Page 24 of Honey Mead Murder

“I had a fantastic view of the back of their hoodie.” George rested his head against Bumble, rubbing his face against his fur. “Why risk it? They had to have seen our vehicles.”

“What would you risk if there was one piece of evidence to prove your guilt in a murder?”

“I wouldn’t risk anything by committing the crime in the first place.” George set Bumble down in Murphy’s office. He watched the pug stretch briefly before waddling over to collapse into the bed next to the desk. “How many beds are you going to buy for him?”

“As many as he needs. And I was speaking metaphorically, not literally.”

“I suppose I’d do anything.”

“Exactly.” Murphy twisted his laptop around so they could watch while he pulled up the security cameras. “They just didn’t know I’d already turned the napkin over to the police.”

THIRTEEN

MURPHY

The security cameras had picked up every detail of the attempted theft and the vandalism except the suspect’s face. They gave Constable Davie the footage. He called out the detectives to inspect the broken glass as well.

Sarah had not been thrilled at George giving chase of the suspect. He just stared at Bumble and ignored her lecture. Murphy tried not to laugh.

While George often struggled with a lot of social things at times, he’d turned pretending to listen to someone into an art. The only thing that gave him away was occasionally nodding in the wrong spots. Bumble made it easier by being adorably distracting.

Teagan arrived in the middle of the chaos. They’d brought along a box of pastries from their auntie. Murphy teased his cousin about getting sugar in her precious notebook; Sarah responded by threatening to arrest him.

“It’s late. I’m going to suggest you all go home and get some rest. And for the love of god, leave us to do the investigating. I’m begging you.” Sarah finished taking notes and motioned for the constable. “Paddy.”

“I hear you.” Murphy had no intentions of listening to her. Curiosity had sunk its teeth into him. He wanted to know what had happened in his pub that almost led to him being arrested for murder. “Don’t stay up too late. You look like you need more beauty rest.”

“You’re such an arsehole.” Sarah glowered at her cousin before finally stowing away her little notebook. “Just… try not to get yourselves killed or involved in another murder inquiry, will you?”

“We’ll do our best,” Murphy promised.

They stood outside, watching the police leave. Once they were gone, Murphy grabbed a few large bin liners and duct tape. He sealed the broken windows as best he could; they’d definitely have to call the auto shop to get them fixed in the morning.

“Why don’t we get some tea? We can have pastries, and I’ll tell you everything I learned at my auntie’s salon.” Teagan tapped the box in their arms. “I’ve got all the tea.”

“Okay. But you are Tea?” George carried Bumble into the brewery with him. They all went up the stairs into Murphy’s flat. “Tea spilling tea?”

“You’re not allowed on YouTube again.” Teagan set the box on the kitchen counter, opened the lid, and selected one of the delectable treats for themselves. “Ol’ Bertie’s girlfriend is an interesting piece of work. She was more than happy to tell everyone all about his older brother.”

“Yeah?” Murphy went over to fill his electric kettle. He pulled down several mismatched mugs. “I’ve got the three-in-one tea packets your auntie brought back on her last trip.”

“Instant masala? Brilliant.”

“You would like sugary milk tea.” Teagan didn’t complain when Murphy mixed up a mug for them as well. “So, this bint basically claimed Ronald held the purse strings tightly. He once cut Bertrand off for failing one of his university courses.”

“Interesting.” George had made sure Bumble was snug in his little bed before grabbing a sugar-dusted, jam-filled pastry for himself. “I imagine that might’ve put a strain on their relationship.”

“She also said Bertrand and Roland had a massive row a few weeks ago.” Teagan paused to take a large bite of their pastry. “Apparently, the elder brother turned down the younger by refusing to allow him to take a chunk out of his trust to start his own business.”

“Sounds like a power struggle.” Murphy finished up with the tea. He carried the three mugs over, setting them down on the coffee table before taking a seat beside George. “Why would Bertrand lie to me about it? I have no impact on the case aside from being brought in for questioning.”

“Maybe he thought you’d share it with Sarah or one of the other detectives?” George sank back into the cushions with the mug in his hands. “Are we certain he wasn’t at the tasting?”

“Didn’t see him on any of the security footage.” Murphy had gone back through every single second of it. He hadn’t seen the younger Donelson brother at all. “Someone obviously was. Someone left a note saying, ‘do it now.’ Maybe he had more than one accomplice?”

“Hmm.” George hummed. He sipped the milky tea with a contented sigh. “I wonder what was in the rubbish Ella tossed out. She was in such a hurry to throw away her husband’s things. Right after his murder. It’s suspicious.”

“Is there something beyond suspicious? Because it feels more than that.” Teagan grabbed a cushion off the couch and sat on the floor beside Bumble. “Aren’t you just the bestest dog in the whole world? You definitely are.”

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