One Dark Lie by Clare Chase

Author:Clare Chase [Chase, Clare]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, murder mystery, death by Choc Lit
Published: 2016-12-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Three

Squire had been in The Feathers until closing time. There had been things to discuss with the team. Now he sat in his drawing room, occupying one of the two regency chairs that faced the open fire. He was smoking a cigar, and had a whisky at his elbow. The evening had irritated him; almost to the point where he’d lost his cool. Mac and Gary had begun by arguing with each other, and then had both turned on him. Blake and Tony had been just as objectionable, though in their case with him from the start. Steve was the only one who’d backed him up, and tried to smooth the troubled waters.

He stood up to alter the position of the logs on the fire, which had burnt low. Bending, he watched sparks dance up the chimney as he worked. Gradually, smoke was replaced by lengthening tongues of orange flame. Standing by the mantelpiece, he thought about his youngest employee. He’d always put his loyalty down to temperament. Steve was a natural peacemaker; he didn’t like aggro. But now, Squire wondered.

Was he a peacemaker? Or was he placating him? Trying to make sure he never attracted the wrong sort of attention from his boss?

When it came down to it, it was natural for there to be friction between workers and their manager. And yet with Steve, there was none. Quite the opposite, in fact. Did that really ring true?

The fire was going nicely again. He paced back to his chair and sat, staring at the mesmeric flames that curled, burnt low and then licked the side of the flue again. Steve had done well over the years. The only cause for concern he’d given was introducing that woman to the team. Squire thought back. Steve had said they’d met in a bar, and got chatting. Claimed he’d had no idea her brother was a PI.

Didn’t alter the complications that ensued once Squire had initiated a relationship with the girl, then found her nosing into his affairs. As soon as he knew about her family connections, and the knowledge she’d gained, it could only end one way. The fact that she’d been a rookie reporter simply put an extra nail in her coffin. He’d meant to take the brother out at the same time, but him being away from home on the night he’d arranged the arson attack put paid to that. He’d had the PI guy watched for a month or two after the girl’s death, and decided not to bother trying again. You could see the guy had been destroyed by his sister’s death. Must have been pretty fond of her. He couldn’t remember her name now – or his for that matter. But maybe he shouldn’t have taken his eye off that particular ball. Revenge was a strong motivator. And what if Steve had lied? What if he and the PI guy had had some connection after all?

He finished his cigar and became aware of the room around him again.

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