Oliver had rattled that off a little too quickly. Jack looked at him, wondering why the man would lie about something as innocuous as having Peggy drop off the gifts. Except for the fact that the woman was now dead in his foyer.
So you had already bought all the presents? Jack asked, trying to pin down the lie. When was that?
What does it matter? Oliver snapped. Mitzy hadnt said a word but she was still looking at her husband, a hard brittleness in her gaze.
It matters to me, Jack said. And it appeared to matter to Mitzy as well. When did you purchase the gifts? Im sure you have the receipts or the clerks at the stores can substantiate your story.
Oliver glared at him. I had Peggy buy everything this afternoon.
Mitzy turned back around, picked up her martini and drained half of it.
Where did Ms. Kane buy the chocolates? Jack asked.
Oliver seemed to hesitate as if he might be considering lying. Sweet Things.
Her choice? Or yours? Jack asked.
Mine. Id called ahead so I got exactly what I wanted, he said, glancing at his wifes back, as if he thought that fact was going to save him. But Mitzy seemed more interested in her drink than her husband now. Jack could understand that.
Cash? Or charge? Jack asked.
Again Oliver seemed to hesitate, then said, Charge. I would imagine Peggy still has my credit card. The realization definitely didnt make him happy. I should have known Peggy couldnt handle this. He didnt seem torn up over his secretarys death and that bothered Jack. But Oliver was upset over something and it had to be more than getting caught sending his secretary out to do his Valentines Day shopping.
It also made Jack wonder how Peggy had gotten the job and why. How long has Peggy been your secretary?
Too long, Mitzy commented under her breath, then turned her baby blues on Jack. Obviously, Oliver only hired her because he felt sorry for her and look where its gotten him.
Where had it gotten him? Jack wondered.
Just a little over a year, Oliver said as if Mitzy hadnt spoken.
Are you saying she wasnt a good secretary?
Adequate, Oliver said and finished his drink.
But you kept her on, Jack persisted.
Finding anyone who wants to work in Rivers Edge is next to impossible, Oliver said.
Mitzy emptied her glass.
When did you arrive at the penthouse? Jack asked Oliver.
Right after Mitzy. Oliver glanced at Tempest as if he expected her to either corroborate his storyor contradict it. I came up the back stairs.
Jack lifted a brow.
The elevator was blocked, remember? Oliver said. I wasnt even aware I didnt have my key.
CHAPTER THREE
THE MISSING EXTRA KEY bothered Jack. But what bothered him more was the way Oliver had looked to Tempest.
Jack glanced at her now. She said nothing, but from the set of her jaw, Jack guessed she wasnt happy about something.
Excuse me, Sheriff, Deputy Reed said from the living room doorway. The coroner is in the lobby.
Bring him up, Jack said, reaching
over to turn off the tape recorder.
Mitzy shoved herself up off the couch and headed for the bar, breezing past Oliver without looking at him.
Jack rose, tucking the recorder into his jacket pocket again. I assume neither of you is planning to leave town?
He caught a look pass between Mitzy and Oliver.
Were not going anywhere, Sheriff, Oliver said impatiently.
Jack turned his attention to Tempest, anxious to talk to her alone. She was already on her feet, no doubt eager as anyone to get away from this pair. If you have a few minutes.... He motioned toward the foyer.
She nodded and followed him out to where the coroner was just getting off the elevator.
Damn, Lou Ramsey said, scowling down at the body, then at Jack. You bring this kind of stuff with you from the big city?
It did feel as if hed brought something back with him, more old baggage than even hed realized. I cant believe youre still alivelet alone still the coroner, Jack said to the cantankerous old veterinarian/councilman/ coroner.
White-headed, stooped-shouldered and more temperamental than a de-hibernated grizzly in spring, Ramsey guffawed, then put down his bag. Im really looking forward to working with you, he said. Yeah, right.
Ramsey asked Dobson if hed shot the scene as he snapped on a pair of latex gloves from his bag. Dobson nodded. Jack sent Deputy Reed to keep the Sanderses company and make sure they remained in the living room until they could have their foyer back.
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