While Eve was doing Jane’s make-over, David popped back to his own house to get a few things. He was staying at Eve’s for the whole of the Christmas period, a sort of trial run for marriage or living together, but he was in two minds about the experience. It had started off well and they had had a very romantic couple of days, but it was now turning out quite differently to what he had expected, mainly because of the murder hanging over them. David hadn’t envisioned keeping such a close eye on Eve and he was finding it quite tiring.
Eve was definitely a high maintenance woman. Because she got bored easily, she had to be entertained for most of the time. A quiet life did not suit Eve at all and David still wondered why she had come to live on the island of Crete after having led such a hectic life as a showbiz agent in London. Of course he was glad she had, otherwise he would never have met her.
However, when Eve was bored, she could be difficult to be with and his work as an author often suffered, but when she enjoyed life, she was the most exciting woman in the world. She really was too young to retire and he wondered what she was going to do with the rest of her life. She was well off enough to never have to work again, but David thought this would drive her crazy. Eve had been stimulated in the summer by the murders and she hadn’t been too fed up with the Christmas festivities, but without this murder to occupy her mind, David knew Eve would go stir crazy before long. Perhaps this was why she had decided to try a bit of matchmaking. However, David didn’t want to have to rely on murders or matchmaking to keep Eve occupied. Both were risky and one was certainly dangerous.
The doorbell rang dead on seven thirty and Alison went to let James in.
“Good evening, James. Eve and Jane are still upstairs getting ready I’m afraid, but David should be back from his own house in a moment.”
“It’s Alison, isn’t it, Betty’s niece?”
“Yes, it is. Would you like a drink, James?”
“No thank you. I imagine we’ll be going soon,” James replied courteously.
Just at that moment David opened the front door and came in.
“James, good evening. No Eve yet? Not surprising! She always takes her time getting ready.”
However, Eve and Jane suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs. Eve looked as amazing as she always did, but all eyes were drawn towards Jane. She was absolutely stunning this evening. Looking at herself in the mirror a few minutes previously, Jane couldn’t believe her eyes. Eve had done a magnificent job, and out of nowhere the ugly duckling had turned into a beautiful swan. Jane had gained the confidence she much needed and she knew she wasn’t going to fade into the background this evening.
Eve had washed and conditioned Jane’s hair and it shone beautifully. Her long straight black tresses now fell in waves over her pure white shoulders. Jane’s make-up was perfect; her baby blue eyes were highlighted by a sapphire blue eye shadow and her lips were painted a luscious red. Eve had lent her a short midnight blue dress, and because the two women were about the same size, it fitted perfectly. Jane had been a little nervous about wearing it as she rarely exposed her body this much, usually wearing knee length skirts and dresses. However, Eve thought she could get away with it as, like her, Jane was very slim.
Eve glanced at James and smiled to herself. His eyes were glued to Jane.
Thank goodness. Eve thought. Perhaps David won’t be jealous now. Though it was quite fun for a while!
Eve enjoyed making David jealous, but it wasn’t her best idea. David had nearly walked away from Eve a couple of times because he thought she was interested in someone else. However, for Eve it was only harmless fun and she most definitely wasn’t keen on anybody but David.
Alison nudged Robert. His mouth was open and his eyes were fixed on Jane. He whispered apologies to Alison immediately.
“Well, this won’t do at all,’ Eve said. “We’re going to be late. I’m surprised Betty and Don haven’t arrived yet.”
“Yes,” Robert agreed, just as the doorbell rang.
David went and let Betty and Don in. Betty stared at Jane in amazement, but couldn’t keep her mouth shut.
“Goodness, what have you done to yourself, girl? A bit over the top, isn’t it?”
Jane felt as if she was about to burst into tears and Eve opened her mouth to have a go at Betty, when James piped up.
“Mrs. Jones, there is absolutely no reason for you to criticize Jane or to be so rude and judgmental. She’s looking absolutely beautiful this evening and I’m proud to be her escort tonight.”
