Fudge Cake, Felony and a Funeral (The Charlotte Denver Cozy Mystery Series Book 2)

by Sherri Bryan

  Greg swallowed hard and focused his attention on the large, two-way mirror on the wall. “I’m just a little nervous, that’s all.” He cleared his throat before turning to face Nathan. “Okay, okay. I’m not sorry she’s dead, but I’m not the only one who feels that way. I didn’t trust her, either. She hadn’t worked for over two years - she’d been claiming incapacity benefits for a non-existent back injury.”

  He gave a bitter laugh. “And what with everything else she was illegally claiming, believe me when I tell you that she had more money coming her way every month than me and Victoria put together. It made me sick that we worked so hard for our measly wages, and she did nothing but sit on her backside and watch the money come rolling in. Even then, she wasn’t satisfied. She never had enough – always wanted more. That’s why I didn’t trust her with the ticket. I wouldn’t have put it past her to go off and claim the prize money and keep it for herself.

  “She was always complaining that she didn’t have a job or a man to support her, and how she had to rely on handouts. She resented that we all had jobs with pension funds. She couldn’t see that she could have had that, too, if only she hadn’t been so damned lazy ... and dishonest. Believe me, she was a nasty piece of work.”

  “What exactly do you mean by that?” asked Nathan.

  Greg looked as if he wished he’d kept his mouth shut. He gave a heavy sigh. “She was not a nice person. I mean, none of us are perfect, but she was … evil, almost. It was as though she took pleasure in hurting other people.”

  “Care to elaborate?” asked Nathan.

  “This won’t get back to Ellis, will it?” asked Greg. “He’d be furious if he knew I was talking about Miranda like this. They were very close. Must have been the ‘twin’ connection, I guess.”

  Nathan shook his head. “Unless you’re going to tell me something which later proves to be pertinent to the solving of this case, no, it won’t get back to Mr Potts.”

  “Okay … well, take me and Rachel, for example. Ever since I married Victoria and she married Ellis, Miranda was forever telling them that we weren’t good enough to be part of the Potts family … that they’d married beneath themselves. You wouldn’t believe the things she would say, but she was so spiteful, she’d reduce Rachel to tears at times.”

  He rubbed his forehead and took a sip of water.

  “And that’s not all. She would contrive situations that would leave us alone together and … erm … she’d make inappropriate advances towards me. Physical advances, I mean. Of course, I never reciprocated. She repulsed me in every way, but you know what they say about a woman scorned. And oh my God - she was about as scorned as they come! She told Victoria and the others that I’d come on to her, but that she’d refused me because … well, let’s just say that she made some very disparaging remarks about certain parts of my anatomy, and my lack of sexual prowess.” He stopped to take another sip of water, face flushed from his revelations.

  “Thank God, Victoria never believed her for a second, and neither did Rachel, but I’m not so sure about Ellis. Miranda had him so firmly twisted around her little finger that in his eyes, she could do no wrong. Her accusations caused a rift between me and Ellis for a long time, that’s for sure.”

  He finished talking and stared at the two-way mirror again. “That’s it. That’s all I have to tell you.”

  Nathan didn’t like it when people didn’t look him in the eye when they spoke to him. Not only was it the height of bad manners, but it also made him think that they were trying to hide something from him.

  “Mr Henderson. Could you look at me when you’re speaking, please? Thank you. I’m sorry, what did you just say?”

  Greg looked at the table. “I said that I’ve told you everything.”

  Nathan leaned forward. “I’m sorry to be so particular, but if you could just look at me, please?”

  “Huh? You gone deaf, or something?” asked Greg, the colour creeping up from his shirt collar.

  “Mr Henderson.” Nathan stood up and dug his hands deep into his pocket as he strolled around the room. “Let me tell you what I think. I think you’re keeping something from me. Call it a hunch, but my hunches are usually excellent.

  “Now, I can’t force you to tell me anything, but if you give me reason to think that you’re withholding information that may help to solve this case, then you’re going to find yourself with a big problem. Me.” He leaned against the wall and watched Greg closely.

