The Bennett Case (A Markham Sisters Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Diana Xarissa

Author:Diana Xarissa [Xarissa, Diana]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-09-18T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

“What’s going on?” Janet asked.

“Good morning,” the man said, giving Janet a smarmy smile. “You must be the other Markham sister. I’ve heard so much about you both.”

“Really?” Janet replied. “I hope you didn’t believe any of it.”

The man laughed, an annoyingly grating sound. “I only believed the good things,” he said.

“Who are you?” Janet asked, tired of being polite.

“How remiss of me,” the man said. “I introduced myself to your sister, of course. I’m William Chalmers.” He said it as if she ought to know the name. Then he offered his hand and Janet took a few steps towards him to take it.

“I’m Janet Markham,” she replied. He held her hand for a moment or two longer than she felt was necessary. As soon as he let go, she took a step backwards.

“I’m sorry, but your name means nothing to me,” she told him, watching him closely. Something like annoyance flashed over his features before his artificial smile slid back into place.

“I had hoped that the small business owners of Doveby Dale would stick together and support one another,” he replied. “Perhaps that was overly optimistic of me.”

“I’m not sure what your aspirations have to do with us,” Janet said.

“As the owners of the village’s premier bed and breakfast establishment, surely you are both deeply interested in the sorts of shops and restaurants that Doveby Dale has to offer,” he intoned.

“As we aren’t actually open for business yet, I suppose the thought had yet to cross our mind,” Janet replied. Although the man was hugely annoying, she still had no idea what he’d said to upset Joan.

“Yes, well, I suggest you start paying attention to what’s happening in the village,” William told her. “The wrong sort of shops could be seriously detrimental to your guesthouse. You don’t want to start attracting the wrong sort of people, now do you?”

Janet forced herself to smile. “Thank you for the advice,” she said. “If that was all you needed, I’ll see you out. Joan and I are quite busy. I’m sure you understand.”

“Oh, but that isn’t why I’m here at all,” William replied. “I came to buy some books. I was told that you have a small library full of old books, and I need some. I’m opening a very exclusive antique shop, you see, and I want to scatter a few old books among the bookshelves and desks that I’ll have for sale.”

Well, that explained Joan’s upset, Janet thought. The library was a large part of the reason why they’d purchased Doveby House in the first place. Both women were hugely fond of the space, even if they had yet to go through the books that had been included in the sale of the house.

“Were you looking for any particular books or authors?” Janet asked, curious what the man was planning.

“Oh, goodness, no,” William exclaimed. “I just need about eighteen inches worth of old hardcover books, that’s all.”

“You want to buy books by the inch?” Janet asked, incredulously.

“Sure, why not?”

Janet exchanged looks with her sister.

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