Killer Canning: A Deadline Cozy Mystery Book 14 by Sonia Parin

Author:Sonia Parin [Parin, Sonia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-10-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

The talk of the town

Shelby’s Table

Eve knew people talked about her all the time, but she’d never heard any of the gossip first-hand. She couldn’t even begin to imagine what everyone had said when, soon after she’d first arrived on the island, her ex-husband had been found dead in Mira’s kitchen.

“Mrs. Gibbons was talking about me,” Eve whispered and told Mira everything she’d heard. “She thinks I did it.”

Mira’s shoulders squared. “I will have a word with Mrs. Gibbons.”

“No, Mira. Don’t. It will only make matters worse. Besides, I’ve really become immune to it all and it’s no different to what you’ve been saying all day.”

“I’m sure there is a difference. I was trying to entertain you by keeping the conversation light.” She shook her head. “It makes me wonder how many other people are making up stories about you. They should be called to task.”

The conversation at the next table continued but they were now talking about the food.

“I have a good mind to turn up at Mrs. Gibbons’ doorstep with a basket.” Eve pictured a scene where Mrs. Gibbons backed away and slammed the door in her face, but not before grabbing the basket. “I should stop taking leave of my senses. It would have been more sensible to stay out of sight, at least until it all blows over.”

“I’m sure everyone is waiting for you to outsmart the police. And that will set everyone’s tongues wagging. They’re bound to criticize you.”

“You’d think people would be pleased I’m not sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong.”

“Damned if you do, damned if you don’t,” Mira mused. “And now you’ve stirred awake the gossip brigade. There’ll be no stopping them until justice is done.”

Eve looked up and leaned slightly to the side. When her eyes narrowed, Mira turned.

“Oh, is that Jack peering through the window?”

Eve grabbed her handbag. “Come on.”

“What? Where? We haven’t finished our meal?”

“Mira, salad is not a meal. It’s a starter. I’ll cook you something when we get home.” As they made their way out, she stopped to take care of the bill.

“If this was a scene in one of my books,” Mira said, “you would be raging about the unfairness of it all.”

“The salad or the gossip?”

“You know very well I’m referring to the town’s loose tongues.”

“You want me to make a fuss over something trivial?”

“It’s your reputation, Eve.”

Eve held the door open for her aunt, “Can you really picture me making a scene in the middle of Shelby’s restaurant?”

“You’re far too considerate. Shelby should ban people like Mrs. Gibbons.”

Stepping out of the restaurant, Eve greeted Jack and made sure to slip her hand inside her pocket to keep the ring hidden from sight.

“I’m sorry I took so long getting here,” he said. “How are you?”

“Eve’s in a rage because people are talking about her,” Mira declared. “We should stand here where they can all see us and pretend we’re making a complaint about them to Jack. That will teach them.”

Jack studied Eve. “You don’t look angry.

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