A Piece of Cake E-Book

Sarah Swatridge

• Herausgeber: WS
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Serie: Cosy Crime
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 249

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Newly widowed Marty has just moved into a new village and is feeling a little lost. No sooner has she arrived than there is a murder in her street. She can’t help trying to solve the crime, but will her involvement cause her even more problems, or will it help her form friendships in her new home?

Leseprobe

A PIECE OF CAKE 

by Sarah Swatridge  

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

CHAPTER 1

K

elly rushed in, saying, “Gran you look awful! What’s wrong?”

Marty smiled at her only grandchild and at her son, trying to reassure them.

“It’s nothing,” she said, “Just an awful dream.”

“A nightmare?” asked Kelly who liked things to be dramatic.

“Well, let’s hope not, although this week has been like a bad dream. A woman didn’t put her handbrake on in the car park and her car rolled into mine, which pushed mine into another one. Then, the builder rang to say they haven’t enclosed my balcony area as they said they would and if I still wanted it done, it wouldn’t be ready before I completed on the house,”

“Shall I make us a cuppa?” Spencer suggested. He knew his mother could always be soothed with a cup of tea.

“That would be lovely,” Marty told her son. “There’s not much to do. I’m all packed up. The removal lorry’s due in about an hour.”

“So, what was the nightmare all about?” Kelly persisted. She always wanted the whole story.

“I just woke up in the early hours in a panic, thinking what have I done? I’ve left my job, sold my home, the one I shared with your grandpa and I’m moving to somewhere I don’t know anyone at all.”

“You know us,” Kelly, quite rightly, corrected.

“That’s true,” Marty agreed, “That’s exactly why I made the decision to move and to give up teaching, so I’d have more time to be a grandmother.”

The look that passed between Kelly and her father didn’t go unnoticed.

“What?” she asked. “There’s something you’re not telling me. Don’t say you’re about to move?”

“No Gran, it’s just, I’ve got an interview for a Saturday job, so I’ll only be free to see you after school during the week and on Sundays.”

“You’re sixteen Kelly,” Marty said seriously, “And as much as I’d love to see you more often, I do realise that you have friends your own age. And so you should.”

“My best friend’s going to sixth form college elsewhere and the other two girls I hang around with are always bickering, it drives me mad. I’d rather be here, believe me.”

Marty glanced at her granddaughter and marvelled at how grown-up she’d become. She was slight and sporty like her mother with blonde hair up in a pony-tail. Spencer was more like Doug, a big bear of a fellow but with a big heart to match.

As soon as they’d finished their drink and made a dent in the packet of chocolate biscuits, Marty carefully placed the kettle, mugs and so on in a large carrier bag to go on the front seat. She knew it would be in her interests to keep her removal team happy and putting the kettle on had to be one of the first jobs once she’d got the keys to her new home.

She was very grateful to Spencer for taking the day off work and to Kelly for giving up part of her Easter holiday to help her move. Originally, she’d hoped to be sorted by Good Friday but now she realised it was going to take a bit longer.

“Kelly, do you think you could just do a walk around the old place and check I’ve not left anything?” Marty asked her granddaughter.

“Will do,” grinned Kelly who loved the opportunity to nose around someone else’s home.

“Anything I can do, Mum?” Spencer asked.

“Actually, there is,” Marty told him. “I can’t take all the plants in the garden, but there are one or two special ones, I’ve told the buyers they’re of sentimental value.”

Once she’d set them to work, Marty also did a slow walk around her old home. Already, she was referring to it as her “old” home as opposed to the exciting prospect of her “new” one. In truth she would have moved years ago, when Kelly was still small, but Doug was having none of it.

The rooms echoed and the floorboards creaked. The lounge appeared so much bigger without being cluttered with furniture, but it also looked grubby where she’d taken down pictures leaving a tell-tale dirty mark on the wall.

She gazed out of the patio doors into the garden. She and Doug had spent many a happy hour planting this, weeding that, re-designing different areas as their lives moved from newly-weds to parents and then to grandparents.

