Mystery at Southwood School: An absolutely unputdownable cozy mystery novel (An Eve Mallow Mystery Book 9) by Clare Chase

Author:Clare Chase [Chase, Clare]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781803144085
Publisher: Bookouture
Published: 2022-11-09T16:00:00+00:00

28

As Eve crouched shivering in Robin’s bedroom, all her thoughts were of the man who’d been watching him. Her heart was thudding, her phone out in case she needed to call for help. But as she sat there, the rumble of the newcomer’s voice filtered through the floor. It was familiar.

Detective Inspector Palmer. The realisation gave her a fresh jolt: a wave of relief that it wasn’t the stranger in the woods, mixed with fear that the head of Natalie’s murder investigation was there to interview Robin. He’d already talked to the police and Palmer didn’t like working late. They must have something fresh.

Carefully, she lowered herself to the floor and lay with her ear to the carpet. The rumble became more distinct. She pressed closer still, the twists of fibre pushing into her skin. And now she could hear the words.

‘… dog?’ That was Palmer. Heck. He must have noticed Gus – though if he stayed under the table she hoped the inspector wouldn’t recognise him.

‘Looking after her for a friend.’ Robin sounded natural. How did he do it?

‘… wanted to speak to you. We have some new information.’ There was a long pause. Palmer did that when he wanted to unnerve people. At least it wouldn’t work on a former cop who knew the tactics. ‘We’ve been talking to Natalie Somerson’s producer. He had some very interesting things to say about your relationship with the deceased.’

‘My relationship?’ Robin didn’t sound ruffled. ‘We spoke once or twice during her stay at Southwood, but on each occasion, she approached me. We were never alone together in private. We didn’t have a relationship.’

Eve’s adrenaline was going on Robin’s behalf. She could feel her heart beat, her chest pressed against the floor. Almost worried they would hear it down below. Robin must be tense too, underneath it all.

‘I’m talking about the dynamic between you. About your past.’

That long pause again. How much did Palmer know?

‘I’m sorry.’ Robin – as unhurried as before. ‘I don’t follow.’

‘The producer said, and I quote, “She mentioned some lackey at Southwood”.’ Indignation bubbled in Eve’s chest. ‘The stand-in for the head gardener. Said he’d make a huge story if she could coax him on for an interview. But she said the guy was being difficult. He clearly wanted to keep his past secret. She said she could understand why.’

Silence.

‘I’m sure you can see why we’re curious, Mr Yardley. If it is Mr Yardley? My team have been having some problems researching your history.’

‘I’m sorry to take up their time.’ His tone was dry.

‘I’m not here to play games!’ Palmer had gone for an age-old tactic – the sudden raised voice, the slap of the hand on the table. Eve heard that too. And Gus barking.

‘Thank goodness,’ Robin said. ‘I’d hate to have to delay supper to provide you with an evening of light entertainment.’

Eve imagined Palmer turning the colour of beetroot soup. Just a little cream stirred in…

‘Apparently, Ms Somerson didn’t tell her producer your secret.’ Palmer’s voice was quiet now – dangerously so.

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