Knitting And Murder (Julia Blake Cozy Mystery Book 9)

by Gillian Larkin

  She found Ethel standing outside her stall watching the world go by. She recognised Julia immediately and said, “Are you here to buy baby wool too? I’ve nearly run out. It seems like the whole of Leeds is knitting baby clothes at the moment. And it’s not just us from the knitting class. What can I help you with?”

  Julia explained about Cain’s needs, and as Ethel sorted out some supplies for him, Julia casually said, “Do you know much about Kayla? Cain’s spending a lot of time with her lately.”

  Ethel paused and frowned. “Now you come to mention it, I don’t know very much about her at all. She’s a quiet lass and doesn’t speak much at the knitting classes. She’s only been going about five or six months. I think she might be one of those shy ones who needs time to open up. She’s a good knitter though, she’s corrected my technique a few times and I can knit faster now.”

  “How did you find out about her donating baby clothes to the hospital?”

  Ethel frowned even more. “I heard a rumour going around the market about Kayla and her charity work. I can’t exactly pinpoint where I heard it. It suddenly seemed that everyone was talking about her, and everyone wanted to help her.” Ethel smiled at Julia. “I can find out for you. I’m curious myself now.”

  “Thanks. I’d like that.” Julia quickly paid for the wool and hoped Ethel wouldn’t ask her why she wanted to know so much about Kayla.

  Julia remembered to pick up some cod liver oil tablets for Ivy on the way back to her car. She’d drop them off later. Perhaps Ivy would know something about Kayla. Ivy had a wide network of friends who seemed know everything that went on around here.

  Julia made her way to her next cleaning job. She didn’t like working without Cain and was tempted to phone him and ask how he was getting on. Then she reminded herself he was a grown man and he didn’t need her fussing over him. He was not her responsibility and she had no business worrying about him. She pressed her lips together as she mopped a kitchen floor. She couldn’t help worrying about him. The poor lad hadn’t had many people to worry about him.

  She picked the mop up and squeezed the water out. Then she sent Cain a quick text. She was a worrier, and she may as well give into it. Cain soon replied and said he was doing fine and had found a stash of his gran’s wool in the attic space. He’d already made three pairs of baby socks.

  It was late in the afternoon when she arrived outside Ivy’s house. The front door was flung open before Julia had made it halfway down the drive.

  Ivy beamed at her. “Julia! I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve got something important to tell you about Blanche Cartwright!”

  Chapter 17

  Ivy insisted on making Julia a cup of tea before imparting her news. Ivy looked at Julia closer and said, “You look tired. Have you been working too hard again? I hope you haven’t forgotten to eat. Sit down, lass.”

  Julia took a seat on the sofa. Her stomach chose that moment to rumble loudly. Ivy placed a hand on Julia’s shoulder and said, “I’ll make you a sandwich while I’m waiting for the kettle to boil. Then you can tell me what’s bothering you.”

  Julia felt her eyes stinging as Ivy left the room. It was nice to have a fuss made of her now and again, but she wasn’t going to bother Ivy with her feelings about Kayla.

  Ivy had other ideas. She returned a short time later with a cheese sandwich and a mug of tea. She sat opposite Julia and her eyes bored into her. “Tell me exactly what’s bothering you, lass. And don’t think you’re being a nuisance. You’ve done me more favours than I can count.”

  “That reminds me, I’ve got your tablets in my bag.”

  Ivy waved a hand impatiently. “You can give me them later. Right, tell me what’s on your mind. Is it something to do with young Cain? By the way, where is he? He’s usually at your side. I can see how much he looks up to you, Julia. You’ve become like a mother figure to him.”

  Julia’s vision swam as she picked up her sandwich. She would have adopted Cain if given half a chance. She put the sandwich back down and sighed. Then she told Ivy everything, including her visit to Denise’s salon.

  The old woman leant back in her seat and listened. When Julia had finished, she said, “I think you’re right to be worried. We don’t know anything about this young woman. I don’t like how she’s got everyone involved in her so-called charity work. Has anyone checked up on that? Has anyone even checked she’s got a sister? Julia, will you eat that sandwich! I can’t hear myself think over that noise coming from your stomach.”

