Killer Femmes by Libby Fischer Hellmann

Author:Libby Fischer Hellmann [Smith, Libby Hellman Christine Kling Sujata Massey Zoë Sharp Julie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Five Irresistable Crime Novels
Publisher: The Red Herrings Press
Published: 2014-06-03T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“Takeo.” I stressed his first name, given that he had used mine without invitation or even as much as a -san ending to show respect. “Takeo, you certainly have a vivid and creative way of looking at the world. I guess that’s why you ‘re going to be the school’s next headmaster.”

“You stole that suiban along with our entire art moderne collection. I don’t know how you pulled it off, but you did it. Bravo.” Takeo spoke in the authoritative manner he’d used when the police arrived at the building after Sakura’s murder.

“Go ahead, call the police,” I dared him. “I’d be happy to take them to the shop where I bought the suiban this morning.”

“You’re fabulous at lying, Rei. Your lies are almost as fabulous as your dancing.”

That was as blatant an insult as I’d ever received. But I merely raised my eyebrows and said, “Look at my sales receipt.” Taking my time, I withdrew my wallet and found the paper Mr. Ishida had given me.

“Don’t tell me that your accomplice is old Mr. Ishida!”

“You sound familiar with him.” I was surprised.

“Yasushi Ishida was named in several articles that were written about you last year. I think the fact that the venerable expert is now trafficking in stolen antiques will be even more newsworthy, don’t you think?”

The issue of theft was being raised again. Trying to sound reasonable, I asked, “Stolen? From where?”

“Our school’s archives.”

“When did it happen?” I asked.

“About six weeks ago. But you know that already. Why are you asking?” Takeo snapped.

“Six weeks ago I was in Sapporo appraising an estate. For the entire week and two weekends on either side of it.” There, I was in the clear.

“Well, I don’t know the exact date. You or your friend could have taken the Kayama ware earlier. Its just that I noticed it at that time.”

“My first step into this building was two weeks ago, when I came for a students’ orientation with Mrs. Koda. She took me all over the school, but not to any archive. Ask her.” My words were braver than I felt, as I remembered how suspicious Mrs. Koda had seemed when she’d asked me about the Kayama ware.

“If you weren’t on the premises, maybe your aunt was,” Takeo said. “She has easy access to the building.”

“So do hundreds—thousands—of other teachers and students. But go ahead and blame my aunt. She thinks that finding Sakura’s body ruined her image here forever, so I’m sure this new bombshell won’t make a difference.” I was really angry with him. “What about you? You could have taken the Kayama ware a while ago and had somebody fence them to Mr. Ishida. You apparently already knew that I’m close to Mr. Ishida, that I would wind up noticing the Kayama ware in his store. Then, presto, I get caught with a piece and take the fall for your crime.”

“Presto?” He repeated the word as if he wondered what it meant. “Rei, my personal net worth is more than one billion yen.

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