Deadly Past (Charlotte Dean Mysteries Book 4) by Phillipa Nefri Clark

Author:Phillipa Nefri Clark [Clark, Phillipa Nefri]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-09-27T16:00:00+00:00

Charlotte was using the time without Rosie to search what requirements there were for a permit to run functions at the Christmas Tree Farm. She started on the website of the local council, grimacing at the image of Jonas on the front page. One foot on a shovel on the side of a road she recognised as coming into town, he held a thumb up. Behind him, a new sign for the town rested against a nearby tree.

“Yeah, you are so community minded. New sign but still no water for the fountain.”

There were pages of information, which she ended up forwarding to her laptop. From a quick skim, the prior use of the land for the same purpose would help with the application. There was also a liquor licence to apply for, assuming they’d serve alcohol in the function centre.

She clicked out of the website and deleted the history to avoid questions from Rosie she’d rather not answer yet. Darcy and Abbie needed to talk to a lawyer. Possibly a conveyancer. The only one she knew was Terrance, who was retired. But he’d sold his firm.

Charlotte searched on the computer and sat back with her mouth open. The firm still existed with a sole conveyancer. No longer just a conveyancing firm, its website boasted an accountant and a lawyer. Jonas Carmichael. Closing her mouth, she clicked on his details. Specialising in real estate titles, transfers, and financing.

“You sneaky little man.” She breathed.

“I’m not little.” Sid leaned both arms on the counter.

Flustered by his silent appearance, Charlotte deleted the history again and then stood. “What do you want?”

“Oh, not happy to see me? Thought we were friends now.”

“What do you want.”

“See, I reckon you and this bookshop needs a hand.” He waved a hand around. “With that terrible incident on the corner, it occurred to me I could use my expertise to offer my services.”

Air, sight, and sound pollution? Driving customers away?

“What do you know about the fire?”

“Same as you. There was a fire. Poor old Cecil was caught in it. Hate to see that happen here.”

Charlotte stared at him. Even when he’d been a police officer, Sid Browne hadn’t cared about his appearance. The first time they’d met he’d worn little more than a singlet and pants. Today he was even worse. His jacket was filthy as if dragged through the mud. Underneath it, a tear in his shirt gave an unwelcome glimpse of grey chest hair. Stubble covered his chin and neck and his fingers with their dirty nails were as yellow as she’d ever seen them.

“Was that a threat, Sid?”

He scoffed, which turned into a racking cough. Charlotte stepped back from the counter and made a mental note to clean the place after he left. Which was going to be any minute now.

“Third time, what do you want?”

“Told you. Offering my services to protect you. Keep an eye on the building and make sure no criminal firelighters have fun here. You’ll pay me, of course. Quite well. But I’ll do the right thing by you.

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