The Poisonous Biscuit Read online

  The Poisonous Biscuit

  Copyright © 2020 Paul Edwards

  All rights reserved

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  ISBN-13: 9781234567890

  ISBN-10: 1477123456

  Cover design by: Art Painter

  Library of Congress Control Number: 2018675309

  Printed in the United States of America

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-One

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Chapter Forty-Six

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  Chapter Forty-Nine

  Chapter Fifty

  Chapter Fifty-One

  Chapter Fifty-Two

  Chapter Fifty-Three

  Chapter Fifty-Four

  Chapter Fifty-Five

  Chapter Fifty-Six

  Chapter Fifty-Seven

  Chapter Fifty-Eight

  Chapter Fifty-Nine

  Epilogue

  The Poisonous Biscuit

  Paul Edwards

  Chapter One

  It had been a sunny day in Manchester, and Richard was enjoying a nice Gin and Tonic in his classy apartment in the highest building in Manchester. Looking out he could see pretty much everything, and this was all down to his career no doubt. A world top investigator, who always got everything right, or so he thought. He was quite old fashioned for someone in such a modern building, and for someone not that old. In fact, he almost had a carpet put down over his modern lovely floor, only hesitating due to the strong advice of his family not to cover such a nice floor. As a result, he settled for a rug so as to only cover part of the floor and therefore provide a warm floor for where he walked but still show some of the original dashing design.

  The detective had no intention of moving, despite the reality that every job involved getting in the lift and driving out of the busy city centre. As a consequence, Richard always had to leave early, especially if being called from miles away on a job, he couldn't risk getting stuck in traffic, not in this chaotic city of traffic which is arguably second in traffic chaos to London. It would probably be best not having a car at all, apart from the fact that some places require investigation miles away, i.e. in places near no railway station.

  On the floor was a white cream rug, given him as a gift by a previous client. In fact, most of the things in Richards apartment were given him by somebody else. The sideboard was from his mother; the wardrobe from another client; the bed frame was his grandfathers and the couch was from yet another generous client, but at least the couch was given brand new. Richard was not poor at all, he was just a wise man, or so he thought. He did not ‘throw money away’ as he called it.

  After a nice relaxing day, it was ten o clock at night and suddenly the phone rang. Who would be ringing at this time? He picked up the phone.

  "Hello, can I help you?"

  "Hello, it's Her Majesty's Treedle Law Firm, we have another case for you to investigate, quite urgent, details will be given shortly by email, it's in Scotland though, just to give you a bit of notice."

  "Scotland!" Richard shouted.

  "Yes, murders do happen in Scotland, and this is a complicated one, will be in touch shortly, Goodnight." Richard had never been asked to travel this far before, arguably to another country some might say, although he had been called to Wales before. Some would say he had every right to complain, but on the kind of money he was on, could he? A few minutes of relaxation went by and there was a knock on the door. Things didn't seem to be getting any better. As he opened the door, he realised it was his next-door neighbour.

  "Molly, what are you doing here?"

  "Hi, My Mum gave me a bottle of wine, so I thought I'd bring it to share." He was about to exert the fact that he was tired, only to be interrupted

  "I'm not taking no for an answer."

  After making herself at home, as usual, Molly asked,

  “How have you been Richard?"

  "Not too bad, apart from...oh I'll tell you about all that later."

  "Not bad myself thanks, so what did you want to tell me? Might as well get it over and done with."

  "Oh it's nothing different to usual!" Molly had been a good friend to Richard ever since he moved in, she had no children like him and so had "all the world to herself" as it were. Although Molly was a compassionate character, and whilst not having children, she did a lot for others, including Richard. Some of the neighbours called her "the life saver."

  Richard stopped gazing out of the window,

  "Where were we? Oh Yes. I've just has a phone call from work."

  "At this time? They must be as bad as me!" Molly joked.

  "No Molly, they don't ring at two in the morning at least" he laughed. "There is another case, Scotland, can you believe it, surely there's plenty of investigators and detectives up there!" Molly couldn't stop laughing.

  "What's so funny?"

  "Isn't is obvious? Other investigators aren't so intelligent. You should take it as a compliment that they've called you from all that way. Your reputation is clearly not hidden."

  He was stuck for words; he'd never thought of himself like that. Ok he was different, but better than anyone in more than a hundred-mile circumference? He wasn't having any of it.

