A Good Result

by Marg McAlister

  “Whatever makes it easier. You’ll be surprised at what a difference a few days can make.” He reached over and ruffled her hair.

  Georgie liked it when he did things like that. Simple affection.

  She returned her gaze to the water. It had been nice, when she’d first pushed off from the shore, gliding along in the water. Feeling the sun beating down on her shoulders and listening to the soft splash when her paddle bit into the water on either side, watching the fish and other people out in the bay. She hadn’t been so keen on being tossed around by the bow wave when a fishing boat went by too fast, but now she knew to turn her nose into the wake, next time would be different.

  “I like it,” she said, feeling happy. “Will we be exploring many rivers?”

  “Rivers, and lakes, and gorges. You’ll see things that you can’t see from land.” Scott leaned back next to her, sharing the tree. “I’m looking forward to showing you Australia. So much to see.”

  “From the hinterland around Tamborine Mountain,” Georgie said, “to the river and the sea here at Yamba. Both so different.”

  “Wait until you see the outback. Red dirt, blue sky. Great photos to send back home.”

  “They love the ones I’ve sent back already. No wonder your sisters want to live here.”

  “Hmm.”

  Naturally, her mention of his sisters turned their minds to the mysterious disappearance—and reappearance—of the portafilter.

  “Lissa doesn’t believe for one moment that she put it there behind the coffee mugs,” Georgie said. “She said she never does. And I know I didn’t, and Viv didn’t.”

  “Plus the other things. The whisk, the measuring bowl.”

  “All back in strange places.” Georgie stared unseeingly at the ripples on the water. “Not strange enough so you think instantly, a break-in, but enough so when you think about it, you say: “No, I would never have put it there. It’s just wrong.”

  They had all decided, earlier that day, that there was no other answer for it but someone had gained access to the cafe during the night.

  How, they didn’t know. Nobody had been able to find any signs of a break-in.

  But the big question was why? Why hide the portafilter, the other utensils?

  It didn’t make any sense. All it had done was create a nuisance for a day.

  And, more importantly, alerted them to the fact that there was an enemy getting closer and more daring.

  “More daring,” Georgie said aloud, “and more stupid.”

  Scott guessed what she was talking about. “Yes, stupid, because now we know for sure that someone is breaking in—so we won’t let it happen again.”

  “Breaking in or letting themselves in,” she said. “Stan Lambert probably has a key, remember. But surely he could just terminate the lease early if he wanted them out?”

  “He’d have to pay out the lease if he did that. From what I hear, he loves making money, hates parting with it.”

  “He offered them a deal on the rent at the other complex,” Georgie pointed out.

  “Which, as we saw, is not in a good position for their business. Or anyone else. Four units, all empty at the moment.”

  Georgie thought about it. “What do we do? Fit an alarm? Stay there at night?”

  “We could put in an alarm, or a camera, but the girls can’t really afford too much.”

  “I could help out,” Georgie offered.

  “So could I. I’ve got savings, but they’ll say no.”

  “And if they have to move to other premises, the money will be wasted.”

  “Mmm,” he said, sounding frustrated. “I could try sleeping there for a few nights.”

  Georgie turned over a possibility in her mind. “You know what? I’m going to spend some time walking around town this afternoon. I’ll chat to a few store owners, see if I can find out anything.”

  “About what?”

  “About anything.” She poked him in the ribs. “This detecting lark isn’t a precise science, you know. I’m out looking for clues.”

  “OK, Sherlock. While you’re doing that, I’m going to have a chat to my brother. See if he’s found out anything interesting about Stan Lambert yet.”

  “Good.” Georgie stood up and brushed the sand off her legs. “It’s about time we got the other members of the Crystal Ball Investigation Team onto this. Tonight, I’ll call your mother: she can read the cards, and we’ll see what we can come up with.”

  Cheered, she climbed back into the kayak, waited for Scott to move off, and followed him, studying his style again and trying to copy it.

