Knitting And Murder (Julia Blake Cozy Mystery Book 9)

by Gillian Larkin

  Julia wanted to ask more questions about Blanche and her computer skills, but Elaine had moved on to serve someone else. Surely Elaine must be mistaken about Blanche. When Julia had spoken to Blanche on the evening of the knitting class, Blanche said she had no idea about computers and the Internet. Had the old woman been lying to her on purpose? And if so, why had she done that? What was she trying to hide? And what were the problems she was having?

  Julia picked up the pile of books and headed for the door. She stopped at a vending machine on the way out and got two bars of chocolate for her and Cain. She definitely needed chocolate. This day was getting more confusing by the minute.

  Chapter 24

  Julia drove to Cartwright Manor and parked on the road outside. They walked through the gates and were immediately met by an old man wielding a pitchfork at them.

  He waved his gardening weapon and shouted, “We don’t want to buy anything! We’ve already got double-glazing so you can clear off!”

  Julia called out, “It’s me, Julia. We met the other day. This is Cain.” She turned to Cain and explained the man was Old George. Cain gave him a half smile and took a step back.

  Old George lowered the pitchfork and glowered at Julia. “I know you. You’re that strumpet who tried it on with me the other day. June! Have you come back for more? I’m not that kind of man.” He pulled the pitchfork defensively towards his chest. “Lay one finger on me and I’ll start screaming.”

  Julia held her hands out. “I’ve no intention of touching you. And I didn’t ‘try it on’ with you the other day. You fell over because you were drunk. I was trying to help you up.”

  Old George tilted his head. “I was feeling a bit unsteady the other day. Did you put something in my pop? I bet you did. I bet you would have had your wicked way with me if the police hadn’t turned up.” He wobbled unsteadily on his feet.

  Julia said, “I didn’t put anything in your pop. I think you drunk some elderflower wine by mistake.”

  “That you gave me, no doubt.” Old George looked over at Cain. “Who’s this then? Your toy-boy?”

  Julia sighed. “This is my colleague, Cain. We’re here to see Henrietta Cartwright. Is she in?”

  “No, she’s out.” He lowered his pitchfork and took a step closer. “What do you want with Miss Henrietta? I don’t want you upsetting her. She’s been through enough already. I suppose you know about Miss Blanche, God rest her soul.”

  “I do. I was the one who found her.”

  Old George cupped a hand around his ear. “You were the one who killed her? You’ve got a nerve coming back here, June!” He raised his weapon swiftly and ran at Julia. Cain shot forward and threw himself at Old George’s legs. They collapsed to the ground. Cain grabbed the pitchfork and flung it to one side.

  Julia felt her legs giving way and she wobbled over to the stone steps and sat down.

  DI Clarke chose that moment to walk through the gates, his hands clasped behind his back. He took in the scene and nodded to himself as if he was expecting the chaos in front of him. “Ms Blake, would you like to explain what your colleague is doing to Old George? Didn’t you put the old man through enough of an ordeal the other day?”

  Cain got to his feet, held out a hand, and helped Old George up. Cain said to the inspector, “He was going to stab Julia with his pitchfork. He thought she was the one who’d killed Blanche.”

  Old George lifted a shaking finger in Julia’s direction. “I wouldn’t put it past her. She’s got a knowing look on her face. She’s seen plenty of things that she shouldn’t have.”

  Julia ran a hand over her tired eyes and muttered, “You’re right about that.”

  DI Clarke surprised her with the kind tone in his voice. “I’ll deal with this, Ms Blake.” He walked over to Cain and Old George. “Cain here is interested in gardening. Would you be able to show him around the gardens, please, Old George? He could do a bit of light weeding for you.”

  Old George clapped his hands together and looked at Cain anew. “A fellow gardener! I knew there was something about you I liked. Follow me, lad. When we get round the corner, grab that wheelbarrow. We’ll need it.”

  Cain grinned at the old man and followed him down the path at the side of the garden.

