Chapter 21
1388 Words
Charlotte updated the f*******: page over a delicious dinner of pan-fried fish and salad. The page followers had doubled, and many people were commenting favourably about the giving box. After adding new photographs and reminding people how close it was to Christmas, Charlotte closed the laptop. She wasn’t risking a repeat of last night with unwanted emails.
There was a tap on her door, and she froze halfway between the balcony and kitchen. Who on earth would come visiting? Before she could even call out, a folded piece of paper slid under the door. By the time she opened the door, the person was gone.
The paper was a flyer.
Who is stealing our Christmas Trees?
Who is stealing our Christmas Trees?Meeting at 8pm tonight at the fountain.
Meeting at 8pm tonight at the fountain.The community wants answers.
The community wants answers.There was nothing else.
It was almost eight now, but should she go? Her phone buzzed a message.
If you didn’t get the note going around, there’s a meeting soon near the fountain. On my way there. Rosie.
If you didn’t get the note going around, there’s a meeting soon near the fountain. On my way there. Rosie.Charlotte collected her house keys and ran down the stairs. It was understandable the townsfolk would be anxious about the recent break-ins, particularly following the car chase today. Had Sid even caught the driver?
A group of thirty or so people had gathered near the fountain. Rosie was at one side where she had a clear view of two people who had dropped a couple of crates on the ground.
“Has it started?” Charlotte squatted beside her. “Who are they?”
“Not yet. The man with the grey beard is Kevin Murdoch. His brother is Terrance who you met yesterday.”
“The councillor?”
“He’s also rumoured to be Octavia’s latest man friend.”
This should be good.
This should be good.“The woman is Veronica somebody or other. I forget. She owns the little garden centre just out of town.”
“I haven’t seen it.” Charlotte said.
“Used to be owned by the nicest family but they moved on and she took over. She’s never been there when I’ve visited though.”
Kevin stepped onto a crate and clapped his hands. “Right. Let’s get started.” He waited until all eyes were on him. Unlike his brother, Kevin had some hair remaining which was styled in an unfortunate comb-over. Charlotte struggled not to focus on it, rather than his face.
“You may be aware of a recent crime spree in our town of Kingfisher Falls,” his voice boomed across the plaza. “No less than five Christmas trees have been stolen to date, including the beautiful one purchased by council at great expense, and erected on the roundabout. Three homes and Esther’s dress shop sustained damage during the robberies.”
A few people whispered and from the sidelines, Veronica loudly shushed them.
“Today, our ever-vigilant police office, Senior Constable Sid Morris, almost caught the alleged perpetrator of these crimes.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes.
Ever vigilant at hassling me.
Ever vigilant at hassling me.“He was an i***t driving at that speed through town!” a woman called from the opposite side. A murmur of agreement rustled through the crowd, which was growing by the minute.
“As I said, Sid almost apprehended the criminal but lost him somewhere on the road to the Christmas Tree farm.” Kevin said.
“Then it must be true!” A male voice from the back.
Charlotte couldn’t see from her position, so stood. It was Jonas, the other councillor.
“I’ve spoken to everyone who’s had a tree stolen and guess what? Each of them replaced or plans to replace it with a tree from the Forests.”
Kevin beckoned for Jonas to come forward and people parted to let him. He joined Kevin on a crate.
“Don’t you all think it a bit suspicious that one business is profiting from all this misery?” Jonas asked. “At this time of year nobody has time to run into the next town to buy another tree, even if any decent ones are left. So, who are they going to turn to?”
“Oh, for goodness sake.” Rosie’s voice was calm and clear, and heads turned in her direction. “Has this meeting been called to blame one family for being in the right business at this time of year? Do you blame alarm companies as well when there’s a break in?”
Veronica, who’d been staring at Rosie, stepped forward. “It makes sense. The Christmas tree from the roundabout simply cannot be replaced on short notice, except by Darcy Forest.”
“Where is he anyway? Shouldn’t he be here to stand up for himself?” another voice from somewhere in the crowd. People muttered amongst themselves. Kevin and Jonas exchanged a nod.
This was getting out of hand. Was Rosie the only voice of reason? Esther and Doug—wearing chef’s whites—stepped through the crowd to the front. Doug spoke quietly to Jonas, who moved off his crate.
Doug took his place. “Look, I’m meant to be making you lot delicious pizzas and pastas, not running out here to talk some sense.” He paused as a couple of people laughed. “But when our shop window was smashed the other night, we struggled to come up with enough money to replace the tree. And you’ve got to have one, particularly in a shop.”
“So why not just get another artificial one?” Kevin asked. “Replace what you had?”
“Actually, we planned to. We’d got the last one from Veronica.”
The crowd looked at her and she nodded. “I put them in when I saw how busy people were. Better to buy local, I say.”
“And we would have, but your prices had gone up. Like, a lot up. Darcy’s are much cheaper, and we got a potted one to plant afterwards. Keep the tradition going, eh, Rosie?” Doug winked at Rosie and she smiled.
“Well, I am quite offended you’d say such a thing!” Veronica was bright red. “I’m only a single mother who needs to provide for my children alone and pay my staff. There are overheads you know.”
“Nah, don’t be offended.” Doug patted her shoulder as he stepped off the crate. “Everyone’s trying to make a living. But we just couldn’t justify paying double Darcy’s price. Sorry. But he isn’t guilty of anything.”
Veronica stomped off around the other side of the fountain. Charlotte waited for someone to follow her, or call her back, but everyone was watching Jonas who’d returned to the crate.
“So, Doug has declared the Forests aren’t behind the thefts. If I didn’t appreciate his cooking so much, I’d have to ask him how he knows.” Jonas waited for laughter, but none came. The crowd began to thin. “If anyone knows anything, or has any theories, speak with Sid. You can do so anonymously.”
“Until he tracks you down.” Rosie spoke under her breath.
“Rosie?”
“Nothing. I might go.” She spun the wheelchair around and with Charlotte at her side, headed toward the bookshop. Jonas’ voice followed them until they reached the road.
Charlotte gazed back. Only a handful of people remained. Kevin, Jonas and Veronica were in a huddle. “Shall I get some pitchforks?”
“I think it’s all bluff, Charlie. Those two men like the sound of their own voices but it is unprofessional for a councillor to speak out against rate-paying residents and business owners. Thank goodness for Doug.”
“Did you know Veronica sells trees?”
“Can’t say I did. Really have only spoken to her once or twice.”
“Do you mind if I walk with you for a bit? Need to work off my dinner.”
“Can you keep up?” Rosie grinned and took off at speed.
“Hey! You got a head start!”
- Writer
