Ada's Death (Cara Daniels Cozy Mystery Book 5)

by Gillian Larkin

  Ada’s smile faltered. “I haven’t been round in a while. I can’t bear to see the sadness on Maria’s face when I go there. You see, Maria and Ben have been trying for a baby for years. Maria was so confident that she’d become pregnant quickly that she had the smallest bedroom made into a nursery. At her insistence I even knitted some baby clothes. Maria keeps up the pretence of being happy when she’s here but when she’s in her house she feels sad knowing that there’s an empty nursery upstairs. She told me that she prefers being here.”

  Cara tucked into her scrambled egg as she thought about what Ada had said.

  Ada picked up her cup and took a sip. As she placed it down she said, “I’m sure Maria will get pregnant soon, I keep telling her that. In the meantime I do all that I can to keep her busy. She comes shopping with me and takes me to the hairdresser’s, that sort of thing.” Ada shook her head. “I do get annoyed with Ben sometimes, he’s spending far too much time at work. I worry too much.” Ada sighed and gave Cara a look as if deciding whether to continue talking. “Cara, don’t tell your gran this, but I’ve been having trouble sleeping. It must be the worry about Ben and Maria. I’ve had to resort to taking sleeping tablets! Something I swore I’d never do.”

  Cara put her knife and fork down and pushed her empty plate to one side. “Thank you for that. Don’t feel guilty about the sleeping tablets, I’ve taken them before. Where did you get them? Did your doctor prescribe them?”

  “Sort of. Well, not a doctor but a nurse. You’ll think I’m being an old fusspot but I told Ben I hadn’t been sleeping well, and that sometimes …” Ada looked away, a blush on her cheeks. She looked back at Cara and continued, “I sometimes lose things. I forget where I’ve put them. Ben was worried and he employed a private nurse for me. He insisted that the nurse give me sleeping tablets.”

  Robin gave Cara a direct look. “I knew something was wrong. Why would her son employ a private nurse? Is it so he can control what’s going on with his mother?” Robin folded his arms. “I don’t like this at all, Cara.”

  Cara didn’t either. She said, “I’d love to meet Maria, and see Ben again.”

  “Then you’re in luck! They’re coming here for dinner tonight and you’re invited. Don’t even think of refusing!”

  “I won’t refuse,” Cara said. “Let me wash up. You can tell me more about Ben and Maria.”

  Ada stifled a yawn. “Normally I wouldn’t let you but I’m feeling my age today. Cara, could I ask you a favour? I thought I had all the ingredients in that I need for dinner but it seems I haven’t. I could have sworn I had some minced beef in the freezer but when I looked there last night it had gone! I don’t know how I’ve managed to lose it.” There was a pause as Ada looked towards the window. In a quieter voice she said, “Perhaps I never bought the minced beef in the first place. I think sometimes that I’m losing my mind. Perhaps Ben is right, I do need a nurse to look after me.”

  Cara stood up and picked up her plate and cutlery. “You don’t need a nurse today, you’ve got me. I’m going to be at your side like an annoying shadow!”

  Ada gave her such a grateful smile that Cara nearly started crying. Ada said, “Thank you, Cara, for being here. I feel safer somehow.”

  Robin did start crying. Silver tears ran down his cheeks. He turned watery eyes to Cara and said, “You can’t let her die.”

  Chapter 4

  The trip to the supermarket was tiring for Ada. She placed her hand on the trolley for support as Cara wheeled it along the aisles. Cara was tempted to pick Ada up and put her in the child seat at the front of the trolley.

  Robin was unusually silent as they walked around.

  Ada apologised throughout the visit as she continually yawned. “I’m so sorry, Cara, I’m not normally like this.”

  “It’s okay,” Cara said. “We’re nearly done. I’ll pack everything into the bags at the checkout, don’t you lift a finger.”

  “I can barely lift my eyelids,” Ada pointed out.

  They were soon packed and on their way back home. A woman was waiting outside Ada’s house.

  Ada frowned as they pulled up outside. “I didn’t think she was due to see me today. I write her visits on my noticeboard.” She shook her head. “I’m sure I checked my board this morning.”

  Cara stopped the car and said, “Who is it?”