  Julia did as she was told. She felt better for sharing her concerns with Ivy.

  Ivy went on, “Do you think Kayla might be involved in the murder of Blanche?”

  With a mouth full of food, Julia nodded.

  “You mentioned the look that came over Blanche’s face when you said Kayla’s name. So it’s possible they knew each other. But how? What if this Kayla woman is running some sort of charity scam? And what if Blanche had found out about it? It could be such a lucrative scam that Kayla would do anything to shut Blanche up.”

  Julia put her empty plate down and felt slightly embarrassed that she’d eaten it so quickly. “I’ve had similar thoughts but what if Kayla is being truthful? I can hardly confront her about it. And I can’t mention this to Cain. He seems besotted with her. I just can’t shake this feeling that there’s something not quite right about Kayla. What do you think I should do?”

  “You can’t do much at the moment. You said you’re meeting her again at Cain’s later, why don’t you ask her more about this charity work of hers then? She might trip herself up. Be casual about it, though. Don’t let on that you’re on to her.”

  “That’s a good idea.” Julia picked her mug up and took an appreciative sip. “Can you tell me about Blanche now?”

  Ivy’s face lit up. “Oh yes. I nearly forgot. You remember what I told you last night, about one of the sisters planning to elope?”

  “I do.”

  “I asked my friends and one of them knew which sister it was and who the boy was too. It was Blanche who had the love affair. That surprised me because she’s the quieter of the two. Apparently, when the girls were at that expensive boarding school, Blanche used to sneak away and go for long country walks. Henrietta always covered for her. It was on one of these walks that she met her young fella. They met up regularly and fell in love. They made plans to elope. You know the rest of the story.”

  Julia put her mug down. “That’s so sad. And Henrietta stayed at her sister’s side all these years. I wonder why they didn’t meet anyone else?”

  Ivy shrugged. “Perhaps Blanche was too broken-hearted. I don’t know the name of her beau as my friend can’t quite remember his name. But she’s going to find out. But, listen to this.” Ivy moved forward in her seat. “He’s still alive. My friend spotted him walking about town recently. She said he’s aged well and still has that handsome look about him. She’s so annoyed with herself for not remembering her name. But it’ll come to her.”

  “When did she see him?”

  “About six months ago.” Ivy’s eyebrows rose at the sound of Julia’s gasp. “What’s wrong?”

  “That time frame keeps coming up. Selby said they’d had problems in their business these last six months, and Kayla started going to knitting classes five or six months ago. Do you think it’s all related? And do you think it has anything to do with Blanche’s murder?”

  “It does seem a bit more than a coincidence. Oh, Julia, I don’t like this at all. I think you need to find out what’s going on with that Kayla. If she’s involved in anything nasty, I want our Cain well away from her. Will you do something about it? I’ll help, if I can.”

  Julia looked at the concern in Ivy’s face. “I’ll do all that I can.”

  Chapter 18

  Julia wasn't sure how she felt as she drove away from Ivy’s house. She was glad she had shared her concerns with Ivy but was now convinced more than ever that Kayla was up to no good. Julia headed in the direction of Cain’s h
ouse and wondered what she was going to say to Kayla when she met her later on. She could hardly accuse her of operating a charity scam, or of leading a double life. Not yet anyway.

  Julia thought she could casually mention something to Cain when she arrived. Something along the lines of people not knowing much about Kayla. But how would that sound? He would work out she’d been talking to people about Kayla, and would want to know why. She sighed. She just didn't know what to do.

  All thoughts of confronting Kayla vanished from Julia’s mind the second she walked into Cain’s house. The back door was open and Julia entered the kitchen to find Cain with his arms around Kayla. Kayla was sobbing loudly into his chest.

  It would have been a tender moment if Cain hadn’t been looking so embarrassed. He was patting Kayla’s back and saying, “There, there. Everything will be okay. There, there.”

