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

finish this after the doors closed so the new owners could collect them tomorrow. Rosie was exhausted and when things began to quiet down at about five, Charlotte made her go.

“Because if you insist on staying, I’m going to drive you home, and you have no idea what kind of driver I am.” She’d threatened.

“How bad could it be between here and my place?” Rosie was collecting her bag as she talked. “Unless you are like Sid.”

“How rude!” Charlotte chuckled. “I can drive much faster.”

“Very well, I shall go. I need to shop so appreciate the extra time, darling. I feel bad leaving you to finish gift wrapping.”

“No need. I shall close and then wrap, perhaps with a glass of wine. I want to add those last-minute gift ideas to the Facebook page, so can sit down here and upload photos.”

A family hurried in, the mother with a look of desperation Charlotte was getting used to seeing. She shooed Rosie out and looked after them. Their arrival was followed by a series of late shoppers and the next half hour flew by.

With a small sigh of relief, Charlotte closed and locked the front door. She turned off all the lights except the one above the counter and counted the takings. Once they were in the safe, she did a quick sweep and tidied up the shop ready for the morning. From upstairs she collected a glass of red wine and returned to the counter, ready to wrap the remaining books.

A tap on the door surprised her and she waved and shook her head as if to say ‘closed’. But it was Esther, who mouthed something Charlotte couldn’t hear.

Charlotte opened the door a crack. “Hello, I’m sorry but I’ve closed the registers.”

“Oh, I was going home and saw the light. Not buying, just hoped to have a word.”

“Come in. But I’ll lock you in with me.”

Esther slid inside and waited at the counter as Charlotte closed and relocked the door. Her face was the most relaxed Charlotte had seen so far.

She smiled. “I won’t hold you up, Charlotte. We sent the photos to the insurance company and they’ve said they’d like you to provide a brief statement, if you don’t mind. They were very nice on the phone, and I got the impression they’ll help us.”

“Oh, wonderful! Yes, let them have my email address and I can fill in their form or whatever they need. Have the police let you know anything?”

“Sid? He doesn’t care. Don’t let his car chase through town fool you for a minute because it was all for show.” Esther turned red; her hands balled at her side. “There’s something going on and us traders? We’re all caught in the middle of it.”

“I’m listening.”

“Council wants us to contribute to a new tree for the roundabout. We already paid for one mid-year when Jonas came around crying poor.”

“I heard about them asking for money now, but if you’ve already paid once it seems unfair. Would you like to sit?”

“No. I really have to get going and I’m sorry to get all upset. We’d all really like some proper policing.” She glanced at where Rosie usually worked. “I’m sure we’d all be happy if Trevor was in charge.”

“I think he’s pretty happy in River’s End.” Charlotte wished someone would tell her exactly why he wasn’t here in Kingfisher Falls.

“I know. He always tells Doug and me he loves it there. But we need good policing and instead we have Sid Browne.” Esther headed for the door. “Perhaps he’ll come back now you’re here.”

“Trev? Me? No, it’s nothing like that. Here, let me get the lock, it tends to be a bit stiff to turn.” Charlotte opened the door and stepped out into the late afternoon sunshine. “I was so pleased to hear Doug say what he did last night.”

“He is one for telling things as they are. Both of us are angry anyone would even consider Darcy to be behind all the thefts. I’ve known him since he was born and there’s nothing in him but a good heart and kind spirit.”

Back inside, Charlotte took a sip of wine before beginning to wrap. Why did Esther believe she and Trev had something going on? Rosie knew better, although she did worry about her son’s love life, or lack thereof, so it probably wasn’t coming from her. Maybe just a typical small-town response. People like to gossip. Pity there was nothing to gossip about when it came to Trevor Sibbritt.

The wine glass was long empty by the time there was a row of beautifully wrapped books lining the top of the back counter. Charlotte was pleased with herself. As with decorating Christmas trees, she had little experience with gift wrapping, but once Rosie showed her a few tricks, she enjoyed doing it. Using her hands to create something pretty was surprisingly satisfying.

She took a couple of photos of the newly made display near the children’s section. It was filled with colourful picture books right up to young adult novels, all discounted until close of business on Christmas Eve. These she uploaded to Facebook, adding a catchy description.

The page had grown again, and there were new reviews. Charlotte couldn’t help smiling as she recognised some names who left glowing comments. But then the smile faded. Someone called ‘Disenworb the Great’ had given one star. Fine, but the words below chilled Charlotte.

Overpriced. Rude staff. Don’t shop there.

“What? Rude? Us?” Charlotte heard the shock in her voice and took a deep breath. This was someone having a go. Possibly a competitor. Her mind flew back to the Santa from the next town, happily encouraging the folk of Kingfisher Falls to take their business to his store. Her fingers hovered above the keyboard to respond. Instead, she exited Facebook, and turned off the computer.

Any response needed to be cleverly worded to take the sting out of the review. But not to engage with someone who had an axe to grind. She’d think