Stories, Secrets and Missing at Sea (The Nord Isles Cozy Mystery Series) by Elizabeth M. Newby

Author:Elizabeth M. Newby [Newby, Elizabeth M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-04-19T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Beryl’s disappearance this close to the book launch could not be a coincidence; the two things had to be related. Somehow, I would need to get to the bottom of what Phillip Owen had really been doing on his trip away as he certainly wasn’t being entirely upfront about that.

As I disembarked from the island hopper ferry, I couldn’t help noticing that Gregory’s bay was still sitting empty. His yacht was, of course, one of the biggest in the marina and it’s absence haunted the place. Boats came and went all day long in the harbour. Occasionally, people took them out for longer trips but mostly they headed out for the day when the weather was fine, or they fancied visiting one of the other islands. The fact Gregory’s and Beryl’s had both been absent for longer did seem suspicious. If I could find out where Gregory was, then it might provide a clue as to where Beryl might be.

Half an hour later, I was walking the long drive up to his manor house. Shadow would be cross with me when I got back, but I was impatient for answers. It seemed that each of my investigations had led me to walking up this drive at some point. It was almost a given that Gregory was up to no good. Whether he was involved with Beryl’s disappearance remained to be seen, though.

I knocked on the door and a woman in her forties answered the door. She was clearly the latest housekeeper. The amount of staff he got through, I could only surmise that Gregory was a difficult man to work for. That played to my advantage though, as it usually meant they would be easier to get on my side.

“Hi, erm, I wonder if you can help me,” I said.

The woman stood solid in the doorway, not moving or saying a word. Her mouth was pinched and she slowly crossed her arms while she waited for me to continue.

“Is Gregory about? I really need to speak with him. It’s an urgent matter.”

“He’s not here.”

“Right. I heard he was out on his yacht. Do you know whereabouts he is?”

“I don’t think that’s any of your concern, Cara.”

Her use of my name took me aback for a moment. I didn’t recall ever meeting her before. How did she know who I was? “Well, do you know when he’ll be back or do you have a way to contact him?”

“I do know when he will be back and I won’t be contacting him.” She put a hand on the door ready to close it.

I reached out my hand to hold it open, putting my foot in the way for good measure. She let out an exasperated sigh.

“Please, this is important. It’s not about me. A woman is missing and Gregory might be able to help.”

“If a woman is missing perhaps you ought to be at the police station rather than trying to bother Mr Albright. Now kindly move your foot out of the way or I may need to call the police myself.

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