The Christie Caper - Carolyn Hart [105]
This time, Max’s ears turned crimson.
“Why, it’s so simple,” Laurel suggested.
Everyone looked at her. Laurel so often struck the truth in an oblique fashion that it never paid to dismiss her ideas.
Laurel smoothed back a wisp of golden hair. “Neil Bledsoe’s certainly been accused of far worse. Perhaps he talks Kathryn out of the money, perhaps he demands it!”
Oddly, it was Annie who had to defend Bledsoe here. “No. I’ll admit that sounds likely, but Kathryn told me she always turns him down when he asks for money and he usually does need money. As for this conference, she thought perhaps that’s why he invited her, so she asked him. In fact, she offered him money. Bledsoe seemed very surprised by the offer. He even admitted to her that he was in a hole financially, but he told her he had a plan to get it; he didn’t need any from her.” Annie frowned. “And it turns out he really does have a plan—that nasty biography about Christie!”
Lady Gwendolyn tapped the table thoughtfully.
“People do reveal themselves in conversation. That’s quite an important fact you gleaned, Annie.” She gave each of them an approving nod. “I wish to compliment all of you upon your excellent efforts. We’ve certainly made good progress.”
Her pink lips curved in an enigmatic smile. “Now, I do have a final note which isn’t included in our papers. Local authorities have set in motion an intensive investigation of myself. I spoke to an old friend at Scotland Yard prior to our meeting this morning.” Her blue eyes twinkled. “He had a bit of fun at my expense. He told your inquisitive circuit solicitor all about my recent book in which the victim, a young man, is bludgeoned by an old lady.” Almost as an aside, she added, “I don’t like age discrimination. Passion, sex, and vigorous activity should not be barred to the elderly.” A pause. “And I learned that Posey inquired most insistently about my health and was told that I continue to ride to the hounds.”
“You still jump?” Laurel asked, her eyes wide.
“Certainly. I haven’t lost my seat. The point, however, is that the American authorities are seriously considering me for the role of chief suspect. The blood on my cape, which should be obvious to a child, is that of Stone. There would be no point to it otherwise. It is apparent to me that someone entered my suite prior to Stone’s murder for the express purpose of obtaining apparel suitable for marking with incriminating bloodstains. That definitely reveals the Stone murder was premeditated. That fat fool seems to believe I sallied forth in my cloak and rather messily dispatched that poor young man.”
Their immediate and indignant outburst included even Henny,
Lady Gwendolyn held up her hand. “Thank you. Thank you. A show of support is always appreciated. However, our current investigation is not an effort to clear me. Our sole purpose is to prevent another murder.” She leaned forward and looked soberly at each in turn. “Here is my plan.”
AGATHA CHRISTIE TITLE CLUE
She had to die;
Poirot finds out why.
A rasher of bacon, a Belgian waffle with whipped cream, applesauce, and a big glass of orange juice,” Annie said pugnaciously.
If Max had reservations, he kept them to himself. Picking up the telephone, he punched the button for room service and cheerfully repeated her order.
When he hung up, Annie snapped, “Why didn’t you get something for yourself?”
“Annie, we’ve already had breakfast. But I’ll make some fresh coffee.”
As if a few more cups of coffee would be enough to restore the energy leached by several hours of consultation with Lady Gwendolyn, Laurel, and Henny. Of course, she and Max were lucky the trio had departed, each with a specific objective. But, first things first. “Max, that was hours ago. Nothing eaten before seven in the morning counts.” She glanced at the clock. Almost ten. And she had so much to do. Lady Gwendolyn seemed to have forgotten that Annie was still running a conference. It was Thursday, and this morning was devoted to current, well-known mystery writers, especially Elizabeth Peters/Barbara