Lost Cause (A Daisy Dunlop Mystery ~ Book 1)

The relentless tick of the clock on the wall mocked Daisy. Solomon was late, as usual, leaving her to ponder the grim reality of her new career. Not that she'd wanted to be an heir hunter, but Paul, bless his heart, had insisted. A proper P.I. would have mapped out the address, but Daisy, in her infinite wisdom, had not. So here she was, in the swanky backstreets of Southampton, squinting at building numbers, already running behind.

"Excuse me. I'm looking for number twenty-six B." She hailed a blonde stepping out of a florist, sandwich board in hand. The woman, Belinda, looked her over, a twinkle in her eye.

"Ah, you must be looking for our mysterious tall, dark, and handsome neighbor."

Daisy glanced around the corner of the florist. "Do you mean down the stairs? Is his office in the cellar?"

Belinda chuckled. "According to the landlord, it's more a bespoke bijou basement."

"Great, a pokey, run-down cave. Why am I not surprised to discover Solomon dwells underground?" Daisy muttered, before turning back to Belinda. "I'm his new partner."

Belinda's laughter was light and melodic. "If you get bored doing whatever it is you do with Mr. Mysterious, drop in for coffee."

Daisy waved goodbye, tugged her ponytail tight, and pulled her distressed leather jacket straight. A shiver ran up her spine as she descended the stairs. The black door, emblazoned with 'SOLOMON'S' in blocky font, was hardly inviting. She took a deep breath, shoved her shoulders back, and rammed the large brass knocker against the dark timber. The door swung open, revealing the frosty blue-eyed glare of the man himself.

"You're late."