Murder at Whiteadder House: An absolutely brilliant cozy mystery novel that will have you racing to the end (A Grace McKenna Mystery Book 3) by Jackie Baldwin

Author:Jackie Baldwin [Baldwin, Jackie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Published: 2024-05-29T00:00:00+00:00

THIRTY-THREE

After the medics finished lunch there had been a sitting for those patients undergoing rehab. There were around twenty of them. They’d been a relaxed, healthy-looking bunch with good appetites and wearing an assortment of fitness gear and casual clothes.

Once they’d eaten and were starting to leave, Grace turned to Angela Broadfoot. ‘What about the people who are just beginning treatment? Do we deliver their meals to them on a trolley? I take it they can’t come here?’

‘No, some of them are too ill to eat if they’ve been chucking up too much. The doctors sort them out until they’re stronger. Those that can eat but aren’t up to getting to the canteen have their meals delivered to them. In fact, that’s where I’m going right now,’ she said, plating up meals and putting metal containers over them to preserve the heat.

‘Would it be possible for me to shadow you?’ asked Grace. ‘I don’t know how long I’ll be here but you’re going to need a day off sometime so it’s probably best if you show me the ropes in case I have to do it myself.’

Angela deliberated, her lips compressed. Grace waited with bated breath, continuing to wipe the counter surfaces with a cloth. Finally, she spoke.

‘They don’t usually like temporary staff to go into the clinic proper, but I guess on this occasion it makes sense. Stay by my side and don’t speak to the patients beyond the barest essentials,’ she cautioned. ‘Are we clear?’

‘Crystal,’ said Grace. Angela passed her the list of who required what then disappeared into the kitchen to bring out some more trays. Grace hurriedly took a photo on her tiny burner phone. She was relieved to see that Beth and Hannah were both on the list. Hopefully her client would have the sense not to give the game away when she saw her with the trolley. She was desperate to see Hannah with her own eyes after she’d spent her first night as a patient. A few minutes later they set off, the lunch crowd having abated to the extent that the remaining server, a taciturn woman in her forties, could deal with it.

Grace’s heart sank as they moved through the clinic as it seemed that different areas were segregated from each other. It reminded her of the sensation of moving through a prison even though the facilities were luxurious and there was artwork on the walls. How could the inmates bear to be cooped up in here away from the real world for so long? Mind you, given the state they would have been in before, living rough and in the throes of the most desperate addiction, she could understand why they liked living in such a warm, supportive cocoon. Their first port of call was the ward that Hannah was on.

‘Keep your wits about you in here,’ warned Angela. ‘This is for those recently admitted. They’ll be in withdrawal, possibly even hallucinating, so approach with caution. Plastic cutlery only. They’re prone to self-harm.

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