Free Deathly Christmas by Irena Nieslony Page B

afraid,” Eve replied, trying to act calm. “Phyllis failed miserably to kill me in the summer, so why should this killer have better luck? Anyway, if someone does try to kill me, it will be one of you at this table, won’t it? The police won’t have to go far to find their murderer.”
    Betty shook her head while David watched Eve take centre stage and revel in the attention she was getting. Her evidence was flimsy at best and he couldn’t understand why she had told so many people. This could very easily cost her her life. It didn’t bear thinking about. He wished she hadn’t made this announcement and would give up her stupid pursuit for the murderer, but he knew she wouldn’t. He’d have to keep an extra close eye on her from now on.
    David too wanted the evening to end, knowing it had turned out to be pretty much a disaster - too many people were having feuds, Eve had told them she suspected someone of the murder, Paul was flirting with her, Jane was being courted by a possible murderer and to top it all, they were paying a fortune for a meal he’d normally love, but wasn’t enjoying one bit. Could life get any worse?
     

Chapter 8
     
    The following day Eve and David went to The Black Cat around 1 pm where they had arranged to meet Jane. She wanted to buy them lunch to thank Eve for her make-over.
    “I’m going to tell Jane what I think about James,” Eve said as they strolled down to the bar.
    She wasn’t looking forward to doing this at all and was feeling pretty nervous. To top it all, she had a bit of a headache after the previous night, but she said it was due to Betty’s loud voice and not to the alcohol.
    “You’re not sure about James being the killer, so don’t say anything, Eve. In fact, as much as I don’t like the guy, I think it’s highly unlikely that he did murder his aunt. Yes, he probably inherits her house, but nobody has admitted seeing him here on Christmas Eve, have they? It would be very difficult to get around without being noticed.”
    “I know nobody’s said they saw him, but he could have been very careful.”
    “Well, even if he is the murderer, I hardly think he’s going to kill Jane, do you? He probably had a motive to kill his aunt, but I can’t see a reason for him to do away with Jane. He seems to like her.”
    “But David, I don’t want her to spend the rest of her life with a killer. He could get away with murdering his aunt and later marry Jane. Then one day she’ll upset him and he’ll try and kill her. It’s better we do something now.”
    “Eve, they hardly know each other. Who says they’re even going to get serious, let alone get married. Please, Eve, don’t say anything yet. Not until you have more proof.”
     “Alright. I won’t say anything today, but I’ll keep a close eye on both of them and if I suspect he’s up to no good, I’ll be in there like a rocket.”
    David agreed to keep the peace, but he still doubted that James had killed his aunt.   
    “Look, here comes Jane. Be quiet about James... Jane, lovely to see you. Now, what can I get you to drink? Eve’s back on the G and Ts.”
        “Oh, a white wine please. But put it all on my tab. This lunch is on me, David.”
    “That’s so kind of you, Jane,” Eve gushed. “Although it’s quite unnecessary. I loved doing your make-over.”
    “Please, I really want to do this.”
    David gave Eve a look which told her to shut up and be gracious. To David’s relief, she did as he asked for once.
    “Well, thank you very much, Jane, it’s very kind of you,” Eve said.   
    Jane sat down and Eve noticed she was glowing. She had done her make-up on her own today, but had taken Eve’s advice and she looked gorgeous. However, Eve thought the glow was more likely from her feelings for James. Eve shuddered. What had she started? She hoped she was completely wrong and James wasn’t the murderer.
    “Oh, Eve, thank you so much for helping me with my look yesterday. It’s given