The Carnation Murder by Tam May

Author:Tam May [May, Tam]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dreambook Press

That evening Tomas and Ruth clucked like fussy hens. They coaxed Adele and her brother to eat generous portions of roast duck and then sent them to the front porch to “take in air” while they prepared the large bowls of custard for dessert. Adele had to admit the Arrojo night was far more pleasant than the city even with the moths dancing under the gas lamp. Jackson got out his pipe and took a long inhale of smoke.

“A chill wind might come at any moment.” Adele settled next to him. He put an arm across the back of the swing in a lazy fashion. “It does kick up quicker here than in San Francisco. You wouldn’t think so, what with the bay and all.”

“I’ve noticed that too.” His long legs swung them back and forth.

“What else have you noticed?” She leaned her head back.

“The good, the bad, or the downright illogical?” he joked.

“I’m trying to get you to admit it’s not as bad in the country as you thought,” she said. “So you might consider staying.”

“I can’t, Del.”

“Good Lord, why not?” She sat up.

“Mind your language.”

“I’ll say what I like,” she snapped. “Why not?”

“I’ve a life in the city,” he insisted.

“A naughty life is a short life, as Papa used to say.”

“He ought to have known,” Jackson retorted.

They were both quiet as Ruth brought out the custard. When she had gone inside, he continued, “I haven’t had a naughty life, at least not in years. You know that, Del.”

“Then leave the fog behind and come live here with me in the country,” she pleaded.

“And help the sheriff catch cow thieves and wayfarers who roll through town, I suppose?” He was amused. “And every twenty years or so, perhaps a murderer.”

“I hardly think that represents the normal state of affairs here,” she said.

He shrugged. “I’m no country gentleman.”

“I hate to remind you of your responsibilities,” she began, then quickly retreated. “No, I won’t play the distressed damsel in need of a watcher.”

He laughed. “You’re more the devil in petticoats.” He smoked on his pipe for a time. “I suppose you’ve a mind to abandon your young man for good.”

“What young man?”

He gave her a comical look. “Young John Bellows.”

“Surely, you can’t be serious.” She sniffed. “The man looks like a crane. He’s about as insightful as one.”

“He also has a house in Pacific Heights, a beach house in Monterey, and a yacht,” said Jackson. “A rather impressive array of property for a young lawyer.”

“Those things are unimportant to me.”

“He’s dependable,” Jackson argued. “If you’re in need of a watcher, he’s your man.”

“I find this conversation distasteful, Jack.” She rose. “I’m going to bed, if you don’t mind.”

He dumped the dregs of the pipe into the dirt under Tomas 'clicking tongue. “Yes, we’ve a busy day ahead of us tomorrow.”

“Helping the lads return all those boots?” she asked with a twinkle in her eye.

“No, questioning Richard Tanning. We’re bringing him into the station.”

Adele glanced at him. “You’re going to arrest him?”

“Question, not arrest.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.