Moth to a flame by Rachael McCormack

Author:Rachael McCormack [McCormack, Rachael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-03-14T04:00:00+00:00

Monday (after the wedding)

Cyan stood behind the till nervously glancing at the door. ‘I’ve got a bad feeling about today, Shirley. I hope we’ve got plenty of coffee.’

Shirley nodded. ‘We have, although I did wonder whether to bring that bottle of brandy from home.’

Cyan laughed. ‘You think it’s going to be that bad?’

The door opened, the bell announcing the arrival of Barbara Hicks. She marched to the till and presented Cyan with the hat and pin that she had purchased only three days ago.

‘Well,’ she exclaimed, ‘what a waste of time and money that was!’

Cyan glanced at Shirley, who was busying herself with sorting through new stock. ‘Are you not satisfied with the merchandise, Miss Hicks?’ Cyan asked with a faint tinge of sarcasm.

‘It’s not the merchandise that’s the problem. A total waste of a Saturday afternoon, and to think I could have stayed at home and finished my crossword.’

Shirley walked over to the counter. ‘What do you mean, a total waste of an afternoon?’

Barbara tutted. ‘I don’t wish to discuss it. I have never been so embarrassed in my life, to think that that man could do such a thing. In a church of all places.’

Shirley and Cyan exchanged frowns. Shirley chose her words carefully. ‘Did he expose himself, or something?’

Barbara looked horrified. ‘Certainly not, what on earth gave you that idea? I suppose a refund would be too much to ask.’

‘Ah,’ Shirley said, shaking her head. ‘I’m afraid we can’t refund a purchase of a hat if it’s been worn. It’s all to do with hygiene regulations, not that I’m suggesting anything by that of course, it’s just the rules.’

Barbara picked up the hat and pin. ‘In that case, I wish you good day.’ She swished out of the shop, hackles raised.

Shirley blew out a breath. ‘That’s a good start to a Monday morning. Shame we’re non the wiser about what happened.’

Cyan frowned. ‘What could he possibly have done in a church to cause such a reaction? At least we know he’s not a flasher.’

‘Well at least we can be thankful for small mercies,’ Shirley replied, winking.

Cyan laughed just as the bell tinkled. Mrs Goode couldn’t get to the till quick enough. ‘Have you heard the news? I mean, really.’ she gushed.

Shirley shook her head. ‘No, what news is that?’

‘I told you so, didn’t I, when I was in here on Friday? I told you he was a philanderer, and that he has no morals. Well, I’ve been proved right, now, that’s for sure.’

‘Er—’ Cyan responded, confusion all over her face.

Mrs Goode tapped a finger on the counter. ‘It’s despicable, especially as he was in St Botolph’s, a sacred place of worship. To think that he comes from such a wealthy family.’

Before Cyan or Shirley could respond, the bell on the door tinkled, announcing the arrival of Mrs Harrington, who rushed to the counter, her face flushed. ‘Have you told them yet, Betty?’

Mrs Goode shook her head. ‘Barely had a chance to, Diedre. I still can’t quite believe it, even though I’d already said what a cad he is.

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