The Summer Wedding Murder by David W Robinson

Author:David W Robinson [Robinson, David W]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Crooked Cat Books
Published: 2013-06-13T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Joe was surprised by how long it did not take to get to Hilltop Farm. The water taxi took only a few minutes to cross from Bowness to the Ferry Landing on the other side, and once on the small bus, it took less than ten minutes to get to the farm.

After paying his admission fee, he worked his way quickly through the house and its exhibits celebrating the life and work of Beatrix Potter, including her writing desk, doll’s house, and the many other pieces from which she drew her inspiration, and then made his way out into the gardens to seek out his companions.

He found Lee and Cheryl, entertaining their son on the children’s trail, following the clues through the riot of summer flowers, which would help them solve the word puzzle. Danny was excited as ever, clutching his souvenirs, following his mother’s prompts to take in the areas of special interest linked to the stories.

“I dunno where Aunty Sheila and Aunty Brenda have got to,” Lee confessed. “I think they were looking for the ladies and then a brew.”

“I’ll catch up with them,” Joe said taking out his wallet. He handed over a twenty. “Here. Spoil Danny a bit more.”

“He’s had enough spent on him, Uncle Joe,” Cheryl protested.

“No. A kid like him, he can never have enough. Now do like I say and spend it on him.”

Making for the exit, he rang Sheila.

“We’re in the Tower Bank Arms,” she said. “Behind Hilltop Farm.”

“I’ll be there in two minutes,” Joe promised. He made his way back down to the road, and turned sharp left to the pub.

A white-fronted building, retaining its bygone charm, like the Waterside in Bowness, both the bar and the dining room were packed with visitors. After obtaining drinks, he made his way back outside and found Sheila and Brenda at a wooden picnic table, sheltering from the sun under a parasol.

Sheila appeared relieved to see him but Brenda was as moody as she had been the previous night and earlier in the morning.

“You’ve been a long time, Joe,” Sheila said. “What have you been up to?”

“The usual,” he replied and sipped on his glass of lager. “Poking my nose in where it’s not wanted.”

He gave them a brief rundown of his conversation with Darlene, Maddy and Vetch.

“So where does all that leave you?” Sheila asked.

“In urgent need of a word with Perry,” he replied.

“Anything in a skirt,” Brenda grumbled.

Joe glared and was on the point of picking her up, when Sheila intervened again.

“It doesn’t clear Paul’s name, though, does it?”

“Rott?” Joe shook his head. “No, it doesn’t, but it makes it less likely.” He rolled a cigarette, lit it, and went through his usual coughing routine. Struggling to regain his breath, he gasped, “I need to know whether this drugs rumour is true.”

“What difference will it make?”

He dragged again on the cigarette and this time, drawing the smoke into his lungs, held his breath for a few seconds. When he let it out, he was pleased to find that there was no accompanying cough.

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