  “My nurse, the one that Ben employed. She checks on me two or three times a week. Oh! I hope she hasn’t been waiting long. Me and my useless memory!”

  Cara got out of the car, came to Ada’s side and helped her out. Ada called over to the woman, “Suzanne! I’m so sorry! I forgot you were coming today.”

  Cara heard the woman shout out, “No problem, I’ve only just got here.”

  Ada made her way up the driveway. Cara retrieved the shopping from the boot of her car and followed her. As she walked closer, the woman who was waiting at the door gave her a big smile and declared, “Cara! Cara Daniels! I don’t believe it!”

  Cara narrowed her eyes. Who was that woman? She walked closer. “Oh! It’s you! Suzanne Roberts! I haven’t seen you since … since the last day of school. How are you?”

  “I’m fine. I’m married now, my surname is Roebuck. You haven’t aged much. I know I have! Thanks to three children under the age of five. A good night’s sleep is a distant memory.”

  “I know how you feel,” Ada said.

  Suzanne turned her attention to Ada. “How are you today? Didn’t you sleep well again? Did you take any of those sleeping tablets?”

  Ada put her key in the door. “I took a couple in the middle of the night. I just don’t know why I can’t sleep. I’ve been drinking decaf tea and coffee, just like you told me to.” She opened the door. “Come in, both of you. I’m glad you know each other, I’m too tired to give you proper introductions.”

  Suzanne shot Cara a concerned glance and then followed Ada into the house. As they went in Cara said quietly, “She’s not herself. She says she’s becoming forgetful, she’s more worried than she’s letting on.”

  Suzanne gave her a nod and walked into the kitchen where she found Ada filling the kettle. Suzanne moved to her side and gently took the kettle from her hands. “Now then, Ada, you look as if you could do with a nap.”

  Ada looked shocked. “A nap! I don’t have naps, I’m not a baby.”

  “Okay, not a nap. Let’s call it forty winks. Go and lie down on your sofa and just rest your eyes. You don’t have to sleep. Me and Cara will sort your shopping out. Once you’ve had a rest I’ll carry out my tests.”

  Ada sighed and nodded. She shuffled past Cara and said, “I’m going to rest my eyes for a moment. Don’t go home, I’ll be right as rain before you know it.”

  “Okay,” Cara said, trying to hide the concern in her voice.

  Ada shuffled over to her sofa and lowered herself on to it. She placed a cushion at one end, lay down and closed her eyes. Robin floated over to her side and lay down on the carpet directly in front of Ada. Cara felt concern over Robin’s attitude. She hadn’t seen him become so attached to a potential murder victim before.

  She looked away from the scene and placed the shopping bags on the kitchen table. Suzanne looked back through the kitchen door towards Ada. She smiled and said, “She’s already asleep. Let’s have a chat. You can tell me what you’re doing here.”

  Cara started to put the shopping away with Suzanne’s help. For a second she was tempted to tell Suzanne the real reason that she was there. It would be lovely to share her burden with someone.

  No. She couldn’t do that. She explained briefly about Gran being away and that she was staying in Gran’s house for a while. Suzanne insisted on knowing what Cara did for a living. Again, Cara kept the details brief. She wanted to be the one asking questions.

  Once the shopping was away, and a cup of tea placed in front of each woman, Suzanne began to talk, “I worked as a nurse at the local hospital until the children came along. Peter, my husband, got a new job as a salesman fo
r a pharmaceutical company. It’s better money but he spends weeks away from home. I wanted to go back to work at the hospital but that was impossible because of the shift work that I was expected to do. Peter used to look after the children when I was working night shifts but that wasn’t possible any more. So I looked into the private sector and this job came up. It’s perfect for me, less hours but more money.”

  Cara said, “I was surprised when Ada told me she had a nurse. Does she really need one?”

  Suzanne shook her head. “Not really. Her son, I think you know Ben, worries about her. He knew she wasn’t sleeping well, and he knew that she was forgetting things. He works long hours and he wasn’t able to visit as often as he could, so he employed me to keep an eye on Ada.”

  Cara caught Suzanne’s worried look. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “I don’t think Ada really needs my care. I think she’s fine, but I have noticed a difference in the last few weeks, particularly in her sleeping habits. I have prescribed some sleeping tablets, but they’re only mild ones, not addictive in any way. I … no, I shouldn’t say anything else.”

