The Pursuer by Eva Shaw

Author:Eva Shaw [Shaw, Eva]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical fiction books;world war ii books;amateur sleuth novels;historical fiction novels;amateur sleuth murder mystery;world war ii historical fiction;historical fiction wwii;world war 2 novels;wwii historical fiction books;historical fiction book series
Publisher: Light Messages Publishing
Published: 2023-07-26T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Beatrix accepted John Brockman’s questionable dealings and hazardous connections with the underbelly in the American south. While John might not be culpable directly to crimes, he had the money and influence to manipulate others to do his bidding.

She rubbed a fist into the palm of her other hand, not at all liking where these dark thoughts were heading. John had saved her life. He had become a close friend to both her and Thomas, and their pal Henry, John’s major domo, thoroughly respected him. Yet, darn it all, she thought and admitted the truth: Countless in New Orleans and throughout the region had reason to fear the fragile looking but notorious man.

“Beatrix? You’ve got that faraway look. Anything you want to tell me? You are aware that withholding information from the police is considered a crime, right, my friend? While I’d hate to lock you up, anything you can tell me that might solve this death would be appreciated.” The detective was silent after that and waited.

Beatrix shook her head more quickly than necessary and if Stella Rodriguez had Beatrix’s insight on micro facial changes, the detective would have known at once that something was not being disclosed.

“Oh, no, not at all. Just a random notion that I’ll check out later today. Most likely not even connected to the rabbi’s death. If anything comes of it, then we can discuss it.” The words came out too quickly and the tone was unconvincing, at least to Beatrix.

A heartbeat later, the detective nodded.

Could John have done this, or hired someone to do it for him? But why? Beatrix needed to talk with Thomas and stopped herself from leaving as she realized the detective was still talking.

“Besides,” the detective continued, “Krause has been here in Santa Barbara since 1945, when the previous rabbi retired. The previous rabbi moved to a Jewish settlement in Palestine. You know they’re preparing for Israel to become a country, right?”

“I need to meet with Sarah, the rabbi’s wife. You’ve been here in Santa Barbara for a long time. Who else might I talk with that could have been in on the decision to place Krause at the synagogue?”

“There’s a fellow who was faithful to the group, a tailor on State Street. But he’s recently broken away, according to my sources, and I talked with him after Krause’s body was discovered.”

Beatrix blinked. “Otto Rosenbaum?”

“You don’t read minds, do you?

“No, not at all. I spoke with him yesterday and he didn’t seem to be a big fan of the late rabbi. I’ll visit as soon as I can.”

“I need to solve this quickly, Beatrix, it’s making our community of ministers and priests queasy, wondering if other spiritual leaders are going to be targeted. Wondering if there’s a greater increase in racism and hate crimes in the county. Don’t know where that wild thought came from, but the chief of police wants this done and dusted.”

Beatrix nodded. “Now that the autopsy is over, will the rabbi be buried tomorrow, as is the custom? I’m going to visit Mrs.

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