Deathly Christmas

by Irena Nieslony

  David went over and gave Eve a hug. In a way he was glad she was nervous. He didn’t want her to become interested in searching for the murderer. She was lucky to be alive after the last time, but he knew that Eve’s moods could change like the wind and she could recover from setbacks and her fears easily. He wouldn’t be surprised if she forgot about her worries and went all out in her search for Jennifer’s killer. She had very little faith in the Greek police, not to mention the fact that she would think of this as an exciting challenge.

  “Come on, let’s change the subject,” Annie said, wanting this conversation to end. “Lunch is almost ready. I hope you two men can forget the image of the body.”

  “It wasn’t very pleasant,” Pete said. “I did get used to things like this working in the force, but it must have been a bit of a shock to you, David.”

  “It was pretty gruesome,” David remarked. “I don’t think I’ll forget it in a hurry.”

  It was Eve’s turn this time to hug David. He was touched, especially as it was usually him comforting her.

  “Right,” Eve said. “Let’s decide not to mention the murder throughout lunch.”

  The others happily agreed, although they were surprised Eve suggested it, and Christmas lunch passed pleasantly enough, with an excess of food and wine.

  As they sat down in the sitting room afterwards, all thoughts of the murder had more or less disappeared.

  “That was a delicious meal, Annie,” Eve said contentedly as she collapsed on the sofa. “I’m well and truly full up; though I’m sure I can make room for one of those chocolates.”

  Eve glanced at a large box of Belgian chocolates sitting on a side table, thinking that however full she was, there was always room for something sweet. Annie smiled, knowing that Eve would be back at the gym in the New Year making sure she hadn’t put on any extra weight over the holidays and if she had, getting it off as soon as possible.

  Eve has a wonderful figure, Annie thought enviously.

  Annie was also in good shape for a woman her age, but she didn’t bother to exercise so she did need toning up. She kept meaning to go to the gym in Chania with Eve and David, but so far had made excuses. Perhaps it should be her New Year’s resolution.

  “Here are Metaxas for everyone,” Pete announced. “I’m sure we’ve all got a little room left for these.”

  Both Eve and David beamed, looking forward to their after dinner drinks. They loved the Greek version of brandy, which was sweeter than the normal stuff. Annie went into the kitchen to make coffee.

  Just as they had settled down with their drinks and chocolates, the doorbell went and they all jumped.

  “Who on earth can that be,” Annie asked. “Perhaps it’s Betty and Don needing some company. I’d forgotten all about them and the murder. We should have rung them earlier to see if they were alright.”

  Eve grimaced at the thought of spending time with Betty while Pete got up and answered the door. A few moments later, he came back in with two Greek police officers. Eve’s heart missed a beat. Not again, she thought. She definitely didn’t want to go through this again, having had enough of the police in the summer.

  Eve recognized one of officers. When she was in hospital after being poisoned, he had been the one to interview her and he seemed to be in charge of this case.

  “Good evening,” he said. “My name is Dimitris Kastrinakis. I apologize for interrupting your Christmas festivities. I believe that Betty Jones called the two gentlemen here after she found Miss Anderson’s body.”

  “Yes,” Pete stated. “Her Greek isn’t very good, so she needed help calling the police and I only live a few minutes’ drive away.”

  “Miss Masters, we meet again,” Dimitris said, almost smiling. “You are always around when there is a murder, is that not so?”

  Eve, smarting at this comment, was going to tell him she had been nowhere near Jennifer’s body, but Dimitris didn’t allow anyone to get a word in and spoke almost immediately.

  “We have spoken to Betty and she says you made the cake that Jennifer ate. Is that right, Miss Masters?”

  Eve felt herself going red, knowing the truth would probably come out now and once Betty discovered that it had been purchased from the English shop, she would revel in the knowledge.

  “I’m afraid I didn’t. I’d left it too late to make a cake. It has to mature you see, and have alcohol poured over it every so often. It’s the English way. So I bought one.”

  Eve noticed that Annie was trying not to smile.

