Charlotte Denver Cozy Mystery Box Set

by Sherri Bryan

  “I’m so sorry. I wish there was something I could do to make the situation better, but you know how stubborn they are.” Drew was talking in a soothing voice.

  The lift doors closed again and Charlotte resumed her hiding place in case it stopped again at the third floor on its way up. She was aware that she must look very conspicuous with her sunglasses on in the middle of the day and she didn’t want to draw any attention to herself if she could help it.

  When the lift stopped, someone got out and walked in her direction. She pretended to be re-arranging the bottom shelf of the trolley. The footsteps came to a stop just past her. She put her head down and prayed to God it wasn’t the hotel manager. Simon Clancy is the last person I want to see right now.

  “Ahem.”

  She looked up cautiously and let out a quiet groan. Actually, Simon Clancy is the second to last person I want to see.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” whispered Nathan.

  He hadn’t been in the best of moods when he’d left his office earlier and Charlotte had her doubts that bumping into her in the middle of an investigation was going to improve his humour.

  “Same as you, I expect,” she whispered back. She shrugged and gave him a weak smile. “I was just trying to help.”

  “How many times do I have to tell you? Will you stop interfering!” He looked puzzled. “How did you know what room number they were in, anyway?” He waved a hand in front of him. “Never mind, I don’t think I want to know. Now go on, go home.”

  Charlotte hung her head and his voice softened. “Look, I’m sorry, but you can’t get involved in this, okay? Now, go home and I’ll see you later.”

  She nodded and walked to the lift. She turned before she stepped into it to see Nathan knocking on the door of room 319. She heard Drew express surprise at seeing Nathan before inviting him in. As soon as she heard the door click shut, she ran back to the room and pressed her ear up against it again.

  “This isn’t a social call, Drew.” Nathan’s tone was firm and no-nonsense. “I need to ask you some more questions.”

  “Detective Chief Inspector, this is Sumalee,” said Drew.

  “Sumalee?” repeated Nathan.

  “Yes,” said the woman.

  “Not Nina?” said Nathan, and Charlotte could hear the slight confusion in his voice.

  “No,” said the woman. “My name is Sumalee. In Thai, it means ‘beautiful flower’.”

  Nathan cleared his throat. “And you are ... Mr. Ferguson’s girlfriend?”

  The woman laughed a tinkly laugh. “Oh, that is so funny!” she said when she eventually stopped. “No, I am not his girlfriend.”

  “But you’re a friend?” asked Nathan.

  “Yes, I am a friend,” said Sumalee. “I am a good friend.”

  “Let me explain,” offered Drew.

  “I wish someone would,” said Nathan.

  “Sumalee is my sister.”

  ººººººº

  On the other side of the door, Charlotte’s mouth fell open. His sister! When did that happen?

  “So, let’s go over that again,” said Nathan. “Sumalee is your sister?”

  Drew nodded. “Yeah. Well, my half-sister, actually. She’s my Dad’s daughter but he didn’t want anything to do with her. I found out about her years ago by accident, and that her mother had gone back to Thailand when she became pregnant and realised she wasn’t going to get any support from my Dad. I knew I had to find her. I told Kate about her and she encouraged me to look for her.”

  “So that’s why you stayed in Thailand so long? Because that’s where Sumalee was?” said Nathan.

  “Yes,” said Drew. “And we brought her back to St. Eves with us because we thought she’d have a better life here ... and because we wanted to try and make peace between Sumalee and my parents. I tried to broach the subject many times when we were in Thailand, but they always freaked out.” He paused.

  “Which is exactly what they did when I told them earlier that Sumalee was here. They packed their cases and left - so did Kate’s parents. I know, because my dad told me when he called to tell me to keep Sumalee out of his sight.” He laughed, bitterly.

  “As far as my parents are concerned, Sumalee doesn’t exist. The plan was for her to live with Kate and I, but if my parents had even found out she’d come back to the UK with us, let alone moved in with us, they’d have gone crazy. They would have made our lives unbearable, which is why we were looking for somewhere else for her to stay.