She smiled at the raised bed which had once been a sandpit. To be honest, it was better-used then. They’d had grand ideas, one school summer holidays to make a vegetable plot. Neither of them had much idea how much nurturing and attention a few tomatoes, strawberries and beans would need.

“Are you OK?” Kelly asked again, bursting into Marty’s reminiscing.

“I’m fine, just thinking back to the good old days,” Marty told her, turning away and trying to discreetly wipe away a tear. “I’m just going to walk round and say goodbye to each room.”

Kelly made a face. “I didn’t find anything, but you can check if you want.”

“I’m not checking up on you,” Marty reassured her. “I’ve lived here thirty-six years when Gramps and I first married. It’s full of memories and I suppose I never thought I’d move away, but then I didn’t realise I’d lose him so soon.”

“Don’t be sad, Gran,” Kelly gave her a squeeze. “It’s meant to be a happy day. It’s the start of a new phase in your life.”

Marty had said just that only a few days ago, but just at this minute she didn’t feel so optimistic.

“I’m more thoughtful, than sad,” Marty said truthfully. “Let me say my farewells before the removal people come and then I’ll be ready to move on. Perhaps you could look out for them?”

Marty glanced at the mirror in the downstairs loo. She was only in her sixties, and yet the woman who looked back at her seemed to have several worry lines, and her chestnut brown hair was sprinkled with more strands of silver, grey and white. When had all that happened? She felt she’d aged overnight.

Marty continued with her tour of the house. The empty rooms and the bare floorboards already helped her accept it was no longer her home. It really was time to move on.

“They’re here!” Kelly called.

* * * *

Two women, Sammy and Lindsay worked in the sales office at the new development where Marty was moving to. She had visited the building site numerous times over the last six months and was already on first name terms.

“Can I pick up the keys?” she asked popping her head round the sales office door. “Oh sorry, I didn’t see you there. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“No problem,” said the well-dressed man near the coffee machine.

“Hello Marty,” Sammy said with a smile. She was a pretty girl, but far too skinny as far as Marty was concerned. “Has the foreman been in touch?”

“About the balcony wall?”

“Yes. Do you still want it done?”

“I think I do, but I’ll go and have another look and then I’ll give you my decision. Is that OK?” Marty asked.

“Tell me to mind my own business,” said the stranger sipping his coffee, “I’m Liam from number 2 and I’ve had my balcony enclosed. You’re welcome to come and see what it’s like. It might help you decide?”

“It certainly would,” Marty agreed. “I’ve always been a bit of a visual person. I need to see things rather than imagine them.”

“I’ve the day off today, so call whenever it suits.”

“That’s really good of you. I appreciate that,” Marty gave him a warm smile. She liked her neighbour already. “When did you move in?”

“Last week,” he said. “I was their first occupant.”

“And I’m the second,” laughed Marty.

“But we do have number seven also moving in today and two more tomorrow,” Sammy informed them proudly. Marty wondered if she earned commission on all the sales.

Lindsay stepped forward with the keys to number 9 Moon Lane and a huge bouquet of flowers.

“Oh, thank you,” said Marty. No one gave her flowers anymore. Doug had often arrived home after a long staff meeting with a bunch of flowers, usually yellow – he said they were cheerful.

* * * *

Kelly was sitting on the doorstep of number 9, but stood as she approached waving the key as though she’d won first prize.

Over the last few years since Doug had died, Marty had slowly begun to clear things out. Once she’d decided on her new home, she’d increased the momentum because then she could visualise where she’d put this vase or that piece of furniture.

It therefore amazed Marty to see just how much she’d retained, but thankful that the house, her new home, wasn’t already looking cluttered.

The removal guys were a brilliant team. They had the van unloaded and the furniture and boxes inside in just over an hour. They devoured the last of the chocolate biscuits and were gone, on to the next job.

Spencer disappeared to fetch fish and chips for lunch. Marty was grateful but aware of the whole house smelling of vinegar. She hoped it wouldn’t linger too long.

