by Agatha Frost
“Go back to the city,” he said, glancing over his shoulder at the coffee shop. “Why did I think I could run a coffee shop? I’ve spoken to Rosemary, and she said she’s going to keep it and turn it into something else, so you don’t have to worry.”
It took all of Julia’s power not to breathe a huge sigh of relief. The floor beneath her suddenly felt a lot firmer, and it had never felt so good.
“Well, good luck,” Julia said.
“You too. Who knows, maybe I’ll run into that painting on my way out? Wouldn’t that be a nice stroke of luck?”
“Maybe,” Julia said through a strained smile.
“Look after her, Barker,” Jerrad said, turning on his heels and heading for the door. “She’s a good woman, I just realised it far too late.”
Jerrad left the café, leaving them both in a stunned silence. Barker reached up and squeezed Julia’s hand, letting her know everything really was fine.
“Maybe I should have told him the painting was a fake,” Julia said.
“What?”
“That’s why my father turned up yesterday,” Julia said with a knowing grin. “Timothy Edwards’ grandfather was Martin Edwards, an infamous art forger. The painting was nothing more than an elaborate copy, and anybody with a million pounds to spend on a Murphy Jones painting would have known that. It turns out that Anthony Kennedy really was a terrible antique dealer.”
“So, all of this was for nothing?” Barker exclaimed with a stunted laugh. “He died for nothing? Have you told any of them?”
“No,” Julia said. “I think it’s better they all live with the shame of what that painting did to them. Might stop them from doing something stupid again.”
Barker’s eyes twinkled up at her for a moment before he started laughing.
“You’re brilliant,” Barker said as he stood up. “I hope you know that.”
“You’re not so bad yourself, are you?” Julia asked. “There was no stolen gnome, smashed window, or hanging basket, was there? You were investigating Anthony’s murder, even if you weren’t on the case. That’s why you turned up at Rosemary’s cottage, the nursing home, and Timothy’s flat.”
“Nothing gets past you,” Barker said as he fastened up his jacket. “I couldn’t sit back and do nothing while your name was being dragged through the mud. As usual, you were always two steps ahead of me.”
Julia knew that Barker truly was a good man. Even though he had barely been able to speak to her or look at her, he had still gone out of his way to help her. She knew that’s what true love was.
He left the café, so Julia walked into the kitchen, where Dolly and Dom were drawing pictures in flour on the work surface, their tongues poking out of their mouths.
“Where’s Jessie?” Julia asked.
They both nodded to the back door, neither of them looking up from the masterpieces they were creating. Julia walked across the kitchen and pulled on the heavy door that opened onto the tiny yard behind her café.
Standing between the bins and the gate were Jessie and Billy, sharing their first kiss. Biting her lip, Julia retreated back into the kitchen without making a sound. It was a moment she wasn’t going to interrupt.
“What’s she doing?” Dom asked.
“She’s been out there for ages,” Dolly added.
“Nothing,” Julia said, trying her best to conceal her beam. “Wash your hands. Let’s bake something!”
Thank you for reading!
I had a great time taking you all back to Peridale, and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! If you did enjoy the book, please consider writing a review. I appreciate any feedback, no matter how long or short. It’s a great way of letting other cozy mystery fans know what you thought about the book. Being an independent author means this is my livelihood, and every review really does make a huge difference. Reviews are the best way to support me so I can continue doing what I love, which is bringing you, the readers, more fun adventures in Peridale! Thank you for spending time in Peridale, and I hope to see you again soon!
The next book in the series, Macaroons and Mayhem is coming July 30th. Click here to PREORDER your copy! Turn the page to have a peek at the cover!
Other Books in the Peridale Cafe Series!
Pancakes and Corpses (Book 1) - OUT NOW!
Lemonade and Lies (Book 2) - OUT NOW!
Doughnuts and Deception (Book 3) - OUT NOW!
Chocolate Cake and Chaos (Book 4) - OUT NOW!
Shortbread and Sorrow (Book 5) - OUT NOW!
Espresso and Evil (Book 6) - OUT NOW!
Macaroons and Mayhem (Book 7) - PREORDER NOW!
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