  “I kept telling her not to get used too used to living here - it was only temporary and it’s bloody expensive! Now that everyone’s left though, she can move into your place with me.”

  “So, you knew Kate? Nathan asked.

  “Oh yes, I knew her very well. She taught me how to read and write in English and to improve my spoken English, too.”

  “And on the day of Kate’s death, where were you?”

  “I was here. I was watching TV. I was waiting for Drew and Kate to come and see me after they had finished lunch with their friends. We were going to spend the afternoon on the beach and then go for dinner later.”

  Drew nodded. “That’s true.”

  “And afterwards?”

  “No one came,” said Sumalee. “But I did not know why. I did not find out about Kate until the next day when Drew came to see me. I knew that something had happened, but did not know what. I did not go down to find out - I never leave the room when I am on my own, you see.” She paused and Charlotte could hear a quaver in her voice. “I could not believe it when Drew told me. I was upset, but he was devastated. I am glad that I am here to comfort him.”

  “Detective Chief Inspector,” said Drew, “it might not seem like it, but I loved Kate with all my heart and since she died, it’s been all I can do to put one foot in front of the other ... but I have to keep going, because if I stop, I don’t know if I’ll be able to start again.

  “Having Sumalee here has helped me more than you’ll ever know. Honestly, I don’t know how I could have got through the last few days without her.”

  Nathan cleared his throat again. “Well, I have to say, of all things I was expecting to find in this hotel room, this wasn’t it. I can’t say you’ve made things easy for us, Mr. Ferguson - if you’d told me about Sumalee in the first place, this could have been avoided.”

  Charlotte felt dreadful. A few hours ago, she’d been calling Drew all the names under the sun. Now, she was happy to learn that he had a half-sibling with whom to share the difficult times that lay ahead for the next few months, years, even.

  She was leaning up against the door, straining to hear with her ear tight against it, when it suddenly opened and she fell, unceremoniously, into the room and bumped headfirst into Nathan.

  As if it was the most natural thing in the world to have happened, Drew said, “Charlotte! I’m so glad you’re here. There’s someone I’d like you to meet.” He stepped aside and gently pushed Sumalee in front of him. “This is Sumalee, my half-sister.”

  Charlotte shook Sumalee’s hand vigorously. “Hello, I’m so happy to meet you,” she said, as she felt Nathan’s eyes boring into the top of her head. “Are you going to be staying in St. Eves for long?”

  Sumalee looked at Drew and nodded. “I think I will be making my home here.”

  “Oh, well that’s fantastic! You must come into the café some time and meet Jess and all the regulars. Perhaps Drew could bring you some time? Or you could come on your own?”

  “I do tai-chi, yoga and meditation every morning, so I could come afterwards. Do you have herbal tea, or green tea?”

  “Yes, of course,” said Charlotte. “We have both, so you can choose.”

  “Okay.” Sumalee beamed all over her pretty face. “I will see you soon. Maybe even tomorrow?”

  “Okay, that would be great. We open at nine. See you tomorrow, then?”

  Sumalee gave her a little bow. “Yes, see you tomorrow.”

  Drew held out his hand to
Nathan. “I’m glad you came. And I’m glad that everything’s out in the open now. I don’t like Sumalee being holed up in here like a fugitive. She can come and live with me now - thank God! My bank balance is starting to look decidedly green!”

  Nathan shook his hand. “Thanks for your time.” He stepped into the corridor. “You coming, Charlotte?”

  She still couldn’t look at him, instead mumbling her agreement and bidding goodbye once more to Drew and Sumalee.

  Nathan waited until they were in the lift before he said anything, but as soon as the doors closed, he let rip.

  “What the hell did you think you were doing? Have you any idea how it must have looked to Drew and Sumalee when you fell through the bedroom door like that? It must have looked like you were with me - like I take you along with me on police business. How do you think that makes me look? Like a prize pillock, that’s what!” He rubbed the back of his neck.

  “I’m the Senior Investigating Officer on this case, Charlotte, not some halfwit who needs his girlfriend to come along and keep an eye on him during an investigation ... and I’ve got the Chief Super on my back, so I really don’t need you poking your nose in. I really don’t.”