  One thing at a time, she thought, stroking through the water. Right now, it was all about kayaking. This afternoon, gossip with the townsfolk. Tonight, talk to the family astrologist and the family hacker about how they could find the bad guy. Then she could do another crystal ball reading.

  Nobody could say she didn’t lead a balanced life.

  12

  The Grapevine

  Chatting to store owners, Georgie figured, would probably involve buying stuff, so she armed herself with a good-sized shopping bag before setting off up the street.

  Scott, sitting in a camp chair with his feet up on a folding footstool, surveyed her with a grin. “Planning on picking up a few things?”

  “I can’t just go in and out asking questions. I’d look nosy, and people would talk.”

  “Why do I have a feeling that today might get expensive?”

  “It could, yes. And then I’m going to torture you by unpacking everything and rearranging all the cupboards while I decide where to put it.” Georgie checked that she had her purse, and gave him a cheery wave. “I’m off to do some detecting.”

  “Good luck.” Scott turned to the next page of his newspaper. “I’ll sit here and catch up on the news of the world.”

  Georgie had a very loose plan: talk to any business owner, see where that led, and follow her nose. Half an hour later, she had bought a picture frame, a new tank top and a cute leather-bound notebook. Which was all very nice, but she hadn’t found out anything new. Mostly the conversation had run along the lines of: “You from America? Love your accent!” or “You’re a friend of the girls at Coffee, Cakes and Crêpes? Love their cupcakes!”

  Finally, she had worked her way to the clothing store right next door to Viv’s cafe. All along, this had been one of the places she was really interested in, after learning from Viv’s landlord that the owner was moving out.

  That was suspicious, wasn’t it? One person moving out, the other one getting pushed out?

  The woman behind the counter looked up, and Georgie could tell from the slight change in her expression that she knew who had just walked in. Strange, Georgie thought, that Linda Malloy didn’t ever pop in next door to grab coffee or a crêpe for lunch. Lissa and Viv had shrugged and said that she didn’t seem to socialize much with anyone, but she was also a friend of Stan Lambert’s wife Yvonne, so that might have something to do with it.

  “Hi,” Georgie greeted her. She gestured towards the window display. “I really like that turquoise top on the model. Do you have one in a size six?”

  Linda cast an assessing eye over Georgie. “American size six or Australian size six?”

  “Oh. American. Sorry.” Georgie tried to remember what that was in Australia, but shrugged.

  “That would be about a size 10. We have one, I’m sure.” Linda came out from behind the counter and walked across to a circular clothing rack. Skimming through the hangers, she plucked out the turquoise top and held it out. “This should look nice with your coloring—and you know something else? It looks terrific with these slim-line white pants.” She unhooked another hanger and held it out. “If you don’t have any.”

  “Thanks. I’ll try them both.” Georgie headed for the change room, and a few minutes later was out again, opening out her arms in a query. “Well?”

  A genuinely appreciative smile appeared on Linda’s face. “Yes. Perfect.”

&nbs
p; “I’ll take them both.” She disappeared again to change, and then took the items to the cash register. “These are just what I need; I can wear them most places.”

  Linda caressed the silky fabric of the turquoise top. “I actually bought one of these myself, in a caramel shade.”

  “Lovely.” Georgie decided to dive right in. “I was in the cafe next door when your landlord was visiting. He says you’re going to move to the complex over near the mall—is that right? You won’t miss being here in the township?” She nodded at the street outside, where there was a constant flow of people walking by.

  Linda looked up sharply. “Stan told you that?”

  Oops, thought Georgie. “He was suggesting alternative accommodation to Viv and Lissa, and he mentioned that you were moving across there. Thought it might be nice for them to have someone they know.”

  “I didn’t know he’d done that.” Linda concentrated on folding the clothes. “I haven’t completely made up my mind.”

  “I’m Georgie, by the way, Scott’s partner. Scott is Viv and Lissa’s brother.”

