On the Stroke of Death by Rush Cassie

Author:Rush, Cassie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gordian Knot Publishing
Published: 2022-10-22T00:00:00+00:00

All Saints Day dawned bright and beautiful. Sun glinted on the frosted paving slabs in Alina’s garden. Diamond-like sparkles glittered in the morning sun. Not deceived however, Alina put long johns under her black trousers and a silk thermal top. Her parishioners would keep their coats on in the church. The vicar was not awarded the same luxury and, she knew from experience, the heaters were not man enough for the job of overcoming a frosty morning. If only she could wear gloves!

As she led the congregation through the service, she couldn’t help noticing DI Richard Laidlaw at the back of the church. He was gazing around at her parishioners, clearly deciding who was guilty or not. Ernst Greenfeld, the investment banker, now living in Kitty’s cottage, and Coleen, his wife, had arrived for church but, their guests, it seemed, had chosen a lie-in.

From her vantage point in the pulpit, Alina ran her gaze over each face, wondering who could have murdered Travis Brooke. Although not everyone from the village was present. There were the usual absentees of course. Morgana Everbright wasn’t a churchgoer—unsurprising with her interest in the occult. But Mrs Sullivan was missing too—that was unusual, and Alina decided to call her later and ensure that the old lady was well. Once she’d delivered the collect and blessed the congregation, Alina made her way to the foyer to bid farewell to everyone who had attended. Fitz hung around at the back of the queue. He winked at Alina, and she smiled to herself. He would want to discuss suspects as soon as they were alone.

Richard Laidlaw approached with his hand held out. ‘You’re going to keep out of this one aren’t you, Vicar?’ he said, glancing over his shoulder at Fitz. ‘Both of you, you need to stop meddling.’

‘I can assure you I will not meddle at all, Inspector.’ She smiled broadly and he glowered in return.

‘I don’t want you in any danger, Alina,’ he hissed. He pulled her closer, grasping her hands in his. ‘I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to you.’

Alina disengaged her hands, not daring to look at Fitz’s expression and patted Richard’s arm. ‘You needn’t worry. I’ll be fine. I have God on my side.’

Richard failed to look convinced but was swept into the churchyard by the queue behind him. He paused at the kissing gate, but only for a moment. Alina turned to face the last few people who wanted to say goodbye or gossip about the latest happenings in Eastwold.

When at last only Alina, Joanne Stokes, and Fitz remained huddled in the doorway, Fitz said. ‘Have you heard anything from the hospital?’

‘Linda had a comfortable night, better than mine at any rate. Dr McCarthy says she’s fit to be interviewed, so I suspect that’s where the inspector has gone.’

‘I didn’t sleep well, either. I kept running over everything in my head. Pub?’

‘Let me get changed and I’ll be there in a moment,’ Alina said.

She followed Jo to the vestry and changed into her street clothes, acutely aware that Jo was watching her every move.

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