Death Trap by Matthew Costello

Author:Matthew Costello [Costello, Matthew]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-3-7325-5310-5
Publisher: Bastei Entertainment
Published: 2018-10-27T04:00:00+00:00

9. Surprising Information

Sarah jotted down everything Jane Ellingham said. The names, the arguments the rough timings — all perfectly mirroring everything Townes’s wife had shared.

But then came the point in the timeline where the wife had left.

And where this agent might fill them in on what led to Townes leaving.

She saw Jack hesitate.

As always, taking his time.

“And, after she left, you stayed at the party until Townes walked out?”

And now the agent hesitated, looked away.

So hard, Sarah thought, for people to hide the fact that they are struggling to not say something.

Sarah kept quiet. Knowing that patience would be their best ally.

“Yes. I mean, I didn’t actually leave, but I saw that when Edward left he wasn’t alone.”

Jack nodded.

Bingo, Sarah thought.

“He had been having words with Humphrey Lane. His publisher — you know?”

Sarah nodded.

“Hmm. Anyway, they clearly decided to,” small smile here from the woman, “take it outside. Edward could be quite loud. When in his cups.”

Another look away. She was not comfortable sharing this.

Sarah put down her pen, made eye contact with Ellingham.

“And you remained inside … or …”

That “or” … an important bit of fishing.

Ellingham hesitated — then: “No. I mean, my client, my problem, hmm? So, I grabbed my coat, and went out as well.”

Jack: “And they were having a chat?”

“You could call it that. Apparently, in the minutes they had been out there alone, Lane had told Edward that the latest book, The Squire’s Secret, would be the last in The Outlaw Knight series. Poor sales having done their part to end the run.”

“This … surprise you?”

“Not really. We’d had some chats about that, Lane and I. I think the latest book deal … well, that was part sentiment, part respect after so many years. But the series was, well, so dated. Edward of course had little interest in any changes, writing them the same way he did thirty years ago!”

Another look to the side. This room — so claustrophobic, Sarah thought. Almost as if they could feel each other’s breathing.

And likewise — when they held their breath.

So, still keeping her pen down, knowing that whatever the answer, she’d remember it, Sarah pressed on.

“Is that all? All that was said? I mean, before Townes trudged away?”

A headshake.

“No, I wish it was. Then lovely Edward turned to me and — not for the first time — said that I was fired. Though he had said it several times before, I imagined this time it would stick. So much for decades of my loyalty …”

Jack nodded. “And Humphrey Lane … he went back to the party then?”

His voice low, almost confessional.

Sarah often thought she’d like to meet the person who could resist a direct question — delivered with such care — from the New York detective.

Nearly an art form!

Another headshake from Jane Ellingham.

We like surprises, Sarah thought, and now we’re getting them.

“No. They had more words. Lane a tad hot under the collar, with Townes firing off threats, accusations. And then Townes grabbed him and threw a punch. Sent the old boy sprawling in the snow.

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