Murder At The Playgroup (Pippa Parker Mysteries Book 1) by Liz Hedgecock

Author:Liz Hedgecock [Hedgecock, Liz]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: british detective, Contemporary, detective fiction, Crime, English, cosy mystery, cozy mystery, Humour, Mystery, novel, Women's Fiction
Publisher: White Rhino Books
Published: 2017-05-04T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

‘So what’s it like?’ Pippa asked, as Lila’s Fiat pootled along the road to Gadding Parva. Freddie and Bella were singing along to the radio, or, more accurately, making noises at the same time.

‘The playgroup?’ Lila’s eyes flicked across. ‘Not that different from Gadding Goslings. Except their woman in charge isn’t a dragon like Barbara — was.’ Her hands tightened on the wheel. ‘I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that. She was such a character. Like a pantomime villain. We all loved to hate her.’ She bit her lip. ‘That sounds awful, doesn’t it? But she played up to it. Or maybe we just told ourselves that.’

‘Maybe,’ said Pippa. The road took a sharp bend to the right, and a pocket-sized village swung into view. A green, a church, a row of cottages. ‘Wow, it’s even smaller than Much Gadding.’

‘Yeah, this is the model village version. Here we are.’ Lila indicated and pulled into a small piece of waste ground in front of a wooden chalet. ‘Parva Pandas.’ Several cars were parked already. ‘Nick’s here. And Caitlin.’ She switched the radio off. ‘Stop caterwauling, you two.’

A buzz emanated from the chalet. Pippa hung back a little in the porch, and Lila looked at her questioningly. ‘Go on,’ said Pippa, taking a deep breath.

As on her first visit to Gadding Goslings, all eyes turned to them, and Pippa was doubly glad that she and Lila had come together. Nick waved from where he knelt on the floor, playing a game with Grace. Sam and Caitlin were talking, holding mugs out of the children’s reach. Most of the people, whom Pippa didn’t recognise, glanced at her for a second or two before resuming their conversations. A long-haired woman in a beaded top and tie-dye skirt unfolded herself from the floor and strolled towards them.

‘Hello, Lila,’ she said, encircling her in an airy embrace. ‘Welcome to Parva Pandas,’ she said to Pippa, performing a slightly remoter version of the same. ‘My name is Marina. Come and sit down.’ She descended gracefully into the lotus position.

Freddie and Bella had already wandered over to Grace. Nearby, Henry played with his steering wheel in great contentment.

‘Do you mind if I take a chair?’ she said to Marina. ‘I’m not sure I’ll get up again if I sit on the floor.’

‘If you think so,’ said Marina. ‘I find the floor much more comfortable. But I’ve always been flexible.’

Lila fetched two chairs for them, winking at Pippa as she took her seat.

‘Well, there isn’t much to say about the playgroup, really.’ Marina gazed at the children and parents. ‘It sort of runs itself. Tea and coffee facilities are on the table — decaf, camomile, peppermint — and biscuits in the tin. Just pay for what you have. We all pitch in to unpack and put away … yes, it is a harmonious group.’ She seemed about to go into a trance; then her eyes snapped open. ‘I must refill the biscuits.’ She rose to her feet.

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