  Cara leant across the table and put her hand on top of Suzanne’s. “Please, if you’ve anything to say, please tell me. I’m concerned about Ada, I’ve known her all my life.”

  Suzanne gave her a small smile. “I just get the feeling that Ben’s employing me as a backup, as if to prove that his mum needs medical help.”

  Cara frowned and removed her hand. “Why would he do that?”

  “That’s what people do before putting their relatives in nursing homes. They have to prove that the relative can’t take care of themselves.” Suzanne stood up. “Look, Cara, forget I said that. It was unprofessional of me. I’m sure Ben Clement just wants the best for his mum. I’d better check on her. It was lovely to see you again.”

  Suzanne abruptly left the kitchen. Cara stood up and watched her through the open door. Suzanne knelt at Ada’s side and gently touched her on the shoulder. Ada stirred and then tried to sit up.

  Suzanne said, “Ada, I’ll come back another time. You look better for having a rest. Do you need any more sleeping tablets?”

  Ada pulled herself into a sitting position. “No, I’m fine. Are you sure you don’t want to do a few tests? Ben’s coming over for his dinner tonight and he always asks me what you’ve done on your visits.”

  Suzanne had her back to Cara so she couldn’t see her expression, although she did notice the slight slump of Suzanne’s shoulders. In a bright voice Suzanne said, “Of course I can do my checks now. Roll your sleeve up!”

  Cara turned away and busied herself with the washing-up. Her thoughts were full of Ben Clement. What was he up to? What did he have to gain from his mum going into a nursing home? Would he take control of his mum’s estate? He was an only child, and he worked at a solicitor’s so he’d know how to make that happen.

  Cara looked down at the running water. Was Ben going to murder Ada?

  Chapter 5

  Ada insisted that Cara go home while she prepared the food for the evening meal. “I like to cook on my own,” Ada explained. “You’ve already done enough for me today.”

  “Call me if you need any help,” Cara said reluctantly as she left Ada’s house.

  Robin gave her a friendly wave from Ada’s side. “I will do.”

  Cara gave him a quick smile. She was glad he was going to stay with Ada. She’d be lost without Robin’s help.

  Back in Gran’s house Cara unpacked some of her boxes and made herself at home. She had a little explore around Gran’s house. Gran had left her a note in her office which told Cara to make use of anything in there. She found some interesting things in Gran’s office.

  Cara held up a small button and said to herself, “So, this is a listening device. Gran, you are full of surprises. What else have you got in here?”

  After a good rummage around Gran’s devices, she decided to catch up on some of her own work. She was in the middle of designing a new website for a dog walking company when Robin appeared at her side.

  “What is it?” Cara jumped up. “Is Ada okay? Do I need to go round there?”

  Robin put his hands behind his back and peered at Cara’s computer. “Do people really employ someone else to walk their dogs?”

  “Robin! Why have you appeared?”

  Robin turned his attention to her. “Just wanted to let you know that Ada is fine. She’s made a leek and potato soup for the starter, that will be followed by shepherd’s pie. And to top off the meal there will be apple crumble.”

  Cara’s mouth watered. “Sounds lovely. And how is Ada?”

  “Happy. She’s been singing along to the radio all afternoon. I don’t think anything is wrong with her mind. She didn’t need any cookery books.” He tapped his temple. “She’s got it all up there.”

  “Has she had any visitors? Has she taken any tablets?”

  Robin shook his head. “She’s had two cups of tea, decaf ones.” He looked again at Cara’s computer. “What other canine services do they offer?”

  “All sorts. Are you going back to Ada’s?”

  “Yes.” He grinned at her. “I can tell when I’m not wanted. I’ll see you in a few hours for dinner. Don’t be snacking on anything! Ada’s gone to a lot of trouble with the meal.”

  Cara pulled a face at him as he disappeared. She stood up and headed towards the kitchen. She needed a snack, she couldn’t wait hours for Ada’s food. She gave herself a mental pat on the back as she choose an apple over a Mars bar.

  A few hours later she knocked on Ada’s kitchen door. Ada opened the door and beamed at her. “Come in! Would you like a glass of wine?”

