Ginger Gold Mystery Box Set 1 by Lee Strauss

Author:Lee Strauss [Strauss, Lee]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781988677064
Publisher: La Plume Press
Published: 2017-09-06T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Four

Ginger and Basil jumped to their feet and rushed to the sitting room.

“How long has he been gone?” Ginger asked.

“I’m afraid I can’t say, madam,” Pippins said. “I only noticed once Mr. Hayes left, and only the staff remained. It suddenly occurred to me that I hadn’t seen Bailey in the crowd for some time.”

The sitting room felt empty with just the four members of Ginger’s household staff plus Mr. Hayes remaining.

“Did anyone see Mr. Bailey leave the room?” she asked.

Lizzie and Grace lowered their gazes to the floor and shook their heads. “No, your ladyship.”

“Mrs. Thornton?”

“I’ve been sittin’ in this chair with my feet up. They’re killin’ me! I’m afraid I dozed off a time or two.”

Ginger spoke softly to Basil. “As you know, Andrew Bailey once lived in this house. He’d be attuned to all the ways to get in and out unseen.”

“I see. I’ll make use of your telephone once more, if I may.”

William Hayes stood behind them, wringing his hands. “If you’ve finished with me … ”

“For now,” Basil said. “Don’t leave town.”

William Hayes practically sprinted from the room. He really did tend to flee, Ginger thought as she flopped into an empty chair. Haley sat on the settee.

“This wasn’t how I’d imagine this evening would go,” Ginger said.

Lizzie approached and bobbed. “Would you and Miss Higgins like some tea, madam?”

“Thank you, Lizzie,” Ginger said. “That would be lovely.”

Basil Reed returned with his overcoat and his hat in hand.

“Chief Inspector?” Ginger said.

“I’ve called the Yard. A search is now underway for Mr. Bailey.” His eyes scanned Ginger’s staff. “Where’s Miss Weaver?”

“She’s in the kitchen preparing tea. Would you like a cup?”

“No, thank you. It’s late. If you don’t mind, I’ll return tomorrow to question your staff.”

“I’m sure they would be more than happy to oblige.”

“Good. I’ll find my way out. Good night Lady Gold, Miss Higgins.”

Lizzie brought in the tea tray and set it on the small table between Ginger and Haley.

“You can all retire for the evening,” Ginger told her staff. “I’m sure you all must be simply exhausted. Pippins, do first make sure the house is secure.”

“Of course, madam.”

Ginger unbuckled her shoes and stretched her feet out on the ottoman. “What a day!” She sipped on her cup of tea and stared at the simmering embers in the fireplace.

“I prefer a quiet house,” Haley said, tea in hand.

“How’s the tea?” Ginger asked.

“It’s not coffee.”

“Admit it, tea is growing on you.”

“I admit no such thing!” Haley smirked and took another sip. “However, I do think this brew could be improved upon.” Haley disappeared and returned shortly with a bottle filled with amber liquid. “Brandy. For our poor nerves.”

Ginger lifted her cup in salute. “To our poor nerves.”

Haley poured a generous amount into each of their teacups, set the bottle aside and returned to her spot on the settee. A black furry form sauntered in and approached Ginger.

“Boss! There you are. Were you sleeping this whole time?” She made room on her lap for her pet, and he jumped on.

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