Nooks & Crannies Read Online Free PDF Page B

that small details often came full circle.
    She took a very deep breath and watched her mum and dad descend the staircase to the hotel lobby. Pay attention. Anything can be a clue, she reminded herself. But a clue to what? The mysteriousness of this particular mystery was frustrating beyond pleasure until she realized what was missing—what was part of every Inspector Pensive mystery novel she’d read over and over again.
    A crime.

Pay attention, Tibbs, to what is precious to people. Do they cling to paintings or pastimes or money? Do they shun the gifted items of others by shoving them into drawers instead of putting them on display? Remember that when a person leaves their home quickly, what they leave behind might be as important as what appears to be missing.
    â€”Inspector Percival Pensive,
    The Case of the Disappearing Dachshund
    T he Hotel McAvoy’s lobby rustled and murmured as women in full skirts and feathers mingled with men in their dress coats and homburg hats. The doorman and desk attendant busied themselves with afternoon arrivals, and there was a decided feeling of anticipation to the place, marked by a corner of bunched luggage and flocked parents awaiting transport to Hollingsworth Hall. Even hotel guests who were not bound for Hollingsworth paid tribute to the milling group with silent stares and appraising glances.
    Tabitha journeyed the steps slowly, observing the four children seated beside the reception desk, lined up along a bench like expectant soldiers. Clearly they were her fellow invitees.
    Nearest the window sat a pleasant-looking tall boy with dark hair and a half grin directed at a flash of silver in his hands. The seat next to him was taken by a cherub-faced blonde with a cheery glow, and next to her, a yellow-haired boy slouched. He wore delicate spectacles and rested a book on his belly, his mouth moving silently along with the words. The seat beside the marble length of desk was taken by an elegantly postured but sour-faced child with lovely auburn curls who kept eyeing the front desk attendant as though she wished he would disappear.
    All four children were immaculate, with the tall boy and sour girl wearing the finest clothes. Oliver Appleby and Frances Wellington, based on Daddy’s notes, Tabitha guessed, leaving the others to be Viola and Edward. Though it’s best never to determine a person’s identity solely by their exterior, Pemberley. Goodness knows what they make of me. Tabitha took a very deep breath, determined not to show embarrassment over her own appearance.
    â€œFrances, do put a pleasant look on your face, like the delightful child you are,” a stylish woman called from across the room.
    â€œYes, Mother.” A charming smile appeared immediately on the sour girl as she stood and curtsied to her mother, though her eyes remained annoyed.
    The tall boy put away the pocket tool he’d been fiddling with and caught sight of Tabitha lingering on the fringes, but still standing solidly within the bubble of the Hall-bound gathering. He beckoned her to join the rest of the children. With no small amount of surprise, she hesitated, looked behind her, and finally nodded.
    Don’t bob your head like an idiot, she heard her mother’s voice say. A woman should nod demurely. But Tabitha wasn’t sure how to nod demurely, so she simply blushed at her own awkwardness and walked toward the bench. None of them want to be friends, so that takes the pressure off, she told herself. And I’ve got my best friend with me already, she added, giving Pemberley a quick pat.
    The beckoner grinned and held out a hand to Tabitha. “I’m Oliver. Look a bit stiff, don’t we all?”
    Pleased to have been right about names, Tabitha sat. “Yes, you do all look a bit stiff,” she whispered back to Oliver. “That is, I didn’t mean to insult you, I’m sure you’re all harmless, I just meant . . .” Oh, bother!