Page 29 of A Poisonous Plot

“I feel fine,” Lily replied, backing away and shrugging Sally off. “What are you doing?”

“I don’t want to panic you, but can you tell me if you received a basket of goodies to welcome you to the island?”

Lily raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Because some people got ill from the stuff in the baskets. Most of the symptoms were stomach related, but I think I heard someone mention confusion.” She looked at Lily sympathetically. “You’re acting a little odd.”

“Oh.” Lily stifled a laugh. “It’s nothing like that. I got a basket, but didn’t eat anything from it. Maybe I’m just on high alert because of it. And the papers on the table…” She trailed off, not sure how much she wanted to share with Sally. “It was odd how they were there and then gone.”

“You’re sure you’re feeling okay?” Sally asked.

“Yes.” Lily dragged in a deep breath. “Does anyone else work here? Is there a cook for the cafe or anything?”

Sally gave a small shake of her head. “The sandwiches and cakes are delivered each morning. Whoever is here first makes a batch of smoothies. Usually two different ones, but it’s not a lot of work. We keep things simple.”

“So it’s just the four of you working here? You, your dad, Arthur and Denzel?”

“Yes.” Her lips pulled to a bemused smile. “What’s with all the questions?”

“Sorry,” Lily said. “I guess all this talk of poisoning on social media has got me a little rattled. I think I’ll come back and look for plants another day.” She definitely couldn’t concentrate on anything now, and it would be good to have an excuse to come back.

“Take care,” Sally said as Lily walked away. Her voice carried its usual sweetness, but somehow the words sounded ominous to Lily’s ears.

She quickened her steps to get away from the place.

Chapter Thirteen

The messagefrom Seren came through just as Lily put her key in the lock back at the shop. She muttered a curse, remembering that she’d promised to let her know if she found out anything about Glynis. From the doorstep she fired off a quick message saying Glynis was stable and that she’d seen her, then asked where Seren was. Hopefully, she might have time for a chat, since Lily could do with a sounding board.

When a reply came immediately to say she was working at the pub, Lily removed her key from the lock and turned on her heel.

She arrived at the Mermaid Inn a few minutes later.

“Sorry,” she said to Seren while sliding onto a bar stool. “I meant to message you yesterday, but my day got crazy.”

“No worries.” Seren continued to pour drinks. “How was Glynis when you saw her?”

“She didn’t look good, but the doctor didn’t seem overly concerned.”

“Mirren just left to visit her.” Seren paused and tipped her head to one side. “She was sure you must be wrong about Glynis having a carer. She didn’t know anything about it, and she chats to Glynis regularly.”

Lily smiled, imagining how put out Mirren Treneary would be about not being on top of island news. “She definitely has someone living with her. Apparently Maria is an old friend.”

“How long did you say she’s been living with Glynis?”

Lily shrugged. “I think she said a few months.”

“Weird. Glynis didn’t mention anything to me, but maybe she doesn’t want to ruin her reputation. Being so independent is a part of her identity.”

“Makes sense,” Lily said. “Apparently Maria is also shy. Glynis told me she was worried about her not socialising.” She watched as Seren expertly topped up a pint of Guinness. “I guess she’ll be hiding away at home for longer now, since she’s also ill.”

Seren grimaced. “Same thing as Glynis?”

“I don’t know.” Lily frowned. “Did you hear about the welcome baskets that made people ill?”

“Yes! Everyone’s been talking about it today. Crazy, isn’t it?” Her eyes widened. “Did you get one?”

“Yes, but thankfully I didn’t touch anything in it.”

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