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

“What if we put together a hamper? Things for the new baby, plus some Christmas goodies they might not splash out on.” Charlotte suggested. “I’m going up there tomorrow, so maybe I can get some ideas.”

“Are you being a sleuth again?”

“Probably. The problem is timing. If I discover items they might use that aren’t available in Kingfisher Falls, there’s little time left to shop elsewhere.”

“Or, a gift voucher. The supermarkets all sell them.”

“What a good idea!”

Marguerite Browne walked past the shop. Halfway past the second window she turned and made her way inside. Charlotte and Rosie exchanged a glance.

“Right.” Marguerite said as she leaned on the counter with both hands. “You’re both here. Excellent.”

“How may we help, Mrs Browne?” Charlotte stood, a smile on her face.

“I don’t need your help.”

“If you are going to be rude, Marguerite—” Rosie started.

“No! No, please don’t think that for one minute! I really don’t need Carol’s help.”

“Charlotte.”

“Anyway, I came to apologise on behalf of the Kingfisher Falls Bookclub. And Octavia, although she won’t admit it.”

Rosie laced her fingers together. “Really.”

“I wasn’t here to know exactly what was said, but from Octavia’s account, there was a misunderstanding about the ordering of the books for our next meeting.”

“Not a misunderstanding, but please continue.”

“She was worried we wouldn’t have time to receive the books in question, get them to our members, and organise one of our nights. December is such a busy month and then in January, a lot of the ladies go away on holiday, so the dates are quite critical.”

“I appreciate that, Marguerite. Really, I do understand the timing, but it is out of my control. I’d love to provide the books for you as I have done for so many years.” Rosie was calm and still. “Whatever happens, my commitment to the readers of Kingfisher Falls hasn’t wavered, and you really should know that.”

Marguerite wouldn’t meet Rosie’s eyes. “Um. Of course. You are a valued member of the community.”

“But Octavia said otherwise. She really hurt my feelings, in fact. And for the record, I have nothing at all against you. Or Sid. I only judge people by the things they do, not who they really are.”

That’s my Rosie.

“She shouldn’t have raised the past.” Marguerite straightened. “What happened back then is best forgotten. Don’t you agree? Anyway, it is almost Christmas. A time for family. Well, except for poor Octavia who really does feel alone at this time of year since Darcy’s mother stole her husband away.”

“No doubt Darcy’s father felt the same about Octavia’s husband, but as you say, it is almost Christmas and I believe it is a perfect opportunity to show our generosity. Pastor and Mrs Stevens have collected most of the contents of the giving box, and I’d love to refill it by Christmas Eve.” Rosie gestured to the box with a smile. “Do you know we also donate five dollars from every book put into the box?”

Marguerite narrowed her eyes. “Nice of you. And where will those funds go?”

“We haven’t decided, but there is a small family who are doing it tough this year and could benefit from some community support.” Rosie said.

“I will buy another book, but neither it nor the donation are to go to the Forests. If that’s who you refer to.” Marguerite flicked through some discounted books near the counter.

Charlotte opened her mouth to respond, but Rosie beat her to it.

“As I won’t guarantee that, nor be dictated to in my own shop, I’d suggest you don’t partake in this charitable venture unless you have a heart open to the plight of those less fortunate than themselves. Whoever they are.”

How Rosie said it with such sweetness and calmness was beyond Charlotte, who was about to say something similar, but in very plain terms.

Hand on a book, Marguerite froze. A flush of red rose from her neck to her face and she snatched her hand away as though bitten. Without another word or look, she stalked out of the shop.

“Whoops.” Rosie didn’t sound the least bit concerned.

“You are officially my hero.” Charlotte said. “Who does that? Offers charity as long as it excludes the very people who need it.”

Rosie gazed out to the street. Marguerite was out of sight. “I fear I’ve made things worse. Whatever little step we took forward, we just fell backwards over the cliff.”

“You stood up for the shop. And your ethics. You can only control your own actions, not theirs.”

Pay attention, Charlie. Applies to you also.

Chapter Thirty

Retaliation came quickly. Within a few minutes, Sid set up a breathalyser stop outside the bookshop. He parked his patrol car out from the kerb, its lights flashing, then cordoned off several parking spaces with witches’ hats. But then he did nothing other than lean back on the bonnet of his car and stare into the shop.

The rush of customers slowed to a trickle. People complained of needing to park much further away and walk back. Rosie and Charlotte apologised to customers for the inconvenience more than sold books, or so it seemed.

“Shouldn’t have said anything.” Rosie glared at Sid and he waved.

“Ignore him. That’s all I do.”

“Meaning?” Rosie wheeled to the back of the shop with a lap full of books. “What’s he done now?”

“Oh, I just mean when I come across him like this. He wants you to bite.”

“This is one of my busiest days of the year and he does this.” She began stocking a low shelf, her hands shaking.

Charlotte took the books from her. “We need to do something about him. If I leave the shop, he’ll probably follow me. Should I try it?”

Rosie sighed. “No. You are right, and I should focus on getting everything as nice as possible in here while it isn’t too busy. Monday will be like nothing you’ve seen…unless he does that again.”

“You know what? If he does, I’ll go for a walk somewhere. Even if it means you coping alone for a little bit.”

“But what if he stops you?”

With a laugh,