The Watchful Coroner by Paul Austin Ardoin

Author:Paul Austin Ardoin [Ardoin, Paul Austin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781949082203
Publisher: Pax Ardsen

Three dots appeared, then disappeared, then reappeared again.

ok come by the ofc

The queue moved quickly, and now only four people stood in front of her. Fenway let her gaze wander around the room to the coffee-themed art and the black-lacquered wood furniture.

At a table next to the door sat a thin white woman in a cream-colored business suit, her straight black hair flowing to her shoulders. Catherine Klein.

She sipped a cappuccino from a Java Jim’s ceramic mug. Fenway strained to see how much she had left—did she have time to order before—

“Next,” the cashier called.

“Large latte,” Fenway blurted. “Name of Joanne.” She threw a ten-dollar bill at the cashier and walked as effortlessly as she could toward Catherine Klein.

Fenway pulled the chair out across the table from Catherine and sat. Catherine looked at Fenway with wide eyes.

“Hi, Mrs. Klein,” Fenway said. “I know your husband doesn’t want me talking to you in any official capacity, but I saw you sitting here.”

“I don’t think this is appropriate.” Catherine set her mouth in a tight line and sat up ramrod-straight.

“Oh, you’re right,” Fenway said. “Given the footage we found at the Phillips-Holsen Hotel of Friday night’s festivities, I should definitely take you down to the station. Make it official. Parade you in front of all the sheriff’s deputies.” She smiled. “But I know your husband wouldn’t like that, and I just happened to run into you. So let’s just have a chat.”

“Just happened to run into me?”

Fenway shrugged. “I just need to know the nature of your relationship with Mr. Tonnick and where you were on Sunday night.”

“It’s none of your business.”

“I’m investigating Mr. Tonnick’s death, Mrs. Klein. It’s definitely my business.”

Catherine Klein looked down at the table for a moment, then raised her eyes and spoke in a low voice. “I saw Rick Tonnick on Friday night. My understanding is that he was killed on Sunday night.” She cocked her head slightly. “Do you have any evidence—any at all—that I was anywhere near the murder scene on Sunday night?”

Fenway shifted in her seat. “You’ve now been involved with two people who have wound up murdered. First Jeremy Kapp, now Rick Tonnick. It’s like you’re a mantis who eats the head of the male after mating.”

Catherine rolled her eyes. “You see, this is why I didn’t vote for you, Miss Stevenson. You’re accusing me of wrongdoing without evidence. You don’t even have circumstantial evidence. My social calendar may be full, but that’s no reason to make such grotesque comparisons.”

“Sorry,” Fenway said quickly. “That was out of line.” She leaned back. “But you see why I have to ask you.”

Catherine put her elbows on the table, her forearms flat. “I see no such conclusion. Although I suppose my husband has been leaning on you pretty hard not to interview me.”

Fenway nodded.

“And that made you think I was hiding something.” She sighed. “The mayor and I would like our private life kept private, that’s all. Barry and I were home Sunday night, Coroner. I

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