  Julia coughed politely. Cain dropped his arms and jumped back from Kayla. He said loudly, “Hiya! Look, Kayla, it’s Julia. Did you two meet each other the other night? I’m not sure if you did. Did you? Julia, did you meet Kayla?” He gave a nervous laugh.

  Kayla turned a tear-stained face in Julia’s direction and attempted a smile. “I did see you the other night but we didn’t get a chance to talk. I’m sorry you have to see me like this. I can’t seem to stop crying.” Fresh tears burst from Kayla’s eyes and trickled down her cheeks.

  Cain called out, “Tea! I’ll make us all a nice cup of tea! Julia, you’ll have tea, won’t you?” He turned his back on them and went over to the kettle.

  Julia handed Kayla a tissue and said, “Are you upset about Blanche Cartwright? Did you know her well?”

  Kayla took the tissue and wiped her cheeks. “No. I’d only met her that night but she seemed such a lovely old lady. It’s just that,” she sighed dramatically, “there’s been a lot of death in my life recently. I can’t seem to get away from it. I feel like it follows me around.” More tears began to flow.

  Cain shouted over his shoulder, “Biscuits! We can have biscuits with our tea. Julia, are you staying for biscuits?”

  Kayla waved her tissue in Julia’s direction. “I should go. You’ll probably want to talk to Cain about work stuff. It was so good of you to let him take the day off. He’s been wonderful. I don’t know how he’s managed to knit so many items. And he’s made such a good job of them too.”

  Julia heard a funny noise coming from Cain. It was a mixture of a laugh and an embarrassed cough. Julia said, “You stay. I was on my way home. I only came here to drop some wool off. Oh, and I’ve got some knitted items from Denise Kemp. She asked me to give them to you.” Julia handed the plastic bag to Kayla.

  A hard look came over Kayla’s face as she looked at the items inside the bag. She sniffed and said, “She’s done her best, I suppose.”

  Julia was shocked at the ungrateful tone in Kayla’s voice. Kayla must have noticed because she quickly added, “I know Denise is a busy woman. It’s so kind of her to take the time to do this. I’ll send her a text.”

  Cain came over to Kayla’s side and looked at the items. “Those are lovely.”

  Kayla said, “She doesn’t knit as well as you, Cain. Your knitting is more professional. I know the hospital will be pleased with your items. And I know they’ll want more.”

  “I can make some more tonight,” Cain reassured her.

  Kayla put a hand on his arm. “You’re too kind. I’m so glad we met.”

  Cain made the funny noise again. “That kettle is taking forever to boil! Julia, are you staying for a while?” He scuttled back to the kettle.

  The hard look returned to Kayla’s face as she turned her attention to Julia. “You don’t have to stay. I can see from your face you’ve had a hard day. I’ll look after Cain. Let me close the door after you.”

  Before Julia could say another word, she was ushered out of the kitchen. The door was closed behind her before she could call out a goodbye to Cain. She bristled as she stared at the closed door. “Well really! How rude.” She was still holding the bag of wool for Cain. She dropped it on the doorstep and half-hoped Kayla would trip over it when she came out later.

  Julia was still muttering to herself as she walked to her car. She didn’t notice a man creeping up behind her.

  Chapter 19

  Julia froze as she looked at the window of her car. She could see the reflection of a man behind her. She looked closer at his features. She spun around and pointed her car keys at the man. “Dad! What are you doing? And what on earth is that on your head? Is that one of Mum's old summer hats?”

  Dad looked furtively left and right. He hissed, “Don't say another word. Pretend you haven't seen me. Get in the car, drive around the corner and I'll meet you there.” He winked at her before quickly walking away.

  Julia tutted to herself and got into her car. Whatever was he up to now? She drove around the corner and parked behind Dad’s car. She saw him sitting in the driver’s seat He indicated for her to come and join him.

  Julia tutted to herself some more but got out of her car and walked towards Dad’s. As soon as she got in, she said, “What are you up to? Does Mum know you're out dressed like that? Where did you get that trench coat from?”

  Dad said, “If you stop asking so many questions, then I can explain everything.”

