Raisins and almonds - Poisoned Pen Press (UK)

Raisins and Almonds 1
wise Rabbi Cohen, to whom she explained the whole situation
in confidence.
‘Tell them that the law requires them to mourn a life lost,
but it also requires them to rejoice in a life saved,’ said the old
man’s voice, a little shocked and a little amused.
‘A party?’ suggested Phryne.
‘Just a small one,’ he agreed.
So it was a small luncheon party. Simon was sitting next to
his mother, who would not let him out of her sight. He trusted
that this would wear off soon, because Phryne was taking him
out to dinner and he had hopes. The only sign of his ordeal was
a small cut on his throat which had required only two stitches,
some scraped rings around his wrists, and a certain hollowness
about the eyes, seen in those who have looked into the face of
death and been saved by a miracle. Occasionally he could still
feel the cold breath of the blade as it sliced past his face, and the
strength of Phryne’s body as she bore him across the floor.
He was glad that he had not seen Chaim die. He was still
puzzled about Chaim. No one had ever hated Simon before.
Uncle Chaim? It seemed impossible.
There were potato pancakes and a tasty boiled fish. There
were little pies made of spinach and a multitude of interesting
sandwiches. There was also excellent coffee in the big pot and
endless supplies of tea.
The students had occupied the sofa and were eating as
though they did not expect to see a good meal until next year.
Julia Abrahams was passing them more plates, and wondering
if there was any real prospect of filling them up.
Mrs. Katz, almost extinguished under her favourite hat, was
delighted to be in such respected company. Her husband Max
sat next to her. She slapped his wrist and told him, in a loud
whisper, not to blow on his tea. Mrs. Grossman, in an equally
flowered hat, was enjoying the luxury of eating something which
she had not cooked (though she privately considered that her
gefillte fish was better). Detective Inspector Robinson, with a
commendation from the Chief still echoing pleasantly in his