Lessons in Murder by Claire McNab

Author:Claire McNab [McNab, Claire]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781931513654
Publisher: Bella Books
Published: 2011-03-11T04:00:00+00:00

Sybil drove to Edwina’s house with her teeth clenched so tightly her jaw ached. She felt battered by demands and emotions, filled at one moment with bitter anger, and the next with helpless anxiety.

Detective Bourke had contacted her to make an appointment at lunchtime. She expected Carol to be with him, and was disconcerted to find him alone in the deputy’s office. Unable to resist, she heard herself saying, “Is Inspector Ashton here?” and was startled at the shaft of disappointment when he shook his head.

She answered his questions about the supply and storage of sports equipment with a puzzled frown. “Surely Physical Education could help you more than I could,” she said.

He smiled and continued. She wanted to know why he was so interested in the bats, although, suddenly, she knew the answer. “Was one used. . .” she began. Bourke looked encouraging. Sybil retreated. “I’m sorry,” she said, “I didn’t mean to interrupt you.” A few more questions, then Bourke had thanked her and she left to walk back to the staff room. She had walked unheeding through the lunchtime din, thinking of Carol.

As Sybil parked outside Edwina’s fence she was surprised to see Lynne’s RX7 draw up behind her. Lynne slid languidly out of the seat and waited for Sybil to lock her car.

Edwina met them at the open front door, full of enthusiasm. “Hi. Come on in. Slipped out a few minutes early to beat you home. Have you two noticed how Farrell’s losing her grip? She isn’t patrolling the school perimeters with her usual regularity, is she?”

Lynne was amused. “Lucky she isn’t. I’ve cut enough classes short in the last few days to earn an official reprimand.” She glanced at Sybil. “We aren’t all conscientious saints like you, Syb. Besides, the way I feel at the moment, facing a difficult class is enough to send me off into screaming hysterics.”

Edwina raised her eyebrows. “Frankly, Lynne, dear, I can’t see you having anything but simulated hysterics at any time. Those of us privileged to know you well realize beneath that glossy exterior there beats a similarly glossy, hard heart.”

Lynne just laughed at Edwina’s sarcastic words. Sybil looked from one to the other. In what uneasy alliance did they stand? Their usual relationship ranged from indifference to loathing. “Did you ask me here for some particular reason?” she asked Edwina.

Edwina ignored the question, leading them to the back veranda overlooking the sheltered waters of Pittwater. Sybil’s eyes followed the yachts tacking against the breeze. But however serene the view, she couldn’t relax. “Edwina?” she prompted.

“The fact is,” said Edwina, smugly confidential, “both Lynne and I have been approached by Pierre Brand for exclusive interviews.”

Sybil said nothing. I’m learning the value of silence from Carol, she thought fleetingly.

“Pierre really is the most delightful man,” said Lynne, to fill an awkward pause. She smiled at Sybil. “Anyway, Syb, he asked us if we could arrange for him to meet you, especially as you don’t seem keen to speak to reporters.

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