Murder on Monte Vista by David S. Pederson

Author:David S. Pederson [Pederson, David S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781636791258
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2022-03-01T02:43:32+00:00

Chapter Nine

Late night, Saturday, April 13, 1946

Walter Wingate’s house

When George stopped playing the piano at just a few minutes to eleven, said his goodbyes, and went home, Mason knew the party was definitely winding down. It wouldn’t be long before Mason’s so-called birthday gift would soon be arriving. He was a bit sick to his stomach at the thought of it, but remembering Henry’s round, firm, behind also made him a little excited, he had to admit. He debated himself as he nursed the final drink of the evening, standing near one of the front windows and gazing out into the night. He was so lost in thought, he almost didn’t notice when Walter came up to him, a Camel burning in his right hand and a cocktail in his left.

“Quite a party,” Walter said. “I hope you enjoyed yourself.”

Mason turned and looked down at Walter. “Yes, thank you. Seems like most folks had a good time.”

“They certainly drank up all my liquor and devoured all my food without a problem.”

“Well, that happens at parties. It was nice of you to go to all this trouble. Looks like it’s breaking up now, though. People are heading home,” Mason said, glancing about the drawing room.

“Indeed. When the booze and food run out, so do they.”

“I suppose so.”

“Yes, just one bottle of brandy left, I think. Alcoholics, all of them. By the way, I noticed you managed to solve the problem of Lydia Dettling. I don’t think I shall call her Mrs. Adler anymore, though. She left over an hour ago with Mr. O’Connell.”

“I’m so glad they seemed to hit it off.”

Walter studied Mason’s face. “Are you? Are you really? Not jealous, even a tiny bit?”

“Why would I be jealous? Lydia and I are just good friends.”

“But up until now she’s only had eyes for you.”

“That’s not true, or fair to her. We’re just pals, and I’m happy for her.”

Walter shrugged and took a drag on his cigarette. “If you say so.”

“I do say so. I’m the one who suggested he drive her home tonight.”

“Oh? Well, that was clever thinking on your part. They do make a lovely couple, and perhaps she’ll put in a good word for me with Mr. O’Connell. Did you enjoy the cake?”

“Sure, it was fine. Thanks for that, too.”

“Certainly. It was a bit dry, I thought, but at least I didn’t have to pay for it. Muriel Watkins made it as her gift to you.”

“I heard that, and I meant to thank her but I haven’t yet,” Mason said. “Is she still here?”

“No. She and Gus Gutormsen left about thirty minutes ago,” Walter said, glancing at his watch. “It’s definitely getting late. Only Dr. and Mrs. Tuttle, Emil and Shirley, Mr. and Mrs. Ogden, and Mary and Thelma are still here. The hangers-on, as I call them.”

“There’s always a few,” Mason said, sipping his cocktail as Walter took a drink of his.

“Yes, And of course Patrick and Adrien are still here, but they’re not really guests and have nowhere to go except upstairs to their rooms.

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