Out for the Count: A British Female Amateur Sleuth Mystery by J. New

Author:J. New [New, J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-10-23T16:00:00+00:00

With the morning session behind her, Penny closed the library and gave Fischer his lunch and walk, before heading to Thistle Grange. She parked in her usual spot, then she and her little dog walked over to The Pot and Kettle for her weekly lunch date with Susie.

The Pot and Kettle had always been a cozy haven, but today, the remnants of Halloween added an extra layer of charm. Faded orange and black streamers hung from the wooden beams, and a few carved pumpkins, their grins now slightly wilted, adorned the window sills, each with a tea light candle inside, their flames dancing and casting a warm, golden hue.

In one corner, a makeshift scarecrow, dressed in old farmer’s clothes, sat propped up on a chair, a straw hat tilted over its button eyes. Beside it, a small table held a glass jar filled with leftover sweets, a sign inviting patrons to help themselves. The soft glow of fairy lights, intertwined with faux cobwebs, draped across the walls, cast playful shadows. The faint hum of a jazz tune played in the background, a stark contrast to the spooky ambiance. The scent of cinnamon and roasted coffee beans wafted through the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the carved pumpkins.

It was like a small piece of nirvana to Penny, who, after taking a deep breath, felt the nervous tension, which had been with her ever since she’d found Martin’s body, calm and settle. She couldn’t help but smile as she noticed a group of elderly ladies at a nearby table, their conversation animated as they discussed their Halloween experiences. One of them held up a hand-knitted scarf, its pattern inspired by a spider’s web, proudly showing it off to her friends. Another, not to be outdone by her lunch companion, pulled from her shopping bag a black knitted hat with a huge plump spider sitting on the top. They all took turns to wear it, dissolving in fits of giggles like teenagers.

The place was busy, but a table had been reserved for Penny and Susie under the cast iron spiral staircase leading to the upstairs seating area. She removed her big coat and took a seat under the dark leaves of a tall rubber plant. Fischer made himself comfortable under the table with his chin on his paws and watched the goings on in the cafe.

“Has Susie not arrived yet?” She asked the waitress, who’d come with a bowl of water for Fischer.

“Not yet. I haven’t seen her since you were both in last week.”

Penny thought that was a bit odd. Susie was always here first. But recently, since she’d been seeing Tom, her friend had been rushed and run late on more than one occasion.

She ordered tomato soup with fresh from the oven, crusty bread and a dish of local butter. The warm aroma of the tomato soup wafted up to Penny’s nostrils, instantly transporting her back to her childhood. The tangy richness, complemented by a hint of fresh basil, was very similar to her mother’s cherished recipe.

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