Death at the Swan Tavern: A 1920s Historical Mystery (Veronica Vale Investigates Book 6) by Kitty Kildare

Author:Kitty Kildare [Kildare, Kitty]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-11-20T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

It only took a moment to locate Eddie in the billiard room. He was alone.

“He won’t like to be disturbed while he’s in there,” Ruby whispered as we lingered outside the door with the dogs, peeking through a small crack.

“He’d expect nothing less from us,” I said. “He doesn’t enjoy wishy-washy behaviour. Or cowardice.”

“How shall we handle him?” Ruby asked.

“Directly. And with no hidden agendas. Let me deal with him. If you don’t want to be here, Benji and Tiberius would appreciate a walk, even though the conditions are terrible. I don’t think they’ve forgiven us for not taking them to the meat factory.”

Ruby chuckled. “Although I’d rather face a firing squad than Eddie in a bad mood, I’m sticking with you.”

I tapped on the slightly open door. “Colonel, may we have a word?”

“Is that you, Vale?”

I eased the door open. “It won’t take long.”

He waved us in. “Don’t stand on ceremony. What’s troubling you?”

I settled into a comfortable plaid chair with padded arms, the dogs next to me. “We still have concerns about John’s death.”

“I thought as much.” His nostrils flared.

I pressed on before I lost my nerve. “As you’re aware, we’re not sure his death was an accident. Have you any thoughts on the matter?”

Eddie’s eyebrows rose slowly, but he didn’t dismiss my question. “It must have been an accident. It’s the logical explanation. We both saw his body.”

I drew in a steadying breath. “We’ve always spoken frankly to each other, so don’t dismiss my worry. You keep saying it was an accident, but there’s something else going on. We’re hearing things about John’s character that don’t add up. He wasn’t popular in Little Kennington.”

Eddie took a long moment to consider my words before sighing. “I wondered on more than one occasion if John would meet a sticky end.”

“What makes you say that?” Ruby had taken the seat next to me.

“Because I can’t abide liars. And I know few people who do.”

I settled my hands in my lap. Finally, we were getting somewhere. “What did he lie to you about?”

Eddie shook his head as if attempting to dismiss his doubts. “We shouldn’t talk about this. Murder will ruin everything for Mitzie. She has her heart set on a perfect Christmas gathering. This is her favourite time of year. We should settle this as an accident. It’s not as if John will be missed.”

My frustration softened. Eddie would do anything to make Mitzie content. “If this wasn’t an accident, we must seek the truth. What did John lie to you about?”

Eddie grumbled his annoyance at being forced to reconsider his stance and potentially upset his dear wife. “Not so much to me. He never had the nerve to attempt any of his dubious nonsense with me, but I heard village rumours. Over exaggerated claims of his time in the war. My understanding is men embellish their bravado because the ladies like it.”

“You’ve always valued honesty,” I said. “Did you have words with John about his lies?”

“A few words were said.

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