A Murder Unmentioned by Gentill Sulari

Author:Gentill, Sulari [Gentill, Sulari]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mystery, Historical, Crime
ISBN: 9781921997440
Amazon: B00YVHRVLY
Goodreads: 25776008
Publisher: Pantera Press
Published: 2014-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

The Federal truck limped into the Woodlands drive. The journey had been slow and arduous and it was only Clyde’s talent with motors, and routine tappet adjustments, that had ensured it did not stall entirely. They had spent many hours en route beside the road with Clyde bent under the bonnet.

Edna climbed out, travel-worn and stiff. Clyde lifted Lenin gingerly to the ground lest the hound jar his wound by jumping. He cursed both the Federal and Milton’s cousin. The sojourn from Yass had taken them nearly a full day. They had slept in the truck somewhere near Moss Vale and stop-started all the way back to Woollahra.

Edna looked uneasily at the looming grandeur of Woodlands House. They had decorated for Christmas before they’d set out for Oaklea, hanging the jacarandas with dozens of whimsical terracotta angels and bronze-cast stars, but new wreaths and swags had been added in the time they’d been away. Edna bit her lower lip. It seemed strange arriving here with Rowland and Milton in gaol. “Oh Clyde, what are we going to tell Mary Brown?”

“I don’t know,” Clyde said grimly, grabbing their bags. “Maybe we should just say Rowly’s still at Oaklea, that he’ll be back soon. That way she won’t hurt us.”

Edna smiled. Clyde was only half-joking. Mary Brown was formidable and still treated Rowland’s houseguests as if they were stray alley cats he’d brought home.

“Clyde,” Edna began hesitantly. “Should we tell Detective Delaney about Wilfred?”

Clyde took a breath. “Rowly would never forgive us, Ed. I’ll risk that if it’s the only thing that will save him, but…” He closed his eyes wearily. “Come on, let’s get washed up. Even Long Bay has standards.”

It was only after Mary Brown opened the door and admitted them that they realised they would not be the only guests at Woodlands House.

“Edna, Mr. Watson Jones,” Kate said, stepping out into the vestibule. “We had expected you to arrive before us, though we’ve been here scarcely an hour ourselves.”

“Mrs. Sinclair.” Clyde put down the suitcases and removed his hat.

“I wouldn’t hear of Wil being away at Christmas,” Kate explained before they could ask. “Not after the fire… and since he had to be here to help poor Rowly, we decided that we should all have Christmas in Sydney this year.”

“Of course.” Edna tried to muster enthusiasm. “What a lovely idea. Where is Mr. Sinclair?”

“He’s already gone to the… to Rowly,” she replied unable to bring herself to name the prison. “Arthur’s stepped out too.”

“Oh, well perhaps we should—”

“You must be tired,” Kate said, observing the dishevelled state of them. “Why don’t you two go and wash up while I have Mary organise some tea and refreshments?” She smiled nervously. “Wil is looking after Rowly. If I know my husband, he’ll have Rowly released today.”

A little reluctantly, Clyde and Edna agreed, washing and changing quickly.

Tea was served in the conservatory.

“Mary won’t let us use the drawing room, for some reason,” Kate whispered in explanation.

Edna smiled, despite herself. “Rowly uses the drawing room as a studio, Kate.

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