Page 49 of A Perfect Devon Pub
She shook her head. She had barely spoken to Joshabout anything lately. With her exam date approaching, she’d cancelled their wine lessons to focus on her studies. Not that she was sharing that secret with anyone.
‘What about Kim?’ she asked, trying to keep her tone casual. ‘Has she said anything to you?’
‘No.’
‘I don’t think Rose’s plan of getting the thief to confess is going to get her anywhere.’ She felt her throat constrict –everyone believed either she or Ru were to blame. ‘The police will be called in soon.’
‘Stop worrying. I think this drama might blow over. When I was prepping a bone broth for an overnight simmer, I heard George and Rose talking. I think they assumed I’d left. He was one angry chef. Had a real go at her for accusing his staff. He wants to forget it, says it’s their fault because they were too lax with security, and now that’s been tightened he’d rather just get on with the business.’
That sounded promising. She locked eyes with his.‘And did Rose agree?’
‘Not yet. She wants to interview everyone first. Says she can’t concentrate, wondering which one of her team did it.’
‘She should have thought of that before she accused us all,’ said Fiona testily. ‘It sounds like it’s not over. She runs that business, not him.’ Recalling the sensation of Ru’s leg nudging hers at the staff meeting last night, she added a warning: ‘Ru, stay away from me at work ... please. We don’t want anyone suspecting we’re more than colleagues. They might think we planned this together.’
‘Which would be ridiculous, because you’ve made it very clear there’s nothing going on between us.’
She peeked up, met those dark eyes and sighed. ‘Right.’
There was a moment of silence, until Ru changed the subject. ‘What do you think of the shakshuka? Is the cumin toopronounced?’ he asked.
‘You know it isn’t.’
‘Good. Now, tell me what you would like for breakfast tomorrow.’
Concerned that either her aunt or Trish might let slip the reason Ru came to Brambleton, Fiona arranged to meet them both for coffee. As she pushed open the door of Prosecco & Prose, the bell above chimed softly, announcing her arrival. The place was buzzing with energy, a low hum of chatter filling the room. The rich scent of freshly ground coffee wrapped around her, just as it had when she’d met Ru there. Fiona spotted Ivy at a corner table, her silver hair gleaming in a sunbeam streaming through the window. Nearby, Trish leaned casually against the counter.
Fiona slid into the chair opposite Ivy, the cushion sinking beneath her, a slight comfort amid the tension tightening her chest. She had yet to mention the wine theft to her aunt. Trish joined them, bringing a steaming cup of coffee for Fiona.
‘Ivy, Trish ...’ Fiona began, trying to steady the tremor she heard in her voice. The hum of the coffee machine and the clatter of plates became distant as she focused on the two women in front of her. ‘Something’s come up at work that makes it important for me and Ru to keep our past a secret.’
Ivy gasped, ‘What’s happened, love?’
Fiona swallowed, the words heavy in her throat. She told them about the wine theft, fielding their barrage of questions, explaining why Rose believed it had to be an inside job – and why, in her eyes, Fiona and Ru were the prime suspects. Hearing her aunt heave a sigh, Fiona glanced across, registering a thoughtful look cross Ivy’s face. Ivy would never steal anything, but she might have seen something suspicious.
‘Ivy?’ she prompted.
‘I was just thinking that must be why Rose wants to see me,’mumbled Ivy.
‘Me too!’ cried Trish. Fiona’s eyes circled the room, taking in the bustle. It was thriving, even out of season. Trish wasn’t short of money.
‘Not that I would know what to take,’ said Ivy.
Fiona grimaced. ‘You could easily have found out from me.’
‘I don’t think I’m a prime suspect – some vicars lose their faith after they retire, rebel and act unethically, but that’s not me and the whole village knows it. I adhere to the same values I did when I was their vicar.’ Ivy looked at Fiona, her eyes full of sympathy. ‘But that’s not why you asked to meet us. You’re worried Rose will discover Ruben’s here because of you, and it will make him look dishonest, and the spotlight will fall on him?’
Fiona let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. ‘Yes’, she whispered. ‘Either that or she’ll suspect we planned it together.’
Ivy reached across the table, her hand brushing Fiona’s in a reassuring gesture. ‘Does this mean you and Ru are getting back together?’ Ivy’s eyes probed Fiona’s for clues. Fiona picked up her mug, which felt warm and steady in her hands. She dipped her head to take a sip; she was not ready to discuss her confused feelings for Ru with someone as perceptive as her aunt.
‘That’s not what I’m saying. Just – please. Will you keep our history to yourselves?’
Trish tapped her fingers thoughtfully against the tabletop as if playing a tune. The melodic sound was soothing. ‘We won’t say a word,’ said Trish. Ivy nodded in agreement, her grip tightening on Fiona’s hand. ‘You know I never break a confidence.’
Fiona looked at her aunt. Although glad her secret was safe with Ivy, that was a peculiar choice of words.
Twenty-two
