Murder in the Crypt: A Redmond and Haze Mystery Book 1 (Redmond and Haze Mysteries) by Irina Shapiro

Author:Irina Shapiro [Shapiro, Irina]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Merlin Press LLC
Published: 2020-02-03T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

Once back at home, Jason retired to the library to consider his course of action. He thought of inviting Caroline Chadwick and her children to tea, but other than fending off Mrs. Chadwick’s subtle matchmaking attempts, he didn’t think he’d accomplish anything of value, and her children weren’t likely to reveal anything of interest in front of their mother. He had no reason to suspect that Squire Talbot or his kin had anything to do with the murder, despite the squire’s eagerness to have the matter put to rest. Their names had not come up at all during the investigation. But someone had to know something, and someone had to have driven a dagger between Alexander McDougal’s ribs, someone who knew how to kill a man quickly and efficiently.

Jason abandoned the comfort of the chair and went out, crossing the yard and walking toward the stables, where Joe, who had just returned from Brentwood, was brushing down the chestnuts and speaking to them in gentle tones.

“Something I can help ye with, my lord?” Joe asked solicitously.

“Is there any way I can speak with your brother, Joe?” Jason asked.

Joe blanched. “Did he do something to offend Master Micah?”

“No. Not at all,” Jason was quick to reassure the man. “Micah very much enjoyed his outing and the time he spent with Tom.”

Joe smiled, his relief obvious. “I thought they’d get on. Tom couldn’t stop talking about it.”

Jason leaned against the side of the stall, doing his best to look like a clueless American. “I only wanted to ask for some advice,” he explained. “I have some wealthy American friends who might come to visit me this summer, see my new abode, as it were. They would expect to go shooting or stalking, or whatever it is the English do on an estate such as this one.”

He didn’t have to feign ignorance, since he really had no idea how the wealthy and idle amused themselves. His father had rarely spoken of his life in England, and Jason had never felt the slightest interest in hunting or shooting helpless birds for sport. He’d been too busy with his studies and then his work at the hospital to have much spare time, and when he did, he’d spent it with Cecilia. “I thought your brother, being a gamekeeper, might offer some insight,” Jason continued, smiling at Joe innocently.

“I’ve no doubt he’d be happy to talk to ye, my lord.”

“Splendid. Can you arrange it?”

“I’ll see him tonight and ask him to call on ye on his afternoon off,” Joe offered.

“I would much prefer to visit him,” Jason replied. “No need for him to waste his precious free time on me.”

Joe looked taken aback but didn’t quibble. “As ye wish, my lord. When did ye intend to go?”

“Tomorrow morning would suit.”

“I’ll tell John to expect ye then. He’ll meet ye by the gates to the park. Say ’round ten?”

“Perfect. Thank you for your assistance, Joe.”

“Don’t mention it, my lord.”

Jason retreated to the house, where he was surprised to find that Micah had a guest.

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