The Vicious Vet by M.C. Beaton

Author:M.C. Beaton
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: For the Benefit of Mr. Kite
Published: 1992-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

6

Agatha and James were not able to set out for Royal Leamington Spa until late the next day, for another drama had hit Carsely. The veterinary surgery had been broken into and the drugs cabinet smashed open. It had been neatly and efficiently done. A pane of glass on the back door had been broken, allowing the thief to reach in and unlock the door.

“So that’s probably where the Adrenalin came from.” said a harassed-looking Bill Wong, “except that PC Griggs says he kept checking the premises on his rounds and there was no sign of a break-in before last night.”

“He probably didn’t even notice the broken pane of glass.” commented James.

“Fred Griggs is a conscientious village bobby.” said Bill.

“Then do you think someone meant the police to think the Adrenalin came from there?” asked Agatha.

“That could be the case. But how unnecessarily complicated! And this throws suspicion on the death of Paul Bladen. No one we can think of wanted Mrs Josephs dead.”

Then statements were painstakingly taken from Agatha and James about the finding of the bottle.

“They analysed the one we eventually found and it contains traces of a tranquillizer. We have checked with the local doctor and it would amaze you in this enlightened day and age how many women are on tranquillizers.” said Bill. “Now I have something to say to both of you. The police at times seem very slow and plodding, but it’s a safer way of doing things than having amateurs running around stirring things up. Please do not interfere again.”

“If we had not interfered, as you put it.” said Agatha hotly, “you would have gone on thinking Paul Bladen’s death was an accident.”

“And Mrs Josephs might still be alive. Leave it to us, Agatha.”

After the police had gone, James said reluctantly, “It seems we’re not exactly popular.”

“Yes, I suppose we’d better drop it.” Agatha looked reluctant. “Perhaps I should think about some gardening.”

“Your lawn at the front could do with treatment.” said James. “Come and I’ll show you what I mean.”

Agatha was first out of her front door. She glanced down the lane and saw Freda Huntingdon standing on James’s doorstep and retreated so quickly she bumped into him.

“I’ve changed my mind.” she said, slamming the door and leading the way back to the kitchen. “Have another cup of coffee and I’ll tell you about it.”

“Now.” she began when they were seated, “the way I look at it is this.”

Her doorbell rang, sharp and peremptory.

“Aren’t you going to answer that?” he asked.

“I suppose so.” Agatha got reluctantly to her feet. She peered through the spyhole. Freda was standing on the step. Agatha returned to the kitchen and sat down.

“Double-glazing salesman.” she said. “They’re so pushy. Not worth answering the door.”

The bell shrilled again and Agatha winced. “I’ll go.” said James, rising.

“No, sit down, please. I think we should go to Leamington and question Miss Mabbs. How can that be called interfering? Just a few questions. If we knew more about what Paul Bladen was like, then we might know what lies behind his death.

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