A Deadly Restoration (Julia Blake Cozy Mystery Book 2) by A Deadly Restoration Page A

quickly grabbed the fish and
dropped it into her basket.
    The
young woman rubbed her hand and grumbled, “Can you stop chatting and let me
have a look at what’s left then?”
    Cora
gave her a scathing look and then graciously moved to one side.
    I
peeped into Cora’s basket. It was full of cut price food. I looked a bit closer
at Cora. She seemed to have aged a few years since I last saw her, and that was
only two months ago.
    “I’m
just on my way to a cleaning job near your house,” I lied. “Would you like a
lift?”
    “Oh
Julia, that would be lovely, if you’re sure you don’t mind? My legs seem to get
more tired every day.”
    I
offered to carry Cora’s shopping basket but she stubbornly refused.
    On
the drive home Cora asked how Chloe and Sam were getting on at university.
    “Having
the time of their lives. They’re both coming back in the holidays so I’ll have
a noisy house again. How’s your Stephen?”
    Cora’s
eyes twinkled. “He comes to see me as often as he can, but he’s very busy with
his work. You know how it is.”
    I
didn’t say anything.
    Cora
asked how the building work was going on next door. “I bet I wouldn’t recognise
my old home now.”
    “You
wouldn’t. Leo Kennedy has done all sorts to it, new windows and doors. And you know
he’s having that extension built? I think he’ll have to dig up your lovely
apple tree because it’s in the way.”
    “No!
But I planted that when our Stephen was young. Don’t let him dig it up Julia!”
    Cora
looked as if she was going to cry.
    When
we arrived at her house I quickly picked up her shopping bag and helped her along
the front path. She leant on me as we walked. I was starting to get worried
about how frail she was.
    Cora
opened the door of her little bungalow.
    When
I saw how it looked inside my heart almost broke.
     

Chapter 3
     
    There
was rubbish piled everywhere. And there was an awful smell, like something had
gone off a long time ago.
    Cora
still seemed weak so I helped her move by bags and boxes until I found a small
settee. I sat her down and said I’d make her a cup of tea.
    She
tried to wave me away but I ignored her. I found the tiny kitchen, this too was
full of rubbish.
    This
wasn’t like Cora at all. When she lived next door to me she was so house proud
that she was almost obsessive. I love cleaning but Cora’s efforts put me to
shame.
    I
quickly put her shopping away and then put the kettle on.
    A
few minutes later I took a cup of tea through to Cora and sat down next to her.
She took a few careful sips and then gave me a little smile.
    “You
must be wondering what’s going on. If this really is my home? I know it looks
like a pig sty and I’m so ashamed. I didn’t want anyone to see me living like
this,” Cora said sadly.
    “I’m
just surprised. Where did all these bags come from?” I asked.
    “It’s
all my things from my old house. I didn’t have time to sort it all out before I
left. Leo Kennedy was in such a hurry to move in that he said he’d pack for
me.”
    “But
you moved months ago. Didn’t Leo Kennedy offer to unpack for you when you got
here?” I said.
    Cora
shook her head. “He left everything out on the road. I had to bring everything
inside as the neighbours were complaining. And now I haven’t got the strength
to sort things out.”
    “What
about your Stephen? Can’t he help?” I asked.
    Cora
said fondly, “I don’t want to bother him. He’s too busy.”
    I
wouldn’t mind bothering him! And that Leo Kennedy too!
    “Well,
Cora Roberts, this is your lucky day. You know I can’t stand a mess so I’m
going to help you sort these boxes and bags out.” I looked around. “Well, we
might not finish it all today, but we can make a start. We’ll sort out things
that can go to charity, stay with you or be thrown away.”
    “Oh
no! Julia, I can’t expect you to do that!” Cora cried out.
    I
stood up. “You don’t have a choice. I’ve nothing else to do today. I’ll