Murder at Mount Ephraim by Julie Wassmer

Author:Julie Wassmer [Wassmer, Julie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Mystery & Detective, Women Sleuths, Amateur Sleuth
ISBN: 9781472134462
Google: 8NgNzgEACAAJ
Amazon: B09N3CTSSG
Publisher: Constable
Published: 2022-08-25T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Emma opened the door to the apartment she shared with her partner and allowed Pearl to enter before her.

‘Ryan’s doing some work in one of the orchards,’ she explained, ‘so we won’t be disturbed here.’ She invited Pearl to take a seat at a large pine kitchen table then moved to the sink to fill a kettle, leaving Pearl to glance around the open-plan living space. It was tidy, with few personal possessions on display, although a red sofa was scattered with what looked like handmade cushions decorated with multi-coloured pom-poms. A few stained-glass panels hung at the window allowing sunlight to stream through them, creating patterns that danced on the wall. A heart-shaped photo frame showed Emma and Ryan smiling for the camera in Mount Ephraim’s grounds. Pearl eyed an oak breadboard on the table, shaped like a rabbit. Emma joined Pearl at the table and said, ‘All Ryan’s handiwork. He did it with a jigsaw in his workshop one afternoon. Must have been a bit bored.’

Pearl gave a smile and nodded towards the photo. ‘Have you been together long?’

‘Three years,’ said Emma. ‘We met here at the house. This apartment comes with the job. Our own little world.’ She remained silent until the kettle boiled, sending a plume of steam up a kitchen window pane.

‘Would you like some tea?’

Pearl nodded. ‘Thanks.’ She watched Emma prepare two mugs of tea which she brought to the table with some cake.

‘Lemon drizzle,’ she explained. ‘My own recipe.’

After handing Pearl a slice, she sat down and suddenly took on a grave expression as she waited for Pearl’s first question. ‘You wanted to talk to me?’

Pearl nodded. ‘I take it you’ve been in touch with the owners of the house?’

Emma frowned. ‘Yes, of course, but communication’s difficult,’ she explained. ‘They’re on a cruise ship right now but they’ll be docking in Sydney in a few days’ time when they’re due to meet relatives.’

‘So they’re not returning straight away?’

Emma shook her head. ‘But that doesn’t mean they’re not as shocked about this as we are. I’m keeping them updated and I believe they’re helping the police with enquiries as best as they can from so far away.’

Pearl took something from her pocket and placed it on the table. Emma looked at her. ‘What’s this?’

‘A piece of yellow fabric. Does it look at all familiar? Perhaps it’s from an article of clothing – belonging to you or Ryan?’

Emma picked up the plastic bag and eyed the piece of woollen material inside. She shook her head. ‘Where did you get this?’

‘In the grounds last night,’ said Pearl. ‘Near the cricket pavilion. I heard a woman’s voice. When I got there, she was gone. But I found this.’

Emma looked surprised. ‘Have you told the police?’ she asked as she handed the packet back. Pearl nodded. ‘I gave some of it to a uniformed officer this morning.’

‘Some?’

‘I kept this small piece so I could ask some questions of my own.’ She eyed Emma, who hastily picked up her mug and sipped her tea.

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