The Hanged Man's Noose by Judy Penz Sheluk

Author:Judy Penz Sheluk [Penz Sheluk, Judy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Superior Shores Press

Arabella told Emily how the police had taken her statement. From her description of Detective Merryfield, Emily figured him for the man in the front row at Stonehaven’s presentation. Which was interesting, and worth exploring, but at the moment Arabella’s predicament took precedence.

“They didn’t say much. Took down the details, said they wouldn’t know the cause of death right away,” Arabella said. “I told them about last night at the Noose. I figured if I didn’t someone else would. I also told them I’d gone over to the Gilroy Mansion this morning to talk to Stonehaven like a rational human being. But the reality is if his death wasn’t an accident, I’m definitely going to be a suspect.” She chewed on her thumbnail. “There’s something else.”

“What?”

“The pills I told you about, the ones on the table next to him.”

“Uh huh?”

“They weren’t there when I got back.”

“Not there? What do you mean they weren’t there? Are you saying someone came and took them?”

“It looks that way.” Arabella looked miserable. “The thing is, Emily, if I tell the police something is missing, then it means I have to tell them I was there earlier. And if I do that, they’ll wonder why I didn’t call before.”

It was a dilemma. But there was more to it. Arabella was possibly in danger—if whoever was responsible for Stonehaven’s death spotted her the first time round. A thought struck her. “Was Camilla back by the time the police arrived?”

“Not at first. She drove up while they were taking my statement, came strutting over in her size zero yoga gear, demanding to know what was going on. Detective Merryfield told her I’d discovered Stonehaven dead in his room and that they’d need to interview her.”

“How’d she take the news?”

“At first she stood there, looking stunned. Then she started attacking me, said this sort of thing could ruin the Mansion’s reputation.” Arabella grinned at the memory. “I admit I used that to my advantage. I asked her point blank if I should have just left, not called the police. That shut her up.”

“Quick thinking. Still, the missing pills are problematic.”

“I know.” Arabella took out another cookie.

“What are you going to do?”

“I’m hoping it’s what we plan to do.”

“We?”

“Yes, we. The way I figure it, everything revolves around Garrett Stonehaven’s plan.”

“You could be right. But where do I come in?”

“I thought with your experience as an investigative reporter and a journalist you might be able to help me find out the truth.” Arabella flushed scarlet. “Help me clear my name. If it needs clearing.”

Emily knew she should call Michelle Ellis before promising anything. With Stonehaven dead, the assignment might be over, though Michelle might ask her to stay and report on the police investigation. She thought about Johnny, his vision for Main Street, the businesses and people that depended upon him and the Association he had founded. Businesses like The Hanged Man’s Noose, like the Glass Dolphin. For owners like Betsy Ehrlich and Arabella Carpenter.

She thought about Carter Dixon.

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