Read Online 4 Four Play by Cindy Blackburn - Free Book Online Page A

MacAdoo’s in charge of the custodial staff.”
    “And the janitor is a great place to start sleuthing! And you were right.” I reached out. “You do deserve another hug.”
    She again pushed me away. “I was right about something else, too,” she said. “Wilson’s gonna kill us.”

Chapter 9
    “I’m headed right back out,” I told Snowflake when I arrived home. “It’s time for a walk.”
    Indeed, the evening was lovely, it was still light out, and Sullivan Street was blessedly free of Jimmy Beak and Alistair Pritt. But the intercom buzzed while I was lacing up my left sneaker. So much for being rid of Jimmy.
    I clicked on the intercom. “Don’t you ever take a night off?” I asked. “Go away, Jimmy.”
    “Jimmy?” an indignant female voice answered.
    I blinked twice. “You’re not Jimmy Beak.”
    “I most assuredly am not.”
    I tried to place the voice. “Superintendent Yik—I mean, Superintendent Yates? Is that you?”
    “Dr. Gabriella Yates, yes. I need to speak to you. Allow me entrance, please.”
    “Umm.” I glanced forlornly at my sneakers. “I wasn’t expecting company.”
    “Company-schmompany! This is important, Ms. Hewitt. And I am not accustomed to waiting.”
    “Heavens, no,” I mumbled and buzzed her in.
    ***
    “Gabriella Yates.” Dr. Yates had her hand extended as I opened my door.
    “Jessica Hewitt.” I shook her hand. “Won’t you please—” my guest swept into the room—“come in.”
    “Your shoelace is untied,” she informed me.
    I thanked her for noticing and gestured her toward the couch. “Would you like some tea?” “This is not a social call, Ms. Hewitt. Now sit down.” She patted the seat beside her, and I had to work to remember we were in my home.
    Feeling rather defiant, I took the easy chair opposite.
    “I need your help,” she said as she reached for a copy of Sensual and Scintillating .
    “Doesn’t everyone,” I mumbled and leaned over to tie my shoe.
    “Look at me when I’m speaking to you, Ms. Hewitt.”
    Excuse me?
    I took my sweet time with the sneaker. Then I looked up and told Dr. Yates I was not accustomed to being treated like a recalcitrant teenager. “Especially by someone who barges into my home on a Sunday evening.” I pointed to the manual she was holding. “Return the book and change the attitude.”
    She skipped a beat. “What is wrong with me?” she asked. “I am so sorry! I know it is no excuse for my rude behavior, but I have just endured the most harrowing twenty-four hours of my life, Jessica. May I call you Jessica?”
    “Jessie.”
    “And I’m Gabby.” She tilted her head. “Forgive me?”
    I pointed to the book she still held. “Be nice to me, and I’ll let you keep that.”
    Was that a giggle?
    “I’m married to Gordon.” Dr. Yates—I mean Gabby Yates—returned the book from whence it came. “Trust me. It’s hopeless.”
    “Well then, at least let me get you that tea.”
    “Tea would be lovely.” She hesitated. “But a bourbon on the rocks would be even lovelier.”
    It was my turn to laugh. I informed the superintendent I don’t keep hard liquor in stock and suggested champagne instead. She told me she didn’t feel much like celebrating, I told her to trust me, and soon we were sipping some bubbly.
    “Now then,” I said. “What can I do for you?”
    “You can solve this murder.”
    I raised an eyebrow at Snowflake, who stood on the back of the couch, hovering over the superintendent’s left shoulder.
    Gabby reached up and stroked the cat under her chin. “You don’t seem very shocked at my request,” she said.
    “Believe it or not, you’re not the first person to ask.”
    “Oh, I believe it. Everyone knows you have a knack for these things.”
    “Everyone except Captain Wilson Rye.”
    “Don’t be modest,” she said. “Your fiancé knows you’re talented, and this murder is right up your alley.”
    I raised my other eyebrow. “Oh?”
    “Many petty intrigues and