Death (and Apple Strudel) by Blake Pierce

Author:Blake Pierce [Pierce, Blake]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mystery & Suspense, Cozy Mysteries, Women Sleuths
ISBN: 1230004863984
Publisher: Blake Pierce
Published: 2021-06-22T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY

The Polizeidirektor held London’s gaze for just a moment.

“You had rather an adventure back in Hungary, in Gyor to be specific—very recently, I believe.”

“Yes, sir,” London said.

“The news circulated rapidly,” Tanneberger continued. “Glint had been on the watch list of every law enforcement bureau for years. Your name was rather prominent in the account of his capture.”

London gasped. Glint was the popular name of the expert jewel thief and master of disguise Swain Warrington.

Tanneberger was watching her closely as he added, “And that situation involved another suspicious death.”

“That’s right, sir.”

“And you found the body on that occasion as well.”

“Yes,” London said, wondering what he could be implying.

“Now, see here, sir,” protested Captain Hays. “If you’re insinuating that London is in any way responsible for either of these tragedies, I can assure you that you are very much mistaken. The fact is, London actually solved the case and found the victim’s killer.”

“I’m making no insinuations,” Tanneberger said with a trace of a smile. “But you must admit—the coincidence is striking.”

London’s heart sank.

Yes, the coincidence really is striking, she thought.

But how was she going to convince him it was only that—a mere coincidence? A part of her resented Tanneberger for bringing it up. But she knew it wasn’t rational for her to feel that way. After all, he wouldn’t be doing his job if he ignored such a coincidence.

But she was also anxious that he not waste his time. If there was still a killer out there, any suspicion of her might be worse than just a problem for London herself. It might be a dangerous distraction.

I need to give him some sort of assurance, she thought.

“Polizeidirektor Tanneberger,” she said, “you can count on my cooperation in every possible way.”

“Very good,” Tanneberger said. “Meanwhile, my team and I will begin our investigation ashore. I will leave you all to your own tasks. This is truly an unfortunate set of circumstances, and I hope we can resolve things to all of our satisfaction soon.”

“Yes, the sooner the better for all of our sakes, I’m sure,” Captain Hays said.

The Polizeidirektor gave cards with his contact information to London and the captain. Then he tipped his hat and turned toward the door. As Hays saw him out with a few more encouraging comments, London pulled out her cell phone. She sent Bob her complete list of those who had been on the tour and their contact information.

The captain returned and sat down, drumming his fingers nervously on his desk.

He said, “London, I can’t tell you how deeply sorry I am about what you’re going through. Of course I know that Polizeidirektor’s suspicion of you is completely unfounded. Even so, it must upset you terribly. I know it’s quite terrible for you.”

London felt a surge of gratitude. It occurred to her that these were the first words of sympathy she’d heard from anybody since this terrible event had occurred.

“Thank you, sir,” she said.

“I suppose you may go for now, London,” he said. “You’ve got your own daily duties to attend to.

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