  Julia stood up and said thank you to the inspector. “That old man thinks I’m after him. I think I preferred him when he was drunk, he wasn’t as aggressive.” She looked towards the path. “Cain just threw himself in front of the pitchfork. He could have been hurt.” Her eyes prickled and she quickly forced a smile on her face.

  DI Clarke said, “Do I need to ask why you’re here? Didn’t I tell you to leave this investigation to us?”

  “I am doing. I’m here because I want to ask Henrietta about Kayla.”

  “Kayla Booth? Why?”

  Julia told him about her concerns over Kayla and Cain. “Cain says he’s not going to have anything more to do with her, but I’m not convinced she’ll leave him alone. I wanted to find out more about her and I was going to speak to Henrietta.” She paused, looked down at her feet, and continued, “Do you know anything about Kayla? If that’s even her real name.”

  “Ms Blake, are you talking to the ground, or me?”

  Julia looked up at him. “Of course I’m talking to you! I’m trying to help Cain, that’s all. I’m not interfering in your work even though I …” She stopped and looked at the path again. “I’d better collect Cain. We need to make a move.”

  “You’re not going anywhere until you tell me what you’ve been up to. I got your message earlier. I know what you’re like, Ms Blake. I know you’ll have picked up some gossip about Blanche Cartwright.”

  Julia looked at the inspector. There was no point in pretending so she told him everything. He started off by giving an air of professional disinterest at her so-called gossip, but she soon noticed the spark of interest in his eyes as she told him about Blanche’s doomed love affair.

  “Hmm. I didn’t know that. Thank you for letting me know. If you find out the name of the ex-boyfriend, would you let me know, please?”

  Julia couldn’t help herself. “Oh, I’m not sure that I can. I won’t be listening to any more gossip about Blanche. I don’t want to interfere in police work.”

  Whatever reply DI Clarke had ready was lost as Henrietta Cartwright drove slowly through the gates.

  Chapter 25

  Julia was shocked at how pale Henrietta looked as she got out of her car. Her attention was caught by something different about Henrietta’s hair but she couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was.

  In a low voice, DI Clarke said to Julia, “Don’t be bombarding her with questions. Say what you have to and then leave.”

  “I will do.” Julia had no intention of upsetting Henrietta. She looked as if she’d been through enough already.

  Henrietta smiled at her visitors. “Good afternoon, DI Clarke, and Julia. To what do I owe this pleasure?”

  DI Clarke moved his hand in Julia’s direction. “Ms Blake has something to say to you. She won’t keep you long. And then I’m afraid I have a few more questions for you, Ms Cartwright.”

  Julia wondered for a moment what his questions were going to be. Would they be based on the information she had shared with him? Was he going to ask Henrietta about her possible involvement with Selby Kemp? She jumped as the inspector let out a short, obvious cough at her side.

  Henrietta moved closer to Julia and said, “I’m so sorry that you had to find my sister. It must have been a great shock for you. Thank you for handling the situation so well.”

  Julia was tempted to tell her it wasn’t the first dead body she’d found, but she didn’t think Henrietta would like to hear that. Julia reached into her pocket and pulled out an envelope that contained the cash Blanche had given her. She explained about the secret cleaning arrangement. Julia said, “I’ve still got your house key too. It’s in the envelope.”

  Henrietta shook her head slowly. “Why didn’t she tell me s
he was struggling? That was so like her to put me first.” Her voice broke and she looked down at the ground. When she looked back up, she said, “Would you mind keeping the money and key, please? I think I could do with your services in the next few days. With one thing and another, I think I’ll be having lots of visitors to the house. And, if Blanche trusted you, then I do too.”

  DI Clarke said, “Other cleaning companies are available.”

  Henrietta continued, “Thank you, Inspector. But I would be happy to have Julia and Cain cleaning my home. Speaking of Cain, where is he? Is he out with young Kayla? They seemed to be getting on well the other night.”

  The opportunity was too good for Julia to miss. She ignored the glare coming from DI Clarke and said, “How well do you know Kayla?”

