Captive in Crete: The First Jet Wilson Cozy Mystery (Jet Wilson Cozy Mysteries Book 1) by Lyssa Stanson (phonics story books .txt) 📗

“Really?” Melani’s eyes lit up. “Have they arrested someone? How do you know?”

“No, no-one’s been arrested. But I found some evidence and I’m sure it’s enough to convict the killer.”

“What evidence? And who is it?” Melani leant forward across the table, her ample bosom almost knocking over the cutlery basket.

“I can’t tell you, I promised I wouldn’t say anything. We don’t want to tip him off.”

“We? The police? They have the evidence?”

“No, not yet. The locals wouldn’t take me seriously, so I went above them and contacted the authorities on the mainland. They believed me. They’re sending someone over to pick it up tomorrow.”

“But why did they not just instruct the locals to collect it? They can do that, of course.”

“Oh, er…” I hadn’t thought of that. My mind raced.

Bingo! I leaned in and spoke low, “I probably shouldn’t say this either, but they didn’t trust the locals to do it. They thought they might deliberately compromise it. To try and prove they were right not to take me seriously.”

I sincerely hoped Aristede never heard this part of my plan. But then I hardened my heart. If he had believed me and seriously considered other suspects, I wouldn’t need to be doing this.

“Oh, yes, I see,” said Melani, nodding thoughtfully. “They are probably right. Very sensible,” she agreed. I was momentarily indignant on Aristede’s behalf, but I swallowed it down.

“But you should not be alone over the night with valuable evidence.”

“Oh, not to worry. I’ve hidden the evidence at the house, no-one will ever be able to find it.” I neglected to say that was because it didn’t exist. I stifled a giggle; this was going better than I’d hoped. Melani was asking all the right questions.

“But you cannot stay at the house tonight. It is too dangerous. You must sleep at the taverna, I have plenty of room.”

Ah, I hadn’t thought of that. I couldn’t just say no. I knew enough about Cretan hospitality to know that suggesting that would be insulting. I didn’t want to dig myself into an even deeper hole where Matt was concerned but I could think of no other way out.

“That’s truly kind of you,” I said, “but it’s not necessary, I’ll be staying with Matt.”

My blush was real as I said it and for the first time in my life, I felt it was a help not a hindrance. Melani’s face broke into a wide smile and she clapped me on the arm.

“Aah, something good to come out of all this pain,” she said, “I am so pleased.” She gave a loud sigh, “and Sheila will be too. When she gets back.”

We were both silent for a moment. Melani adjusted the cutlery basket back to its proper position at the corner of the table, while I fiddled with an empty wine glass. I decided it was a good time for a change of subject.

“Have you got any further with the legalisation? Will Tassos be able to help, do you think?”

“Oh yes, there will be no problem now.” She waved her hand as though swatting an insignificant fly. “Tassos understands how the village works and what it needs for us all to prosper.”

I was momentarily gobsmacked. She said it so casually. As though she wasn’t just articulating her own motive for murder. I had thought about just telling her my plan and enlisting her help to get the word out about my “evidence”; now I was glad I hadn’t. I didn’t believe she could be the murderer, I really didn’t. But a little seed of doubt had crept into my mind and I couldn’t quite ignore it.

“Now, what can I get you for lunch today?”

I didn’t really feel like eating and I definitely couldn’t face meat after my exploits that morning, but I had to keep up the pretence for my plan to work. I ordered a Greek salad and a Mythos, ate quickly and headed home.

On the way, I called Matt. I would need his help if my plan were to work. Plus, I really wanted him to be with me when I put it into action. He picked up on the first ring.

“Hi Jet,” he said.

“Hi Matt, how are you?”

“I’m good, how are you doing today? Any news of Sheila?”

“No, nothing, I’m afraid. Look, where are you?”

“I’m at Faistos.”

“Oh, that’s nice.” I knew I shouldn’t be expecting him to be just sitting around waiting for my call but, somehow, I hadn’t expected him to be out sight-seeing either.

He laughed. “I’m in the café, taking advantage of their wi-fi.”

“Oh, I see.”

“And admiring the fabulous view, of course. I have to admit to that.”

“Yes, good.” I did a few mental calculations. “Could you meet me? Maybe at the herb shop in Kousses? Do you know where that is?” I could easily walk there from Sivas and, in the time that took me, Matt could get there from Faistos. The walk would help calm my mind, I decided.

“Sure, no problem. I’ll see you there.”

“Thanks Matt, bye.” I hung up and altered my path.

* * * * *

The walk was an easy one at the start – all downhill. The road swept down and then meandered through a mixture of brush and olive trees. It was warm but not too hot and, as my feet settled into the rhythm of the walk, my mind settled too. My plan was simple. Melani would spread the word that I had evidence against the killer – she wouldn’t mean to but wouldn’t be able to help herself – and that I had left it alone in the house overnight. I would hide out and wait for the killer to fall into my trap and reveal himself. A few quick snaps with a camera (that’s where Matt came in) and I’d