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Ms Jones has gone to outsiders to bring in builders, plumbers, and electricians so far. No local businesses were offered a chance at the job. An architect from a different town was hired when we have talented people here. Apparently, country living is not up to Ms Jones’ high standards. So, after bringing in teams of workers from miles away, one would hope that Ms Jones would aid other ways in her chosen home.
Ms Jones has yet to be seen at any event, including church. She has not set foot in any shop, restaurant, or part of our community with the intent to be inclusive. We discovered that Ms Jones is wealthy. But all her pennies are being spent not on supporting the local businesses but on outsiders. Now we obviously cannot tell Ms Jones where to spend her money, nor would we even dare. But surely Ms Jones cannot expect our support when she fails to uphold her neighbourhood.
This is once again a prime example of someone with wealth buying our history and no doubt turning it into some ghastly gastro pub. Meanwhile, Ms Jones blithely disturbs the spirits she does not believe in. Apparently, they are a quaint countryside rumour, which is believed by yokels. She said that to a local estate agent, no less.
And now we have the Jekyll and Hyde itself. Haunted by Lord Lucian Norton and Margery Cross. Both have been witnessed at the inn many times and by multiple witnesses. The renovations to the inn must be riling up the murderous spirits inside. It is public knowledge that Margery Cross murdered twelve children and was last seen at the Jekyll and Hyde. It is also accepted that Lord Norton went to join his lover, and they both disappeared.
Two farmhands who were passing claim they witnessed Margery, and Lord Lucian struck down, and the ground opened up and swallowed them. While it was never proved Lord Norton was involved in the murders, one tiny witness, an innocent victim, escaped the night Margery and Lord Norton disappeared. The little child spoke of how Lord Norton swept into the inn and began arguing with Margery before he freed her of her bindings. Margery screamed he couldn’t stop her, and they’d burn together.
Lord Norton’s attention was taken by Margery, and the child escaped and ran home as fast as she could. She informed her parents of what was happening, and they raised a group of concerned citizens who raced to the inn, only to discover the murderous culprits had fled. They were never to be seen alive in our lifetime. Will Ms Jones’ renovations allow the trapped spirits to escape? Will murder come to our children because one arrogant woman from the city believes she knows better than the locals? Or is there something worse?
It is strange how Ms Jones has come and gone from the inn without harm. Is she more than she claims, a woman who doesn’t believe in ghosts? Could Ms Jones be a witch herself and be dabbling in the dark arts at the Jekyll and Hyde? Are Satanic rituals happening right under our noses? This reporter took her fears to the local police, who shunned them. They claim there is no evidence, and this is gossip and rumour-mongering. Well, I wonder what they will say when the hounds of hell rise and terrorise this village.’
???
Lucian stopped reading and turned to stare incredulously at Mr Evans. Mr Evans matched his gaze.
“Are they authorised to publish such trash? All of this is horrible falsehoods. Why would someone wish to harm Maggie?” Lucian asked.
“Whether they’re allowed to or not, they have. Maggie has been working herself to the bone. She’d not had a single day off that I’ve seen,” Mr Evans responded defensively.
“This is unbelievable. Such nasty lies and vicious gossip. Maggie will be devastated.”
“Maggie is freaking fuming and has set her solicitor on the reporter. Her name is Jayne Allison, and I shall have a retraction, an apology, and her job when I’ve finished with her,” Maggie added from the doorway.
“Are you okay?” Mr Evans asked, worried.
“Fighting angry, but people like Jayne always get their comeuppance. I can prove what I say. She can’t, and she can get on with it,” Maggie announced furiously.
Lucian approached her and ran a hand down her arm in sympathy.
“We had women like Jayne in our time. Don’t allow her to upset you,” Lucian said.
“I suppose I’m lucky she didn’t dig deep enough into my history,” Maggie muttered before turning to Mr Evans. Lucian studied Maggie carefully. What had that meant? Was his Maggie hiding something?
“I have to make some calls later today, so I’ll pop out to the car. They’re private,” Maggie said, and Lucian bristled. What was so intensely secret that Maggie couldn’t speak in front of him? Lucian glared at the door, hating that he couldn’t step outside, and then his gaze relaxed. He’d been outside yesterday. Logically, he could eavesdrop on Maggie. His demeanour brightened, and Maggie caught it.
“Actually, I need to pop into the sandwich shop. A couple of the guys have requested different fillings. And some rotation on crisps. It seems somebody is stealing all the prawn cocktail crisps,” Maggie said and stared straight at Mr Evans.
Lucian was trying to stop himself from laughing when her words caught up to him. Damn it! She was going to escape, and now he’d not hear her conversation. Lucian hated Maggie was keeping secrets from him. He wanted her trust and to turn to him when she needed someone.
“Lucian?” Maggie asked.
“That’s fine,” he declared shortly.
“Lucian, I was asking if you’d calmed down after your announcement yesterday?” Maggie said gently.
“Oh?” Lucian quirked an eyebrow, knowing full well what Maggie was referring to.
“Are you going to make me say it?” Maggie sighed, and Lucian grinned.
“I’m afraid…”
“Lucian, damn it! I’m referring to the fact you proposed we marry!” Maggie whisper yelled. Lucian’s grin got bigger.
“No, I didn’t propose that. I said we would get married. No proposal in that, just a statement of fact,” Lucian drawled, enjoying Maggie’s emotions.
“There you go, Lucian, like I don’t have a choice. I have options, Lucian, and I don’t need a man to manage me,” Maggie replied, her eyes narrowing on him.
