"Grafton, Sue - B is for Burglar" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grafton Sue)

"Isn't it a bit radical to hire a private detective so you can hand out three thousand bucks?"

"There are other inheritors involved," I said.

"You have some kind of form you want her to sign."

"I want to talk to her first. People are worried because they haven't heard from her. I'd like to include something in my report about where she's been."

"Oh my God, now we got a report. She was restless. She's been traveling. What's the big deal?"

"Do you mind if I ask you about your relationship with her?"

"No, I don't mind. We're friends. I've known her for years.

She came down to Florida this time and she wanted some company."

"When was this?"

"Middle of January. Something like that." She paused, watching the ash on her cigarette. Her eyes came up to mine again, her expression remote.

"And you've been staying here ever since?"

"Sure, why not? I'd just lost the lease on my place and she said I could move in."

"Why'd she take off?"

"You'd have to ask her that."

"When did you last hear from her?"

"Two weeks ago, something like that."

"And she was in Sarasota then?"

"That's right. Staying with some people she met."

"Can you tell me who?"

"Look, she wanted me to keep her company, not baby-sit. It's none of my business who she hangs out with, so I don't ask."

I felt as if we were playing a parlor game that I couldn't possibly win. Pat Usher was having a better time than I was too, and I resented that. I went at it again. Was it Mrs. Peacock in the library with the rope?

"Can you tell me anything else you think might help?"

"I wasn't aware I'd helped so far," she said with a smirk.

"I was trying an optimistic approach," I snapped.

She shrugged. "Sorry to dim your little ray of hope. I've told you everything I know."