Murder on the Run by Sonia Parin

Author:Sonia Parin [Parin, Sonia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-09-15T22:00:00+00:00

* * *

A while later, in the library…

Peri had settled in a chair by a window facing the garden. He held a newspaper but Evie had yet to see him turn a page. His thoughts were clearly elsewhere.

Lord Ensley stood by another window gazing out. While Adrian Lester paced from one end of the library to the other. Every now and then, he stopped at the chimney and poked the logs. Of course, being summer, there was no fire, but the act seemed to settle him somewhat.

He set the poker down, straightened and resumed his pacing, only to stop and say, “Tom Winchester has been in there for nearly half an hour.”

“Has it really been that long?” Evie asked. “I hadn’t noticed.” In fact, she had been tapping her foot and matching the ticking rhythm of the clock on the mantle. What could he possibly be saying to the police?

And why had the vicar not joined them in the library?

The door opened and the butler walked in followed by a footman carrying a tray.

“I took the liberty of organizing some tea and coffee, my lord.”

“That’s a splendid idea. Another minute and I might have dozed off.” Peri set his newspaper down and joined Evie.

Finally, Tom appeared.

“You took your time,” Evie said.

“The detective is thorough. I suggest you keep your answers short. He’d like to see you now, Countess.”

Evie had a good mind to say he needed to wait until she’d had her coffee but the sooner they got this over and done with, the sooner they could return to Halton House.

As she exited the library and crossed the hall to the drawing room, she saw the vicar hovering near the stairs appearing to be keenly interested in Peri’s ancestors.

The door to the drawing room stood open. Evie entered and closed the door behind her.

When she turned, she gasped and exclaimed, “Detective Inspector O’Neill.” Why hadn’t Tom said anything about the detective being here?

“Lady Woodridge. You look surprised.”

“That’s because I am.”

“My apologies, I asked Tom Winchester to keep our association between us secret. Clearly, he didn’t wish to give anything away, otherwise, I’m sure he would have tried to find a way to let you know.”

Evie lowered herself onto a chair, her lips still slightly parted in surprise. “I’m intrigued.”

“Oh, it’s nothing mysterious. I merely wished to avoid the others being alerted.” He took the chair opposite her and smiled. “I hope you are well.”

Evie now looked confused. “Yes… Yes, I am.”

“We have been having the most wonderful weather,” he said, his tone conversational. “It’s almost a pity to be indoors.”

Evie frowned. She hadn’t expected pleasantries. At least nothing more than the basic greeting considering the gravity of the situation. He’d come here to investigate a possible murder case. Why would he want to talk about the weather?

“Tom tells me you’ll be returning to Halton House today.”

“Detective, what’s this about? Shouldn’t you be asking me questions?”

He smiled again. “Oh, no. Tom already filled me in on everything.”

He’d spoken on her behalf? “So, this is just for show.

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