Burn Away by B. V. Lawson

Author:B. V. Lawson [Lawson, BV]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: murder mystery, crime fiction, women sleuths, detective fiction, detective novel, police procedurals, traditional detectives
Publisher: Crimetime Press via Indie Author Project
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

Beverly sat on the sofa nearest the front window that had a nice view of the moat and the yaks. She’d skipped breakfast at the resort, so Mr. X had kindly offered her some “enhanced” yak hot chocolate with a little egg and bourbon added in.

Mr. X was not at all happy she tried to see Ivon Kozak, even though she’d missed him, and had also paid a visit to Kozak’s wife. “He might get suspicious when he looks up the newspaper you mentioned and not be able to find anything.”

She grinned. “When I returned to the resort last night, I used their computer to create a fake website for Entrepre-nous. Even social media accounts, back-dating them.”

“Impressive and quick thinking. It doesn’t alleviate all of my concerns.”

“With all the fake interviews I’ve arranged lately, who knows? I might go ‘straight’ and start up my own magazine.”

He smiled at that. “Your talents seem to run toward the less conventional type of work. I still think you should try your hand at becoming a private eye.”

“You and Adam.” Beverly stretched her legs out on the sofa. “Mrs. Kozak’s handyman told me something interesting. He said if I wanted to know more about Ivon Kozak to talk to Lucas Barratt. Do you know who that is?”

“Jared Lake’s assistant at his antiques business. That makes me curious.” Xenakis stared off into space. “I thought I knew all the Kozak and Forsythe connections. But Barratt never crossed my radar as being connected, just a typical employee.”

Mr. X leaned forward, an earnest expression on his usually blank face. “Why are you pursuing this, Beverly? Adam Dutton and his partner and colleagues seem quite competent to handle it.”

“Because my uncle may be involved. And because Harlan and all the other antiques store owners might be targeted. And because after what happened at Annika Grime’s place with the two of us almost roasted, it’s even more personal than ever.”

“I can’t fault you for playing detective there, Beverly. You do good work, even if it’s unorthodox.”

“Speaking of ‘orthodox,’ have you ever thought about starting a store with your yak products? Milk, shawls, socks . . . .?”

“Like you, I’m not sure I’m cut out to be a conventional businessman. Unless you want to run the store for me?”

“Nice to know I have one thing to fall back on if I can’t find a way to make a living.”

Mr. X studied her face. “It seems something else is bothering you.”

She sighed. “I went to see my uncle. In the nursing facility.”

“Whatever for?”

“Adam said there was brain activity. I just had to see for myself.”

“And what did you find?”

“He woke up. That is, I think he did. Only for a moment.”

Xenakis frowned. “How could you tell?”

“His eyes fluttered open, and then he seemed to be muttering something. He looked directly at me and said, ‘Dutton . . . will pay. And so will you.’ I was so shocked, I thought I’d imagined it.”

“Have you told Detective Dutton this?”

“He’d be furious. Maybe that makes me a coward.

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