Eve tried to stop herself from laughing out loud. What a wonderful put down.
Betty was flabbergasted. How could he speak to her like that? She was an important woman in the community and he was putting her down in front of so many people. How dare he, especially with Eve in the room?
Nobody else said anything, all of them feeling slightly awkward. Alison, although she knew how stroppy her aunt was and how unnecessary her comment to Jane had been, didn’t like to see her humiliated and decided to end the situation quickly before Eve decided to get involved and it ended up in all-out war.
“Come on, Aunt Betty, Don, we’ll be late for our booking. Let’s get going.”
“Yes, we’d better,” Don agreed, relieved that Alison had diffused the situation.
Betty turned without saying another word and left with her husband and Alison and Robert following her.
When they had gone, James turned to Jane.
“Are you alright, Jane?”
“Yes, thank you. I thought I looked nice, but….”
“You look beautiful. Take no notice of that old prude.”
“We are a small community here, you know,” David said crossly. “We don’t need feuds. Betty speaks before she thinks and doesn’t usually mean what she says. We have to live here. You don’t.”
David was getting fed up of James. The likes of him always tried to take over.
“I’m sorry,” James said. “But the woman insulted Jane and I’m not having that.”
“Oh for goodness sake, let’s forget about Betty,” Eve put in. “She’s a nasty piece of work, full stop. She’s jealous of you, Jane, because you’re young and beautiful. She’s jealous of me as well and doesn’t think I’m good enough for David. You have to ignore her. I know it’s hard because you’re sensitive, but you’ll have to try. We all think you look lovely and that’s all that matters. Nobody takes any notice of that dried up old prune. Anyway, it’s time to go, so let’s get a move on!”
Jane smiled. She was feeling better already. Eve was right about Betty and she shouldn’t worry about her. James found her attractive and that was what counted. He had barely looked at her before, but today he couldn’t keep his eyes off her. To top it all, he had stood up for her against Betty. This was going to be a wonderful evening. She was sure of it.
* * * *
Jane and James sat in the back seats of the car while David drove, with Eve in the seat next to him. Eve chatted about Betty continually and then realized she should be leaving the two lovebirds to talk to each other, so she started rambling on to David about his book. He however, wished she’d be quiet as he hated being disturbed while driving. She knew this, but chose to forget it most of the time.
In the end, Eve started to eavesdrop on the conversation coming from the back of the car. Jane was asking James about his work as a merchant banker and she told him about her job as a social worker. Then the conversation drifted to his aunt.
“When was the last time you saw her, James?”
“At my mother’s funeral last year.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. How awful; losing both your mother and aunt in such a short period of time.”
“Well, it was difficult losing my mother – she died of cancer. We had always been close. But Jennifer…that was a different matter. She wasn’t a nice woman at all. She couldn’t even be bothered to go and see my mother when she was ill. I was surprised to see her at the funeral.”
“How terrible. Did
n’t they get on?”
“My mother was always trying to get in touch, inviting her over and so on, but Jennifer never wanted to know. I have no idea why. She was never kind to me either.”
“Yet you’re desperate to find out who killed her?”
“Of course I am. I want to know why, Jane. There must have been some reason. She wasn’t a thoughtful or loving person, but she must have done something completely evil for someone to want to murder her. I have to find out what it was.”
The car stopped and David parked up. Jane was sorry that the conversation had come to an end. It was interesting hearing about Jennifer Anderson, but more important, she was enjoying talking to James.
“Here we are,” Eve said. “It’s just a little walk to the restaurant.”
Eve and David walked ahead with James and Jane strolling a little way behind them. Eve pulled David closer as they walked.
“Did you hear their conversation in the car, darling?” she whispered.
“Of course not. I don’t eavesdrop,” David replied adamantly.
Eve grunted, but carried on.
“James could be the killer!”
