Murder in the Valley: A Lady Margaret Turnbull Cozy Mystery (International Cozy Mysteries Series Book 4) by C T Mitchell Page A

and I live north of Bangalow in Federal,
New South Wales.  We live on an acreage estate that’s Winston’s property.  We
inherited it from Winston’s grandfather.  It’s a lovely place but, like any old
estate, was falling apart.  Winston used to be a stock broker for Barclays UK. 
He ran the local branch office here and that’s how we were able to renovate our
house last year.”
     Maggie normally was quite good at learning the latest gossip
around town but Winston not working at Lismore anymore was new information for
her.   “Used to be?” Maggie asked.
    “Winston resigned from the firm in Lismore?”
    “Yes, three months ago.”  Lucy's hands tightened around the
tea cup to the point her knuckles almost turned white.   “I didn’t know that he
had quit until I phoned Barclays UK in Lismore and found out that he left!  He
never told me or even dropped any hints!”
    As if sensing what Maggie was about to ask Lucy continued as
she gripped the cup in a death grip.  “I don’t know where, if anywhere, Winston
is working now.  He goes to work somewhere as usual every morning and comes
back at night.  That is except for last night when he didn’t come home.”
    Maggie knew a little about Winston Broad from her usual
sources of gossip in town.  He was handsome, well liked (or lusted after) by
the ladies and could convince anyone of anything.   She wouldn't be the least
bit surprised if he went into town every morning to hide some ongoing affair
and came home to his wife at night.  Winston definitely came across as the type
of bloke that wanted to have his cake and eat it too.
    “Do you think Winston could have been seeing someone else?” 
Maggie asked as tactfully as possible.  Now that she had Lucy calmed down, she
didn't need to send her into a fresh torrent of tears.
    Lucy shook her head. “No, Winston would never have an
affair.   It’s not in his nature at all. We were planning our five year anniversary
last weekend.  He wouldn't do that to me.  He just wouldn't.”
    Lucy’s pink cheeks turned a deeper pink as she realized how
forceful and in denial that must sound.   “I’m sorry, forgive me.  I just get
so frustrated as those are the same questions that Detective Tom Sullivan asked
me when I went to see him this morning.   No one wants to believe me when I say
Winston wouldn’t have an affair.  It's the likely conclusion so of course
everyone jumps to it.”
    “Why did you come to see me about it?”  Maggie asked.
    Lucy looked up and blinked her red, tear bright eyes. 
“Because you need to help me prove it.”

Chapter 2
    “Help you?”  Maggie blinked wide eyes at Lucy.  “I. . .I
don't make it a habit to play detective.”
    “But you have before, so why not again?”  Lucy set her cup
of tea down.  “You don't have to tell me one way or the other now, but just
promise to think it over.  Please?”
    “With any luck, there will be nothing to investigate.”  
Maggie patted Lucy's hand in a motherly gesture that usually got the locals to
spill all juicy details they knew about town happenings.  She didn't mean to
know and see all, it was just part of being known as a good hostess and even
better listener.  “I'll bet dollars to donuts that Winston is just being
forgetful and will come home.”
    Lucy frowned.   “I have my doubts that he will return but
never mind that.  A lot can happen in twelve hours. That's when the Lismore
Police will let me file an official missing person report.”
    She sighed.  “Twelve hours.  I don't know if I can wait that
long.  Not knowing where he is or if he's safe or not is driving me mad.”
    “The police have procedures for a reason.”  Maggie picked up
the empty tea things in one hand and gestured for Lucy to follow her.  She
deposited the cups and saucers in the kitchen before leading the way to the
front door. “I'll think about what you're...requesting...but only after these
next twelve hours pass