Malice in Cornwall Read Online Free Page A

Malice in Cornwall
Book: Malice in Cornwall Read Online Free
Author: Graham Thomas
Tags: Fiction, General, Suspense, Mystery & Detective, Police, Police Procedural, Traditional British, Ghosts, Cornwall (England : County)
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Superintendent?”
    “That's what we're here to find out, Mrs. Polfrock.”
    She smiled fixedly, her mouth a thick red smudge of lipstick. Then without warning she let out a bellow. “George!”
    Powell swore he could feel the roof slates rattle.
    George Polfrock came scurrying, a little man much smaller than his wife, balding, with nervous, darting eyes. “Yes, my sweet,” he panted, catching his breath and sizing up his new guests. He reminded one of a Pekingese, eager for a treat.
    “Show Chief Superintendent Powell and, er, the sergeant to their rooms.” It was clearly an order, not a request. “By the way, will you gentlemen be taking lunch?”
    “I think not, Mrs. Polfrock. Thanks all the same. We had a late breakfast in Camborae and we're anxious to get started.”
    Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. “As you like, but please remember that I require at least four hours' notice to reserve a place for lunch and the evening meal.”
    “We'll bear that in mind, Mrs. Polfrock. Do you get many guests this time of year?” Powell inquired innocently.
    A grudging shrug. “Besides you two, there's just that
person
from the press.” She looked as if she had just swallowed something nasty. “But in a month's time we'll be full up right through the season.”
    Powell picked up his suitcase. “Splendid. Lead the way. Mr. Polfrock.”
    Fifteen minutes later Powell and Black fled the
    Wrecker's Rest and made a beeline for the pub.

    “Bloody charming,” Black said as he tucked into his fish and chips.
    They had the place to themselves and Powell, having reluctantly eschewed a selection from the surprisingly extensive wine list, savored his first pint of Cornish bitter since the previous summer. He smacked his lips appreciatively. “Ah, well, I trust we won't be spending too many cozy evenings with our hosts gathered together around the hearth.” He poked at his ploughman's. “Still, Butts has got a nerve, don't you think? Although he probably didn't have much choice, considering—”
    He was interrupted by the publican, who had come over to introduce himself. Tall and wide and beginning to bulge in the wrong places, the man looked like a rugby player gone to seed.
    “Tony Rowlands at your service,” he said heartily. “Is everything all right?”
    “Excellent, thank you.” Powell introduced Black and himself. “Very nice place you have here.” Always wise to open with a platitude.
    Rowlands smiled. “We try to add a little class to the neighborhood. I've lived here for over thirty years and I'm still working at it.” He pulled up a chair and sat down. “Just passing through?”
    “We're staying at the Wrecker's Rest for a few days.”
    Rowlands smirked. “There's an odd couple if ever there was one. She's a horrible old shrew and he's a raving pervert. Spies on the young girls at Mawgawan Beach with a telescope.”
    Powell wasn't quite sure whether he found this display of candor refreshing or slightly off-putting. More theformer, he decided, as it confirmed his own first impression of the Polfrocks.
    “What brings you gentlemen to Penrick—business or pleasure?” Rowlands inquired easily.
    Powell explained that they were policemen and had come to investigate the so-called Riddle.
    Rowlands was suddenly tight-lipped.
    “Mrs. Polfrock says it's bad for business,” Powell ventured.
    “That depends on how you look at it. After all, I've just got two new customers, haven't I?”
    Powell raised his glass. “Soon to be regulars, I think.”
    “Well, you've come to the right place, Chief Superintendent,” a feminine voice piped in. The sturdy blonde barmaid, who looked like she was genetically predisposed to pull pints, came over to their table. “I couldn't help overhearing that you gentlemen are from Scotland Yard, here to investigate the sightings. I was the first to see it, wasn't I, love?”
    Rowlands rolled his eyes but said nothing.
    Powell reached over and pulled a chair out from the table.
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