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

Why does it worry you so much?” Rosie wheeled herself around the counter. “Surely artificial trees that are made from non-recyclable material are much less friendly to our planet?”

“If they were all in pots like the one in your window then perhaps, I could agree. But most of them are cut down, and then die. And cutting them down means less oxygen and no place for the kingfishers.”

“The kingfishers don’t nest in pines. And they make plenty of oxygen as they grow. Anyway, Darcy replants for every tree he takes.” Rosie tilted her head at Octavia.

“But so much gets wasted!”

“Darcy is going to build furniture from returned trees.” Charlotte added.

Octavia ignored her.

“Rosie, I came to see if those books are here yet.”

“The book club reads?” Rosie shook her head. “Not until the delivery in the new year. We discussed this the other day.”

Lips pursed, Octavia glared at Rosie.

What was wrong now?

“I see. It was my hope you’d try a bit harder to retain loyal customers, but if the book club is not important, then regrettably, we will purchase our books elsewhere.”

Charlotte got to her feet, ready to go around the counter. Rosie’s eyes didn’t leave Octavia’s face, but she shot out her palm at Charlotte. Stay put.

“Octavia, I’m very sorry you feel this way. As I explained, the wholesalers take a break at this time of year so although I’ve ordered the books, they won’t be delivered here until they come back from their holiday. Glenys mentioned the first meeting of the book club could be slightly delayed allowing for the books to arrive and be in the members hands.”

“Glenys Lane is not in charge of the book club! I am now the president and things will be done the way I say.”

“The order was placed, Octavia.”

“Then unplace it. Rosie.” Octavia leaned toward Rosie, almost hissing. “Marguerite and I knew you and your son had it in for Sid, but now you’ve employed Trev’s girlfriend you might as well kiss this shop goodbye.”

With that, she trounced out.

“He’s not my…” Charlotte began but the woman was gone. She turned her attention to Rosie, who hadn’t moved. “What was that about?”

“Nothing. Forget it.” Rosie stared out the door.

Nothing, my foot.

Charlotte finally came around the counter but now, Rosie was on the move, out of the shop and in the opposite direction Octavia took. Charlotte followed.

“Rosie?”

“Back soon. Need to think.”

There were tears in her words and Charlotte wanted to run after her. But customers were heading in and she stood for a moment, torn in two. Rosie needed time. Hands clenched, Charlotte went inside.

Charlotte somehow served customer after customer with a smile, although perhaps a bit forced. Her stomach churned every time her thoughts strayed to Octavia’s savage words. The woman had never been nice, not in her limited exposure, but the way she’d spoken to Rosie was disgusting.

“There you are, all ready for you to write in the card and put beneath the tree.” She handed over a gift-wrapped boxset of books to the last in a series of patient and polite customers.

Glenys came in and straight past the counter with a slight smile at Charlotte. Why was she being nice? Did she not know what had happened?

“How may I assist, Glenys?” With every ounce of civility she could muster, she went to help. “New book?”

“No, dear. Not for me. But I wanted to buy another for the donation box.”

“How generous to buy more. Do you have anything in mind?” Charlotte asked.

“Children’s books. Well, something for a little boy. Darcy’s little boy because I might ask it be given to him, if that is possible?” There was hesitance in her voice. “Without anyone knowing I gave it.”

“Of course. There are a few donations for him so I will ensure whatever you select will go straight to him. And anonymously if that’s what you really want.”

“Thank you. What would you recommend?”

A few minutes later, Glenys had paid and left. Still a bit puzzled by the need for secrecy and apparent friendliness, Charlotte quickly wrapped the book before the next rush.

Where was Rosie? It was more than an hour since she’d left, and her phone was here behind the counter so Charlotte couldn’t even call. Had she gone to the lookout? A shard of fear stabbed Charlotte’s heart. What if she’d fallen?

The shop had a ‘back soon’ sign and Charlotte reached for it. Customers could come back. Even if, according to Octavia, there would soon be none.

“No need, Charlie.” Rosie was back.

Relief replaced the fear. “Just wanted to see what the door looked like with this on it.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Where you at the lookout?”

Rosie nodded as she parked the wheelchair behind the counter. “There’s something soothing about the falls. Puts things into perspective.”

“Agree. I’ve been there twice now and came away happier each time than I went.”

“Has it been busy?” Rosie asked.

“Yes. And some more donations for the giving box. I forgot to take the last five dollars out.”

“I’ll do it.” Rosie opened the register and removed a note. “Anyone we know?”

“Mm.”

“Oh, that good. Who?”

“Glenys.”

For the first time since arriving back, Rosie looked at Charlotte. The rims of her eyes were red and a bit swollen. Her skin was pale although she’d been out in the sun on a warm day. There was the slightest tremor in her hand as she transferred the money to the metal box.

“I see.”

Charlotte sank next to her. “Would you like to go home? I’m perfectly fine here and you need a chance to…deal with what happened.”

Rosie took her hand and squeezed it. “I’m better staying. The little break let me park Octavia’s behaviour for the moment and I’d rather be working. Thank you, darling.”

“Do you want to talk?”

“Not yet. And not here.”

“I’ll find us both some water and we can prepare for the next onslaught.”

As Charlotte stood, Rosie kept hold of her. “Charlotte. I fear I’ve involved you in problems not of your making. Just by association you’ve come under fire.”

“I have no time for judgemental people.