Murder In The Choir (Pippa Parker Mysteries Book 2) by Liz Hedgecock

Author:Liz Hedgecock [Hedgecock, Liz]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: british detective, Contemporary, cosy mystery, cozy mystery, Crime, English, Humour, Mystery, novel, Women's Fiction
Publisher: White Rhino Books
Published: 2017-12-23T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

Pippa checked her watch before opening the door of the church hall. 10:32. The time in the police station had seemed much longer. It was a half-hour she never wished to repeat.

‘Pippa!’ She turned and Serendipity was standing on the pavement, half hidden behind Monty.

‘Oh, hello,’ said Pippa, backing the pushchair through the door.

‘What are you doing?’ Serendipity asked. ‘Is it a class?’

‘Playgroup,’ said Pippa, hoping Serendipity would take the hint. She wasn’t in the mood for chatting.

‘Oh, can I see? I’ll keep Monty under control, don’t worry. He’s good with children.’

‘I suppose,’ said Pippa, and Serendipity hurried to grab the door.

The children who could walk, or crawl, crowded round Monty, who lapped up the attention, while several of the adults focused on his owner. ‘I had no idea you lived here!’ exclaimed Sam, taking the nearest chair. ‘I love all your videos!’

‘Um, thank you,’ said Serendipity, looking round the hall. ‘This is a nice space. I’ve just moved in, really, so I’m getting to know the village.’

‘You could do crafting sessions here,’ Sam said. ‘Or teach a class. I’d come.’

I bet you would, thought Pippa, unbuckling Ruby and carrying her to the playmat for tummy time. She looked for a chair, but the only unoccupied ones were at the far end of the room.

‘Are you going to stay in Much Gadding, do you think?’ Sam asked.

‘I’m not sure,’ said Serendipity. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and patted Monty.

‘You should,’ said Sam. ‘You could film a series. Or write a book, and use the village for photos.’

Pippa walked across to Lila, who, for once, did not have her phone in her hand. ‘How’s Freddie?’

‘Absolutely fine.’ Lila pointed to where Freddie and Dylan, aided by Henry, were presiding over an obstacle race. ‘Busy running the show.’ She beckoned to Pippa. ‘Where’ve you been?’

‘Something and nothing,’ said Pippa, as casually as she could.

‘’K,’ said Lila. ‘Tell me later, if you want. Or text.’

‘Mm.’ Pippa straightened up, met the narrowed eyes of Sam, and looked quickly away. ‘I’ll go and get a chair,’ she said, to no-one in particular.

‘Plotting again, Pippa?’ said Sam, with a smile that could curdle milk.

‘Nope.’ Pippa kept walking.

‘Pippa’s our local Miss Marple,’ Sam explained, presumably for Serendipity’s benefit. ‘Always sniffing things out.’

Pippa selected a chair from the row of identical orange plastic ones, and gripped it tightly.

‘Yes, I read about it in the paper,’ said Serendipity. ‘You solved a murder, didn’t you?’

‘Yes.’ Pippa carried the chair over. ‘That was some months ago. Water under the bridge.’ She positioned the chair at the edge of the group.

‘Everyone needs a hobby, though,’ said Sam, grinning. ‘I like making jewellery, you like snooping.’

‘I do not like snooping!’ Pippa cried. ‘And I have a hobby, thank you. I belong to a choir.’

‘Oh, I love singing!’ said Serendipity, most enthusiastically. ‘Which choir do you go to? Is it in the village?’

Pippa could have sighed with relief. ‘It’s in Lower Gadding. They’re called Sweet Harmony. I haven’t actually been going that long.

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