The In Death Collection Books 26-29 - J.D. Robb [62]
“No. He may not be in, but I bet his admin is. And I like the drop-in. Let’s move.”
Eve grabbed her coat, considered the crullers. If she left them there, out in the open, even the box would be devoured when she got back. She could hide it, but the vultures would sniff it out, which could lead them to the candy she’d stashed where—so far—the Candy Thief hadn’t discovered it.
She snatched up the box on the way out. Better safe than crullerless.
Leopold Walsh had struck Eve as a man who manned his station, and guarded his prince whatever the crisis. She was right. He met them in his office—sober eyes, dark suit, and a black armband.
“I don’t expect Mr. Forrest today,” Leopold began. “Mr. Anders’s memorial is scheduled for two this afternoon.”
“We’re aware of that.” No offer of coffee, Eve noted, no invitation to sit. Don’t like us much, do you, Leo? “Mr. Forrest and his uncle were very close, personally and professionally. Would you agree with that assessment?”
“I would.”
“As you work closely with Mr. Forrest, you’d be privy to their dealings together.”
“Of course.”
Eve smiled. She had to admire a man who knew how to answer without saying anything. “I imagine you formed opinions regarding Thomas Anders—professionally and personally.”
“I hardly see how my opinion is relevant.”
“Humor me.”
“In my opinion, Mr. Thomas Anders was a fair and honest man who brought that fairness and honesty into business. He trusted, correctly, that his nephew would do the same.”
“The manner of Mr. Anders’s death must have caused some speculation and gossip within the organization, and its accounts.”
Leopold’s jaw tightened. “People will talk, Lieutenant. It’s human nature.”
But you don’t, she thought. No juicy office gossip for you. But you hear it, file it.
“What’s the buzz about Mrs. Anders?”
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
Tighten that jaw another notch, Leo, something’s going to snap. “Yes, you do.”
“Mrs. Anders devoted—devotes—much of her considerable energy into the charitable and humanitarian programs sponsored by Anders Worldwide. She’s very well respected.”
“She puts in time around here?”
“Of course, though she most often works from home, or by attending or hostessing functions.”
“You’d have been privy to her dealings with her husband, and with his nephew.”
“Somewhat certainly, as Ben—as Mr. Forrest was gradually taking over his uncle’s duties. Some of those duties involved the programs. I’m sorry, Lieutenant, I have a very crowded day, and a very difficult one. If that’s all—”
“It’s not. How would you describe the relationship between Mr. Forrest and—shit, let’s simplify. How did Ben and Ava get along?”
“They were very cordial, of course. Ben admired her talent and her energy, and was certainly impressed with many of her ideas.”
“Cordial. Not affectionate. He strikes me as an easy and affectionate sort, but you choose the cooler, more formal, ‘cordial’ to describe their relationship.”
“Mrs. Anders was his uncle’s wife.” Leopold’s tone was equally cool and formal. “Their relationship was perfectly proper.”
“Proper, there’s another cool term. Ben doesn’t like her much, does he? Neither do you.”
“I’ve said or implied nothing of the kind. I don’t—”
“Relax. I don’t like her either. So, you can keep standing there with that rod up your ass or…” She dropped into a chair without invitation. “Tell me why. Record off, Peabody,” Eve said as she switched off her own. “Just the three of us, Leo. Off record. What about Ava sticks in your craw?”
Eve watched him debate. Propriety or the opportunity to speak his mind. Opportunity won. “She’s studied, she’s deliberate, and she’s cold. Those aren’t crimes, but personality traits. And…”
“Don’t stop now.” Eve lifted her hands, palms up in invitation.
“There’s a pettiness about her. She would often circumvent Ben by making plans or decisions without consulting him or seeking his input. Her plans and decisions were always well thought out and researched. She had—has—excellent ideas. But it’s been