Decked in the Hall: A Finch & Fischer Mystery (The Finch & Fischer Mysteries Book 1) by J. New

Author:J. New [New, J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Phantom Press
Published: 2018-11-06T23:00:00+00:00

“Hi, got a minute?” Susie appeared at Penny’s side and launched into an update on her latest divorce woes. Penny kept one ear on Susie and one eye on Major Colton who was doing his final judging round, until a voice came over the PA system.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, your attention please. Major Colton will now announce the winner of this year’s Christmas Cake Competition.”

All eyes turned to the podium, where Major Colton, dressed in tweeds, looked every inch the quintessential English country gent. He tapped the microphone a couple of times before speaking, and the sound reverberated around the draughty room.

“Hello everyone. It’s been a sad week for The Downs, and one none of us will forget in a hurry. Let us all take a moment to reflect in silence on the memory of Julia Wargraves, a valued member of our community and past Christmas Cake Champion extraordinaire.”

Heads were bowed, but Penny’s eyes were on Mrs Templeton, who she noted stared straight ahead, face expressionless.

After the silence Major Colton continued with his speech. “Thank you, as always, to everyone who entered this year’s event and all of you who have come out on this freezing afternoon to support them. Funds raised are going to a great cause, the Hambleton Chase summer fair. It’s been a lot of fun, and not a soggy bottom in sight.” There were a few groans in the audience, but Major Colton continued, undeterred. “And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for. The standard was superb this year and it was very close, but this year’s runner-up is someone you’re all used to seeing up here on the podium. A big hand, please, for Mrs Templeton!”

Any murmurs were drowned out by polite applause, and Mrs Templeton, wearing a face like thunder, came forward to accept her trophy whisk and take her place on the lower of the two crates.

Major Colton’s joviality continued as he announced the winner. “It’s a new face on the podium, but a familiar one in Hambleton Chase. A huge Hampsworthy Downs thumbs up to … Mrs Potter!”

Penny turned to Susie, “That’s a surprise, isn’t it? Was her cake any good? Edward and I didn’t make it that far.”

Susie shook her head, “It was average at best. I’m not sure what Major Colton’s up to, but his judging methods have upset a few people. Poor Mrs Templeton looks like she’s about to burst into tears.”

A woman on the other side of Penny spoke up, “At least Julia Wargraves was a decent baker, regardless of what was going on between her and Major Colton. But Mrs Potter’s cake was a joke. The Major’s moved on all right and mighty quickly, that’s all I can say.”

“Hello, Mrs Wilkins,” Penny said. “Do you mean the Major and Julia were, um, involved?”

Mrs Wilkins raised an eyebrow, “There was some sort of carry on, if you ask me, for her to win five years in a row. Julia wasn’t as squeaky clean as she made out, but only the Major could tell you for sure.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.