Murder in the Neighbourhood: A Diane Dimbleby Cozy Mystery Read Online Free PDF Page B

her trousers and tries again. They key fits perfectly.
    Diane slides the box out and places it on the table in the middle of the room.
    “Wait,” says Darrell, stopping Diane from opening the safety deposit box. He turns around to the bank manager and says, “Will you excuse us please?”
    The same grimace from earlier returns to the manager’s face, but quickly disappears again in response to Darrell’s stern expression. He quickly leaves Diane, the inspector, and sergeant to their own devices.
    Diane steps away from the table.
    “No, you go ahead Diane,” Darrell encourages.
    Diane slowly opens the lid to the box. Inside they find a formal-looking document.
    “It looks like a deed to a house, Sir,” says Sergeant Webster.
    “I think you’re right Bob –a house on Bardsey Island by the looks of it,” says Darrell. “Now I know I’ve heard that name before.”
    “Bardsey Island… as in Bardsey apples?” asks Bob.
    “That’s it!” says Diane, suddenly remembering the photographs of the Celtic crosses and the seaside pasture on Carys’ wall. She had told Diane the pictures were taken on Bardsey Island. “Bardsey Island is off the coast of Wales… off the Llŷn  Peninsula  to be precise.”
    “Look, there’s something else in the box sir,” says Webster.
    Darrell pulls out a folded note. He opens it to read: Find the nest in the oak tree. A treasure awaits you.
    “Well, the way I see it, we have no other choice,” says Darrell. “Diane, you and I must head to Bardsey Island immediately to find this house, and hopefully the treasure!”
    Darrell would be kidding himself if he believed his enthusiasm was driven as much or more by the excitement of a scavenger hunt, and to discover a rugged land he had not yet explored.
    “But sir, are you sure it’s a good idea to bring…” whispers Webster, pointing his head towards Diane. “Do you really want to involve her aga—”
    “I’d love to go!” cheers Diane. “So long as we can bring Rufus too!”
    “Rufus comes too,” replies Darrell. “Let me just make a call to the Welsh police and fill them in.”
    “That’s very courteous of you, Inspector,” says Diane.
     
    ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠
     
    Diane picks up the phone and dials Darrell’s number. They had both gone to their respective homes to pack up some belongings to bring on their journey to Bardsey Island.
    “Hello Darrell? I’m just reading here about Bardsey Island. Apparently travel to the island can be quite treacherous and boat trips can be cancelled if the winds and sea currents are too strong.”
    “Look Diane, I do not want you to feel uncomfortable or make you feel like you’re in danger. I’m quite capable of going on my own if you would prefer not to go. I will understand.”
    “No, not at all! I would not miss this for the world. All I was going to say is that they recommend wrapping any bags you have in plastic to waterproof them, and to bring clothing for all types of weather. Oh, and I am going to make some sandwiches and pack some snacks, just in case food deliveries haven’t been made to the island recently.”
    “I thought we might only stay one night. How long are you planning on staying?” Darrell laughs.
    “Oh, that reminds me… when you pick me up, can we stop by Carys’ to pick up Rufus’ food and belongings? Do you still have access to the home?”
    “Of course! See you soon.”
    Diane takes out a box of cellophane and starts to wrap her backpack. Before ripping the plastic, she shakes her head at herself. You’re just being silly Diane. She decides to put some of the bag’s contents – her camera in particular – in plastic bags instead. The backpack is made of a waterproof material in any case.
    She opens the closet and takes out her insulated rain jacket, an article of clothing she’s worn many times on hikes with Albert and on solo ramblings.
    “Rufus,” she calls. “I have an extra rain jacket if you’d like it.”
    Rufus runs up to