Miri's Inheritance: Village of Shadows, #1

By Sue Perkins

Miri's life is a disaster but an unexpected inheritance from a grandmother she's never met, gives her hope for the future.

Gavin, the solicitor's clerk, helps her settle into her grandmother's cottage and assists her to negotiate the.legal aspects of the inheritance.

The isolated village has several cottages, but none of the neighbours are friendly. One unknown person repeatedly breaks in and searches Miri's new home.

Who is this strange person and what 

does he or she want? Can she count on Gavin to protect her now

his official duties are over?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Caishel Books
• Release date: Feb 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386474005

Sue Perkins

Sue Perkins grew up in Devon, England and emigrated to New Zealand with her family. Sue and her husband live at the top of New Zealand’s South Island. Her interests include writing, reading, genealogy and aqua jogging. Sue’s first romance novel was released in May 2007, quickly followed by a fantasy trilogy, more romance books, young adult and middle grade novels. Visit Sue Perkins webpage to discover more of Sue’s books, including her fantasy romance novels and middle grade level fantasy books. Her aim is to write a full length epic fantasy novel. The outline is complete, and Sue hopes to finish it by the end of 2018.

Book preview

Chapter One

The motorbike drew to a halt outside the garden gate, and the rider kicked the stand down then turned off the engine. After removing the biker gloves and helmet, the slim fingers ran through shoulder length brown hair which had been flattened by the headgear.

With a shrug of her shoulders, Miri swung her leg over the bike. She unzipped her leather jacket and looked at the cottage on the other side of the gate. Walls of large stone looked as if they had withstood the elements for at least a century, and in the old-fashioned sash windows dazzling white net curtains hid the inside of the rooms. Miri reached over and unlatched the gate, then opened it wide and wheeled her bike through. For now the bike could stand outside the front door, but to be safe she would take it round the back of the cottage before nightfall.

Lifting the panniers from behind the saddle, Miri searched her pockets for the house key the solicitor had sent her then slid it into the lock.

Here goes. My very first home of my own.

With a deep breath Miri turned the key and heard the lock click. Pressure on the handle opened the door and it swung inward, revealing a shadowy room, with dust motes flitting through the shaft of sunlight which shone through the open door. With growing anticipation, Miri walked inside and looked around. The front door led directly into the living room where a faded chintz lounge suite stood in front of the hearth. To the right of the living room a dining table with four chairs provided an eating area and walking forward, Miri saw a modern kitchen in the L-shape to the left of the table.

Investigation of these rooms could wait until later and hanging her leather jacket and panniers on one of the dining room chairs, she went through the lounge and entered a door leading to a room at the back of the house. A double bed took up most of the bedroom leaving a small space for a chest of drawers. The built-in wardrobe had sliding doors and through the door to the right she could see the bathroom. Miri went in to take a closer look. Although not modern, the facilities were clean and consisted of a bath, shower, basin and toilet.

Looks okay so far, she said to herself as she walked back into the lounge, then looked around guiltily. Her voice broke the silence, and she felt as if the dust had stirred.

I’m glad you like it.

Miri spun round at the sound of a deep male voice. In the open front door stood a man dressed in a smart business suit. The sunlight shining behind him made a halo around his head.

He looks a bit ethereal.

Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. Gavin Marks, he moved into the room and held out his hand. We spoke on the phone. I arranged to meet you here.

Oh, right. You’re the solicitor who’s dealing with my grandmother’s will. Miri shook the proffered hand, but immediately wanted to pull it back as a static shock coursed up her arm. A slight hint of sandalwood drifted across her nose.

Almost correct. I’m only a lowly clerk but our firm is handling the probate. Did you know your grandmother well, Ms Harris?

They had moved to the dining area and Gavin put his briefcase on the table and removed several legal looking documents which he spread out in front of him.

No. I knew of her but assumed she had died many years ago. I didn’t know any of my family as my natural mother gave me up for adoption. I did do a cursory investigation when I reached eighteen but didn’t find anything interesting, so I didn’t delve too deep. Miri grinned. There’s always the possibility of finding skeletons in the cupboard and I’d rather not know about them.

True. You did know about Mrs. Turner though, didn’t you? You learned about her history?

No. I know nothing about her except her name.

I see. A thoughtful expression glinted in Gavin’s honey brown eyes, but he didn’t continue with the topic of her grandmother. Shall we get on with signing the paperwork?

Gavin spread several documents across the table and indicated she should sit beside him so they could examine them together. For the next hour he went through the will, the deeds of the house and various other documents including a life insurance policy.

As you can see she left everything to you. The insurance policy will not make you rich, but it should help you to keep and maintain the cottage, assuming you wish to live here and not sell it. Gavin looked at her inquiringly.

I haven’t decided yet. I’m in a period of my life where I’m not sure of my next step. Miri had no intention of giving this man any further information about her pathetic life. This was supposed to be a clean start so she meant to keep her past in the past.

The insurance payment and the money left by your grandmother will mean you don’t have to rush into any decisions. Here are the other keys for the cottage. Now there’s only the forms to sign for the electric, telephone and rates. Gavin rummaged in his briefcase but his hands came up empty. I’m so sorry. They were in a separate folder and I appear to have left it in the office. Would it be all right if I came back the day after tomorrow? In the afternoon?

Miri nodded. She had nothing else to do.

Mrs Turner also left this sealed letter for you. Gavin handed over the envelope then stood and offered his business card. If you have any queries please give me a ring. The electricity, telephone and internet have been connected so you shouldn’t have any problems.

Thank you.

He took her hand and shook it. Miri felt distinctly uncomfortable. Her peers didn’t usually do things on such a formal basis, but she supposed in his job it was a normal thing. The tingling sensation it invoked stopped when he released her hand.

Miri showed him