In a corner of the small town of Fog Valley sat Daisy's Cafe. The small building gave the same antique and picturesque feeling as all the other houses and shops, with the brick walls covered by ivy, the aroma of homemade pastries and tea mingling to produce a timeless, enchanting atmosphere.
Lila was wiping the mugs with practised and efficient movements, intently listening to the chatter of Marian who was a very well-known personality in their community, with a fondness to spread every bit of news -and secrets- the moment that she came to know them.
-I have some shocking news! Just recently, I heard there is someone new coming to Fog Valley. It seems it´s a woman from the city.
The loud voice of Marian reached every single corner of the loud cafe and everyone listened with attention. Old Jo, sitting close by Mariam, snorted at her attitude of talking to the air knowing that she was being heard, but was ignored by the knowing public. Everybody knew that Jo was as gossipy as Mariam.
-Yesterday I went to visit Henry, as a new police constable I fear he may be a bit unaccustomed to his job and I happened to make too many pumpkin cookies, so I thought that I may as well take them to him and…
-Come on woman! Don't dilly-dally like this, we all know that Sargent Pacey won't make it hard for your kid after all the praise he received!
Mariam scrunched her eyebrows at Old Jo but just let out a nasal hump and returned to her story.
- Well, Henry's co-workers liked them and when I was going out, I happened to overhead a heated argument about a new resident coming soon. Inspector Mullen wasn't very happy from what I could hear and then Sergeant Pacey said very clearly that... this new arrival has rented Foxglove Cottage!
The listeners in the cafe became tense at the mention of the cottage's name, some of the more reactive even stood up in shock. Close by the counter, a middle aged couple went pale with horror, the woman took her husband's arm with a grip filled of fear and muttered.
-Oh my, how could this happened? And at this time of the year!
Opposite to Mariam, a man with a scruffy beard even hit the table with his callous hand spilling a bit of his tea, not minding it and loudly asking at no one in particular.
-How come that place is available for rent!?
The raising murmurs became discernible while fear brewed in the crowd.
-Oh, no. It's Foxglove Cottage!
-Are they drunk or have they forgotten...
-All of you, quiet down!
Old Jo's powerful voice made the uneasy and loud crowd calm down just in time. A few seconds later a car parked by the café and the bell above the door chimed crisply when inspector Mullen came from the outside accompanied by a strange young woman wearing a long autumn coat and carrying a big dark suitcase.
The cosy cafe became dead silent with the arrival, but Lila reacted quickly and moved to the counter with a bit of a forced smile.
-Afternoon Inspector. Would you like some tea? I got some chocolate pastries made by my mother.
The stout and severe looking Inspector shoot a warning glance to the agitated customers in the cafe before smiling rigidly to Lila.
-No, thank you Lila. I came here to ask if you still have that spare room available, Miss Ravenswood here… has arrived earlier than expected and encountered a small issue in the Cottage. Is already too late to let Barry go and check so I recommended her to stay here.
Lila couldn't smile at all as a chill crept by her spine. The faces of several customers in her shop went ghostly pale, some were shivering while attempting to drink their hot beverages to calm down after listening that something has already happened. Old Jo took his cup between his hands and become silent while looking out of the window in a trance and even the always zesty Mariam went extremely quiet.
Noticing the depressed atmosphere and the strange look on the eyes of Miss Ravenswood, Lila quickly regained her wits and nodded but the smile on her face disappeared.
-Of course it's still available, a bit dusty perhaps. Nothing that can rival a damp cloyh and a broom.
Inspector Mullen nodded and left after giving some dry pleasantries to Jo and others.
Lila went to Miss Ravenswood and stretched her hand.
-Hello, I am Lila Ashford half the owner of this café. Come and I will show you the room. Do you need help with you luggage?
The hand of the woman was cold and clammy, it give a different type of chill to Lila but she managed to not show anything in her face.
-I can carry it, don't worry. I am Margot Ravenswood, a pleasure to meet you.
Lila resisted the urge to wipe her hand on her clothes and after calling for her mother to go and tend the shop she guided the guest to the stairs all the way to the third floor.
-It's more an attic than a proper room but it will do for a night.
Inside the room the furniture was covered by white cloth, the small window was as dusty as the floor but there wasn't any strange, mouldy smell. Just a bit of stale air that will fade as soon as new air flooded the place. Seeing that there wasn't much to clean Lila felt a bit relieved, and started showing some things to Margot.
-We leave the door key hanging here so you can lock your door. You can leave your luggage in the hall while I clean and make the bed in a few minutes, maybe you can go down and eat something as you must be exhausted from your journey.
Lila saw Margot examining the room while she talked. She seemed satisfied.
-Very well, I will leave you to your work.
As Margot left, Lila let out a small breath of air and quickly entered the small restroom to clean her hand that still had the clammy feeling from their handshake.