  “Go on then, I am listening.”

  “There’s no need to look at me as if I’ve gone mad. I didn't want Cain to see me from his window, hence this cunning disguise. And, for your information, I got this trench coat from a charity shop. I bought it specially today for my undercover manoeuvres. Right, Daughter, what have you found out so far about the friend stealer? She's in there now, isn't she? I saw her go in earlier. What are she and Cain doing? Are they arranging their future? Do they look as if they’re going to get married anytime soon?”

  Julia smiled and said, “If you stop asking so many questions, then I can explain everything.”

  Dad gave her a broad smile. “Go on then, I’m listening.”

  “You already know most of what I’ve found out about Kayla, I’ve been texting you all day.”

  “Aye. I’m surprised Ethel from the market doesn’t know much about her. And it’s strange that she can’t remember who initially mentioned Kayla donating things to the hospital. It wouldn’t surprise me if that young lady started the rumours herself. Humph!” Dad folded his arms and stared out of the window. “It’s not right for a woman to come between two good friends. She’s cast a spell on Cain. He’s not in his right mind.”

  Julia put a reassuring hand on Dad’s arm. “I’m sure he’ll come to his senses soon. He’ll always be your friend. You two have a special bond.”

  “He’ll come to his senses when I reveal what kind of a woman he’s cavorting with! What have you found out about her?”

  “Not much.” Julia told Dad about her meeting with Kayla in Cain’s house. She ended with, “She practically threw me out.”

  Dad pushed up the sleeves of his trench coat. “Let’s go round there now and have it out with her.”

  “I’m tempted, but we won’t be doing Cain any favours. And he won’t thank us for interfering.” Julia pulled her phone from her pocket. “I haven’t done an online check for her yet. Let’s see what we can find out.”

  “Isn’t that illegal?”

  “No. If people put their information online, it’s there for public consumption. Loads of people have social sites nowadays. Mum’s got one.”

  Dad nodded. “Aye, I’ve seen it. I’m not going to have a social page. It’s nobody’s business what I have for my lunch. Have you found anything yet?”

  Julia frowned as she tapped on her phone. “That’s really weird. I can’t find anything at all. There’s no mention of Kayla Booth anywhere.”

  “I bet she’s given us a false name. She’s probably wearing prosthetics to change her appearance. She’s most likely put something in her shoes to make herself taller too. I’ve watched Criminal Minds. I know what goes on in the
minds of these psychopaths.” He suddenly grabbed Julia’s arm and hissed, “Duck! The psychopath’s heading this way!” He dropped down in his seat.

  Julia did the same. They peered over the dashboard as Kayla walked past the car and down the street. She got into a car and drove away.

  Dad sat up straight and turned the engine on. “Let’s follow her.”

  Julia sat up straight too and reached for her seat belt. “Quick! Don’t lose her.”

  Dad kept a safe distance as he followed Kayla Booth for the next five minutes. Kayla stopped outside a church and went into the hall at the side of the church.

  Julia said, “What’s she going in there for?”

  “I’m going to find out.” Dad pulled the sleeves of his trench coat down and lowered the sun hat further down his face. He left his car and crept across the road. He read the notice board outside the church hall. His shoulders sagged and he returned to the car.

  When he got in, Julia said, “What’s wrong?”

  Dad sighed heavily. “I think we’ve got the wrong impression of Kayla. The poor lass is going to bereavement counselling. There’s a support group meeting inside the church hall tonight.” He shook his head sadly. “The poor lass. What were we thinking of by following her like some sort of common criminal? I’ll take you back to your car.”

  Julia didn’t say anything on the return journey. She’d seen the hard look in Kayla’s eyes earlier. She knew that young woman was up to something but she kept her thoughts to herself.

  Chapter 20

  Cain was not himself at all the following morning when Julia picked him up. She gave him a bright smile as he settled himself into the passenger seat. “Morning! I hope you haven’t been up too late with your knitting. I missed your company yesterday.”

  Cain gave her a tired smile. “I’m really sorry about that, Julia. I feel like I’m taking advantage of your good nature.”