  “I’ve seen him in there. You too, actually.” Linda rang up the sale and handed back Georgie’s credit card. “Nice to meet you, Georgie. So, uh, you’re visiting for a while?”

  “For a little while. Scott and I are traveling around Australia.” Georgie settled in for a chat as though she’d known Linda for ten years rather than ten minutes. “This is our first stop, so we can spend some time with the family. Yamba is such a beautiful place. Have you lived here all your life?”

  “No. I moved here to be with my husband, and we divorced,” Linda said, her voice short. “I didn’t see why I should move away when I liked living here, so I didn’t; just decided to use my maiden name again. I don’t see him very often.”

  Georgie half-turned and let her eyes drift across the various displays. “You have good taste. I can see another half-dozen things I like already.” She grinned at Linda.

  “Well, don’t let me stop you.” Linda actually smiled back, unbending slightly.

  “I might pop back tomorrow or the next day, actually. I have to run a few errands for Viv right now. It’s been so hard for them, with all the things that have gone wrong. One thing after another. It hardly seems fair.” She gave a tiny frown and tilted her head at Linda. “You know about their run of bad luck, don’t you? Yes, of course you do, you’re right next door.”

  “I’d heard,” Linda admitted cautiously. “Is, uh, everything all right now?”

  Georgie sighed. “I think so. The wiring’s okay, the water pipe’s been fixed, and now they’ve been given a clean bill of health. It has shaken them a bit, though. They try to hide it, but I can tell. They’re so careful about food storage, pests, all of that. It’s really strange; they can’t figure it out.”

  Linda fiddled with a jewelry display on the counter. “What do you mean?”

  “Well…” Georgie let the silence stretch out while she looked searchingly at Linda. “I don’t know how much I should say. I don’t want to sound as though I’m the out-of-towner coming in and making waves.”

  Linda looked at her directly. “I don’t gossip.”

  “No! Goodness! I didn’t mean to imply you were.” She decided to be upfront. “But I heard you’re a good friend of Stan’s wife, Yvonne. And Scott’s sisters have enough problems—I don’t want anything I say to create more tension between them and their landlord.”

  Linda shrugged. “I met Yvonne when I was married to Ron; he and Stan are friends. I still see her occasionally, but not as much.”

  Georgie’s ears pricked up. Ron someone, a friend of Stan Lambert’s…something else to chase up. Meanwhile, she might as well keep talking, see what came out of it. She wasn’t getting any negative feelings from Linda Malloy.

  Plunge in, Georgie.

  “The thing is…Viv and Lissa can’t help wondering if someone might want them out. Some of the things that have happened might have happened to anyone, but all of them?” Georgie shook her head. “Those cockroaches. Rotting food. It just didn’t make sense. They’re jittery.”

  Linda said nothing, but there was a lot going on behind her eyes.

  Georgie leaned forward a tiny bit more, making her eyes large and earnest. “And that rotting food was fish.”

  “Oh, yes?” Linda clearly didn’t understand the significance.

  “They don’t serve fish. They have never cooked fish or seafood in there. So…fish?”

  “Oh.” Linda looked to one side, thinking, and then out at the people walking by. “That does seem odd.”

  “Yes. That’s what they thought.”

  Georgie decided she had gone far enough. She’d planted a few seeds. “Anyway, I’ve got to run.” She patted her shopping bag. “A successful morning’s shopping!”

  She left, knowing she’d given Linda something to think about. And who knew what else might come out of it? It was a risk, if Linda talked to the wrong person—but sometimes you had to shake a few trees.

  13

  Crystal Ball Again

  Late that afternoon, Scott pressed fresh snapper fillets from the Fishermen’s Co-Op into seasoned breadcrumbs and then seared them lightly, while Georgie tossed salad greens with avocado and pine nuts. She found some light classical music on their playlist, Scott poured crisp white wine and they sat down to eat.

  Georgie met his eyes and smiled while they clinked glasses. “Life’s good.”

  “It is indeed.” Scott took a bite and nodded with a sigh of appreciation. “Can’t beat good, simple food. Crusted snapper, salad and wine.”