  He blew out a deep breath and looked up at the ceiling of the lift.

  Charlotte could see that he was furious. It was all very well for her to play at amateur sleuthing, but it was his job.

  The lift arrived at the ground floor with a gentle bump. She got out and turned to speak to him but he shook his head. “Not now, Charlotte,” he said, and without stopping, he walked out of the hotel.

  Chapter 11

  “Oh for goodness’ sake, Charlotte! I don’t know what gets into you sometimes,” said Jess as she filled a tray with cups of frothy coffee. “Why don’t you just leave the police work up to Nathan? I’m not surprised he was cross with you.”

  Charlotte sighed. “I know, I know. I should know better by now, but sometimes, I can’t stop myself. I was only trying to help.” She piled creamy scrambled eggs onto two slices of wholemeal toast and handed the plate to Jess through the serving hatch.

  “Well, I suggest that you leave well alone,” said Jess, as she came back inside after delivering the breakfast. “I know you only want to help, but Nathan’s a big boy. You’ve got to let him get on with his job.”

  “I know, I know. You’re right. I tried to wait up for him last night, but he got back so late, I couldn’t keep my eyes open long enough. And then this morning, he was up and out at the crack of dawn, so I didn’t get a chance to speak to him.”

  Jess grabbed her hand through the serving hatch. “Don’t worry about it. That man loves the bones of you, he’s probably forgotten all about it by now.”

  “I hope so. He was so mad that I daren’t call him at work.” She shook herself. “Anyway, I’m not going to think about it anymore.”

  “Good for you. I’ll make you a nice cup of tea instead,” said Jess.

  Charlotte wondered if Sumalee would come in. She hoped so. It would be nice for her to meet everyone and she was sure that everyone would certainly be interested to meet her, with Harry Jenkins being the exception to the rule. He would most likely take a little while to come round to the idea of Sumalee settling in St. Eves; he always said that trouble followed new faces.

  “Anyway,” said Charlotte, as she stirred her tea. “I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but we might be getting a visitor later and you’ll never in a million years guess who she is when you see her.”

  “Oh, I hate it when people do that!” said Jess. “Why don’t you just tell me? What if she doesn’t come in? I’ll be forever wondering who this mystery woman is.”

  “Look, I’ll make a deal with you,” said Charlotte. “If she hasn’t come in by midday, I’ll tell you, okay?”

  “Deal,” said Jess.

  “Morning, ladies!” Charlotte called out to Ava, Harriett and Betty as they walked past on their usual morning mooch around the shops.

  “Morning, you two, morning Pippin.” Ava bent to stroke the little dog and he sat up on his hind legs for one of the treats he knew she sometimes carried in her pocket. She threw him a small green dental chew and he caught it deftly and retreated to his basket.

  “Anyway, Charlotte, dear. I don’t suppose you’ve baked any of those marvellous scones today, have you? If you have, we’ll probably stop off on the way back to have a cream tea. What say you, ladies?”

  “Jolly good idea,” said Harriett.

  “Oooh, yes. I do love a cream tea,” said Betty, smacking her lips together. “Save three for us, won’t you?”

  “Yes, I baked some scones earlier - they’re just cooling now. I’ll be sure to put three aside for you. And you might be interested to know that there’s some freshly made lemon curd, too. I know you like that with your scones sometimes.”

  “Oh Charlotte, my mouth’s watering already,” said Ava. “Come on, girls, let’s get a move on so we can get back quicker!”

  They went on their way, loudly debating whether the correct way to eat a cream tea was to put the jam on the scone first, followed by the cream, or the other way round.

  Charlotte was in the kitchen putting three scones on a plate when she heard someone call her name.

  “Charlotte, hello. Are you here?”

  She poked her head over the swing door to see Sumalee standing at the bar. “Hi, I’m so glad you came,” she said, giving her a hug. “Sit down and I’ll make you a cup of tea. Would you like herbal or green?”

  “Herbal would be nice. Thank you.” Sumalee sat on bar stool and looked around the café. “It is lovely here. What a beautiful place to come to work.”