  Cara stepped into the kitchen. “What a welcome! Yes, thank you, that would be lovely.” Cara quickly took in the black death line that surrounded Ada. Did it look thicker? She couldn’t tell.

  The smell from the kitchen caused Cara’s mouth to water uncontrollably. She quickly wiped away a small unladylike dribble that escaped from her mouth. Cara said, “Can I help you with anything?”

  Ada put a glass of white wine in Cara’s hands and shoved her towards the living room. “Absolutely not! Ben and Maria will be here soon.”

  Robin was at Ada’s side. He looked over at Cara and said, “Not too much of that wine, you need to keep your wits about you.”

  Ben and Maria arrived a few minutes later. Ben gave Cara a hug as he entered the room. Cara stiffened, she didn’t want to be hugged by a potential murderer. Ben didn’t notice. He smiled at her and said, “You’ve hardly changed.” He patted his round tummy. “Unlike me! This is what happens when you get a desk job. You haven’t met Maria, have you?”

  A shy-looking woman stepped out from behind Ben. Her long dark hair framed a petite face. Cara could see that she was wearing make-up, but it had been applied in that clever way so that it looked as if Maria wasn’t wearing any. Cara had never been able to achieve that look.

  Maria smiled at Cara and said, “Hello, it’s lovely to meet you. Ada’s told me all about you. She’s so pleased that you’re living next door.”

  Ada came into the room and announced, “Dinner is ready. Everyone into the dining room.”

  Maria moved over to Ada and said, “Let me help you.”

  Ada tried to wave her away but Maria was insistent. “You’ve done enough today, preparing this food for us. At least let me bring in the first course.”

  Ada put her hand on her brow. “I could do with a sit down, thank you Maria.”

  Ada led them through to the dining room, Robin was still at her side. Cara sat opposite Ben so she could keep an eye on him.

  Maria brought in the soup and placed a bowl in front of everyone. The aroma tickled Cara’s nose and she felt another dribble threatening to appear.

  “Tuck in!” Ada said.

  Cara didn’t need telling twice. She lifted a filled spoon to her mouth and shoved it in. A second later she started to cough.

  Ben and Maria did the same
. Everyone put their spoons down and looked at the soup.

  Ada’s brow wrinkled. “What’s wrong? Don’t you like the soup?” She took a small sip. “Oh! That’s disgusting!”

  Ben said, “Just a bit too much salt, Mum.”

  “I didn’t put more than a pinch in!” Ada’s voice began to rise. “I don’t understand it. I’ve made this soup hundreds of times! It’s never tasted like this before.”

  Ben said, “Mum, calm down. You’ve made a mistake, that’s all. Didn’t you sleep well last night? Have you been taking your sleeping tablets?”

  Cara’s eyes narrowed as she studied Ben. Look at that pretend concern on his face!

  Maria stood up and walked round to Ada. She put her arms around her shoulders and said, “Please don’t get upset. I’ll take the soup away. I’m sure the rest of the meal will be delicious.”

  Ada patted her hand gratefully. Cara stood up and helped Maria take the bowls into the kitchen. Once in the kitchen Maria wiped a tear away. She said, “I hate to see Ada like this. She won’t admit it but she needs help. I don’t know if you know, but Ben’s employed a nurse to look after Ada. I wasn’t sure that she needed one at first but after this,” she pointed towards a bowl of soup, “I think he’s right.”

  “Please don’t talk about me,” Ada said as she came into the kitchen. She nodded towards the dining room. “And will you please tell that son of mine to stop going on about those stupid sleeping tablets! I’ll take them if I need them, and I’m the one who’s going to make that decision.”

  Cara looked towards the dining room through the kitchen wall and gave Ben a glare that he couldn’t see.

  Maria smiled at Ada and said, “It’s only because we care about you.”

  Ada’s voice shook as she said, “I know you do. Come on, let’s get the shepherd’s pie out of the oven. I hope that’s okay!”

  The rest of the meal was delicious. The only low point was when Ada admitted that she couldn’t find her favourite gravy jug. “It’s that one your dad gave me, Ben, the one shaped like a cow. I keep it in the plate cupboard but it’s not there now.”