  Without warning, Greg put his head in his hands and burst into tears. Nathan and PC Farrell looked at each other and Nathan shook his head, wordlessly telling the young police officer not to approach their suspect just yet.

  When he looked up, the tears still spilling form his eyes, PC Farrell slid a box of tissues across the table to him. Greg took one and, shaking his head, looked down at his lap. Nathan could see that he was trying hard to keep himself together.

  A minute or two passed before Nathan asked, “Are you okay to continue, Mr Henderson?”

  Greg nodded.

  “Do you have something to tell me?”

  Greg dragged his shirt-sleeve across his eyes. “Me and Victoria - we’re trying for a baby. We’ve been trying for years, but it just won’t happen. We’ve decided that if we want to get pregnant before we’re too old, fertility treatment is our only option. Thing is, because we don’t qualify to get the treatment paid for, we have to pay for it ourselves. Have you any idea how much it costs?” He shook his head again. “We don’t earn a lot. I’m an insurance claims adjuster and Vic’s a sales assistant. We’re both working all the hours God sends to get the money together for the treatment, but we’ve still got a long way to go before we have enough.”

  He took a couple of deep breaths before looking Nathan square in the eye. “I didn’t tell you before because after Miranda was killed, I thought it would put me in the frame. Obviously, when we found out about the lottery ticket, me and Vic were over the moon, but neither of us would have killed Miranda for the money. Incidentally, we haven’t told anyone about the treatment, so I’d appreciate it if we could keep it between the three of us,” he said, looking from Nathan to PC Farrell.

  Nathan nodded. “Okay, Mr Henderson. You’ve been very helpful. If you can think of anything else that you think might help with the investigation, please let me know. Thank you for your time.” Nathan concluded the interview for the benefit of the tape recorder and shook Greg’s hand.

  “Actually, there is one other thing,” said Greg, suddenly. He repeated his request that he could talk without fear of his words being repeated to Ellis, and on this occasion, Rachel also.

  They all took their places again in the interview room and Nathan started the tape.

  “I don’t even know if this is relevant, but I’m telling you because I know that Victoria most likely won’t mention it when you question her, out of loyalty to Ellis, even though they don’t get on most of the time.”

  “Go on,” said Nathan.

  “Well, because Victoria and I have been trying so hard to get the money together for the treatment, we’ve both been taking on extra jobs. I’ve been doing some home-shopping deliveries for the local supermarket at the weekends and in the evenings, and Vic’s been cleaning for a few of our friends. And for Ellis and Rachel.” He stopped for more water.

  “Anyway, she was cleaning at Ellis and Rachel’s about few months ago when she found a mobile phone behind the bedside cabinet. She knows she shouldn’t have, but out of curiosity, she switched it on. There were some text messages and some photos on it.” Clearly embarrassed, he stopped speaking.

  “And?” prompted Nathan.

  “There were texts between Ellis and a woman, and, um, photos that left very little to the imagination. Vic was horrified. Not only because he’s her brother, but because he’s always been the respectable one in the family - difficult to believe, sometimes, I know - and he and Rachel have always seemed so strong together. The texts and the pictures too, I suppose, were
obviously from someone he’s met on his travels. Did you know he’s a pilot?

  “From the texts, it was pretty obvious that the woman has been threatening to tell Rachel about their affair unless Ellis gives her some money. Now, I don’t know much about their financial situation, but I do know that a pilot’s wage is pretty impressive and Rachel’s an accountant for a law firm, so she must be earning a decent wage, too.

  “So, if this woman is after money, it’s not that Ellis hasn’t got it, it’s whether he’d be able to get it and give it to her without Rachel finding out. She handles all their finances, y’see, so she’d know immediately if Ellis took any money out of their account.”

  Nathan listened with interest. Greg and Victoria Henderson could do with some extra cash going their way because of the fertility treatment. Ellis Potts could do with some extra cash going his way because he was, apparently, being blackmailed. They all had a motive.

  Nathan wondered how many others were also keeping secrets.

  Chapter 8

  After questioning Greg, Nathan, true to his word, set about finding Ryan a job.