  Charlotte couldn’t have agreed more. For so many reasons, the marina was one of her favourite places and she knew she would never tire of it.

  “Yes, I’m very fortunate. Oh, Jess. I’d like to introduce you to Sumalee, and Sumalee, this is Jess.”

  “Oh, hi.” Jess tucked her tea towel into the waistband of her apron and shook hands. “Nice to meet you. Are you here on holiday?”

  Sumalee shook her head as she held the string on her tea bag and dunked it in her cup. “No, I just moved here recently with my brother. My half-brother, actually. He used to live here a long time ago.”

  “Oh, well if he’s from St. Eves, maybe I know him,” said Jess. “What’s his name.”

  Charlotte couldn’t wait to see the look on Jess’s face.

  “It’s Drew. Drew Ferguson.”

  It was worth the wait. Jess’s jaw dropped open and she didn’t make any attempt to close it. “You what? Drew? You’re Drew’s half-sister?”

  “Yes, I am.” Sumalee put down her cup. “I know it is a shock to some people, because we do not look like brother and sister, but I promise you, it is true.”

  Charlotte looked at her carefully. The dark haired, pale skinned woman reminded her of a mixed race Thai-Spanish girl she’d known in Spain who was one of the most beautiful girls she’d ever seen.

  Although Sumalee’s features were a definite indication of her south-east Asian heritage, it was also plain to see that she bore an undeniable resemblance to Drew.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude,” said Jess. “It’s just that I had no idea that Drew had a sister and I’ve known him for years.”

  “Yes, it was a surprise for him too. And for me,” said Sumalee, with a grin. “I will tell you about it one day ... if you would like me to.”

  “Oh, yes,” said Jess, instantly warming to the softly-spoken woman and her gentle demeanour. “I’d like that very much.”

  “Morning, you two. Hope the day finds you well.” Leo and Harry came into the bar and headed straight for their usual table.

  “And a good morning to you.” Leo nodded to Sumalee. “You’re a new face around here. You must be on holiday? “

  “Actually, no, I am living here now with my brother ... my half-brother. Maybe you know him. His name is Drew Ferguson.”

  “This is better than watchin
g TV,” Charlotte whispered to Jess out of the corner of her mouth as Leo’s mouth fell open a full two inches.

  Although momentarily stunned, Leo quickly regained his composure. “Sorry about that, my dear. That certainly wasn’t the answer I was expecting.” He chuckled. “I should warn you, you’re going to get a lot of reactions like that from the people around here, but don’t be offended. We’re a pretty harmless lot, albeit rather easily shocked!”

  He turned to Harry. “Isn’t that right?”

  Harry grunted and stirred the coffee Jess had just put in front of him. “I keep telling everyone, whenever someone new turns up, trouble’s never far behind. Look what happened before, and then again after Drew and Kate came back? It’s about time someone took some notice of what I keep telling everyone,” he said quietly.

  Leo shook his head and changed the subject.

  ººººººº

  The ladies came back for their cream teas just as Sumalee was leaving.

  Ava, who liked to pretend that nothing ever shocked her, was gracious in her welcome before proceeding to fire questions at Sumalee about everything from her upbringing to her hairstyle to how Drew was coping. Harriett was less inquisitive, instead greeting her warmly and welcoming her to the community, and Betty gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek, told her that she must try the tapas at Charlotte’s Plaice and asked if anyone had ever told her that she looked like a young Audrey Hepburn.

  “Audrey Hepburn?” Ava and Harriett chorused. “Audrey Hepburn wasn’t from Thailand, for goodness’ sake!”

  “I’m well aware of that, thank you,” said Betty, “but if you go home and Google Audrey Hepburn on the interweb, you’ll see exactly what I mean. Very similar bone structure and eyebrows,” she said, peering through her glasses at Sumalee. “Either way, you’re a real stunner, my dear.”

  “Thank you,” said Sumalee. “I think I will also have to go home and Goggle Audrey Hepburn, because I do not know who she is.”

  “Well, I think you’ll be very happy to have been compared to her. She was a very famous, very beautiful actress,” said Harriett, filing a nail she’d just found a snag in.