Keya had the urge to help, but she felt awkward not being fully mobile.
“And it’s the afternoon tea for six, with a vegetarian selection,” checked Millie.
“That’s right,” Inspector Evans replied.
The inspector politely asked Keya about her stay in hospital and how her arm was.
“You’ve been signed off on sick leave for the moment while you recover. We’ll monitor the progress with your arm, but honestly, I think you need a break.”
So everyone kept telling her, but she knew they were right. She would miss the camaraderie of the station and, in particular, her team room. “Who’ll take over my rural engagement duties?” she asked.
“Constable Jenkins. He was a little awkward yesterday at the school prize-giving, but I understand The Big Feastival were very grateful for his input this morning. Warren can cover some of his other duties, and I also want Ryan to spend time in some of the other departments and revise for his sergeants’ exams.”
“Which I said I’d help him with. And let’s hope it’s not too busy over the summer.”
“There are plenty of people who can assist Constable Ryan, and a peaceful summer is a nice thought, Sergeant. But there’ll always be something.” Inspector Evans looked up and, once again, smiled with satisfaction.
Millie and Alison were approaching their table, each carrying stacked cake stands filled with dainty sandwiches, pastries, and cakes.
The inspector leaned towards Keya and confided, “I do like your cafe.”
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
Keya was delighted to feel useful the following Thursday as she helped Dotty and Aunt Beanie decorate and prepare the cafe for Gilly’s birthday.
Despite her protests, Gilly had allowed Dr Peter to take her away for the afternoon so she couldn’t wander into the cafe or hear whispers about the party from stallholders in the antique centre.
Aunt Beanie handed Keya a list. “These are the deliveries we’re expecting today.”
Keya looked down at it. There were balloons, a drinks delivery and, of course, the birthday cake.
Keya knew Monica had offered to provide the cake, but Aunt Beanie had told her she had enough to do with the cafe and food for the party, and had one ordered from elsewhere. Keya hoped Monica wasn’t too put out.
Later, Keya helped Dotty hang bunting by either holding the step ladder with her right hand or passing up the end of a string of colourful pennants.
“It looks great, doesn’t it?” Dotty enthused as Millie escorted the last of the cafe customers to the main door. “Now we need to rearrange the tables and chairs.”
Sujin arrived as the reorganisation was taking place.
“Everything OK?” he asked Keya with a look of concern.
“Fine,” she replied. And when he still looked at her with a worried expression, she reiterated. “I’m OK. Honestly. It’s just frustrating at times not to be able to do everything I’ve previously taken for granted.”
Sujin squeezed her hand. “I understand.”
“Happy birthday, dear Gilly. Happy birthday to you,” all the guests sang as Gilly stepped into the cafe accompanied by Dr Peter, Thomas, and Olivia. Gilly raised her hands to her mouth and when the singing stopped, she turned to Dr Peter and kissed him, before hugging both of her children.
Dotty and Keya watched as Millie handed Gilly and Dr Peter glasses of prosecco.
The other guests raised their glasses and chorused, “To Gilly.”
Gilly was dressed in a green velvet dress with a pair of kitten heel shoes, and she looked very elegant. A far cry from the bare-footed woman having an existential crisis on the river bank a few weeks earlier.
As Gilly greeted her guests enthusiastically, Dotty, who was standing next to Keya, said, “It looks fabulous in here. Maybe you can add evening events and venue hire to the cafe’s website.”
“Not at the moment. We have enough to do.” But Keya looked proudly around the cafe and at the food Monica, Mick, and Alison were placing on the buffet table. “But you’re right, we should consider evening events, as it does look great. Can you take some photos in case we need some future marketing material?”
The future.
Who knew what it would bring?
Hot Chocolate and A Festive Fatality
Does being on sick leave give Keya more time for her cafe?
And what happens when Zivah’s neighbours start quarrelling, and Cirencester Police Station comes under review?
Will Keya finally have to choose between her police work and the Waterwheel Cafe? And where does Sujin fit into her life?
Find out in Hot Chocolate and A Festive Fatality
Halloween Parade Peril
Keya and Sujin travel with the Celtic Twisters to Ireland. But when one of the band members dies at a Halloween Parade, they are drawn into the investigation with their friend and amateur sleuth, Dotty Sayers.
Find out how they work together to solve the case.
Hour is Come
Would you like to read Keya’s first case with her friend Dotty? And discover how The Waterwheel Cafe and Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series began?
Find out and download Hour is Come, which is yours to keep when you sign up to my newsletter for updates.
