Fowl Murder by Victoria Tait

Author:Victoria Tait [Tait, Victoria]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781838061128
Google: mie5zQEACAAJ
Amazon: 1838061142
Publisher: Kanga Press
Published: 2020-07-16T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Forty-Two

Rose picked her way to the 4th floor VIP area, being careful not to lose her oversized shoes. At the double doors she took a deep breath and entered, in what she hoped was an elegant manner. The room had a deep red carpet, mahogany-coloured wall panels and golden light fittings. To the left was a bar, with light dancing on the chrome counter and rear mirror. There were four gaming tables, glass-topped with green gaming mats, surrounded by comfortable leather chairs. Excited men and women filled most of the seats, whilst others peered over shoulders, enjoying the fun without taking the risk.

Few people noticed Rose enter, but a solitary black-clad figure looked up from a barstool. Rose walked across to join Pearl, who she realised must be totally confused by her unexpected appearances and strange outfits. It was true. Pearl gaped at her and eventually asked, “Are those Ma’s clothes?”

“I had nothing else to wear. There’s been a terrible accident. Daniel, the waiter from Dormans, who was at your mother’s party, has been killed.”

Pearl was silent. She frowned. “Oh, dear. Is that why there was such a crowd on the street earlier? Someone said a man had jumped off the roof. Was that Daniel?” She uncrossed and re-crossed her legs.

“Yes, but I don’t believe he jumped, which means he either fell or was pushed. If he was pushed, the commissioner might think it’s linked to your mother’s death.”

Pearl leaned back, tapping her fingers on her thigh. “But why are you and Thabiti here? I spotted him working as a waiter.”

“The commissioner asked us to stay, see what people were saying about the accident.”

“I can’t see how anyone here can help. When did it happen?” asked Pearl.

“While Thabiti and I were still in the building, so probably just before we bumped into you. I’m not sure of the exact time.”

“So when the VIP guests were arriving. I don’t see how any of them could be involved, and the other guests weren’t due until seven. He must have sneaked up onto the roof, tripped and fallen off. Poor soul.” Pearl sipped a vivid orange cocktail.

“Have you seen anyone up here who seems flustered, out of breath or excited?”

Pearl laughed. “Well yes, all those at the gaming tables. They’ve had lots of free alcohol and they keep slapping each other on the shoulder and telling jokes in loud voices.”

Rose looked at the men and women at the nearest table. Their faces were flushed as they laughed loudly, seemingly oblivious to the tragedy that had occurred. She glimpsed Francis, at a farther table, with his arm around a young woman whilst he threw his dice. Rose decided to change tack whilst she had Pearl on her own. “I heard Thabiti found your Ma’s will today.”

“Yes, it’s such a relief she didn’t want a traditional funeral. I’m not sure we could have coped with lots of relatives pretending to be sorry for us. I guess that’s why she left bequests to so many people.

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