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

“Happy to help. Is this to go down first? Anything else under it?”

“It is a bit heavy, if you’re sure? And I’ve already put a rubber mat down so this goes on top.”

Plate on the rubber mat, Charlotte stepped back as Darcy carried a dark green pine tree in as though it weighed nothing. He placed it down with surprising gentleness, ensuring the pot didn’t damage the plate. Then, he fanned the branches until it was full. “Being in the window, it’ll need regular watering, but watch it doesn’t overflow.”

They left the window. The book club ladies were at the door, still chatting amongst themselves. Rosie was behind the counter and Darcy stopped for a moment. “Let me know after Christmas what day suits and I’ll move it for you.”

“Thank you, Darcy. It is a lovely tree.” The corners of Rosie’s mouth lifted.

“Shouldn’t be using real trees, if you ask me. What about our environment?” Octavia had her hands on her hips, scowling at Darcy.

He slipped past the ladies and back to his truck without a word.

“For many years, my husband and I bought a potted pine, and every year it was donated after Christmas to where it was most needed. I’m doing this again because the farm needs our support, and it seems quite environmentally friendly. To me.” Rose spoke with a calm tone, but her fingers tapped the sides of the wheelchair.

“But most of the trees from that…that place, are cut down, so you tell me how that is a good thing?” With that, Octavia flounced out, the others trailing behind.

Charlotte didn’t know what to make of it all. River’s End had its share of quirky people, but this little town might just outdo it for odd people with strange ideas.

Chapter Three

It took almost the whole day for Charlotte to decorate the tree between customers, answering phone calls, and forcing Rosie to take a lunch break.

“But I always eat behind the counter.”

Rosie’s protest lasted for all of one minute, then she agreed it was a lovely day to sit in the park and enjoy her sandwiches. Watching Rosie wheel up the road warmed Charlotte’s heart. This wonderful woman had worked hard her entire life and deserved a chance to enjoy the sun.

Once the tree was finished, Charlotte stepped outside to see it as part of the whole display. She gasped. The tree was gorgeous. Overflowing with the ornaments, and lit from around its trunk, she couldn’t believe she’d never put a tree up for herself. And even though she could come and look at this one anytime she wanted, she filed away the thought of buying something a lot smaller from Darcy for upstairs.

Behind the tree was a wall running almost all the way behind the window. A picture of Santa with kangaroos instead of reindeer added an Australian touch. But in what she was beginning to recognise as true Rosie style, the flooring was covered in soft white fabric, and what looked like hundreds of crystal snowflakes hung at different heights from the ceiling. All in all, the window was a perfect mix of traditional and Aussie and it made Charlotte clap her hands.

Then, she quickly looked around to ensure nobody saw such an impulsive action. Impulsive and Charlotte Dean did not belong together. But the street was minding its own business, with pedestrians and cars.

Rosie joined Charlotte. She gazed at the tree, then up at Charlotte. “If this truly is the first tree you’ve decorated, then I’ve discovered a new talent. Well done, darling.”

Although she’d told Rosie she was happy to close the store, Charlotte was secretly relieved to finish first. She’d not shopped at all since her first day here, only running out to buy the absolute basics and lots of takeaways, but now she wanted to fill the fridge and pantry.

Kingfisher Falls had two supermarkets. The closest one was also the largest, so after writing a shopping list, which was for everything except tea, coffee, and milk, Charlotte grabbed some reusable bags and walked up the road.

The pavement was still busy. People walked their dogs, or strolled hand in hand window shopping. Seeing several people outside the bookshop, looking in thrilled her. She pushed a trolley around, listening to the Christmas music as she put a lot less in than she expected. Too many years living from day to day. Halfway around, she stopped and told herself off.

This is your home now. And it is Christmas, so start acting like it.

She did a U-turn and started shopping in the fresh produce area. Lots of lovely vegetables, eggs, and crispy fresh bread. She wasn’t a big meat eater, so chose some fish from the deli, along with a selection of cheese and ready-made salads.

Charlotte lingered over a display of Christmas cakes, shortbreads, and other goodies, then went looking for the more practical aisles with cleaning products and some extra plates and cups. She didn’t need Christmas fare.

Walking home loaded up with her bags of shopping, Charlotte stopped at a few shop windows to check out their displays. The travel agency was impressive, turning the top deck of the cruise ship into an outdoor Christmas party. A ladies’ boutique featured mannequins with Christmas attire around an artificial tree. But then she found one of Darcy’s trees at a gift shop. Well, it looked like the one in the bookshop.

Earlier in the day, after the book club ladies had left, and Charlotte had finished the tree, she’d got coffee for Rosie and herself.

“You know I have no retail background, Rosie, so did I handle the ladies well enough? Or, how could I improve?”

Rosie shook her head. “They are the minority. All are a bit selfish and when they come in together, they make each other worse. You did great.”

“I got the feeling Mrs Morris disliked Darcy. She was quite rude about his farm.”

“There is a history. The Morris and Forest