Raisins and almonds - Poisoned Pen Press (UK)

Raisins and Almonds
This murder, it is likely to raise all sorts of bad feeling between
Christians and Jews.’
‘I think you’re exaggerating,’ said Phryne.
‘My grandmother was murdered by a Cossack,’ said Mr.
Abrahams. ‘My father and my aunt also. My mother and I fled
here because our only remaining relative lived in Gatehouse
Street, and when we landed we had one suitcase and forty pounds
Australian or they would not have let us land. We came from a
village which had lived and traded with the Russians and Poles
for generations, and then they turned on us and slaughtered us in
one night. There is a saying, Miss Fisher: “Do not love anything,
or a Cossack will take it away.” Anything can turn the opinion
of the people, and then what would become of us?’
‘I still think that you are exaggerating,’ said Phryne. Mr.
Abrahams took her hand and sighed.
‘Beautiful lady, you can say whatever you like to me, if you
will solve this murder.’
‘If I take the case,’ temporized Phryne, ‘I can only tell you
the truth. I mean, I can’t fix the result. If it’s a Jew murdering
another Jew, then I can’t cover it up.’
‘I accept that,’ said Mr. Abrahams.
‘And I cost ten quid a day,’ said Phryne.
‘Oy,’ said Mr. Abrahams, and grinned.