As a senior officer he must have had access to all kinds of secrets …
“Once a spy …” said Tony.
“So — no love lost between either of them and Quentin,” said Michael.
“Who knows what Tricia said to him that night she visited,” said Jack. “But whatever it was, it was more than his heart could bear.”
Sarah watched her father slowly shake his head at this thought.
“You did well, Jack,” said Tony, patting him on the shoulder.
Jack looked at the flat stone. “We really have Sarah to thank. But then I guess I didn’t do too bad.”
He smiled at Sarah.
Maybe not a puzzler, she thought … but he did pretty well with this one!
They stood there a moment, sunlight bathing the top of the hill.
“And Tony,” Sarah said finally. “Good on you for what you did for poor Emma Carter.”
“You always manage to do something good,” Jack said.
“Oh, that was nothing. She didn’t do anything wrong. And as executor of the estate I could allot a certain amount of money for carrying out the terms. The ten thousand — while no fortune — should be of use to her.”
“Certainly enough for her to move away from Marty,” said Sarah.
“Marty will be back inside anyway,” said Tony. “The bribe he took from Tricia makes him an accessory to murder, no doubt about that.”
“Good riddance,” said Sarah.
Tony laughed at that. “So, now that we’re all here … shall I propose a toast?”
“By all means,” Michael said.
Tony ceremoniously raised his flute. “To Quentin Andrews, spy, entrepreneur, and a most puzzling man. May he rest in peace!”
And they clinked their flutes, the delicate glasses making a high-pitched clink amid the trees only now starting to bud, eager to get on with spring and summer.
A sip. And the champagne, Louis Roederer — one of the best — tasted delicious to Sarah.
But Tony had one more thing to add to his toast.
“And to Cherringham!”
And with another clink, and another sip, they all turned to look at the village below, shining like a magical place, by an equally magical river.
END
Next episode
When a big movie production comes to Cherringham, complete with lords, ladies, and flashing swords, the whole village is abuzz with excitement. But when a series of dangerous accidents threatens the life of the young lead, Zoe Harding, Sarah and Jack get involved. Are these really accidents? Or could they be something more sinister — even deadly? Who is trying to destroy the career of the beautiful young star — and why?
Cherringham — A Cosy Crime Series
Final Cut
by Matthew Costello and Neil Richards
Cherringham — A Cosy Crime Series
Do you like what you’ve read so far? Please let us know by leaving a comment or a rating where you purchased this eBook. Your feedback improves the story. Happy reading!
Cherringham--The Last Puzzle Page 10
