Murder on the Tor: An Exham on Sea Cosy Mystery (Exham on Sea Cosy Crime Mysteries Book 3) by Frances Evesham Read Free Book Online Page A

funny, for a moment.” She swallowed. “I get nervous when we talk about Trevor.”
    “There’s no need for you to feel bad. Your husband had a portfolio of houses bought with funny money. You didn’t. You’ve done nothing illegal.”
    “But he dragged my daughter and son into it, when he put houses in their names. I’m worried what might happen to them.”
    “Nothing for the moment. Be patient a while longer. I’m hoping we can wind the whole business up, soon, keeping your children out of it.”
    “The sooner the better.” Libby had an idea. “I need some fresh air. D’you fancy a walk? Let’s pick up Shipley from Marina, and go out to the cliffs at High Down.”

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
    High Down
    Shipley’s high-pitched yelp echoed from inside Marina’s house. As the door opened, the springer spaniel bounded out, whining with excitement, nails clattering on the wood floor. Libby grabbed his collar and guided him back into the house. Marina seemed ill at ease, with flushed cheeks and untidy hair. “Are you all right?” Libby asked.
    “Fine, I’m fine.” Someone coughed inside the house, and Libby had to bite her cheeks to keep from laughing. That cough didn’t belong to Henry Sellworthy. “Is it an awkward time?” Libby’s voice was innocent. Her friend appeared to be conducting the affair in her own home, right under her husband’s nose.
    Marina’s eyes flashed, but she beckoned Libby to come inside. “Actually, Chester’s here. We’re going over a few business details.”
    Business? Libby shrugged. It was nothing to do with her. “I won’t come in. I’m wearing wellies, ready for a walk on High Down. We’re taking Bear and I thought Shipley might like to come.”
    “We?” Marina peered round Libby.
    Max stuck his head out of the Land Rover and waved. “Hi, Marina. Fancy a run?”
    “No, thank you.” Her voice crackled with ice. She raised an eyebrow at Libby and murmured, “You two spend a lot of time together, these days.”
    “That’s true.” Libby smiled. She wouldn’t attempt explanations. They’d give Marina even more ammunition for tittle-tattle. “What about it, Shipley? Ready for a walk?” At the magic words, a frenzy of excitement sent Shipley scurrying to the back of the house to find his lead.
    Marina followed, a cloud of perfume drifting in her wake. Libby recognised the scent. Poison; a heady, glamorous perfume. Marina produced her parting remarks. “You know it’s going to rain, don’t you?”
    Shipley dragged Libby out to the Land Rover, Bear barked a greeting, the spaniel piled in the back, Libby jumped in the front and Max drove off, squealing the tires to make Marina roll her eyes. “There’s something going on between Marina and Chesterton Wendlebury,” Libby said. “Do you think she’s about to leave Henry?”
    “And deprive herself of his pension? Not likely.”
    “Wendlebury’s a rich man. He could look after her.”
    Max shot an odd look in her direction. “Rich on paper. He makes a good job of being the local squire, I grant you, but I’ve a feeling things aren’t all they seem.”
    “I’ve never quite trusted him,” Libby confessed.
    “You don’t trust anyone.” Max was brisk. Surprised, Libby stole a sideways glance at him. What did he mean? “Don’t look so worried. In our business, it doesn’t hurt to be cautious.”
    “Our business?”
    “Private investigation. Come on, Libby, we’ve talked about it before. You’ve got a nose for things that don’t add up and a logical brain. I’ve been trained in undercover financial research. I’m not suggesting you ditch the cakes and chocolate. You’ve got a great business going there, and we’re never going to make a fortune as private eyes, but we’re good partners.”
    Libby’s heart pumped so fast she thought Max would hear it over the rumble of the engine. She took a deep breath. He meant business partners, of course. It was Mandy’s fault Libby felt so unsettled.