Deadly Start Clark Nefri (new reading .TXT) 📖

The door creaked as Charlotte opened it. Just inside was a light switch and thankfully the light worked. She sniffed, then coughed at the musty, and rather dusty space. The room ran the length of the back of the garage and deep enough for shelving as well as a pile of boxes at the far end. The shelves were full. Suitcases, trunks, gardening tools, lamps, what looked like old cooking pots, and so many sealed boxes. Almost at the end was a large, rectangular cane chest. This might be perfect. There were clips on either end which undid with a bit of persuasion. Charlotte lifted the lid off, expecting it to be empty.

The sweet smell of roses and lavender wafted from red silk. Carefully, Charlotte moved it to one side. A teddy bear and bundle of baby clothes lay on top of a white dress. A wedding dress made of lace and silk, delicate and simply gorgeous.

“Oh, who left you behind?” Charlotte brushed her fingertips across the silk. She wasn’t good with fashion, but this was perfect. And the baby clothes appeared to be handmade by someone who knew what they were doing. She adjusted the clothing and bear, covered them again with the red silk, and replaced the lid.

She stared at the chest. There was a sense of sadness here. Something lost. But she was being silly. Of course, it was lost. Surely nobody would abandon such things.

With a sigh, Charlotte moved to the pile of boxes and found one with only some old blankets inside. These she put on top of another box, then left, locking the door.

Outside, she shook the box upside-down. It was clean and solid, so she left it just inside the back door, out of what was now barely more a sprinkle than rain.

The shop was busy, so Charlotte tended to customers, gift wrapping presents, and adding to the giving box. Rosie was equally busy, and it was lunchtime before they had a chance to talk. Charlotte put the box on the counter and began covering it with Christmas paper before anyone else came in.

“Did you know the people who used to live upstairs? Oh, can you put your finger there?” Charlotte tore strips of sticky tape off a roll. “Thanks.”

“Well, yes. But nobody really knew them, if you get my drift. You missed a bit.”

“This was a bakery?”

“It was. A long time back though. This building must be eighty years old. The same family worked here for decades; it was generational. But Graeme and I moved into Kingfisher Falls thirty-five years ago. I was carrying Trev and we wanted a peaceful and safe place to raise a family. I used to come here weekly for a long time, but they were not part of the community type of people. Not the young generation.”

“Is this okay?” Charlotte stood back from the box. The paper was festive with red bows and trees all over it. “Hope nobody thinks it is a Christmas tree and steals it.”

“Funny. And it is lovely, so let’s put it on the floor in place of on the table.”

Charlotte shuffled things around and tossed packing paper from the book deliveries into the bottom and then a layer of tissue paper. “That’s better, raises the books up a bit.”

Rosie tapped the side of her chair as she thought. “There are a few people around who knew that family better than I did. Are you thinking of tracking them down to see if they want the contents of the cane box?”

“It must mean something. The dress is gorgeous, and the baby clothes and teddy were perfect. The kind of thing you’d pass down to your children, not leave behind. Did they go in a hurry?”

“Such a long time ago, darling. I seem to think they did. This place was for sale for a long time as a bakery. About a year. So, when Graeme and I finally got the courage to follow our passion and try our hand at small business, they were desperate to sell. I did none of the negotiations so there’s a lot I don’t know. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’m curious, that’s all.”

“I’m beginning to think you are more than a bit of a sleuth. Trev told me you like mysteries.”

“Did he now?” Charlotte kept a straight face but inside, a little flutter played in her stomach. “I’m sure I have no idea why he’d think so.”

“Speaking of Trev,” Rosie said. “I might call him tonight to catch up. Anything you’d like me to pass on?”

Only that he shouldn’t let you believe anything ever went on between us.

“Yes. My thanks for introducing me to you. Kind of like it here.”

Rosie reddened, her lips flickering up at the corners. She looked out at the street and her expression changed to serious. “You may change your mind. Here comes Glenys. But at least she’s alone today.”

Chapter Seventeen

The stream of customers continued all day, to the point where Rosie and Charlotte ate lunch in shifts behind the counter. One after another, people commented on seeing the Facebook page, until Rosie insisted Charlotte show her. She brought it up on the computer and left Rosie to look as Charlotte helped a small group of teens.

“Such a thoughtful gift.” Charlotte gave them change after wrapping a book. “Your grandfather will love reliving those cricketing days. How wonderful he played for the state, you must be proud!”

She waved as they left then turned to Rosie, who was unusually quiet. The older woman discreetly pulled a tissue from the box on the counter and blew her nose. Charlotte watched her. Were those tears on her cheeks?

“Rosie?”

“Well, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen my shop in this light before.” She pointed at the screen, to a panorama of the store from just inside the front door.

“You don’t like it?” Charlotte was afraid to ask. Had she overstepped?

But Rosie reached for