‘I was just – it’s – have you seen Alexa?’
Margie blinks, dressing her features in an expression that looks like concern, but I know her too well to believe it’s genuine.
‘Alexa?’ she echoes. ‘No, dear. Not for a while. Why?’
The man swallows. ‘She’s – she’s not at home. She’s not been there since Saturday.’
I raise my eyebrows. So does Margie.
‘Saturday?’ she asks. ‘Today is Monday.’
‘I know, that’s why I thought I’d ask if you knew where she was, what with… well, you know,’ the man replies, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.
‘She’s not at the B&B this time,’ Margie replies. ‘Have you called the police?’
Horror fills the man’s face. ‘No, no, I don’t need to do that. Lex is probably… she’ll be cooling off somewhere, that’s all.’
‘Cooling off?’
It’s only when hearing the judgement in Margie’s voice that the man realises where he is. His eyes dart around the café, spotting me and then the curious gaze of Katherine and Natalya.
‘I’m sure it’s nothing,’ he says, flashing a smile that would be dazzling if it weren’t undermined by worry. ‘Lex will be back before we know it.’
‘I hope so,’ Margie says, eyeing him. ‘Shall I come by the house and let you know if I see her?’
‘That would be great,’ the man replies, pushing himself to be brighter. Backing out of the café, he waves a cheery wave. Margie’s arm rises to wave back, but there’s an undeniable glint in her eye.
As soon as the door shuts behind him, the man scurries towards a Tesla that’s parked on the high street. His distress keeps me frozen, but Margie bursts into life.
‘Did you hear that?’ she asks, heading to Katherine and Natalya. ‘Alexa Clarke is missing!’
Katherine frowns. ‘Missing? Otis certainly seemed worried, but is missing the right word for it?’
‘She’s not been home for two days, what else could she be? Besides, with those two? It’s got to be a scandal! There’s definitely trouble between them,’ Margie says, leaning closer like she’s about to tell a secret and ignoring the jostle of my chair as I return to the table. ‘Alexa’s stayed at the B&B here a few times, did you know that? You’ve got to ask, why would someone leave their husband only to stay in the same village they already live in?’
‘Wow,’ Natalya marvels. ‘If she’s not here, maybe she’s left him for good, then.’
‘Has she left him, or has he done something to her?’ Margie says, her eyes sparkling. ‘You saw Otis’s face when I mentioned the police. Never trust a man who owns an expensive car. Criminals, the lot of them. In fact, never trust a man full stop.’
I have to fight the urge to roll my eyes. It’s common knowledge that Margie’s ex-husband left her for a younger woman, resulting in a sour taste in her mouth when it comes to the opposite sex. Sometimes, she’s so offensive with her sweeping statements, I wonder how she has any customers left.
Katherine, it seems, is as bored of it as I am.
‘Margie, stop,’ she warns. ‘We don’t know a crime has been committed, and we certainly don’t know Otis had anything to do with it if it has. He just asked if you’d seen Alexa.’
‘If you believe that, you’ll believe anything,’ Margie replies ominously. ‘What if he came in here to act the concerned, loving husband, when really she’s buried at the bottom of the garden? I’m calling it, ladies. This is a book coming to life.’
‘Well, if something bad has happened, I’m not sure how proud you’ll feel for talking about Alexa like this,’ Katherine says, her brows furrowed. ‘She’s our neighbour. We should be concerned, not catty.’
Margie raises her hand to her chest. ‘Of course I’m concerned about Alexa! I told Otis to call the police, didn’t I?’
‘Was that before or after your face lit up at the idea of having some new gossip?’
A taut silence stretches out and is only broken when Margie laughs.
‘Oh, you are funny,’ she says, waving a hand to dismiss Katherine’s comment. ‘Always keeping me on my toes.’
As Margie walks away, Katherine shakes her head. ‘Sorry,’ she mutters. ‘I don’t mean to snap, but my patience is shorter than ever today. Especially with people like that.’