Swiss Secrets: A Deliciously Unputdownable Cozy Murder Mystery (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book 9) by Hazel Smith

Author:Hazel Smith [Smith, Hazel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2025-04-10T00:00:00+00:00

Yvette opened the door with a weary smile, the fine lines around her blue eyes more pronounced in the dim light. Her long black hair, slightly tousled, framed her slender face as the exhaustion in her posture dulled her usual elegance.

“Ivy,” she greeted, stepping aside with a graceful sweep of her arm. “Come in. I assume you’re not here to tell me I’ve won a luxury spa package?”

Ivy returned the smile, though she noted the exhaustion clinging to Yvette’s features. She stepped inside, glancing around.

“I just wanted to check if you needed anything—fresh towels, extra sheets?” Ivy offered.

Yvette waved a hand. “No, no, we’re fine. But thank you. It was very kind of you to help with the move earlier.” She glanced toward the bed Cedric had claimed, her lips pressing together for a moment. “I hope the Müllers are settling in.”

Ivy took the opportunity to steer the conversation. “And you? How are you settling in?”

Yvette hesitated, as if considering the question for the first time. “Yes … well, as well as one can, I suppose.” She smoothed her hands down the front of her sweater, glancing at the dimly lit room. “It’s just a room. They all feel the same in the end.”

Ivy’s gaze flickered to the bedside table, where his book lay.

She inclined her head toward it. “And Cedric? Is he comfortable?”

Yvette stiffened just slightly, but recovered quickly. “He’s fine,” she said, a touch too briskly. “Or as fine as he can be, given the circumstances.”

Ivy didn’t reply right away, watching the way Yvette’s fingers twisted together. There was something there, something unspoken—like a struggle playing out beneath the surface.

She let the silence stretch, just enough to let it press in on Yvette.

Finally, Yvette exhaled, shoulders sagging as she sank onto the edge of her bed. “Non,” she admitted quietly. “I don’t know if he’s alright.”

Ivy sat across from her, keeping her tone gentle. “I’m here if you want to talk.”

For a moment, Yvette seemed to war with herself, fingers tightening in her lap. Then, as if reaching a decision, she looked at Ivy with something raw in her expression.

“I'm worried about him,” she admitted.

Ivy tilted her head.

Yvette exhaled sharply. “He's … different this year. Ever since—” She cut herself off, then shook her head. “And these past few days haven't helped. Not in the way I thought they would.”

Ivy remained quiet, letting the words come at Yvette’s pace.

“He’s been distant lately. Not just teenage moodiness—I mean really shutting me out. And these last few days …” She sighed, rubbing at her temples. “I thought getting away would help, you know? A break from everything. But instead—” She gestured vaguely, as if the chaos surrounding them needed no explanation.

Ivy leaned against the wall, watching her carefully. “Cedric told me this was supposed to be a mother-son getaway.”

Yvette let out a weak laugh. “Oui, well, it hasn't exactly gone to plan, has it?”

A beat of silence stretched between them before she finally added, “I booked this trip a year ago.

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