Inspector Hobbes and the Common People: Comedy Crime Fantasy (Unhuman Book 5) by Wilkie Martin

Author:Wilkie Martin [Martin, Wilkie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: cozy mystery
Publisher: The Witcherley Book Company
Published: 2021-07-30T16:00:00+00:00

14

Once the staff had mopped Grubbe down, they left us to enjoy the rest of the meal. And, although I hated to admit it, he’d chosen well. In particular, the sensational, succulent pork rillettes slathered over crisp, toasted slices of baguette was heavenly. Furthermore, now business was complete, he proved a genial companion—even if he did exude an overwhelming fishy odour.

‘What’s your connection to this town?’ I asked after stuffing myself rigid on dessert, a scrumptious tarte tatin, with beautiful, buttery pastry, and wonderfully sweet, caramelised apples. ‘That is to say … umm … why did you choose Colonel Squire as a partner?’

‘I was looking for business opportunities in the region and heard that Toby Squire needed ready cash for urgent repairs to his manor. I’ve known Toby for years, so I brought him to this restaurant for lunch and suggested a development would be mutually beneficial. He put forward Sorenchester Common as an ideal location.’

‘But why? There are already enough homes and few homeless people.’

Grubbe shrugged. ‘But housing is expensive, and many young people struggle to afford anything. I like to help them.’

‘So, you intend to build affordable housing?’ asked Daphne.

He nodded. ‘Yes … well, some of it will be. The idea is that other properties will be more exclusive and the profits from these will help pay for the affordable ones.’

‘What about jobs?’ I asked. ‘Unemployment is low round here.’

‘That,’ said Grubbe, ‘is an excellent point. However, it is rising. For instance, many shops have closed recently. My development includes space for industrial units which will attract new businesses, and, of course, new businesses need new workers. The project will be a great boost to the local economy.’

It sounded great as he told it—apart from the environmental aspects, where all the new people would come from, who would pay for the infrastructure, and a sack load of other questions. I’d have liked to ask more, but he glanced at his Rolex and stood up. ‘I must be on my way—I have a meeting in half an hour and need to change my suit.’

‘It’s time I was getting back too,’ said Daphne.

‘And me,’ I said, ‘but I need the loo first.’

Grubbe signalled the waiter, took a credit card from his wallet and paid. ‘Corbett will take you back to town. He’s waiting in the carpark. Goodbye and thanks for agreeing to the work … in principle, Daphne. Andy.’ He nodded and was gone.

So was I—my bladder could wait no longer.

When I rejoined Daphne, she was standing in the doorway, staring towards Loop Woods and frowning.

‘What’s the matter?’ I asked.

‘There’s a funny noise up there.’

A deep boom resounded from up the hill.

‘What do you think it is?’ she asked.

‘No idea … it sounds a bit like someone blowing over the top of a jug.’

Something burst from cover and came hurtling down the hill.

It was a huge, brownish bird with long, powerful legs and a neck like an ostrich’s.

‘That must be the rhea,’ I said. ‘It escaped from the Wildlife Park.’

‘I bet that’s what made Valentine crash,’ said Daphne.

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