The Kingston Case by Diana Xarissa

Author:Diana Xarissa [Xarissa, Diana]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: cozy mystery
Published: 2017-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

“We have customers,” the male voice said harshly.

“As I no longer work here, I don’t care,” the other voice said.

There was a short pause before the door to the kitchen swung open and a tall and heavyset man with dark hair and eyes stomped through it. He glared at William and Janet for a moment and then sighed deeply. Janet watched as his angry expression gave way to a forced smile.

“Good morning,” he said. “What can I do for you this morning?”

“Hello, Richard,” William said. “We were hoping for a cuppa and a cake, if it isn’t too much bother.”

“Of course it’s no bother,” the man replied. “Sit anywhere and I’ll bring everything over in a minute.”

“Don’t you want us to tell you which sweet we want?” Janet asked politely.

“Oh, of course, sorry. I’ve a lot on my mind this morning,” the man said.

Janet asked for a slice of shortbread while William asked for a piece of Victoria sponge. They took seats in the corner. A moment later, the door to the kitchen swung open again. Janet recognised Stacey, the girl who usually ran the café, as she walked out from behind the counter.

“I have all of my things,” she said in a low voice to Richard. “You can send my last cheque to my home address.”

“We’ll see about that,” Richard barked at her.

The girl opened her mouth and then snapped it shut. She turned on her heel and rushed out of the building. Janet could see tears welling up in the girl’s eyes as she went.

“I’ll be right back,” Janet told William before she followed the girl. “Stacey,” she called as soon as she was out the door.

The girl was sitting on the bench in front of the building, her face in her hands. Janet sat down beside her. When Stacey looked up, Janet handed her a tissue.

“Is your mum okay?” Janet asked.

“She had a bad fall,” the girl explained. “The doctors don’t think anything is seriously wrong, but she shouldn’t be home alone all day. I was a late surprise. Mum is seventy-two and, well, her health isn’t so good.”

“I’m sorry,” Janet said. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“I don’t know what,” the girl said sadly. “Not unless you can find me a job that has some flexibility until Mum is well again. I really need to be bringing in some money, even if I’m not working full-time.”

“The café is looking for someone,” Janet told her. “Only part-time for now, but maybe with more hours as the summer gets busier with tourists.”

“Really?” Stacey asked. “I hadn’t heard anything.”

“Ted told me himself,” Janet assured her. “If I were you, I’d go and talk to him now.”

“I will,” the girl said. “It isn’t too far to walk from here.”

“If you want to wait half an hour, I’ll give you a ride over,” Janet offered.

“No, no, that’s okay,” Stacey said. “I don’t mind walking. The fresh air and exercise will be good for me. I don’t want Ted to see that I’ve been crying.

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