Freelance death : a novel of suspense by Taylor Andrew 1951 Oct. 14-

Author:Taylor, Andrew, 1951 Oct. 14-
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Dougal, William (Fictitious character)
Publisher: New York : Dodd, Mead
Published: 1988-07-14T23:00:00+00:00

"Except me," Maxham agreed. "I wouldn't say no to a small Scotch, seeing as I'm off duty."

"I'll give you two minutes."

Lorton led the way into the kitchen and poured them both a drink. Maxham leaned against the sink, glass in hand, and sighed with pleasure. Lorton sat down at the table.

"It wasn't my case any longer," Maxham said. "I sometimes think regional CIDs can get a bit parochial in their thinking. Don't always see the wider picture. I mean, none of them seemed too worried about that anonymous letter. I'd want to know who sent it. And why. But no: the Hampshire boys had this ready-made killer, so they didn't bother about anyone else."

"I wouldn't worry too much, if I were you," Lorton said. "I expect whoever sent that letter just didn't want to get involved."

Maxham sipped his drink and smacked his lips appreciatively.

"Its a malt, ain't it? Quite a treat for me." He blinked rapidly. "You know, if anyone had asked me—and no one did, mind you—I'd have said that several people had a reason to kill Newley. I'd have been happier if someone had actually seen the woman down there over the weekend. A farmer said he saw a car down his lane on the Sunday night—just a pair of headlights, he thought it was a courting couple; but that was on the other side of the ridge, away from Millers End."

"Maybe he was right. About the courting couple."

"Maybe." Maxham stared up at the ceiling. "There were a few loose ends. What do you think happened to that ten thousand quid?"

"Georgina must have got it."

Maxham shrugged. "We found no trace of it. Perhaps she hid it. A little nest egg for her old age."

"You said loose ends." Lorton waited for a moment. "What else was there?"

"A few odds and sods. I had a look at Newleys papers. Do you know, just before he vanished, he'd written to Custodemus: he wanted to update his home security. Very wise. But I wonder why. He hadn't reported a burglary. That's when most people start worrying. Another thing: the house is in Mrs. Newley's name. But he was just about to walk out. So why was he worrying about burglar alarms for her?"

"Maybe he still felt responsible for her. Some couples go on like that, even after they're divorced."

"You think the Newleys were like that?" Maxham chuckled. "Well, you should know, Mr. Lorton, having worked with them. And of course you knew them socially, too. But you weren't at the Newleys' party, were you? Must have been the weekend before he died. No, of course not. But I expect Miss Prentisse told you about it. Some practical joker rang up: said to them there was a gas leak, and they had to evacuate the house."

Lorton shrugged. "Some people have a weird sense of humor."

Maxham drained his glass and put it in the sink. "You're right

there. Take Fred Mahony, for instance. You know—little bloke, plays a lot of pool. Bernie said he saw you together.

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