Read Online The Blood of an Englishman by M. C. Beaton - Free Book Online Page B

in a minute,” said Agatha. “I’ve got Toni’s notes here. I hadn’t time to read them. She thinks Kimberley really wanted to tell her something but her father was making threatening noises and she clammed up. She plans to go back and try to get Kimberley on her own.”
    â€œSo let’s brave the snow,” said James, “and see what Gareth has to say for himself.”
    *   *   *
    The main roads had been gritted but it was hard going on the untreated country roads leading to Winter Parva. Agatha covertly studied James and wondered what he was thinking. His handsome face seemed inscrutable. Did he ever think of the nights in bed they had spent when they were married? Probably not, thought Agatha, feeling suddenly frumpy and deflated.
    â€œIsn’t this that village where they roasted a cop at the pig roast?” asked James.
    â€œThe very one,” said Agatha. As they drove along the main street, she said, “Just look at it. Like a picture postcard. I can’t help wondering what goes on behind those net curtains and closed doors. Probably husbands beating the shit out of their wives.”
    â€œCynic,” commented James.
    â€œSlow down,” said Agatha. “It’s that house over there.”
    *   *   *
    There was no reply when they rang the doorbell.
    â€œCould it be that he is in Mircester getting ready to put the show on again?” asked James.
    â€œHe might,” said Agatha. “He has to get back the money that was paid back on the first night. But before we go back, I’d like to see if George Southern has been released by the police. The gift shop is in the main street. It’s right next to the post office.”
    They drove to the gift shop. There was a Closed notice on the door.
    â€œProbably still being grilled by the police,” said James.
    â€œSurely not.” Agatha peered out of the car. The snow had turned to large flakes, drifting slowly down. “Wait a moment. There’s a light on upstairs.”
    They got out and went up to the shop door. James hammered on it and the door slowly opened. A chorus of “Behold the Lord High Executioner” sounded from above.
    â€œLet’s go up,” said Agatha.
    â€œIt’s trespass,” said the ever-cautious James.
    â€œWe’ll shout.”
    Agatha began yelling, “Mr. Southern!”
    â€œHe’ll never hear you,” said James. “He’s playing the music awfully loudly.”
    Agatha lifted the counter and made her way through to the back shop. “Look! There are stairs leading up,” she said.
    â€œI really don’t think…” began James, but Agatha was already mounting the stairs.
    She pushed open the door at the top, releasing a blast of sound.
    Agatha was about to walk in when she stopped short and let out a whimpering sound. She turned round and collided with James.
    â€œIt’s awful,” she said.
    He put his arms round her. “What’s awful?”
    â€œHis head is on his living room floor and there’s blood everywhere.”
    â€œLet me see. The idiot’s probably playing another stupid trick.”
    He released Agatha and edged past her.
    James saw the head, the blood and the bloody executioner’s sword lying on the carpet.
    â€œLet’s get out of here. Call the police.”
    He helped her down the stairs and into the Land Rover after he had called the police.
    â€œOh, James,” wailed Agatha. “I have seen some terrible sights in my career but I think this is the worst.”
    He put an arm round her. “The police will soon be here. We’ll make our statements and go back to Carsely where you can have a warm drink.”
    *   *   *
    At one point it seemed as if the police would never arrive but then Wilkes, Bill Wong and Alice Peterson drove up in a police Land Rover. “I’ll deal with this,” said