GRAVES ON THE FENS a gripping crime thriller full of stunning twists (DI Nikki Galena Series Book 14) by JOY ELLIS

Author:JOY ELLIS [ELLIS, JOY]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Joffe Books Mystery, Crime Thriller, Suspense Fiction
Published: 2022-12-08T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

As it turned out, Eve’s decision was taken out of her hands. The following morning, Wendy had a dentist’s appointment in Greenborough and intended to do a bit of shopping while she was there. So, Eve was by herself, busy at her computer, when a big mud-splattered four-by-four drew up outside the house.

Chris Tate wore an amiable smile, but his eyes were cold.

‘Lovely place this,’ he said. ‘You’ve done wonders with it, the garden too.’

‘Well, I don’t mind taking some of the credit for the garden, but the original owner, a dear friend of ours, did the renovations to the chapel.’ Remembering Anne Castledine and the way she died always made Eve sad. ‘Would you like a cup of coffee? Tea?’

‘No, thank you. I just called by to let you know that one of our fields over between Acres Lane and the old mill was to have been ploughed tomorrow, but there’s been a problem with the machinery. You’re welcome to go hunting there later today or tomorrow morning if you want.’

Eve thanked him and wondered if this was the right time to tell him what was on her mind.

‘Had any luck with your detective work?’

He asked casually enough, but his voice sounded strained. Eve made her decision. ‘As a matter of fact, I was going to drop by and have a word with you about that.’ She smiled. ‘Are you sure you don’t have time for a drink?’

‘Maybe I do after all. Tea, please. Milk and two sugars.’ He sat himself down at the kitchen table with the air of a condemned man.

Eve was surprised. She had expected anger, or at the very least, annoyance. While she waited for the kettle to boil, she set about explaining what they’d discovered as tactfully as possible. ‘We’ve found a great deal more than we ever expected to, and it, er, doesn’t quite tie in with what your family believes about it. Does that surprise you?’

‘No,’ he said, ‘but it does surprise me how fast you managed it.’

‘We’ve a great deal of experience in sorting out tangled webs, Chris, including those dating far back in the past. We know where to look, and we were lucky with the people we consulted. All we’ve done is bring together accounts that other people painstakingly documented in order to get to the truth.’ Eve emphasised the word “truth.” Chris Tate should know that she and Wendy weren’t a couple of silly old women amusing themselves with old tales of mayhem and murder.

‘Ah, you’ve talked to Rush then?’

‘Jacob’s been very helpful,’ she said carefully, ‘but we’ve found plenty of other sources besides him.’ She pointed to the laptop that sat on the table, its split screen showing a website of old news clippings alongside a detailed family tree. She made the tea and sat down facing him. ‘We have most of the basics, but there are still some questions that remain. I’m guessing that you know the whole story, but, er, maybe your wife doesn’t?’

A brief flash of annoyance darkened his features, which swiftly turned into amazement.

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