  “I made everything else for my party,” Eve added, looking directly at Annie. “I only bought the cake. I opened it on the day of the party and sliced it in front of everyone, so I couldn’t have put poison in it.”

  “Well, the tests will tell the truth,” Dimitris continued.

  Eve was about to argue with him, when she felt David shove her in the ribs. He was probably right. It was better to keep quiet. Eve had learnt this the hard way in the summer.

  “There is one other thing. Miss Anderson had been drinking dessert wine - we are testing that as well. Have you any idea where that came from? Was it a Christmas gift?”

  All of them shook their heads and said they had no idea if it was a present or not.

  “Were any of you friendly with Miss Anderson?” Dimitris continued.

  “I think I can speak for all of us,” Pete said. “She was more of an acquaintance than a friend. She only moved over to Crete in October. I think she was only friendly with Betty and Don Jones.”

  “That’s strange,” Dimitris continued. “Betty said Jennifer was getting on well with you, Mr. Baker.”

  Before he could say anything, Eve piped in.

  “Jennifer fancied David as a romantic partner even though he’s with me. She was making a fool of herself, throwing herself at him. Betty encouraged her. She hates me you know.”

  David winced. Eve was making a good case for being the murderer. He knew she couldn’t kill anyone, but as usual she wasn’t thinking before speaking.

  “Is that right, Mr. Baker?”

  “Well,” David replied. “Jennifer did seem pretty keen on me. However, I didn’t encourage her and I did make it obvious that Eve’s my girlfriend. I don’t understand why some people are hell bent on stealing men or women who are committed to other people, I really don’t.”

  “Perhaps they think of it as a challenge, Mr. Baker,” Dimitris stated. “Now, Miss Masters, so far you seem to be the only person who has a motive to kill Miss Anderson.”

  Eve felt sick and tried to think of something to say to get her out of the mess she had created, when Dimitris continued.

  “However, I did get to know you during the summer and it would surprise me greatly if you had killed Jennifer. However, you will remain on our suspect list. Of course, it will be good news for you if your cake doesn’t contain poison.

  Eve breathed a sigh of relief, but she was still a suspect and had an awful feeling that Betty would do anything to frame her for the murder.

  “One more thing before I go, Miss Masters, no more searching for the killer this time. Remember what happened in the summer. You had three near escapes from death. You might not be so lucky this time.”

  “Don’t worry, sir,” David said quickly. “I’ll make sure she doesn’t get herself into any sort of trouble.”

  Eve gave David a nasty look which Dimitris caught. He imagined it would be highly unlikely that David would be able to stop Eve from doing what she wanted.

  After the police officers had left, Pete topped up their drinks. Eve had become very quiet and David knew her mind was working tirelessly again.

  “Eve,” he said quietly. “You heard what the officer said. No interfering this time. You almost got killed in the summer. I love you and I don’t want to lose you.”

  Eve smiled, thinking how wonderful it was to be loved so much, but she was a suspect in this murder case and she was determined to prove her innocence.

  Chapter 5

&
nbsp; On December 26th Ken and Jan Stewart held a lunch party in The Black Cat, their English Bar, for all their regulars. The food was free and so was wine, beer and soft drinks, but spirits and mixers had to be paid for. They wanted to thank their patrons for their custom during the past year. Eve thought they were a little crazy giving complimentary wine and beer. While most people would be sensible, she was certain that one of two would take advantage of the Stewarts.

  Ken and Jan were in their mid-thirties and had moved to Crete four years previously. Ken was short and chubby with blonde spiky hair and Jan was tall and lanky and towered above him. Their light-hearted banter made them an ideal couple to run a bar, but everyone could see they were still very much in love with each other.

  Betty and Don were the first people to arrive at the party. Unlike Eve, who didn’t think it fashionable to be the first at any social gathering, Betty liked to turn up early so she didn’t miss anything. She always wanted to know what was going on in the village and was known as a terrible gossip.

  “Awful business about Jennifer,” Ken said, pouring Don a beer and Betty a glass of white wine. She had decided not to drink gin and tonics, her usual tipple, as the wine was free.

