Dispatched in London: A Movie Star Mom International Cozy Mystery, Book 1 by Jacqueline M. Green

Author:Jacqueline M. Green [Green, Jacqueline M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-02-24T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

This time, I took a bus to Hammersmith so I could see more of London. The old architecture was charming and filled with history, so different from the much newer buildings in Northern California.

On the way, I planned what I was going to say. Express my condolences, of course, but also find out about his inheritance. A bookstore caught my eye. That was it! I would tell him I was writing a book about British aristocracy and wanted an insider’s view.

My phone buzzed with an incoming call. Sasha.

“Hi, Mama, how was your day?”

“Fabulous! Lila and I went to afternoon tea at this lovely restaurant.”

“That’s great. What are you doing now? My phone shows you’re in Hammersmith.”

“Well, yes, that’s true.”

“Is Lila with you?”

“No, she had to go to class, but I’m fine. I’m enjoying myself. Now, about the afternoon tea…”

“Mother, what are you up to?” Sasha’s voice sounded unnecessarily suspicious.

“Shopping?” Why hadn’t I come up with a better alibi?

“Mo-ther.”

“All right, all right, I’m just going to see the earl’s son and ask him a few questions.”

“I told you not to get in any more trouble.”

“I’m not getting into trouble. I’m just asking a few questions.” My bus pulled to a stop. “I have to hang up now, Sasha. I’ll see you at home. Love you.”

I clicked off and shoved the phone back into my purse, which I wore strapped across my body. My phone buzzed again and again, but I ignored it. If all went well, I would talk to Ben McKenna and be home before Sasha, perhaps still have time for a nap.

I walked up the long drive to the earl’s house, admiring the variety of trees, like elm and juniper, and other greenery. London’s frequent rain made for beautiful lawns and parks. This time, there were only a few cars in the driveway.

I reached the front door and knocked, then stepped back and straightened my shirt, wishing I had thought to change clothes. Why did I always show up at their door looking like a rumpled American?

The door opened. A maid stood before me, a question on her face.

“Hello, I’m here to see the Honorable Ben McKenna.” I gave myself a mental pat on the back for using his correct title.

“May I ask who is calling?”

“Mrs., Sasha Monroe’s mother, Amanda Monroe.”

She nodded and closed the door. I waited. And waited. After several minutes, I knocked again.

Finally, I came to the conclusion the maid had forgotten me on the front step. I reached for the door handle, pressed it and let myself in.

“Hello. Hello, Mr. McKenna? Countess?” I called out as I stepped through the door. I wanted them to know I was there. I promised Sasha I wouldn’t get into trouble, and I suspected breaking and entering would fall within those parameters.

The maid scurried back into the foyer, followed closely by Ben McKenna and his stepmother.

“Mrs. Monroe?” The countess seemed surprised to see me. McKenna just glared.

“Who let you in?” he demanded, arms crossed and mouth pinched.

“No one, but the door was unlocked,” I stammered, turning to point at the door.

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