Faint Praise by Ellen Hart

Author:Ellen Hart [Hart, Ellen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781594931642
Goodreads: 7615927
Publisher: Bella Books
Published: 2009-01-01T03:00:00+00:00

21

“I’m sure glad that’s over,” said Cordelia, dropping a copy of Family Circle back on the waiting room table. She watched as the doctor was swallowed by a flurry of activity near the nurses station. “You know, from the content of these magazines, you’d think the only people who frequent hospitals are jocks and housewives. Then again, I suppose those are two of the most hazardous professions.”

Jane was immensely relieved that her aunt had made it through the biopsy, and was now resting comfortably in her room. “All we have to do is wait for the results.”

Jane and Cordelia had arrived at the hospital shortly after seven. Both wanted a chance to talk to Beryl and Edgar before the procedure began. Beryl had spent a restful night and was feeling a bit more confident today, though not strong. Her hands had been uncharacteristically shaky as she combed her hair. The fever was down too, also a good sign, though her temperature was far from normal and her color still showed signs of jaundice, especially in the whites of her eyes.

Jane picked up her book and stuffed it into her backpack. It was a volume she’d found yesterday morning at a local used bookstore. Retrieving her coat from the next chair, she said, “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

“Do you think Edgar’s going to stay?” asked Cordelia, accompanying her to the main lobby.

“I think the doctor was pretty clear that Beryl needed complete rest for several hours. No visitors.”

“Meaning?”

“I have no idea what Edgar will do.”

“Her illness has certainly brought them closer,” smiled Cordelia, slipping into the red and black plaid hunting jacket she referred to as her lumberjack frock. It belonged to an ex-girlfriend. Cordelia usually wore it, as she liked to point out, when she wanted to feel both virile and fashionably Minnesotan. Black jeans, black cowboy hat, and a pair of tiger-rimmed shades completed the morning’s ensemble. “Hey, where’s the fire?” she scowled, puffing to a stop just as they’d pushed through the main doors out into the cold morning sunlight.

“I want to drive over to the Boline Mansion.”

“Why?”

“Remember Amy McGee said that John Merchant was the liaison between his law firm and Teddy Anderson over at the mansion?”

“So?”

“I want to see it. And if we’re lucky, maybe Teddy will be there and will show us around. I’d also like to ask him a couple of questions.”

Cordelia’s hands rose to her hips. “You know, dearheart, sometimes you bear a striking resemblance to the Spanish Inquisition—always running around, asking leading questions.”

Jane gave her a dirty look.

“Not that I’d agree with that characterization, of course.”

They resumed their half-block trek to the parking garage.

“But, I mean,” continued Cordelia, “don’t you suppose the police have already interviewed Teddy?”

“I’m sure they have. But I haven’t.”

Without warning, Cordelia came to another dead stop, whipping off her sunglasses. She clamped a firm hand over Jane’s arm and spun her around.

“Hey.”

“You know, Jane dear, after what happened last night, I’m not sure we should be going anywhere.

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