Snuff a Gopher: A 1920s Cozy Historical Mystery (Goldie Weston Historical Mysteries Book 8) by R. A. Wallace

Author:R. A. Wallace [Wallace, R. A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-06-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

“I believe them,” Goldie said.

“Believe who?” Zeb slowed his speed to take another turn on the country road.

“The Montroses and Burritts.” She kept her eyes peeled for any wildlife darting across their path as she felt herself shift against him. “And Harlow as well, for that matter.”

“As do I.”

She straightened in the seat. “Does that include Harlow?”

“I don’t know what to think at this point. The whole situation is confusing starting with why anyone would send letters to Emma, Booth, and Bitsy. Letters that reveal who had possession of the incriminating documents allegedly proving past indiscretions.”

“Indiscretions that are false,” Goldie added stubbornly. “They are merely events that can easily be explained when the truth of them is made known. Emma had scarlet fever.”

“Who would know that?” Zeb didn’t sound as though he expected an answer.

“A great many people. It wasn’t actually a secret. I imagine there was even a mention of it in the newspaper at some point, not that I remember for certain. We were all at sixes and sevens with worry about Emma at the time.”

“Westons are always written about in the newspaper,” Zeb said thoughtfully. “And being that Herbert was married to Mags, Herbert’s death would have been printed as well.”

“I imagine so. Most deaths in Southbank are given at least a brief mention, if not a full obituary,” Goldie assured him. “It was impossible to go anywhere without someone mentioning it.”

“And Booth?” Zeb prompted.

“What about him?”

“Emma’s letter said that Booth was married prior to her and that it was never formally dissolved,” he reminded her.

“I don’t know how you would expect anyone to prove something that didn’t happen,” she replied heatedly.

“That’s precisely my point.” He pulled into a yard and shut off the motor.

His calm voice only served to annoy her more. “Whatever does that mean?”

He reached for her hand. “It’s a perfect lie.”

“I agree.” It took her a moment to realize that they were in agreement. “Wait. What are you saying?”

“It’s the perfect accusation to make against anyone. How can Booth prove that he never married a nonexistent woman? He certainly can’t produce her to back up his claims.”

“No, he can’t, can he?” Goldie made a noise of understanding. “Rather ingenious, in an annoying sort of way.”

“Agreed.” Zeb climbed out of the car.

Goldie didn’t wait for him to come around the front before climbing out to join him. “Another quiet home in the country.”

“You sound wistful.” He walked beside her to the entrance. “Is this the sort of place where you would want to live?”

“I always enjoyed the peace at Willows,” she admitted.

“Your father’s home.” His smile was crooked. “Willows is much larger than most properties.”

“I only meant to say that it’s nice to hear the birds singing,” she replied as he knocked on the door. “And to see the horses and cows in the field over there.”

“I like the shade trees,” he replied. “But I imagine there are times they are snowed in out here.”

“There is that,” she replied as the door opened.

Zeb handled the introductions once again before giving a reason for their visit.

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