The afternoon was spent making the house into a home. Kelly, being just sixteen proved very useful. Like her father, she’d taken a day of her Easter Holidays – and revision – to help her grandmother move. She put up curtains, wiped down surfaces and unpacked boxes. She and Spencer re-assembled her dining room table and a bookcase for the smallest bedroom, which was to be Marty’s study. It was a three bedroomed house and, although Kelly lived less than a mile away, she was to have her own room here with her grandmother.

“It’s taking shape,” Kelly said just as the door bell rang. “Do you want me to get it?”

“Yes please,” Marty said as she put the last of her books on the bookshelf in the lounge.

“Gran, it’s Liam from number 2 wanting to know if you want to come over?”

Marty stood up and dusted herself down. She’d forgotten all about the kind young man she’d met in the sales office that morning. Now all she could think of was how smart he looked and how grubby she felt.

“Invite him in,” Marty called as she went to greet her first guest. “You’ll have to excuse the mess.”

“Don’t worry, I was just the same last week, but it doesn’t take too long to get it all straight, and it looks as though you’ve got lots of help.”

“Sorry, yes, this is Kelly my granddaughter and my son Spencer. This is Liam from number 2. We were just going to break for a cuppa – would you like one?”

“I’d love one, but do you want to come and have a look round first?” Liam offered.

“Yes please,” Kelly said, although strictly speaking, she’d not been invited.

“Do you mind?” Marty asked Liam. “Kelly’s got a good eye for interior design.”

“You can all come,” Liam said. “I haven’t had many visitors and I’m keen to show it off. It’s the first home I’ve bought and I’m really proud of it.”

“You two go,” Spencer said, “I just need to finish this, then I’ll put the kettle on.”

From the outside, Liam’s new-build looked just like Marty’s except that above the front porch there was a covered flat roof which in Marty’s house was partially exposed to the elements, making it a garden room or balcony off the main staircase. The building contractor did offer the option of having this area enclosed to make it more of an internal alcove and Liam had chosen this.

Both Kelly and Marty paused at Liam’s front door to remove their shoes. Liam didn’t deter them and removed his own, placing them neatly in a shoe rack just inside the door near a row of coat hooks.

“That’s a sensible idea,” Marty nodded approvingly.

“Do you mind if I take a photo?” Kelly asked. “We’re more likely to remember that way.”

“Be my guest,” said Liam, “Although, you’re welcome to come and have another look any time.”

The house looked like a show home. It was immaculate. There was a red theme in the kitchen and all the appliances, the kettle, the toaster and the coffee percolator all matched, as did the blind and light-fittings.

“It looks as though you’re quite settled,” Marty laughed. “Not a cardboard box in sight.”

They followed Liam up the stairs. Straight away both Marty and Kelly were aware of the difference in light. Obviously boxing in the balcony area had meant two side windows and the back window had been bricked up. However, the large glass panel remained above and continued to let in a fair amount of light, but it wasn’t nearly so sunny as Marty’s place.

“What do you think?” Liam asked. He seemed genuinely keen for their feedback.

“I love it,” Marty said, admiring how he’d turned this small bit of space into a cosy reading corner.

“Kelly?” he asked.

“I like the way the light comes in when it’s all open and Gran loves her garden, so we were talking about having plants on her balcony.”

“I’m sure it’ll look great,” Liam said, “I just know I’d never sit out and watch the world go by. I’d rather tuck myself away in here.”

“I really don’t know what to do now,” Marty said. “I could see me sitting with a coffee on the balcony, but then I’ve always wanted a little nook in which to read.”

“Well, there is another option,” Liam said. He laughed, “I’m beginning to sound like a salesman.” He led them a few more steps after the landing. There were the same three bedrooms that Marty had. He too had converted the smallest into a study, but his office furniture was all black and masculine.