  After briefly considering who he should contact first, he decided on Will Goss, the owner of The Bottle of Beer, a music bar on the marina, popular with younger clientele and the surfing crowd that frequented St. Eves.

  After exchanging pleasantries, he quickly told him about Ryan’s situation and asked if there was any possibility of him being given a trial for a job.

  “You know me, Nate. I’m always on the lookout for hard-working staff. When can he come and see me?”

  “That’s great! He’s calling me later, so you tell me when you want to meet with him and I’ll let him know.”

  “Let’s say tomorrow evening at six. And tell him he’d better not be late, or he won’t make it through the door!” Will laughed, but Nathan knew he meant what he said. Despite his laid-back attitude, Will would not tolerate tardiness from any of his staff.

  “I’ll be sure to tell him. Thanks, Will, I appreciate it. Talk soon, bye.” Nathan was pleased that he’d be able to give Ryan good news when he called him later.

  ººººººº

  Over at Charlotte’s Plaice, Charlotte and Jess were rushed off their feet. It was Easter Sunday and the place was packed.

  To help accommodate the line of people waiting for tables, Leo and Harry had offered to share theirs with a young couple, and Ava, Harriett and Betty had given up their table for a smaller one to allow a family of five to sit together.

  “Oh, I do love all this coming together to help each other!” said Ava. “It reminds me of the wartime spirit.”

  “What do you know about the ‘wartime spirit’?” asked Harriett, with a mouthful of cauliflower cheese. “You weren’t born until 1943.”

  “Oh, shush,” said Ava, crossly. “I may have been very young when the war ended, but I distinctly remember my mother running with me in her arms to the air raid shelter, and the camaraderie of everyone as we all huddled together in that hole in the ground. I remember the laughter, and the singing, and the cheering when the all-clear siren sounded. So you see, my dear Harriett, I do remember the wartime spirit, thank you very much.”

  She turned her back on her friend and sulkily cut into a crispy roast potato.

  “Oh, come on, Ava. I was only pulling your leg,” said Harriett. “Don’t be such a sourpuss. You’ll spoil your lunch.”

  “If it makes you feel any better, we can have a quick chorus of ‘It’s a Long Way to Tipperary’ if you like?” said Betty seriously, her usually mischievous brown eyes solemn. The perpetual peacekeeper, she hated anything to upset the harmony of the group.

  Ava looked at Betty, then at Harriett, and burst out laughing. It wasn’t long before they were all helpless with laughter, along with most of their fellow diners who were also wiping away the tears.

  “Oh, good heavens!” said Ava as soon as she could catch her breath. “Why is it, I wonder, that laughter is so contagious?”

  The smile suddenly vanished from Harriett’s face. “Don’t look now,” she said. “The glum bunch are heading this way.”

  Ava and Betty turned to see Ryan and Bella walking up the marina, making a beeline for the café.

  “Honestly, there should be a law that says sullen faces are not allowed in public places, especially on a beautiful day like today, They’re making me feel miserable,” said Ava.

  “Oh, Ava. Don’t be so mean! After all, the poor girl has recently suffered a bereavement,” reminded Betty.

  “Well, from what I’ve heard,” said Harriett, laying her cutlery down on her plate and daintily dabbing at her mouth with a serviette, “she couldn’t stand her Aunt Miranda. In fact, it seems like no one liked her, except that brother of hers.”

  As Ryan and Bella stepped onto the terrace, Jess appeared from inside the café, carrying two plates laden with roast beef and all the trimmings.

  “Wow! That looks great,” said Ryan as he stood aside to let her pass. “You look pretty busy, though …maybe we should come back later?”

  “Good afternoon, both of you.” Jess greeted Ryan and Bella with a smile as she cleared tables ready to seat waiting customers. “If you want a table for lunch, there’s quite a few ahead of you, I’m afraid, but you can eat at the bar if you’d like to.”

  The young couple looked at each other and shrugged. “Okay, said Ryan. “Suits us.”

  “Hi,” called Charlotte from the kitchen as they settled themselves at the bar. “As you can see, it’s a little hectic right now, but we’ll be with you just as soon as we can.”

