Methods of Malice by Ellery Adams

Author:Ellery Adams
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mysteries & Thrillers
Publisher: Beyond the Page
Published: 2023-01-03T00:00:00+00:00

Cooper adjusted her posterior in the unyielding plastic chair as she assessed the early prison décor of Detective Olson’s office. The walls were an uninspiring glossy gray. Behind a metal desk that matched the walls, block windows let in a begrudging amount of light. She’d been here only five minutes and was already depressed.

“Good morning, Ms. Lee. How may I help you?” Detective Olson adjusted his glasses and sat down at his desk.

“I apologize for not making an appointment. But may I have a few minutes of your time?” She placed a basket of Magnolia’s Marvels on his desk, hoping the treats would keep her on the detective’s good side. “I brought a bribe. Key lime cookies, raspberry chocolate fudge, and chocolate spice balls.”

Detective Olson’s eyes widened a fraction at her words. “Thank you. I assume you are here because you have information pertinent to the Regina McAllister case.”

“Yes. Cyanide.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’ve done my research, and I believe Regina McAllister died from potassium cyanide poisoning. Probably the Délicieux French Chocolates.” She kept her attention on his face and found herself disappointed at his lack of reaction to her information.

Olson raised a hand to pause her. “I’m not going to ask how you got information that hasn’t been released to the public.” He stared at her, his gaze unwavering. “But I would like to know how you concluded that Ms. McAllister died from cyanide poisoning.”

“Google.”

His face remained blank as he nodded slowly. “I presume this means that the Sunrise Bible study group has hung out their shingle once again.”

“It means that we are concerned with the situation.” She leaned forward. “Very concerned.”

The desk phone rang and Olson shook his head. “Excuse me.” He picked up the receiver and offered a series of grunts before he stood and grabbed his jacket. “My apologies, Ms. Lee. Monday morning around here can be distracting. I’ll be right back.”

“No problem.”

She inched forward in her chair enough to see the framed photo on his desk. Detective Olson was married and had children. A pretty blonde wife and two redheaded boys. Twins. They were no older than eight or nine. She tried to imagine Detective Olson in anything other than his perpetual slacks, white shirt, and tie. Maybe Hawaiian shorts and a T-shirt, mowing his lawn while kids played in the background with their golden retriever. The image gave her a chuckle.

Her phone buzzed, and she pulled it out to find a text from Trish. Pictures from the fall festival. You and Jon are adorable! XX.

Cooper found herself smiling as she scrolled through the pictures. There were one or two of Quinton and his nurse friend as well. What a lovely evening they’d had. Putting the theater drama aside for a few hours had been a wise decision and a reminder that her body, mind, and spirit required nourishment. Filling the well. The Sunrise Bible study not only fed her spirit but had gifted her with a caring circle of friends.

“My apologies for the interruption.” Olson sat down and steepled his large hands on the desk.

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