“Surprisingly?” echoed Inspector Evans as he entered the room.

Ryan’s cheeks flushed. “What I meant, sir, is that I thought you’d be speaking at too high a level for the cadets to understand, but you explained everything clearly and simply to them. And they loved throwing out suggesting as to what could have killed Daisy.”

“I don’t think it was the midsummer fairies, or that she was abducted by aliens while they created the crop circle, though,” remarked the inspector.

“No, but the consensus was poisoning, which seems logical.”

“I agree,” Sujin said. “Did they make any suggestions with what?”

“Aconite, arsenic, strychnine, bleach, botulinum, food poisoning. Take your pick.”

“Great suggestions. They’ve clearly been doing their research, and their homework. Sergeant Varma and I were just discussing aconite and traces were found in a herbal cigarette we know Daisy smoked. I’ve asked the lab to test for it, but I doubt there was enough to kill her.”

“Did you find anything interesting in the photos Gilly took before I arrived at the standing stones?” Keya asked.

“There were lots more people around than when I arrived with the coroner’s ambulance, but they were all keeping their distance from Daisy’s body. A couple of shots from the evening before caught Daisy dancing around the fire, but she was very much alive then. And I didn’t see anyone slip her anything or arguing with her, if that’s what you’d hoped for.”

“What else do we have to work on?” Inspector Evans asked.

“I’m going to test the other cigarette ends found at the standing stones,” Sujin replied.

“I’ll work though Daisy’s financial records, which finally arrived yesterday evening,” Ryan said.

Keya shrugged her shoulders.

Ryan cleared his throat and suggested, “Perhaps Sergeant Varma can continue looking through Daisy’s and Theo’s phone records and messages.”

“Very good,” said Inspector Evans. “Everyone get to work.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Keya spent a dull morning working through Daisy’s and Theo’s phone records. Warren arrived to help her halfway through the morning, but it was still slow going.

Theo’s calls and messages were mostly about work. Doreen had made several complaints about a leaking kitchen roof and blocked drains during May’s wet weather, but Theo had answered them politely and helpfully and said he’d send someone round to look at the issues.

Theo had little correspondence with Ash and any that he did have was short, to the point, and work related. On the other hand, Ash’s messages to Daisy had become longer and bolder during the past few weeks and it was clear he was trying to entice her away from Theo.

“This is interesting,” Keya said to Warren. “About a week ago, after some particularly insistent messages from Ashley to Daisy, she sent him this one. ‘Enough. I am not your girl. I am with Theo now and we are planning our future. And our family.’”

“How did Ash respond to that?” Warren asked.

“He didn’t. There were no more messages for several days and then there was one asking where to deliver some bread.”

Ten minutes later, Keya was scrolling through messages between Daisy and Doreen which were generally polite, if not particularly affectionate.

“I wonder if Daisy told her mum about her plans to start a family as there’s a message from Doreen saying, ‘We need to discuss your plans.’”

“But that could mean anything,” reasoned Warren.

“You’re right.” Keya put her section of printed sheets down on her desk and said, “I need a break. And something to eat.”

“Sujin suggested we try the new lunchtime menu at The Twelve Bells pub. And there’s a nice garden we can sit in,” said Ryan.

“I haven’t been there for ages. It’s run by a local husband and wife team, isn’t it?”

“Yes, Carol and Steve. Shall I call Sujin and see if he’s ready for lunch?”

While Ryan made the call, Warren asked, “Can I join you?”

“Of course you can. You’re part of the team now.”

Even Stan abandoned his missus’ homemade sandwiches and joined them in the colourful garden at the rear of The Twelve Bells pub. Sujin, Ryan, and Warren carried drinks across to the wooden picnic table where Stan and Keya were sitting.

“Here you go Stan, half a pint of the guest ale.” Ryan placed a glass of foamy dark brown liquid in front of Stan and sat down next to him.

“And sparkling water with ice for you, Keya. And Carol added a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint to freshen it up,” Sujin said, placing a tall, highball glass in front of Keya before sitting down next to her.

Keya was grateful, as her head was starting to hurt. Was it from all the information she’d been going through this morning?

“And they said the food will take ten minutes,” Warren added. He carried a wooden chair over from another table, placed it at the end of the picnic bench, and sat down.

They chatted happily in the warm sunshine. The day felt fresh after the overnight rain and the flowers were bright and cheerful.

“What are you all doing this weekend?” Stan asked.

“Working at the cafe,” Keya slurred. She stopped, and noticed Sujin glance at her with concern. She focused on the glass in front of her. Or was it two glasses?

“Millie and I are embarking on the second section of the Cotswold Way, from Wotton-under-Edge to Leckhampton Hill.”

“How far is that?” asked Stan.

“Just over thirty-five miles.”

“Rather you than me, and it’s due to get hot this weekend.” Stan lifted his glass to his lips.

“There should be some great views. Particularly in the final section as we climb up to the top of Leckhampton Hill.”

“Bonkers,” Stan muttered, and sipped his ale.

The food arrived, and Keya enjoyed the first part of her hummus and pickled vegetable sandwich in a homemade brown bread roll. But she struggled to swallow the final part, and her stomach felt sore.

Ten minutes later, Sujin yawned and said, “I better get back.” I need to check the results of a test I’m running.

“I suppose we should all head back,” Stan said in a wistful tone.

Keya didn’t feel like working this afternoon. She just felt like staying in the garden and sleeping. She felt her eyelids drooping.