A Devious Lot (Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries Book 5) Read Online Free Page B

hiring him for small jobs. A good word from her in the village would help his business tremendously.”
    “Why does he need her help, and why is he borrowing your tools?”
    “He’s had a tough go of it,” Tessa said.
    “Why?” Molly asked.
    Tessa hesitated, but finally said, “Because he’s served time in prison.” Molly exchanged a worried look with Matt. “I can see the way you’re looking at each other,” Tessa said. “He paid a price to society for what he did. You shouldn’t judge.”
    Matt said, “May we ask why he went to prison?”
    “It was an accident,” Tessa said. “He murdered a man.” Molly felt her jaw drop. Matt looked shocked. “It was a pub brawl,” she went on. “Reggie didn’t even know the man. There was a soccer match on the TV and a fight broke out over the outcome of the game. The other man pulled a knife and Reggie fought back. Somehow during the struggle, he managed to get hold of his knife and accidentally stabbed him.”
    “How long was he in prison?” Matt asked.
    “Fifteen years,” Tessa said.
    Molly whistled low. “Whoever sentenced him obviously didn’t think it was an accident,” she said. “Did you know him before the murder?”
    Tessa shook her head. “Reggie’s originally from Liverpool, but he didn’t want to go there when he got out. He started his own business at the urging of our vicar, Reverend Jenkins. I decided to give him a second chance. The truth is, I needed the help. After Jack died, I tried to do the gardening myself, but it’s no good, I haven’t the knack for it. Jack used to say I could kill a cactus.”
    Molly said, “Despite the fact that your garden is beautiful, I’m not wild about an ex-convict working for you.”
    “I understand your concern, but it’s unwarranted,” Tessa said. “I wouldn’t have hired Reggie if I didn’t believe he was truly reformed.”
    Molly glanced at Matt. He was frowning, and she could see it in his eyes, he didn’t trust Reggie. Neither did she.

Chapter 2
     
    The road to Channing Hall was once a carriage road, surrounded for centuries by tall oaks on either side. The house was situated on ten acres, with meadows and rolling hills and a forest at the edge of the property. Molly glimpsed it through the trees, and as Matt turned the rental car onto the long circular drive, she felt her excitement grow.
    Channing Hall loomed in front of them, a magnificent and perfectly proportioned mansion of weathered brick with a high slate roof, four chimneys, and dozens of gleaming windows. Matt parked the car behind a shiny new silver Jaguar. No one got out, but for a long moment stared at the house. Finally, he said, “I have to admit, Channing Hall is impressive.” He turned around in his seat to face Tessa in the back. “What do you know about its history?”
    Tessa said, “I know it was built by the first Earl of Rangely in 1761, and that he was a gentleman farmer. Over the years, the estate employed many villagers, and remained in the family until the last Earl of Rangely had to give it up twenty-five years ago. The taxes and maintenance became too much to handle, and his children weren’t interested in taking it on. It was a shame. They were nice people.”
    “How did Donnie and Brenda manage to afford it?”
    “Donnie made his fortune with a string of car dealerships across the U.K.,” Tessa said. “I’m afraid I don’t know much more about the history of the estate. I believe it’s been a peaceful house, with little intrigue or drama. Shall we go in?”
    Matt helped Tessa from the car, hovering over her as she made her way with her cane to the ten-foot-high front door. Before Molly could press the bell, it was opened by a plump, dour woman wearing a crisp black skirt and a frilly white blouse. Tessa smiled and said, “Good afternoon, Mrs. Jackson. How are you today?”
    Mrs. Jackson said stiffly, “Very well, thank you, madam. Please come in.”
    Feeling like a child about to open her