The Great Witches Baking Show: A culinary cozy mystery by Nancy Warren

The Great Witches Baking Show: A culinary cozy mystery by Nancy Warren

Author:Nancy Warren [Warren, Nancy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781928145677
Publisher: Ambleside Publishing
Published: 2020-01-14T16:00:00+00:00


Chapter 10

The crew and contestants assembled in the main pub dining room. Fortunately, there didn’t seem to be any other guests, and no doubt locals had been told the pub was closed for the evening. It was strange to see everyone together outside of the tent and so late in the evening, too. The strains of the day were showing: blue circles under the eyes, tired grayish skin, and worried brows. As I looked at everyone in turn, I was struck by how familiar they were to me now. Maggie seemed to be looking after Evie and Florence. Daniel and Amara were deep in conversation. Two contestants I’d yet to really chat with, Euan and Priscilla, were sitting by the fireplace, which had now been lit. Gaurav was standing alone, tapping away at his phone.

I thought about my phone upstairs and wished hard that I could phone my mom and dad. Nothing could sound so nice as my parents’ voices right now telling me everything would be all right. I also missed my cottage, the way the ivy crept over the windowsills, the old stone walls, so full of history. I even missed Mildred, my dear kitchen ghost. Elspeth caught my eye across the room and gave me a reassuring smile as Jonathon talked urgently into her ear.

The room was warm, the fire adding cheer to the depressing atmosphere, but voices were hushed. Everyone was waiting to be told what was going to happen. The anticipation was tangible.

Sergeant Lane and DI Hembly entered the room. Everyone fell quiet and stopped what they were doing. Euan and Priscilla stood up. It was like a school assembly and the headmaster had walked in. I couldn’t shake the feeling of being in trouble.

DI Hembly cleared his throat. “Thank you for your cooperation while we conduct our investigation. I realize many of you wish to return home this evening.”

There were murmurs of agreement from the group.

“Unfortunately, I’m only able to let some of you go.”

A low groan and a ripple of chatter erupted through the group.

“But I need to get back to my kids.”

“Work will fire me if I’m not there in the morning.”

“I’ve just found out my dog is sick.”

Detective Inspector Hembly interrupted. “Our priority here is ascertaining exactly what happened to Gerald Parterre.”

“If he wants me to stay, he’ll have to arrest me,” I heard Marcus mumble behind me but not loud enough for the police to hear.

“Who’s going home?” Amara asked.

“We ask you all to keep your phones on in case we need to ask you any questions. Sergeant Lane is going to read out the names of those we need to stay this evening. The production company has kindly agreed to pay for any of you who wish to stay for another night. However, if your name is not on the list, you’re free to leave.”

The room fell silent again. It was like waiting to see who’d been voted off the show, except this time, we were all secretly praying to leave.



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