THE RHYME OF THE MAGPIE an absolutely gripping British cozy murder mystery by MARTY WINGATE

Author:MARTY WINGATE [WINGATE, MARTY]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Joffe Books cozy mysteries and crime
Published: 2024-02-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

I froze in my spot, staring up into those cold black eyes. He was a tall man in his forties, bigger in person than in the newspaper or on television, and broad like a bodybuilder with a thick, muscly neck and a chiseled face. His dark blond hair was barely long enough to run a comb through. He wore a gray suit and a red club tie ill-suited to his coloring. Linus performed introductions.

“Ms. Lanchester,” Woodcock said, holding out a hand to me. “What a delight to meet you. You are Rupert Lanchester’s daughter, aren’t you? I had no idea you were working here on the Fotheringill estate.”

Liar, I thought. Liar — what’s your game? Are you the one that sent Rupert a menacing letter to get him to back off? And now you’re hoping to scare his daughter into going along with your latest ploy?

I locked my eyes on Linus, shocked and lightheaded that he would even entertain the idea of taking money from Woodcock. Linus saw my look and reddened but smiled tentatively.

“Mr. Woodcock,” I said. I reached across the counter, shook once, and pulled my hand away, wiping it on my skirt when they weren’t looking.

“It was a particular desire of Mr. Woodcock’s to stop and meet you today, Julia,” Linus said, flicking a bead of sweat from his forehead. “I’ve told him a great deal about what you’ve accomplished and what our hopes are for the estate. He believes that investing in our enterprise today will make a difference tomorrow.”

And you actually swallowed that? But I didn’t say it aloud. It can’t be Linus’ fault that Woodcock saw an opportunity to stick it to Rupert, but to use the Fotheringill estate for his egregious purposes was cruel.

“We’ll leave you now, Julia,” Linus said. “I must get ready for my tour this afternoon — taking our volunteers round the Hall. And I know that Mr. Woodcock needs to be on his way as well.”

Linus acted the border collie and herded Woodcock out the door before I could make a scene. As soon as they left, I followed, taking my bag along and feeling round inside for my phone as I stood out on the pavement. Linus’ bike leaned up against the wall by the chemist shop three doors down. He and Woodcock shook hands. Linus donned his helmet, clipped his trousers, and cycled away. I made straight for Woodcock and caught up with him just where the road bends to the left.

“Mr. Woodcock,” I called. He held up and turned, looking not a bit surprised.

“Yes, Ms. Lanchester.”

“I don’t know what excuse you gave Lord Fotheringill for choosing his estate as a cover for your company’s dealings, but I know it isn’t out of good will. You knew I was here, and you thought it would be the easy way to get to my father. Will you try to hold the entire estate hostage? What do you think you can get for buying off Lord Fotheringill —

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