Free Aunt Bessie Joins (An Isle of Man Cozy Mystery Book 10) by Diana Xarissa Page B

Paris.”
    “I’ve never been to New York,” Mary said
thoughtfully.   “I suppose that could
be fun.”
    “But how are you?” Bessie changed the
subject.   “Not too upset by Mr.
Hart’s untimely death, I hope.”
    “Oh, I’m okay,” Mary replied.   “I barely knew the man and
I didn’t much like him, although that’s a terrible thing to say.”
    “I didn’t like him, either,” Bessie told
her.   “He didn’t try to be
likeable.”
    “No, I suppose not,” Mary agreed.   “Anyway, aside from talking
to the police, which always makes me nervous even though I’ve not done anything
wrong, I’m just fine.”
    “Good.   I know some of the volunteers are a little upset,” Bessie said.   “I’m going to try to speak to them all
today.”
    “That’s good of you.   I’m sure none of them could be involved
in Mr. Hart’s death, though.   What
possible reason could anyone on the island have for wanting him dead?”
    Bessie shrugged.   “That’s for the police to work out,” she
said firmly.  
    “Of course it is,” Mary agreed.
    “I do hope I’m not late,” Marjorie said from
the doorway.
    “Not at all,” Bessie assured her.   “Mark still hasn’t made his way up here
yet and I’ve no idea where Carolyn is.”
    “She’ll be running late,” Marjorie said with a laugh.   “She always is.”
    Bessie nodded.   Carolyn was nearly always the last to
arrive for their committee meetings.  
    “I’m just going to ring George,” Mary
said.   “He’s meant to be bringing
Natasha down in a little while.   I
don’t want him to forget.”
    She walked to the far end of the room to
make her call, leaving Bessie with Marjorie.
    “So, how are you?” Bessie asked her friend.
    “I’m fine.   How are you?   Is it awful being caught up in another
murder investigation?”
    “It isn’t pleasant,” Bessie admitted.   “But it is starting to feel rather
routine.”
    “I was up half the night, thinking about
Christopher Hart,” Marjorie said.   “I tried to sleep, but I couldn’t.   I just can’t help but wonder who could have killed him.   I can’t seem to work out a motive.”
    “He wasn’t a very nice man,” Bessie
remarked.
    “No, but lots of people aren’t very nice and
no one kills them,” Marjorie said.  
    “Maybe someone followed him from across,”
Bessie suggested.   “I’d like to
think that his death has nothing to do with anyone I know, anyway.”
    “Oh, I hope you’re right.   I’m looking forward to Friday and the
big grand opening.   I really think
this event is exactly what the island needs at Christmas.   It should be perfect for families, young
couples, grandparents, everyone, really.”
    Bessie laughed.   “I hope it lives up to your
expectations,” she said.
    Before Marjorie could reply, Mark walked
into the room.   Mary ended her call
and joined the others before Mark spoke.
    “Carolyn just rang,” he said, frowning.   “Something has come up and she’s asked
us to postpone the committee meeting until one o’clock this afternoon.   Is that okay with everyone?”
    “It doesn’t matter to me.   I was planning to be here all day,
anyway,” Bessie replied.
    “So was I,” Mary said.   “Natasha is coming down soon and we were
going to work with everyone on the last finishing touches.”
    “I have to run back up to Douglas for a
meeting,” Marjorie said.   “But I can
be back for one, or a little after.”
    “Great, thanks, everyone,” Mark said.   “I’ll be in the office downstairs going
over ticket sales and other paperwork if anyone needs me.”
    Marjorie disappeared behind Mark, and Mary
was quickly back on her phone.   That left Bessie free to start trying to
find everyone so that she could speak to them .   She headed towards the nearest decorated
room.   Michael was standing in the centre of it with his back to Bessie, talking on his
mobile.
    “I’d love to come for an interview after the
holidays,”