  “Not very well. She was very quiet at the knitting class but exchanged pleasantries with everyone. She seemed interested in what other people were working on and loved looking at completed items. In fact, I think she bought some of the completed items for members of her family. Of course, the person in the knitting class didn’t charge her a lot for the item. You don’t do that to friends. Which reminds me, I’ve finished knitting some baby blankets for that charity work she’s doing for the hospital. Would you be able to give them to Kayla on my behalf, please? I’d be extremely grateful.”

  Julia could no longer ignore the glare coming from DI Clarke. She felt like his eyes were boring a hole in her forehead. “I can collect them when I come back to do some cleaning work if that’s okay?”

  “That would be perfect. I’ll leave them out in the hall. Please telephone me to let me know when you’re coming over.” Henrietta turned to the inspector. “Would you like to come inside, DI Clarke?”

  Julia swallowed nervously before asking the next question. “I could send you an email to let you know when I’m free.”

  Henrietta frowned. “Email? I’m afraid I don’t know anything about emails. Technology has left me behind.” Her hand came up and she fiddled with her pearl necklace.

  Julia said, “Oh, I’m sorry. I’ve just been speaking to Elaine at the library and she said Blanche had a laptop. I’m sorry, I presumed that you both used it.”

  Henrietta’s hand tightened and Julia was worried for the pearls. She was expecting them to tumble to the ground at any moment. Henrietta let out a sharp laugh. “I wouldn’t believe anything Elaine says! She likes to gossip. Like a lot of people around here. Gossip always leads to no good. Excuse me, Julia, I really must go inside. I don’t feel too well. DI Clarke, would you mind getting me a glass of water? Thank you.” She walked away from Julia and let herself into Cartwright Manor.

  DI Clarke gave Julia an admonishing look. “You’ve upset her with all that talk about a laptop.”

  Julia’s forehead creased and she said quietly, “She’s lying. Can’t you see that?”

  “What I can see is none of your business. Good day, Ms Blake.” He followed Henrietta into the house and closed the door behind him.

  Julia stared at the closed door for a while. Why was Henrietta lying about the laptop? Why was she covering up for Blanche?

  Cain came down the side path holding a plant pot. He beamed at her. “Julia, look! Old George has given me this tomato plant. He’s been growing tomatoes here for years and he’s told me exactly what to do. You should see the garden back there. It’s awesome.”

  Julia looked at his smiling face and decided she wouldn’t bother him with the conversation she’d had with the inspector and Henrietta. She looked at the plant. “How long does it take for the tomatoes to grow? I like a plump tomato in my sandwich.”

  Cain put one hand at the side of the little plant and whispered, “Don’t talk about eating it! That won’t encourage it to grow. Old George said I have to talk to it every day and tell it how beautiful and strong it is. I can sing to it too. Old George said his tomato plants like listening to Elvis Presley.”

  Julia walked back to the car with Cain. She carefully held the delicate plant while Cain settled himself into the passenger seat. She handed the plant reverently to him. He smiled at his plant and said, “I’m going to take good care of you. And you’re going to grow stronger every day. You are beautiful.”

  As soon as Julia got in the car, she put on her CD of Elvis songs. She’d rather listen to Elvis than Cain crooning to his new friend. As she set off, she couldn’t stop thinking about Henrietta and Blanche Cartwright. They’d given the impression of being genteel ladies but Julia was beginning to think they were leading secret lives. And she was still convinced that Kayla Booth had something to do with the death of Blanche.

  Chapter 26

  “Julia, can we drop Tommy off at my house, please? I don’t want to leave him in the car all day without any ventilation.”

  “Tommy?”

  “My tomato plant,” Cain replied, as if it was obvious. “I can’t keep calling him ‘it’. It’s not polite.”

  “How do you know it’s a boy?”

  “I just know.” Cain smiled down at the plant. “When we get home, Tommy, I’ll show you around my house. You’ll like it there. And I’ve got the perfect spot in mind for you.”

  Julia shook her head and turned her car in the direction of Cain’s house. When they arrived, she said, “I’ll stay here while you get Tommy settled in. Three’s a crowd, and all that.”

