“And while I’d love you to come and live with me, I think it’s a bit forward and I don’t want to rush you. But Dotty has a spare room, and so does Aunt Beanie in the main farmhouse, so you can stay with either of them.”
So much for spending time in her cottage.
“But we also know you’ll want to spend some time at home, even if it’s only to recover from the last few weeks, so Ryan, Dotty and I are happy to provide a chauffeur service.”
“That’s really kind, thank you. But you and Ryan have work, and Dotty is still studying, and she’s taken on a new project. Can I think about it?”
“Of course.”
“And where are we going? This route looks familiar.”
Sujin grinned. “Nearly there.”
He parked in one of the new spaces at the side of the Waterwheel Cafe.
“Inspector Evan’s afternoon tea,” said Keya, realising why they were at her cafe.
“You didn’t think we’d let you miss out, did you?” Sujin opened the door, and Keya climbed out.
As they approached the deli, Maitri ran out and gave Keya a huge hug. “I’m so happy to see you, and I thought, if you need a taxi service to the cafe, I can pick you up and drop you off on my way to and from work.”
“That might work, thanks,” Keya replied, starting to feel overwhelmed by the offers of help.
Several regular customers greeted her as she walked along the path to the old mill building.
A few ladies were out in the sun, but most customers were enjoying the warmth while remaining under the shade of the new wooden-framed structure and its extended awning.
As she stepped through the patio doors into the main cafe area, a ripple of applause started and increased in volume.
Feeling her cheeks burn, she walked towards a large table where Inspector Evans was sitting, wearing his brown suit and a satisfied expression on his face.
“We’re all here. Excellent,” said the Inspector as Sujin pulled out a chair for Keya, and she sat down between Ryan and the inspector. Sujin sat opposite her, next to Warren, and Stan looked delighted to be present, sitting at the end of the table.
“Inspector Sue?” Keya asked.
“She sends her apologies, but she’s working on a missing person case for head office.”
“Hi, Keya,” Millie greeted her as she placed a tray on the table and started removing cups and saucers.
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.”