The Master Bedroom was light and airy with a yellow and grey colour scheme. An en-suite shower room led off it on one side and there was also a walk-in wardrobe. All the clothes were neatly folded and colour co-ordinated. It was clear he didn’t share his room with anyone but beside the bed was a silver frame with a photo of Liam and another man, his brother perhaps?

“If you put a lamp and an armchair over there,” Liam pointed to a corner of the bedroom, “You could make that a reading space.”

“I’ve got a chest of drawers to go there,” Marty told him, but seeing how much room there was in the walk-in wardrobe, she was wondering if she might put the chest of drawers in Kelly’s room.

Liam began to lead the way back down the stairs, he paused a moment outside the second bedroom. “I have a lodger, my cousin,” he explained. “You can have a look if you want.” Liam turned his back on the room, but Kelly and Marty opened the door.

The room was exactly like the one Kelly was going to have. It was a good size with fitted wardrobes, but unlike Liam, who was neat and tidy, his cousin had left his clothes on the floor. It wasn’t as though he hadn’t yet unpacked, there were a couple of dirty shirts on the floor near the window. The wardrobe door was open and a few pairs of trousers were hung up on hangers but the shoes had been thrown in at the bottom, unlike Liam’s neatly paired and polished footwear by the front door.

As Marty pulled the door closed, she noticed a wet towel on the bed and was tempted to pick it up and hang it somewhere to dry, but it wasn’t her place to do so.

When they were walking back down the stairs, Marty considered whether the man in the photo was the cousin, but dismissed it, because he was smartly dressed, looking very neat and tidy, rather like Liam, only a larger version. Nevertheless, perhaps it was taken on an occasion, such as a wedding, when they needed to be dressed up.

Finally, Liam showed them his garden which had already been partly landscaped. “I don’t want a barbecue like everyone else,” he said, “I’ve thought getting a pizza oven. What do you think?”

“Great,” said Kelly enthusiastically. “Can we have one too?”

“I haven’t given the garden a great deal of thought just yet. Let’s get the house done first.”

“What do you think of the garage?” Liam asked with a serious look on his face.

“It seems fine,” Marty shrugged. Hers was currently full of cardboard boxes.

“But have you actually tried to drive your car into it?” Liam continued.

“Unfortunately, my car was written off last week. Long story, so no, I’m only using it for storage.”

“That’s awful. You weren’t hurt?”

“No, I wasn’t even in it. I’d parked it in the car park and some woman hit mine which then hit the next car. It was a right mess and I don’t think it’s helped at the insurance company that I’ve tried to change my address this week too.”

“If you need a lift anywhere, just let me know.”

“That’s so kind. Liam, I am so pleased you’re my neighbour. Now let’s see if Spencer’s put that kettle on.”

As they drank their tea, she handed round chocolate biscuits and a few slices of cake Spencer had brought round to keep them going. Kelly and her dad tucked in, but Liam politely refused.

Kelly was keen to show Liam her ideas for her grandmother’s balcony area.

“I agree,” he said. “It does let in a lot of light, but I know I would never use it.”

Kelly continued to explain her ideas for soft furnishings in the sitting area.

“I have some interior design magazines I’ve finished with. I’ll put them near my front door and you can collect them some time.”

“Thanks,” said Kelly, as she led him into the open plan kitchen-diner and asked his opinion on whether she could make her grandmother a reading corner in the bay window.

* * * *

An hour later the house was quiet and Marty was alone. She was pleased, already it was beginning to feel like a home. Most of that was down to Kelly, and she did like the idea of a reading alcove in the bay window. Her comfy chair would be perfect with a little bookcase and a lamp. She could visualise it already.

As she went to draw the curtains she saw lights on in Liam’s house and one further down the street. She remembered someone else was moving in today but hadn’t been aware of their removal lorry.

It had been a long day, emotionally and physically. All she fancied was a hot milky drink and an early night. All day long Spencer had been making people cups of tea. He hadn’t mentioned they’d finished off the milk and the biscuits were long gone. Marty sighed. She could forego her milky drink but she’d definitely need a cup of tea first thing.