  At that moment, Garrett and Laura’s nephew, Mike, walked in, having received Charlotte’s call for help half an hour earlier. “Okay, I’m here, Charlotte. What do you want me to do?” he called out.

  “Oh, hi, Mike. Thank goodness! If you can work the bar, please, that’ll free Jess up a little bit.”

  At eighteen, Mike was a good worker, albeit a little awkward at times with older customers. He was in his element with people of his own age, though, and immediately began chatting comfortably with Ryan and Bella as he got them their drinks and began washing dirty glasses.

  “So, you here for much longer?” he asked Bella. Even though she wasn’t from St. Eves, she and her family had made quite an impression on the local residents since their arrival.

  “Dunno.” Bella stirred her lemonade and blackcurrant cordial with a straw. “Sounds like we’ll be here for a few more days, at least. It’s a good thing it’s the Easter break, or my mum and dad would be getting fined right about now for keeping me and Brandon out of school.”

  “I haven’t seen your brother around,” said Mike. “You should get him out in the evening. We could all have some fun.”

  Bella made a face. “Doubtful. The only thing Brandon likes having fun with is his phone. He’s on it pretty much 24/7. Anyway, he’s a mummy’s boy. He wouldn’t last five minutes on a night out with me!”

  “Now, that, I can believe!” said Mike, grinning as he, Bella and Ryan all high-fived each other. “Sorry to hear about your aunt, by the way,” he said.

  Bella shrugged. “No biggie. I couldn’t stand her. None of us could.”

  “You two want to eat?” Charlotte called through the hole in the wall. “This roast beef is disappearing fast, so if you want Sunday lunch, you’d better let me know and I’ll keep two portions aside for you?”

  “Yeah, please,” replied Ryan. “Just put us in the queue and we’ll eat it whenever you can get round to us.”

  Charlotte nodded as she continued with the busy lunchtime service.

  “So, what’s going on with the missing lottery ticket?” asked Mike, as he worked his way through an ever-increasing mountain of dirty glasses. When news of the ticket had first come to light, it had been the talk of the town, and following Miranda Potts’ murder, it had become an even hotter topic of conversation.

  “Well, I’ll tell you what I think,” said Bella. “Or rather, what I don’t think. I don’
t think there is a lottery ticket. I think granddad Tom made the whole thing up just to spite us.”

  “What? Why would he do that?” said Mike.

  “Because he wanted to teach his kids a lesson. That’s what Mum and Aunty Victoria are saying, anyway. They’re saying that it would be just like him to play a mean trick like that.”

  “Well, he never struck me as being mean – not at all. Exactly the opposite, in fact,” said Mike, who, like everyone else in St. Eves, had adored Tom and was shocked that Bella would say such a thing.

  “Okay, so if the old man didn’t make the whole thing up, where is the ticket? We’ve turned that cottage upside down and inside out looking for it, and it’s nowhere. I’m telling you, it’s a big, fat lie. Granddad Tom obviously had a weird sense of humour.”

  Charlotte, who was listening in the kitchen, was glad to hear Mike sticking up for Tom. She would have dearly loved to give Bella Potts a piece of her mind, but was too busy to get involved right now. She plated up two lunches and, on seeing that Jess was seating another six diners, took them out to Ryan and Bella herself.

  “Thanks, this looks great,” said Ryan, tucking his lank hair behind his ears before picking up his cutlery.

  For Bella, the embarrassment of being taken to task by Jess for her bad manners was still fresh in her mind. Anxious to avoid a repeat performance, she murmured a quiet ‘thank you’ as Charlotte put the plate down in front of her.

  As the pair tucked into their lunch, the conversation turned to other things.

  “Did you hear about the freak who’s going around the clubs in St. Matlock, spiking girls’ drinks?” said Mike, referring to the largest town within practical travelling distance for a night out. “Don’t know if you ever go that far, but if you do, keep your eye on your drink,” he said to Bella.

  “Huh, I’d like to see someone try to spike my drink.” She jumped off her bar stool and struck a martial arts pose in front of Ryan. “If anyone tried anything funny with me, they’d be regretting it pretty soon afterwards. Hiii-yah!”