  They ate outside, talking about kayaking and their trip and the surrounding Clarence River valley, keeping it light and easy while responding to greetings from other campers who walked past their site. The late summer evening was warm, with a pleasant breeze from Yamba Bay, and they could hear laughter and chat outside RVs all along the waterfront. The sun sank over the horizon, and they stayed outside until the bright colors of sunset faded to the purple of dusk.

  “Well.” Finally, Scott stirred. “Time to clean up, and then see what the crystal ball has to tell us?”

  “And a call to your mom.” Georgie stood up and collected their plates. “I know your sisters don’t want to worry her, but she knows something’s up. She’ll be waiting to hear from us.”

  “They still haven’t said anything to her?” Scott grimaced as he picked up their glasses and followed her into their caravan. “That’ll go down well. Mum’s not one to sit on the sidelines if her baby chicks are under threat.”

  “They said they were going to call her this afternoon. I asked them to do it before supper, so she could look at the cards before I called tonight.”

  “Does she know you’ll be in touch?”

  “I sent her a text.”

  Efficiently, they cleaned up, already in a comfortable rhythm moving around the caravan together. Just before eight, Georgie switched on an LED candle that gave her the soft flickering light she wanted without the risk of the smoke alarm shrieking.

  Scott watched while she set the crystal ball between them and slid off the black velvet cloth that she used to cover it. The candlelight added depth and warmth to the crystal ball, and Georgie suddenly had a good feeling about tonight.

  She was going to find out something.

  She glanced up at Scott, who nodded.

  “You feel it too?” she asked.

  “I feel something. Confidence, maybe.”

  Georgie sat back and let the anticipation grow.

  Outside, she could still hear the soft murmur of voices from a small group outside an RV a few sites away, and the muted sound of a TV nearby. Then everything faded, and as she rested her fingertips on the crystal, she felt the hard surface grow warmer under her touch.

  In the center of the globe, a soft pearly mist began to form. Georgie watched, and let herself be drawn into the drifting tendrils while an image formed.

  An old woman appeared, her dark eyes snappi
ng with life and her wrinkled face stretching in a smile.

  Rosa.

  Georgie felt her own lips curve in an answering smile as she stared at her great-grandmother’s image, and when she glanced up at Scott she saw that he was grinning too.

  “I wondered how long it would be before she paid a visit,” he said. “Her only great-granddaughter on the other side of the world and all, with her crystal ball. She had to turn up sooner or later.”

  “My crystal ball now,” Georgie reminded him, although she knew that it would always be partly Rosa’s. Just as she was certain that the globe itself probably held an imprint of those before Rosa who had had the Sight.

  Hello, Rosa, she thought, and then focused on holding an image of Viv and Lissa in her mind. There was no doubt in her mind that Rosa already knew there was trouble. Now it remained to be seen whether she could help out…from eight and a half thousand miles away.

  In the crystal ball, Rosa’s face turned until she was in profile, and her eyes narrowed as though she was watching something. Or someone.

  Then her image dissolved, and in its place Scott’s mother appeared, staring down at something out of sight. Georgie could guess what she was looking at: she’d seen that look on Louise’s face before, when she was studying the cards laid out before her.

  A moment later, it was confirmed: Georgie and Scott could see her hands moving quickly, dealing cards again, before the movement stopped.

  Then they, too, were looking at the cards.

  “An astrological spread,” Scott murmured, leaning forward and looking intently at the tiny image in the crystal ball.

  “So Rosa’s telling us to listen to Louise? I would have anyway.”

  Then Louise and the cards disappeared. Georgie waited, certain there was more.

  Rosa appeared again, for just a blink of an eye, and then, very slowly, another image formed. Georgie frowned, and tried to make sense of what she was seeing.

  A group of women.

  Women? She’d had a growing certainty that it was a man—or men—behind the chain of events at Coffee, Cakes & Crepes, but she’d been wrong before.