  "To much flattery, that's your trouble!" he said to her. They spent a good hour chatting over the bottle of red, then he decided to call it a night.

  "I'm going to sleep soon, got to be prepared for this email which will probably come in the morning. I might have a hot chocolate first if you want one. If so, do you want a biscuit with it?"

  "Yeah, sure."

  It was a lovely view from the balcony, or a kind of balcony which was much safer than a usual balcony. Everyone was walking around town, enjoying themselves, looking like match sticks from up here. The trams went past, cars strolled along, many seemed not to have a care in the world. It was a very relaxing reality for Richard, after having come home from i
nvestigating a murder miles away, and sometimes a very gruesome one at that. This was the ideal spot to sit and relax, trying to forget all that had previously just happened somehow. This was the "balcony of miracles" he often joked, it was the one place where he could make work and home two different things, something very hard for a murder investigator to do. Suddenly, a storm broke out. Rain was pouring and everyone outside went in. Once again, the view was great.

  “Nothing like a storm from this view, knowing your safely behind this thick glass despite the lightening striking nearby up here, is there?" Richard asked Molly. The sky was beautiful in all conditions from up there, another one of the many reasons he had no intention of moving. It was worth using the lift and driving through traffic for.

  Chapter Two

  Two Months Earlier

  Up in Edinburgh, the sea was blue and the sky was bright. At Orangely Hall, near the coast was Mr Adersall, who enjoyed life very much. A multi-millionaire, he often invited many friends around and people from the village. A generous sort he was, so it would seem. It was April 1st 2020 and the kind old man was having the biggest party of all, it was his 70th birthday. He'd been planning it for months, or rather, others around him had. His wife Hannah was the main brains behind it of course. Hannah was exceptionally good at organising, and young enough to do it also. People called her a gold digger because she was only 25 and had married him not that long ago after his first wife had died.

  Hannah was from a poor family. Brought up in Glasgow she didn't know anything of the extravagant life until she met Jack Adersall. Hannah was raised by her Grandparents, perhaps that’s why she felt safety in this older man? Or was it only because of his money as the rumours said? Luckily for her Jack didn't care for rumours.

  "Jack" shouted Hannah, "Should I invite that Alison?"

  "Up to you Sweetheart, not if it would trouble you." Alison was quite a bit older than Hannah, fifty two to be precise, and always flirting with Jack. This naturally caused a lot of suspicion and worry on Hannah's part and there was always lots of arguments because of Alison. Holding her head high she said, "No trouble at all, I will let her know that she's invited."

  The house was a grand size for any party. As you walked in the front door, there was a massive hallway. Upstairs there was eight large bedrooms, and downstairs under them there was a study; a Parlour; a basic living room; a downstairs visitor bathroom; a kitchen; a dining room; a games room; and a laundry room. No wonder everyone thought Hannah was a gold digger. In the front garden there was a water fountain near where a number of cars could park, and in the back, there were chickens and a large lawn.

  "Hannah, are you parents coming?" Jack asked.

  "I didn't think of asking them to be honest, since they've never bothered with me." Hannah pulled her face and carried on with some last-minute phone call invitations, she thought the first suggestion was already bad enough, but this one also?

  The doorbell rang.

  "Hello, Andria.”

  "Hello Hannah, I thought you might want a hand preparing for this party, it must be a massive job."

  In she came. Andria was a close friend of Hannah; they were in fact friends since childhood. Andria started blowing up the balloons while Hannah was preparing some of the food for later.

  "Did you say you was making the cake?"

  "Oh yes" Andria said "I've forgotten it, I'll go back and get it."

  After she left Hannah started making some biscuits, Jacks favourite thing to eat. There was a saying, "If Jack didn't eat biscuits then life wouldn't be worth living." If he were in a mood, or upset, or unsure about something, a biscuit is the one thing that would distract him. This was "the secret weapon" as it were.

  Andria came back and helped make sandwiches.

  "I've forgot the chicken legs, and a few other things, just nipping to the shop, see you later Andria." She got into her 60K car and went to the supermarket, where she picked up the chicken legs; some mini sausages; more snacks for any kids that might come; another few bottles of wine while she was there and some more bread just in case. The chicken legs were a must for one of Jacks nephews, otherwise all hell would break loose. While walking around the store, a familiar face turned up, one she could just about recognise but she could not figure out who, nevertheless.

