Deadly Start by Clark Nefri (summer beach reads .txt) 📕

asked. “At this time of year nobody has time to run into the next town to buy another tree, even if any decent ones are left. So, who are they going to turn to?”

“Oh, for goodness sake.” Rosie’s voice was calm and clear, and heads turned in her direction. “Has this meeting been called to blame one family for being in the right business at this time of year? Do you blame alarm companies as well when there’s a break in?”

Veronica, who’d been staring at Rosie, stepped forward. “It makes sense. The Christmas tree from the roundabout simply cannot be replaced on short notice, except by Darcy Forest.”

“Where is he anyway? Shouldn’t he be here to stand up for himself?” another voice from somewhere in the crowd. People muttered amongst themselves. Kevin and Jonas exchanged a nod.

This was getting out of hand. Was Rosie the only voice of reason? Esther and Doug—wearing chef’s whites—stepped through the crowd to the front. Doug spoke quietly to Jonas, who moved off his crate.

Doug took his place. “Look, I’m meant to be making you lot delicious pizzas and pastas, not running out here to talk some sense.” He paused as a couple of people laughed. “But when our shop window was smashed the other night, we struggled to come up with enough money to replace the tree. And you’ve got to have one, particularly in a shop.”

“So why not just get another artificial one?” Kevin asked. “Replace what you had?”

“Actually, we planned to. We’d got the last one from Veronica.”

The crowd looked at her and she nodded. “I put them in when I saw how busy people were. Better to buy local, I say.”

“And we would have, but your prices had gone up. Like, a lot up. Darcy’s are much cheaper, and we got a potted one to plant afterwards. Keep the tradition going, eh, Rosie?” Doug winked at Rosie and she smiled.

“Well, I am quite offended you’d say such a thing!” Veronica was bright red. “I’m only a single mother who needs to provide for my children alone and pay my staff. There are overheads you know.”

“Nah, don’t be offended.” Doug patted her shoulder as he stepped off the crate. “Everyone’s trying to make a living. But we just couldn’t justify paying double Darcy’s price. Sorry. But he isn’t guilty of anything.”

Veronica stomped off around the other side of the fountain. Charlotte waited for someone to follow her, or call her back, but everyone was watching Jonas who’d returned to the crate.

“So, Doug has declared the Forests aren’t behind the thefts. If I didn’t appreciate his cooking so much, I’d have to ask him how he knows.” Jonas waited for laughter, but none came. The crowd began to thin. “If anyone knows anything, or has any theories, speak with Sid. You can do so anonymously.”

“Until he tracks you down.” Rosie spoke under her breath.

“Rosie?”

“Nothing. I might go.” She spun the wheelchair around and with Charlotte at her side, headed toward the bookshop. Jonas’ voice followed them until they reached the road.

Charlotte gazed back. Only a handful of people remained. Kevin, Jonas and Veronica were in a huddle. “Shall I get some pitchforks?”

“I think it’s all bluff, Charlie. Those two men like the sound of their own voices but it is unprofessional for a councillor to speak out against rate-paying residents and business owners. Thank goodness for Doug.”

“Did you know Veronica sells trees?”

“Can’t say I did. Really have only spoken to her once or twice.”

“Do you mind if I walk with you for a bit? Need to work off my dinner.”

“Can you keep up?” Rosie grinned and took off at speed.

“Hey! You got a head start!”

Chapter Nineteen

On the way to her street, Rosie filled Charlotte in on the structure of local council. Although most people, and even some maps, included Kingfisher Falls in the Macedon Ranges, it was its own tiny shire, bordered by Macedon Ranges shire on two sides. Its council resisted regular attempts to change its status, but Rosie believed it was inevitable.

“With the current lot of councillors, the mayor, and Sid, what hope is there of staying autonomous?” Rosie pulled up at the corner. “And now they want to chase the Forests out, I can’t see anything but mayhem and sadness ahead.”

“Mayhem and Mellow. That’s who you should worry about, not the silly antics of grown adults who should know better. Rosie, I’ve seen people like this before and as you say, there’s a lot of bluff. Shall I walk to the house with you?”

Rosie laughed, finally releasing some of the negative energy the evening produced in them both. “Do you know how long I’ve done this for, young lady? Back and forth, no matter what the season or the weather. Although if its wet or snowing I do take the car.”

“Snowing?”

“At least once a winter, sometimes more. Now, off with you unless you need me to hold your hand.”

With a wave, Rosie wheeled off along the footpath. Charlotte backed against a tree, out of sight, just to be sure Rosie was safely home before leaving. As much as she might encourage Rosie to not worry, Charlotte was. This town was a hotbed of corruption. Tonight alone, she’d observed more than one attempt to direct attention away from the people responsible for law and order and keeping the community both informed and feeling safe.

She saw Rosie turn into her driveway. Back on the main road, she noticed many of the houses had their curtains drawn shut. Last night, she’d seen into brightly decorated lounge rooms as she’d passed. How sad. The crime was taking its toll.

Was this some attempt to disrupt the town or were the Forest family being set up. And if so, why?

Glenys lived next door to them. But she was hardly hooning around in a ute. Charlotte needed to ask Rosie if Glenys had any sons or other young male relatives or friends. A ‘Darro’, for example.

The roundabout was ahead, and several cars were parked around its