Read Something in the Blood (A Honey Driver Murder Mystery) for Free Online Page A

was still missing.
    Honey received a phone call. It was Neville, Casper’s friend, hotel manager and bedtime companion.
    ‘Casper says you need to go down there and liaise,’ said Neville.
    ‘I was thinking the same thing. Whether I want to or not, I have to tell the police all I know.’
    There was silence. Neville had placed his hand over the phone. She knew from experience that Casper was in the background giving orders.
    ‘Casper says you are to try and keep the lid on things.’
    ‘At the same time as assisting them with their enquiries?’
    Again, silence.
    ‘That’s right,’ said Neville on behalf of Casper. ‘You have to be extremely diplomatic. And quick. He wants you go to the police asap.’
    ‘I can’t make it for an hour or so. My receptionist is out sick.’
    Again the delayed response.
    ‘We’ll send help.’
    ‘Thanks. I appreciate it. How come Casper’s indisposed?’
    ‘Casper never answers the phone while soaking in the bath.’
    Although it was Sunday morning, sauntering along to Manvers Street Police Station wasn’t a problem as long as the promised help turned up. On the contrary, it was a welcome break.
    One hour later she was brushing her hair, straightening her white cotton shirt and checking the seams in her stockings. She always wore a skirt on Sunday. The stockings added to feelings of almost lost femininity.
    Today had turned out exciting again. Nothing and no one could upset her mood – with the exception of her mother who’d decided to choose this morning to pop in and tell her all about her latest lover.
    ‘I’m going on a cruise this summer. I’m going with a man friend. His name’s Christopher Jordan, and he’s a really charming man.’
    Her mother scurried along behind her like an especially tenacious Jack Russell, all clattering heels and an aura of French perfume. ‘Men are such good company. You should get yourself one.’
    Honey swung left behind the reception desk. Undeterred, her mother leaned on the counter top. ‘I’ve got just the man to suit you. Have I told you about my dentist’s friend? He’s got a very nice little business …’
    Honey stabbed at the ‘escape’ key on the computer. That’s what she wanted to do. Escape the reception desk and escape her mother. But Susan, their regular receptionist, had phoned in sick. Honey had been expecting it. Lovesick! That’s what she was. A handsome young man from Hungary, working at another hotel close by had moved into the bed-sit below Susan. International participation was bound to happen. And did. This meant that if their days off didn’t coincide, they fell sick. Today was the young man’s day off – but not Susan’s.
    Blonde coiffeur, bedecked with expensive jewellery and wearing a silk trouser suit, her mother leaned on the reception desk. Her apricot lipstick matched her outfit.
    Honey took shallow breaths in an effort to cope with the cloud of expensive perfume that fell over her.
    ‘I’ve arranged for you to meet him in the RomanBar of the Francis this evening at seven.’
    ‘I can’t go.’
    ‘Why not?’
    ‘I’m working.’
    ‘Lunchtime then. I’ll rearrange it for twelve noon.’
    ‘Mother!’
    ‘Don’t shout.’
    ‘I didn’t shout, I merely protested.’
    A couple from Sydney, Australia chose that moment to check in complete with three suitcases.
    Honey took her time checking them in and giving them their keys, fliers and special offers on local attractions. The plan was that her mother would grow impatient and disappear. She didn’t.
    ‘Look, Mother …’
    Jeremiah Poughty, Casper’s very close friend, chose that moment to come breezing through the double doors. His fingers brushed over the brass handles as though he were checking for smudges.
    ‘Casper sent me. I understand you’re a trifle short-staffed, my darling. So here I am. Lately of the hotel trade, but I do remember which buttons to press.’
    ‘So what are you doing nowadays?’ said Honey, purposely