  "What are you doing here Hannah! Haven't seen you for years."

  "Hello, I live here, when and where did we last see each other again?"

  "Oh, it was years ago, at school if not since."

  Hannah was pretending to know who she was talking to as best as possible but couldn't quite remember her.

  "What are you doing in the shop though? You seem to be buying a lot of party things." Hannah was avoiding that question, but with no choice left revealed the truth.

  "It's my husband’s birthday today, we're having a party actually if you want to come. Doors open from 6 o clock." "Splendid! I'll see you there!"

  What had just happened? She didn't even know this woman’s name and had just invited her to her husband’s party. Too late now.

  ◆◆◆

  It was 4 o clock, only two hours left until guests were scheduled to arrive. It was all rushing around and trying to finish of every minor detail. Hannah explained what had just happened in the supermarket to Andria.

  "You don't even know her name? She could be anybody!"

  "Well let’s hope she's just not anybody, because she's coming apparently. Can you do me a favour? Ask her for her name when I'm not around and then let me know what it is, I don't want to feel rood, she doesn't realise I don't recognise her.”

  The chip pan seemed to have stopped working, another problem.

  "NOTHING WORKS IN THIS HOUSE!" Hannah screamed. They carried on, managing to sort the problem out eventually. The food was all fresh and smelled delicious, even the raw food smelled excellent. As they were setting up, Jack was reading in the study, as he liked to do, always busy as he was. Hannah was worried he would even be doing business on his birthday knowing him, despite the fact that he was supposed to be retired. In the parlour they set up lots of little amounts of food whereas in the dining room they laid the major buffy. The plan was for people to take their food from their and then take it into the dining room. No doubt this plan would not be adhered to, everyone would be free reign like at every other house party.

  "I'm not looking forward to that Alison coming, I can't stand her."

  "Don't worry about her, just ignore her" Andria said.

  "It's hard to do that when she's always flirting with my husband."

  "The best way to annoy her is to pretend she doesn't exist, the best revenge is served cold Hannah, always remember that."

  The clock was ticking, only half an hour until arrivals, and no doubt people would come early, so any minute now. The carpet was a mess from things falling. Out came the hoover, fast. While she was hoovering, she shouted

  "Try one of my biscuits Andria."

  The grass was nicely cut and smelled fresh outside and the walls had been painted freshly a few weeks ago. All seven spare bedrooms were prepared, just in case, and the downstairs bathroom had been fixed. Jack was back in the parlour, opening his cards, the ones he'd received by post, putting them on the fire place before people arrived with more cards. This was his big day, and he was looking forward to it. Seventy!

  Chapter Three

  The clock stroke six and Hannah had the doors open, waiting for people to arrive. Several cars were coming down the road and into the driveway. Out stepped Hannah’s Grandparents. She was delighted and gave them both a hug and a kiss.

  "I didn't know you two were coming, how did you find out."

  "Oh," Grandma said "your Jack invited me who knew very well you'd want us here."

  Hannah invited them in with a smile on her face and exclaimed "Wait until I see that Jack! He's very sneaky." Another car arrived.

  "Hello Moira, long time no see." Moira was a widow, even older than Jack, she was eighty five in fact. She owned ano
ther large house and now lived in Ireland where she came from originally. Moira was Jacks teacher at secondary school and that's how they knew each other originally. Another car arrived, out stepped Mr and Mrs Parkinson, two rich friends of Jacks.

  "How are you Mr and Mrs Parkinson? Thank you for coming."

  "Pleasure, wouldn't have missed it for the world Hannah."

  Another three cars turned up, out of one came a lady called Helen, and her husband and three children who went running into the house.

  "Sorry about them" Helen said.

  "Not to worry, that’s what children do." Helen dashed in, just in case they recked the place, and found something to play with in the games room. After this Hannah spoke to Julie and Sam and also to Frank who must've came in the other cars.

  It was seven o clock and the house must've had at least forty people inside it now, including the woman whose name wasn't known. There was a violinist in the hallway to be heard when people arrived and there was a hired waiter not far from him who was serving champaign. The violin could be heard from that angle in most parts of the house. In came Alison with a smile,

  “Hello Hannah, I know you was looking forward to my arrival."

  "Couldn't wait!" she sarcastically exclaimed, later to watch her go and sit with Jack, as could be expected.