Murder at the Bluff (Sparrow Haven Cozy Mysteries) by Claire Harlow

Author:Claire Harlow [Harlow, Claire]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rowan Publishing
Published: 2024-06-24T00:00:00+00:00

14

After work, I picked up Barkley and headed toward Simon Greaves’ bed-and-breakfast. The American Queen Anne-styled house, a two-story testament to a time gone by, stood before me in all its glory. Its facade included wood, brick, and unique stones with lavish trimmings, and its welcoming porch held a timeless charm against the nearby bluff. The steeply pitched roof boasted multiple gables and dormers, creating a dynamic and asymmetrical silhouette. Large stained-glass windows jutted from the frame of the house. In addition, turrets and two towers featured polygonal-shaped windows gave it a whimsical ambience. And deep reds, rich greens, and vibrant yellow paint accentuated the lively character of the house—a true attestation to the eclectic spirit of the late nineteenth century.

Barkley trotted alongside me, sniffing at everything with curiosity as we passed a picnic area covered in a dusting of snow. The wind, carrying the sweet scent of pine, set nearby chimes tinkling merrily. Further along, the landscape opened up to reveal a frozen pond. A sign, barely visible beneath the snow, hinted at summer paddleboat rides. Barkley’s paws left imprints on the icy canvas. Beyond the small body of frozen water, a stone bridge arched over a winding stream, its flow transformed into a tranquil, still expanse of ice.

Coming back around to the front, I spotted a female employee wielding a sturdy snow shovel, clearing pathways to ensure safe passage for guests. Her breath formed clouds in the frigid air as she worked.

Barkley, seeing the teen girl, pricked up his ears and approached with his tail wagging.

“Hey there, buddy,” she said in greeting with a fond pat on his head.

She sent me a smile as I drew closer. “Your dog is so pretty.”

“Thank you. Barkley knows it, too.”

She laughed. “Barkley’s sweet.”

I reached for a shake. “My name is Olivia Harper.”

“Grace Holloway.”

“How long have you worked for Simon Greaves?”

She looked out of the corner of her eye. “Almost a year.”

“By any chance, were you the employee who visited the police station and spoke with Detective O’Malley?”

Grace frowned. “No. That was Davey. Mr. Greaves fired him yesterday.”

“Oh? Why?”

“I don’t know for sure. Mr. Greaves didn’t tell us the reason.”

“Did they get along?”

“For the most part. It must have been because Davey ratted Mr. Greaves out to the police.”

“How did Simon find out?”

“Davey’s got a big mouth. The news must have gotten back to him.”

“How many employees work here?”

“Um…including Mrs. Greaves? And now that Davey is gone? Seven.”

“Do you enjoy working at the bed-and-breakfast?”

“Not anymore. It’s been my first job since I graduated from high school. I figured it would be good experience since I plan to get my degree in hospitality.”

“Nice.”

She glanced around and lowered her voice. “I’m thinking about quitting and applying for a job at Mr. Greaves’s competitor.”

“Why?”

“I had already been thinking about leaving because the other bed-and-breakfast is larger. And then, since Charles Everett died, things have gotten weird around here.” She sighed. “Or maybe it’s just weird for me.”

I spoke in a gentle tone. “I don’t understand. What do you mean?”

Grace started scraping the path with the shovel.

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