He stroked her cheek. ‘I think we should let Rob and Uncle Sal back in. It gets a bit uncomfortable, eavesdropping on a door.’
Frances whispered into his ear. ‘I love you.’
He smiled at her, with that special smile he only reserved for her. ‘I’d drink to that, but not with coffee, or a Frances Palmer special.’ Jack raised his voice. ‘You can come in now.’
Rob had a sheepish look on his face as Jack shook his hand. ‘Mum won’t be happy if you have a wedding without her, but I’m glad for you.’
Uncle Sal kissed Jack on both cheeks, properly and not staged air-kisses. ‘You’re getting one in a million, son. Just so you know.’
‘I do. I had that feeling right from the start.’ He pulled Frances to him. ‘The ship’s leaving in six days. You’d better get a wiggle on.’
‘Six days?’ She snapped her mouth shut.
‘Rob, I need you to help me in the attic.’ Uncle Sal rubbed his hands. ‘I have my knives, but there should be a few things we can use for magic tricks.’
They walked past Jack, in a happy discussion.
‘I’ll see you tonight,’ Jack said. ‘And one thing.’
‘Yes?’
‘I’m okay with whatever Uncle Sal cooks up, but if he turns you into a vanishing act, I’ll put my foot down.’
‘I’m not going to disappear. Ever.’
‘Good. Because I won’t let that happen, Mrs Jack.’
The End
Also by Carmen Radtke
False Play at the Christmas Party
1928; a charity event in aid of veterans sounded like rich pickings ….
A Matter of Love and Death
An overheard conspiracy and a budding romance turn telephone operator Frances’s life into a matter of love and death.
The Case of the Missing Bride
1862. A group of young Australian women set sail for matrimony in Canada, but somebody has different plans for them.
Glittering Death
Gold rush, wedding bells and murder. The Australian brides have arrived in Canada, but a murder shatters their new happiness.
Walking in the Shadow
New Zealand, 1909. Jimmy is the miracle man. But although he is cured from an almost incurable disease, he gives up his newfound freedom to return to the small leprosy camp on Quail Island and cuts himself off from the world.
Murder at the Races Page 19