“What? Are you crazy?”
“Of course I’m not,” Eve said crossly. “James told Jane he hated his aunt. Jennifer didn’t even visit her sister when she was dying of cancer. How terrible is that? And he said Jennifer wasn’t nice to him, but he didn’t elaborate. What if he was here on Christmas Eve and gave the desert wine to her as a Christmas present? He could have easily left on that day and then he could have come back on Boxing Day. I don’t think he’s short of money. The planes were running between here and London on both days, so it’s entirely possible. Mark my words; he’s a suspect, in fact he may be the only suspect I’ve got.
* * * *
Entering the restaurant, they found they were the last to arrive. Annie and Pete were already settled with pre-dinner drinks, and they smiled broadly when they saw Eve and David. As they were taking off their jackets, it looked like Betty, Don, Alison and Robert had only got there a minute or so previously as they were trying to decide where to sit. Not surprisingly, Betty made a profound effort to ignore the new arrivals. Ken and Jan had closed The Black Cat for the evening, so were there on a rare evening out. The final people attending the meal were Kevin and Lucy Fowler and Kevin’s brother, Paul.
James hadn’t met any of the Fowlers yet, and while Jane hadn’t spoken to Kevin or Lucy, she had briefly had a few words with Paul before Christmas. She had walked past a garden he was working in, and thinking him rather good looking, had stopped to ask directions to the local shop. She had thought herself rather brave talking to a strange man, but unfortunately she had been busy cleaning and looked a mess, and Paul hadn’t been interested in engaging in a long conversation with her. This evening he didn’t recognize her initially, but then it clicked who she was.
Damn. If I’d known she spruced up like this, I wouldn’t have said so little to her. She probably remembers me being rude to her. I’ll say I was busy and didn’t have the time to talk. And I’ll apologize. That’s it. That’s what I’ll do.
Paul got up and walked towards Jane.
“Good evening,” he said. “Jane isn’t it. Lovely to see you again. Would you do me the great honor of sitting next to me?”
“I’m afraid she can’t,” James said immediately. “Jane is with me this evening. I would have thought it quite obvious by the fact that she’s holding onto my arm.”
Pompous twit, Paul scowled.
Jane was delighted that James had spoken up so quickly. She was finding it quite enjoyable to be fought over by two good looking men for a change. Mind you, she was angry with Paul. He had shown no interest in her the other day when she wasn’t looking her best, and he had been very off-hand. Now that she’d had a make-over and was looking attractive, he seemed keen to get to know her.
How superficial can you get? she thought.
Jane had forgotten, or perhaps refused to acknowledge, that James had also shown more interest in her after her make-over.
David, meanwhile, was getting worried that another awkward situation was arising. He was already apprehensive about Betty and Eve being in public together, especially in a restaurant of this caliber. Betty and James had also had a little set-to earlier on and now James and Paul looked ready for a fight. How many people were going to have to be kept apart this evening?
For once it was Eve who calmed down the situation.
“You can have the pleasure of my company tonight, Paul,” she said and plonked herself down in the seat next to him.
Eve didn’t want to sit next to Paul, but like David, she didn’t want arguments and tension in the restaurant that evening. However, she herself was feeling tense, knowing she was going to have to warn Jane that there was a possibility that James was the killer. It was a pity she hadn’t known this before. Then she would never have given Jane the make-over and James wouldn’t have been interested in her.
Poor Jane. She was definitely in for heartbreak.
* * * *
The evening started off pleasantly enough, although Eve did have to fend off Paul’s attentions every now and again. However, a sharp glance from David usually put him off.
Even though she knew she was being a bit of a snob, Eve thought the restaurant wasn’t the type of place Paul usually frequented, imagining he was the type who went out for pub meals back in England and here on Crete went to cheap local tavernas.
Eve loved this restaurant, but preferred to go with David or a couple of her closest friends. To tell the truth, she was actually looking forward to the end of the evening and going home.
