Pulling The Wool: A Magic Garden Mystery (Book 1) by Demy Watts Page A

a lot longer too.
    “Well, that’d be interesting. I know she’s never forgiven me for coming to live with you shortly after my sixteenth birthday. Hopefully, if we work together, we may just rebuild our relationship again.”
    Fern stood up and took the empty mugs back into the kitchen. Zinnia trailed behind her.
    “The other reason I’m home early, apart from giving Roman some thinking time, is that I have some news.”
    “Oh, really?” Fern placed the cups into the sink, and turned around, giving Zinnia her full attention.
    Zinnia lent up against the frame of the kitchen door, crossing her arms.
    “There’s a new vet in town, Owen Gordon. And you’ll never guess what?”
    “What? Tell me.”
    “He’s down from Scotland…and just happens to be Willie’s nephew.”
    “Willie’s nephew! Really? Why, I didn’t realise he had any extended family. Certainly, we haven’t seen anyone from his side in Thackery since his poor wife passed away.”
    Zinnia tucked her hair behind her years. “Yes, I often wondered why he stuck around after her passing. I thought he’d go back to Scotland, but it seems the slow paced, low-crime village life in Thackery suits him just fine.”
    Fern snorted. “I’m not sure he actually does anything much as our village police constable. I mean, it’s not like he has a crime to solve each month around here. I think the last time he was called out was when those passing travellers were playing their music too loud - and that was what, a month ago?”
    “Well, it appears that he may be busy for a while now.”
    “Oh really? Why?”
    “Come, let’s sit.”
    Fern’s large green eyes were wide with interest as they walked back into the cozy sitting room. They settled onto the sofa once again.
    “Okay, so, Owen stopped by the field earlier and introduced himself. And I might add, he’s not too bad on the eye, either…” Zinnia winked and Fern felt her cheeks heat under the scrutiny. Zinnia was always trying to meddle in her love life, or rather, her very lack of it. She waved her hand away dismissively at the comment, waiting for Zinnia to continue.
    “So, after we exchanged pleasantries for a while, he mentioned that very sadly, three of Sir Chesterton’s prize-winning sheep, were found dead in the early hours of this morning.”
    “ What! How?”
    “Owen ruled that they were poisoned!”
    Fern’s jaw dropped open in shock. “Poisoned! How on earth would they have been poisoned - with what? Or dare I say, by who? ”
    “That’s the mystery. Obviously Sir Chesterton takes great pride in his sheep and we have no idea why anyone would commit such a horrible crime. But he did discover that they died from Azalea poisoning.”
    Fern was quiet for a moment whilst her thoughts processed everything that was being said. Azalea poisoning? It was a fairly common plant in the village - she even sold them at The Magic Garden! And she had quite a few customers who had bought the shrub from her over the year.
    “That’s terrible, Zinnia. Why would someone do that to him - to the poor sheep?”
    Zinnia shrugged her shoulders. “I’ve no idea, Fern. I just hope we get to the bottom of it soon. It can’t have been a pleasant death for those poor animals.”
    “I agree.” Fern shook her head, her thoughts jumping all over the place. Jokingly, she looked at Zinnia. “I guess I’m a suspect too?”
    Zinnia frowned at her niece. “This is no laughing matter, Fern. I expect you will be questioned too in due course.”
    Fern visibly paled as she watched her aunt gather her basket of knitting wool and needles. “Since I’m home early, I may quickly drop in on Betty and see if she needs any more help with her knitting. She mentioned she was having trouble with the sleeves on the jumper she’s making.”
    Fern looked up and offered her a small smile. “Sure, I’ll see you later.” She watched as her aunt pulled open the heavy oak front door, letting in a blast of cold air, as she