Murder by the Holly: A 1920s Cozy Historical Mystery (An Evie Parker Mystery Book 21) by Sonia Parin

Author:Sonia Parin [Parin, Sonia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 11

The game is afoot

The village

As they approached the place where they had stopped the day before, Evie looked away and into the distance. Despite her efforts, the scene took shape in her mind.

Shuddering, Evie tried to distract herself by asking, “What was the mood like downstairs?”

Millicent shrugged. “The same as ever. Chatty. Everyone had heard about the Winchester skirmish so I had to provide all the details. I don’t know what we’ll do when they leave.”

“I’m sure we’ll manage.”

Millicent worried her bottom lip. “I’ll be sorry to see them go, but they don’t appear to be in any hurry to leave.”

“I’m just glad they didn’t insist on a third wedding ceremony.”

Millicent pointed ahead. “Mrs. Hunter lives just off the village green and Mr. Wiltmore lives three houses down from the church. Where would you like to go first?”

This was going to be a surprise, impromptu visit to discuss what to do about the Christmas pageant and how they would deal with Mr. Jackson’s demise. Evie assumed both board members had heard about it. She hoped they had because she’d hate to be the bearer of bad news.

“Milady?”

“Mmm?”

“Would you like to go see Mrs. Hunter or Mr. Wiltmore first?”

“Neither one.” Evie’s eyes widened. “Did I just say that?”

“Yes, you did. At least, I’m sure I heard you. Then again… No, I’m sure I heard you say neither one. Truth be known, I agree. They both showed their true colors. That makes me wonder how Mr. Jackson ever got them to squirm with fear. You stood up to him. I suppose that’s because you have a strong character and know how to stand your ground. Some people would say you’re stubborn. Those who know you would say you are quite sensitive to bullish behavior and won’t stand for it. Anyone could see the board members had been bullied into compliance by Mr. Jackson. Oh… Something just occurred to me. You don’t suppose one of them killed him? I mean, just because they appeared to cower in his presence doesn’t mean they don’t have a breaking point. You can push someone only so far before they actually take matters into their own hands.”

Evie tried her best to digest everything Millicent had just said. “I should never have said I don’t want to visit either one. However, you’re absolutely right about Mrs. Hunter and Mr. Wiltmore. I’ve never known them to be so compliant and I’ve never before attended a meeting that was so one-sided. There has always been an easy exchange of ideas and, even when we don’t agree, we always find a common ground and compromise.”

“And then Mr. Jackson came along,” Millicent said. “I wonder what he said to them.”

Collecting her thoughts, Evie added, “Actually, I’m more concerned about them not knowing Mr. Jackson has died and having to break the news to them. Also, Mr. Winchester has been charged with the task of keeping his cousins under control. The detective doesn’t want them delving into the case. While Mr. Winchester didn’t explicitly say that included us, I’m sure it did.

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