Chapter One, in which two unusually good offers are made
“Three … two … one … tah-dah!” shouted the troupe of artists in chorus. Then Belle Starr pulled the cloth from the façade. The signLocal Roots was revealed, which looked even better above the entrance of the country market than it had on paper. Like the drawing, which had been Belle’s design, the individual letters of the sign were formed from a network of roots, vines, tubers and leaves of all shapes and sizes. This gave the impression that the name had grown like a plant. Everything was now three-dimensional and there was something unique to see from every angle.
“Wow! You’ve really outdone yourselves!” said Nathalie and applauded enthusiastically.
Her friend Louise Cartham joined in the applause, as did Ronald Strutner, the constable responsible for the Earlsraven area. Also attending the unveiling that Thursday morning were forensic scientist Jean-Louis Talreja, sometimes known as J.L. for short, solicitor Martin Lazebnik, who’d moved to Earlsraven only a short while ago, and bookseller Paige Starling.
And shooting lots of photos for theRaven Times, was Akiel Williams, the young reporter of the recently resurrected local newspaper.
Belle, who had dyed her long hair moss green to match the occasion, bowed. Her artist colleagues also responded to the prolonged applause with bows and smiles.
Evan Joyce, a talented artist from this bohemian group, winked at Nathalie. His beaming smile was only for her. Nathalie was putting a lot of trust in this group of artists in running her new venture — a community supermarket — and none more so than the charming Evan, who seemed to have no end of skills and abilities. Kissing being one of them.
After the applause had died down, Akiel approached Nathalie for a quote. “Miss Ames, can you tell me when you’ll be opening?”
“I’d love to tell you, Akiel, but I don’t know yet. Our brilliant artists are working round the clock to complete the interior of the market. But there’s still a lot to do. You can be sure it’s going to look amazing though.”
“I bet local farmers are impatient for the work to finish and for the market to open,” said the young reporter. “What would you like to tell them?”
“Yes, there’s a lot of enthusiasm, which I’m thrilled about. Their involvement is crucial. It will be worth the wait, you know? We’re nearly there. And I’m excited to offer something positive to our farming community,” she replied.
“Thank you, Miss Ames,” he said. “I still have to interview the artists.”
“Okay. Thanks, Akiel,” she replied. “And I’ll want to advertise with theRaven Times when we finally get that opening date.”
She watched him as he approached Evan, who stood out from the group just as much as the green-haired Belle.
“So, is Akiel doing a good job?”
Nathalie turned to see Louise standing next to her — her cook at the Black Feather, and now, undoubtedly, her best friend. Louise’s short grey hair and striking features often reminded Nathalie of Judi Dench or Helen Mirren. The two comparisons were also apt for Louise for another reason, because the actresses had both played roles as spies — and Louise had actually worked for the intelligence service. Anything more on that subject was her secret. Perhaps Nathalie would find out more one day.
“Akiel’s doing great. I’m grateful for the coverage,” said Nathalie. “However, one crucial bit of information he can’t report on is our opening date.”
“I think there’s a lot of enthusiasm for this new venture of yours. Don’t worry too much. It’s coming together. But it