It wasn’t late, Liam was obviously in, so she pulled on her jacket and grabbed her bag.

“Liam, sorry to trouble you,” she said. There was classical music playing in the background and a hint of something spicy in the air. “I’ve run out of milk. Do you know where the nearest shop is?”

“It’s not far,” Liam told her, “But with so few houses occupied yet, not all the street lights are on, so it’s very dark. I’ll give you a lift. It won’t take a moment and I need a few things too.”

Without a second glance, Liam fetched his keys, wallet and slipped on his outdoor shoes.

“Thank you. This really is very good of you.”

“Honestly, I’m happy to help.”

Liam’s car was parked on the drive. Marty remembered what he’d said about the size of the garage, suggesting it was actually too small for many modern cars.

Just like his home, his car was immaculate, although she did notice him dust away a few green leaves from the driver’s side.

“Sorry about that,” he said, “I had to help someone with their garden rubbish.”

* * * *

They were only out about twenty minutes but when they returned to Moon Lane, Marty could see what Liam had meant. The street was almost in complete darkness and without the lights from the three occupied houses you would have no idea of the pot-holes and raised man-hole covers in the unfinished road.

Having drunk her malted milk, she decided on an early night. There was plenty still to do tomorrow.

Marty lay in her familiar bed with her old quilt in the strange room listening to the odd sounds around her. Something, probably the central heating boiler, was humming and every so often there was a weird clicking which lasted a few seconds and then stopped. Perhaps it was the radiator cooling down?

She closed her eyes and tried to sleep. Her body was weary but her mind was wide awake. There seemed to be a light on outside. She went to investigate but it was just a particularly bright full moon. Other than that, it was pitch black.

The moon went behind a cloud and it was as though the light had been switched off. She grabbed her phone and took pictures to show just how dark the street was. The sooner they connected up the street lights the safer it would be.

“Well, I’ve done it now,” she said aloud to herself, recalling the dream she’d had the previous night. Actually, I think I’ve done the right thing. The girls in the site office are lovely and one said she was hoping to move on to the estate and you couldn’t ask for a nicer neighbour than Liam, she thought. And tomorrow she’d go and introduce herself to the other newcomers.

CHAPTER 2

T

he following morning was bright and promising. Marty made a breakfast tray and went to sit on the balcony which overlooked a field that was destined to become a nature reserve. It was one of the reasons she’d chosen this development, The Planets, and specifically this plot.

She sipped her tea, grateful again to Liam for taking her to buy milk. She’d treated herself to croissants and savoured them warm from the oven.

“I could get to like this,” she said to herself and was relieved. How different from yesterday morning when she’d had that awful dream where she thought she’d made the wrong decision to move.

Looking over at Liam’s he didn’t seem to be up yet. The curtains were all drawn. It was quiet down the far end of the street too; no doubt the other people who had moved in were having a lie in. It was exhausting work.

Marty had just started her second croissant when she heard what she thought was a baby crying. On investigation she discovered it was a small cat meowing. It sat, bold as brass on her doorstep, as if he knew she was well stocked with full cream milk.

“Oh Lord, you’re just a kitten,” Marty declared when she opened the front door. Without waiting to be invited, the cat came in and strolled around, before curling up on an arm chair bathed in warm sunshine.

“You can’t stay there,” Marty warned, but somehow the cat just glanced at her as if to say, I can’t hear you. Leave me alone. Can’t you see I’m about to have a nap?

An hour later Marty had forgotten about the cat. A removal van had arrived for the people next door and there was a hive of activity. Then another lorry appeared with a new three-piece suite for the family down the road just before Spencer arrived with Kelly again, and this time they’d brought Joanne to show her the house.

Spencer and Joanne had been together for sixteen years but even now Marty didn’t feel she knew her daughter-in-law. She never knew what to buy her for Christmas or birthdays. Worse than that, Marty always had the feeling Joanne didn’t like her. Nothing had ever been said; they’d never argued, they just didn’t have a great deal in common, other than Spencer – and later, Kelly.

