Old Fashioned Foul Play (Mystic Bar Mysteries Book 4) by Constance Barker

Author:Constance Barker [Barker, Constance]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Constance Barker
Published: 2022-02-14T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 9

Wanda stepped up to the front door of the Woodard McMansion and pressed the doorbell. Impatient, she knocked vigorously. She was certain someone was inside, and she wanted desperately to confront Kenneth. She knew Gloria languished in the police station. The injustice of the situation made her almost ill.

“Come on, come on,” she murmured. “Answer the door.”

After what seemed minutes, the door opened.

“Stop the pounding,” Nadine said in a husky voice.

One look at Nadine told Wanda that the assistant had been crying. Red eyes, sniffling, the poor woman looked ready to sob. That almost bothered Wanda...almost. Gloria suffered too, far more than Nadine.

“I need to see Kenneth,” Wanda said.

Nadine shook her head and wiped her nose with a tissue. “I’m afraid that’s impossible.”

“No, no, it isn’t. I know he’s here, so just tell me which room.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t do that. He’s in mourning.”

“I don’t care if he’s swimming naked in the backyard pool. I need to see him.”

“Please, please, don’t make this any more difficult than it is. I’m doing my best. You can’t see him.”

“Step aside, Nadine. If you won’t help, then I’ll find him myself.”

Nadine straightened a bit, and her face hardened. “If you don’t leave immediately, I will be forced to call the police. You are trespassing.”

Wanda forced a smile. “Nadine, Brooke was murdered. If you want to avoid a grilling at the station, I suggest you allow me to talk to Mr. Woodard.”

The mention of an interrogation seemed to shock Nadine, but she didn't move out of the way. Wanda was about to spout a more dire threat, when she heard Kenneth’s voice.

“What is going on?” he asked.

“I need to talk to you,” Wanda said, before Nadine could explain what was happening.

“I told her you were indisposed,” Nadine said.

“I am, I am.” Kenneth appeared at Nadine’s side. “But, Wanda is a trusted friend of mine. Come in, come in. Nadine, can you get Wanda a cup of tea or coffee?”

“That won’t be necessary,” Wanda said.

“Then, a glass of wine or a bit of whiskey? I find a small tad helps settle the nerves.”

“Of course,” Wanda said, playing along. “That would be most generous.”

Kenneth beamed. “You shall have it. Follow me.”

Kenneth turned away, and Nadine stepped aside.

“I apologize,” Nadine said. “I was under strict orders.”

“I understand,” Wanda said. “I’ll be fine. Go lie down.”

Nadine nodded, and Wanda hoped the assistant would take the good advice. Wanda was pretty sure Nadine wouldn’t.

Following Kenneth reminded Wanda of following a drunken sailor on a pitching ship. He drifted right and left, obviously tipsy. She thought that might be a good thing, as drunks were often indiscreet with their speech. She might just get him to admit that he had killed his wife.

Kenneth went directly to the small bar, where he poured an inch of amber-colored whiskey from a crystal decanter into a crystal tumbler.

“You must forgive Nadine,” he said. “She was just following instructions. I...I have not been able to entertain visitors. It’s...what happened to Brooke. You understand.

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