Page 84 - Labelle Gramercy, Detective

Cat’s Paw

the point, while I stirred the sugar in my coffee far beyond the point
of maximum miscibility.
“I can see you’re a trustworthy man, Lance. Sometimes I get these
feelings about people, and I’m never wrong. You know what I
mean?” I nodded, in encouragement if not agreement. “Well, ever
since Art died, I’ve been very uneasy. Not just because he’s gone,
because we weren’t all that close, but I keep feeling something is
wrong. I think it’s that woman.”
I had no doubt to whom she referred. “Oh?”
“You see, even though they’re divorced, he supposedly never
changed his will. And it’s all in her favor. I just can’t believe those
were his last wishes. You’ve been inside his house. Maybe he forgot
about that old will she produced about ten minutes after he died. Or
maybe he just couldn’t find it! I think she had it all the time, and then
got in there and destroyed any newer one he’d written. She won’t let
me inside to look for it. Who knows what’s hidden among his
papers? So I’ve gotten a lawyer. I’m going to fight her on every point
of law he can dig up, do you understand?”
Her demeanor had transformed into that of an avenging angel. A
tiny pounding fist emphasized her final remarks, and I had to steady
the dancing mugs. “I think so,” I said, as calmly as possible. “But
how can I help?”
She looked at me with piteous blue eyes. “Oh, would you? I’m
ever so grateful! I just knew you’d be my friend.” And the sun shone
again. “What are you looking for in my brother’s house?”
I considered. Mallard Books had a signed contract with Art Lesley.
That was, or could be made to be, a matter of public record. No
reason not to oblige the little lady. “He made a book deal with us,
Hope, and passed away before he could deliver his end of the
bargain. The estate is obligated to produce the manuscript he
promised. We gave him an advance for it.”
“Oh.” A slightly puzzled look briefly crossed her eyes. “So it’s
business, after all.”
“What did you expect? And how did you know I worked for
Mallard?”
“Art did mention to me that he was in contact with your employer,
and I know your offices are in this building. I just put two and two
together, Lance.”

83