SLAY PAIRS WITH ROSE (The Kelly's Deli Cozy Murder Mysteries Book 3) by Sophie Brent (phonics reading books .txt) 📕

“There’s one more thing, Zoe. Did you know that Emma’s husband Harry is back in Kingsmede and snuggling up very close to Maya? They are definitely a couple. Oh yes, I’m sure. Problem is, you might find it tough to persuade Maya to leave her boyfriend long enough to support Fiona. Time to turn on your magic powers of persuasion. Excellent. Would you mind making the calls for me? Kelly’s deli. Private party. One o’clock. See you there!”

Erin popped her phone into her pocket and headed back towards the Manor House kitchens. Time to break the bad news to chef Frankie and his sister Gemma that their order would be a day late.

She did not have to walk far, because coming down the path towards her was her old school pal Gemma, pushing a large trolley of what looked like Frankie’s version of an afternoon tea. From the huffing and puffing sounds that Gemma was making, the August heat was definitely getting to her.

Jogging forwards, Erin slung her shoulder bag out of the way and reached for the heavy tea trolley as they walked down the path towards the patio. “What’s this, Gemma?” She laughed. “Sneaking off for a snack?”

“I wish,” Gemma replied as she wiped her brow with a paper napkin and pushed her fingers back through her hair.  “It’s absolute madness in there at the minute. Every room here is booked, and they all want room service or patio teas.”

Then she leant forwards in her best gossipy mode. “I heard that you were there at Abbotsdown Hall. When that poor girl was found in the freezer.”

Gemma gave an exaggerated shudder. “I have had nightmares all weekend just thinking about it. No,” she raised her right hand and swiped it into the air. “Don’t tell me anything. No gory details. There is enough going here.”

With a loud sigh, she lifted her chin and shook her head. “This trolley is for two of the wedding party and it’s all they can talk about. I remember Fiona from way back. What a mess.”

“Well,” Erin replied and nodded with her head towards the fresh clotted cream and strawberry jam pots. “These scones are going to be an even bigger mess if we don’t get them out of this heat soon. Curdled cream, anyone?”

Then she laughed and picked up speed with the trolley. “Why don’t I give you a hand? Which table is it?”

“It’s on the one on the far left,” Gemma pointed. “And thanks. This heat is a killer.”

“No problem,” Erin smiled as she turned the corner and pushed the trolley onto the covered patio. “Can you pass on a message to Frankie that the deli is closed tomorrow so his order will be a day late? Normal service from Tuesday.”

Then she stopped and took a breath. Because sitting at the brasserie table were Ethan’s brother Adam and his girlfriend Rebecca, who was pale and shaking.

“Rebecca? Is everything okay?” Erin asked as Gemma stepped forward and swiftly loaded the table with a sumptuous afternoon tea before wheeling the trolley away with a quick wink to Erin.

“It’s Erin, isn’t it?” Adam asked and stretched out his hand with a faint smile. “Please. Take a seat.”

“Thanks. Yes, that’s right,” she nodded as she shook his hand, then slid onto one of the padded chairs. “I’m Zoe’s friend and the lucky baker who Fiona trusted to make her wedding cake.”

“Are you working here too?” Adam asked as he loaded two plates with mini sandwiches and cheese pastries.

“Not at all,” Erin smiled and then turned to look directly at Rebecca. “Actually, I came to the hotel to drop off Emma’s luggage. Maya is going to pass it on to Emma’s husband Harry. I’m not sure what he is going to do with it, but her bags couldn’t stay at Abbotsdown Hall.”

“Her luggage,” Rebecca whispered in a trembling voice, then gave a quick nod. “That was thoughtful. Thank you, Erin. I certainly couldn’t do it. It would have been too much.”

“Please don’t upset yourself, sweetheart,” Adam smiled and squeezed Rebecca’s hand. “Why don’t you have something to eat? You’ve had an exhausting morning.”

“Very,” she smiled and picked up a sandwich before nodding her head toward Erin. “I have never given a police statement before. And hopefully, I never will again.”

“You were amazing,” Adam said as poured them both a cup of Earl Grey with a slice of lemon. “Tea, Erin? There is a spare cup.”

“Thank you, but no,” Erin smiled, then placed both of her hands flat on the table. “But I do sympathise, Rebecca. I’ve had many visits to the police station over the past twelve months and none of them were pleasant.” She gave a small shoulder shrug. “I suppose it has to be done so they can put together a clear picture of what happened to Emma that night. Someone must have seen her going into the kitchens in all the chaos.”

“They did,” Rebecca sighed between mouthfuls. “That was why I was at the station. It was me. I was probably the last person to see Emma Wilson alive.”

Erin sucked in a breath. “Please. Tell me what happened that night. And no, it’s not just morbid curiosity. I want to help Fiona get through this and come out the other side in one piece. To me, that means one thing. Finding out if Emma’s death was an accident or not. And right now, I don’t know the answer. So, please. Help me understand.”

Adam smiled at Rebecca and nodded twice before sitting back in silence, to enjoy the last of the savouries.

“Okay,” Rebecca replied, her voice trembling with hesitation. “I can tell you what I know, which isn’t much. Did…” She paused for a second before adding, “Did Zoe tell you what happened at