  “Yes, it is. I’m still getting over the shock of finding her,” Betty replied. “She looked horrific. Strychnine poisoning is not a pleasant way to go, I can tell you. She must have suffered dreadfully.”

  “Yes, it would have been very frightening for her,” Ken agreed. “Have the police any idea who did it? They did come over last night to ask us a few questions, but we didn’t have much to tell them.”

  “Well,” Betty said. “It looked like she had been drinking dessert wine and eating Christmas cake. There was a little left of both, so the police took the remains. Eve made that cake you know.”

  “Are you insinuating that I poisoned Jennifer,” a loud voice spoke behind her.

  Betty turned round to see a very cantankerous Eve glaring at her, with David quietly standing in the shadows. Eve had arrived at The Black Cat earlier than she normally would have done. She had been feeling restless all morning, still smarting at Betty’s accusations against her. Eve wanted to have it out with her, despite David pleading with her not to.

  “I didn’t say that at all,” Betty replied indignantly. “I only said you had made the cake. However, you weren’t happy that Jennifer had been flirting with David, were you?”

  “It was a bit annoying that she was throwing herself at him in front of my nose, especially at my house at my party, but it was hardly a reason for me to kill her. I’m quite secure in my relationship with David, thank you very much; isn’t that right, darling,” Eve said, turning around to smile at him.

  “Of course, we’re blissfully happy and Eve has no reason to doubt my love for her,” David replied, unusually vociferous in public about his feelings for Eve.

  Although David hadn’t wanted Eve to say anything to Betty, he was getting fed up of her interfering in their lives and was inwardly pleased to see her shudder at his words.

  “The police didn’t seem to think Eve was the killer,” David continued, speaking with a much firmer voice than he would normally use. “So please let this be an end to your allegations, Betty.”

  Betty was exasperated. She didn’t like it when David was cross with her. He was such a gentleman and she was desperate to stay friends with him, but he always stuck up for that irresponsible and reckless girlfriend of his. It seemed that if she wanted to be friends with David, she had to be nice to Eve as well and she couldn’t be; she just couldn’t.

  The door opened and Kevin and Lucy Fowler entered, with Kevin’s younger brother, Paul, in tow. Eve suddenly felt uncomfortable. Paul was a bit of a scoundrel and often put his arm around her and flirted, even though he knew she was David's partner.

  What is wrong with some people? Eve asked herself. Why do they have to interfere in other peoples’ relationships? Can’t they concentrate on single people and not on ones that are taken?

  David said it was harmless fun, but she didn’t like Paul flirting with her, even though he was quite handsome with his light blonde hair and sparkling bright blue eyes. He was much too young for her anyway, what was he, mid- thirties or so?

  Eve studied Lucy. She couldn’t imagine being friends with her. Eve was trying hard to be a nicer and more sympathetic person, but Lucy was dull and Eve wasn’t willing to give her a chance. It had nothing to do with Lucy being plain looking; it was because she was utterly boring. She wasn’t quiet, but she droned on and on about her children and grandchildren and nothing else. Lucy and Kevin had two grown up sons and three grandchildren and according to her they could do no wrong. Eve always felt herself dropping off when she spoke, so she tried to avoid her whenever she could.

  As Betty and Don moved away to sit down, David turned to Ken to order their drinks. Eve was satisfied with her confrontation with Betty, knowing that she had won. David had stood up for her superbly.

  A few moments later, Eve took a large gulp of her gin and tonic, having decided that now that her spat with Betty was over, the party was probably going to be a wash out. Then the door opened again and Yiannis entered. Eve groaned inwardly. The party was not going to be boring; it was going to be a total disaster.

  Yiannis had been one of her prime suspects in the murders in the summer and he had never forgiven her for it. He still enjoyed tormenting her if he got the chance. Today however, he ignored her and Eve hoped this would continue for the rest of the day.

  Petros, John Phillips’s old foreman, and his wife soon made an appearance as well, and then Annie and Pete came in with Jane Phillips, John’s daughter. She was twenty-eight years old and Eve though how striking she was with her jet-black hair and pure white skin. She had come to Crete to sort out her father’s belongings and to put his house on the market. Eve thought how strange it was to come over alone during the Christmas period.