“So, how’s the detecting going, Eve?” Betty boomed a little later in the evening, disturbing the peace and serenity of everyone enjoying their main course.
David and Robert both cringed, knowing that there would be some sort of confrontation now. What was Eve going to say? She would never admit that she wasn’t any further forward, not to Betty anyway.
‘Well, Betty,” Eve replied smugly. “Believe it or not, I have had a breakthrough; just today in fact, and I do have a suspect.”
Eve knew she shouldn’t have admitted this. It could frighten the killer and he or she might try and do away with her, but she couldn’t help herself. She had to have one up on Betty.
There were gasps around the table and a couple of people asked who she thought it was.
“I’m afraid I can’t say until I have more proof. I’m sure you can understand this. It would be awful if I went to the police with the wrong suspect, wouldn’t it?”
“You are a foolish woman, Eve,” Betty shouted. “You’re putting your life in danger again. The killer could be at this table and may be planning his or her next murder…. and that person might be you!”
“I’m not afraid,” Eve replied, trying to act calm. “Phyllis failed miserably to kill me in the summer, so why should this killer have better luck? Anyway, if someone does try to kill me, it will be one of you at this table, won’t it? The police won’t have to go far to find their murderer.”
Betty shook her head while David watched Eve take centre stage and revel in the attention she was getting. Her evidence was flimsy at best and he couldn’t understand why she had told so many people. This could very easily cost her her life. It didn’t bear thinking about. He wished she hadn’t made this announcement and would give up her stupid pursuit for the murderer, but he knew she wouldn’t. He’d have to keep an extra close eye on her from now on.
David too wanted the evening to end, knowing it had turned out to be pretty much a disaster - too many people were having feuds, Eve had told them she suspected someone of the murder, Paul was flirting with her, Jane was being courted by a possible murderer and to top it all, they were paying a fortune for a meal he’d normally love, but wasn’t enjoying one bit. Could life get any worse?
Chapter 8
The following day Eve and David went to The Black Cat around 1 pm where they had
arranged to meet Jane. She wanted to buy them lunch to thank Eve for her make-over.
“I’m going to tell Jane what I think about James,” Eve said as they strolled down to the bar.
She wasn’t looking forward to doing this at all and was feeling pretty nervous. To top it all, she had a bit of a headache after the previous night, but she said it was due to Betty’s loud voice and not to the alcohol.
“You’re not sure about James being the killer, so don’t say anything, Eve. In fact, as much as I don’t like the guy, I think it’s highly unlikely that he did murder his aunt. Yes, he probably inherits her house, but nobody has admitted seeing him here on Christmas Eve, have they? It would be very difficult to get around without being noticed.”
“I know nobody’s said they saw him, but he could have been very careful.”
“Well, even if he is the murderer, I hardly think he’s going to kill Jane, do you? He probably had a motive to kill his aunt, but I can’t see a reason for him to do away with Jane. He seems to like her.”
“But David, I don’t want her to spend the rest of her life with a killer. He could get away with murdering his aunt and later marry Jane. Then one day she’ll upset him and he’ll try and kill her. It’s better we do something now.”
“Eve, they hardly know each other. Who says they’re even going to get serious, let alone get married. Please, Eve, don’t say anything yet. Not until you have more proof.”
“Alright. I won’t say anything today, but I’ll keep a close eye on both of them and if I suspect he’s up to no good, I’ll be in there like a rocket.”
David agreed to keep the peace, but he still doubted that James had killed his aunt.
“Look, here comes Jane. Be quiet about James... Jane, lovely to see you. Now, what can I get you to drink? Eve’s back on the G and Ts.”
“Oh, a white wine please. But put it all on my tab. This lunch is on me, David.”
“That’s so kind of you, Jane,” Eve gushed. “Although it’s quite unnecessary. I loved doing your make-over.”
“Please, I really want to do this.”
Deathly Christmas Page 6