“Oh Gran,” called Kelly. “Isn’t she cute? Where did you get her?”

Marty appeared at the lounge door to find Kelly stroking the little cat.

“She arrived in time for breakfast and has made herself comfortable ever since. We ought to shoo her out. Someone will be looking for her,” Marty said, although she had to agree with Kelly that the kitten with the little dark patch on its nose and sparkling blue eyes was rather appealing.

“It looks an expensive cat,” said Joanne, sounding unusually knowledgeable. “Is it Burmese or Siamese?”

“Siamese, I think. She’s a pretty little thing.” Marty agreed trying to resist stroking it herself.

“You’re to feel very honoured if she’s adopted you,” Joanne continued as she too made a fuss of the little kitten who could now be heard purring contentedly on “her” chair.

Marty looked at Joanne; she’d never thought of her as a cat person. They didn’t have any pets, although Kelly had always wanted a house-rabbit.

True to form, Kelly had her mobile out and was busy taking pictures.

“Have you given your mother the guided tour?” Marty asked Kelly a little while later.

“Come on, I’ve got to show you the balcony, and explain what Liam’s done with his,” Kelly told her mum. “Have you decided what you’re going to do with it?” she asked her grandmother.

“I had my breakfast out there this morning, it was lovely,” Marty admitted. “I think I’ll leave it as it is and make myself a reading area in the dining room window, as you suggested.”

“Cool,” said Kelly as she explained the plan in more detail to her mother.

About an hour later, Spencer and Joanne headed off to do their weekly shop. Marty had done an online delivery which was due early that afternoon.

“Kelly, I’m going to walk up to the sales office to tell them I’ve decided to leave the balcony as it is. Do you want to come?”

“Yeah, OK,” she said. “I wonder if Liam was serious about those interior design magazines he was talking about yesterday?”

Marty reached for her jacket and checked her bag, to make sure she had her new set of keys. It was then she realised she must have dropped one of her gloves.

“It’s those lovely red leather ones,” Marty explained. “It must have fallen out last night when Liam took me to get some groceries.”

Kelly immediately went to look outside to see if her grandmother had dropped her glove in the road outside. Meanwhile Marty tried to move the cat.

“Come on, you can’t stay there,” she said. “We’re going out. Come on, lazy thing.”

Reluctantly, the cat sauntered out. At the front door she hesitated, turned round and looked up at Marty as if to say, Don’t worry, I’ll be back.

“No sign of your glove,” Kelly said.

“Perhaps Liam found it and picked it up.” Marty looked again at Liam’s house. The curtains were still drawn, which surprised her as it was now getting on for midday.

As she and Kelly passed Liam’s house, they paused. His car was parked on the driveway.

Marty peered through the passenger side window and there was her glove poised on the edge of the seat, tantalisingly close but out of reach. She would have to wait until Liam was up.

As she moved away, she glanced in the rear of the car and noticed another green leaf. She remembered how Liam had said something about helping someone out by taking their garden rubbish to the dump. Again, she felt blessed to have such a kind-hearted neighbour.

* * * *

The sales office was busy. They had two more families moving in today as well as two unsold properties in Moon Lane which were beginning to generate more interest.

In addition, the developer was making good progress with Sun Boulevard which was to be the perimeter road and would have a wide variety of different sized properties. It curved round in a horseshoe shaped crescent, with the nature reserve on the opposite side.

Marty waited patiently with Kelly near the entrance, while Sammy handed over keys and a bouquet to a new resident, and Lindsay explained the overall scheme for The Planets housing development to a young couple.

“Moon Lane is finished and we only have two properties available there. Sun Boulevard is still under construction. There will be three show homes and they should be open next month.” Lindsay looked up as an ambulance with sirens blazing and blue flashing lights shot past.

Sammy handed over the flowers and then smiled at Marty, “May I introduce you all?” she said. “This is Mrs Marty Carstone from number 9 and this is Wesley from number 17.”

Marty shook hands with Wesley and explained that she’d just moved in the previous day.