  “Hello,” Annie said to Eve and David. “I don’t know if you’ve met Jane Phillips, John’s daughter. I saw her in her garden earlier in the day and asked her if she’d like to come to the party. She’s here all on her own. I knew Ken and Jan wouldn’t mind.”

  “I’ve seen you around,” Eve said, shaking her hand, “But we haven’t spoken. I’m Eve by the way, and this is my partner, David.”

  “Ah, you’re Eve. Yes, I’ve heard about you. I think I have you to thank for discovering who killed my father.”

  Eve blushed.

  “Well, the police didn’t seem to be making much progress, so I thought I’d give them a helping hand.”

  “Well, thank you. I do appreciate it.”

  “I’m surprised to see you here at Christmas on your own,” Eve said, her nosiness getting the better of her.

  “I don’t have any other family and after losing Dad, I didn’t really feel like celebrating this year with friends, so I thought I’d just get away from England. Things needed sorting out here so it seemed like an ideal opportunity.”

  “Good idea,” Eve said. “No boyfriend then?”

  David winced. Why did Eve have to be so inquisitive?

  “Eve,” he said. “Leave the poor girl alone.”

  “It’s alright.” Jane said, smiling. “A few months ago I’d probably have burst into tears, but I’m fine now. There was somebody, but when I found out he was two timing me, that was it. I thought he was special and believed he felt the same about me, but I was wrong. We all live and learn I suppose.”

  Jane looked a little wistful.

  “I’m sorry,” Eve said, now feeling guilty for prying. “I’m sure you’ll meet someone much better soon. You’re young and beautiful and should have no trouble whatsoever. I mean, I didn’t meet David, the man of my dreams, until I was over forty! I was so lucky.”

  Eve put her arms around David and kissed him. He blushed, not liking so much attention being placed on him.

  “I hope I’m as lucky as you, Eve,” Jane said enviously.

  However, Jane saw David�
��s embarrassment and decided to change the subject.

  “It looks like you might have another murder to solve now, Eve,” Jane said.

  “No, she hasn’t,” David and Annie said in unison.

  Eve looked at both of them grumpily, thinking that if she wanted to look for the murderer she would.

  “Eve nearly got herself killed in the summer,” David elaborated. “I don’t intend to lose her so soon after we’ve found each other.”

  “I can see your point of view,” Jane agreed.

  “I’m old enough to make my own decisions, thank you very much,” Eve remarked severely. “Especially as some people think I killed Jennifer. A little discreet sleuthing won’t get me into trouble.”

  “Oh Eve, I thought we’d finished with all that,” David sighed.

  “Well, if you don’t want to help me….”

  “You’re blackmailing me again, darling. You know I won’t let you do this on your own. You’ll get into too much trouble. Still, I’d rather you’d leave well alone.”

  “We’ll wait and see what the police come up with first and then I’ll decide what to do. I won’t do anything reckless, I promise,” Eve said gently, knowing that David was scared for her. “Don’t worry, darling, I won’t jump into anything head first this time.”

  Eve took David’s hand and Annie shook her head. She knew Eve meant every word she said now. However, she could get caught up in the excitement of the moment and become reckless, forgetting her good intentions.

  Jane smiled. She could see that Eve was a determined woman and would listen to nobody. She liked her and wished she could be as brave as her, but she always thought out her actions before she did anything.

  Soon everyone had their drinks and started to help themselves to the food. Jan put on some Christmas music and a couple of people even started dancing. Jane thought it a little strange to hear Christmas music after Christmas Day, but Christmas was different in Greece.

  Betty had been determined that the English community celebrated Christmas like the Greeks, and for once Eve had agreed with one of Betty’s decisions. However, it was mainly because she loved Christmas and the longer it lasted the better. She had started the holiday season early like the English, decorating her house inside and out at the very beginning of December. Then she had taken a few days holiday in London to see all her friends and the Christmas lights. And now, while England was already into the sales and advertising summer holidays, she could still enjoy the festivities.