“Must have been something of a shock to find another man using Tuck’s name.”
“Eh, one thing about Ashley? She adapts quickly,” laughed Molly.
“How did the other guests react to the news about Nathaniel?” asked Ben.
Molly laughed. “It was a zoo, as you might expect. Ira was deeply relieved, and for good reason, since we had all painted a target on him. Ashley was running around crowing that she had known all along and why hadn’t anyone listened to her. Darcy, to her credit, seemed happy for Ira. The only one who didn’t receive the news with glee was Patty, who had spent more time alone with Nathaniel than anyone else and considered him a friend, I believe. Anyway, they’ve all left now. The Bilsons missed a connection at Orly so they’re still in France, but the others are safely back in the good ol’ USA by now.”
“Whew,” said Lawrence.
“You said it!” said Molly.
“I was thinking…” said Ben to her, “maybe we should go on a little vacation—just the two of us? Maybe in another month, when you’ll be done with your Lyme treatments and feeling better?”
“Where?” asked Molly, loving the idea.
“The Maldives?” said Lawrence. “Morocco is always nice.”
“How about Italy?” asked Ben, not having considered Italy before that moment.
“Perfect,” said Molly. “But let’s not wait a month. I feel fine, I really do. In fact, as soon as I finish my kir, I’m going to go home and pack. Let’s take the next flight.”
Lawrence and Ben cracked up laughing and ordered another round of drinks. Molly was back, the killer had been caught, and at least for that moment, all was right in the village of Castillac.
* * *
THE END
Also by Nell Goddin
The Third Girl (Molly Sutton Mysteries 1)
The Luckiest Woman Ever (Molly Sutton Mysteries 2)
The Prisoner of Castillac (Molly Sutton Mysteries 3)
Murder for Love (Molly Sutton Mysteries 4)
The Château Murder (Molly Sutton Mysteries 5)
Murder on Vacation (Molly Sutton Mysteries 6)
An Official Killing (Molly Sutton Mysteries 7)
No Honor Among Thieves (Molly Sutton Mysteries 9)
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To get any of Nell’s books from her website, click here.
* * *
Want a free short story set in Castillac? Click here!
Glossary
1:
* * *
La Baraque…………the house or shed
gîte………………….holiday cottage for rent, usually by the week
gendarmes…………..police
frites………………..French fries
pain au chocolat…….croissant with a chocolate center
* * *
2:
pâtisserie…………..pastry shop
département……….county
* * *
3:
pigeonnier………..dovecote (in this case, remodeled into a gîte)
gougères………….cheesy puffs
à tout à l’heure……see you later
* * *
4:
priez pour vos morts……pray for your dead
gendarmerie…………….police station
* * *
5:
Castillaçois……………people who live in Castillac
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9:
coup de foudre………lightning bolt
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11:
chérie………………..dear
traiteur………………caterer
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15:
Allô……………….hello (on telephone)
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18:
Mon Dieu………….My God
20:
cabécou…………….kind of cheese
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24:
sablés………………shortbread cookies
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33:
épicerie…………….small grocery store
Acknowledgments
Bountiful thanks to Tommy Glass for his impeccable word-polishing and plotting support, and to Nancy Kelley for her very valuable insights and unfailing honesty.
Also big thanks to Michelle Lowery, who is the best proofreader ever.
About the Author
Nell Goddin has worked as a radio reporter, SAT tutor, short-order omelet chef, and baker. She tried waitressing but was fired twice.
Nell grew up in Richmond, Virginia and has lived in New England, New York City, and France. Currently she's back in Virginia with teenagers and far too many pets. She has degrees from Dartmouth College and Columbia University.
www.nellgoddin.com
nell@nellgoddin.com