yes.’ Jade studied Fi. Her eyes were bright and there was a no-nonsense air about her. ‘Fi…’

‘Yes?’

‘Please don’t get involved in something dangerous because you can’t stand doing nothing. The blackmailer’s playing you.’

‘If so, they’re doing a good job. I’m itching to get my hands on them.’ Fi’s hands clenched into fists.

‘For all you know, they’re professionals. Please be careful.’

‘I will. And yes, I’d like your help. If you’re willing.’

‘Of course.’

Fi raised an eyebrow. ‘Sure?’

‘Yep. Sure.’ Jade hoped she sounded surer than she felt.

And now it was Tuesday, when another communication would come from the blackmailer. Jade felt as if she had been on standby since the moment she woke.

Her twitchiness hadn’t been helped by running into Rick first thing, in the queue at Betsy’s.

‘Hello there,’ said a familiar voice.

Jade composed her expression before turning. ‘Oh, hello. I didn’t know you came in here.’

‘I don’t often,’ said Rick, patting his middle. ‘Bad for the waistline. But some days just require bacon.’

‘Oh,’ said Jade.

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