Murder by the Book: A 1920s Historical Cozy Mystery (An Evie Parker Mystery) by Sonia Parin

Author:Sonia Parin [Parin, Sonia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

Charter House Hotel

“Why am I surprised to find the hotel lobby empty?” Evie looked around, her expression displaying her bafflement.

Tom removed his hat and turned to look back at the front door. “I’ve just noticed something.”

“What?”

“Hotels have a doorman.”

Evie turned to look. “And there isn’t one. You’re right. This is very odd. As for Harrison, the butler turned manager, I don’t even know how to address him.”

“Let’s play it safe and call him mister,” Tom suggested.

Hearing footsteps, they both turned and saw Harrison hurrying toward them.

Inclining his head, he greeted them, “Good afternoon.”

Tom cleared his throat and as he turned his hat in his hands, asked, “Mr. Harrison, where is everyone?”

Harrison stilled, then he shifted his gaze to one side and then the other to look at the empty lobby. “Everyone, sir?”

“Yes, the hotel guests. You mentioned a group…”

“Oh…” He pulled on the cuff of his sleeve and smiled. “They’re still out and about, I’m sure. But they are expected to return… sometime soon. In fact, Mr. Clarens is entertaining them tonight in his private dining room.”

“I’m glad you mentioned Mr. Clarens. We would like to speak with him. Do you think that can be arranged?”

“Is there something I can help you with, sir?”

“As a matter of fact, yes. We would also like to have a chat with you. But we’d still like to speak with Mr. Clarens.”

Harrison appeared to be at a loss for words. Or perhaps debating which hat to wear. Butler or hotel manager.

Straightening, Harrison reached a decision and nodded. “I will see if he is available.”

They watched him go up the grand staircase.

“Is my imagination running away with me or does he look as if he’s walking to the gallows?” Evie asked.

Twirling his hat in his hand, Tom cupped her elbow and led her to a set of chairs. “He’s definitely reluctant.”

“I do wonder why. I’m sure it’s not a reflection of the owner. He must be a pleasant man.”

“I doubt he’s a proper businessman,” Tom suggested. “Apart from us and the other guests who are being given special treatment, this hotel is sitting empty. What sort of business is he running?”

Still thinking about Harrison’s behavior, Evie said, “I’m trying to picture Edgar in a similar situation.”

Tom laughed. “He’d have no trouble stepping into the shoes of hotel manager.”

“You’re right. Edgar does love the theater. I do believe he would thrive in such a role.”

Tom drummed his fingers on the armrest. “I have a great uncle named Theseus. Every morning, he starts the day by saying what a fine day it is. If any trouble comes his way, he lifts a hand and issues a warning.”

When Tom stopped, Evie thought she might need to prompt him. “Did you pause for effect?”

He nodded and said, “Now don’t you go and ruin this fine day.” Smiling, he explained, “His lips barely move when he speaks, and his voice never rises above a murmur. Yet, everyone he meets declares he has a commanding voice. No one dares to cross him.

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