  Cain didn’t take his eyes off his plant as he replied, “Thanks. I won’t be long.”

  Julia watched him walk towards his bungalow. He wasn’t looking at where he was going but managed to keep upright as he went along the drive. Julia thought again about Blanche and her secret computer skills. Maybe Blanche had an online presence. It was worth checking out. Julia did so but couldn’t find anything. There again, Blanche could have been using a false name. Julia was about to check on Henrietta when Cain returned to the car.

  Cain looked wistfully towards his house. “I hope Tommy will be alright without me. I’ve given him a drink.”

  “I’m sure he’ll be fine. What’s that in your hand?”

  Cain looked down at the pastel coloured envelopes. “I found them by the front door. They’re aren’t any stamps on them so they must have been delivered by hand.” He looked at the first one. “It’s got my name on. It’s quite childish writing. I wonder who would be writing to me?”

  Julia said, “There’s only one way to find out.”

  Cain opened the first envelope and scanned the letter. His face lit up, but then, just as suddenly, his face fell. He handed the letter to Julia and then opened another envelope.

  Julia read the letter. It had been written in crayon and the letters were big and child-like. ‘Dear Mr Cane, fank yu for the babey clothes. My mum likes them. She put them on my new bruvver. He didn’t have any clothes. He’s got yours now. From Lily, age 6.’

  Cain handed her another letter. “It’s similar to that one. There’s a note from Kayla. She dropped these letters through my door. She’s been to the hospital this morning and was given them by one of the nurses. Children have written them. To say thank you to me.” He gulped. “Oh, Julia. I feel so bad now. Kayla’s trying to help these unfortunate people. I’ll have to ring her and tell her I’ll get some more items ready for her.”

  “You’ll do no such thing,” Julia said abruptly. She waved the letters at him. “For all we know, Kayla could have written these letters herself, to make you feel guilty.”

  “No! She wouldn’t do that.”

  “Look at these words. This apparent child can’t spell thank you, but she can spell clothes? I don’t think so. And there’s not one single letter that’s back to front, not even a b or a d. That’s one of the most common mistakes that six-year-olds make. Sam and Chloe did that until they were eight. Ask Mum. She works with young children. And the letters are too similar.”

  Cain stared at her for a moment. “What happened to you letting me make my own mistakes?”

  Julia pushed the letters back at him. “You go ahead then. But don’t say
I didn’t warn you!”

  Cain gave her a small grin. “And what happened to you being there to support me if I needed it?”

  Julia let out an exasperated sigh. “I can change my opinions if I want!” She took a deep breath and tried to compose herself. “I’m sorry. You phone her if you like. It’s none of my business.”

  Cain chewed on his lip as he looked down at the letters. “I don’t know what to do.”

  Julia folded her arms tightly and willed herself not to interfere. Her phone rang and she was grateful for the distraction. It was Mum. She asked how Julia was, and if she and Cain would like to come over for tea after work.

  Julia looked over at Cain, who was now studying his phone. He looked as if he was deciding whether to phone Kayla or not. Julia told him about Mum’s offer. Cain’s eyes popped open. “Yes! Please! Thank you!” He put his phone away and grinned at the front window.

  Julia ended the call with Mum. She said to Cain, “She’s making lasagne. One of your favourites.” She laughed as Cain grinned so much that his ears moved up the side of his face. She said, “We’d better get on with our work then. We don’t want to be late to Mum’s.”

  They got on with their cleaning work for the afternoon. Cain worked harder than normal. It was as if he felt he needed to make up for his recent absence. Julia reckoned it was either that, or he was worried about Dad eating his share of the lasagne if they were late.

  As they were leaving their last job, Julia got another call. It was from Ivy this time.

  “Julia, I’ve got some more information for you about Blanche’s old boyfriend. He’s called Howard Samuels. My friend, who saw him around town before, saw him again this morning. She took a photo of him! He didn’t notice. He was too busy chatting on his phone. Let me send it to you.” There was a pause. “Now then, which button is it again?”